News

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

A former Director in the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad has disclosed that Tinubu told her he has nothing to offer the North if elected Nigerian President.

Mrs Muhammad said that Tinubu told her he had no blueprint for tackling insecurity in the North during a meeting in London.

She disclosed this while giving reasons for her resignation from the APC and partisan politics.

On Arise Television’s programme, Morning Show, Naja’atu said: “I met with Tinubu in London and he told me “I don’t have a blueprint for tackling insecurity in the North; if I have I might be killed.”

“Having a blueprint for tackling insecurity in the North would mean I will be stepping on so many toes “

“He has been urging me to take the appointment and I refused.”

The Daily Reality had reported the resignation of Mrs Muhammad from the APC and Tinubu’s campaign team. She had resigned after claims that the APC lacks political ideology and is not any different from other political parties

However, Tinubu’s campaign team said she is incompetent and was fired for being a spy.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The opposition political parties have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to bow to pressure on the extension of the deadline for phasing out old naira notes in the country.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emeifele, has identified the 31st of January as the deadline, the decision many people continue to criticize due to the unavailability of the new naira notes.

As the deadline is approaching, the banks in Kano and other states across the country are congested with people who go there to cash out the new naira notes and deposit the old ones.

Several authority figures in the National Hause of Assembly, including the state governors, the likes of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have asked the CBN governor to shift the deadline.

However, the opposition political parties urged the CBN governor not to extend the date, adding that the decision would seriously affect the Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) said these views Friday in separate interviews in Abuja.

Tinubu is frustrated – PDP

Mr Phrank Shaibu, the spokesperson for the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, said Tinubu is frustrated with the decision.

He stated, “Tinubu is obviously frustrated by his inability to stop the cashless policy and currency redesign of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that will curb vote buying and enhance the credibility of next month’s election, he has begun crying over his imminent defeat.

“Even though the CBN policy affects all 18 political parties, APC is the only one frustrated because their plan to deploy bullion vans and bribe poor voters and security agents on the day of election has failed woefully.”

Naira redesign is a patriotic decision – ZLP

Speaking in a similar vein, the Presidential Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, described the CBN Naira redesign policy as a patriotic decision which should be supported by all.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on Godwin Emefiele, governor of the central bank, not to succumb or listen to anybody from anywhere suggesting that there should be an extension for the return of the old note back to the bank.

“His name will be written in gold if he gets this thing done. And on the part of the President, his mantra failed Nigerians, and he has come up to tell Nigerians that he will ensure free and fair elections.

“I want to say that the decision taken by the central bank of Nigeria and with the approval by President Buhari is the best for this nation.

“It is a patriotic decision taken by CBN as it relates to the new banknote and the time stipulated for the removal of the old note.”

He further said, “We have been in this country and people given the responsibility to serve to go there to help themselves.

“They steal the money and put it to personal use. They don’t use it to even develop their environment.

“They stack the money at home, in septic tanks, in the farm, and some of these funds have been there for more than ten, fifteen years, idling away. So why do you steal what you do not need?

“So, the CBN had to put on its thinking cap. Those categories of naira notes, if not returned before the date stipulated by CBN, would become toilet paper.

“That is, will be of no use. Now people are afraid to take these notes to the banks for fear of being identified.

“Billions and millions of naira notes are still in the homes of some people. It is either they take the courage to bring it to the banks, or by the end of next week, they become toilet paper. 

“This is one way to ensure free and fair elections by making we politicians not have access to money to buy votes.

“So, whether they are National Assembly members or anybody whatsoever who is opposed to this is very unpatriotic.

“Must you carry cash in all your transaction? Go and do the transfer? Let us not cry, we have been enduring for seven and half years.

“This money will get back into circulation immediately after the election, and I suspect CBN will release a little so that Nigeria will have some money in their hands. Those crying are crying because they want money to go and buy votes.

“Emefiele, don’t succumb, you have the support of most Nigerians. Over 95 per cent of Nigerians are behind you in this regard.”

APC plays cash and carry politics – LP

Also, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said, “We are not surprised that those at the forefront of cash and carry politics, who are used to deploying bullion vans for election purposes, are the ones complaining about this laudable government policy targeted at curbing inflation.

“Look at the inflation figures today, inflation numbers are coming down. The CBN must not back down, the bank should insist on the January 31st date to prevent a situation where those who have stashed billions in their closet with the aim of buying votes will be denied that opportunity. “

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The presidential candidate in the 2023 election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to extend the deadline for the exchange of old naira notes.

This was contained in an address posted on his verified Facebook Hausa page.

Recall that a CBN policy says that the old naira notes in circulation will cease to be legal tender on January 31, 2023.

Commenting about the deadline, Atiku Abubakar noted that such a policy is practised worldwide due to its impact on the economy, adding that Nigerians, at this critical moment, need an extension of the deadline.

He was quoted as saying, “There is no doubt that the CBN policy has generated heated debates within and outside Nigeria.

“It should be noted that the change of currency is a normal practice from time to time—it is not something new.

“Looking at the fact that the January 31st deadline is drawing nearer, patriotic Nigerians are expressing their fear of the policy worsening the situation of Nigerians.

“It would be difficult for many people who do not transact online to have their old notes changed before the deadline.

“While we will continue to educate people on the policy, it’s important for the CBN to consider extending the deadline.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Osun Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo, Osun State capital has in a judgement delivered in the early hours of Friday ordered that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke be removed from office and the certificate of returns given to him be withdrawn with immediate effect.

The Presiding Judge of the panel, Justice Tertsea Kume, while reading the judgement of the tribunal said that the conduct of the election flagrantly violates the electoral act.

Justice Kume explained that the election was rigged in six polling units to the detriment of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He further stated that, after the deduction of valid votes vast from the over-voting at these polling units, Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 314,941 and therefore the rightful winner of the election while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ademola Adeleke polled 290, 266.

By Muhammad Aminu

A Kano-based lawyer, Sanusi Umar Sadiq has dragged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) alongside its governor, Godwin Emefele, to a Federal High Court in Kano over currency swap deadline of 31st January, 2023.

Barr Sadiq is asking the Court of his fundamental human rights in line with sections 44 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, Article14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right Act, Laws of the Feederation of Nigeria 2010 Order Rule 2 and 3 of the Fundamenmtal Rights Rule 2009.

He asked the Court to declare that the cessation of the existing N200, N500 and 1000 from being used as legal tender from 31st January 2023 as unlawful and unconstitutional.

The legal luminary contended that the arbitrary stoppage of the existing notes which are largely in circulation will cripple the econmony and further entrench poverty among Nigerians.

“An order of this Honorable Court enforcing the Fundamental Rights of the Applicant as enshrined under and guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Altered) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010.

“…that it is unlawful and unconstitutional for the Respondents to declare the existing N200, N500 and N1, 000 currency notes, which are currently largely in circulation, as no longer the legal tender of Nigeria by 31st January, 2023.

“…that the abrupt and arbitrary policy adopted by the Respondents to make the existing N200, N500 and N1, 000 currency notes that are widely in circulation now is a threat to national security and inimical to national interest as same will cripple the economy and throw many more innocent Nigerians into poverty.

“…this Honorable Court restraining the Respondents from making the existing N200, N500 and N1, 000 currency notes cease to be the legal tender in Nigeria by 31st January, 2023, which currency notes are the ones largely in circulation now, are the ones issued by the various commercial banks in the country, and are the ones dispensed by the various Automated Teller Machines (ATMs),” the originating motion states.

According to him, he wants the Court to compel the CBN and its governor “to follow and comply with the Global Best Standard Practices for changing currency whereby the old ones are gradually withdrawn from circulation by not releasing them to the public once they get deposited in banks within a reasonable time that shall not be less than six months.”

Barr Sadiq argued that the apex bank has not made adequate preparations or put in place appropriate measures to make the redesigned notes available to the public as the commercial banks across the country, both within the banking halls and via the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) continue issuing and dispensing the currency notes intended to be replaced until few days to the deadline.

He urged the Court to restrain the Bank else “they will throw the country into an economic chaos and anomie.”

By Aisar Fagge

There has been a remour in circulation that President Muhammadu Buhari will commission the Dangote Refinery during his visit to Lagos state.

However, the Management of Dangote Industries Limited debunked the widespread romour, noting that the information was entirely misleading.

The Chief of the Group, Anthony Chiejina, made this disclosure in a statement he signed and issued to journalists.

The statement reads; “Our attention has been drawn to some misleading reports regarding the commissioning of our Dangote Refinery during the present working visit of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to Lagos State.

“We want to state categorically that our 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Refinery project was never part of the President’s programme on projects to be commissioned.

“For the record, the projects slated for commissioning in Lagos State by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR include: Lekki Deep Sea Port; 32-Metric Tonnes Lagos Rice Mill, Imota; 18.75km Eleko to Epe T Junction Express road; John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Blue Line Rail (Phase 1) commissioning (Marina to Mile 2); Groundbreaking for the Blue Line Rail Phase 2 (Mile 2 to Okokomaiko), and MRS Lubricant, a private project in Apapa.

“However, our Refinery will be commissioned before President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR formally leaves office in May, 2023, and the public will be duly informed and invited to the epic event,” the statement concluded.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Nigerian Senate has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to extend the window for exchanging old Naira bills from January 31 to May 31, 2023.
 
Sen. Sadiq Umar of the APC from Kwara North originally moved for an extension until July 31 because he was concerned about the apex bank’s insistence that there would be no such extension.
 
Recall that the CBN declared in October of last year that the old naira notes will no longer be accepted as legal money as of January 31.
 
However in December, the Senate approved a resolution asking the CBN to extend the deadline to June 30.
 
Umar introduced the motion, saying that the Senate had asked that the CBN extend the use of the old notes from January 31 to June 30, 2022, but the central bank had insisted on the January deadline.
 
Lamenting the situation, the lawmakers noted that there aren’t enough fresh naira notes in circulation.
 
He was quoted as saying: “Experiences around the world have shown that such abrupt decision if not controlled usually created chaos.
 
“The Senate should extend the use of the old notes to July 31,” he said.
 
Also lamenting is Sen. Biodun Olujimi (PDP-Ekiti) who urged the apex bank to “look away from the elections” after noting that 90% of people in her local government area have not even set their eyes on the new naira notes.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Reports from Bauchi State indicate that at least four people were murdered when gunmen attacked a community in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that, during the attack Sunday, the gunmen abducted one person and left another person critically injured.

The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the attack in a statement he issued to journalists.

He stated, “On receiving the report, detectives of the command were drafted to the scene led by the DPO Tafawa Balewa Divisional Police Headquarters evacuated the victims to the Tafawa Balewa General Hospital for medical treatment.

“Unfortunately, four victims were certified dead by the medical doctor, while one person sustained various degrees of injury during the attack,” he stated.

Wakili added that the Commissioner of Police, Aminu Alhassan, has directed a discreet investigation to arrest the perpetrators of the act and bring them to justice.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Bayero University Kano (BUK) has debunked rumours that the institution has increased registration fees.

A statement published in the official bulletin of the university and signed by Lamara Garba, the Deputy Registrar, Public Affairs, says, “The attention of the Management of Bayero University, Kano, has been drawn to a purported fake letter in circulation on social media announcing an increase in registration fees.”

The statement further adds, “In the light of the above, students, parents, and other stakeholders should note that Bayero University has not yet decided o ln any school fees increase as against the social media post being circulated by some unscrupulous elements”.

The Management cautioned members of the public to disregard the information as fake and malicious.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, has inaugurated its students’ judiciary.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Faculty of Law, ABU Moot Court, Kongo Campus, on Monday. 

The event was attended by teachers and students of the faculty and other faculties across the country. 

Mustapha Abubakar, an award-winning final-year student, emerged as the Chief Justice of ABU. 

Mr Abubakar, who, until his appointment, was Justice of the ABU Court of Appeal. He is a recipient of several awards.

In 2019, Abubakar emerged as the best Advocate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

The same year, advocacy took him to the national level as he emerged as the best and winner of the 2019 National LAWSAN moot competition.

He was also announced best and winner of the NAMLAS Moot and Mock competition in 2019.

In 2019, he also won Best Brief Writer and Best Oralist Of The Clinical Legal Education (CLE) Annual Mock and Moot Championship.

Mr Abubakar left the student Bar to the student Bench in 2020 as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, where he received a Medal of Honour as a distinguished justice of the court 2020.

The ABU Faculty of Law is where the country’s most distinguished jurists and legal practitioners were thoroughly bred. This explains why there is something particularly unique and different about the ABU student judiciary. It is the microcosm of the Nigerian Judiciary. The Courts are arranged from the Supreme Court down to the Sharia Court of Appeal.  

The Supreme Court is headed by the ABU Chief Justice, who must be a final-year Law student and must be knowledgeable in procedural and substantive law. Other final-year students are appointed as justices of the Supreme Court. 

Then we have the Court of Appeal headed by the President Court of Appeal, who must be a final-year Law student. Other justices of the Court of Appeal are appointed from the 400 level. 

The High Court is headed by a Chief Judge of the High Court, and a Grand Khadi heads the Sharia Court of Appeal. Other judges and Kadis are appointed to aid the efficient learning of the law. 

The arrangement of the court helps students in the procedural and practical aspects of the law. This is because procedures might be similar but are different in all courts.