Nnamdi Kanu’s kinsmen warn Reno Omokri against making anti-Kanu utterances

Members of the Ibeku Youth Association have made a strong
case for the unconditional release of their kinsman and detained IPOB leader,
Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS custody.



 



In a communique signed by the National President, Ibeku
Youth Association, Mr Martins Chiedozie Nwosu and the National Secretary, Mr
Chibuzor Onwukamuche and read to the press at Isieke, Ibeku ancestral home in
Umuahia, the group expressed sadness that one of her own has long been detained
in the DSS custody.



 



The Ibeku youths, who used the communique to warn social
media influencer, Reno Omokri against making further ugly utterances against
their detained son, urged the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to call the former Presidential
aid to order.



 



The kinsmen of Nnamdi also warned groups or individuals
against politicizing the issues of Kanu’s detention for their selfish gains.





 



They maintained that Nnamdi Kanu only stood for truth,
equity and justice for the Igbo tribe and the Eastern part of Nigeria, just
like Nelson Madiba Mandela of South Africa, and attributed the high insecurity
in the Eastern part of the country to his continued detention.



 



The Ibeku youths appealed to President Bola Tinubu to
release their son, arguing that Omoyele Soworo and Sunday Igboho, who were
charged with similar offences, had all been freed.



 



“We remind our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, that
Messrs. Sowore, and Igboho, who were also charged with similar offences have
all been released and discharged from the charges, by the Federal Government of
Nigeria. Hence, we pray our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to extend
this same gesture to our brother- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,



 



The Ibeku youths also appealed to Governor Alex Otti,
Senator Austin Akobundu representing Abia Central and Deputy Speaker of House
of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu to join in the league of those working for
Kanu’s release.

AFCON 2025 Draw: Super Eagles placed in Pot 1

The Super Eagles have been placed in Pot 1 ahead of the draw
ceremony for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.



 



The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the
draw procedure on its official website on Wednesday.



 



According to CAF, the highest ranked nations, according to
the latest FIFA Rankings released June 20 , 2024 will occupy Pot 1.



 



The Super Eagles are currently ranked the fifth best team on
the continent.



 





Also in Pot 1 are, hosts Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia,
Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Cameroon and Democratic
Republic of Congo



 



The concluded draw of the qualifiers will be made up of 12
Groups of 4 teams (Group A to L), where the first and runners-up in the eleven
(11) groups that do not involve tournament hosts Morocco, will gain
qualification to the competition.



 



The draw will hold in Johannesburg, South Africa on
Thursday.



 



The AFCON 2025 finals will be played between December 21,
2025 and January 18, 2026.

Government alone cannot solve house challenges in Lagos – Gov Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Tuesday, said that the state government cannot solve the housing problem alone, but promised to bridge the deficit in the state.




Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed this during the commissioning of Lagos Building Investment Company and the Rising Lagos Apartment in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of the state.




He said: “I must commend and congratulate once again the leadership of LBIC and our Public Private Partner, WGC for their dedication, for their innovative mind and their promotion of excellence in bringing these projects to fruition for our citizens.




“Let me reiterate that the government alone cannot solve these housing challenges in Lagos. We will keep exploring innovative solutions. We will keep forming real, genuine partnerships.




“We will keep investing in sustainable development to ensure that as much as possible, as humanly possible, every Lagos resident that deserves has access to a decent and affordable housing need.




“I want to encourage and urge the private sector and all other stakeholders in real estate to continue to seize the abandoned opportunities that abound in our states and our city and to extend a hand of partnership with administration.




“Together, we believe that we can provide much-needed housing needs that will indeed take a greater Lagos conversation, take it to a reality.”




Earlier, Managing Director, LBIC, Olusola Faleye, had stated that the scheme was a significant achievement for the state government and its resident.

NNPC declares state of emergency on crude oil production

 



Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the
Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has declared a state of
emergency on crude oil production.



 



Kyari spoke on Tuesday in a keynote address at the opening
ceremony of the 23rd edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and
Exhibition (NOG Energy Week) in Abuja.



 



He said war has been declared on the challenges affecting
Nigeria’s crude oil production.



 



“We have decided to stop the debate. We have declared war on
the challenges affecting our crude oil production,” Kyari said.



 





 “War means war. We
have the right tools. We know what to fight. We know what we have to do at the
level of assets. We have engaged our partners. And we will work together to
improve the situation.”



 



He said a detailed asset analysis showed Nigeria could
easily produce two million barrels of crude oil per day without deploying new
rigs, but the primary obstacle is the inability of industry players to act
promptly.



 



Kyari said the war will enable NNPC and its partners to
swiftly remove all identified obstacles to efficient production, including
delays in procurement processes, which have become a challenge in the industry.



 



Regarding medium to long-term measures to boost and sustain
production, Kyari said NNPC will replace all the old crude oil pipelines built
over four decades ago.



 



He said the corporation will also introduce a rig-sharing
programme with its partners to ensure that production rigs stay in the country
for between four and five years which is the standard practice in most climes.



 



The NNPC GCEO called on all players in the industry to
collaborate towards reducing the cost of production and boosting production to
target levels.



 



Kyari expressed the company’s commitment to investing in
critical midstream gas infrastructure such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) and
the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipelines to boost domestic gas production and
supply for power generation, industrial development and economic prosperity of
the country.



 



He said NNPC has since keyed into the presidential
compressed natural gas (CNG) drive, and, in collaboration with partners like
NIPCO Gas, has constructed several CNG stations.



 



Kyari added that 12 of these stations will be inaugurated on
Thursday in Lagos and Abuja.

Four digital nomad jobs that could change your life

 






The digital nomad lifestyle offers the enticing prospect of working from
anywhere in the world. Alongside the trend for remote working, advancements in
technology and increased worldwide internet connectivity mean that more people
are embracing the freedom and flexibility that comes with being a digital
nomad.





If you’re thinking about making travel a key part of your working life,
here are four ideas to consider:



Freelance writing and content creation



With a decent laptop and good internet connectivity, being a freelance
writer is easier than ever. Businesses and brands worldwide continually seek to
establish their online presence, meaning the need for quality content has never
been higher.



To succeed as a freelance writer, you’ll need strong writing skills,
creativity and a good understanding of SEO principles. Building a portfolio is
essential, while platforms like Upwork and Fiverr
are excellent for finding clients. Networking within online communities and
using social media to showcase your work can also help.



Web and graphic design



Graphic design remains in high demand but you’ll need proficiency in
design software like Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch. An eye for detail is also
essential as is a solid understanding of UX principles.



As with content creation, creating a robust portfolio is key. Join
freelance websites, attend online courses and continuously update your skills
to ensure you have the best chance of landing jobs.



Online tutoring and teaching



The online education market is continually increasing, making tutoring
and teaching a lucrative option for digital nomads. Opportunities include
tutoring adults or children in a variety of subjects including languages. Teaching English abroad is a popular
option with many countries seeking the skills of native speakers for online
tutoring.



It also helps if you have teaching experience and expertise in your
chosen area. Excellent communication skills are crucial as you’ll be interacting
with a variety of different people with varying skill levels.



Trading and crypto trading



Crypto trading can be a great sideline for those with the right skills and risk
management strategies.As a digital nomad, you can trade from anywhere in the
world as long as you have a good understanding of financial markets and
awareness of both fundamental and technical analysis.



If you’re new to trading it’s a good idea to get clued up using online
learning resources and practice using a demo account before committing to the
real thing.



Embracing a digital nomad career can be a life-changing decision,
offering unparalleled freedom and opportunities for personal growth. It’s
generally easier if you already have some existing skills but there are
opportunities to learn on the go if you’re motivated and committed.

Only 3 Nigerian states attracted capital importation in first quarter of 2024 – NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has revealed that only Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Ekiti attracted capital importation in the first quarter of 2024.




The NBS revealed this in its Nigeria Capital Importation report for Q1, 2024.




According to the report, Lagos State remained the top destination for capital importation with 2,782.41 million, accounting for 82.42 per cent of the $3,376.01 million total capital imported into Nigeria in the referenced period.




The report stated that Abuja, FCT, followed Lagos State with US$593.58 million (17.58 per cent), with Ekiti State next with US$0.01 million.




The implication is that 34 states did not attract capital importation in the period under review.




A further analysis showed that Portfolio Investment ranked top with US$2,075.59 million, accounting for 61.48 per cent, followed by Other Investments with US$1,181.25 million, accounting for 34.99 per cent.




Foreign Direct Investment recorded US$119.18 million (3.53 per cent) of total capital importation in Q1 2024.




The NBS report stated that the banking sector recorded the highest inflow with US$2,067.44 million, representing 61.24 per cent of total capital imported in Q1 2024, followed by the trading sector, valued at US$494.93 million (14.66 per cent), and production/manufacturing sector with US$191.92 million (5.68 per cent).

Copa America 2024: Six countries qualify for quarter-finals [Full list]

At least six teams have booked their places in the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals.




The USA have been eliminated from the competition, following their 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Monday night.




The defeat, combined with Panama’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, left the Americans in third place in the group.




Uruguay advanced as Group C winners, and Panama progressed into the quarter-finals as the second qualifier out of the group.




Argentina will play Ecuador next, while Venezuela take on Canada.




Panama are waiting to know the winners of Group D, while Uruguay will face the runners-up of Group D.

Edo guber: LP fumes as ‘Obidient’ movement backs APC candidate, Okpebholo

 Edo State chapter of the Labour Party has slammed the
‘Obidient’ movement for backing the All Progressives Congress, APC,
governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo in the forthcoming state election.





 



The Party’s Publicity Secretary, Sam Uruopa, who carpeted
the move said, “It is absurd to hear that Obidient movement is supporting
Okpebholo just the way some also said they were Obidient movement for Asue
Ighodalo.



 



“The Obidient movement is synonymous with the Labour Party
and are integral members of the party.



 



“They have forgotten so soon how the party was denied the
use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election.



 





“So, how can these people now say they are Obidient members
and they are supporting Okpebholo or Ighodalo?



 



“For me, they have run out of ideas and do not know what
they are doing at this point. They cannot be Obidient movement and work against
the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.”



 



The “Obidient” movement in Edo had on Monday pledged their
support for the APC and its candidate.



 



Recall that another section of the movement a few weeks ago
also pledged their support for the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Asue
Ighodalo.



 



The group, comprising members from the Edo South Senatorial
District, on Monday, said they were supporting Okpebholo because of his close
ties with the people.



 

No explosion at Zungeru hydroelectric dam, say ED, police

 



Siraj Abdullahi, executive director of the hydroelectric dam
in Zungeru, Niger state, says there was no explosion at the facility.



 



Abdullahi was reacting to reports that there was an
explosion at the dam that caused injury to some workers, including a Chinese
national.



 



The reports said the unnamed Chinese engineer was conducting
a routine check when the explosion happened.



 



In a notice, the executive director described the reports as
a “wicked lie”.



 





“There is a fake news on several media houses,” Abdullahi
said.



 



“This is a wicked lie. We are fine in Zungeru nothing
happened and we are on the Grid.



 



“Please disregard this hate news. We are doing a video
rebuttal soon.”



 



Also, Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the police command in
Niger, said there was no kind of explosion at the dam.



 



“We wish to respond that there is no report of any kind of
explosion at Zungeru Dam, as reported by some online media, we urge members of
the public to kindly disregard please,” the spokesperson said.



 



“Thanks for your usual cooperation and understanding with
the Police and other security agencies in the State.”

Nollywood actor, Lawori, accuses NURTW boss, Koko Zaria of assault

The Nigeria Police said it would probe an allegation by a
popular Nollywood actor, Lawori, against a chieftain of the National Union of
Road Transport Workers, Ganiyu Oyedepo, popularly known as Koko Zaria,
involving an attack in which the former suffered a wound to his head.



 



This was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer,
Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday.



 



The actor, in a video shared early Monday by an X user,
Oyindamola, tweeting as #dammiedammie35, narrated how a bottle of alcoholic
drink was smacked on his head at the 2024 Idimu Day event held last Tuesday,
June 25, 2024.



 



According to the actor, who revealed the stitched wound on
his head, while pleading for justice from well-meaning Nigerians, said he was
one of the Masters of Ceremony at an event.



 





While doing his work, he said an unknown man came on the
stage to tell him that the NURTW chief called for him, which he obliged.



 



Lawori narrated, “As I went to meet Koko Zaria to greet him,
he asked if I didn’t see them here. Then I apologised and said I would do the
needful when I returned to the stage.



 



“I then heard somebody ask if I was Lawori, thinking that he
(the person) didn’t know me and was meeting me for the first time. It was later
confirmed to him that I’m Lawori.



 



“While I was talking with Koko Zaria and I turned, the man
took a bottle of Martell (in front of Koko Zaria and his guys) and broke it on
my head.”



 



The actor added that he was “wet” with his blood as he lost
consciousness due to the attack. He noted that he could only recall how his
head was stitched at the hospital, which has brought him pain.



 



“Nigerians, please help me. It was Koko Zaria who sent
someone to call me,” he said, adding that he doesn’t remember how he landed at
the hospital.



 



“Save me from Koko Zaria, I don’t know my offence to him,”
he pleaded.



 



While reacting to the accusation via his Instagram page on
Monday, the NURTW chief, using the handle #kokozaria_americaboy, denied the
allegation.



 



“Lawori has never offended me. We’re very close. I saw a
video where he said I was the one who ordered the attack on him. What did he do
to me?” he queried.



 



Oyedepo added, “Lawori, I don’t have anything to curse you
(sic) but I want you to swear by all you have and your ambition that I ordered
the attack.”



 



The NURTW boss stated that while at the event which
witnessed a large crowd in attendance, he called the actor to greet him, and
also apologised for not showing up for a work the actor called him to.



 



Oyedepo recalled that when Lawori returned to the stage,
about two people were fighting him as he (Lawori) stopped the music they were
enjoying.



 



He noted that he didn’t go to the event with his boys,
saying, “As you were coming from the stage, I saw that people were hitting
bottles on your head. I took you to the hospital and you were treated. I stayed
with you and paid your medical bill. I even gave you a wad of money. All these
happened on Tuesday.”



 



He noted that he left the hospital with Lawori around 1
a.m., adding that he was the one who alerted the actor’s wife about the
incident.



 



Oyedepo also said the actor called him on the phone on
Wednesday and prayed for him to show appreciation.



 



“I know everything that’s happening. I know those who sent
you. I hand you over to God,” he said.



 



Meanwhile, the PPRO, reacting to the video on X.com on
Monday, wrote, “This will be investigated, and justice will be served. Many
people have called me on this case. @BenHundeyin, @FCID_ANNEX, @LagosPoliceNG,
@PoliceNG.”

Rep visits Buhari, asks him to forgive Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘missteps’

Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia north and
south federal constituency, has sought the support of former President
Muhammadu Buhari for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).



 



Aguocha, who visited Buhari on Saturday at his country home
in Daura, Katsina, apologised on behalf of Kanu for his “missteps and ill
gestures”.



 



He said a political resolution would address the concerns of
the aggrieved parties and promote unity within the country.



 



“For the missteps, utterances, and ill gestures of the past,
especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I am
deeply sorry,” Aguocha said.



 





On June 23, about 50 members of the house of representatives
asked President Bola Tinubu to order the release of Kanu.



 



The legislators, who identified themselves as Concerned
Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, asked Tinubu to
direct Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, to invoke Section
174 of the 1999 constitution to release Kanu.



 



On his part, Buhari commended Aguocha for his dedication to
serving his people.



 



The former president assured him that he would not be
opposed to any political solution for Kanu’s release.



 



In January, Buhari said that bringing Kanu to Nigeria to
face trial was a “favour”, as the federal government had the option to
eliminate him.



 



Kanu was extradited to Nigeria in 2021 after he jumped bail
and fled the country following his arraignment for alleged terrorism,
treasonable felony, and incitement.



 



The IPOB leader has sought negotiation with the federal
government.

71,459 Nigerians’ obtain Canadian citizenship

 



Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC, has said over 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship between 2005 and 2024.



IRCC is a department of the government of Canada responsible for matters relating to immigration to the North American country, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.




The number places Nigeria in the 10th position on the list of new Canadian citizens by country of birth.




The data released by the immigration office showed that while new Canadians come from at least 196 countries and territories, the top 10 places account for nearly half of all new citizens.\




IRCC said the data highlighted the diversity of Canada’s new citizen population.




Irene Bloemraad, political sociologist and migration expert, told CTVNews that high levels of citizenship were good.




Bloemraad said research showed a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes.

“Canada stands out among other immigrant-receiving countries in the very high level of citizenship among immigrants in the country.




“High levels of citizenship are a good thing: research shows a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes, a greater sense of belonging to Canada and, of course, the ability to participate in elections and have a say in policy,” Bloemraad said.




The IRCC data revealed India as the leading source of new Canadians since 2005, with 536,279 individuals obtaining citizenship.




The Philippines follows closely behind with 395,694 new citizens, and China takes third place with 292,325.




Beyond these top three, a diverse range of countries contribute significantly to Canada’s growing citizen population.

Pakistan comes in fourth with 180,999 new citizens, followed by Iran (130,998), the United States (99,652), the United Kingdom (98,837), Syria (72,706), South Korea (71,939), and Nigeria with 71,459 new citizens rounding out the top 10.




Al Parsai, a Toronto-based immigration consultant, said the data underscored Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.




Parsai said: “The consistent number of new citizens from countries like India and the Philippines reflects their significant contributions to the Canadian labour market and society.




“The rise in new citizens from countries experiencing conflict, like Syria and Ukraine, highlights Canada’s role in providing refuge and support to those in need.

“The fact that new citizens come from nearly 200 different countries and territories showcases Canada’s global appeal and inclusive immigration policies.”




In November 2023, Canada announced a new immigration-level plan for skilled workers, caregivers, families, and other classes.




In a statement released by the citizenship and immigration Canada (CIC), the North American country will target the admission of 485,000 new immigrants.




“In 2025 and 2026, Canada will look to welcome 500,000 new immigrants in each year,” CIC added.

The Canadian government said the immigration plans will be for economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian classes.

Tension in Benue as LG chair stops Thanksgiving Service in honour of Akume

The sudden suspension of a thanksgiving church service organized in honour of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, by the Caretaker Chairman of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Unongu Simon, is causing anxiety in the state.




The thanksgiving service, which was scheduled to hold on Sunday, was to be followed by a grand reception for the SGF.




In a state wide radio announcement, Guma Council Caretaker Chairman, Unongo, directed the NKST Church, Daudu, which was to host the event, to put it on hold for security reasons.




Unongo advised that anyone who wished to organize any form of public function in the area must get official approval from his office.




Meanwhile, the organizers of the event said they will proceed with the thanksgiving service as planned and insisted nobody can stop them.




A member of the Central Planning Committee of the church service, Lazarus Asema, said, “The venue and time for the church service remain NKST Church Daudu and it also remains unchanged.”




The host community, Daudu is close to Makurdi, the Benue State capital and is home to an Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp, occasioned by herdsmen attacks on farming communities.

‘I’m getting old’ – Nkechi Blessing expresses readiness for marriage

Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday has expressed readiness to tie the nuptial knot




She explained that ageing and the recent trend of celebrity weddings are mounting pressure on her to get married.




She noted that she was not ready for marriage in the past but that has changed now.




The thespian, however, advised singles not to allow themselves be pressured into getting married, adding that love is beautiful and sweet.




On her Instagram page, Nkechi wrote: “On the 25th was Chivido, yesterday was crazy about us [Sharon Oojo’s wedding]. Me I just dey here they think, shey na ExcessLove, XxBlessing, or Nkechi is XX, or Xxssive is Blessing.




“I don ready. I be no ready before. Dey will pressure you no panic, I panic. The pressure is much, love sweet o. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise, love is a beautiful thing. Look at their smiles.







“It’s like I am ready now, make una suggest hashtags abeg and the best designer for my dresses. The pressure don finally hook me for neck, and I don dey old.”

Northeast must not return to terrorism – Atiku

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has charged the Nigerian government not to allow the Northeast slide back into terrorism and extreme violence.




Atiku made the call against the backdrop of multiple suicide attacks carried out at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town, Borno State.




The coordinated attacks led to the death of about 30 people while about 100 sustained various degrees of injuries.




Reacting, Atiku said such an attack was due to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.




Posting on X, Atiku wrote: “It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East.




“The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.




“It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect is being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.




“It is thus important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-East does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.




“My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed. -AA”

SERAP gives CBN 7 days to account for ‘missing’ N100bn dirty notes, other public funds

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to account for, and explain the whereabouts of the over N100 billion ‘dirty and bad notes’ and ‘other large sum of cash awaiting examination’ which are kept in various branches of the apex bank.




SERAP said the allegations are documented in the latest annual report published recently by the Auditor-General of the Federation.




The organisation also urged Cardoso to explain the whereabouts of the N7.2 billion budgeted for the construction of the CBN Dutse branch in 2010 and the N4.8 billion budgeted for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch back in 2009, and to publish the names of the contractors who collected the money and failed to complete the projects.




In letter released in Saturday and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the CBN Act, and national and international anti-corruption obligations.”




“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter reads in part.




“According to the recently published 2020 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has since 2017 been keeping over N100 billion [N100,672,999,000.00] ‘dirty and bad notes’, and other large sum of cash awaiting examination in various branches of the CBN.”

Naira depreciates by 40% against Dollar in First half of 2024

The Naira depreciated by over 40 percent in the half quarter of 2024 at the foreign exchange market.




The FMDQ data showed that the Naira weakened to N1505.30 per dollar on Friday from between N896.6 and N907.11 it closed on 29th December 2023.




The figure showed that the Naira had continued its instability against other currencies in the last months despite a streak of months of appreciation before depreciation set in mid-April 2024.




The Naira reached its highest peak of N1,665.50 in February 2024 and lowest point in April when it stood at 1,140 and N1,230.61 at the official and parallel foreign exchange markets, respectively.




The development comes on the back of Central Bank or Nigeria policies, including the unification of the FX market, circular on the operation of International Money Transfer Operators, Intervention to Bureau De Change operators, regulation on excess FX to banks, and recently the withdrawal of Price Verification System Portal for importers.




Despite, the policy reforms by the apex bank, the Naira has continued fluctuations against the Dollar and other currencies in the foreign exchange market.




In April 2024, the Naira was adjudged as the best-performing currency, but slipped to worst-performing in May, according to Bloomberg.




This is as Naira closed at N1505.30 and 1515 at the official and parallel foreign exchange market, respectively on Friday.




The development comes despite the increase in Nigeria’s external reserve which stood at $34.07 billion on June 26, 2024.

Probe committee report: El-Rufai’s decision to go to court laughable – Lawmaker

 The member representing Zaria constituency in the Kaduna
State House of Assembly, Mahmud Lawal, has described ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s
decision to pursue legal action over allegations that he misappropriated N432
billion as “laughable”.





 



Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Lawal expressed
disappointment at what he described as El-Rufai’s sudden interest in the
judiciary after neglecting it for so long.



 



He stated that El-Rufai seems to have conveniently forgotten
the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution, which
mandates non-interference between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.



 



“Does he (El-Rufai) believe that by resorting to legal
action, he can obstruct the legislature from carrying out its constitutional
duties?”



 





The lawmaker noted that Kaduna State had never experienced
such blatant misuse of public funds as recorded under El-Rufai’s tenure, “where
funds were misappropriated under the guise of project implementation”.



 



He explained that the claimed expenditures were
significantly disproportionate to the actual work accomplished.



 



“For instance, let me illustrate what occurred at Kofar Doka
in Zaria, my constituency. Billions of Naira were purportedly allocated for
road projects, but tragically, the only visible activity was bulldozers
demolishing people’s homes, rendering them homeless,” he said.



 



Lawal further criticized the projects carried out by the
El-Rufa’i administration in Kaduna State, alleging that they were primarily
aimed at personal enrichment, with little regard for the welfare of the
citizens of the state.



 



He pointed out the deteriorating condition of roads from
Unguwar Dosa to Malali and the questionable work undertaken at Kasuwar Magani
in Kajuru, stressing that the shops started to wear off even before occupation
by traders.



 



The most brazen display of dishonesty, according to him was
the Metropolitan Rail Line Project for which a substantial amount of money in
billions was allocated.



 



“What happened to the project? Where is the money? The only
evidence seems to be paper records indicating spending on surveys and map
design,” he noted.



 



Lawal stated that the public funds allegedly misappropriated
by El-Rufai’s administration under the guise of projects execution amount to
more than N432 billion.



 



He called on the people of the state to support the probe
committee in the efforts to recover the funds for the benefit of all.

Supreme court frees soldier on death row for murder after 12 years in prison

 The supreme court has discharged and acquitted Akawu Bala, a
sergeant of the Nigerian Army, over an allegation of murder.





 



Bala, who has been in Kaduna prison since 2012, was
sentenced to death for murder by the general court martial of the army.



 



He was accused of shooting one Isa Mohammed on December 9,
2012, when he was attached to the African Petroleum Station at Sabon Tasha,
Kaduna, with an AK47 rifle.



 



The victim was said to have died on December 10, 2012, at
Saint Gerald’s Catholic Hospital in Kaduna.



 





The accused stood trial before the general court-martial on
a two-count murder charge punishable under section 106 of the Armed Forces Act
2014.



 



He was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.



 



However, on February 17, 2017, the Kaduna court of appeal
upheld Bala’s appeal against the death penalty.



 



The court held that the charge sheet upon which he was tried
and convicted was not signed by a general officer commanding (GOC) as required
by law.



 



Obietonbara Daniel Kalo, the judge who read the court of
appeal’s lead judgment, declared the process of the trial and conviction of the
sergeant a nullity.



 



However, the court failed to give a consequential order
discharging the accused, after which Bala filed an appeal before the apex court
on March 16, 2017.



 



Reuben Atabo, the appellant’s lawyer, had argued that since
his client’s trial was declared a nullity, the court of appeal ought to have
made a consequential order to discharge him.



 



The lawyer also drew the attention of the apex court to
section 193 of the Armed Forces Act 2014, which he said prohibited the retrial
of any military personnel after his trial had been voided and set aside.



 



But the Nigerian Army, through its lead counsel, Isaac
Udoka, opposed Atabo’s position and urged the supreme court to order the
retrial of the appellant, in the interest of justice.



 



Delivering judgment in the appeal marked SC/889/2017 on
Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court discharged the convicted soldier.



 



Helen Ogunwumiju, the supreme court justice, held that the
proper thing was to discharge the appellant since his trial and conviction were
already voided.



 



The court added that under section 193 of the Armed Forces
Act 2014, Bala can no longer be tried on the same offences.



 



The court ordered the immediate release of the convict from
Kaduna prison.



 



The sergeant, in his argument, claimed that he shot at the
deceased, Mohammed, and one other person in self-defence.



 



Bala argued that it was dark on the day the incident
happened, adding that he had ordered them to go back, but they kept walking
towards him.



 



The soldier noted that he was apprehensive because it was
during the peak of the Boko Haram attacks.



 

Senator Jibrin mourns 14 worshipers killed by trailer after Juma’at

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has
mourned the death of 14 worshippers who were killed by a trailer following an
accident after Juma’at prayers on Friday, in Kano.



 



Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, had confirmed that 14
worshippers lost their lives when a trailer ran over them after Friday prayers
at Imawa town, Kura LGA of Kano State.



 



In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media
and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau, commiserated with the families
of the deceased.



 



He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and
the speedy recovery of the injured persons.



 





He said, ”With profound sadness, we mourn the tragic loss of
14 worshippers crushed by a trailer after Juma’at prayers on Friday in Kano.



 



”Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the
victims. We offer our deepest condolences in this hour of unimaginable grief.



 



“We pray for the souls of the departed to rest in Aljanatul
Firdausi and for the Almighty Allah to grant strength and comfort to those they
left behind,” he said.

Housing sector can unlock Nigeria’s $1trn economy – Minister

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has said that the development of Nigeria’s housing market has the potential to unlock the country’s targeted $1 trillion economy.




Dangiwa disclosed this during a recent groundbreaking ceremony for the 250-housing unit Renewed Hope Estate in Akwa Ibom.




According to him, under the current administration, Nigeria has turned into a construction site.




He explained that the project is part of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme launched by President Bola Tinubu with a groundbreaking for 3,112 Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, in February 2024.




He added the project further covered states like Kano, with a 500-unit Renewed Hope City, and Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, and Sokoto, each with a 250-unit Renewed Hope Estate in the first round of groundbreaking.




“We plan to turn Nigeria into a huge construction site. This estate, like the others, comprises 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.




“We have designed these housing units in a way that makes them affordable for people to acquire by using organic designs to allow for future expansion as the income of beneficiaries increases,” he said.

CAS clears Amusan of doping violation offence ahead 2024 Olympics

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has been cleared to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.




The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) dismissed appeals by the World Athletics (WA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the women’s 100-metre hurdles world record holder.




The CAF concurred with an earlier verdict by the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal (WADT) that found Amusan not guilty of any anti-doping rule violations.




The 28-year-old was suspended last year by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing three drug tests within a 12-month period.




The body sought a two-year period of ineligibility for Amusan.




The suspension was upturned by the AIU, which allowed her to run at the 2023 World Athletics Championship.




This ruling by CAS marks the end of a legal process that began with the WADT’s initial decision on August 17, 2023.

Budget life span extension aims at full implementation — Presidency

The presidency said the decision of the National Assembly to
extend the life span of the capital section of the 2023 Supplementary Budget
was aimed at full implementation of the budget.



 



The Special Adviser to the President on Information and
Strategy, Bayo Onanuga stated this on Friday.



 



Recall that Nigerian civic platform, BudgIT, had criticized
the decision of the Senate to extend the life span of the budget, making it the
third national budget running concurrently in the country.



 



Reacting to BudgIT, Onanuga said the National Assembly had
not erred in its action, pointing out that it was in a bid to ensure the
implementation of projects in the budget.



 





He noted that the Senate had already explained its reason
for its intervention, saying there are projects in the old budgets that have
not been implemented because of funding issues.



 



“There’s really no issue here. The National Assembly has
already explained its reason for this. There are many projects in the 2023
Budget and the (2023) Supplementary Budget that have not been executed. The
idea is to achieve the implementation of such projects in the previous budgets.



 



“For instance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
has some allocation in the 2023 Budget and the Supplementary Budget, which, as
we’re talking;



 



“…have not been given the cash backing to embark of the
projects, automatically they have to take such projects forward to be
implemented. Apparently they weren’t able to implement because they didn’t have
the funds.



 



“One also knows that a lot of projects, in terms of capital
budget, were not done last year so they needed to carry them forward before
they can be done. That’s just basically the idea”, Onanuga said.

Anti-tax protests: We have damaging files on Kenya’s deputy president, says intelligence chief

Noordin Haji, director-general of Kenya’s National
Intelligence Service (NIS), says the agency has incriminating information on
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.





 



Gachagua had demanded Haji’s resignation in the wake of the
violent anti-tax protests in the East African country that saw at least 23 dead
and thousands injured.



 



The deputy president alleged that the NIS DG failed to
notify President William Ruto of the magnitude of the protests to elicit an
appropriate response.



 



Gachagua also accused Haji of frustrating competent officers
in the service and bringing in cronies who have messed up intelligence
gathering.



 





Reacting to the allegations in a statement on Wednesday, the
NIS chief chided the deputy president for “damaging his reputation”.



 



Haji maintained that his direct reports are to Ruto, adding
that Gachagua is only interested in the files because there are skeletons in
his closet.



 



“The DP’s actions and words suggest that he has a personal
interest in the intelligence briefs revolving around the protests. Could it be
that he is worried that the NIS may have pinned responsibility at his
doorstep?” the statement reads.



 



“The DP is still bitter that many of his tribesmen who were
serving in the NIS but sabotaging H.E. President William Ruto were removed from
the service.



 



“It can only mean that the DP’s desire is to sabotage the
President in the hope that if the President falls, he can benefit from it.”



 



Haji warned that the NIS has “files and extensive
information” about Gachagua that are damaging but which are under wraps.



 



“We invite him to shed off the DP tag so that this service
can show him what a personal fight looks like,” the NIS chief said.



 



Haji said the NIS is committed to professionalism and
integrity, adding that the service will not tailor its intelligence to fit into
Gachagua’s “power-hungry designs”.

Rivers crisis: Chief Judge transfers Amaewhule’s defection case

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John
Tsoho, has ordered the transfer of the cases challenging the defection of the
25 state lawmakers in Rivers State from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to
the All Progressives Congress, APC.



 



Tsoho ordered that the cases be transferred from Federal
High Court 4, Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, to
Court Two headed by Justice E. O. Obele.



 



The CJ ordered the transfer of the case following a petition
by a defendant in the matter, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, demanding that the cases
against him be transferred to another court.



 



The cases are one instituted by the BOOT Party and others as
plaintiffs in suit number FHC/PHC/269/2024 and another by civil society
organisations in the state against Amaewhule and others, all on the defection
of the defendants to APC.



 





When the court resumed on Monday for hearing, it was
confronted with a petition signed by Martin Amaewhule addressed to the Chief
Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, seeking the case to
be reassigned to another court.



 



The presiding judge, Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, who read the
petition in the open court, had noted that the petitioner, Amaewhule, was praying
to the CJ of the High Court to stop the hearing process following the petition.



 



When the petition was read, counsel for the plaintiff, BOOT
Party, Mr Reuben Wanogho, informed the court that the petition was aimed at
arresting the ongoing case and urged the court to ignore it.



 



But counsel for the 1st to 25th defendants in the suit,
Ferdinand Orbi, denied knowledge of the petition by his client and prayed the
court to adhere to the petition and stop further proceeding if the letter was
addressed to the CJ of the court.



 



However, the presiding judge, Justice Pam, noted that in the
first instance, the petitioner (Amaewhule) has no motion, or counter affidavit
before him and that he is not yet known in the case.



 

Tinubu approves N50,000 for 3.6m families in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for an uplift
grant for 3.6 million families in Nigeria.



 

The grant will be disbursed under the National Construction
and Household Support Programme.

 

This will see about 100,000 families in each state receive
N50,000 for three months.

 

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, confirmed this in a
statement.

 



It read in part: “In addition, other items under the
National Construction and Household Support Programme include:

 

“One-off allocation to states and the Federal Capital
Territory of N10 billion for the procurement of buses and CNG uplift programme.

 

“Delivery of N50,000 uplift grants each to 100,000 families
per state for three (3) months.

 

“Provision for labour unions and civil society
organizations.

 

“Deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and sale of
assorted foodstuffs to be distributed across the nation.”

 

During the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja,
Tinubu urged state governors to work together to meet the needs of citizens.

 





Tinubu also promised that “he is willing to provide the
needed support to ensure that Nigerians are relieved of hardship.”

40,000 civil servants to receive first tranche of consumer credit- Presidency

 The presidency says over 40,000 civil servants have applied
in the initial phase of the consumer credit scheme and will receive the first
tranche of payment in weeks.





 



On April 24, the federal government approved the takeoff of
the first phase of the consumer credit scheme and launched a portal for
Nigerians to apply.



 



The government said the scheme, which aims to broaden
consumer credit availability, will be rolled out in phases, starting with civil
servants, and then extended to the general public.



 



Uzoma Nwagba, chief executive officer (CEO) of Consumer
Credit Corporation (CreditCorp), on May 15, said about 1.6 million Nigerians
have applied for credit under its scheme.



 





In a statement on X on Thursday, Dada Olusegun, special
assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media, estimated that 500,000
Nigerians will have access to consumer credit by May 2025.



 



“Over 40,000 civil servants have applied in the initial
phase and will receive the first tranche of payment in weeks,” Olusegun said.



 



“The first phase of the scheme is targeted at civil
servants, and the next phase, the general population.



 



 “By May 2025, it is
conservatively estimated that 500,000 Nigerians will benefit from consumer
credit access.”



 



According to Olusegun, about 150 banks, both money deposit
and microfinance institutions, have expressed interest in being part of the
ecosystem that is being created by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation
(CrediCorp) to essentially undergird a national consumer credit system.



 



He also said CrediCorp is collaborating with the National
Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to efficiently link Nigerians’ national
identification numbers (NINs) to a credit-scoring system.



 



Olusegun said the consumer credit scheme is conceived and
designed to accelerate credit access to citizens in line with Tinubu’s vision
of ensuring that every hardworking Nigerian enjoys a decent standard of living.

Nigeria’s FX inflow in Q1 2024 was $24bn, says Cardoso

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),
says the country recorded a total foreign exchange inflow of about $24 billion
in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.



 



Cardoso made this known during an interview with Bloomberg
TV on Tuesday.



 



The CBN governor said the monetary policy tools employed by
the apex bank are showing positive impacts on the FX market.



 



According to Cardoso, the FX inflow of Q1 2024 is about 50
percent above the inflows recorded in previous quarters up to 2021.



 





“The tools are having a positive impact. So we believe that
continuing on this trajectory, we believe that liquidity will continue to
grow,” he said.



 



Cardoso said CBN has set up a committee to facilitate more
inflow of diaspora funds into the official FX market.



 



He said the committee reported directly to him with the sole
objective of doubling the inflow of foreign exchange from the international
monetary operations.



 



The governor also said the committee has begun to yield
positive outcomes with an increase in inflow from Nigerians in the diaspora.



 



“We’ve had a recognition of the huge role the Nigerian
diasporans play in remitting tremendous amounts of money into the system over
some time,” he said.



 



“We set up a committee which reports directly to me to
double the amount of foreign exchange inflow coming from the IMTO who service
that segment of the autonomous players.



 



“Capital inflows are very important. And the reason why is
that in the case of Nigeria, the pass-through from the foreign exchange rate
into inflation is quite significant. We believe that this is an area outside of
the normal day-to-day operations that NNPC and exporters will help in closing
the gap.



 



 “Already, it’s
beginning to bring about results. Again, we are confident that with these kinds
of measurements, liquidity will increase in our market.”



 



Based on the data published on the CBN website, the
country’s FX reserves stood at $33.91 billion as of June 24.



 



In March, the apex bank said the economy recorded over $1.5
billion in FX inflow in the same month, indicating its monetary policy
initiatives are effective.

Kenyan citizens give President Ruto 48-hour ultimatum to resign

There is an outrage in Kenya as citizens gave President William Ruto a 48-hour ultimatum to step down, demanding a new government committed to “transparency, accountability, and good governance.”




The call for resignation has gained significant traction, with a viral Twitter statement stating, “We no longer recognise William Ruto as the President of Kenya. We recall his presidency and urge him to immediately resign and surrender his office to the Kenyan people.”




This statement has generated lots of engagement, reflecting widespread discontent.




Regardless of President Ruto retracting a controversial finance bill that proposed tax increases, public outrage continues to prevail.




The bill, which was intended to address Kenya’s debt of approximately 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), or roughly 70% of GDP, faced fierce opposition.




Ruto highlighted that without the tax increases, there would be a significant funding shortfall for critical development programmes, including those supporting farmers and teachers.




Kenyans are said to have struggled with economic instability, rampant corruption, and governance issues, leading to escalating living costs and high unemployment rates.




The public’s frustration has climaxed into protests and a fervent demand for change.




Scores of protesters took to the streets, expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration, which they describe as plagued by “incompetence, mismanagement, and a persistent failure to address the nation’s pressing needs.”




Kenyan police were said to have fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators while soldiers were deployed and roads leading to Ruto’s office at State House and parliament were blocked by police in anti-riot gear.

Transfer my case with EFCC to Kogi – Yahaya Bello tells court

For the fifth time, former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Thursday, failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment in the N82bn fraud case brought against him by the federal government.




Instead, the former governor applied to the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his trial to Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.




During Thursday’s proceedings, Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that his client had written to the Chief Judge requesting that the trial be moved to Lokoja.




He stated that the former governor preferred to be arraigned in Lokoja, arguing that the court there has territorial jurisdiction.




However, the senior lawyer did not mention the status of the Chief Judge’s response to the request.




He also did not fulfill his commitment made on June 13 to produce Bello in court for today’s arraignment.




At the time of this report, there have been legal disputes between the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, and Adedipe.




The prosecution counsel is demanding that Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, and Adeola Adedipe, both Senior Advocates, be tried for contempt for misleading the court.

Tinubu backs NDLEA to end drug abuse, trafficking

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to redouble efforts in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the country.




He also urged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in its fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.




A statement on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said the President gave the charge on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja.




Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said, “I enjoin all and sundry to support the War Against Drug Abuse initiative, otherwise known as the WADA campaign, launched by NDLEA three years ago. I commend and urge everyone to redouble efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.




“On this score, I wish to reassure you of this administration’s support. The Renewed Hope Agenda places the youth at the centre of its focus. Therefore, we ensure that our young people are protected from anything that could derail their future or destroy their potential.”




The President also called for the prioritisation of evidence-based prevention strategies for drugs in the country.




“In the face of such a formidable challenge, prevention is the most potent weapon to deploy. Prevention not only saves lives; it also saves resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.




“The assignment before us as a country requires that we prioritise evidence-based prevention strategies, allocate adequate resources and foster partnerships for greater impact.”




In his welcome remark, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd), said the agency was not relenting in cutting off illicit drug supply channels and dismantling trafficking networks.




“After all, when you cut off drug supplies, you deny users the availability and access to them, including insurgents, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and sundry criminals who rely on drugs to foster their criminalities.




“The magnitude of our effort is reflected in the statistics of our drug supply reduction activities. We have arrested 52,901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, in three and a half years. Over 9,000 of the suspects have been convicted in court. We have also seized over the same period 7.6 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances,” he said.




Meanwhile, a rights group, Hope Beyond Bars Africa, has kicked against the proposed death sentence for drug offences in the country.




The group, in a statement on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Oluwafunke Adeoye, said apart from not being deterrence enough, it was against global best practices.




“On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold human rights and human dignity and to promote justice that restores.




“Hope Behind Bars Africa firmly opposes the introduction of the death penalty for drug offences in Nigeria. There is a global trend towards abolition of the death penalty, especially for non-violent crime.




“Also, several comprehensive studies and reports highlight the lack of a significant deterrent effect associated with the death penalty for drug trafficking. We urge the National Assembly to reconsider this bill and focus on progressive, humane, and effective solutions to address the drug endemic,” she said.

Edo: Speaker orders Deputy Majority Leader out of plenary over improper dressing

There was a mild drama at plenary session at the Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday as the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Natasha Osawaru, was ordered to leave the plenary for improper dressing and wearing of a dark shade.




The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, ordered the lawmaker who is representing Egor Constituency to leave the session following a point of order raised by Nicholas Asonsere, representing Ikpoba Okha Constituency.




In his point of order, Asonsere said the Deputy Majority Leader’s mode of dressing was against the rules of the House.




“This hallowed chamber is a sacred home. We will not continue to accept or allow anybody to bring it to disrepute.




“We have tolerated enough of the attitude and behaviour of some honourable members so to speak, and if we did not correct this now, it would become a precedent for others to emulate, if not now, in the near future.




“Please, Mr Speaker if I have the permission, I want to crave the indulgence to read some rules of the House sections and subsections.




“We have our own Bible which is often referred to as the Rules of the Edo State House of Assembly upon this we are being guided.




“Any member that violate or contravene the rules is punishable by the law,” he said.




The Speaker, while ordering the Deputy Majority Leader to leave the chamber, said the action was not his own making but in accordance with the House rules.




“Improper dressing and wearing of dark shade is not allowed in this House. It is not me that said it but the House rules. So, please, let us always comply with these our rules,” he added.

Kenya President, Ruto declines assenting Finance Bill 2024

Kenyan President, William Ruto has refused to assent the Finance Bill, 2024.




Ruto is said to have sent the bill back to the Parliament before they break for recess on Wednesday.




The president also proposed a raft of amendments to the Bill which the MPs will have to consider.




Parliament may amend the Bill in light of the president’s reservations or pass it a second time without amending it.




In returning the bill, the president will point out key areas that need to be altered.






If the MPs amend the bill fully accommodating the President’s reservations, the speaker will resend it to Ruto for assent.




If the House considers the president’s reservations, it may pass it a second time, without amendment, or with amendments that do not fully accommodate his reservations. This must have, however, been supported by two-thirds of the members.




With the MPs set to go on recess beginning, Thursday until July 23, it means that should the President return the document to Parliament the speaker may have to recall them.




Some of the tax proposals which had earlier been introduced in the bill include 16 per cent VAT on bread, Excise duty on vegetable oil, VAT on transportation of sugar, 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax and Eco Levy on locally manufactured products.




They have since been dropped.




The bill passed the committee of the whole house after these amendments were made.




The committee of the whole house format allows for detailed examination of each clause, ensuring thorough consideration before the bill progresses to subsequent stages of legislative review.

Emirship tussle: Politicians asked Ado Bayero to fight after dethronement – Kano gov

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Wednesday disclosed that some unpatriotic politicians encouraged the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to fight back after he was dethroned.




Disclosing this through his Chief Press Secretary, Sanusi Bature, the governor said these unpatriotic politicians are behind the court case challenging his deposition by the Kano State Government.




Featuring on Arise TV’s Morning Show, the governor’s spokesman described Bayero’s fight to upturn his dethronement as unnecessary.




Stressing that politics was involved in the issue of Kano Emirate tussle, Bature recounted that Emir Muhammed Sanusi never challenged the former state government when he was deposed in 2019.




Recall that Governor Yusuf had dethroned Aminu Bayero while reinstating Sanusi as the Emir of Kano in May.




This followed the decision of the state Assembly to repeal the 2019 Kano Emirate law.




However, Bature said: “We wanted him to vacate the palace because it’s used as a guest house and a graveyard, we want it renovated quickly so that it can serve its purpose. When the governor reinstated the Emir and had given 48 hours for all the other emirs to vacate their palaces.




“Ado Bayero in his own wisdom decided to remove his family and everything belonging to him from the palace. When I was there, the place was so empty when Sanusi entered.




“But some unpatriotic politicians from and outside Kano decided to ignite him to come back to Kano and strike a fight which is unnecessary. Some of the unpatriotic politicians are behind the filing of the court case, like it or not, there is politics here.




“Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed after the dethronement of Sanusi but why didn’t Sanusi fight back at that time?”