In the past few weeks, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has been reorganizing his media team. This commenced after Sir Paul Chukwuma announced members of his campaign team made up of experienced and credible hands who are familiar with Anambra State and its politics.
Apparently rattled by this development, Governor Soludo responded starting by appointing Mr. Chuka Nnabuife as Managing Director of the Civic and Social Reformation Office.
Nnabuife who was the Managing Director of Anambra Newspaper and Printing Corporation, which Soludo has shut down, was initially interviewed for the position more than six months ago.
Coincidentally, his appointment, it would appear, came as part of Soludo’s response to Sir Paul Chukwuma, who is now the new face of strategic opposition politics in Anambra State.
Last week, the governor announced the sack of the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service – ABS, Chido Obidiegwu, and immediately replaced him with Mr. Molokwu. Then on Tuesday, Soludo’s Commissioner for Information Paul Nwosu, left the government and on that same day, the governor sent Dr. Law Mefor as his new nominee for the position of Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, to the Anambra State House of Assembly. The same day, he was screened and confirmed and sworn in immediately as the new Anambra State Commissioner for Information. During the screening at the plenary presided over by Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Dr. Mefor was required to respond to questions from honourable members. Rt. Hon. Okoye took time to recognize and call members to ask their questions. Hon. Noble Igwe, Hon. Golden Ilo, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader, Hon. Tony Muobike, Hon. Ndubuisi Ngobili, and Hon. Augustine Ike, asked questions to which Dr. Mefor duly answered.
Two things stood out from his responses; one is that Dr. Law Mefor is fully aware that his appointment carries significant political weight and an unimaginable demand on him to deliver on that mandate.
Unsurprisingly, Dr. Mefor kept emphasizing that he would rely on political communication and also work with Chuka Nnabuife’s agency, to manage the people’s perception. The second thing that stood out when responding to the inquiry about how he intends to get the money to fund his political communication, he said he would rely on his goodwill and longstanding contacts.
This may suggest that Dr. Law Mefor is already familiar with the problem funding has created for the media in Soludo’s government.
As an experienced media personality, Dr. Mefor might have done his bits if he started the journey with Governor Soludo. But right now, with the level of disconnection between the current government in Anambra State and the people, the rising insecurity, the lack of human face which the government is often accused of, and the more traditional accusation of lack of listening ability by the government; all these have now made the job far more uneasy. Although Dr, Mefor is grounded in media practice and may better manage press men and women in Anambra State, the challenge now is that he has inherited a neglected media community and the benefits will naturally rub off. He has inherited goodwill that has now dried up and a relationship that has turned sore.
For that and many more reasons, there is only a slim chance for him to make a good impression and quickly win the support he needs to succeed. With about a year to the next governorship election, Mefor has not exactly joined the government in the best of times. However, at least, Anambra State now has a Commissioner for Information who will answer his phone calls and respond to messages from journalists. But it is not enough.
The reality is that it is not going to be an easy ride. Whatever it’s worth, what Dr. Law Mefor plans to do differently might not align with the expectations of his employer. Considering that Prof. Soludo is now almost anxious about his public perception, his expectations are certainly high. At some point, if Dr. Mefor falls into work pressure as the stake becomes higher, political dynamics might change with intense speed and cause a sweep. This is predictable. For now, the only person who can make a difference in Governor Soludo’s public perception is Governor Soludo himself.
Good Governance ministry would like to convey our warmest congratulations to Dr Law Mefor ( Ichie Anueyiagu) on his appointment as the Commissioner for information in the Government of Anambra State.
Your appointment comes at this auspicious moment where the challenges of communicating Government information is at its lowest ebb and when Citizen’s awareness about government activities is much needed more than ever before.
Therefore,we have the conviction that you posses the confidence, clout and the track record to navigate the emerging complexities of managing information in meeting and exceeding expectations especially in the current globalization of things.
Be assured of our support and sincere wishes in carrying out your duties in furtherance of progress and prosperity of Ndi Anambra.
Signed
Henry Ebubeogu
Spokesperson,GGM.
Email: ggovernanceministry@gmail.com
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Sowore was taken into custody immediately upon his arrival in Nigeria on Sunday.
Earlier that day,our Reporter reported that members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists gathered at the airport to await Sowore’s return.
He had been in the United States with his family. His flight departed from Washington Dulles International Airport at 6:14 AM EDT and arrived in Lagos at approximately 9:43 AM WAT.
On September 12, 2024, SaharaReporters exclusively revealed that a DSS memo ordering Sowore’s arrest upon his arrival had leaked.
In response, Sowore criticized the DSS for issuing the arrest directive, stating that he intended to return to Nigeria “very soon.”
In a post on his X account on Thursday, Sowore remarked, “The current administration, led by Tinubu, has shown an alarming inability to effectively track and apprehend terrorism suspects, bandits, and kidnappers, while the @officialEFCC has yet to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
“Meanwhile, the lawless @OfficialDSSNG has added my name to their ‘watchlist’ for arrest upon my arrival in Nigeria.”
He emphasized, “It is crucial to acknowledge that Nigeria needs salvation, and our people require liberation, which will require considerable effort. I plan to return home shortly, I mean very soon.”
The arrest directive, issued by the newly appointed DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, was linked to Sowore’s involvement in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has officially reached an agreement with the management of Dangote Refinery on the commercial terms for the supply of crude oil to the refinery and the off-taking and distribution of petrol and diesel from the facility.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the Dangote Refinery will begin the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on Sunday.
Edun, who was represented by the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
“I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, Sept. 15.
“From Oct. 1, NNPC Ltd. will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, to be paid for in Naira. In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, to be paid in Naira.
“Diesel will be sold in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC, NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now,” he said.
Edun said that all associated regulatory costs (NPA, NIMASA, etc.) would also be paid for in Naira.
“We are also setting up a one-stop shop that will coordinate service provision from all regulatory, and security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of this initiative. This will be located in Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). Lagos.
“The technical committee that worked to flesh out this initiative will transition to an implementation execution and monitoring committee that will be working out of Lagos for the next three to six months,” he said.
Edun recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) , under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, approved the sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira.
He said that the initiative would help reduce pressure on the Naira, eliminate unnecessary transaction costs, and improve availability of petroleum products in the country.
The minister said that the implementation committee chaired by him, and the other technical committee had worked intensely with NNPCL and Dangote Refinery, to fashion out the details of the modalities for the implementation of FEC approval.
“We would sincerely like to thank President Tinubu for championing this novel initiative and assure him that he can count on us to implement his vision.
“I will also like to thank everyone for the hard work and patriotism exhibited over the last couple of weeks,” he said.
Our Reporter reports that Edun chaired the presidential committee on the sales of crude oil and refined products for domestic consumption in Naira.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken swift action against one of its prominent members, Senator Dino Melaye from Kogi, suspending him over alleged anti-party activities.
This decision, according to a memo sighted by on Friday, was made by the ward party executive committee in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 after reviewing the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate Melaye’s actions.
It appears that Melaye’s recent actions were deemed detrimental to the PDP’s interests and unity, prompting the suspension.
This move is not unprecedented, as the PDP has taken similar actions against other members accused of anti-party activities. For instance, Peter Babalola, a chieftain from Osun, was suspended in August 2024 for alleged anti-party activities and not attending party meetings for two years.
In another instance, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, was also suspended by the Benue PDP over alleged anti-party activities.
Similarly, Senator Gabriel Suswam and others were summoned by the Benue PDP over alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.
These actions demonstrate the PDP’s commitment to maintaining party discipline and unity. However, details of Melaye’s suspension are still emerging, and more information is expected to follow.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) wishes to reassure Biafrans that, despite the current confusion engulfing Nigeria, there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel. The failure of the Nigerian state is evident, rooted in a faulty foundation that has led to the collapse of its political and economic systems. As Biafrans, it is essential that we stay focused on the path towards freedom, a path that guarantees a better future for our people.
In the political realm, it is clear that Nigeria’s institutions are crumbling. One cannot plant mangoes and expect to harvest oranges. The absence of internal democracy within all political parties has destroyed the nation’s political framework, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) exploiting the ignorance and indifference of the people. The inability of the oppressed masses to unite and choose a clear course of action has allowed the ruling political class to maintain their grip on power, perpetuating the oppression of the people.
On the economic front, the situation is even worse. The ill-conceived policies of floating the naira and the purported removal of fuel subsidies have inflicted untold hardship on Nigeria’s indigenous populations. For decades, Biafrans have maintained that Nigeria is not a nation-state but a construct designed to serve the business interests of foreign powers and a select few local elites. The political structure of Nigeria, built on fraudulent foundations, dictates and corrupts the economic system. As long as the political structure remains fraudulent, the economic suffering will persist. This confusion will not end until the indigenous peoples of Nigeria come together to pursue a system built on indigenous values and interests.
However, for Biafrans, the path forward is becoming clearer each day. The majority now agree with the De Facto Customary Government that the struggle for independence is a political process, and the power of the people surpasses that of the few in government. Armed struggle is a relic of the past and is not the instrument to use in the 21st century to secure political power. Instead, it is through the political process that state actors can organize and mobilize the people to determine their future.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government remains committed to educating and mobilizing Biafrans on the sure path to political and economic freedom. We will continue our efforts to lead the people towards achieving independence and liberation within the shortest possible time.
The Edo State Governor and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has indicated that the PDP may not sign the Peace Accord today on the grounds that the agency, the Police, responsible for enforcing the accord have, through their actions, shown that they are acting in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and waging war against the PDP.
Obaseki spoke when he received the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC) and former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital, ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, raised alarm over the deployment of associates of the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to act as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State and the Edo Commissioner of Police in the lead up to the September 21 governorship election.
The governor, had in a statement he personally signed on September 10, noted that since the commencement of the electioneering process in the State, the steps taken by the Police has shown that they are one-sided.
During his interaction with Abubakar in Benin City, the governor expressed worry that the Police under the manipulation of the APC, has arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceived would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election, including the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun, who was arrested and whisked to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
He noted that upon learning of the council chairman’s arrest, he reached out to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, asking that due process be followed and that the matter be handled within the State’s jurisdiction, a directive which was flouted, directly undermining his authority as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the State. The governor also noted that the PDP chairman had also written two petitions to the IGP over the harassment of the party leaders, which has not been attended to.
Obaseki therefore queried how one enters a peace accord with an umpire who, from the onset, has shown bias in favor of one of the parties in the election.
The governor also demanded the immediate unconditional release of the PDP chieftains who were arrested in gestapo style by the Police and whisked to secret holding centres, noting that if these PDP leaders were legally arrested, they should be charged to courts in Benin City to answer for whatever infractions they are said to have committed.
According to him, “You are very conversant with the politics of Edo State. You were here in 2020 and we had a very heated election. You know this is an off-circle election and there is a lot of attention.
“Unlike 2020, I am very worried with the developments in the State today. The party met yesterday and we might not likely sign this agreement. This is the first time we are witnessing that the person who is supposed to keep and enforce the peace accord is now an active participant in creating a destructive environment.
“The opposition party in the State, the APC has always argued that they may not be as popular and didn’t win in the last election but however promised to use Federal might to determine the outcome of the election.”
He added: “We thought it’s just rhetoric but in the last four weeks, we’ve had a situation where from the office of the IGP, armed gang policemen have come into Edo State to invade, arrest and take away PDP members.
As we speak there are 10 PDP members arrested and detained in Abuja without a trial. Two days ago, they came to pick up a local government chairman. The Chairman was going back home and was attacked and shot at. We reported and the police asked him to come and give evidence, he came and was arrested. As I speak, he is in Abuja.
“Even if an offense has been committed in Edo State, why will you not charge the offenses and try them here in the State. Why take them to Abuja, are the offenses of high treason? Why not charge them to court?
“The IGP’s office came in, issued a warrant to arrest 60 PDP supporters, driving all our leaders into hiding. My role as the Chief Security Officer of the State is being made nonsense of by the IGP. I heard somebody was arrested and I called the Commissioner to inform him. He said he will come back to me only to hear that he moved the person to Abuja.
“Tell me sir, how can we sign a peace accord in this situation? Clearly, what they are saying is that it’s going to be a violent election and that they are going to use the forces of coercion and intimidation to win elections in Edo whether we like it or not. That is the message. Now that the IGP is in town, we say until everybody arrested is brought back to Edo and be tried here in Edo for whatever offences they have committed, we have no confidence that the police will protect us in Edo State during the Governorship election.”
On his part, the chairman of the PDP in Edo, Aziegbemi, said the party is raising dust over the involvement of Wike’s associates in the election because of the well-documented disagreement between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the FCT Minister, Wike, noting that the party sees the involvement of the officials as a recipe for disaster as they share close links with the Minister and are wont to do his bidding before, during and after the elections.
Aziegbemi noted that the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is Anugbum Onuoha, who is a former Special Adviser on Lands to the FCT Minister, Wike while he served as Governor, adding that the Edo Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, a close associate of the FCT Minister, was deployed to the State barely a month ago.
The PDP chair also stressed that the close link between these officials and the Minister means that the election may have been compromised even before it kicked off.
In a statement, Aziegbemi said: “We are worried that the election may have been compromised even before it starts. This is because we are certain that the officials responsible for conducting a free, fair and credible election are close associates of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“The INEC REC in Edo is Wike’s cousin and served as a Special Adviser on Lands to him in Rivers State. Everyone in Nigeria knows the antecedents of Wike and his conduct during elections in Rivers State. So we will not close our eyes and watch him deploy the same tactic in Edo State.
“The current Edo State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, is also a close associate of Wike. We believe he would not act in the best interest of Edo people nor even in the spirit and letters of the electoral act.
“So, it is no wonder that the Police have been acting arbitrarily in the run up to the election. They have been after members and leaders of the PDP in the last few weeks, as a rogue team has been hounding, arresting and whisking PDP leaders away to Abuja in a gestapo style. So, for us, the precedent has been set and we will not sit and watch these men cause chaos in the State in pursuit of personal vendetta.”
*Question: Is Southeast and Igboland the same thing?*
*Answer* : Not at all. Southeast is only about 3/5th of Igboland. Igboland covers the whole of Southeast, parts of Rivers, Delta, Edo, Cross river, Benue, Kogi and Akwa Ibom states.
*Question: Why were we taught in school that Igbo people are easterners?*
*Answer* : It is both an unfortunate parroting by teachers and careless adoption by Igbo educated class. Igbo people come from Southern Nigeria and not Eastern Nigeria. It may be correct to say that the Igbo are found predominantly in eastern Nigeria. However, by saying that the Igbo are easterners, the implication is that the Igbo in western Nigeria, numbering about 2.5 million (Agbor, Ogwashi Ukwu, Ibuzo, Okpanam, Asaba, Orimili, Ndokwa, Anioma, etc) are not Igbos. The best known Igbo anthropologist Professor Mike Onwuejeogwu is from the western part of Nigeria, Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Dennis Osadebe, Okonkwo Adibe (the famous musician), Sony Odogwu, etc. are all from the western part of Nigeria. They are no less Igbo than those who live in the eastern part of Nigeria. The correct answer to your question is “the Igbo come from Southern Nigeria.”
*Question: Why do some Igbo refer to themselves as “core Igbo?”*
*Answer:* That is clearly arrant nonsense. Nobody is core and others peripheral. All Igbo are the same. It is both arrogant, thoughtless and insensitive for anybody to regard others as marginal.
*Question: Is Igboland landlocked?*
*Answer:* Not at all. Igboland stretches from Port Harcourt to Agbor. The Atlantic ocean washes the shores of Igboland at the islands Opobo and Bonny, Africa’s second largest river – River Niger, traverses Igboland with one part of Igboland in the east and another part in the west of Nigeria. Oguta Lake has the potential of accommodating large ships and could be made a navigable port. If Igboland is landlocked, then all Nigeria is landlocked.
*Question: Is there oil in Igboland?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There is a lot of Oil & Gas in Imo, Abia and currently in Anambra states, and Igbo areas in Rivers and Delta States. Besides, Igboland has many other natural resources, including Coal, Iron ore, Limestone, Lead, Zinc, Brine, Glass etc.
*Question: Are the Igbo a nation or a tribe?*
*Answer:* The Igbo are a nation, and a very large one. There are many dialects or tribes in Igbo nation, just like you have many tribes within Israel.
*Question: Why do some Ikwerre people and other non southeastern Igbo say they are not Igbo?*
*Answer:* First, it is not up to them to say what they are and what they are not. When God created them, He did not ask them who they wanted to be. He just created them Igbo. The only way you’ll know who belongs to what ethnic group in Nigeria is the name and what language the name comes from. Anybody whose name is Amadi or Onyeri, or Eke, or Odili, Wanodi (Nwanodi) does not need to tell you who he is. He is Igbo, notwithstanding their politics.
*Question: But they claim that their language is Ikwerre, not Igbo.*
*Answer:* That is politics. Ikwerre is a dialect of Igbo language. Just like an Ngwa man speaks Ngwa Igbo, Arochukwu speaks Arochukwu Igbo, Ika speaks Ika Igbo, Ibani speaks Ibani Igbo etc.
*Question: Some people say that Igbo language is not complete, is it true?*
*Answer:* No language is complete. All languages borrow from each other. Igbo language is very rich. It has inexhaustible and rich linguistic features like idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, sayings, anecdotes, riddles, folklores, etc. Igbo language is one of the major languages of the world, being spoken by millions of people.
*Question: How many are the Igbo?*
*Answer:* The Igbo are very numerous. There is educated guess that if Nigeria’s census is properly enumerated, the Igbo could easily be the largest ethnic group in the country. They may number up to 40 million. Everything right now, is speculation. Nobody knows the true stratification or ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are the only ethnic group found in large numbers everywhere in Nigeria, and foreign countries more than any other ethnic group in Africa.
*Question: Do the Igbo have a culture of their own?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. Igbo culture is perhaps, one of the richest and all-encompassing cultures in this world. Igbo culture always observes the temporal and the spiritual aspects of cosmology. The study of Igbo culture reveals that it is extremely deep and original.
*Question: Why do the Igbo wear Yoruba Agbada and Hausa babban riga but the Yoruba and the Hausa do not ever wear Igbo national dress?*
*Answer* : Unfortunately this is the case. The Igbo have very attractive and resplendent national dresses. And they come in assortments that are extremely dignifying. The Igbo take up foreign cultures more readily than other Nigerians, and they seem not to care that nobody reciprocates their carefree attitude to life. Most ethnics promote their cultures and show off what makes them unique. Actually, it is still the same so-called educated Igbo class who behave in such disgraceful and the devil-may-care attitude.
*Question: Why do the Igbo call themselves Biafrans?*
*Answer:* Great question. Some people have the idea that Biafra originates from the Bight of Biafra. But that is wrong. Biafra was the National name of Igboland given to Igbo by the Portuguese, just as Nigeria was named by the English of Britain. There was the Kingdom of Biafra that ruled most of the ancient subtropical Africa about 50,000 years ago. Unfortunately, nobody talks about it, for whatever reason (maybe because Portugal lost the colony right of Biafra to Britain who buried it, in other to promote Nigeria amalgamation), “I do not know”. But, it is in the ancient maps of the world. If you wish search it in Google.
*Question: Were the Igbo also taken into slavery during the slave trade?*
*Answer:* Yes. The Igbo slaves themselves gave account of their travails in slavery. Olauda Ekwuano an Igbo ex-slave who bought his freedom in Britain was the first slave to write about his experience in slavery. His book has become a classic. You ought to find it and read it. Also, other Igbos who were brought to America revolted and some walked back on water and were said to have returned to Africa. Several books have been written about them. One of such books is “Ibo Landing.” It is available in bookstores like Barnes & Noble. In Haiti, the Igbo settled there and refused to be colonized by anybody. There are many places where the Igbo left their mark or their signature.
*Question: How did the Igbo know days and years?*
*Answer:* The Igbo invented an accurate, if not the most accurate calendar called “Iguafo Igbo (Igbo Calendar).” In Igbo calendar, there are four market days – Eke, Afor, Nkwo, Orie that make one week. Four days make one week, seven weeks make one month, and thirteen months make one year. There are 28 days for each month, with the last month having 29 days. Each month starts the same day as the previous. Igbo calendar forms the perfect astronomical alignment with the cosmos, and regulates the seasons, agriculture, navigation, astrology, geography, mathematics, travel, etc.
*Question: Did the Igbo have their own alphabet?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. It is called “Nsibidi.”
*Question: How about mathematics; did the Igbo know mathematics?*
*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There are such inventions as “Okwe” and “Mkpisi” which the Igbo used to resolve figures.
*Question: Did the Igbo know anything about banking?*
*Answer:* Yes. Igbo banking was more in the nature of Savings and Loans. The authentic Igbo savings and loans invention called “Isusu’ in which contributions are pooled each week and one person, who has the need, collects, is still in practice. Igbo slaves took this invention to the Caribbean Islands where they still practise it and call it “Sue Sue.”
*Question: Some people say that Igboland is too small for the Igbo, that they have no alternative than to live as Nigerians: is this true?*
*Answer:* False. Igboland is a large country. Do every Igbo need to stay and work in Igboland? No. Everywhere in the world, some will stay home while others venture abroad in search of opportunities. Igboland is large enough for the Igbo. And it is a very rich and hospitable part of the world. It has rich soil for agriculture, abundant rainfall, good sunshine, and table land in many parts. Its land space and population are more than that of over half of the present countries in the world.
*Question: Where did the Igbo come from?*
*Answer:* That question is still being asked. There are very intriguing theories or histories now being studied. You may have heard of the Jewish angle & the Egypt angle which are connected, and the Origin of man angle. This twenty-first century, hopefully, will resolve the mystery.
The Naira significantly gained against the dollar at the foreign exchange market 24 hours after depreciation.
FMDQ data showed that the naira appreciated to N1,555.75 per dollar on Wednesday from N1637.59 on Tuesday.
This represents an N81 gain against the dollar compared to N1,637.59 exchanged on Tuesday.
Further analysis showed that the Naira’s appreciation on Wednesday surpassed the N57.13 depreciation recorded on the previous day.
Similarly, Dayyabu Ashiru, a Bureau De Change operator in Wuse Zone 4 told DAILY POST that the naira gained to N1650 per dollar on Wednesday compared to N1660 on Tuesday.
“We sell at N1650 per dollar and buy at N1645 on Wednesday”, he said.
This comes as Foreign exchange transaction turnover stood at $221.24 million on Wednesday from $197.37 million on Monday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would conduct a thorough medical examination on its president, Joe Ajaero, to ensure his health has not been adversely affected by the detention.
The union also demanded return of his withheld travel documents.
Ajaero was arrested by operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
In a statement by its Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, yesterday, the NLC said Ajaero was freed around 11pm, following significant pressure from the Congress and a firm ultimatum from its National Administrative Council (NAC), which had demanded his release by midnight.
The workers’ body applauded Nigerians, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), affiliated groups, and the international community for their overwhelming support during what it termed ‘the recent unlawful arrest and detention of its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.’
NLC praised the unity and solidarity shown in defense of justice and workers’ rights, which it said showed the strength of collective action and the deep connection between the Nigerian populace and the labor movement.
The Congress further condemned Ajoero’s arrest as a severe abuse of power and an attack on the rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens.
The NLC warned against further actions by the government that could undermine the labour movement and stifle legitimate demands, including the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
It reiterated calls for the release of citizens detained for participating in #EndBadGovernance protests, cessation of the suppression of dissenting voices,m as well as reversal of recent hikes in petrol and electricity tariffs.
NLC noted that the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tueday has been postponed to assess the situation and determine future actions.
“The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice. The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed for today has therefore been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle.
“We call on all Nigerians, our affiliates, and the international community to remain steadfast and vigilant as we continue this fight. The NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all,” the Congress added.
