APC Speaks On Plan To Suspend El-Rufai

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna says there is no plan to suspend Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state. There were reports that el-Rufai would soon be suspended for alleged anti-party activities. In a text message to TheCable on Tuesday night, Salisu Wusono, spokesperson of APC in Kaduna, said there is no such plan. “Nothing like this!,” Wusono said. El-Rufai was recently seen with Abdul Ningi, the senator suspended for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by about N3 trillion. El-Rufai also visited the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja. These visits elicited debates on social media, amid insinuations that the former governor is plotting a political move. Shehu Gabam, national chair of the SDP, had said political meanings should not be read into the SDP visit because he has known el-Rufai for quite some time. “My relationship with Mallam Nasir el-Rufai predates 1999. I knew him long before then, and we have been close,” he had said. “Coming to the SDP secretariat, I don’t know why it is so special that people misinterpret or interpret how it suits them. There are a lot of politicians of the APC that have visited me, other parties have visited me. “Do not forget that not too long ago, Al Mustapha came to my office and people were speculating that he is decamping to SDP. “Will you be surprised if President Bola Tinubu visits SDP? He knows me and I know him.”

Naira Abuse Charge: Cubana Chief Priest pleads not guilty ….granted 10m bail

A businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the naira. Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on three counts bordering on abuse of naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He was alleged to have sprayed the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. Cubana Chief Priest was said to have also committed the offences while dancing during a social event. He was said to have tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the CBN by spraying the same for two hours.

NCAA suspends three private jet operators for operating commercial flights

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the permit of three private jet operators for engaging in commercial flights. This was according to a Riot Act on the NCAA’s website on Tuesday, signed by the Acting Director General, Captain Chris Najomo. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had on Monday warned private jet operators unlicensed to operate commercial services that their activities were causing the Federal Government a huge loss of revenue. The minister issued the warning in an interview on Channels TV programme, Newsnight, on Monday. Keyamo said, “Almost all these private jets are operating commercially resulting in a huge loss of revenue for the Federal Government because the licence to fly a private aircraft privately and the one to fly it commercially is so much. “When it is commercial, the money paid to the Federal Government is so much. So, people now take licences from us to say I have just bought a private jet and I want to be using it for my business or to fly my friends and family, and we give them at a very low fee. “However, the moment they are given, they carry passengers all over Nigeria doing six or eight flights a day. This is a notice to them on camera, I am coming for them because the president has given us a marching order, and we are not going to allow it. “First, in terms of passengers’ safety, the regulation is low. Second, it is economic sabotage and I won’t allow that to happen. People who are my friends or the president’s friends, we will come down on them and, perhaps, ground all their planes. We will come very hard on them. In a matter of days or weeks, we are going to come down on them because we have to raise revenue for the Federal Government, ensure that the laws are kept and ensure the safety of Nigerians.” However, expediting action on the warning issued, the acting DG of NCAA in a Riot Act on Tuesday, suspended three jet operators found guilty of engaging in commercial flights. The acting DG disclosed that despite several warnings, these jet operators continued to engage in commercial flight operations, hence their suspension. The message read, “Back in 2023, the use of private jets for commercial purposes had gotten the attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who issued marching orders for the cessation of such acts. “Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non-commercial flights, PNCF, against engaging in the carriage of passenger-cargo or mail for hire and reward. “The Authority had also deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jets at terminals across the airports in Nigeria. As a consequence of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be involved in violation of the annexure provision of their PNCF and Part 91.14 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.” Najomo noted that suspending the jet operators for flouting several warnings was in line with the Authority’s zero tolerance for violation of regulations. He continued, “In line with our zero tolerance for violation of regulations, the Authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators. To further sanitise the general aviation sector, I have directed that a re-evaluation of all holders of PNCF be carried out on or before the 19th of April 2024 to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.” The statement further directed that all holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights should submit relevant documents to the Authority within 72 hours. It added, “All PNCF holders will be required to submit relevant documents to the authority within the next 72 hours. “This riot act is also directed at existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, who utilize aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations. “It must be emphasised that only aircraft listed in the operation”.

NEC Meeting: PDP Reps meet amid party crisis

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, House of Representatives caucus, are currently meeting at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. This is happening hours ahead of a media parley slated for Tuesday (today) by 60 lawmakers loyal to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Last week, 60 opposition lawmakers led by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, demanded the resignation of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for alleged incompetence and anti-party activities. Barely 24 hours after the Ugochinyere-led group addressed the media, the House minority caucus led by its chairman, Kingsley Chinda, disowned the group, labelling it an unknown body to the parliament. Although the details of the ongoing meeting were sketchy at press time, it may not be unconnected with the National Executive Committee meeting of the party slated for Thursday at the PDP headquarters, where issues ranging from anti-party activities of prominent members as well as the status of Damagum will be up for deliberation. A lawmaker attending the meeting said that issues concerning the nation are slated for discussion. He noted that details of the meeting will be made public later in the day. “It is a regular meeting of the caucus to appraise the security situation of the country,” he said. Both Chinda and Ugochinyere are attending the meeting.

President Tinubu Declares April 7 as National Police Day

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared April 7 as National Police Day. The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s police force. President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the institutional mindset and ethos within the police force, stating, “My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.” Furthermore, he disclosed the government’s decision to designate the first week of April as Police Week, with April 7 marking the culmination as National Police Day. President Tinubu underscored the importance of honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, stating, “Your exemplary valor doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.” The President’s remarks also highlighted key initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the police force, including investments in training, capacity-building, and upgrading equipment and technology. He assured, “These endeavors will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement.” In his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience, and patriotism of police officers. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes and urged for the removal of any misconduct within the force, stating, “As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the Police Force as, to whom much is given, much is expected.” The declaration of National Police Day and the broader reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration signify a pivotal step towards modernizing and professionalizing Nigeria’s law enforcement agency, promoting accountability, and enhancing public trust in the police force.

BREAKING: Kano APC sanctions ward leaders over Ganduje’s suspension

The Kano State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken action against Ganduje Ward Leaders who suspended the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State Chairman of the APC, announced the sanction during a press briefing in Kano on Monday. He stated that the Ganduje Ward leaders have been suspended for six months due to their involvement in anti-party activities. Abbas explained that the State Working Committee made the decision based on the resolution of the party’s Dawakin Tofa Local Government Committee, which also recommended the suspension. “We have evidence of meetings between the State Government officials and those that suspended the National Chairman, and the state working committee has agreed to sanction them for six months and they stand suspended,” Abbas stated. Earlier on Monday, the Ganduje Ward leaders in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area had announced the suspension of Dr Ganduje, alleging corruption during his tenure as Governor. The ward’s legal adviser, Haladu Gwanjo, cited gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds, particularly referencing the “dollar video” scandal. However, the State Working Committee declared the suspension invalid, null, and void, asserting that it cannot stand.

Why APC suspended Ganduje 

The Ganduje Ward of Dawakin Tofa local government area in Kano State has taken the step of suspending Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision was conveyed by the ward’s legal adviser, Halliru Gwanzo, during a press briefing in Kano on Monday.  The suspension comes in response to bribery allegations leveled against Ganduje by the Kano State Government. “We decided to suspend Dr. Ganduje from the party due to the seriousness of the allegations against him,” Gwanzo stated. He said the suspension subsists until he clears himself from the allegations.

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Hits 33.20% As Naira Rebounds 

Nigeria’s inflation rate jumped to 33.20% in March 2024 compared to February 2024 headline inflation rate which was 31.70%. This was according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released on Monday. “Looking at the movement, the March 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.50% points when compared to the February 2024 headline inflation rate,” said the NBS. “On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.16% points higher compared to the rate recorded in March 2023, which was 22.04%. “On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in March 2024 was 3.02%, which was 0.10% lower than the rate recorded in February 2024 (3.12%). This means that in the month of March 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in February 2024.” The inflation report by the NBS followed the hike of Nigeria’s interest rate from 22.75% to 24.75% by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Interestingly, the March inflation rate was released at a time when measures by the apex bank to strenghten the naira against foreign exchange have seen some positive results. The naira has appreciated against the dollar in recent weeks, gaining over 40%, from about N1,900/$ to about N1,100/$1 now. As the naira rebounds, Nigerians expect significant reduction in the prices of food and basic commodities but this hasn’t been the case with cost of living still high.

Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

A group of Igbos in diaspora has formally written Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma pleading passionately for his intervention in the on-going struggle to get the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu released from detention by the Federal Government. The group solicited Uzodinma to be interested in the travails and trial of Kanu in treasonable felony by the federal government and join the bid for the way out of the logjam. The group operating under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) asked the governor to have a change of heart in the matters of Kanu and throw his support for his release for genuine peace to reign in the South East Region. Their letter dated April 14, 2024, was signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President and Dr. Godson Obiagwu as Secretary. The group claimed that the incerceration of Kanu by government has done havocs than good for all the Igbo speaking States and reiterated the need for his release to enable business and commercial activities bounce back for the people in the region. In the letter, the group criticized the lukewarm attitude of the governor to insecurity in the region, especially in Imo State, where they claimed that several lives have been lost without any concrete response from the state government. The letter read in part, “A worrisome show of contempt for Igbos is covert conspiracies against the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) since his infamous extraordinary rendition from Kenya into Nigeria in the year 2021 and the persecution that ensued. “It has become obvious that you do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from the unlawful incarceration the Federal Government of Nigeria subjected him to. “While we are aware that several meritorious applications had before now been made to the trial Federal High Court Judge for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on bail, we have come to the ugly realization that Your Excellency is behind the continual refusal of such bail applications. “You are aware that in so far as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains unlawfully detained in the Nigeria security service’s facilities, there would be no peace in Igbo land and the spate of youth restiveness and violence would know no bounds. “Nigerians know how the infamous attempt at Kanu’s life under Operation Python Dance was planned and executed. “While we regret the entirety of your acts and deeds against Igbo nation and your secret vows to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu rots in detention, we honestly believe that you can turn over a new leaf. “We therefore request that Your Excellency returns the Igbo spirit of ONYE AGHANA NWANNE YA and work toward peace in Igbo land. “And howsoever Your Excellency does it is not material to us provided there is a return to peace and tranquility. “We are very optimistic that Your Excellency would have a change of heart and work towards peace in Igbo land”, the letter said.

Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia

The Nigerian Army has begun an investigation into the death of a hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, in Abia State. Some soldiers were said to have tortured Etubi to death in Abia after an Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an investigation of soldiers allegedly involved in the torturing of the manager. Nwachukwu said the Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager. He said Lagbaja had immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable. Nwachukwu said the Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation. The statement read, “The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. “The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. “Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.”