Author: Richie

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a cautionary alert to both banks and the public today, urging vigilance against counterfeit banknotes, particularly higher denominations that are currently being used in transactions within food markets and other commercial hubs across the country. As outlined by the Apex Bank, it is deemed a punishable offense by imprisonment for any person to falsify, make, or counterfeit any bank note or coin issued by the CBN. The CBN has noted the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, especially in higher denominations, within food markets and commercial centres across major cities. Emphasizing this, Section 20(4) of…

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on Friday,  rejected the Senate Committee on Appropriation’s attempt to raise the crude oil production benchmark in the 2024 Appropriation Bill from 1.7 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day. The suggestion was dropped by Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, during the budget defense session with the NNPCL management. While the Federal Government set an average crude oil production benchmark of 1.78 million barrels per day and a crude oil price benchmark of $77.96 in the…

Following a crucial meeting with leaders of all security agencies and political parties in Kano on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel, issued a stern warning to leaders and supporters of the ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC). They were cautioned against engaging in any activities that could disrupt the peace in the state, especially in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s verdict on the March 18, 2023, governorship election. The Commissioner of Police reassured residents that the police and sister security agencies have devised strategies to ensure the security of lives…

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s attempt to suspend Chief Judge Oyebola Ojo of Osun State has been rejected by the National Judicial Council (NJC). Despite Adeleke’s prior suspension of Ojo and the appointment of Olayinka Afolabi as the acting chief judge, the NJC has declined the governor’s request. On November 16, Adeleke, following the state house of assembly’s resolution, suspended Ojo, ignoring an order from the national industrial court preventing her removal. Subsequently, the state government claimed that Ojo was not suspended, asserting that the governor had only forwarded the assembly’s resolution and acting appointment recommendations to the chief justice of the…

The Enugu state government has restated its dedication to continuing the process of de-risking businesses and investments within the state, aiming to transform it into an economic hub. The government emphasizes the importance of creating a business-friendly environment aligned with international standards, anticipating that this approach will lead to improved economic outcomes. The ultimate goal is to achieve the administration’s vision of increasing the state’s GDP from the current $4.4 billion to $30 billion, primarily driven by private sector investments. Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the Managing Director/CEO of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, provided these assurances during the Public Sector…

The Imo State Government has banned all masquerade activities in Ideato North Local Government Area of the state. The directive was communicated through a letter dated December 1, 2023, addressed by the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, and addressed to Eze K.N. Kanu, the Chairman of Ideato North Local Government Traditional Council. In the letter, Eze Okeke, who also serves as the chairman of the community policing council in the state, explained that the decision aims to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the area. The letter, titled ‘Security directive…

The Abia State Police Command has restated its warning against engaging in any form of jungle justice throughout the state. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, emphasized the need for reporting suspected criminals to the authorities for investigation rather than resorting to lynching. Chinaka, speaking during a radio sensitization program, addressed recent reports of jungle justice incidents in various areas of the state. This included the tragic case of Ikechi Kalu, who was allegedly lynched for stealing a motorcycle in a clan of Arochukwu LGA. The victim, a father of one, was reportedly apprehended by youths, “convicted” without…

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ordered all party members involved in ongoing intra-party legal disputes to promptly withdraw their cases. This directive came after the NWC’s 578th meeting held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the party’s current status, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, conveyed that the NWC had directed the immediate withdrawal of all pending intra-party litigations nationwide. Ologunagba clarified that this decision aligns with the provisions of Section 58 (1)(l) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017 and reflects the…

Lance Corporal John Gabriel, a dismissed soldier, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Sheikh Goni Aisami, a cleric in Yobe state. Additionally, Gabriel’s colleague, Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon, received a 10-year prison sentence at the Nigerian Correctional Service. The verdict was handed down by a Yobe State High Court in Potiskum on Tuesday. The duo, Gabriel with Nigerian Army number N/A13/69/6522 attached to 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, and Gideon, were found guilty of the charges of murder and conspiracy, respectively. During the judgment, Justice Usman Zanna Mohammed stated that, after careful consideration of the facts…

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has submitted a budget proposal of N521.5 billion for the fiscal year 2024 to the Enugu State House of Assembly. Entitled “Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth,” it marks the highest budget in the state’s history, comprising N414.3 billion for capital expenditure and N107.2 billion for recurrent expenditure. Governor Mbah, during the presentation, explained that the budget is designed to drive growth in a substantially different manner than before. The proposed budget represents a significant increase of 132% from the revised 2023 budget, amounting to ₦521,561,386,000.00. The breakdown of expected revenues includes ₦252.7 billion from…