Palestinians began a mass exodus from northern Gaza Friday after Israel’s military told some 1 million people to evacuate toward the southern part of the besieged territory, an unprecedented order ahead of an expected ground invasion against the ruling Hamas militant group.
The U.N. warned that so many people fleeing en masse — almost half the Gaza population — would be calamitous. Hamas, which staged a shocking and brutal attack on Israel nearly a week ago and has fired thousands of rockets since, dismissed the evacuation order as a ploy and called on people to stay in their homes.
The UN said the order for the mass evacuation was “impossible” without major humanitarian consequences. Hamas told residents not to leave their homes.
Israeli forces are maintaining their bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamas’ terror attacks that killed more than 1,300 people. Israel has also amassed more than 300,000 reservists along its southern border — but has not confirmed whether it is planning an intensified military operation.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is deepening with warnings people are at risk of starvation. Nearly 1,800 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The airstrikes have also displaced 423,000 people, the UN said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Tel Aviv pledged full US support to Israel, stressing, “This is no time for neutrality, or for false equivalence or for excuses for the inexcusable.”
Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has raised an alarm over the evacuation order in Gaza, warning of catastrophic humanitarian consequences, the organisation said in a statement Friday.
With a military siege in place, humanitarian organisations, including the ICRC, face challenges in assisting the massive displacement of people in Gaza. Their Gaza City office received the same instructions to leave, as did other international organisations.
The organisation also highlighted the need to ensure that basic necessities are provided for displaced populations and to prevent family separations.
A heavily pregnant woman who fled Gaza City on Monday told CNN that she fears for the future as hordes of Gazan civilians start making their way to the southern Gaza strip following Israel’s evacuation order.
Nardeen Fares, who is nine months pregnant, told CNN over the phone that she traveled with her husband from al-Rimal, a neighborhood in Gaza City, to the town of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza strip earlier this week.
“Right now, there is an exodus of thousands of people. You’re talking about half of the Gaza Strip moving to Khan Younis,” the 27-year-old told CNN.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has released an explainer to defend its action of lifting foreign exchange restrictions on the 43 items excluded from accessing foreign exchange from the official market.
The apex bank had on Thursday notified the public in a circular that it has lifted the foreign exchange restrictions placed on the importation of 43 items by the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele had in 2015 blacklisted the 41 items and two other items subsequently from the official forex window to reduce foreign exchange demand for products that could be locally produced, improve employment generation and conserve foreign reserves.
This created room for the importers to source their foreign exchange from the black market which weakened the parallel-market exchange rate and pushed up prices.
Explaining the reason for lifting the ban, the apex bank said, “The CBN wants to ensure price stability and is seeking to boost liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. As liquidity improves, we expect the distortions to moderate.
“The CBN wants to promote orderliness and professional conduct by all Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market participants to ensure market forces determine exchange rates on a Willing Buyer – Willing Seller principle. The CBN wants a unified market for FOREX with flexible and transparent pricing.”
The CBN explained that the implication of the policy is that Monetary Policy tools would become more effective with the attainment of a unified, well-functioning market for FX, where pricing is based on a willing-buyer and willing-seller system.
The apex bank said with this, the CBN’s core functions and mandates become realizable.
The CBN explained, “The willing-buyer and willing-seller system allows the exchange rate to adjust to clear the market and ensure that there is always supply. In recent months, the widening premium between the official rate and the parallel market indicates that the rate has not been setting a clearing price.
“Importers of these products rely on the parallel market to source FX for importing these goods. This puts additional demand pressures on the parallel market, thereby widening the gap with the official rate and permanently segmenting the market. Removing these restrictions eliminates the need for importers of these products to go to the parallel market, reducing the pressure on the naira.
“The hitherto FX restrictions had implications on inflation, causing the prices of affected goods to increase.”
However, the Senior Partner and Economist at SPM Professionals, Paul Alaje, argued that the decision was not well thought out.
“I don’t know who advised us on these 43 items. It’s important we rethink the decision before it is too late. Our issues are around insufficient FX.
“How is demand stimulation policy going to bring us out of the FX crisis? This may further weaken the naira,” Alaje said in reaction to the decision of the CBN.
The Governorship candidate of PDP in Lagos State, Dr Abdulazeez Adediran (a.k.a. Jandor), says he has filed an appeal to challenge the judgment of Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the re-election of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, the Head of Media and Communication of Jandor for governor Campaign Organization.
The statement was copied to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
Adediran said he filed a 34-ground appeal dated Oct. 13, to express dissatisfaction with the verdict of the tribunal.
He claimed that miscarriage of laws characterised the judgment, and prayed the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment.
He said that the tribunal erred in law and reached a wrong conclusion when it dismissed his petition challenging the qualification of Sanwo-Olu for the March 18 governorship election.
He said that his petition was premised on the provision of Section 177(c) and 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution.
“By this action, I reaffirm my commitment to birth a breath of fresh air in governance in Lagos State by ensuring that the provisions of the constitution and the electoral laws as regards election of a truly qualified governor, is upheld,” he said.
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the recruitment process for qualified individuals into the rank of Police Constables in the General Duty and Specialist Cadres.
The Police Recruitment Board is set to open the application portal on October 15, marking the beginning of an essential phase in enhancing the Force’s capabilities and effectiveness.
The police said the online application portal is scheduled to be opened for six weeks from October 15 to November 26 where prospective applicants are required to complete the online application forms and submit same within the specified period via www.apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng
“Applicants shall be of Nigerian origin by birth and must possess the National Identification Number (NIN) with a minimum of 5 credits in not more than 2 sittings in WAEC/NECO or its equivalent with credit passes in English and Mathematics, and aged between 18-25 years for General Duty, and 18-28 years for Specialists; medically, physically, and psychologically fit and must not be less than 1.67m tall for male and 1.64m tall for female, with not less than 86cm (34 inches) expanded chest measurement (for male only),” the police said.
The police noted that applicants must be free from any financial embarrassment and not convicted of any criminal offence.
“The available Specialised Fields include Medical Assistant (Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW), Veterinary Assistant (Relevant Certificate in Animal Health/Livestock), Band Section, Communications/Info-Tech Specialist, Driver/Mechanic, Marine, Plumbers. Masons, Painters, Tilers, Electricians, Welders and Carpenters
“The Inspector-General of Police hereby issues a strong charge to all applicants, urging them to exercise vigilance and caution throughout the application process.
“He warned against the activities of fraudsters and individuals who may attempt to exploit the recruitment process for personal gain.
“The IGP assures that the Police Recruitment Board comprises dedicated and disciplined individuals who will ensure a transparent and merit-based recruitment process devoid of corrupt and other sharp practices.
“He emphasised that the application and selection process is FREE, and will be carried out through official channels and that unscrupulous activities should be promptly reported to the authorities for necessary action,” the police said.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) has reopened subscription offers for 10year, 15year and 30year FGN bonds for April 2029, June 2033, June 2038 and June 2053 at 14.55%, 14.70%, 15.45% and 15.70% respectively.
This announcement was made in a statement on the DMO’s official website. The auction date is October 16th while the settlement date is October 18th.
The statement reads,
- “Under the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act 2003 and the Local Loans (Registered Stock and Securities) Act, CAP. L17, LFN 2004 DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE on behalf of the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA Offers for Subscription and is authorized to receive applications for the Federal Government of Nigeria saving bonds”
Interest Rates and Tenure:
The federal government hopes to raise N90bn for two 10-year bonds at interest rates of 14.55% and 14.70% respectively.
For the 15-year and 30-year tenure bonds, the interest rate is 15.45% and 15.70% respectively.
Units of Subscription:
The DMO outlines the units of subscription as
- “N1,000 per unit, subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000, and subsequent multiples of N1,000, with a maximum subscription limit of N50,001,000.”
Interested investors are encouraged to contact stock brokerage firms listed as authorized agents by the Debt Management Office (DMO) and the bonds are traded on the NGX (Nigerian Exchange Group).
It is important to note that FGN bonds are fully backed by the federal government of Nigeria.
The DMO encouraged interested investors to contact Primary Dealer Market Makers (PDMMs) such as First Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, etc.
[Nairametrics]
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has said he inherited an empty treasury and no single note was handed over to him by his predecessor, former Governor Aminu Tambuwal
Aliyu was responding to the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kanu, who asked how the Governor was able to execute 100 projects in his first 100 days in office during a condolence visit to the state on Thursday.
Aliyu, who spoke through his deputy, Engineer Idris Gobir, said it was just a sacrifice as there was nothing in the treasury when they took over about five months ago.
“We inherited an empty Treasury and nothing to show, not a single paper was handed over to us.
“We made sacrifice to change the narrative of the state and we have succeeded in changing it within the last 100 days,” he said.
He described the relationship between the state government and the legislature as cordial, saying they were groomed by the current leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
Aliyu, however, thanked the leadership of the green chamber who sent a powerful delegation to condole the government and people of the state over the demise of their colleague and member, representing Isa-Sabon Birni Federal Constituency, Jelani Danbuga.
He described the late lawmaker as patriotic and a complete gentleman.
Earlier, Kanu said they were amused by the number of projects so far executed by the state government, noting that it was a thing of joy to see leadership at the state level was making a positive impact on the lives of the people.
He stated that they were in Sokoto to commiserate with the people of the state over the death of their colleague who believed in the unity and progress of the country.
[DailyTrust]
The Area Police Command in Otukpo Benue State, have rescued a suspected kidnapper arrested by youths and vigilantes in Oglewu District of Ohimini LGA of Benue State.
According to the information gathered so far, the youths and local vigilante from Oglewu captured a man who owned up to being a kidnapper around Okwungaga Hill and agreed to take the youths to hide out.
He was, however, rescued and taken away by the Police while the mob was still interrogating him.
The youths have now commenced a protest in the area, demanding that the police release the suspect to them.
They have blocked the Otukpo- Enugu Highway in Otukpo, insisting that the police release the arrested kidnapper for jungle justice.
Bun fires have been lit around the area while vehicular traffic on the busy highway has been obstructed.
[DailyPost]
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has revealed that about 62 cases of alleged disappearance of manhood have been reported across the territory.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba made the development known while addressing newsmen at the command’s headquarters on Friday.
Garba further revealed that of the 62 cases reported to the command, 51 suspects have been arrested and charged to court for misinformation and causing breach of peace in the FCT.
According to the police, the 51 suspects wrongly accused others of causing their manhood to disappear, leading to mob actions taken against the victims (those accused).
The CP, however, called on residents of the territory to always cooperate with security operatives in a bid to ensure that the city is free of crimes.
Garba said, “The first case of male organ disappearance was first recorded in Gwagwalada on 21/09/2023. It has spread all over FCT where as of today we had a total of 62 cases reported.
“Fifty-one suspects were charged to court for giving false information and inciting public disturbance. To this end, I want to reiterate my commitment and willingness to always work with you (residents of FCT) to defeat crime in all its forms in the Federal Capital Territory.”
[Punch]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pulled the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) out of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The announcement was made today (Friday) by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during a press conference in Abuja.
Naija News understands that the new order FCT Administration would have to utilize the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue IGR for the development of the nation’s capital.
Wike confirmed this during the press conference, adding that the President has approved the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission to allow for staff career progression.
He revealed that the President also approved the establishment of the Woman Affairs secretariat, which would be commissioned next week.
The minister expressed sadness, however, that the nonexistence of the CSC has made it impossible for directors in the FCTA to attain the position of Permanent Secretary.
A former minister, Alhaji Bello Maitama Yusuf is dead.
Yusuf, a former senator from 1999-2007 died in the early hours of Friday in Kano at the age of 76.
A family friend of the deceased, Alhaji Hussaini Dalhatu, who confirmed the death, said that the funeral prayer of the Sardauna Dutse would take place after Jumu’at prayer at the Emir of Kano’s palace.
Bello Maitama Yusuf, born in Gwaram, Jigawa State in 1947, was minister of interior in 1981 and minister of commerce in 1982.
His death is coming on the heel of the demise of the member representing Isa/Sabon Birni federal constituency of Sokoto State in the House of Representatives, Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that the federal lawmaker died around 12:30am in the wee hours of Thursday after a brief illness.
The late Danbuga, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was said to have been admitted in the hospital around Tuesday noon.
“His remains would be taken to the National Mosque for the bathing ritual after which it would be flown to Sokoto for burial around 11am,” Almustapha said.
Hon. Danbuga is survived by two wives, many children, and grandchildren.
More...
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers, CEOs, of several agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday said the appointments were in line with his resolve to base Nigeria’s economic revival on the foundation of trade expansion through small, medium and large scale industry facilitation in the country.
The new CEOs are : Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Kamar Bakrin, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and
Olufemi Ogunyemi, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA).
Others are, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) — Nonye Ayeni, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) — Aisha Rimi, Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) — Bamanga Usman Jada, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) — Charles Odii.
The President also appointed Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke as CEO Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Rabiu Olowo, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Anthony Atuche, CFA,
Nigeria Commodities Exchange (NCE);
“Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFCMB), Lucia Shittu, Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB) and Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
The statement further said, “In view of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, President Bola Tinubu expects all new appointees in this critical sector to optimally deliver in accordance with new key performance indicating benchmarks as established by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
“By this directive of the President, all of the above listed appointments take immediate effect.”
[Vanguard]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Appoints New Leadership Across the Industry, Trade, And Investment Sectors
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers of several agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in line with his resolve to base Nigeria's economic revival on the foundation of trade expansion through small, medium and large scale industry facilitation in the country:
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) — Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN
Industrial Training Fund (ITF) — Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin
National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) — Kamar Bakrin
Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) — Olufemi Ogunyemi
Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) — Nonye Ayeni
Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) — Aisha Rimi
Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) — Bamanga Usman Jada
Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) — Charles Odii
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) — Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke
Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) — Rabiu Olowo
Nigeria Commodities Exchange (NCE) — Anthony Atuche, CFA
Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFCMB) — Veronica Safiya Ndanusa
Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB) — Lucia Shittu
National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) — Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin
In view of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, President Bola Tinubu expects all new appointees in this critical sector to optimally deliver in accordance with new key performance indicating benchmarks as established by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
By this directive of the President, all of the above listed appointments take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 13, 2023
The Labour Party has dismissed claims by one of its expelled members, Abayomi Arabambi, that the party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has discrepancies in his certificates.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, in a telephone interview with Vanguard on Thursday, said, “Arabambi, is obviously doing the bidding of his paymasters who are desperate to destroy our party and distract Nigerians from further querying the less than transparent credentials of President Bola Tinubu.
“He should try something else. Our candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, is a known figure whose parentage, birth, schools attended and record of public service, has never been in dispute.
“Like our candidate himself said publicly yesterday, some of his mates at the University of Nigeria Nsukka are alive. In fact, they are holding high office in the management team of the University today, this can be verified.
“His certificates are in public domain and can be scrutinized by any interested Nigerian.
Obi has not and will not hire a battery of lawyers to try to block the release of his academic records- he has released them himself. We challenge Arabambi’s principal to do the same and save our nation further embarrassment.”
The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Faustinus Gundu has allegedly been killed by thunderstrike.
Details of the incident, which was reported on the Facebook post of a social media influencer known as Mbee and several others, is still sketchy but it was gathered that the incident allegedly occurred Thursday afternoon in Jootar.
The Catholic Priest popularly known as Fr. Albino was reported to have allegedly suffered a heart attack after thunder struck in the area.
He was said to have rushed out to pick a towel outside his residence when it started raining but fell and remained motionless in the rain until he was discovered by servants who rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.
At the time of this report no official statement has been issued on the matter by the Church in Benue state and no one was willing to volunteer information on the issue.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene who confirmed receiving information on the issue said she could not confirm if the Priest died as a result of thunderstrike.
She said, “I received the report but they alleged thunder. It is until we investigate before that would be concluded.”
The deceased was said to have served in different parishes across the state and Katsina-Ala LGA in particular before being posted to serve at St. Joseph Church, Jootar in Ukum LGA of the state.