Kingsley Obiora, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) responsible for economic policy, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS). This development comes in the wake of allegations of financial mismanagement during the tenure of the suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. Sources suggest that Obiora is considered a key witness in the investigations against his former boss, Emefiele. Prior to his role at the CBN, Obiora served as an alternate executive director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC, USA. During his time there, he was a member of the executive board,…
Author: Editor Francis
General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s new strongman since the overthrow of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, has threatened contractors involved in corruption, which is endemic in this country, and demanded that they show “patriotism” and “commitment” to the “development of the country.” Recent audits have shown that “companies have overcharged, and the services will revisit these investigations so that this overcharging reverts to the State”, he declared in a firm tone and with a dark look in his eyes before more than 200 Gabonese business leaders “summoned” to the Presidency of the Republic on Thursday, in a speech broadcast in its…
On the occasion of the International Day for People of African Descent, the Biden administration in the United States celebrates the contributions of individuals of African descent across the globe while reaffirming its dedication to eliminating discrimination and promoting equity. President Joe Biden, from his first day in office, has consistently prioritised racial equity and justice, recognising them as ongoing commitments for his administration. In line with this commitment, President Biden is set to launch the inaugural President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. This initiative aims to advance equity for the African Diaspora within the…
Meet the man who was accused of beating his wife to death because of sex, Aminu Mahdi worked with the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board before. The 63 who hails from Yelwa Ward in Mubi North Local Government Area, allegedly descended on his second wife, Hadiza Zubuchi, 46, for denying him access to her bed. Aminu , the suspect, confessed to the crime while being questioned by the Police . He claimed that it was never his intention for his wife die , the state Police Relations Officer, Sp suleiman Nguroje attests. Nguroje disclosed in an interaction with newsmen…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its intention to embark on a warning strike on September 5, 2023. This decision comes in response to the perceived hardships endured by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies. The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this announcement on Friday following a meeting of the union’s National Executive Council. The Union expressed strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s alleged interference in the affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and vowed to resist any such unwarranted involvement. Furthermore, the apex workers union accused the Imo State Government of…
The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has requested assistance from the United Nations (UN), to be helpful in supporting the country in fighting terrorism. Tinubu spoke on Thursday when he hosted Vladimir Voronkov, under secretary-general of the UN office on counter-terrorism, at the presidential villa in Abuja. The president said terrorism is a danger to democracy. “We appreciate all that you have been doing. We know that in the face of many demands and challenges, you can still do much better,” Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, quoted Tinubu as saying. “We can score you ‘A’ in collaboration but ‘B’ in physical support.…
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council said Thursday it had decided to “immediately suspend” Gabon following the military coup this week. The body said on X, that it “strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon, which ousted President Ali Bongo on August 30, 2023”. It “decides to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs, and institutions until the restoration of constitutional order in the country”. The announcement came after a meeting of the council on the situation in Gabon following Wednesday’s coup that followed disputed elections in…
The United States has conveyed its disappointment regarding the recent vote outcome on the renewal of Mali’s sanctions regime. Criticising Russia’s influence, the U.S. highlighted that despite opposition from regional nations, Russia managed to impose its decisions on the Council. This turn of events, driven by Russia’s actions, is viewed as a threat not only to Mali’s peace and security but to the entire region. The U.S. clarified its affirmative vote for the resolution, emphasising the significance of the Panel of Experts’ reports as a vital information source about the Mali situation. The travel ban and asset freeze measures were…
Russia’s proposed sanctions regime has triggered criticism and concerns from international quarters. The draft, introduced without prior discussions or negotiations, has drawn backlash for its perceived lack of transparency. While the draft acknowledges the need for travel bans and asset freezes, it also suggests terminating the Panel of Experts’ reporting mandate. Criticism has been raised about the draft’s provision to renew sanctions for only six months and add a sunset clause, which some argue might hinder sustained support for Mali. This move comes at a critical juncture when Mali requires ongoing assistance. Since the withdrawal of MINUSMA, the Panel of…
In a move aimed at bolstering the Niger-Burkina Faso alliance, the government of Burkina Faso has endorsed a bill sanctioning the sending of troops to neighbouring Niger. The approval of the draft law occurred during a session of Burkina Faso’s government, which is predominantly under military influence. Although specifics regarding the troop deployment remain undisclosed, the statement indicated that the modalities for this action were mutually agreed upon by both nations. “What affects security in Niger fundamentally affects security in Burkina Faso,” the statement quoted Defence Minister Kassoum Coulibaly as saying. The bill will be put to Burkina Faso’s transitional…
Tensions rise in Ogun State as councillors purportedly suspend Wale Adedayo, Chair of Ijebu-East Local Government Area, following his allegations of Governor Dapo Abiodun diverting council funds. The Daily Trust reports that some armed policemen and thugs invaded the council secretariat in Ogbere on Thursday morning over a plot to oust the embattled chairman. Adedayo had, in a letter to former Governor Segun Osoba and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting local government funds. Abiodun had denied the allegations and insisted that his administration always augments LGs’ allocations to allow them to meet…
As part of the innovations to make the X app unique, Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, says audio and video call features will be added to X soon. In a post shared via the platform on Thursday, he specified that the feature will be compatible with Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. Musk said that once released, the feature would allow audio and video calls to be made without a phone number. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1697145283472244974?s=20 This new innovation is part of existing innovations that Musk has added to the social platform since he bought the company. In 2022, the firm came up with…