The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, says the country is not using its foreign reserves to defend the naira.
He stated this on Wednesday in Washington DC where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings. Cardoso said $600m came into Nigeria’s reserves account within the last two days.
The naira has appreciated against the dollar in recent weeks, gaining over 40%, from about N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1 now. But while the naira rebound, Nigeria’s foreign reserves are dwindling, dropping to about $32.29 billion on April 15 — the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso said, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where for example, debt are due and certain payment needs to be made, they are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.
“Other times money comes in, takes it up again, between yesterday and today, about $600m that came into the reserves account. We are looking towards a market that operats by itself, willing buyers, willing sellers and price discovery.
“The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending naira and that is certainly not our objective.”
The President talked tough yesterday on violent ethnic agitation. According to him, those who push for the balkanization of the country violently will face the consequences.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said: “Those who think they can threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria will have themselves to blame.
“They have a price to pay and we are not going to relent”.
The President spoke against the backdrop of the weekend’s violent attempt to take over the seat of government in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by some Yoruba Nation agitators.
The President opened up while receiving leaders of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, led by nonagenarian Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Also on the delegation were some leaders of thought and traditional rulers in the Southwest.
The President warned those who think they can undermine the country’s unity and go scot-free to perish the thought as the consequences will be grave. He told his audience that his administration had recorded significant progress against insurgency where it exists in the country.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President declared that his administration would not relent in its fight against criminals.
He assured that the menace of banditry and kidnapping is on the verge of defeat, especially with the ‘no ransom’ policy of the government.
He explained: “I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy.
“Constitutional democracy is reflected greatly here since we assumed office. What we face now is the challenge of terrorism.
“Security of life and property is very necessary for development. I can tell you we are achieving success.
The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu has granted the order that Wunmi, the wife of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, be served notice of the pending DNA test application by substituted means.
This was contained in a statement signed by a member of the legal team to the Aloba family, Monisola Odumosu . In the application filed by the legal team to Joseph Aloba, father to the late singer, the family sought an order to serve Wunmi by posting all the originating processes and other processes in the suit on the last-known address of the respondent.
According to the statement, the legal team led by Emmanuel Oroko had argued that the sheriff had attempted twice to serve Wunmi the court process but failed.
Odumosu stated that “If the process were served on the last-known address of the respondent by Order of the Court, it would constitute good service and she would be aware of the pending suit. The Chief Magistrate granted the order and ordered that the respondent be served by posting the court process on her last known address.
“It will be recalled that the Aloba family is contesting the paternity of baby Liam and filed an application before the Family Court wherein it sought an order of the court against Wunmi to present herself and baby Liam for a DNA test at any recognized laboratory in Lagos.”
The statement added that the singer’s wife, in a viral video, said she was ready for a DNA test, noting that she had never been available for the court sheriff to serve her the originating motion.
Odumosu however disclosed that the matter had been adjourned till next month for the report of service.
When contacted, Wunmi’s lawyer, Taiwo Olawanle, denied knowledge of the court order.
He said, “We don’t have the court order. If we have an order, we will advise her to adhere to it. That is not a problem. But we are not aware of any order. I am just hearing that from you.”
Mohbad died at the age of 27, on September 12, 2023, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media.
Being a former record label signee of Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. The Lagos State Police Command had on September 18, 2023, inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the singer’s death.
His death also led to the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, amongst others.
The singer’s body was on September 21, 2023, exhumed for autopsy to unravel the cause of his death.
Popular Nigerian activist, Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, has taken as swipe at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the arraignment of businessman, Cubana Chiefpriest for Naira abuse.
He accused the anti-corruption agency of indulging in “frivolous shenanigans to distract Nigerians.”
He then asked why EFCC is going after people for Naira abuse rather than for serious crimes.
According to him, spraying Naira is a “part of our age-long familiar culture which promotes bonding among people.”
He said that the three-count charge EFCC brought against Paschal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, “leaves one thinking that the Commission has no important job to do” and they are only indulging in frivolous acts to “keep distracting poor, hungry, and hopeless Nigerians.
Charley Boy wrote on Instagram: “Currently, the attention of Nigerians is being drawn to an issue that has no bearing whatsoever, on the well-being of the ordinary people or the National economy.
“The arrest and arraignment of person or persons spraying the local currency, Naira, at social events is now a f3cking Big deal.”
He continued: “Why focus massive energy, on frivolous, pedestrian, and harmless misdemeanor by people catching fun rather than going after those who use executive powers to steal humongous amounts from the public Treasury with reckless impunity?
“God punish all of una in EFCC, una no go die better. Ur Fathers.
“Seriously my people una think say na the kin work EFCC suppose to dey do?”
A Bishop who was stabbed in Sydney in an attack reportedly motivated by religious extremism says he has forgiven his attacker.
The Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church in Sydney’s west has spoken out, revealing that he is recovering quickly and has already forgiven his attacker. This comes as police intensify their investigation into the riots that ensued following the bishop’s stabbing.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, the target of the stabbing at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s west, spoke out for the first time since the attack, conveying a message of forgiveness and resilience.
Posting an audio message on social media, he assured his followers of his quick recuperation and expressed forgiveness towards his assailant, and anyone associated with the act. “I forgive whoever has done this act … I will always pray for you and whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well,” he stated.
The attack on Bishop Emmanuel, deemed a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, has shaken the community, coming just days after a deadly knife rampage at a shopping center near Bondi beach.
A teenager has been arrested in connection with the assault on the bishop and remains under police guard in hospital.
The aftermath of the incident saw a surge of anger, with an enraged crowd clashing with emergency responders outside the church, demanding retribution against the suspected attacker.
New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb condemned the violence, revealing that a 19-year-old man, not affiliated with the church, has been charged in connection with his involvement in the riot.
People just came along to participate in a riot. That is disgraceful and disgusting,” Webb expressed during a news briefing.
In the midst of the investigations, efforts are being made to restore calm and order. Bishop Emmanuel urged his congregation to maintain composure and abide by the law.
Meanwhile, the Bondi mall, where a separate knife attack took place just days earlier, reopened to allow people to pay their respects to the victims. Stores remained closed, with a white floral tribute laid out on the second floor.
The local council mayor, Paula Masselos, expressed the community’s grief and highlighted the need for time to process the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday, with flowers and bouquets already piling up at a makeshift memorial.
Enugu– The Congress of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), a pan-Igbo development and civilization group, has suspended 11 of its former officers for engaging in subversive conducts aimed at undermining and destroying the foundation.
Addressing a press conference in Enugu on Wednesday, the Chairman of ADF Congress, Prof Uzodinma Nwala, said the suspended members are given two weeks to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the ADF Congress.Nwala noted that “failure to do so and/or if found guilty of the offences for which they are being charged, they are liable for expulsion from the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).
” The former officers suspended included: Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a former Chairman of ADF Business Committee; Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, former Treasurer of the ADF and Bishop Obi Udezue Onubogu, former Chairman of the ADF BOT. Others are: Dr J. C. Chukwuokolo, former Chairman of the Enugu Chapter of ADF; Mr Max Ozoaka, former member of the ADF Legal Bureau and Mr Abia Onyeike, former Acting Secretary of ADF among others.
Nwala also stated that the former member were suspended by conducting election meant to seize the leadership of the ADF.According to him, they were suspended for their refusal to respect the intervention and advice of some of the Elders of the ADF who had advised that Election into the Offices of the ADF should be held on April 11, 2024.
He said: “The day they carried out this sham selection at Enugu was the day the President of ADF, Emeritus Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, was hosting guests including several ADF leaders at his home in Imo State in honour of his beloved daughter’s traditional marriage.
“The Elders of ADF had ruled against any election on this date in order to show respect to Prof Nwala, who had meritoriously led the ADF for ten years, as well as served the Nigerian State and Igbo nation in worthy roles and initiatives most of his life.”The Elders had proposed the election to be held on April 11 2024. But these men in their bid to satisfy their personal interests and those of their sponsors will nor respect any limit because they believe that Nigeria is a lawless country.
“According to him, the suspended members refused to abide by the authority of the ADF Council and setting up an illegal Election Committee without the Authority of the Council of the ADF whose constitutional right it is to organize election.
… as Aguata Branch of NBA honours her as “Amazon of the Frontline Bar”
The Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, has bagged “Amazon of the Frontline Bar” award; courtesy of the Aguata branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
The award, presented during the 2024 Law Week of the association, was in recognition of the Justice Commissioner’s “positive support, hospitality and motivation to the Bar”.
Receiving the honour and dedicating same to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Professor Ifemeje announced that the end-to-end full automation of the 31 High Courts in Anambra and the Ministry of Justice, when completed by the end of the year, would make the state the first to achieve such feat in the Nigeria justice sector.
She stated that innovative, disruptive and transformative projects going on in the state justice sector are in line with Governor Soludo’s promise of expeditious dispensation of justice.
Other achievements of the state government in the justice sector, according to the Commissioner, include solar installation in all the High Courts, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and Court of Appeal in Anambra, as well as all four Correctional Service Centres in the state.
She recalled that the Soludo administration has equally deployed virtual hearing facilities in all the High Courts and four Correctional Service Centres in the state, and has also embarked on massive renovation of all the Ministry of Justice Outstations in Nnewi, Awka, Onitsha, and Otuocha.
Earlier while welcoming participants to the event, the Chairman of Aguata Branch of the NBA, Victor Ezeonwumelu Esq., noted that the Law Week, which has been a biennial celebration in the branch, was not held since after that of 2020 due insecurity within and around the Old Aguata Region of the state, reason he commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration for doing alot to curb the unfortunate tide through good governance.
Noting that the Aguata Branch has since inception continued its search for a revolutionizing role for the law profession in the seemingly impracticable task of reshaping and re-routing the Nigerian nation through rich and robust indepth lectures, Barrister Ezeonwumelu explained that the 2024 Law Week with the theme, “Interrogating the judicial responses to the application of ICT as a panacea to electoral malpractices in Nigeria”, was yet another modest contribution to the “Nigerian Project”.
He congratulated award recipients at the event, and challenge them to continually justify the honors bestowed on them by further investment in integrity and industry in the years ahead.
… as Anambra govt plans establishment of juvenile Correctional Centers
Having specialized courts or specific days for criminal and civil matters will ensure speedy trial and determination of criminal cases, thereby helping to decongest Correctional Centres in the state, as well as upholding rights of inmates awaiting trial.
Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, announced this as the decision of members of the Anambra State Steering Committee on Implementation of International Idea/ROLAC II Programme during its meeting in Awka.
At the meeting, members of the committee were briefed on challenges, expected targets and action plans for the next quarter of the year.
Professor Ifemeje, who also said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is committed to having a Correctional Centers for juveniles in conflict with the law in the state, explained that the absence of the centers has been creating problems in character reformation in a congested facility.
She explained that the amendment of the constitution of the federal government that included Correctional Centers in the Concurrent Legislative List has enabled the Anambra State Ministry of Justice to initiate Correctional Service Bill to help the state in proper facility management and possible expansion; given that criminality rate is on the increase in present-day society.
Professor Ifemeje, who also chairs the steering committee, commended RoLAC for being helpful in reforming the justice sector of the state and strengthening its anti corruption drive.
On his part, a member of the committee and Chairman of Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie, said that access to justice requires that attention be given to speedy trial of criminal cases, which he said will ensure that those in awaiting trial are not allowed to stay long and be badly influenced by convicted inmates.
He noted that the concept of correction suggests that people who break the law get reformed and reintegrated into the society for a better life, reason he said there is the need for separation of those who actually needs to be rehabilitated from those who need to be “locked away” to serve their jail terms.
Earlier in her remark, the Anambra State Cordinator of RoLAC, Mrs Josephine Onah, called for increased state support for better project outcomes.
Other members of the steering committee present at the meeting were a Senior Magistrate, Mike Anyadiegwu, Deputy Chief Registrar, Inspectorate, Anambra State High Court, Vivian Udedike, state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu, Permanent Secretary, Office of the state Head of Service, Mr. Adebayo Ojeyinka.
Members of Civil Society Organizations, including the Executive Director, Civil Rights Concern, Mr. Okey Onyeka, Executive Director of Victorian Clarion Foundation, Mrs Uju Onyendilefu, State Cordinator, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Barrister Amaka Maduabuchi also attended the meeting.
…labels Tinubu administration real terrorist government.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has firmly condemned recent events unfolding in Oyo State, where Yoruba nation agitators invaded the Oyo State Government secretariat in the Agodi area.
The group said the agitators, purportedly members of the ‘Ominira Yoruba,’ a secessionist group led by Modupe Onitiri Abiola, have taken a misguided approach in their pursuit of self-determination.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by BDFCG Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, the Pro-Biafran group said while it acknowledges and supports the aspirations of various groups seeking liberation from the shackles of oppression and tyranny, it vehemently denounces any attempt to undermine democratic processes and institutions.
It said “The audacious move to forcefully take over government facilities without due process sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the very principles of democracy and the rule of law”, and called upon Yoruba counterparts in the solemn quest for political independence from the “unworkable fake union called Nigeria” to reconsider their methods and join forces with other like-minded agitators across the contraption.
BDFCG maintained that “The struggle for freedom from the colonial vestiges of Nigeria requires unity and a coherent strategy that respects the rights and aspirations of all ethnic groups”.
The group expressed belief that the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents the true face of terrorism, adding that the administration, “with its iron grip on power and disregard for the welfare of its citizens, has become a puppet regime serving the interests of a few ruling elites and their foreign collaborators”.
BDFCG insisted that the only viable solution to challenge these oppressive forces is through a democratic process that empowers the masses and allows for peaceful mobilization towards a common goal, urging all agitators and lovers of freedom to reject violence and embrace the power of unity and collective action in the quest for true freedom and self-determination.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed May 20, to rule on the application seeking to transfer the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned for ruling after listening to arguments on the application.
Counsel for the defendant, Alloy Ejimakor, had during the proceedings moved the application to prepare him for trial.
He said his continued detention in the Department of State Services custody would mitigate the accelerated hearing ordered by the court.
Ejimakor said, “We seek the transfer of the defendant from the DSS’ detention to a house arrest or other similar places of custody or similar law enforcement agency’s custody.
“It is important to do so, my lord. The application did not arrive in a vacuum. We made it orally and were directed to put it into writing. We are offering solutions to assist in accelerating hearings ordered by the court.
“It is not strange to have a defendant detained in a house arrest. Sambo Dasuki and El-Zaky Zaky have enjoyed this in the past.”
The counsel for the prosecution, Adegboyega Awolomo (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application.
