₦airaland Forum

Residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, have staged a protest over rising cost of living in the country.

As early as 7 a.m. on Monday, a group of women blocked Minna-Bida Road at the popular Kpakungu roundabout to express their grievances over the rising cost of food items.


Our correspondent gathered that gunshots were fired by the police to disperse the protesting residents.


Some residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, on Monday, staged a protest over the high cost of living in the country, the rising cost of gas by blocking major roads within the metropolis.


Vanguard gathered that efforts by the police to control the crowd almost resulted in violence as protesters asked the police to leave, forcing the police to fire several shots in the air.

One of the youths, Ibrahim Gana, who spoke with newsmen, said rice was sold at the cost of N2,000 per mudu at Minna markets, while maize was N1, 000 per measure.

“The Federal Government needs to take action to reduce the hardship being faced by poor Nigerians. Things are becoming unbearable,” he said.

According to a civil servant and father of five, Malam Shehu Usman, the current situation is beyond explanation. He described the price hikes as something that needed divine intervention.

“We have to turn to God and seek his forgiveness, because what is happening goes beyond human explanation. Imagine an increase of N10, 300 within 30 days on a 50kg bag of rice and no one is saying anything?


“To many of us, life has never been so difficult than what we are going through presently. Many households cannot afford three meals in a day,” he said.

Another protester, Isah Bello, said his major concern is how people will cope with the situation during Ramadan when Muslims observe fast. He stressed the need for the authorities to do the needful before things get out of control.

The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, is yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Citizens across the country had expressed concern over the cost of living and the rising prices of essential commodities such as rice, flour, sugar, and cement.

In Kano, a 50-kg bag of sugar at Singer Market is now selling for N73, 000, as against N62, 000 sold in early January.


A bag of cement, which was N5,500 at the beginning of January 2024, rose to N7,300 as of Thursday.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/lifes-never-been-this-difficult-nigerians-protest-over-hardship-in-niger/amp/

dinkyicon:
According to CAC there are just 2 shareholders

Tinubu and who?

Because the last time I checked, Atiku sold his shares at intels to Tinubu

dinkyicon:
so CAC isnt hiding anything then. also the Voip guys is a billionaire both in nigeria and Angola since 1970 before Tinubu dey smell real money

Who is the biggest shareholder currently? Atiku has since sold his shares at intels

dinkyicon:
check my last post here you will see what i found out

Gabriele Volpi is Italian, a front for the real owners. Who are the other hidden shareholders because Atiku has since sold his shares at Intel?

dinkyicon:
lies he is not the owner

Who is the owner, and why is CAC management not releasing the information about the real owners as requested?

APCNig:
Chidi Odinkalu can go and die. We will run this government the way we like, and you can do nothing. When Goatluck Ebele Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari brought all their semi literate relatives to government, they were setting a precedence, now we are following their foot steps, but now more vicious. We will teach you how this game is run.

Your foolery is legendary

Judgementa1:
I don't understand what people like u gain in blackmail.

Any proof that Tinubu owns it.

If not u're a bloody lier.

Tinubu owns it, you can go hug a transformer

MadamExcellency:
This is a taste of military rule. Never again should the Army take over a democracy. Lawless people trained to kill.

This is happening under Tinubu's regime, a supposed civilian government.

Note: In terms of the general well-being of the people, the worst military government is far better than the current Tinubu government.

Judgementa1:
Stop saying what u re not privy to because of hatred Atiku owns Orleans with his Italian counterpart.

You want to tell me that Orleans is owned by Atiku, and up to this moment, CAC management has not responded to the request.


Use your brain for once.

[quote author=BlakKluKluxKlan post=128298725][/quote]Your foolery is legendary

Several previous actions and decisions of Mr. Jim Obazee, the Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to probe activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Mr. Godwin Emefiele, are threatening the credibility of the outcome of the assignment.

Obazee, a former executive secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), was in July 2023 appointed by President Tinubu to probe the apex bank. He submitted the report of his assignment to the Presidency in December 2023.

However, even before the report was submitted, so many interested persons criticised the appointment of such a “controversial” individual to handle a “sensitive” assignment.


Obazee was first appointed as head of the FRC by President Goodluck Jonathan in November, 2010. In February, 2014, he recommended the suspension of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as governor of the CBN.


Also, in October, 2015, the Council, under Obazee, suspended the FRC number of Mr. Atedo Peterside, Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank. The Council cited infractions in the 2013-2014 financial statements of the bank as the reasons for its action.

Prior to the controversial actions above, Obazee was accused of sexual harassment by a lady called Abimbola Yakubu, who had worked with him as his personal assistant for three years. But he denied the allegation.


On January 9, 2017, however, the Muhammadu Buhari administration removed Obazee as the executive secretary of the FRC “with immediate effect”. That was about one year before the end of his second four-year tenure as helmsman of the Council. He was replaced with Mr. Adedotun Suleiman, a former Managing Partner/Director at Arthur Anderson, later Accenture.


His removal then was linked to his controversial enforcement of the code of corporate governance, and alleged insubordination. His relationship with then Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelama, was said to be frosty.



Similarly, the removal of Obazee in 2017 was allegedly linked to the disappearance of some CBN documents at the FRC.

Thus, since after he submitted the report of his investigation on the CBN, some stakeholders have criticised the report. Similarly, the embattled former CBN governor, Emefiele; the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and some CBN board members also questioned some of the claims in the findings of the Obazee-led probe team.


“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), wrote to him (Obazee) in 2017 and asked him to return the CBN documents he took after he was sacked from the FRC, but he never did. Those documents may cast doubt in the CBN investigation,” said a source from the FRC, which Obazee oversaw for six years.

Others questioned how a man who was fired by former President Buhari had found himself back in the corridors of power.



Link to CBN financial statements

Records made available to Daily Trust show that the many troubles of the country’s apex bank, which Obazee investigated, include controversial expenses under Emefiele. Daily Trust had access to the records that showed a jump in the CBN financial expenses under a section marked ‘Other Operational Expenses.’

The records show that in 2018, the section of the CBN financial report marked “Other Operating Expenses,” had an expenditure of N12 billion. The expenditure, however, suddenly grew exponentially to N800 billion. Sources say that the FRC had flagged that section from the CBN financial report, but the Buhari government failed to take action.

Records also show that investigations by the FRC on CBN financial statements from 2014-2015 as well as investigations on Bank of Industry financial statements from 2014-2015, and the Governing Board documents of the FRC from 2014 to 2015 had been conspicuously removed from the FRC records.

Those records got missing while Obazee was the helmsman of the FRC.

Daily Trust was privy to letters written to Obazee by the EFCC in 2017 demanding that he return the stated documents on CBN accounts, which the Commission was then investigating.


In one of the letters, the EFCC had asked Obazee to return “All council property in your custody including but not limited to investigations on CBN financial statement from 2014-2015, investigation on Bank of Industry financial statement from 2014-2015, governing board document from 2014 to 2015 and all other official properties and documents relating to the operations and activities of FRC.”

When asked of the outcome of the EFCC investigation and whether Obazee had presented the documents requested by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, ignored phone calls, text and WhatsApp messages sent to his phone. He later asked our reporter for time to respond to the enquiry. However, more than a month later, there was no response from him.


Obazee had also ignored calls and a text message sent to him to respond to the allegations being leveled against him.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the allegations were unrelated to what Obazee was appointed by the president to do.

Onanuga said that because of the job Obazee was appointed to do, many Nigerians will try to use unrelated issues against him. He stressed that the people being investigated by Obazee will find ways to fight back.

“He was brought in because out of over 200 million Nigerians, he has the expertise to do forensic analysis and he has brought up a lot of issues, which is what people should focus on,” Mr. Onanuga said.



Financial crime investigators should have impeccable character – CeFTIW


The Executive Director, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, Umar Yakubu, explained that anyone whose reputation is not impeccable should not be appointed into sensitive positions, as it would not only affect the country’s integrity but equally damage its international reputation.

Yakubu said: “A government that is appointing someone to conduct an investigation on financial crime that has to do with the integrity of public institutions has to appoint somebody of impeccable character.”


He said any public officer facing allegations of sexual harassment or removal of sensitive documents, which amounts to abuse of office, and a violation of the Public Service Rules, should be investigated. “And if the person is found wanting, then you don’t even put such a person in office,” the CeFTIW boss added.

He urged the government to begin to subject public office holders to a well-defined integrity tests.


“We don’t have that, but we should have it either at the office of the SGF or Head of Service, because it is not an anti-corruption issue; it is an integrity issue. They should have a criterion for standard integrity tests for public and elected officers before they are given some positions, especially the sensitive ones,” he said.


https://dailytrust.com/cbn-investigators-past-stalks-tinubus-assignment/

Watianoengineer:
Peter Obi would have been worse but God saved us from his misrule. A man who could not manage tiny anambra state wants to rule Nigeria. Peter Obi and his Obidient roaches should calm down for Tinubu's reforms. No pain, No Gain. We will all smile at the end.

Face the North for once, don't be a coward; remove peter obi from your mouth, no! comments

Optional09:
dey play, if you’re going to the North and you didn’t Order your ride from Abature you’re a gunner.

Tell me if it is Tinubu that’s controlling bandits or the cattle rearer association.

Tinubu need to check the insecurity that is being created by the North.

Nigeria is being heavily terrorized by the North and South Easterns and they are the one that comes online to shout

Face the North; remove the South East from your mouth, no! comments

MrProlific95:
There is news of a protest in Niger State Nigeria,

Lemme advice you all, if you love yourselves don't go out for any protest.

The game Northern Nigeria want ro play is obvious, Tinubu's friend Buhari wrecked Nigeria, North didn't protest, all of a sudden protest is no morr haram?

Buhari and his gang of appointed thieves should cough out everything they stole else they be imprisoned.

Tinubu should better guard up, else... He will be the first President in our 4th republic to be deposed.

Nough said.

Two can play the game.

Tinubu is being served hot what he served his southern brother, Goodluck Jonathan, in 2012.

Tinubu connived with his northern friends to protest against Goodluck Jonathan, a southern president, in 2012, which culminated in Goodluck Jonathan not winning his re-election in 2015.

It's on record that Tinubu betrayed his southern brother, Goodluck Jonathan, for his selfish interests.

Orlean Investment Africa Limited is owned by Tinubus. This is one of the SPV's, the blueprint conduit pipe used in syphoning the entire common wealth of people.

Seefinish:
How many days has Bulaba spent in France since he became the president of Nigeria?

His minions were making stupid excuses for him, saying that this is just his first private visit to the French capital; others before now were official visits.

FFK has only said the truth a few times, one of which is when he referred to Tinubu as a bat from hell and the Asiwaju of blood.

Bayo Onanuga said that he is holidaying in the French capital.

Timmi:
And I repeat again, Bobloco the messenger, you own foolery is beyond redemption, dumb ass

I repeat one more time, Timmi, your timidity is second to none.

BlakKluKluxKlan:
Where were you when Buhari was spending an average of 5/6 months outside Nigeria each year for 8 years ?
Is your thinking faculty so warped not to know that being on a few days outside Nigeria does not mean he is completely detached from home ?
You and your ilks willingly saddled yourselves with wailing and distress of mind over an election that has come and gone.

So because Buhari spent an average of 5–6 months outside Nigerians throughout his entire 8-year tenure, Tinubu should surpass the record by spending his entire tenure in the French capital.

Honestly, your foolery is legendary.

Timmi:
Bobloco, your own foolery is beyond redemption

I repeat once again, your foolery is legendary

Timmi:
These sponsored mushroom organizations just woke up. These atrocities have been going for for over 10-years and these organizations didn’t see fit to voice their opinion and concerns. It’s now they remembered they have a voice after been sponsored to do so. Bunch of morons.

Your foolery is legendary

aguluobi:
Peter Obi paid BOT doing thing the ₦200 per post job. Notice all you see this clown on every thread against the Pandora Criminal Peter Obi.

Do not be dettered by the foolish ploy they like the GRV wife employed BOT are on pay per comment contract, you will see them wail out once their payment is delayed.

I repeat your foolery is legendary

aguluobi:
Everyone that says the truth about the Pandora Criminal Peter Obi is obsessed with him according to you Igbos.

Same you Igbo insult Tinubu like you insulted Buhari for bad governance in Ipobland while ignoring the failures you elect,

Failures such as same Peter Obi Ikpeazu Theodore Orji Kalu Orji etc. If that is not obsession I wonder what that is then.

Of course no one should talk about this gross epic failures but you igbos should be able to talk about Tinubu n also continue talking about Buhari even when he is no longer the president.

Your foolery is legendary

BlakKluKluxKlan:
Those who are wise know that Peter Obi is ridiculing himself by junketing from one place to the other seeking unmerited relevance. Only the wise, not the gullible ones who believed Buhari was al-Sudan because they would believe any trash.

But Tinubu isn't ridiculing himself by holidaying in the French capital while the country is engulfed in insecurity, rising food prices, and the devaluation of the naira.

Honestly, your foolery is legendary

Fiery Enugu priest, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, on Sunday, tackled the President Bola Tibubu administration over the level of insecurity and hardship in Nigeria.


Mbaka, who said there were many obstacles on Tinubu’s way to becoming the president, including the Naira redesign policy, said he succeeded by an act of providence.

He, however, said the president was yet to exhibit political will towards solving the country’s problems.


He singled out corruption in the oil sector, which he said was under a certain cabal, but regretted that President Tinubu was yet to go against them.

The charismatic priest said these while delivering a homily at his Adoration Ministry in Emene, Enugu State.

He asked the President to wake up, stressing that God was watching him.


“Mr President, you can do it; to fix Nigeria is not difficult if the leader has the will power.

“I know that this one will make national news but let it be.

“What is happening in the oil sector? How many barrels are being produced and how many dollars are in the Nigerian account?


“A country like Nigeria that exports millions of barrels of oil per month, how much are we saving?

“Why is it difficult up till now to fix other refineries? Who are the cabals? Can’t they be de-canibalized? Cabals can be de-canibalized if the president has the will power; hell will not fall, heaven will not fall.

“These people can go to jail; after all, many of them did not support you; so why are you protecting them? Mr President, wake up, God is watching you to see what you can do,” Mbaka said amid cheers from his parishioners.


He went further to say that the citizens were all heartbroken, urging the president to fix things fast.

According to him, “Our hearts are broken; go to our schools, see how messy the government schools are; are we taking care of our teachers and our doctors? Look at how they are- when they travel abroad, they begin to mine money in pounds and dollars.

“Teachers once they retire, no gratuity, no pension; the hearts of the retirees are broken; let there be a law that will bring solution to all these maladies.

“Heartbreak everywhere, look at our police and military, their hearts are also broken; what kind of guns are the policemen using? When the senior squad passes, they will kill the policemen on the watchpost and carry their guns and run away. What happens to their families when their husbands die on the duty post?

“No compensation; the next one minute, they chase them out of the barrack; those who are in Borno forest fighting Boko Haram, what is happening to their families at home? Who is taking care of them?

“The hearts of their family members are broken, shattered; they are fighting those with bombs with catapult; those people they are fighting are carrying launchers;

“How many young men have we buried and still burying; insecurity everywhere.”

The Catholic priest also warned that a higher wave of hunger was underway in the country if insecurity was not dealt with.

He said, “We are asking people to go to the farm and produce; but if you enter the farm, herdsmen with AK-47 will enter the farm and kill the farmers, who will go to the farm anymore?

“Hunger, as I told you last two years, has not even started; I won’t tell you lies; everybody should be meaningfully engaged, start something.

“In Nkerefi last time, about six women who were farming were killed and their stomachs brought out; who will go to the farm there again? The fear is there.

“Even politicians who think they are safe in their comfort zone, you are not safe because the level of insecurity will come to your doorstep one day.”

Turning again to Presdent Tinubu, Mbaka said, “I know that this man that has come to be the president of the country if he submits himself to God, with enough will power, God has blessed him in wealth, he has not come as a beggar, like many politicians who failed election and they almost committed suicide because they used all they have to do election.

“Jagaban is not a poor man; so he can do something extraordinary; do it the other way round; shock all these people who are criminals; devise a policy that will bring security, bring joy to the Nigerian people and you will see there will begin to be a meaningful transformation.

“Look at the bank of today giving people loans with interest of 25 per cent, some 26, some 27, how can you pay back? With which collateral?

“So, what’s the hope of the youths? All they need is encouragement, empowerment and support. Nigeria will be better than China; we can Dubanize Nigeria; The youths are waiting for the healing of their broken hearts.”

DAILY POST recalls that Fr Mbaka has given several controversial prophecies in the past, including his famous ‘From Goodluck to Badluck’ message which was targeted at then president Goodluck Jonathan.

He said that General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) was the messiah Nigerians were waiting for.

Buhari later went on to defeat incumbent Jonathan in the 2015 election.

However, Mbaka later fell out with the Buhari presidency, with the latter accusing him of begging for contracts.

He also at some point came hard on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, describing him as a stingy man.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/05/wake-up-nigerians-are-heartbroken-mbaka-tackles-tinubu/

freemanq:
Apc don't have candidate in the selection

Why?

Ifeanyi uba is a member of the APC, why didn't he deliver APC candidates in the election?

SKYHIGHfx:
Philip is way better

Outside the government house after being the deputy governor for eight years. Is that what you mean?