Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement
President Bola Tinubu has relieved Mamman Ahmadu of his duties as director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). In a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, the president also approved the appointment of Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the new DG of the BPE. “Mr. Gbeleyi is a renowned financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant,” the statement read. “He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). “He is also an alumnus of executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School. “He has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration. “He was the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015. “The President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience and competence to bear in this role to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity building and sustenance of reforms through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources, as well as advancing effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors.”
Names of fleeing Niger inmates released
In a bid to expedite the recapture of escaped prisoners, the Nigerian Correctional Service has released the database of inmates who fled from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. The escape, which has raised significant security concerns, prompted immediate action from the NCoS. The released database includes detailed information about the inmates, aimed at aiding law enforcement and the public in identifying and locating the fugitives. A total of 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Niger State on April 24, 2024. The incident, triggered by a relentless downpour that caused significant damage to the facility, resulted in a breach of the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to escape. While ten inmates were re-apprehended on April 25, three more were captured later that same day. On June 6, 2024, the NCoS Spokesperson, Abubakar Umar who spoke at a joint press briefing of the security, defence and response agencies, at the defence headquarters in Abuja noted that 23 escapees had been recaptured so far. Umar also assured the public of the service’s commitment to releasing the pictures of the fleeing inmates to aid in their identification and capture. “I want to say hear that there is a concerted effort by the service to recapture fleeing inmates. I want to put on record that we have been able to recapture 23 escapes, so far. “I want to also assure you that we are working hard to release the pictures of the fleeing inmates.” However, as of Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2024, checks by our correspondent via the website of NCoS revealed that the service has published the details of only 18 out of the 96 fleeing inmates. The names of the fleeing inmates published include; Ogbonna Kingsley, Auwal Mohammed, Mustapha Ibrahim, Suleiman Sani, Raphael Kingsley, Abdullahi Babangida, Idris Bashir, Umar Mustapha, and Ayuba Obidience. Others include; Lamido Gambo, Garba Fidelis, Mohammed Jibrin, Sylvester Allison, Albert Israel, Edoga Okwudili, Olaiya Stephen, Audo Usman and Ibrahim Aminu.
BREAKING: Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rises to 33.95%
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate climbed to 33.95 per cent in May 2024, up from 33.69 per cent recorded in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This increase marks a rise of 0.26 percentage points month-on-month. Compared to May 2023, when the inflation rate stood at 22.41 per cent, the current figure reflects a significant year-on-year increase of 11.54 percentage points, illustrating a sharp uptick in inflationary pressures over the past year. On a month-on-month basis, the NBS reported that inflation for May 2024 was 2.14 per cent, slightly lower than the 2.29 per cent recorded in April 2024. This indicates a moderated pace of increase in the average price level compared to the previous month. In terms of food prices, the inflation rate accelerated to 40.66 per cent year-on-year in May 2024, marking an increase of 15.84 percentage points from May 2023, when it was 24.82 per cent. The sharp rise in food inflation highlights continued challenges in food affordability and accessibility across Nigeria.
President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism
President Bola Tinubu has given order for increased cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement agencies and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He gave the order during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Saturday, during FBI Director Christopher Wray’s visit. President Tinubu called for greater focus on addressing cybercrime, terrorism, and related criminal activities through joint efforts. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Mr Tinubu acknowledged the FBI’s sophistication and reputation for excellence, expressing honor at the Director’s visit. “The visit of Director Wray underscores the importance of our partnership in eliminating local and global crimes,” President Tinubu stated. As Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with other West African nations in combating economic crimes. “We are working closely with our regional partners to tackle economic crimes and terrorism,” President Tinubu affirmed. President Tinubu further stressed the role of education in poverty alleviation, noting its significance in addressing the root causes of criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the diverse Nigerian agencies present at the meeting, actively involved in reducing crimes across the country. In response, FBI Director Wray praised President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing partnerships among government agencies to protect citizens from terrorism and cyber-enabled crimes. “We value President Tinubu’s efforts in countering terrorism, which poses a threat to both Nigeria and the United States,” Director Wray acknowledged. He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent successes in countering ISIS and other terrorist groups in West Africa, crediting effective coordination among security agencies. “We stand ready to support Nigeria in various aspects, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime prevention, and intelligence sharing,” Director Wray assured. Key security figures attending the meeting included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Yusuf Magaji Bichi. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to deepen collaboration through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations, reflecting Nigeria’s proactive stance in leveraging international partnerships to bolster its security efforts against evolving threats.
BREAKING: Court frees Binance executives Gambaryan, Anjarwalla
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged Tigran Gambaryan, a 39-year-old American, and fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla over alleged tax evasion. The duo, both executives of cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance, were dragged to court by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over alleged tax evasion. The court made the decision following fresh amended charges filed by the FIRS in view of a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa. Recall that Gambaryan and fleeing Anjarwalla are facing a four-count charge by the Nigerian government brought before the court, a case now before Emeka Nwite, the trial judge. Even though Binance had no legal representation in court, Gambaryan took to the dock to have the charges read to him. But his counsel, Chukwuka Ikwazuonu, notified the court that his client had not been served with the charge, stating it was rather too hasty to have him take to the dock without knowing what his client is about to be tried for. The prosecutor from the FIRS, Moses Ideho, informed the judge that service of the charge hadn’t been possible due to lack of access to the defendant in custody. This prompted the Court to order service of the charge on the defendant in open court. And following this, the judge adjourned till 19 April for arraignment of Gambaryan. In the second case by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC, through its counsel E.E. Iheanacho informed the Court that he had served Gambaryan with the charge. But Mark Mordi, counsel for the defendant, this time around, said Binance, the company which he represents hasn’t been served, therefore arraignment couldn’t go ahead. Moreso, as it’s a joint charge, Mordi argued that it’s necessary to serve every person individually with the charges before the case can go ahead. He also informed the Court that his client declined service of the charge on behalf of Binance because he wasn’t authorized to do so. The prosecutor however maintained that the defendant, being a top official of Binance was a fitting representative of the company in this particular instance. But stated that in the alternative however, the Court can enter a not guilty plea for Binance to allow the case go ahead.
Minimum wage: I’ll approve what Nigeria can afford — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu says he will approve a new minimum wage that the Nigerian government can afford. He stated this on Wednesday at a dinner with the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, among other top government officials to mark Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken Democracy in Abuja. The President, while appreciating those who stood by him over the years, promised Nigerians he won’t depart from the tenets of democratic governance. “I have to celebrate with you my dear brother, Senate President, Deputy Senate President,” he said. According to Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jibrin Barau would soon get an Executive Bill from him on the new minimum wage. “The minimum wage is going to be what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford and what I can afford. Cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all,” he said.
Why Political Office Holders Should Be Put On Minimum Wage – Soludo
The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has advocated a drastic reduction in the cost of governance in Nigeria. The Governor lamented that the nation is broke but government and elected officials continue to live in denial and show off flamboyant lifestyles at the detriment of the masses. As a way to curb the developing crisis from escalating further, Soludo said political officeholders should be placed on the national minimum wage. The Anambra State Governor made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the special edition of The Platform, an event organised by The Covenant Nation to mark democracy day in Nigeria. Soludo expressed that Nigerians are hungry, broke and poor, but the ruling class continue to live extravagantly at the expense of the common people. “Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,” Soludo said. “The poor are hungry and impatient, let’s not annoy them more with our insensitivity. “In this case, I agree with reverend father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well. “In Anambra, I have not received a kobo as salary since I assumed office. I have donated my salary to the state. “It is symbolic. It is not much. I think generally, the system is in denial. There must be some signalling, it is just the symbolism of this.” Soludo called for an end to wasteful spending in governance, stressing that elected officials must always remember they are in office based on public trust. “That is why I proposed reinventing the new code of conduct for public officers,” he said. “For the federal government, the actual projecting revenue comes to about N6,160 per Nigerian, per month. “For the states, except Lagos and a few states, most states have revenues amounting to less than N3,000 per resident, per month. “It is from this shares per citizen that we are expected to provide all the infrastructure, debt service, pay salaries and pensions, build schools and provide everything. “For each of our wasteful spending, let’s be conscious about the fact how many citizen share we are squandering. Once we lose this consciousness about the public trust we bear, the society dies irredeemably.”
‘Tinubu kept campaign promises to Nigerians’ – Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kept his campaign promises to Nigerians. Obi stated this during a Democratic Day chat on Arise TV. In those days of electioneering, Tinubu had promised to build a Nigeria, especially for the youth, where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life. He said Nigeria would manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services it require, adding that the country shall be known as a nation of creators, not just of consumers. Tinubu also said that Nigeria would export more and import less, thereby strengthening both the naira and citizen’s way of life. But in all, Tinubu had maintained that, “I will continue from where Buhari stopped.” And Peter Obi, who contested against Tinubu in the election and came third, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said that among all his promises, the President has kept the part he vowed to walk in the footsteps of his predecessor. “I think President Tinubu has performed exceptionally well in his first year in office. I’ll say that President Tinubu has kept his campaign promises,” Obi said. “Throughout his campaign, he consistently maintained that he would continue from where Buhari stopped and that he’s done very well. “I’ll give him excellent passes. Dollar was N450, it’s now N1500. Fuel was about N238, it’s now about N700; diesel was N844, it’s now N1415; a bag of rice was N30000-N35000, it’s now about N80,000; a bag of beans was similar, N30,000-35000, it’s now about N90,000; a tuber of yam was about N2000-N3000, but now it’s about N10,000; tomatoe basket was about N40,000 and now it’s about N150,000; electricity was N66 per kilowatt but now it’s about N200, you can go on and on. “Even bread, which is a basic thing other countries are subsidizing, small-medium bread was about N450 but is now N900. The big one is about N1500.” Other promises made by Tinubu include, but not limited to, “assisting our ever-toiling farmers, through enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and assures decent incomes, so that farmers can support their families and feed the nation; modernising and expanding public infrastructure; emboldening and supporting our young people and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment and culture, tourism, train and give economic opportunity to the poorest and most vulnerable among us; generate, transmit and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity; make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all; and most importantly, establish a bold and assertive policy that will create a strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry, and all other forms of violent extremism from the face of our nation.”
UK varsity offers flight assistance to expelled Nigerian students
Teesside University in the United Kingdom has announced a new initiative to support Nigerian students facing severe financial difficulties by funding their flights home, as reported by BBC on Tuesday. This move came after several students were removed from their courses and ordered to leave the UK due to their inability to pay tuition fees. The financial crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by a shift from a seven-installment to a three-installment payment plan by the university, left many students struggling to cover their expenses. A local food charity reported that 75 per cent of its clients are now Nigerian students, highlighting the extent of their financial hardship. On May 22, 2024, a group of Nigerian students at Teesside University were expelled from their courses and ordered to leave the United Kingdom due to difficulties in paying their tuition fees on time. The students cited the devaluation of the naira as a significant barrier to meeting their financial obligations, which has led to a breach of their visa sponsorship requirements. Several students found themselves locked out of their university accounts, reported to the Home Office, and mandated to leave the UK. The university maintained that strict external regulations necessitate these actions. The affected students, numbering 60, expressed deep distress and disappointment, accusing the university of being unsupportive and “heartless.” They banded together to urge the university for assistance after witnessing their peers face severe consequences for late payments. On May 29, 2024, the Federal Government stepped in to address the deportation orders issued against some Nigerian students at Teesside University. A delegation led by a representative of the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, Ambassador Christian Okeke, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, met with the University’s management to seek a resolution. However, following protests and the intervention of the Nigerian government, the university has re-enrolled some affected students and opened a relief fund. “We are working with a small group who need to return to their home country and are opening an international relief fund to offer additional financial support for these unexpected travel costs,” a university spokesperson told the BBC. The university is also offering some students the option to complete their studies remotely from Nigeria or to return to the UK at a later date. The BBC understands some students have lodged legal appeals.
“I hope all is well with him” – Atiku sympathizes with Tinubu over slip
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sympathised with President Bola Tinubu after the President slipped at the Eagle Square during the 2024 Democracy Day celebration. Recall on Wednesday, Tinubu slipped at the Eagle Square while boarding the parade vehicle. The President, however, quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings without further issues. Reacting, Atiku expressed his empathy over the incident, hoping that all is well with the President. He wrote on X, “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him. -AA.”