N9bn Olympics Failure: Gara-Gombe Cautions Enoh Against Sports Politics

Former Chairman of the Gombe Football Association, Shuaibu Ahmed Gara-Gombe, has issued a stern warning to the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, against interfering in the elections of sports federations. Gara-Gombe’s remarks follow Enoh’s recent threats to remove federation officials deemed ineffective after Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Gara-Gombe criticized the minister’s approach, especially in light of the N9 billion budget that was reportedly squandered. He expressed concern that such interference could provoke the ire of international bodies affiliated with the federations. While supporting Enoh’s goal to place capable individuals in key positions, Gara-Gombe advised against meddling in federation elections.

“I agree with the minister’s intention to ensure qualified people hold key federation positions, but he must avoid interfering with their elections to prevent conflict with international bodies. His role should be to ensure the right candidates are appointed, not to interfere directly in the electoral process,” Gara-Gombe stated on Channels Television.

He also highlighted the lack of accountability regarding the National Olympic Committee’s use of funds, noting that Nigeria’s failure to secure a medal at the Paris Games represents the eighth time in 19 Olympic appearances that the country has returned empty-handed.

Minister Enoh expressed frustration with the outcome, acknowledging that Nigeria’s performance at the Olympics fell short of expectations. He apologized to Nigerians and vowed to assess what went wrong before the Paralympic Games.

“The Olympics in Paris 2024 did not meet our objectives or the hopes of Nigerians. Despite ensuring that funds were available and all necessary support was provided, our performance was disappointing,” Enoh said in a statement.

Enoh also criticized the federations for focusing more on qualification than on adequate preparation for the Games. He noted that meetings and strategies were limited to federations with strong chances of qualifying, but the prioritization of qualification over preparation was evident.

“This issue of prioritizing qualification over preparation must be addressed,” Enoh added.

Four Dead in Bauchi Floods

The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency has reported the deaths of four individuals as severe flooding continues to impact several communities in the state.

In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, the agency’s Director General, Mas’ud Aliyu, confirmed the fatalities, which occurred in flood-affected areas of Shira, Giade, and Katagum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State.

“Shira, Giade, and Katagum are the LGAs most heavily impacted by the floods,” Aliyu stated. He explained that the state government has dispatched a delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, along with the Commissioners of Humanitarian Affairs, Housing and Environment, and Finance, to assess the damage.

Aliyu detailed the impact of the floods, noting that substantial farmlands have been submerged. “In Giade, while there have been no casualties, many farms, animals, and other domestic assets have been destroyed. In Shira, we have recorded three deaths along with significant damage to homes and farms. Katagum has seen the loss of one life, with extensive damage to farmlands and houses,” he added.

The floods have also caused significant infrastructural damage, including a damaged bridge that has left travelers stranded. “In Katagum, roads leading to Bulkachuwa and from Azare to Jama’are have been cut off. Additionally, roads from Azare to Giade and from Shira to Azare are at risk of collapse,” Aliyu reported.

The floods have inundated thousands of hectares of farmland, exacerbating the situation for local farmers and residents.

NJC Appoint Justice Ariwoola’s Successor on Friday

The National Judicial Council (NJC) is set to meet on Friday, August 16, to select the successor to the current Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is scheduled to retire on August 22 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

A reliable source within the Supreme Court revealed on Tuesday that the NJC has arranged a meeting for this Friday to deliberate on the appointment of the next CJN. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information, mentioned that any candidate recommended during the NJC’s meeting would be presented to President Bola Tinubu for approval.

“The NJC is set to convene on Friday to decide on the nominee for the next CJN. No name has been sent to the President yet, as the NJC has not held its meeting,” the source informed PUNCH.

The Supreme Court currently has a full bench of 21 Justices. Following the tradition of the court, the most senior Justice is expected to be named the next CJN.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the most senior Justice currently serving on the Supreme Court bench, is the likely candidate to succeed Justice Ariwoola.

Justice Ariwoola will officially retire as the CJN on August 22, 2024, having reached the compulsory retirement age. The Supreme Court has scheduled a valedictory session on that date to honor his service to the nation.

Justice Ariwoola, who hails from Oyo State, was appointed as CJN on October 12, 2022, following the retirement of Justice Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi State.

According to Section 231(4) of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Ariwoola’s retirement paves the way for the appointment of a new CJN, with the most senior Justice on the Supreme Court bench expected to assume the position. This suggests that Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to take on this role.

A source within the Supreme Court previously confirmed to The PUNCH that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as the next CJN is “highly certain.”

“This one is very certain. Normally, three names would be submitted, but the most senior is already preparing to take over,” the source said.

If confirmed, Justice Kekere-Ekun will become the second woman to serve as Chief Justice of Nigeria, following Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014.

Upon her confirmation, the 66-year-old Justice Kekere-Ekun will lead the judiciary for a four-year term, ending in 2028 when she reaches the retirement age of 70.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, a distinguished life bencher, began her legal career in private practice from 1985 to 1989. She was then appointed as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in the Lagos State Judiciary in December 1989. On July 19, 1996, she became a judge of the High Court of Lagos State and later chaired the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 to May 1999.

She was elevated to the Court of Appeal on September 22, 2004, where she served in various divisions, presiding over the Makurdi and Aku divisions in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed as the fifth female Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, taking her oath of office on Monday, July 8, 2023.

Satirist Dan Bello Criticizes Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Claims They Are Hurting Nigerians

Skitmaker and satirist Bello Galadanchi, widely known as Dan Bello, has voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they are causing significant hardship and suffering among Nigerians. In a recent interview with Trust TV, Bello expressed his concern that these policies are leading to widespread hunger and hardship, yet the government seems indifferent to the plight of its citizens.

Bello stated that many Nigerians are going to bed hungry due to the avoidable hardships brought on by the government’s actions. He argued that the economic difficulties facing the nation are not the result of natural disasters but are instead the consequences of poorly implemented policies.

In his remarks, Bello also addressed the backlash against his skits, which often satirize government actions. He suggested that the criticism he faces from the ruling party is a sign that his content resonates with the people and highlights the failings of the government.

Bello accused the Tinubu administration of prioritizing lavish projects over the well-being of the citizens, further exacerbating the economic challenges. He expressed his determination to continue speaking out against these policies, even if it means facing legal repercussions.

Bello’s comments reflect growing discontent among some Nigerians who feel that the current government’s policies are deepening poverty and suffering across the country.

Ezekwesili Criticizes Speaker Abbas and National Assembly Over Controversial Anthem Bill

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly criticized the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the National Assembly for their support of the Counter Subversion Bill 2024. This proposed legislation seeks to impose severe penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem, including a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

Ezekwesili expressed her disapproval on her X (formerly Twitter) account, calling the bill a “silly flight of fancy” that highlights the lawmakers’ disconnect from the pressing issues facing Nigerians. She further condemned the National Assembly’s focus on such legislation, which she considers irrelevant to the country’s dire situation.

The former minister also reiterated her refusal to sing the old national anthem, which President Bola Tinubu reinstated earlier this year. She challenged the National Assembly to prosecute her if the bill becomes law, questioning the priorities of the country’s leaders.

Ezekwesili concluded her criticism by accusing the lawmakers of subverting Nigeria’s progress through their actions, urging them to heed the public’s demand to end bad governance. She warned that the country’s current path is unsustainable and that the focus on trivial matters is out of touch with the needs of the Nigerian people.

Nigerian Government Freezes Over $37 Million in Cryptocurrency Linked to #EndBadGovernance Organisers

The Nigerian government has reportedly frozen more than $37 million worth of cryptocurrency held in wallets believed to be associated with the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests. This action was taken following an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The ruling, issued by Judge Emeka Nwite on July 9, 2024, came after an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC claimed that the assets in question were proceeds from money laundering and terrorism financing. The court granted the freezing order during an ex parte hearing, meaning the wallet owners were not present or notified at the time of the decision.

The largest of the frozen wallets contains over $37 million in USDT (a stablecoin tied to the US dollar). The other wallets hold smaller amounts, ranging from $90 to $443,512.37 in cryptocurrency. The EFCC did not disclose the identities of the wallet owners in their application, but sources suggest that they are linked to the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

An affidavit supporting the EFCC’s application stated that the assets were under investigation for their connection to money laundering and terrorism financing. The court has ordered that the wallets remain frozen pending the conclusion of the investigation and any potential prosecution.

Nigerian Singer Chike Surprises Twitter Troll with N1 Million Gift After Heated Exchange

Nigerian singer Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, popularly known as Chike, recently stunned a Twitter troll by gifting them N1 million after a contentious exchange on the social media platform.

The altercation began when the troll criticized Chike’s music, claiming that the singer owed his success to the late artist Mohbad. The situation escalated after Chike shared a video, to which the troll responded with the comment, “Mohbad made you.”

In response, Chike fired back with several retorts before offering to send the troll N1 million, sarcastically suggesting it might help alleviate the person’s hunger and lack of success. True to his word, Chike transferred the money and shared a receipt of the transaction with the caption, “I know say na hunger. Hunger boy, Oya and eat.”

Chike, who gained recognition through his participation in the Nigerian reality competition Project Fame West Africa and later The Voice Nigeria, where he secured second place in Season 1, is also known for his acting roles. He made his acting debut in the Africa Magic Showcase telenovela Battleground and appeared in Gang of Lagos as the character Ify.

Chike released his debut album Boo of the Booless on February 14, 2020, followed by his second album, The Brother’s Keeper, in 2022.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 14th August 2024

What is the current exchange rate for the Dollar to Naira on the black market, also known as the parallel market?

For today, 14th August 2024, the Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) is as follows:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1,593 per dollar
  • Selling Rate: ₦1,598 per dollar

These rates were sourced from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators on Tuesday, 13th August 2024.

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market for foreign exchange transactions. The CBN advises individuals to conduct their forex transactions through their respective banks.

Official CBN Exchange Rate Today

  • Buying Rate: ₦1,573 per dollar
  • Selling Rate: ₦1,574 per dollar

Please be aware that the exchange rates can vary depending on the seller, and the rates mentioned in this article may differ from those you encounter.

Anticipated Petrol Price from Dangote Refinery

Meanwhile, independent petroleum marketers in Nigeria are speculating that petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery may be sold at a price between ₦600 and ₦650 per litre when it enters the market. This follows the trend observed with diesel prices influenced by the refinery. However, the exact pricing will depend on production costs and market conditions.

Dangote Refutes Claims of Setting Petrol Price at ₦600/Litre

Dangote Limited has officially denied setting the price of petrol from its Lagos-based refinery at ₦600 per litre, following statements from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

In a statement released on Tuesday night by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company clarified that no official price has been determined for petrol from the refinery. This denial comes after IPMAN speculated that petrol from the Dangote Refinery would be sold at ₦600 to ₦650 per litre, similar to the effect the refinery had on diesel prices.

IPMAN’s National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, had suggested that the $20 billion refinery could help lower fuel costs if supported with adequate crude oil supplies. However, Dangote Limited emphasized that it has not engaged in any pricing discussions with IPMAN, nor has the association been authorized to speak on its behalf.

The company urged the public to disregard the speculative prices and wait for an official announcement regarding the petrol pricing.

FG Initiates Plan to Repatriate 12,400 Nigerian Doctors from Abroad

On August 14, 2024, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration in a bid to counter the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals from Nigeria. The policy, announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, aims to encourage the return of approximately 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors currently practicing abroad, with a significant number based in the United Kingdom.

Prof. Pate highlighted that 67% of Nigerian-trained doctors are practicing in the UK, underscoring the critical role Nigerian professionals play in the UK’s healthcare system. The newly approved policy is not merely a response to the migration trend but also a comprehensive strategy designed to manage, harness, and reverse the migration of health workers.

The policy introduces the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which will regularly review working conditions to ensure that health workers, especially those in rural areas, receive adequate recognition and rewards. The government is also negotiating with countries receiving Nigerian healthcare workers to improve Nigeria’s health training facilities.

Moreover, the policy will facilitate the return and reintegration of Nigerian healthcare professionals from the diaspora by streamlining registration processes and providing incentives. The initiative also includes digital health infrastructure development and capacity building to enhance healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

Healthcare professionals have expressed cautious optimism, requesting more details on the implementation plan to assess its feasibility and potential impact.