A Nigerian missionary priest working in Gambia, Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has told his followers that prayers do not fix refineries or stabilise the nation’s economy.
Ugwu made the assertion in a post via his verified Facebook page on Friday.
The cleric said that the reason some church ministers and priests, including him, kept advocating for good governance is because people continuously ask them to pray and give them hope and encouragement to withstand the difficulty and hunger in the country.
According to him, bad government policy could make situations even worse.
He wrote, “This situation in which you ask church ministers or priests to continuously pray and give people hope and encouragement to withstand the difficulty and hunger in the country is the reason we kept advocating for good governance. Because, in truth, prayers do not fix refineries or stabilize your economy. You can organize a 10-day crusade on liberating people from poverty and granting them open doors, you may fast and shout all night, but just one ‘agbado’ policy implemented. . .you will watch how those whose doors were already opened no longer see even windows to pass through.”
[DailyPost]
The Indian government on Friday issued an advisory urging all Indian citizens in Niger to leave the African nation as soon as possible due to the prevailing conditions. Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recommended that Indian nationals should reconsider their travel plans until the situation stabilizes.
During a media briefing, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the MEA, said, "The Government of India is closely monitoring the unfolding developments in Niger. Given the current circumstances, Indian nationals whose presence is non-essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible.
It's important to note that airspace is currently closed. If departing through land borders, they should take utmost precautions to ensure their safety and security." by TaboolaSponsored Links You don't know that your blood vessels are clogged: do this Cardiology in Nigeria Learn More Affordable Solar Panels (See Prices By Clicking Here) Solar Panels | Search Ads Arindam Bagchi Turkey Earthquake: Powerful Quake Strikes Malatya, Injuring 23 He further added, "Those who have plans to travel to Niger in the upcoming days are also advised to postpone their travel until the situation returns to normal."
Recommended Video China arrests one of its citizens for allegedly spying for CIA Tensions have risen between Niger's newly established military regime and the West African regional bloc due to the latter's decision to deploy troops in order to restore Niger's struggling democracy.
SC Grants Interim Bill To Former Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik The ECOWAS bloc recently announced that it has instructed a 'standby force' to reinstate constitutional order in Niger after the Sunday deadline for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum had passed.
According to reports, two Western officials mentioned that Niger's junta had conveyed to a senior US diplomat their intention to harm Bazoum should neighboring countries attempt any military intervention to reinstate his leadership.
The details of the force's deployment, participating countries from the 15-member bloc, and the timeline remain uncertain. Experts suggest that it could consist of around 5,000 troops led by Nigeria and could potentially be operational within a few weeks.
Big Changes In Indian Criminal Laws: Key Points From Amit Shah's Speech Meanwhile, the president of neighboring Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, affirmed after the ECOWAS meeting that his country would participate in the military operation, alongside Nigeria and Benin.
"Ivory Coast will contribute a battalion and has made all necessary financial arrangements...
Our goal is to reinstate Bazoum in his rightful position. We are committed to achieving peace and stability in the sub-region," Ouattara stated on state television, as reported by the Associated Press.
The African Union has pledged support to the West African community of nations, ECOWAS. The union’s chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat ,in a statement ,said he stands behind the group’s response to the coup in Niger.
After a key summit in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Thursday, ECOWAS instructed its military chiefs to put together an intervention force for a possible deployment in Niger ,but stressed that the key priority was to move forward by peaceful means.
Mahamat also reiterated his call for the immediate release of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and all members of his family and government.
“Such treatment of a democratically elected president .. is unacceptable, he said.
He added that Bazoum was being held in “worryingly poor conditions.”
On July 26, officers of the presidential guard in Niger ousted Bazoum.
The commander of the elite unit, Abdourahamane Tchiani, subsequently appointed himself the new ruler and dissolved the constitution.
Bazoum and his family have been held in his residence for over two weeks now.
In the so-called “coup belt” of the Sahel region, Niger had been the exception to the rule, with its democratic government representing one of the last strategic partners of the West in the fight against Islamic terrorists in the region.
The international community has condemned the coup and pushed the coup leaders to restore order and hand power back.
[Guardian]
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken receipt of some tools and systems from the European Union aimed at enhancing in the country’s electoral system.
The INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, delivering a speech on Thursday at a handover event in Abuja, noted that there were several components under the Phase II Project.
He stated that the first components focused on support to INEC administered through the Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI).
“This support is designed to address 5 thematic areas i.e. enhancing and strengthening planning and operational capacities; (and) improving the Commission’s internal communication and external engagements with stakeholders,” Yakubu said.
Other areas, according to the INEC chairman, include enhancing the Electoral Institute’s capacity for training and research; assisting in the improvement of legal and policy frameworks for the conduct of elections; and enhancing the development and incorporation of technological innovations.
“Within the current Electoral Cycle, DAI has provided support towards capacity building, technical support, printing of non-sensitive reports and information flyers,” he said.
“We are glad that today, some of the tools developed in collaboration with DAI are being handed over to the Commission.”
See the full statement below:
REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), PROF. MAHMOOD YAKUBU, AT THE HANDOVER OF THE INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS, FACILITATED BY DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES INCORPORATED (DAI), HELD AT THE INEC CONFERENCE ROOM, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY 10TH AUGUST 2023
The Acting Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union Delegation Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera
The Team Leader and other officials of Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI)
National Commissioners
Ladies and Gentlemen1. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this presentation. It is appropriate to start by appreciating the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN). Under the Phase II Project, there are several components, the first of which focuses on support to INEC administered through the Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI). This support is designed to address 5 thematic areas i.e. enhancing and strengthening planning and operational capacities; improving the Commission’s internal communication and external engagements with stakeholders; enhancing The Electoral Institute’s capacity for training and research; assisting in the improvement of legal and policy frameworks for the conduct of elections; and enhancing the development and incorporation of technological innovations.
2. Within the current Electoral Cycle, DAI has provided support towards capacity building, technical support, printing of non-sensitive reports and information flyers. We are glad that today, some of the tools developed in collaboration with DAI are being handed over to the Commission. Among these are:
i. the Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS) intended to streamline, simplify and enhance the security, reliability and credibility of the recruitment process for collation and returning officers;
ii. the Election Results Management System (ERMS) which seeks to ensure a better results management process, enhancing accuracy and creating a repository of election results, something envisaged by Section 62 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022;
iii. the Media Monitoring and Analysis Tool intended to enhance the Commission’s capacity to filter media coverage of the Commission; and
iv. the Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS) seeks to assist the Commission to monitor political party finance more efficiently and effectively.
3. In developing these tools, DAI consultants worked closely with the Technical Team and Directing Staff of the Commission. The tools sought to respond to specific challenges encountered in the implementation of electoral activities, thereby bringing technology to enhance the Commission’s operational effectiveness. The tools therefore offer innovative solutions that could foster efficiency, speed, due diligence, and trust in the electoral process.
4. The tools were not specifically designed for a particular electoral cycle hence their utility to future elections and electoral activities. In fact, the support to INEC under EU-SDGN Phase II covers the period 2022-2027 traversing two electoral cycles (2023 and 2027) and includes support to the National Assembly and the Judiciary, Political Parties, the Media, Civil Society organisations and the promotion of inclusivity (women, youth and persons with disability). The Commission will closely examine these tools with a view of adopting or tweaking them where necessary to meet the immediate and emergent challenges in the conduct of elections.
5. I would like to thank DAI and the EU-SDGN Project Phase II. The Commission is open to future collaboration with the EU through its implementing partners. I must also continue to emphasise that core electoral activities are still funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a sovereign responsibility. It is only funding from Government that is received and administered directly by the Commission.
6. Once again, I welcome you to the Commission and we look forward to the presentations and discussion.
[Channels TV]
The African Union on Friday expressed “deep concern at the reported poor conditions” of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum’s detention, calling his treatment at the hands of coup leaders “unacceptable”.
“Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable,” AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement after Bazoum was overthrown by military chiefs last month.
Niger’s junta has threatened to kill ousted President Mohamed Bazoum if neighbouring countries attempt any military intervention to reinstate him.
According to a report by The Associated Press on Thursday, two “Western officials” said the putschists issued the threat while speaking to a top U.S. diplomat.
This came shortly before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it had directed the deployment of a “standby force” to restore democracy in Niger, after its deadline of Sunday to restore Bazoum’s government expired.
The threat to the deposed president raises the stakes both for ECOWAS and for the junta, which has shown its willingness to escalate its actions since it seized power on July 26.
Niger was seen as the last country in the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert that Western nations could partner with to counter jihadi violence linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group that has killed thousands and displaced millions of people.
The international community is scrambling to find a peaceful solution to the country’s leadership crisis.
The AP report disclosed that a Western military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said representatives of the junta told U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country this week.
A U.S. official reportedly confirmed that account, also speaking on condition of anonymity, because they were not authorised to speak to the media.
The threats from both sides escalate tensions but hopefully nudge them closer to actually talking, said Aneliese Bernard, a former U.S. State Department official who specialised in African affairs and is now director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, a risk advisory group.
“Still, this junta has escalated its moves so quickly that it’s possible they do something more extreme, as that has been their approach so far,” she cautioned.
Nine leaders from the 15-member West African bloc met Thursday in Abuja, to discuss their next steps.
Speaking after the talks, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, said he could only reaffirm the decisions by “the military authorities in the subregion to deploy a standby force of the community.”
Financing had been discussed and “appropriate measures have been taken,” he said.
He blamed the junta for any hardship caused by the sanctions imposed on Niger and said further actions by the bloc would be taken jointly.
“It is not one country against another country. The community has instruments to which all members have subscribed to,” he said.
A former British Army official who has worked in Nigeria told the AP the ECOWAS statement could be seen as the green light to begin assembling their forces with the ultimate aim of restoring constitutional order.
With regard to the use of force, the official, who was not authorised to speak to the media, said there was currently nothing in place other than Nigerian forces. Without enablers and the support of other regional armies, it’s unlikely they’d enter, the official said.
ECOWAS has imposed harsh economic and travel sanctions on Niger, but analysts say it may be running out of options as support fades for intervention. The bloc has failed to stem past coups in the region: Niger is the fourth of its member states to undergo a coup in the last three years.
The Central Bank of Nigeria released its long-awaited audited accounts for the year ended December 2022 showing it made a profit after tax of N103.8 billion up from N75.1 billion reported a year earlier.
The results which are published on the website of the apex bank included audited results for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
The apex bank’s results also show it reported a profit after tax every year for the last 8 years consecutively despite facing currency depreciations and doling out intervention funds, and loans to the government amongst other development finance activities.
Until now, the results have been withheld from the public under Godwin Emefiele. However, the recent decision of President Tinubu to investigate the apex bank’s operations under the suspended CBN Governor may have triggered the release of the financial statements.
Details of the results
The latest result which was signed by Godwin Emefiele and audited by EY and KPMG shows the apex bank has relied on a combination of higher interest income, fees, and commissions to remain profitable.
A cursory analysis of the results shows the apex bank earned a net interest income of N1.8 trillion compared to N1 trillion a year earlier representing an 80% surge in net interest income.
Net operating income was N1.2 trillion compared to N1.1 trillion same period in 2021. Total operating expenses also rose from N1.1 trillion in 2021 compared to N1.2 trillion in 2022.
Ways and Means Income Surge: A major source of interest income was from loans and advances in the form of overdrafts given to the federal government.
- The loans totaling N23 trillion and also known as “Ways and Means” generated interest of N1.9 trillion for the apex bank compared to N1.2 trillion in the prior year.
- The controversial loan has been criticized for its size and flouting of the central bank act that only allows the apex bank to lend a maximum of 5% of prior year FG revenues to the government.
According to the audited accounts of the apex bank, the Ways and Means provision is priced at a whopping MPR+3%.
- “Included in interest income on Loans and receivables is interest income on Overdraft facility granted to the Federal Government amounting to N1.9 trillion (2021: N1.2 trillion). The interest rate applied on this facility is MPR+3%.” CBN
The apex bank’s results also show it earned an additional N247 billion and N156 billion from AMCON and via FGN Securities respectively.
The apex bank also reported another N422.7 billion in income derived from “debt instruments measured at fair value through profit and loss (FVTL). FVTL is a way companies account for certain investments they own. Instead of noting the investment’s original cost, the company regularly updates the investment’s value to reflect its current market price.
This method ensures that the financial statements reflect the most up-to-date value of the investment.
Forex Income: Rounding up its major income sources was N104.5 billion income earned from commissions from the sale of foreign currency and other related transactions.
Another N15.9 billion was earned from processing currency, Bureau de Change application and registration, commission on fund transfers, and other banks and financial institutions’ application and licensing fees.
Expenses loaded intervention, fx, and credit-related losses
But as the apex bank’s income surged through the extension of loans to the federal government and from forex transactions, it also incurred huge expenses on forex and loan impairments.
A key feature of the expenses was N888.3 billion incurred by the apex bank as “other operating expenses” during the year (N884.2 billion in 2021).
- A breakdown of the amount reveals closer to half of the expenses (N346.2 billion) were losses arising from foreign exchange revaluation losses.
- Also included is another N155.5 billion incurred as “rebate expenses” which the apex bank explained was connected to RT 200 and Naira4Dollar, a policy under CBN led Godwin Emefiele to attract forex inflows.
For example, the RT 200 allowed the apex bank to pay exporters an incentive for repatriating their dollars.
- “Rebate expenses represent expenses incurred by the CBN in connection with the RT200 and Naira 4 Dollar schemes which the Bank introduced to enhance foreign currency inflow, diversify the sources of FX inflow, increase the level of non-oil exports, ensure stability and sustainability of FX inflows, and support export-oriented companies to expand their export operations and capabilities.
The Bank stated it incurred N137 billion in 2022 on the RT200 scheme and In 2021 Naira 4 Dollar expense was N4 billion. This policy has since been dropped since the unification of the naira was announced.
FG Expenses: Another major expense item reported by the central bank and included in the “other operating expense” was N125 billion (N45 billion in 2021) which it incurred in connection to national security, the federal government, and security agencies. While the expenses are actually an extension of loans to the federal government, it is expensed on the FG repays the loans
- intervention activities expenses represents expenses carried out by CBN in connection with national security, federal government, state securities, armed forces, financial sector capacity building where there is important need for the fund. All payments made in relation to intervention activities embarked on by the Group are expensed as incurred. However, payments made by the Group in relation to intervention activities on behalf of the Federal Government are recognized as receivables and are fully impaired after 12 months if the amount is not received from the Federal Government.
Credit Losses: The apex bank also reported a whopping N875.2 billion in credit losses almost double the N498.2 billion reported a year earlier.
- This suggests most of the interest earned was dented by impairment on its loans.
- The apex bank did not break down which of its borrowers have or are defaulting. However, its balance sheet shows a total loan of about N31.4 trillion.
The apex bank’s balance sheet expanded by about N22 trillion from N35.5 trillion in 2018 to about N57.9 trillion in 2022.
Nasir Idris, Kebbi State governor has approved N675 million for the payment of furniture allowance to the elected 21 local government area chairmen in the state.
The governor’s chief press secretary disclosed this in a statement he made available to Journalists at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Thursday.
Idris quoted the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Umar as saying that “the approval is for 2022 to 2024.”
While appreciating the governor for the gesture, the permanent secretary commended him for making life meaningful to the people and for executing projects that have direct bearing on them.
Reacting to the development, the ALGON chairman, who also doubles as the chairman, Birnin Kebbi local government area, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the governor on behalf of his colleagues.
He said the money would capture furniture allowance for the local government chairmen, councillors and secretaries.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has provided a detailed breakdown of its financial performance and expenses for the 12-month period in 2022. Notably, an expenditure of over N29 billion was allocated to the printing and disposal of Nigerian currency notes. This sum covers the meticulous process of creating, processing, distributing, and retiring currency notes throughout the year.
The CBN, in accordance with Section 18(d) of the CBN Act 2007, is authorized to undertake the secure destruction of unfit banknotes on a regular basis. This process ensures the integrity of the currency in circulation and adheres to stringent security protocols.
The financial statement released by the CBN on its official website unveiled that a total of N29.64 billion was expended on activities related to currency notes in 2022. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the N15.23 billion allocated to the same operations in the previous year.
The Nigeria Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc, along with occasional collaborations with international firms, is responsible for the printing and minting of Naira notes and coins. The CBN maintains legal responsibility for quality assurance and the receipt of finished currency materials.
The CBN’s annual report further divulged a breakdown of expenses related to printing new Naira notes over the years:
2016: N33.37 billion
2017: N49.52 billion
2018: N64.04 billion
2019: N75.52 billion
2020: N58.62 billion
Additionally, costs incurred for disposing of unsuitable notes were also provided:
2016: N1.43 billion
2017: N594.62 million
2018: N662.21 million
2019: N647.82 million
2020: N538.59 million
It’s worth noting that figures for the year 2021 have not been made available, and the statistics for 2022 are pending release.
Moreover, an intriguing report introduces Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi as the new acting Governor of the CBN. Shonubi’s professional journey is detailed, including his selection for the role by President Tinubu among four deputy governors: Aisha Ahmed, Edward Adamu, and Kingsley Obiora. According to legal stipulations, one of the deputy governors is required to complete the tenure initiated by Emefiele, which was originally set to conclude in May 2024
Details of the Consolidated Financial Accounts of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the year 2022 has revealed that the bank is indebted to JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and other liabilities.
The CBN Consolidated Financial Statements showed that it owes JP Morgan, N3.2trn or $7bn and Goldman Sachs N0.23trn or $500m, while N3.1trn or $6.3 is owed as foreign currency forwards.
This is the first time the apex bank is releasing its Consolidated Financial Statements since 2016.
The books showed that the apex bank generated revenue of N2.87trn up from N1.96trn in 2022.
Profit during the period was N103.85bn up from the N75bn posted in 2021.
External reserves fell from N15.38trn in 2021 to N14.9trn in 2022, according to the accounts.
The securities lending agreement which was received in cash forms part of the apex bank’s external reserves of N14.9trn.
The CBN statement said, “Also included in convertible currencies (time deposits and money placements, current accounts with foreign Banks, other foreign securities and domiciliary accounts) is cash received from Goldman Sachs and J. P. Morgan.
“The Group entered into a securities lending agreement with Goldman Sachs and J. P. Morgan and as part of the agreement, the Group pledged its holdings on foreign securities in return for cash. The cash received from Goldman Sachs is N0.23 trillion ($500 million), 2021: N0.22 trillion ($500 million) and JP Morgan N3.23 trillion ($7 billion), 2021: N3.05 trillion ($7 billion) is recognised in other foreign securities.”
The accounts show that CBN reserves comprised of Time deposits and Money Placements of N4.68trn, Other foreign securities of N5.88trn, Current Accounts with foreign banks N3.34trn, domiciliary accounts of N294.8bn, sundry currencies and traveler’s cheques of N199.8bn and the N578.6bn Gold Bullion which is 16kg.
Further analyses based on currency showed that reserves had convertible currencies in United States Dollars worth N12.45bn; N1.6trn worth of Chinese Renminbu; N134.5bn worth of British pound; N75bn worth of Euro; N33bn worth of Japanese Yen and N66bn worth of other currencies.
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Burkina Faso‘s government, controlled by the junta, suspended Radio Omega on Thursday after an interview was aired that was seen as “insulting” to Niger’s new military leaders.
The station is part of the Omega media group and owned by journalist and former foreign minister, Alpha Barry.
Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo announced the immediate suspension “until further notice,” saying it was “in the higher interests of the nation.”
The interview featured Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, a spokesman for a new Nigerien group aiming to return President Mohamed Bazoum to power after a coup on July 26.
Naija News had earlier reported that a former rebel leader and politician, Rhissa Ag Boula initiated the Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR), opposing the military junta that seized power on July 26.
The CRR aims to reinstate the detained President Bazoum.
Ouedraogo in reaction to the interview denounced Moumouni’s “insulting comments” and said his organization was “clearly campaigning for violence and war” in efforts to restore Bazoum “by every means.”
Burkina Faso, having experienced two military coups in 2021, promptly aligned with Niger’s new leadership, even warning against military intervention to reinstate Bazoum.
In recent months, the authorities have also suspended several French media outlets, reflecting growing tension between the government and the press.
ECOWAS standby force: "This is not Nigeria vs Niger. It is ECOWAS vs. Niger" – President Ouattara [VIDEO]
AdminPresident Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, has given his voice on the coup in Niger Republic, saying the declaration of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to deploy a standby force is not Nigeria against Niger, but ECOWAS against Niger.
President Ouattara made this submission while addressing newsmen after the ECOWAS Extraordinary Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
He said, “As you are aware that ECOWAS has taken many decisions in the past legal and factual about coup d’etat and the community has always condemned coup d’etat.
“The coup d’etat has affected many countries in the sub-region ECOWAS in the past in Liberia, Sierra Leone, recently in Gambia, in Guinea Bissau and today we have a similar situation in Niger. I would like to say that ECOWAS cannot accept this. This is not a matter of Nigeria against Niger, not at all.
“The decision that we have made today and I hope it won’t be implemented immediately is a decision of ECOWAS. All the Head of States think that we’ve tried to dialogue [with the military junta] We’ve sent delegation, high personalities like former president Abdusalami Abubakar, the sultan of Sokoto, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and many other persona;ities in this important country to talk to the people of Niger,” he said.
President Ouattara further said, “However, they are keeping president Bazoum as a hostage. I personally consider this a terrorist act and we cannot let this continue, we have to act.
“The position of Cote D’ivoire which has been endorsed by all heads of states is that we have been able to tell this coupist that their place is in the barracks, they should go to fight a terrorist, and not try to kidnap a democratically elected president.
“So we believe that this is for the credibility of ECOWAS, all of us are concerned and involved in this decision,” he said.
Recall that ECOWAS, on Thursday, ordered its standby force to restore constitutional order in NIger Republic.
The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray made the declaration while reading the resolution of ECOWAS on the Niger coup at the ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
It also called on the African Union, AU, partner countries and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.
ECOWAS said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders as they condemn continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
The resolution partly reads, “Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS stand-by force with all its elements immediately.
“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS stand-by force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
The details of any eventual military deployment by ECOWAS states and its impact on Niger were not immediately clear.
“All is not lost yet” for a “peaceful solution, as a roadmap to restore democracy and stability”, said Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who chaired the crisis meeting.
But he added, “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
“If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us.”
Before the closed-door talks, Tinubu had insisted that “we prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.”
Media
The Central Bank of Nigeria has increased the number of accredited cheque printers and personalisers in Nigeria, a move to promote efficient payment and settlement system.
The apex bank made the disclosure in a circular with reference number: BKS/SCO/CON/001/002, seen by THE WHISTLER. The circular was signed by the Director of Banking Services Department, Sam Okejere.
The circular said, “In furtherance of its mandate to ensure an efficient Payment and Settlement System, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the MICR Technical Implementation Committee, conducted the re-accreditation of Cheques Printers and Cheque Personalisers in line with the NICPAS qualification criteria.
Seven banks received approval as cheque personalisers and they include Zenith Bank Plc, Ecobank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, First Bank Ltd, Keystone Bank Ltd, Wema Bank Plc and Providus Bank Ltd.
The number of printers and personalizer rose from four to six.
They include, Superflux International Limited, Tripple Gee and Company, Yaliam Press Limited, Marvelous Mike Press, KAS Arts Services Limited and Papi Printing Company Ltd.
As of May, THE WHISTLER reports that KAS Arts Services Limited and Papi Printing Company Ltd were not part of the list.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has threatened to prosecute skit and film-makers caught using the agency’s uniform and kits without approval.
This was disclosed by the General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, on Friday, according to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the agency, Adebayo Taofiq.
Oreagba frowned at the demeaning manner in which movie and skit makers portray LASTMA in their movies and skits, as well as the way they use the agency’s uniform without recourse to Section 79 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 which criminalize such unauthorized use.
According to Oreagba “film or skit makers who portray as LASTMA Officer without applying for, and being duly issued a permit letter for such portrayals, to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the Law.”
He believes that such sanity in movies production, regulation of possession and usage of LASTMA uniform will curb the proliferation of the agency’s kits, uniforms and accoutrements in the state.
Oreagba also pleaded with the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTA) and other affiliated bodies to warn their members against unauthorized use of the agency’s uniform.
“We implore National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTA) and other affliated bodies to warn their members as anyone caught using LASTMA Uniform without an approved permit would be prosecuted,” he added.