A Standard Chartered analyst said that while implementing President Donald Trump's most recent executive order, the U.S. government may buy Bitcoin using multiple budget-neutral approaches.

According to a report by decrypt, Geoff Kendrick, who is the global director of digital assets research at the UK bank, the policies would steer clear of "incremental costs on United States taxpayers," forbidden under Trump's creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve on Thursday.

The U.S. government could buy Bitcoin via "several budget-neutral means," including selling some of its gold reserves or tapping into the Treasury's ERF, which has $39 billion in net assets, as Kendrick wrote in a Friday research note.

Impact of 'gold card' on global finance

First presenting the idea of the "Gold Card" on February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump proposed a new immigration program providing U.S. residence and a road to citizenship for a $5 million investment.

Targeting wealthy people to enhance economic development, this project seeks to replace the current EB-5 visa program.

Experts are now sharing their thoughts about it.

Adding to the discussion, crypto industry experts like David Balikey, the CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, recommend that the U.S. also use Bitcoin for its immigration policy, suggesting that "President Trump should accept Bitcoin paid into the SBR in exchange for the "Gold Card. "

The Gold Card is a measure that would potentially help net-worth billionaires avoid capital restrictions in more and more developing countries.

"Many elites in emerging markets want to live in the U.S. but struggle to move $5M in USD out of their home countries. Bitcoin offers a simpler, safer, and more discreet solution." Bailey wrote in a recent post on social media.

Drawing on a recent Deutsche Bank report, Matthew Sigel, head of digital assets research at VanEck U.S., also chimed in, saying the economic and geopolitical advantages of a Bitcoin reserve asset for the U.S., noting that Bitcoin could help cement American dominance in digital finance.

Launching the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to reconstruct the financial markets as such steps would reflect U.S. confidence in Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and dollar devaluation.

[The Street]

Emerging reports have it that former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi are in talks to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The source in the report also has it that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu, some aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as some former Ministers who served during the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari are in talks to join the SDP.

According to a source, the coalition efforts from the opposition will involve Atiku Abubakar’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi’s faction of Labour Party (LP), and Nasir Elrufai, who recently defected to the SDP.

The opposition parties are reportedly planning on joining forces under an existing registered party. However, if they are unable to agree on a shared platform within the party they intend to join, they will opt to align with the SDP instead, according to sources quoted by our correspondent.

Recall that former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has said merger talk from opposition politicians has been gaining success.

Speaking on AIT Focus programme, on Monday, Ologbondiyan stated that the opposition politicians would come out with what would give Nigerians hope.

The former PDP spokesman said defeating the current government would be easy with what the opposition political leaders would be bringing out.

[NaijaNews]

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a warrant of arrest against the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Retired), following his refusal to appear before the House.

The Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led House had during its plenary on Monday, issued the arrest warrant after the expiration of its 72-hour ultimatum for Enebeli to appear before the House.

RSIEC had fixed August 9, 2025, to conduct a fresh local government election in the state following a Supreme Court verdict that annulled the October 5, 2024 LG polls conducted in the state.

[Leadership]

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has formerly dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He announced his resignation in a statement on Monday, titled “Onwards to the Future.”

El-Rufai noted that developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation in the party.

The statement reads: “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will align up to the time I choose to retire from politics.

“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.

“On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.

“Founders rightly feel attached towards institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence appears unbridgeable. I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform but recognize that the party has since strayed and left me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.

“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019 and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019, that stood for certain democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building. My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, as well as expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs and attract investments. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.

“Today, the 10th of March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Subsequent to this, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists alike about the future, and have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God. I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

[DailyTrust]

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has advised Arsenal to try and hijack the Red Devils’ move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

According to Rooney, Matete is big and strong, adding that he can help the current Arsenal team under manager Mikel Arteta.

Mateta has been heavily linked with a move to Man United in the summer.

Man United have already opened talks with the 27-year-old’s representative.

Mateta, who joined Palace from Mainz in 2022, has scored 34 goals in the past two campaigns across all competitions for the Premier League club.

“Jean-Philippe Mateta is a big, strong lad who scores a lot of goals,” Rooney told BBC Sport.

“From watching Arsenal over the past few games in the Premier League, they have put a lot of balls into the box without having anyone to get on the end of them.

“I am sure he would help from that point of view.”

Arsenal are keen to sign a new top striker in the summer transfer window and it’s yet to be seen if they would go for Mateta at the end of the season.

[DailyPost]

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a ligament injury in his right ankle during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen.

The 21-year-old, who was introduced at the start of the second half, was forced off in the 59th minute following a foul. An MRI scan conducted after the game confirmed the extent of the injury.

“That was the diagnosis from an MRI scan following the game. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks,” the club stated on Monday via its site.

Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to cope in Wirtz’s absence.

“The loss of Florian obviously hits us hard in this phase of the season, but we will compensate for him with a strong squad. We know Florian and also know he will come back as soon as possible. Everybody will support him in that. We are assuming he will be fully fit again for the end of the season run-in,” Rolfes said.

Leverkusen will now have to navigate the coming weeks without one of their key creative players as they continue their push for silverware.

[Punch]

Mark Carney, a former central banker and economist, has had an illustrious career spanning global finance, climate advocacy, and now, politics.

With a reputation for steady leadership in times of crisis, Carney is stepping into Canadian politics with promises of economic stability and progressive policies.

Here are ten key things to know about him

10 Things to Know About Mark Carney

His Signature is on Canadian Money

As the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Carney’s signature appears on Canadian currency—a testament to his influence in the nation’s financial system.

He Was the First Non-British Governor of the Bank of England

Carney made history by becoming the first non-British person to lead the Bank of England since its founding in 1694.

He Was Called the “George Clooney of Central Banking”
Known for his charisma and intellect, Carney was once likened to the Hollywood actor. He downplayed the comparison, calling it “a very low bar.”

He Has Never Held Public Office Before
Despite his extensive experience in finance and governance, Carney is stepping into elected office for the first time.

He Served as the U.N. Special Envoy for Climate Action

Carney’s commitment to climate change policies was evident in his U.N. role, where he earned a symbolic annual salary of just $1.

He Played Hockey at Harvard

A passionate hockey fan, Carney was a third-string goaltender on Harvard’s varsity team and once played in a game against Colgate.

In 2011, Reader’s Digest Canada editors voted him the “Most Trusted Canadian,” though readers placed him 19th.

He Completed the London Marathon at 50

Proving his endurance, Carney finished the 2015 London Marathon in 3 hours and 31 minutes.

He Is the Godfather of Chrystia Freeland’s Son
His close political ties include being the godfather of former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s son.

He Entered Politics in 2024, Declaring ‘This Is No Time for Politics as Usual’

On January 16, 2024, Carney officially launched his political career, stressing the need for change and a fresh approach to leadership.

Vanguard News

Tomi Arayomi, founder of RIG Nation and Pioneer Church in the United Kingdom, has opened up about his traumatic experience of childhood sexual abuse.

In an interview with Sharon Stone, Arayomi recounted the trauma he endured at just five years old, which had a profound impact on his life and identity.

He revealed that his journey began with physical and emotional challenges due to being born with rickets, a leg disease that left him immobile.

The cleric said he faced additional pain when a family friend “sexually molested me”. The abuse, according to him, was accompanied by threats and secrecy.

He disclosed that years later, his trauma resurfaced when he overheard a BBC news segment discussing homosexuality.

Arayomi said since he was unfamiliar with the term, he asked his mother what it meant, but her response left him devastated.

“My journey was, I was born with rickets. I had a leg disease that made me fairly immobile. And there was a sexual exploitation that took place when I was five,” he said.

“A friend of the family, who at times took care of us, would sexually molest me. And I didn’t know what he was doing at that age, because I wasn’t in any way awakened sexually.

“This is our little secret. And it came with shame. And I knew when my parents left us with them, they didn’t know what was going on, of course, that the abuse was going to continue.

“And it wasn’t until one day, I was watching news, some BBC news, when homosexuality was a taboo. I didn’t know the term homosexuality. That was in the early 90s.

“I said, Mom, what happens to homosexuals? She laughed, and she said, ‘oh, they go to hell’. Now I’m going to hell.”

Arayomi also spoke about a pivotal moment when he finally stood up to his abuser. He said when cornered in the bathroom, he refused the abuser’s demands, pushed him into the bathtub, and ran away, unsure of what would happen next.

“And I remember my last encounter with that man. My parents had left the house again. We were in the house by ourselves,” he added.

“And he cornered me in the bathroom and told me basically to pull my trousers down. And I remember I just said no to him for the first time. He said, ‘what did you say?’ I said no.

“And I pushed him into the bathtub. And I ran down the street crying my heart out because I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I didn’t even know where I was running to.”

The cleric recalled how he was exposed to pornography by his school teacher, which became an addiction even after he became born-again.

He said as he grew older, he struggled with his identity, grappling with the fear of the abuse.

Arayomi said the “double-life” secrets affected his mental and emotional well-being. He said he eventually disclosed the abuse to his parents when he was around 17.

“And I got introduced to pornography by my schoolteacher. And all of a sudden, what became a remedy for a diagnosis from BBC all of a sudden became an addiction,” he added.

“That once I was saved, the addiction didn’t go away. It just got suppressed. And the secrets were suppressed. I never told my parents what happened to me until they rededicated their life to the Lord, when I told them when I was about 17, 18 years old.

“But I didn’t tell them for years. I didn’t tell my twin brother. I just carried the secret.”

Arayomi said through his platform, he aims to offer hope and healing to others who carry the weight of unspoken trauma.

“That is not unique to you. So many people go through that. And I would like to hope that maybe before we’re done today you could even pray for others,” he said.

[TheCable]

The English language is a compulsive borrower; a great debtor. It borrows any word that catches its fancy anyhow and from anywhere. From Ancient Rome, the Englishman got loaned mobile vulgus, the Latin phrase for ‘movable, excitable crowd’. The Englishman took that loan and quickly slim-fit the borrowed item to ‘mobile’, then in 1688, he clipped the abbreviation to ‘mob’.

If you are looking for a more practical definition of ‘mob’, go to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Members there will, in confounding unity, act the mob if you dare their leader and question their privileges. Or you go and read reports of how soldiers beat up electricity workers in Ikeja, Lagos last week. Think of the parliament as a mob. Think of a military of rioters and street brawlers. Can you ever spot the difference between having soldiers as rioters and having rioters as soldiers? Think about the confusion here.

What the mob is came to my mind as I read of some soldiers of the Nigerian Air Force invading the headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) last Thursday, beating up workers and visitors and even journalists. Why? They acted wild because of the very high electricity bill they get while their base get supplied with very low or no electricity by the company. The attack was a shocking, shameful, deplorable act of security people wreaking insecurity.

Self-help is an eye for an eye; it is the Roman’s Lex talionis, the law of retaliation. If it is allowed to reign here, everyone will soon be blind. Criminal self-help is when soldiers had a payment-for-power dispute with a company and decided to use the might they have to claim their rights. Do our brothers in uniform think we (Nigerians without guns) are stupid for peacefully surrendering to Never Expect Power Always?

Poor soldiers beating up poor electricity workers and journalists is a shame. Everyone is misdirecting their anger. They are just oppressing their own tribe, the tribe of the dispossessed. The real sinners beyond the whip, they are too safe to be beaten.

Who told our soldiers that beating the hell out of electricity workers would give them uninterrupted power supply? The problem is bigger than big. You can’t force the eunuch to ‘do’ that thing. His existence is defined by impotence with all the innuendos and allusions. Force won’t help the forces. Even powerful Tiger in the old story of ‘Tortoise, Tiger and Monkey’ could not hammer out sweet shit from the traumatized belly of his victim.

The power supply situation in the country is horrible. Businesses are stuttering and bleeding and crying. A friend in telecoms told me that the reality of power in Nigeria and, particularly, the cost of diesel, has turned every base station to a full company. The cost of Nigeria’s darkness is horrifying, frustrating. Everyone is displeased and angry. But self-help by officers of the law is subversion of the law; it is not the solution.

What the solution is, I do not know. What I know is what my culture says impunity is. It is Taa ní ó mú mi? The translation is something like “Whatever I do, who will query and punish me? Who can?”

Because I am as helpless as the beaten workers and reporters, I plead with military authorities to beg the beaten for forgiveness, compensate them for the trauma and sanction the beaters. I also beg the authorities to leash their dogs and recalibrate the discipline we’ve always known with our uniformed forces. Gold should not rust. If it does, what then shall iron do?