FG Bans Cooking Gas Export to Tackle Soaring Prices
In a move to stabilize domestic gas prices, the Nigerian government has imposed a ban on the exportation of cooking gas. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, revealed this initiative at a workshop in Abuja, emphasizing that halting the export will increase the volume available in the domestic market, leading to a natural reduction in prices. His words: “We are interacting with critical stakeholders to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG. “All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated. And when this is done, the volume will increase and of course, the price will automatically crash. “I am in contact with the regulation, NMDPRA, we hold meetings almost on daily basis, and the producers such as Mobil, Chevron, and Shell. So there is that hope that things will turn around. We don’t need to make noise about it.”
Rhodes-Vivour’s Running Mate Resigns From Labour Party
Princess Islamiyat Abiodun Oyefusi, the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, has officially resigned from the party. Oyefusi conveyed her decision in a letter addressed to her ward chairman, expressing gratitude to Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for the political opportunity as his running mate. The resignation, outlined in the letter, stated, “I can no longer see myself aligning with the current values of Labour Party or as a member of Labour Party, and the time has come for me to move forward.” Oyefusi highlighted the past 10 months of her political career as interesting and thanked supporters across Lagos State and Nigeria for their dedication during the 2023 electioneering period. Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about collaborating with her team and supporters in the future to work towards shared goals, emphasizing the vision of freeing Lagos from one-party politics and contributing to a better Nigeria.
Military Issues Stern Warning Against Calls for Coup Amid Economic Hardship
In response to social media discussions calling for a coup due to economic challenges, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning. He emphasized that those advocating for a coup “do not love Nigeria” and stated that the Armed Forces are committed to protecting democracy. Speaking at the commissioning of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army entrance in Port Harcourt, General Musa urged citizens to be patient, support the government, and trust that the country will overcome its current difficulties. He emphasized that democracy is crucial, and any attempt to undermine it is considered as the work of “evil people” who will face legal consequences. “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy. We all want democracy and we do better under democracy,” he said. “And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than Democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria. “And they should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes we are going through trying periods, I mean in life nothing is hundred percent.” He emphasized that what is needed is for citizens to be patient and give their support to the government to succeed and put the enemies of state to shame. “Everybody goes through a trying period in life, and it is what you do with them. You can see the government putting efforts to ensure that we come out better. And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. And so we are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better. “All we need is for all of us to put our hands together to ensure that we defeat those enemies of the government, those enemies of this country that don’t want us to succeed. We will surely succeed and the Armed Forces are here to support the Government in ensuring that we develop, we succeed and to see that there is peace in Nigeria.”
Presidential Aide Onanuga Pushes For Cryptocurrency Ban
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has called for the ban of cryptocurrency and foreign exchange (Forex) platforms operating in Nigeria. Onanuga specifically targeted platforms like Binance, Kucoin, AbokiFX, and OctaFx, claiming that they are manipulating the national currency. Expressing concern over Binance’s influence, Onanuga pointed out the platform’s regulatory challenges in the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Singapore. He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take action against these platforms, emphasizing the need to prevent further devaluation of the Naira. He wrote: “According to Data Wallet, Binance is prohibited in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority from conducting any regulated activities. In Japan, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) banned Binance for operating without the necessary regulatory approval,” the presidential aide said. “Ontario, Canada, has also suspended Binance services following its inability to meet the province’s securities regulation criteria. The Monetary Authority of Singapore also banned Singaporean investors from accessing Binance’s services. “Binance, facing regulatory showdown in many countries, and causing disruptions in the currency market, should not be allowed to dictate the value of the Naira, not on its crypto exchange platform. “Other crypto platforms such as Kucoin, Bybit should be banned from operating in our cyberspace. FX platform Aboki should be re-banned.” This call for a ban aligns with the CBN’s previous directive on February 5, 2021, instructing financial institutions to close accounts involved in crypto transactions due to concerns about money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies.
Why We’re Pulling Out Of NLC Nationwide Protest – TUC
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has announced its decision not to partake in the upcoming two-day nationwide protest declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Vice President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, clarified that the NLC failed to involve the TUC in the decision-making process before unveiling the protest scheduled for February 27 and 28. Etim expressed disappointment, highlighting that the NLC and TUC had jointly issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, set to expire on February 22. The customary practice would have been for both unions to collectively assess the situation and agree on the way forward. However, according to Etim, the NLC proceeded to unilaterally announce the protest without consensus. “We cannot join the protest because the decision was not taken collectively. It is very clear that by virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest,” stated Etim, emphasizing the need for collective decision-making in matters of such magnitude. The TUC is urging a harmonized approach to address the challenges outlined in the joint statement with the NLC.
Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State
Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, who was apprehended in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, has been released on bail. His arrest, triggered by a petition from the Inspector General of Police, involved charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses. Addressing supporters after his release, Abure linked his persecution to efforts to destabilize the party following the 2023 general election. He highlighted ongoing challenges within the party, expressing hope for the release of the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, and the state youth leader later today. He said, “Let me appreciate all of you for the solidarity, for the support and your commitment. No struggle to liberate the country comes easy. In many countries of the world where freedom fighters have fought for the emancipation of the people, freedom fighters suffer injustice, suffer prosecution and it is what is happening to me and my other colleagues since after the general election. “After the general election, they have been trying to instigate crises in the party. They try to bring false accusations against us. They talked about forgery against us at a time when it didn’t work. They came with embezzlement. “Any person that is aggrieved in the party, they go and instigate them to write a petition against us. The irony is that the police even act on those, and at the end of the day, they discover that those things are false. “Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the Edo State primaries and of course, the police swooped on us and arrested us over what I will not want to discuss now because the investigation is still going on and therefore we would not want to preempt them. “But I must state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail except for the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi and the youth leader. They (police) have also promised that by the early hours of Thursday, they will release them. We are hoping that they will fulfil their promise and release them. “Whatever is happening to me will not discourage me from the struggle. We must continue to pursue the cause of the people. We must continue to fight for our people until we liberate them. I have said it, and I will say it again, it is not capturing power that matters. It is what you do with power. “Today, APC is in power. Life has become more unbearable for the people. Today, the dollar is exchanging for almost N2,000. Fuel today is sold for N700 per litre. There is even scarcity now, and the price is likely going to increase. “Inflation, even though it is double digit, it is now above 31 per cent, unemployment has increased, and a bag of rice today is sold for N120, 000, and the minimum wage is N30, 000. You can see the paradox. You can see the irony and Nigerians are in for a difficult time.”
President Tinubu Appoints Kemi Nanna As Comptroller-general Of Nigeria Immigration Service
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DCG Kemi Nanna Nandap to serve as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), effective from March 1, 2024. DCG Nandap takes over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose term in office expires on February 29, 2024. Before her appointment as Comptroller-General, Nandap was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service. The President anticipates that the new Comptroller-General will deepen the ongoing reforms in the service and create a robust mechanism for efficient and dedicated service delivery to Nigerians, as well as strengthen the nation’s security through proactive and effective border security and migration management.
Ondo Government Declares Public Holidays For Akeredolu’s Burial
In honour of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, the current governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, 22nd, and Friday, 23rd of February 2024, as public holidays. Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, will be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown, Owo. The public holidays aim to enable the people of the state to actively participate in the burial activities. Commencing last Thursday, the events include traditional rites in Owo on Wednesday, a special court session at the Ondo high court headquarters in Akure, lying in state, and commendation service at the Akure Township Stadium. On Wednesday evening, a tribute ceremony will take place at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Subsequent events include a service of songs and a wake-keep on Thursday at the same church and Maranatha Villa in Owo, respectively. The statement indicates a Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club on Thursday night, starting from 8 pm until dawn. On Friday, February 23, a public holiday, the funeral service is scheduled at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am, followed by interment strictly for immediate family at the burial site in Owo. A reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo, will follow at 1 pm. Saturday, February 24, 2024, will see the Akeredolu Memorial Friendly football match at the Akure Township Stadium, Akure, starting at 3 pm. The series concludes on Sunday, February 25, with a Thanksgiving Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am.
Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Demands N25 Billion in Damages from Senate President Akpabio
Godwin Emefiele, the immediate-past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Emefiele is seeking N25 billion in damages over an alleged defamatory remark made by Akpabio. Akpabio, on Sunday, claimed that there are numerous allegations against Emefiele, making it challenging for the federal government to specify charges against him. Additionally, Akpabio attributed the economic hardship in the country to the policies implemented during Emefiele’s tenure as the CBN governor. The demand for damages and an apology is outlined in a letter dated February 19, sent by Matthew Burkaa, counsel to Emefiele. The letter warned that failure to comply with these demands will result in the former CBN governor seeking “appropriate redress” through legal means.
DR Congo Prime Minister Resigns Amid Escalating Conflict
Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde of the Democratic Republic of Congo has tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid escalating clashes between rebels and government forces. Lukonde, who assumed office in February 2021, submitted his resignation to President Felix Tshisekedi just eight days after the validation of his mandate as a national deputy. The resignation was swiftly accepted by President Tshisekedi, who also announced the immediate dissolution of Lukonde’s government. However, the presidency revealed that the outgoing government would continue handling current affairs until a new one is formed. While the official statement did not specify the reasons behind Lukonde’s resignation, tensions have intensified in recent days around the strategic town of Sake, near Goma. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, has clashed with Congolese government forces, leading to heightened unrest in the region. In a separate incident, Goma airport in eastern DR Congo was struck by a bomb, as reported last Saturday by SaharaReporters. The source in the North Kivu province confirmed the attack, stating that “two bombs” had hit the facility but caused no significant damage. Security experts are on-site to investigate the origin of the bombing.