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Nigeria Better Than We Met It In 2015 – Lai Mohammed

Nigeria has made tremendous progress and better than 2015 when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power, the federal government has claimed.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made the claim on Monday when he featured on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) live programme, “Good Morning Nigeria”
Speaking on the programme monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the minister said the Buhari’ government had met the expectations of Nigerians and true to its mandate giving the time frame and circumstances.
The minister said the attempts to de-market the government and in the process the country were the handwork of die-hard naysayers and very vocal minority.
Speaking on the administration’s achievements, the minister said in 2015, the entire North East region was inaccessible and 20 of the 27 Local Government Areas in Borno were under the occupation and control of Boko Haram insurgents.
He said presently no portion or part of Nigeria territory was under the occupation and control of insurgents.
Mohammed recalled that in 2015, Nigeria was number one importer of rice from Thailand but with the administration’s policies and programmes on agriculture, the country is self-sufficient in the staple and food in general.
He said millions of farmers had been empowered with the Anchor Borrowers Programme while the number of rice mills in the country had been increased from two in 2015 to 60 presently
Under the administration’s social intervention programmes, the minister said 10 million pupils were being fed daily while two million households were benefitting from Conditional Cash Transfer among others.
Mohammed said the administration had constructed 17,000 kms of new roads and rehabilitated 8,000 kms across the country
 
“We completed the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as well as the second Niger bridge, which was a mirage for more than three decades.
 
“Also for more than three decades, Nigerians did not know what it means to travel by train until the Buhari’ government came to power.
 
In spite all the sabotage, today we have working, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, Abuja-Kaduna railway and Ajaokuta- Warri railway which were not in existence before we came,’’ he said.
The minister said the Buhari’ government would continue to build a progressive and prosperous nation and would not be cowed or intimidated by the naysayers.
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2023 Elections

NNPP Reacts To Alleged Reports Of Kwankwaso, Atiku Alliance Days To Presidential Election

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denied reports that its presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would step down to form an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
This comes after a report attributed to the Peoples Democratic Party had emerged claiming that the former Governor of Kano State would, within the next 96 hours to the commencement of the 2023 election.
Reacting, NNPP faulted the report, describing it as falsehoods and stupid propaganda. It further expressed optimism that its candidate, Kwankwaso, will cruise to victory in the 2023 presidential election.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Agbo Major, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, noting that “People write whatever they want with their phones.”
 
“Kwankwaso is in this race to win and will win,” he noted.
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News

Falana Gives CBN 7-Day Ultimatum Over Details Of New Naira Notes

Femi Falana, the foremost right activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has sent out a message to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

He wrote the CBN demanding details of the new naira notes disbursed to commercial banks nationwide.

Falana also demanded that the CBN provide the list of customers who have withdrawn more than the N100,000 maximum sum required by the CBN.

Recall that the apex bank had maintained that it printed enough new N200, N500, and N1,000 notes to go around, with claims that politicians are hoarding the new notes.

But, in a letter from Falana Chambers signed by Femi Adedeji, ESQ, dated February 16, 2023, Falana demanded that the CBN provide details on how the new notes were disbursed to commercial banks.

According to Falana, there is an unprecedented social dislocation, pains and pangs for the masses of Nigeria at the present time as a result of the twin problem of currency and fuel scarcity.

“In other to bring the situation under popular control, it is considered imperative for the CBN to urgently disclose the amount of new currency notes printed and distributed through the commercial banks for public knowledge, on the following grounds,” he stated.

The letter partly reads, “Our attention has been drawn to your statement wherein you claimed that some unnamed politicians have mopped up the new naira notes made available to all commercial banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“We are compelled to request you to furnish us with information concerning the amount of the designed notes of N200, N500, and N1,000 denominations made available to each commercial bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Furthermore, we also request you to furnish us with the list of customers of the commercial banks who collected more than N100,000 approved by you from the commercial banks,” it stated.

Falana also threatened to take legal action should the CBN fail to provide the information in seven days.

“As this request is made pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, you are required to accede to our request within seven days of the receipt of this letter.

“TAKE NOTICE that if you fail or refuse to furnish us with the requested information before the deadline of seven days we shall not hesitate to pray the Federal High Court to compel you to accede to our request.”

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News

Naira Redesign: Sanction Any Bank Hoarding New Notes – Adeleke Tells CBN

Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke revealed how the Central Bank of Nigeria can curb hoarding of the new naira by banks.
According to him, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should sanction financial institutions involved in such anti-people activities if it must stop the hoarding.
The Governor stated this while addressing CBN officials in his office on Monday.
Adeleke decried the increasing shortage of the new notes, explaining that he has been deploying state networks to douse tension and ensure the safety of banks and the CBN state office.
According to the Governor, his intervention in the last few weeks had ensured that Osun State is saved from the increasing conflict affecting some South Western states.
The governor’s comments were contained in a statement issued by Adeleke’s Spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Monday.
 
“The situation is getting out of hand. The CBN must act fast. Any bank hoarding the new notes must be sanctioned. We should not treat such banks with kid gloves,” Adeleke said.
“My people are patient but we should not take their patience for granted. That is why I called this meeting. Why are the new notes not available? Is the supply small or inadequate? “, the Governor queried.
Adeleke expressed the readiness of his government to partner with the CBN for the currency swap, informing the CBN team that the state is sacrificing a lot to maintain peace and calm frayed nerves.
“The new notes are not available. Even as a State Governor, I don’t have the new notes. You can see how hard it is for our people to access the new currency if their Governor is not getting them. We should not overstretch the cooperation we are enjoying from the citizenry. We are expected as elected and appointed leaders to respond to the needs and aspirations of our people,” Governor Adeleke admonished.
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News

Naira Scarcity: I Don’t Have New Note As Governor — Adeleke

Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Governor, has made a new disclosure.

He disclosed that the continuous scarcity of new naira notes is creating a hardship for the people, saying even as a governor, he does not have the redesigned currency

While lamenting over the suffering the increasing scarcity has unleashed on the people of the state, he said This is as he stated that he has been deploying a state network to douse tension and ensure the safety of banks and the CBN state office.

Addressing CBN officials in his office on Monday, Governor Adeleke decried the increasing shortage of the new notes, calling on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sanction financial institutions involved in such anti-people activities.

“The situation is getting out of hand. The CBN must act fast. Any bank hoarding the new notes must be sanctioned. We should not treat such banks with kid gloves.”

“My people are patient but we should not take their patience for granted. That is why I called this meeting. Why is the new notes not available? Is the supply small or inadequate? “, the Governor queried.

He expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the CBN for the currency swap, informing the CBN team that the state is sacrificing a lot to maintain peace and calm frayed nerves.

“The new notes are not available. Even as a State Governor, I don’t have the new notes. You can see how hard it is for our people to access the new currency if their Governor is not getting them. We should not overstretch the cooperation we are enjoying from the citizenry. We are expected as elected and appointed leaders to respond to the needs and aspirations of our people “, Governor  Adeleke admonished.

Responding, the CBN state director, Oluyemi Adeyemi in response commended the state Governor for his proactive steps that have saved the state from naira-related riots.

“We must thank Mr Governor for reaching out to the people, for diffusing tension, for keeping the state peaceful. We are aware of the day Mr Governor stopped some angry youth from demonstrating and from attacking the CBN office.”

“On our part, we are working hard to make the new notes available. Let me say that the CBN has issued queries to some banks. I assure Nigerians that we are working hard to make the new notes available”, the CBN official stated.

At the end of the meeting, a monitoring mechanism was set up comprising state and CBN officials to ensure allocated new notes get to the populace. endorsement of Atiku/ Okowa.

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Uncategorized

Anambra Police Declare NYSC Member Wanted

Emeh Nnamdi Daniel, a serving Corps member, has been declared wanted

He was declared wanted by the Anambra State Police Command for alleged unlawful possession of firearm, money laundering, defamation of character, fraud, and Impersonation.

Spokesperson of the police in the state, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, who made this known in a statement on Monday, February 20, 2023, said Mr. Daniel is allegedly involved in an ongoing investigation in the command.

“Today 20/2/2023 wishes to declare Mr Emeh Nnamdi Daniel, aged 26 years old wanted on the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm, money laundering, defamation of character, fraud, and Impersonation,” the statement read.

“Mr. Nnamdi Daniel is a youth corp member with State *Code Number AN/22A/3323,* attached to Anambra State Police Command and is positively identified, involve/mentioned in an ongoing investigation in the command. 

“Therefore, the Command urges the general public to report to the nearest Police Station, if seen or call the Command Control Room number at *07039194332* or the PPRO at *08039334002* if you have any information that can aid in his location for arrest, please. *Confidentiality is guaranteed.” 

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News

Residents protest Naira and fuel scarcity; attack banks in Sagamu

Some residents have launched a protest on the streets of Sagamu, Ogun State over the Naira and fuel scarcity in the country.

There has been a shortage of the new naira notes introduced not too long ago. These shortages of the new naira notes have triggered the anger of most Nigeria as most hit the streets to protest.

According to reports, most banks’ ATMs in the city have run out of cash and POS operators have shut down their businesses due to the pending naira scarcity.

Angry Nigerians have hit the streets once again to register their displeasure over the scarcity of the new naira notes. The protestors have reportedly blocked roads with barricades and attacked the Union and the FCMB bank branches in Sagamu, Ogun state.

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Entertainment News

Having S*x Inspires My Music – Singer, Crayon Reveals

Popular Nigerian singer, Charles Chukwu, who is better known as Crayon, has made a new revelation.

He says he gets inspired to write songs after having s*x.

The singer — in the recent episode of Clout Viral, a podcast anchored by Poco Lee, the dancer — said he has penned down a lot of songs after engaging in s*xual intercourse.

Crayon also talked about how he joined label Mavin Records, his musical inspiration, and how he got his stage name.

“I feel like I have written a lot of songs after having s*x. So I feel like s*x does inspire me,” he responded.

This was after he was asked to speak about his source of inspiration as a musician.

The singer said he loves to be in the music studio because “it’s my safe place.”

“I just love to be in the studio even if I’m not recording. I love the environment in the studio. It feels like a home. It’s my safe place,” he added.

Last December, Crayon revealed that he was once addicted to pornography.

On how he got his stage name, Crayon said: “My sister used to make this big bag. It was really colourful and it was on the wall. I saw it and the first thing that came to my mind was crayon.”

Since he got signed to Mavin Records in 2019, Crayon has put out several hit singles like ‘So Fine’, ‘Ijo Labalaba’, and ‘Tele’.

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Uncategorized

BREAKING: Again, Protest Rocks Ogun Over Naira Scarcity, Banks Burnt

Once again, serious protest has take  over Ogun State over the naira scarcity.

Videos online show two banks set on fire in the Sagamu area of the state.

The videos shared on Monday showed many residents watching as Keystone and Union banks were set ablaze with some youths holding planks in protest.

On Friday last week, The PUNCH had reported how protest erupted in the Mowe-Ibafo area of Ogun State, with many residents blocking the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in protest of the woes and hardship caused by the lingering scarcity of the naira.

Reacting to the development, a Twitter user, @arranowanna wrote, “Kindly advise your friends, families and acquaintances to avoid any protests. Take your frustration to the ballots on Saturday. Don’t burn banks, don’t burn petrol stations, don’t burn government properties.”

Another user, @morningstar_305 wrote, “I just put a call through to the house and it was confirmed to me that keystone bank and union bank at ijoku has been set ablaze by angry citizens.”

While popular tweep, Pooja, wrote, “If you are in Sagamu, be careful cos there is a protest on new naira notes.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday last week, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in a national broadcast had said the old N500 and N1,000 notes were no longer legal tender in the country, however extending the validity of the old N200 note for 60 days, till April 10, 2023.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bola Oyeyemi, could not be reached as at the time of filing this report, as phone calls to his line were not responded to.

Categories
2023 Elections

Soyinka Disowns Social Media Post Endorsing Tinubu

Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has distanced himself from a statement attributed to him endorsing the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.
Punch reported that the social media post also purportedly indicated that the elder statesman described the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, in uncharitable words.
The statement read, “Quote me anywhere, Nigerians don’t need the likes of Atiku and Obasanjo to lead them again. We have tested the two: Atiku is corrupt and Obasanjo is a liar. Both of them are greedy and self-centered…”
 
“Anybody, any cabal, any Viju milk activist, attempting to humiliate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must have me to contend with. An average PDP man is angry with Asiwaju because he brought them to their knees. If anyone thinks that bringing down Asiwaju is his project, that mission will not only crash but it will boomerang. He owns Lagos! I hear you! Ask your grandfather and parents how they acquired your so-called family land. Is it God that allocated it to them?”
Reacting to the post, the playwright in an email to Punch on Sunday, he said, “Professor Soyinka did NOT at any time or on any occasion issue such a statement. It is simply the works of peddlers of fake news and falsehood, who profit from Misinformation to gain political advantages. The media and members of the public are advised to ignore the message or any other political message that addresses or targets any political party or political actor.’’
In the past, doctored videos and distorted statements had been credited to the essayist which he distanced himself from.
In one of his responses to the fake posts, Soyinka noted that one can continue to monitor and respond to the concoctions of the addicts of falsehood, and their assiduous promoters who had yet to learn to wipe the filth off their tablets.

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