Nnamdi Kanu: Malami Has Crossed The Red Line – Alex Ogbonnia

By

-

October 27, 2021

In October 2020, young people across Nigeria took to the streets calling for disbanding an abusive police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and for ending brutality in a movement tagged #EndSARS. As part of the protest, rampaging ENDSARAS youths besieged the palace of the Oba of Lagos on Wednesday, October 21 and various forms of destruction were recorded.

In the aftermath of the attack on the Lagos monarch’s palace, the Lagos Police Command swept into action and some arrests were made. The police brought 15 suspects before a Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting at Ogba, in the Ikeja magisterial district, with charges bordering on theft and felony. The court documents with the charge number CR/MISC/ES/L/002020 revealed that all the suspects charged by the Nigerian Police are Messrs Eniafe Olawale, Gbenga Ajayi, Lamidi Rafiu, Oladunmoye Ayodeji, Soliu Tajudeen, Ahmed Olayinka, Samuel Damilola, Wasiu Grewa, Habib Salit, Nurudeen Yusuf, Safiu Quadri Lekan, Afolabi lukuman and Yusuf Babalola.
On Friday, October 22, 2021 the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, addressed a press conference where he spoke extensively on the allegations against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Malami during the press conference in Abuja reiterated that “Kanu has been working against the Nigerian nation based on his actions and speech”. Malami accused the IPOB leader of “instigating others to attack public properties, security agents, civilians and any other perceived enemy using Radio Biafra as a major means of communication”. Malami went further to state that there were several IPOB/ESN attacks and destruction (arson) of public and private properties during the EndSARS and Biafra agitations across the country, especially in the South-East and South-South regions, notably the Palace of the Oba of Lagos where twelve (12) flats were completely looted and vandalized. Malami also claimed that “over one hundred and fifty (150) buses were burnt at the Lagos Bus Terminal, Sen. Ndoma Egba’s home in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, was completely looted and vandalized”. The AGF also claimed that some prominent Nigerians like All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ahmed Gulak was killed by IPOB, etc

Before I proceed, some clarifications are necessary. The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB is mostly populated by the Igbo. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are united against the orchestrated marginalization of the Igbo in one Nigeria. For instance, the South East of Nigeria has the least number of states compared to other six geopolitical zones in the country; the least number of local government areas, the least number of seats in the Senate, the least number of seats in the House of Representatives, the least in the federal budget allocations, least in the distribution of constituency projects, zero representation in the headship of the security architecture of Nigeria, zero minister in grade A category of the ministries, unemployment to Igbo Youths; and indeed obvious conspiracy against the South East in every sector of the Nigeria polity. The major roads passing through the South East, namely, the Enugu Onitsha road, Enugu Port Harcourt road, Oturkpo-Enugu road, etc are death traps. In addition, the Fulani herdsmen roam about with AK 47 rifles, ravage the farms of the Igbo rural dwellers, debauch their women, abduct their men, maim and kill, and no arrest is made by the relevant authorities.
The point of divergence between the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the IPOB is that while the former believes that the Igbo ingenuity will find full expression in a restructured Nigeria, the latter appears to be tired of the age-long marginalization of the Igbo in a country they have sacrificed so much to build. In other words, the IPOB are our children and we owe them undiluted love, duty and responsibility. Therefore, any unwarranted attack on IPOB is an attack on the entire Igbo.

Ladies and gentlemen, one will think that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, should be above board. From the names of the above culprits, there is no Igbo among them. It is therefore advised that Malami should not be so cheap for the uninitiated to discover his shenanigans. In other words, the above remarks by the AGF is very inelegant, imprudent, malicious, treacherous and fallacious. That the IPOB vandalized and looted the Palace of the Oba of Lagos and burnt over one hundred and fifty (150) buses at the Lagos Bus Terminal were mere ethnic cards simply intended to play up the Yoruba against the Igbo.
It is important for Malami to know that the bond between the Yoruba and the Igbo is strong, inseparable and beyond his narrow machinations. Malami should know that the Yoruba do not spill the Igbo blood and vice versa. The likes of Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, who chose the supreme prize instead of betraying an Igbo in the person of General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi, have replicated across board in millions. Perhaps, Malami does not know the historic role played by the current Oba of Lagos, as a Police Officer, for the return from exile of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi in 1982. Malami should know that the Igbo- Yoruba relation has given rise to several high profile intermarriages with bubbling grown up children and grand-children. More of the above sources of unity and inter-ethnic solidarity were accentuated when the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his Lagos Office.

Malami should know that the Internet World has left him behind. All his game-plans are crude and anachronistic. The Malami sinister motives of heaping all criminalities in Nigeria on IPOB or the Igbo including the crimes where arrests have been made and the known culprits already arraigned is most unethical, unprofessional and unbefitting of his Office. Some other crimes that Malami ascribes to IPOB are still under investigation and arrests so far made are not linked to IPOB. The Malami perversions are very strange to Law and indeed a new dimension in Nigerian justice delivery system.

Malami card is to paint the South East of Nigeria as a terrorist zone, to prepare a ground for the use of the newly acquired American Super Tucano Fighter Jets in the zone. Malami should be reminded that the very condition for the sale and release of the jets to Nigeria by the USA is that they will be used strictly to fight the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and incessant Banditry in the North West. Furthermore, Malami is playing god by believing that the 2023 is the end of the world and is plotting hard against the Igbo interest.

Unfortunately, Malami has crossed the red line.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on the Nigeria Barr Association (NBA) to re-examine Mr. Abubakar Malami in a bid to establish his suitability and competence for the elevated Office he occupies.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo still believes that all these grandstanding and hyperboles by the federal government about the Igbo or IPOB are machinations in self-denial. The solution to the crises in Nigeria lies in justice and dialogue. If the federal government can encourage dialogue with the notorious Bandits, Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen, it is therefore expected that what is good for the goose is mutatis mutandis, good for the gander.

Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia
National Publicity Secretary,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Wordwide

(Journalist101)

Ohanaeze Request for Urgent Igbo Leaders Meeting Concerning Anambra Election

By

Queen Madu

-

October 27, 2021

Apex Igbo Sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum (SGF), David Umahi, to convene a meeting of stakeholders and the youth leaders for the purpose of addressing the legitimacy crisis in the South East, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, on Wednesday, Ohanaeze said Anambra State is the “economic live wire of the South East with an impressive steady growth trajectory” and “the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans.

While restating their support for any group making genuine demand for a better Igbo society, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on IPOB to rescind their stand on Anambra election.

The statement reads:

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide pleads with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to reconsider the 7 days’ sit-at-home order in the South East of Nigeria from November 5 to November 11. This is to enable the governorship election for Anambra State scheduled for November 6 to hold.

“It is important to note that Anambra State is the economic live wire of the South East with an impressive steady growth trajectory. For instance, Anambra State showcases the best rural road network and rural community development in the South East if not in the entire Nigeria. Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the South East. Most recently, Anambra has added a cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in West Africa.

The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra State is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans. It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbo. Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo.

“While pleading with the IPOB to rescind the lockdown plan, Ohanaeze Ndigbo requests the Chairman, South East Governors Forum and the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, to convene an emergency meeting of Igbo stakeholders and the youth leaders for the purpose of addressing the legitimacy crisis in the South East, especially as it relates to Anambra State election and the political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

It is important to point out that one of the causes of the crisis of confidence in the South East is because of the yawning gap between the youths and indeed the masses, on one side and the political leaders on the other. Therefore, the leadership of the various youth groups should not be excluded in any meeting aimed at resolving the current crises in Igbo land. In other words, the youths want to be fully convinced of our commitment to their plight.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates its solidarity with any group that protests the Igbo alienation in the project Nigeria with caution for restraint, maturity and wisdom. It is based on the foregoing that Ohanaeze adopts the philosophy of dialogue, negotiations in coalition with other concerned groups that comprise the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clarke.

“It is also lamentable that the burial ceremony for the Afara Ukwu born Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi, slated for November 5 in Umuahia, Abia State may be drastically affected by the prevailing Igbo social climate. General JTU Aguiyi Ironsi represents so many things to the Igbo and we owe his soul a duty.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willy Obiano to convene a joint meeting of the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Emeka Udodeme and the Association of Town Union (ASATU) led by Barr Titus Akpudo with a view to activating meetings in all the 181 towns of Anambra State. The traditional rulers, Archbishops, Bishops and the Clergy are also requested to brace up in their roles as the cultural and spiritual leaders of society.

Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, is very perturbed that the serenity, tranquillity and aggressive entrepreneurship for which the Igbo are known are gradually yielding to the unknown dark forces.

“He is more perturbed when the Anambra ordeal is juxtaposed with the calibre of personages for which the state is known; some of them include Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Professor Chinua Achebe, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Professor Chike Obi, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Professor Dora Akunyili, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, Dr Nwafor Orizu, Professor Keneth Dike, Peter Obi, Professor ABC Nwosu, Engr Arthur Eze, Dr Chris Ngige, Igwe Alfred Achebe, etc and numerous young and old billionaires.

In many respects, Anambra is the engine that propels the Igbo enterprise. As elders, we should not fold our arms while the goat dies in the tether. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is of the conviction that the disruption of the Anambra State election and the adverse consequences are a major setback to the Igbo civilization.’

(Journalist101)

INEC Announces Date For Collection Of PVCs In Anambra State

By

bvichannel1

-

October 27, 2021

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met today Tuesday 26th October 2021 to review preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election holding on Saturday 6th November 2021.

Section 45 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) requires political parties participating in elections to submit the names and addresses of their Polling Agents, accompanied by two passport photographs and sample signatures of each Polling Agent to the Commission at least 14 days before the date fixed for the election. The last date for the submission of such list for the Anambra Governorship election was 21st October 2021.

In line with the Commission’s avowed commitment to deepen the use of technology in elections, a dedicated portal was designed for political parties to upload the names and other details of their Polling Agents for Polling Units and all the three levels of collation (Registration Areas/Wards, Local Government Areas and State collation). A detailed breakdown of the submissions by political parties has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.

In our previous update, the Commission informed the public that a total of 138,802 Nigerians completed the registration in Anambra State.

After a thorough cleaning up of the data, it was discovered that the number of multiple registrants was 62,698. Consequently, the number of valid registrants dropped to 76,104. During the same period, there were 5,674 requests for transfers, update of voter information and replacement of lost or damaged cards, giving a cumulative total of 81,778 PVCs. These cards have been printed and will be delivered to our office in Anambra State on Thursday 28th October 2021.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State and his staff shall work out the most efficient means of ensuring that the voters concerned collect their PVCs in earnest. Fortunately, the Commission has the telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of all the new registrants. They will be contacted to make the collection seamless.

The Commission once again assures the people of Anambra State of its determination to proceed with the conduct of the election and appeals to all the critical stakeholders and citizens in the state to cooperate with the Commission for a successful exercise.

Festus Okoye Esq
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
Tuesday 26th October 2021

Yul Edochie Pleads with FG to Release Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho

By

Queen Madu

-

October 26, 2021

Nollywood Actor Yul Edochie appeals to the Federal Government to embrace dialogue in the case of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, he took to his Instagram handle today to beg on their behalves.

He Posted:

I appeal to the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, and follow the line of dialogue and peace.

A country that already has so much challenges facing it, the use of dialogue in this issue will go a long way in establishing peace and unity.

Bvi channel 1

Cash Will Soon Be Obsolete. Will Nigeria Be Ready?- Ezenekwe U.& Anaenugwu N.

By

bvichannel1

-

October 26, 2021

1. Introduction

A cryptocurrency is just like a digital form of cash. It is an encrypted digital or virtual currency
meant to be a medium of exchange. It is a form of payment that can be exchanged
for goods and services. Many companies have issued their own currencies, often called tokens,
and these can be traded specifically for the goods or services that the company provides.
Cryptocurrencies work through the blockchain, which is a decentralised technology spread
across many computers, which manages and records transactions. According to Paxful – one
of the biggest crypto-exchanges in the world, Nigeria accounted for $400 million worth of
cryptocurrency transactions in 2020, ranking it third globally in trading volume.
A digital currency could be issued by the State or introduced by a Private Enterprise.
Digital Currencies like Bitcoin is issued by a private enterprise for online exchange of goods
and services. Much of the interest in these unregulated currencies is to trade for profit, with
speculators at times driving prices skyward. Many companies have issued their own currencies,
often called tokens, and these can be traded specifically for the good or service that the
company provides. To buy cryptocurrencies, one needs a wallet, an online app that can hold
currency. Generally, you create an account on an exchange, and then you can transfer fiat
money to buy cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Things are moving too fast. Some 18 years ago, when I was a Bank Teller in Onitsha,
Anambra State, third party money transfer was non-existent. Bank customers have to visit
the bank to effect banking transactions including checking of account balances. As a teller,
it was always a herculean task attending to hundreds of customers every day for services
such as verification of signatures, checking of account balances, checking of lodgements into
customers’ accounts, payment of cash etc. But with the revolution in the Nigeria payment
system and introduction of bank verification number (BVN), the foundation for online banking
was solidly laid.
To encourage e- banking and discourage cash handling, Central Bank of Nigeria initiated
many control measures including cash handling charges and we have started seeing the effect
everywhere with the deployment of point of sale (POS) machines. These monetary policy
efforts have reduced cost of handling cash as well as risk inherent in moving cash from one
place to the other.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of digital currency in a developing economy like Nigeria?

Before we respond to the above question, it is important to understand the operations of Mobile
Money being operated today in Nigeria. Mobile Money simple means online money stored in
mobile phone, applications, POS Machine etc from where banking transactions are executed.
Such online storage of money is backed up with the money a customer has in the bank account.
In other words, Mobile Phone/POS machine serves as new bank house to facilitate banking
transactions such as money transfers, checking of account balances, account history ,receiving
and payment of cash among others. We can see how effective the deployment of POS machines
has become even in our remote communities. The deployment of POS technology has created
about a million jobs in the last one year. It has made banking operations hitch-free, convenient
and cheap as a bank customer can effect payment to anybody at the comfort of his home. One
can conveniently make purchases online among other numerous online money transactions. It
has covered areas where commercial banks were finding most frustrating to operate because
of logistics issues thereby serving the interest of the ’unbanked’ population. POS technology
has taken off the street thousands of unemployed youths, empowering them and increasing
aggregate consumption, savings and investment. A POS operator beside my friend’s office
makes an average of N3000 profit on daily basis. Consider the multipliers effect such financial
activities will generate in the entire economy! Mobile Money operations in Nigeria have given
hope to millions of frustrated and depressed Nigerians that it is possible to build a prosperous
and viable future once the right political and economic decisions are taken and executed to
the letters.
Mobile Banking has performed creditably well in the Nigeria payment system. However,
even with the success recorded in the deployment of mobile money applications and point of
sale machines, Nigeria has a significantly large population without access to financial services.
In 2017, it was home to 3.4% of the world’s unbanked people despite contributing 2.6% to
the global population. Some progress has been made over the past decade to bring more
Nigerians under the formal financial system, according to a report by EFinA, but the figures
remain disturbing.
At the end of 2020, over 36% of the adult population (or 38 million adults) were unbanked
as the central bank missed out on its 80% national financial inclusion target. In addition,
just over 40 million out of an estimated 105.5 million Nigerian adults have bank verification
numbers (BVN), an important metric for gauging how many people have access to financial
services.
As at today, about 45% of Nigeria adults have no bank accounts and this population have
no business with mobile money. This is a country where lawmakers proudly voted ’no’ for the
use of electronic devices to transmit election results for the simple reason that our telecommunication
infrastructures are still underdeveloped.
The legality of digital currency as a medium of exchange depends on monetary authorities.
The Central Bank of Nigeria few months ago announced the ban of digital currency (cryptocurrency)
because of fraudulent activities associated with it. But Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, a
former Deputy Governor of CBN dismissed CBN’s position insisting that no payment system
is devoid of fraudulent and criminal practices. Moghalu advised CBN to consider the possibility
of the issuance of its own digital currency as China, Sweden, Uruguay and other countries
are doing. Just few days ago, CBN accepted Prof. Kingsley Moghalu’s advice and announced
the commencement of digital Currency to be called e-naira come October 1st. According to
CBN, e-naira will make transactions cheaper with less conflict.
Godwin Emefiele, the CBN Governor confirmed that the economy is going digital and
cash cannot play in that space, adding that e-naira, which will represent the digital equivalent
of cash, will be used as fiat currency for transactions.

3. Is Nigeria ready for digital currency?

We can now try to address the economic implications of Mr Emefiele e-naira to ascertain the
viability of digital currency in the developing economy.
Is Nigeria ready for digital currency such as e-naira? Yes, Nigeria and Nigerians are ready
for digital currency! From the success story of mobile banking in Nigeria, digital currency will
induce more Nigerians to be part of rebuilding and rebranding processes. For instance, our
pension account is now digitally controlled by PENCOM but managed by pension managers.
Pension account is generated by PENCOM and every Nigerian worker is expected to have one unique pension account. The same as National identity card with biometric features to
identify and differentiate every Nigerian. With the deployment of these digital technologies,
Nigeria is ready for digital currency.

4. Would the introduction of digital currency mark the end of cash
operations in Nigeria?

Digital Naira is a monetary instrument that will exist alongside cash as just another monetary
option. The effective and efficient deployment of digital naira can mobilize Nigerians towards
a desired destination to achieve set economic and political goals. For instance, if the country
wants to encourage citizen participation in the electoral process, a digital currency app will
be created and funded with X- amount for anybody who registers for voters’ card between
2021 and 2023. The same could be done in the National identity card registration and this
will facilitate the creation of a reliable data bank for the country. Lack of reliable data is a
major challenge facing Nigeria as a country and digital currency could facilitate a stimulus
package that will address that concern. CBN can use digital naira to serve the interest of the
’unbanked’ population. Like pension accounts created by PENCOM and managed by Pension
Managers, digital naira account can be created by CBN and managed by Commercial Banks
and microfinance banks to achieve even and equitable distribution of income as well as induce
consumption and stimulate economic activities.

5. Conclusion

Depending on the CBN application of digital naira, it will always exist alongside the traditional
currency. However, the introduction of digital currency can only diminish or reduce the use
of cash just as mobile money has done but the overall benefit could be seen from the demand
and supply side of money market.

References

The Borgen Project: The Benefits of Cryptocurrency in Nigeria https://borgenproject.org/
cryptocurrency-in-nigeria/

Binance Academy: Learn all about Blockchain and Crypto https://academy.binance.com/en/
Timi-Koleolu and Aroh (2021): eNAIRA – The Future Of Digital Currency In Nigeria?
https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/fin-tech/1108724/enaira-the-future-of-digital-currencyin-
nigeria-/
EFInA, (2020): New Data from EFInA Shows Growth in Financial Inclusion but Suggests
More Action Needed https://www.proshareng.com/news/Fintech/New-Data-from-EFInAShows-
Growth-in-Financial-Inclusion-but-Suggests-More-Action-Needed/57519/
Academia Letters, October 2021
Corresponding Author: Uju Ezenekwe, ur.ezenekwe@unizik.edu.ng
Citation: Ezenekwe, U., Anaenugwu, N., Ibeto, V. (2021). Cash Will Soon Be Obsolete. Will Nigeria Be
Ready? Academia Letters, Article 3694. https://doi.org/10.20935/AL3694.
5
©2021 by the authors — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0

Anambra 21: SOLUDO HOLDS THE ACE IN ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION!

By

bvichannel1

-

October 26, 2021

If the Anambra gubernatorial election is conducted today, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), would likely get over 60% of the votes cast, while the rest 17 candidates from other political parties would share the remaining 40%_*

This allocation of votes was reflected in an online poll conducted by The 247Ureporters – a popular online news media in Anambra. So far, 1,132 people have voted in this online poll. In another poll conducted a few weeks ago by BVI Channel 1 Media in collaboration with Good Governance Ministry (GGM), Soludo got 53.36% of the votes cast to defeat his closest rival, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who gathered 30.60% of the votes._

_These results are not surprising. Candidates of other political parties have been plagued by so many issues. For instance, Governor Nyesom Wike – one of PDP’s most rugged mobilisers – says he will not be participating in the Anambra elections. Wike was instrumental in mobilising support for Governor Obaseki when he fell out with his former party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

On the other hand, the APC’s candidate in the Anambra election has issues bothering on alleged certificate forgery, money laundry indictments and disagreements within his party on the process that led to his emergence to contend with._

Clearly, Soludo is the most prepared candidate for this election. This view was re-echoed last week by one of Anambra’s most respected elder stateman and former governor, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife. To this end, Soludo’s value proposition for the Anambra needs to be x-rayed._

Unlike many bogus manifestos we have seen in Nigeria – which have made Nigerians lose faith in political manifestos and promises – Soludo presents a cost for his plan and a realistic argument on how he intends to achieve his plan. He estimates government’s direct investment in this plan to be within the neighbourhood of 200 – 250 billion naira per annuum._

If we compare this estimate with Anambra’s proposed N141.9 billion budget for 2022, it becomes clear that the incoming APGA government needs innovative means to shore up revenue. Apart from making revenue collection more efficient and ICT driven, Soludo proposes other sources of fund for projects – i.e. from Private Pubic Partnership (PPP) models and from Development Finance Institutions (DFI)._

Globally, it has become clear that governments cannot fund infrastructure projects alone. Thus, Soludo proposes the creation of Anambra State Development Fund (ANSDF) – a $200 million fund that will be scaled to $1 billion in order to catalyse bankable infrastructure projects with high growth and economic return potentials._

The professor seems to want to replicate what he did as the founding chairman and vision bearer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) when he was the governor of Nigeria’s central bank. (Between 2013 and 2017, AFC’s annual infrastructure spending across the continent averaged a record level of US$ 77.2 billion – transforming communities and economies._

Today AFC is one of Africa’s most profitable and respected Funds)._
_Soludo also plans to deploy alternative models and technology – in collaboration with the private sector – in order to build roads._

Partnering with companies under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit system seems to be one of this option._

Currently, the federal government has some of these Road Infrastructure Tax Credit agreements with the Dangote Group and MTN. One wonders why many State governments have not domesticated this model._

Anambra needs economic development but there cannot be economic development without massive industrialisation. Gas and energy are the bed rock of any industrialisation plan. Unfortunately, most industries in the Southeast are not supplied with natural gas from government-owned natural gas pipelines._

The very inefficient supply of gas by gas trucks cannot leapfrog industrialisation in the Southeast. In this regard, Soludo proposes a public – private sector led collaboration in order to ensure that gas pipelines are extended to Anambra State. Obviously, the large array of manufacturing plants in Onitsha and Nnewi could be ready off takers of gas and they can be used to make the business case for this investment in Anambra._

For people willing to invest in Anambra State, Soludo says he will be their chief marketing officer. He promises to create the enabling environment for businesses ready to come to Anambra._

APGA’s manifest plans to attract 2,000 small, medium and large industries to the various industrial parks/clustors it intends to set-up._

Apart from creating jobs for young people, Soludo moots the idea of creating thousands of millionaire entrepreneurs_

He plans to establish a business incubation hub and a 5-billion-naira Venture Capital Fund to incubate and provide additional growth capital for the most promising start-ups and ventures, either by way of grants or direct investments, in Anambra._

The remodelling of the Igbo apprentice system – which has been extensively studied by scholars at Harvard University – presents another avenue for making millionaires and creating jobs, according his plan._

His plan does not leave out the large number of traders in Anambra, who need to be integrated into the global world of business and e-commerce. Soludo’s government intends to partner with reputable business schools to develop and help these traders to up their game._

On agriculture, he promises to revalitise palm oil production in Anambra. (Today palm oil as a commodity is traded at an average price of $752 per ton). The plan proposes the distribution of millions of high-yielding palm seedlings to farmers. With this, farmers will be able to escape poverty and supply the raw materials required by agro-processing industries in Nigeria._

The plan seems to want to domesticate federal government’s Executive Order 5 by encouraging the ‘’Buy Anambra’’ and ‘’Made in Anambra’’ project. Public procurement will give priority to goods and services produced in Anambra and seek tax-free/export free zone status for the designated industrial clusters within Anambra State_

Obviously, this would effectively increase the dollar earning capacity of businesses within Anambra. It is believed that Anambra’s new cargo airport and conference centre will be enablers for this development._

Soludo proposes novel ideas for the civil service, solid minerals, petroleum, education, women empowerment, health, tourism and the entertainment industry in his State._

He intends to make Anambra state the one-stop destination for investment, tourism, leisure and studying in Nigeria._

On the vexed issue of security, apart from other soft proposals required to engage all stakeholders in the state, Soludo highlights a very important aspect many commentators have missed out in debates bordering on security_

Soludo intends to amend and implement Anambra State’s Security Trust Fund Law, 2010 and amendment Law, 2018 in order to mobilize and deploy funds towards the procurement of necessary equipment and training of personnel involved in providing security in the State._

This makes a lot of sense because the countries we admire as the most secured in the world spend large chunk of resources on security. The thousands of cameras in the street of London cost money to procure._

These are lofty plans. But the professor is known for implementing lofty ideas. These plans have been published online at https://thesoludosolution.info/. Soludo refers to this publication as his social contract with the people of Anambra._

On one occasion, the professor of economics told his audience to disgrace him if he does not implement this social contract when comes into office._

We see a great future for Anambra with Soludo!

Christian Aburime

Soludo Media

Northern Coalition Begs Court to Allow the Igbos Go

By

Queen Madu

-

October 26, 2021

The coalition of Northern Groups has filed a case asking the court to compel the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to hasten the exit of the South-eastern region out of Nigeria.

They pleaded that this should be done before the conclusion of the ongoing amendment to Nigeria’s constitution.

The secession request was contained in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/538/2021 instituted by the group of elders and politicians from the North led by Nastura Shariff, Balarabe Rufa’I, Abdul-Aziz Sulaiman and Aminu Adam.

In their suit, they argued allowing the Igbo to secede would end violence and destruction in the South-East.

They also explained that this will stop the repeat of the 1967 to 1970 civil war in Nigeria that led to wanton destruction of lives and property.

They also said this would put an end to the agitations by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra led by Nnamdi Kanu.

They prayed for, among others, a declaration that combined effect of the provisions of Section 4 of the Nigerian constitution and Articles 1, 2, and 20(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004, the National Assembly, sued as the fourth defendant “is empowered to set in motion a framework for a referendum to allow the South-eastern region of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to decide on their bid for self-determination.”

They also urged the court to order the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants ( the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly) “to provide a framework that will pave way for the self-determination of the South-eastern states so as to leave the geographical entity called Nigeria before any further step is taken to further amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be further amended at any time after the question of self-determination must have been resolved by Nigerians,” the plaintiffs said.

(Punch)

12 Things You Need to Know About the E-Naira

By

Queen Madu

-

October 26, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, launched Nigeria’s first digital currency, e-Naira.

Buhari unveiled the digital currency at the State House with top government functionaries in attendance.

The digital currency was flagged off with over N500m of the currency minted.

Speaking during the unveiling, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, disclosed that 33 banks had been fully integrated and live on the platform.

However, as the new eNaira hits Nigerians, here is the list of 12 things to know as compiled by DAILY POST

It is a digital storage that holds the eNaira.

It is held and managed on a distributed ledger.

It can be used for remittance, which includes a cheaper diaspora remittance option.

It is traceable so fraudulent activities can be traced.

It can be used for international and local trades.

It has a unique identity and security structure.

It is exchanged peer to peer.

It is universal – anybody can hold it.

It does not yield any interest.

Payments can be made by scanning QR codes.

You can monitor your e-wallet activities.

First digital currency in Africa.

FG Warns IPOB to Stay Clear of Anambra Gubernatorial Election

By

Queen Madu

-

October 26, 2021

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and others who plan to disrupt the upcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State scheduled to hold on November 6th, 2021.

The National Security Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Babagana Monguno, issued the warning during an inter-agency consultative committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Monday.

Mongono said that security agencies will do everything within their power to ensure that the exercise goes smoothly.

“I want to reassure the general public that the security agencies are going to do everything within their power to ensure that the people of Anambra State undergo this exercise without any incident.

In the same vein, I want to offer a word of brotherly advice to our brothers and sisters in Anambra State who may want to use means, methods that are unorthodox and that are unusual to destabilise an already delicate situation, to please, think again.”

We are all eager to achieve results in this election that will be acceptable to everybody. I don’t think it will be helpful for anyone to go out and ignite something that might cause pain for the good people of Anambra State, under whatever disguise. Please think again.”

“The law enforcement agencies, in as much as they have agreed to operate in accordance with the requirements of their profession, will not sit by idle. We will not allow people to start looting, destroying public property, and resorting to not just intimidation, terrorising people, possibly arson and even homicide.”

This will not be accepted. The law enforcement agencies have been asked to watch out for such elements,”, he said.

IPOB had threatened to declare a one week sit-at-home beginning from 4th of November if her leader, Nnamdi Kanu who’s currently being held by the FG isn’t released unconditionally.

(Journalist101)

UN Expresses Concern Over the Violation of Nnamdi Kanu’s Right by FG

By

Queen Madu

-

October 26, 2021

The United Nations has raised concerns on the detainment of Nnamdi Kanu by the Department of State Services and his treatment in their custody.

This was contained in the Mandates of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishments; the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Special Rapporteur on minority issues and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

In the document, reported by The PUNCH, the UN said it received information on allegations of enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment of Nnamdi Kanu by Kenyan Security Officials, as well as his illegal rendition to Nigeria to face trial for terrorism-related charges, which were believed to be linked to his leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

It added that since his rendition to Nigeria, Kanu had been denied family visits, confidential access to a lawyer and necessary medical treatment for his underlying illness.

The mandate read in part, “While we do not prejudge the accuracy of these allegations, we would like to express our concern in relation to the enforced disappearance of Nnamdi Kanu from June 19, 2021, until his reappearance at Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja on June 29, 2021, and his reported illegal rendition from Nairobi to Abuja without judicial process.”

The UN further described the alleged torture and ill-treatment of Kanu as alarming, saying they constitute a violation of fundamental human rights.

It said, “We are further alarmed by the alleged torture and ill-treatment Mr Kanu has been subjected to during his detention by the DSS in Nigeria. If confirmed, these allegations would constitute prima facie violations of fundamental human rights, including the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of liberty and the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment under the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights.

The Committee against Torture and the UN Human Rights Committee has repeatedly concluded that enforced disappearances may amount to torture and other forms of ill-treatment both with regard to the disappeared and with regard to their family members, due to the anguish and uncertainty concerning the date and whereabouts of loved ones.”

The UN further demanded an explanation of the initial steps taken by the Federal Government to safeguard the rights of Kanu in compliance with international instruments.

The mandate read, “As it is our responsibility under the mandates provided to us by the Human Rights Council to seek to clarify all cases brought to our attention, we would be grateful for your observations on the following matters: any additional information and any comment you may have on the above-mentioned allegations.

Please provide detailed information on the current state of health of Mr Kanu and the measures undertaken, or foreseen, to prevent any irreparable damage to his life and personal integrity and to ensure that he has access to the medications and medical treatment required by his health conditions.

Please provide detailed information on the circumstances in which Mr Kanu was arrested, forcibly disappeared before being handed over to Nigerian authorities and transferred from Nairobi to Abuja. Also provide any international arrest warrant that may have been issued against him, prior to his arrest.”

The UN also requested that detailed information on the factual and legal grounds of Kanu’s arrest and detention be provided, as well as formal charges against him and the legal provisions used to charge him.

It also asked that FG explain how Kanu’s arrest and detention were in conformity with the international human rights obligations of Nigeria.