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Author: Oluwadamilare Emmanuel

  • CBN clears air on alleged plans to ‘redenominate’ Naira notes in 2024

    CBN clears air on alleged plans to ‘redenominate’ Naira notes in 2024

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that there are no intentions to redenominate or restructure the naira notes in 2024.

    This statement was released on Tuesday through a press release signed by the Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin, and posted on the official CBN social media account.

    CBN urged Nigerians to ignore the widespread dissemination of a text message implying that the Bank is considering redenominating the nation’s legal tender in the coming year.

    They have clarified that the contents of this message are misleading.

    “We are concerned that this narrative, which we had refuted before now, appears to be gaining traction with several debates on the implication of such a policy for the Nigerian economy.

    “We wish to reiterate that the contents of the message are misleading. The authors of the message, in their mischief, modified text eked from an old policy move by a previous CBN Governor in 2007 to make it appear recent.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, there is currently no plan by the Bank to restructure and redenominate the naira.”

    However, it added that while the bank may be considering reforms, “such are subject to laid down procedures in line with the provisions of the CBN Act, 2007.

    “The public is hereby advised to ignore the news report, as it is speculative and calculated to cause panic in the polity,” AbdulMumin added.

    The bank had in 2022 redesigned the N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

  • VIDEO: Moment Rema shook hands with Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, others while performing “Calm Down” at 2023 Ballon D’Or awards

    VIDEO: Moment Rema shook hands with Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, others while performing “Calm Down” at 2023 Ballon D’Or awards

    Popular Nigerian Afrobeats singer Rema stole the spotlight at the 2023 Ballon d’Or event held at the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

    The occasion, which celebrated the world’s most talented footballers and teams, witnessed Rema making history as the first Afrobeats singer to perform at the renowned awards ceremony.

    The 2023 Ballon d’Or, one of football’s most prestigious events, was a night to remember, but it was Rema’s electrifying performance that left the audience in awe.

    The young singer, known for his blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B, delivered an unforgettable rendition of his hit song, ‘Calm Down,’ to an appreciative and captivated audience.

    Attendees at the event, including top footballers, were left in awe-struck silence as Rema graced the stage and set the atmosphere ablaze.

    Rema’s performance at the Ballon d’Or was nothing short of historic, marking a significant moment for both the Afrobeats genre and the music industry as a whole.

    Watch video below:

     

  • All I want is justice for my husband, DNA test a must – Mohbad’s wife speaks

    All I want is justice for my husband, DNA test a must – Mohbad’s wife speaks

    Wunmi, the wife of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad has broken her silence and shared her stance on the ongoing investigations and rumors related to her husband’s death.

    Since the untimely passing of the singer on the 12th of September, a whirlwind of controversies has continued to envelop the circumstances of his death, including allegations of infidelity and doubts about the paternity of their son, Liam.

    Wunmi, who had maintained a resolute silence amidst the storm of allegations, has now come forward with a statement regarding the ongoing investigations and the pressing issue of a DNA test for her son.

    Popular actress Iyabo Ojo, who has been fervently advocating for justice in Mohbad’s case, shared a message she received from Wunmi.

    In the message, Wunmi expressed her unwavering commitment to seeking justice for her late husband, Mohbad.

    She disclosed that she would reveal her truth during the Coroner’s inquest scheduled for the 7th of November, 2023. Furthermore, she emphasized that conducting a DNA test on her son is imperative.

    In her words;

    “Hello ma, I’ve decided not to speak on anything until 7th of November, which is the coroner inquest because I do not want any side distraction. All I want is justice for my husband, which I believe the Nigerian government are working on. After everything, I’ll either grant an interview or tell my own story before the whole world, and also DNA is definitely a must!!!”

    See below;

  • Alleged £100,000 bribe: UK court adjourns hearing on Diezani’s case to 2025

    Alleged £100,000 bribe: UK court adjourns hearing on Diezani’s case to 2025

    The court hearing involving former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke in the United Kingdom, over bribery allegations has been adjourned to November 2025.

    The Westminster Magistrates Court adjourned hearing on the suit on Monday, October 30.

    The 63-year-old Alison-Madueke is on trial for allegedly accepting a £100,000 bribe.

    On October 2, Michael Snow, the district judge at the Westminster Magistrates Court in the United Kingdom, granted Alison-Madueke bail in the amount of £70,000 after judging her “a flight risk.”

    Before she was granted bail, Snow had put harsh conditions on Alison-Madueke, including an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and the wearing of an electronic tag at all times.

    Alison-Madueke and four other people were detained in the United Kingdom in October 2015 on suspicion of bribery and money laundering.

    The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) stated in August 2023 that they suspected Alison-Madueke of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding multi-million pound oil and gas contracts.

    The NCA stated on its website that Alison-Madueke “is alleged to have benefited from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, private jet flights, luxury vacations for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.”

    Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has submitted a warrant of arrest and request to the Crown Prosecution Services of the United Kingdom for the urgent extradition of Allison-Madueke.

    EFCC had on October 2, revealed that it had commenced extraditing Mrs Alison-Madueke from the United Kingdom back to Nigeria over 13-count charges bordering on money laundering levelled against her by the anti-graft agency.

    The commission further revealed that the money laundering charges for which Alison-Madueke is answerable to the EFCC, covered jurisdictions in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Nigeria.

    The EFCC alleged that the former minister in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015 stole $2.5bn from the Nigerian government while she was a minister.

    In January 2023, Alison-Madueke asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to vacate an order granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for final forfeiture of her seized assets.

    Also, on Saturday 27 May 2023, she instituted a suit against the EFCC and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over what she termed a false and malicious attempt to “paint her as a common criminal”.

    This was filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, with Suit No. CV/6273/2023, and signed by her legal representation led by Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

  • ‘A serial election loser,’ APC reacts to Atiku’s press conference on Supreme Court verdict

    ‘A serial election loser,’ APC reacts to Atiku’s press conference on Supreme Court verdict

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Nigeria is greater than the “unrealised” presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the February 25 election.

    The ruling party was reacting to a press conference by Abubakar on Monday organised to react to the ruling of the supreme court that upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu.

    Following his defeat at the supreme court, thr former vice-president said the judiciary has become the lost hope of the common man.

    In a statement on Monday, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, said Abubakar should accept defeat as a statesman.

    “It is delusional for Atiku, and his degenerate PDP, to have expected the courts to rely on their bogus, flimsy, unverifiable, uncorroborated, illogical and hearsay evidence to upturn an election that was conducted in substantial compliance with the Constitution and electoral laws of our land,” the statement reads.

    “Thankfully, it does not lie in Atiku’s mouth to declare what constitutes ‘incontrovertible evidence’.

    “That is the constitutional duty of the courts and which they have discharged honorably and creditably.

    “For a serial election loser whose life ambition is to rule the country, we understand how pained and utterly distraught Atiku must be.

    “However, to continue to deny and disrespect the collective will of Nigerians, disparage the judiciary, incite rage and call our democratic institutions into question is beyond the pale.

    “Atiku, you are right that this is not and cannot be all about you. Yes, it is about Nigeria. Nigeria is greater than your unrealized ambition to be president. Nigeria must move and has moved on.”

    Morka said Abubakar missed an opportunity during his press conference to redeem himself as a stateman.

  • ‘Don’t come to FEC meeting if I don’t send for you,’ Tinubu warns appointees

    ‘Don’t come to FEC meeting if I don’t send for you,’ Tinubu warns appointees

    President Bola Tinubu has warned government officials and family members against attending the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting without invitation.

    Tinubu issued the warning before the commencement of the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

    “Last week, I noticed people sneaking in and out of this council. People had access to this place when they should not have. That is not acceptable.

    “I will announce to you here the people who are supposed to be here.

    “Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Private Secretary and Damilotun Aderemi, Private Secretary.

    “These are the people who are granted the exception to be here when we are conducting the business of the nation. Unless I sent for you, don’t come.”

    The president directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Folashade Yemi-Esan, to take note of his directive.

    He stated, “Unless they are your staff that are included, no one should have access to the FEC meeting, except I have announced their names to you.

    “Let me also say that the planning of an event about the government must be well articulated and followed accurately,” he said.

    Tinubu, however, expressed absolute confidence in the integrity of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    He said, “There are a lot of stories going around about what is happening. I’ve told everyone in this country that I can make mistakes.

    “I have had to hear them out and correct them. Perfection is that of God Almighty. I have absolute confidence in the integrity of my Chief of Staff.

    “All the campaigns of calumny and insinuation should stop.”

  • Impeachment scare: Police commence investigations into Rivers Assembly crisis

    Impeachment scare: Police commence investigations into Rivers Assembly crisis

    The Nigerian Police Force says it is aware of the security situation at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, adding that it has launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances.

    The police disclosed this in a post on its Facebook page on Monday, assuring that it would take immediate action against those responsible.

    “We’re aware of the security situation at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex. The Rivers State Police Command is actively addressing the matter. We’ve launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances and will take immediate action against those responsible. Stay tuned for further updates. Your safety remains our priority.”

    The police were reacting to comments that its personnel shot a water cannon at the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who was at the House of Assembly Complex on Monday.

    Recall that a fresh crisis engulfed the Rivers State House of Assembly as the lawmakers on Monday launched an impeachment proceeding against Governor Fubara.

    This followed an emergency sitting on Monday morning at the House auditorium after the hallowed chambers was burnt down last night.

    A protest broke out outside the Complex with supporters of the governor resisting his planned impeachment.

    Governor has said he has not committed any offence to warrant impeachment by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    “Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment,” the governor said while addressing his supporters at the Assembly Complex.

    The governor, who assured the people of the state of getting the dividends of democracy, said he would speak on the matter at the appropriate time.

    “Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time I will address the press,” he said.

  • VIDEO: Wizkid visits Elumelu, gifts wife bouquet of flowers

    VIDEO: Wizkid visits Elumelu, gifts wife bouquet of flowers

    Multiple award winning Nigerian artist Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known by his stage name ‘Wizkid’ on Sunday paid billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu a visit.
    The star singer visited the businessman at his residence and gifted a bouquet of flowers to his wife, Awele Vivian Elumelu.

    Recall that the United Bank for Africa (UBA) chairman attended Wizkid’s mum’s burial reception earlier in Lagos.

    Recall that a few months back Wizkid was also spotted at Tony Elumelu’s daughter’s graduation ceremony from a UK university.
    See video below:

  • Some artistes copy my style but don’t give credit – Rema

    Some artistes copy my style but don’t give credit – Rema

    Divine Ikubor, known by his stage name Rema has opened up about his experiences in the music industry, particularly addressing allegations that some artistes have been copying his branding and musical style.

    The 2023 Billboard Music Awards nominee, who has been making waves in the Afrobeats music scene, received six nominations for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

    The talented artist refrained from naming names but expressed his concerns about fellow singers who, in his view, have appropriated his style without giving due credit.

    Rema noted that he found it “flattering” that others were inspired by his work, despite the lack of recognition..

    Rema went on to explain his aspirations to bring about change within the Afrobeats music scene.

    He envisions a transformation in the way the genre is perceived, encompassing not only the sound but also the live shows and branding.

     “I’ve been on the road for 4 years back-to-back; dropping bangers, hopping on stages. It has helped my growth non-stop.

    “In as much as vacation is needed, I just don’t like to feel idle. I have so much plans for evolving this [afrobeats] sound. I’ve always been that guy who just want to change the guy and change how the game is perceived. From sound to shows, to branding.

    “Even though some artists will not give me credit, I know how many people [artists] have copied my moves and I am flattered by it,” he said in a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

  • PDP National Women Leader, Prof Stella Effah-Attoe is dead

    PDP National Women Leader, Prof Stella Effah-Attoe is dead

    The national women leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Stella Effah-Attoe is dead.

    Effah-Attoe, a member of the PDP national working committee, according to the family, died on Sunday after a brief illness.

    Debo Olongunagba, PDP’s national publicity secretary, in a statement,  said the country has “lost one of our best and brightest”.

    “The national working committee (NWC) and indeed the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family is utterly devastated over the death of the national woman leader of our great Party, Stella Effah-Attoe. Our hearts bleed! Our party and nation have lost one of our best and brightest,” the statement reads.

    “Prof. Effah-Attoe’s death is a huge blow not only to her family but also to the PDP, the academic community, the people of Cross River state and indeed the nation.

    “Effah-Attoe was very brilliant, towering and magnificent in all spheres, but yet lived an exceptionally humble, pleasant, sociable, gracious, compassionate and loving life.

    “She touched lives in many positive ways and made pivotal contributions towards the growth and development of our Nation.

    “She was a dedicated teacher, politician, author and fearless mobiliser who always stood for the truth; fought for justice, equity and fairness and gave her energy, passion and resources in the pursuit of the rights of women in Nigeria.

    “Over the years, as commissioner for education and later commissioner for information and culture in Cross River state, member of the Cross River state house of assembly, member of governing board of several Cross River State and federal government agencies and programmes; a university professor and one of the most decorated scholars in Nigeria, she distinguished herself as an amazon with extraordinary intellectual capacity for leadership and national service.

    “As the national woman leader of our great party, she brought in an uncommon intellectual aptitude into party administration especially in mobilising women for greater participation in politics and governance.

    “The PDP will always remember her tireless contributions alongside other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great party in the build-up to the 2023 general elections in line with the mission to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from misrule.”