A 15-year-old girl was electrocuted while fetching water from a well during a power outage in Olomore Housing Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident occurred when power was unexpectedly restored, causing her to come into contact with a naked cable from the pumping machine inside the well. The victim was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, prompting an investigation by the authorities. This unfortunate event echoes a similar incident involving an electrician in Unity Estate, Aregbe, on November 7, 2023.”
“Cult clash in Ogun State claims life of Tescom in Ijeun Titun area.”
According to a source who spoke anonymously, Tescom was sitting at a car wash in the area when he was attacked by gun-wielding men who shot him, leading to his demise. The incident has left residents in fear of potential reprisal attacks.
The source described the assailants arriving on a motorcycle and specifically targeting Tescom, shooting him in the head before fleeing the scene. Concerns arose that Tescom’s associates might retaliate against the attack.
Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident but refuted claims of it being a cult clash. Instead, Odutola stated that it was a suspected murder case involving one Olumide Danisa, alias Tescom. Danisa was rushed to State Hospital Ijaiye, where he was pronounced dead. The police have initiated investigations into the matter, under the directive of CP Alamutu Abiodun PSC.
The incident follows previous violent clashes between rival cult groups in the state. In February, Seun Elewode, a member of the Aye cult group, was killed during a shootout in the Adeun area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta. Another suspected member of the Buccaneer Confraternity was also killed in the Akinolugbade area.
In response to the escalating violence, the Ogun State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in connection with the cult clashes in Abeokuta, which claimed four lives in February. However, in a positive development, 48 repentant cultists in Sagamu surrendered their arms to the police, renouncing their membership in various cult groups. This ceremony, held at the Palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, aimed to discourage cult activities through moral persuasion and engagement. CP Alamutu attributed the surrender to the police’s approach, emphasizing the importance of moral persuasion in curbing cult-related violence in the state.
CSOs Applaud Sanwo-Olu As Lagos Govt Corrects Six-Year-Old Salary Error Affecting Civil Servants
A coalition of over 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration following the Lagos state’s announcement of correction of a six-year-old basic salary error in the pay of civil servants across the state.
Convener, Campaign for Dignity in Governance & Coalition of 70 Civil Society Organizations, Razaq Olokoba made the commendations while interacting with newsmen Thursday in Abuja.
Olokoba who was full of excitement over the development, stated that “correcting a six-year-old basic salary error in the pay of civil servants will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of workers in the state.
He added that Sanwo-Olu’s effort to restore what rightfully belongs to workers is another installment of his love and passion for people.
“it is refreshing to see Governor Sanwo-Olu making frantic effort to resolve payment issues of workers, we are happy about this development and I must say that this governor is unique and hardworking – what he is doing is another show of love for workers and Lagosians”.
Recall the Lagos state government had announced the correction of a worker’s six-year-old basic salary error in the pay of civil servants on its official Lagos state government’s handle on X.
According to the post, the adjustment will be reflected in the March 2024 salary of civil servants across the state.
The adjusted salary impacted aspects such as housing and transportation allowances and had been ongoing for six years in the Public Service.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is receiving praise for the amendment. Employees are commending his dedication to their well-being.
After comprehensive negotiations between the Staff Union and the State Government, changes were made to the salary scale, providing comfort to the workers.
The updated salary structure now accurately represents the rightful earnings of employees according to their ranks and grade levels.
Workers’ union expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Lagos State, Comrade Olusegun Balogun, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing workers’ welfare.
The Chairman noted that the joint efforts of the government and the Labour Union are exemplary in fostering constructive dialogue and resolving matters concerning workers’ rights.
He further mentioned that by rectifying the salary disparities, Governor Sanwo-Olu has enhanced the financial stability of the system and promoted a sense of trust and unity among the workforce.
He said, “The successful resolution of the salary error stands as a testament to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s proactive governance style and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Lagos State’s workforce.
“With this landmark achievement, the stage is set for continued collaboration and progress towards a brighter future for all stakeholders in the State.”
The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Establishments & Training and the State Treasury Office produced this result.
Sack CBN Governor to save economy, CSO tells Tinubu
A rights group, Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative (EUYI) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relieve the current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr Olayemi Cardoso if he is committed to turning around economic woes facing the nation.
The biting inflation and the unstable forex market according to the CSO are direct consequences of hasty policies of the CBN in recent times without a clear cut vision on how to navigate the situation.
Consequently, in a letter dated 26th March and addressed to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and signed by its National Coordinator, Amb. Solomon Adodo, copies of which were shared to journalists, the group also advocated for the restructuring of the CBN to pave way for efficiency and reduce the bottlenecks hindering the CBN from discharging its mandate effectively to the Nigerian masses.
Excerpts, “we write as advocates for the millions of unemployed youths in Nigeria to demand for the sack of Yemi Cardoso, the current CBN Governor. While we commend your sincere efforts in repositioning the Nigerian economy,, it is an indisputable fact that as long as your appointees cannot deliver, all your efforts will be in vain and the blame will be on you as the captain of the ship. Therefore, we urge you to spare no one who is a clog in the wheel of the progress of your government including the CBN Governor who has demonstrated the greatest form of ineptitude so far.
“Sir, after a critical examination of the report of our organization’s Technical Team on National Economic Performance and Projections, we are constrained to inform you that under the current policies of the CBN, your economic vision for the country cannot be guaranteed. You will recall that between the end of December 2023 to end of February 2024, the US dollar went from N907 to about N1900 before the outrage led to a number of fire brigade and knee jerk policies that have been deployed to arrest it. Thankfully, it has reduced to N1, 440.38 as at today. The CBN’s lack of regulatory capacity under Yemi Cardoso’s tenure has brought us to this quagmire.
“Although the naira is gaining some strength, the irreducible minimum expectation of Nigerians is for US $1 to exchange for N900 by the end of the first quarter of 2024, which is now a mirage. Prices of commodities have also remained as high as they were. This means the gain the Naira is making against foreign currencies is not a product of a coordinated economic policy but an unsustainable quick fix. Indeed, Mr. Cardoso has a correct idea that Naira is undervalued. But unfortunately, he does not know the exact value of the Naira. As our monetary and fiscal physician, we should all be worried about how he can treat an ailment he cannot correctly diagnose. This is embarrassing to say the least”.
The letter also questioned the anti-corruption and transparency templates of the CBN under the watchful eyes of Mr. Cardoso as well as the CBN’s policies relating to productivity and investment in Nigeria as they are bound to negatively affect the Nigerian economy and youth employment.
“As anti-corruption watchdogs, we do not also know whether the CBN Governor has revealed to Mr President the names or identities of those who forwarded $2.7 billion fraudulent Foreign Exchange liabilities to the Federal Government, which a CBN audit exposed. This also may speak to the issue of transparency in the CBN. Are we back to Mr Godwin Emefiele’s regime of alleged opaqueness and corruption or is the CBN Governor deeply involved in forex scams for his self-enrichment?
“Also, recently, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released new Monetary Policy Rate and Cash Reserve Ration which we consider unwitting death sentences on investments and productivity. For the first time in known history, Monetary Policy was raised by 400 points. No investor can borrow from the commercial banks today, except it is for a criminal venture. And assuming anyone borrows to invest, the interest rate will be transferred to production cost thereby giving rise to Cost Push Inflation. Also by the Cash Reserve Ration, banks are stifled of credit. This kind of economics will widen unemployment and suffocate Nigerians, especially the unemployed and other poor citizens who we represent”, the letter added.
The letter equally took Mr President and indeed Nigerians down memory lane and restated the elegant goals and objectives that Mr Olayemi Cardoso promised to achieve while in office which he has deviated sharply from without any tangible explanation aside half-truths, excuses and deliberate distortions.
“For the records, Olayemi Cardoso promised to stabilise foreign exchange regime by achieving monetary price stability given the well real-life implication of it for the well-being of Nigerians. He had also promised targeted policies, transparent market operations and coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities to ensure a more stable exchange rate, control inflation and create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“Similarly,, the CBN Governor promised to adopt measures to tackle institutional deficiencies, restore corporate governance, strengthen regulations and implement prudent policies, the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, ensuring bank recapitalisation, lifting of extant ban on 43 items to enable market forces to determine forex, adopting of floating exchange rate, emphasising on technology in financial services with strict regulatory compliance as well as achieving a trillion dollars economy in 7 years. So far, nothing has been done aside plunging the economy into chaos”, the letter noted.
The CSO through the letter reminded Mr President of his promise to Nigerians to axe any employee who performs below expectations and expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will do the needful and sack Olayemi Cardoso for his litany of fiscal management crimes which have made the naira the worst performing currency after the Lebanese Pound.
“Mr President, you promised Nigerians on your honour (and we believe you) that any appointee that performs below expectation will be sacked. It is left for you to decide that this is the best you want so that in our further engagements, you will not be excused from any obvious failure as far as this is concerned. Whereas this may not be an easy decision, we urge Your Excellency to have the courage you are known for and remove Mr Olayemi Cardoso as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and to also restructure the entire leadership of the apex bank. An ailment is better treated at very early stages”, the letter concluded.
External forces undermining PDP — Ex-Gov Suswam
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is being undermined by external forces which has rendered the party ineffective as a viable alternative opposition.
Suswam disclosed this in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.
He lamented that the party has since after the 2023 general election failed to live up to expectations of Nigerians as a viable opposition.
Suswam, who blamed the current PDP leadership for the ineffective state of the largest opposition party in the country, said unless there is an overhaul of its leadership, the party will “go nowhere” because the current leadership has lost focus.
He said, “I think there are subterranean forces inferring in the party and they are determining what is going on in the party. And the leadership is acquiescing to it.
“Subterranean suggests that people are trying to control the party from the outside. They are controlling the party from the outside and they are keeping the party in a comatose state.”
The Benue senator added that the party has refused to call a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which would have helped resolve some of the issues arising in the party.
He regretted the inability of the party to resolve the fallout of the 2022 presidential primary election which saw a group of five governors work against the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
He added that the inability of the Iliya Damagum-led leadership to discipline erring party members worsened the situation.
Suswam said it was wrong for the party not to have sanctioned the G-5 governors and their allies who openly declared that they would remain in the party and work against its interest.
“They were not sanctioned which made others become emboldened to act anyway they wanted. PDP has been weakened since then,” he said.
He said no serious organisation does that, stressing that, “A serious organisation would apply sanctions” based on the laid down rules as contained in its constitution.
He said no organisation would have allowed those who worked against its interest to remain within its fold without sanctions.
He further accused the acting national chairman of the party, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, of occupying the position of the North-Central zone, following the removal of the substantive chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who hails from the zone.
Damagum, who was the deputy national chairman (North), hails from the North-East zone but was, as permitted by the party’s constitution, made acting chairman after Ayu’s removal by a court order.
The party’s law provides that the deputy chairman from the same region as the chairman takes over in the event of the latter’s removal from office.
Suswam further lamented that “PDP is comatose now, and nothing can happen now,” adding that it was regrettable that politicians are now preferring to hold talks with smaller parties and not PDP.
Noting that the PDP is at the precipice, Suswam said, “Until we provide that leadership, PDP will not be a viable platform by anybody alternative. We need to overhaul the leadership of the party. There is no pretence about it, everybody in PDP knows it. Without discipline and reconciliation, the party goes nowhere.”
CSO calls for extradition Simon Ekpa
At the heels of revelations from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accusing certain persons of fomenting hostilities in the South East, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), in collaboration with Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) and other front line Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately commence extradition proceedings against Mr. Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile.
In a letter dated 26th March 2024, referenced; PRES/FRN/SH/RUN/01/2 and addressed to the President and Commander of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and signed by duo of Amb. Solomon Adodo and Mallam Suleiman Musa; Convener and President of RUN and EUYI respectively, a copy of which was spotted by our correspondent, the group berated the lack of commitment on the part of the federal government in expediting the extradition of Mr. Simon Ekpa despite his numerous atrocities.
According to the letter, “we have noted with patriotic pains the delay by the Nigerian Government to commence extradition proceedings against Mr. Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) despite the enormity of the Atrocious act he has committed including the notorious sit-at-home which has dramatically affected not just the economy of the South East but Nigeria as a whole.The non-committal attitude of the Nigeria Government towards bringing him to face Justice has in no small measure emboldened him to continue to incite innocent youth against the Nigeria state.
“It should not escape the keen attention of Mr. President that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu opened up a critical security information while granting interviews to the Media at the Court premises last week to the effect that certain individuals are willfully inciting the violence in the Southeast and profiting from same. No other individual fits this description more than Mr. Simon Ekpa.
“As patriotic citizens interested in a united Nigeria, we are grossly taken aback by lack of interest of the authorities concern to initiate the requisite process that will bring about his legal rendition to Nigeria. We are by this communication urging you – Mr. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Attorney General of the Federation and the entire intelligence Community to initiate the process for Simon Ekpa’s arrest and consequent extradition to Nigeria to face trial”.
While urging the Attorney General to quickly approach the courts for a warrant of arrest, the CSOs reminded the federal government that, “extradition as a process is not governed by any international treaty regime or overseen by the United Nations. It typically involves a treaty between two states since extradition treaty is a matter of comity rather than because of a legal obligation.
“Let the Nigeria State reach out to the Finland Government where Ekpa has been hiding to perpetrate his atrocities to perfect the process for the extradition of his to Nigeria to face trails. We are, therefore, calling on Nigerian Government to initiate extradition treaty with Finland Government to enable the successful extradition of Simon Ekpa whose activities have caused untold hardship and colossal loss of lives, to face trial in Nigeria”.
The rights group finally urged the federal government to extradite and prosecute Simon Ekpa to serve as a deterrent to other criminals as well as to convince Nigerians of the determination of this current administration to fight crime and all forms of illegality in the country.
“Simon Ekpa must be used as a test case to serve as deterrent to others and to assert in clears terms that the current government under President Tinubu will give no room to the enemies of the Nigerian State. He must not be treated as if he is above the law. The impunity and lawlessness with which he has been conducting himself must be met with reasonable sanctions. The Nigerian Government should quickly collaborate with the Finnish Government to ensure Simon Ekpa is rendered to Nigeria and Justice is served timeously on this unscrupulous peddler of war and disunity in Nigeria”, the letter concluded.
Nigerian Navy Intercepts 193 Bags of Narcotics, Arrests Suspect
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team has intercepted a large wooden boat carrying 193 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 7,443 kilograms, and arrested a suspect, Asamani Emmanuel.
According to a statement by the Base Information Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Hussaini Ibrahim, the contraband and suspect were seized along Badagry waterways during a routine patrol of the Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team.
The operation utilized Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, including Falcon Eye Alignment and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centre, along with human intelligence.
Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, emphasized that the interception aligns with the strategic directive of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to maintain a credible presence along Lagos waterways, aiming to eradicate maritime crimes.
Perpetrators of illicit drug trafficking were sternly warned, underscoring NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to combating the proliferation and usage of illicit drugs, particularly among Nigeria’s youth, safeguarding public health and national security.
Following the operation, the confiscated narcotics and the suspect, Emmanuel, were handed over to officials from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command for further investigation and potential prosecution.
INEC Urges Political Parties to Prioritize Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in appointments and nominations as candidates for elections. Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner supervising Osun, Ogun, and Ondo States, emphasized this during a one-day technical workshop held in Akure. The workshop, themed “Implementation of INEC’s Inclusivity Tool With Persons With Disabilities Cluster Heads Ahead of 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election,” was organized by INEC and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in collaboration with Macarthur Foundation.
Ajayi highlighted the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 concerning the participation of PWDs in the electoral process. He stressed that PWDs have equal rights to participate in civic duties and political leadership roles without fear or discrimination. The workshop aimed to promote the active involvement of PWDs in the electoral process and reduce voter apathy among them.
Ajayi mentioned the introduction of assistive devices such as braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and posters for the deaf as part of INEC’s efforts to engage the disability community. He assured continued collaboration with PWDs to ensure their full participation in the electoral process, both as candidates and voters.
Abiodun Olusegun, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), commended INEC for the workshop and urged the commission to consider engaging PWDs as ad hoc staff during elections. Surajudeen Adams, State Chairman of the National Association of Persons With Disabilities, expressed gratitude for the introduction of braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, which would assist persons with visual impairments in exercising their voting rights.
“Banks’ Credit Growth to Private Sector Slows Amid Tightened Monetary Policy”
The pace of deposit money banks’ credit expansion to the private sector decelerated by 5% in February 2024 compared to January 2024, as reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Data from the CBN indicated that credit to the private sector increased at a slower rate, reaching N80.86 trillion in February 2024, compared to N76.29 trillion in January 2024.
This slowdown in credit growth to the private sector follows the recent tightening of monetary policy by the CBN, with the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raising the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 400 basis points to 22.75%. Additionally, adjustments were made to other monetary policy parameters, including the Cash Reserve Ratio and the asymmetric corridor surrounding the MPR.
Furthermore, currency in circulation saw a modest increase of 1.09% to N3.69 trillion in February 2024. Conversely, credit to the government decreased by 6.22% to N33.92 trillion during the same period.
Experts attribute the reduction in government borrowing from the CBN to compliance with the CBN Act, coupled with improved government revenue resulting from subsidy removal and foreign exchange convergence.
However, concerns arise regarding rising borrowing costs, potentially constraining loan growth, and impacting asset quality. Members of the MPC stress the importance of preserving financial system stability amidst tightening monetary policy, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures.
Despite the challenges faced by Nigerian banks, characterized by liquidity constraints and pressure to meet loan-to-deposit ratio targets, recent reports indicate that the financial system remains resilient, with prudential ratios within regulatory limits. Nevertheless, there are apprehensions regarding the potential escalation of non-performing loans (NPLs), posing risks to banking sector stability amidst economic uncertainties.
“Toyin Abraham Celebrates Bond with Industry ‘Mother’ Bukky Wright in Heartwarming Video”
Nollywood star Toyin Abraham recently shared a heartwarming video of herself with veteran actress Bukky Wright, expressing admiration and affection for her senior colleague. In the clip posted on Instagram, Toyin affectionately refers to Bukky as her “industry mother” and boss, showering her with kisses.
Fans and colleagues alike flooded the comments section with admiration for the rare bond between the two actresses. Nkechi Blessing, Tosin Silverdam, and Kehinde Bankole were among those expressing love and admiration.
This display of camaraderie comes after Toyin recently left a lasting impression on newcomer Ashabi during their first encounter at an event. Ashabi, Portable’s babymama, praised Toyin for her warmth and authenticity, declaring her a star.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Toyin expressed gratitude to her godparents, Tayo Fak and her husband, for their unwavering support during tough times, hinting at struggles without divulging details. Tayo Fak reassured Toyin of brighter days ahead in 2024, emphasizing resilience.