₦airaland Forum

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Student Loan Scheme

* FG Releases Fresh Guidelines, Expands Scope To Skill Development Programmes
* To Develop App For Student Loan Scheme Application
* To Fund Scheme Through Education Tax Fund

With barely 9 days to the deadline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of the Student Loan Scheme, the president has issued fresh directives. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/23/student-loan-scheme/

2. Tinubu Charges Nigerians To Stop Making Money Their god

* We Believe In Your Administration, Ready To Partner With You-CAN

At a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by its president Archbishop Daniel Okoh at the State House in Abuja, on Monday, President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to join hands to fix the country and have a change of mindset towards money. READ ALSO:  https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/23/tinubu-charges-nigerians-to-stop-making-money-their-god/

3. IPMAN Affirms Marketers Will Make Payment in  Naira For Dangote Fuel

* Says The Legal Tender in Nigeria is The Naira.

The clarification regarding the trading currency for refined petroleum products from the  recently completed Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has been provided by an oil marketers' association to the effect that  the  product will be only in naira as the registration process for marketers at the refinery is ongoing. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/dangote-refinery-to-supply-150000-ipman-stations/

4. ICPC Clamps Down On Internal Corruption, Warns Staff

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC has vowed to clamp down on corrupt practices within the Commission. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/23/icpc-clamps-down-on-internal-corruption-warns-staff/

5. Akeredolu To Begin Final Journey Home As Family Releases Funeral Schedule

Former governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu will be buried on February 23, 2024 as the family on Monday evening released the funeral timetable for the former governor of the Sunshine state. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/23/akeredolu-to-begin-final-journey-home-as-family-releases-funeral-schedule/

6. Super Eagles Beat Guinea-Bissau, Qualify For AFCON Round of 16

The Super Eagles have progressed to the next round of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Guinea-Bissau on Monday. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/breaking-newssuper-eagles-beat-guinea-bissau-qualify-for-afcon-round-of-16/

7. NBS Report Shows Price of 12kg Cooking Gas Rises by 12.31% In 12 months  

In December 2023, the average retail cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas, or liquefied petroleum gas, increased by 12.31% year over year to N11,510.16 from N10,248.97 in December 2022. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/nbs-report-shows-price-of-12kg-cooking-gas-rises-by-12-31-in-12-months/

8. Insecurity: Tinubu Gives FCT Minister, Wike, Approval For Emergency Procurement

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has received permission from President Bola Tinubu to purchase some digital security and tracking technology on an emergency basis. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/insecurity-tinubu-gives-fct-minister-wike-approval-for-emergency-procurement/

9. Court Declares Fubara’s N800 Billion Budget Illegal

The N800 billion budget that the Rivers State House of Assembly’s Edison Ehie-led group enacted and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara signed into law has been declared void by a Federal High Court in Abuja. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/breaking-court-declares-fubaras-n800-billion-budget-illegal/

10. Unknown Show Promoters Attack Portable At His Home

On Monday morning, Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable, was attacked at his residence. READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/unknown-show-promoters-attack-portable-at-his-home/

The Super Eagles have progressed to the next round of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Guinea-Bissau on Monday.
The Eagles took the lead on the 35th minute after Guinea-Bissau’s Sangante kicked the ball into the net.

Nigeria finished as runners-up in the group behind Equatorial Guinea after beating Guinea-Bissau 1-0 in the last group match.

More details shortly…

See table below:

Check out Today's Currency Exchange
https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/22/todays-currencies-exchange-rates-22-january-2024/

A 10-storey building on Broad Street, Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State has reportedly caught fire.

The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this to The MATRIX on Sunday.



The fire, according to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, started on the first floor and has now reached the fourth floor.

The emergency responders are currently at the scene to curb further escalation and put the situation under control.
Details later..

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Abuja Kidnapping Saga Continues 

* Man Driving Home With Wife Abdupted
* Kidnappers Demand N30m Ransom For Victims From Nigerian Army Estate in Abuja
* IGP Special Squad Arrest Kidnappers, Parade 16 Suspects
* Kidnappers Did Not Invade River Park Estate-Management
January has been hot in Abuja as kidnappers invade the Federal Capital Teritory. The security of the city has reached is lowest point. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/21/abuja-kidnapping-saga-continues/

2.Nigerian Customs Revamps E-auction Platform

According to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), its updated e-auction platform has been introduced. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/nigeria-customs-upgrades-e-auction-platform/

3. Tinubu Seeks Collaborative Efforts Between UN and NAM to Attain $1 Trillion Climate Finance from Developed Nations

President Bola Tinubu has urged countries in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to work together with the United Nations (UN) to ensure that developed nations fulfill their commitment to provide $1 trillion in climate finance. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/21/tinubu-seeks-collaborative-efforts-between-un-and-nam-to-attain-1-trillion-climate-finance-from-developed-nations/

4. Five Abducted Abuja Sisters Regain Freedom

The remaining four siblings of the late Nabeeha Al-Kadriyah have successfully regained their freedom, as reported by Daily Trust. This family had experienced a tragic abduction incident earlier in January, where the sisters and their father were taken captive. The abductors had initially set a ransom deadline, and unfortunately, the failure of the family to meet this demand resulted in the tragic killing of Nabeeha. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/21/five-abducted-abuja-sisters-regain-freedom/

5. Barbarians Have Taken Over Social Media -Wole Soyinka


Renowned Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, expressed deep concern over the dismal state of social media in Nigeria, lamenting its descent to the lowest common denominator and its takeover by what he referred to as "barbarians."  READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/21/barbarians-have-taken-over-social-media-wole-soyinka/

6. AFCON: Senegal, Coach, Cisse, Spends Night In Hospital After Win

The football federation of Senegal stated on Saturday that coach Aliou Cisse, who spent a night in the hospital under observation when the Lions of Teranga were defending their Africa Cup of Nations title in Ivory Coast, has returned to his team.  READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/afcon-senegal-coach-cisse-spends-night-in-hospital-after-win/

7. Seyi Vibez: People think I’m older than my age 

Seyi Vibez, a well-known artist from Nigeria, has disclosed the reasons behind people's misconception that he is older than he actually is. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/seyi-vibez-people-think-im-older-than-my-age/

8. Dangote Refinery Begins Registration of Distributors

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced registration of distributors for its products, a statement by the outfit said on Friday in Lagos. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/dangote-refinery-begins-registration-of-distributors/

9. Fashola Clarifies N577,000 Received Monthly Pension From Lagos Govt 

As a former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, the former minister of works and housing, revealed that his pension is barely N577,000 per month. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/nigeria-customs-upgrades-e-auction-platform/

10. Explosion rocks Kaduna Community, 10 children injured

An explosion on Saturday shook Kidandan village in Kaduna State's Giwa Local Government Area, injuring at least ten children. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/explosion-rocks-kaduna-community-10-children-injured/

The remaining four siblings of the late Nabeeha Al-Kadriyah have successfully regained their freedom, as reported by Daily Trust. This family had experienced a tragic abduction incident earlier in January, where the sisters and their father were taken captive. The abductors had initially set a ransom deadline, and unfortunately, the failure of the family to meet this demand resulted in the tragic killing of Nabeeha.

Following the gruesome incident, the bandits callously increased the ransom from N60 million to N100 million, adding further threats to the remaining sisters' lives. However, as of the latest update filed at 12:30 am on Sunday, the girls have been liberated and safely returned to their Abuja residence, the very location where they were initially abducted.
Security operatives played a crucial role in escorting the sisters back home, where they were warmly received by their family members. The four victims, namely Najeeba, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student, her younger sister Nadherah, a 300-level Zoology student, both from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and their twin sisters, Habeeba and Haneesa, are now free from the clutches of their captors.


Sherifdeen, the girls' uncle, confirmed this positive development in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday morning, stating, "The girls' release was secured late Saturday." Despite the payment of the N100 million ransom, the bandits had kept the sisters in captivity for several days, keeping the family in suspense until the liberating events unfolded on Saturday night.

In a statement signed by Sherifdeen Al-Kadriyah, the family thanked the Nigerians for standing by them during the trying and traumatic period.

Hear him:“Words cannot express the immense gratitude and relief we feel at this moment. It is a true testament to the power of faith and the unwavering support and prayers from every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Allah for His mercy and guidance throughout this difficult time. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/21/five-abducted-abuja-sisters-regain-freedom/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Kidnappings: Relief As Police Confirm Arrest Of Notorious Kidnapper

* Former Presidential Candidate Indicts FG Of Complicity In Kidnapping
* Military Vows To Clampdown On Kidnappers, Bandits
* Wike Talks Tough, Says Arrests Have Been Made

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja who have hitherto been living in fear might be able to heave a sigh of relief and sleep with both eyes closed following the arrest of Chinaza Philip, a notorious Abuja kidnapper. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/kidnappings-relief-as-police-confirm-arrest-of-notorious-kidnapper/

2. Supreme Court’s Guber Dispute Rulings: Reprieve For Abiodun, Uba, Oborevwori, Others

* No Surprises As All Six Govs Kept Their Seats

The Supreme Court on Friday, January 19, 2024 delivered ruling in six governorship disputes. The states that the apex court ruled on include Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Gombe and Kebbi states. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/supreme-courts-guber-dispute-rulings-reprieve-for-abiodun-uba-oborevwori-others/

3. FG Removes NBET As Middleman, Grants Discos Permission To Buy Power Directly From GenCos

Electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos, in Nigeria have been given the greenlight by the federal government to purchase electricity directly from power generation companies, GenCos through bilateral contracts. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/fg-removes-nbet-as-middleman-grants-discos-permission-to-buy-power-directly-from-gencos/

4. Nigeria Customs Upgrades E-Auction Platform

The Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, has upgraded its electronic auction (e-auction) platform in line with its commitment to continuously improve its services. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/nigeria-customs-upgrades-e-auction-platform/

5. Otedola Expands Portfolio, Snaps Up N6 Billion Worth Of Dangote Cement Shares

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola has snapped up shares worth N6 billion of Dangote Cement Plc, a source with knowledge of the transactions told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/otedola-expands-portfolio-snaps-up-n6-billion-worth-of-dangote-cement-shares/

6. After Several Postponements, CBN To Hold First MPC Meeting Under Cardoso In February

After several postponements, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will hold its first meeting under the tenure of Mr. Olayemi Cardoso as Governor on Monday, February 26 and Tuesday, February 27, 2024. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/after-several-postponements-cbn-to-hold-first-mpc-meeting-under-cardoso-in-february/

7. How Moses Bliss Met His British Fiancée- Lawyer Reveals

Pelumi Olajengbesi, the lawyer to the popular Nigerian gospel musician, Moses Bliss, has narrated how the singer met his British lawyer fiancée in a case of what the social media has joined together. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/how-moses-bliss-met-his-british-fiancee-lawyer-reveals/

8. 2023 AFCON: Senegal, Cape Verde Qualify For Round Of 16

Two teams, the defending Champion, Senegal and underdog, Cape Verde have become the first two countries to qualify for the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following Friday’s fixtures. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/20/2023-afcon-senegal-cape-verde-qualify-for-round-of-16/

9. Blinken To Visit Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Others To Re-emphasize Partnership

In a bid to re-emphasize future-focused economic partnership between the United States and Africa, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Nigeria, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, and Angola between January 21 and 26, 2024. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/blinken-to-visit-nigeria-cote-divoire-others-to-re-emphasize-partnership/

10. ‘You Have No Case’, Supreme Court Tells Adebutu, Affirms Abiodun As Gov

The Supreme Court has thrown out the appeal filed by Mister Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Governor Dabo Abiodun of Ogun State. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/you-have-no-case-supreme-court-tells-adebutu-affirms-abiodun-as-gov/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Fresh Trouble For Emefiele

* Why FG Is Filing Fresh 20-Count Amended Charges Against Ex-CBN Gov
* Fresh Charges Include Criminal Breach Of Trust, Forgery, Procurement Fraud, Others
* Emefiele Secures Court’s Permission To Travel Out Of FCT

For former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, there is no end in sight to his ongoing travails. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/fresh-trouble-for-emefiele/

2. Guber Poll Disputes:13 Govs To Know Fate Today As Supreme Court Rules

* Rivers, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Delta, Ogun, Gombe, Kebbi, Others Govs On Edge

A week after the Supreme Court delivered judgment in eight guber poll disputes, the apex court will today deliver judgement in another 13 guber polls disputes. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/guber-poll-disputes13-govs-to-know-fate-today-as-supreme-court-rules/

3. FG, Foreign Airlines Heading For Showdown As Edun Says Govt Will Only Clear Legitimate Backlogs

Nigeria and the foreign airlines might be heading for a showdown over the backlogs of foreign exchange owed to the airlines. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/18/fg-foreign-airlines-heading-for-showdown-as-edun-says-govt-will-only-clear-legitimate-backlogs/

4. Interconnect Debt Saga: Globacom, MTN Agree To Resolve Issue As NCC Suspends Plan To Ban Glo

Subscribers on the Globacom Limited platform can now heave a sigh of relief as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has suspended its plan to bar the network’s subscribers from calling MTN lines for 21 days. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/interconnect-debt-saga-globacom-mtn-agree-to-resolve-issue-as-ncc-suspends-plan-to-ban-glo/

5. Amid Rising Debt Profile, FG Seeks Fresh $1.5bn World Bank Loan  

Amid a ballooning debt profile and revenue generation challenge, Nigeria is seeking a fresh $1.5bn loan from the World Bank to tackle the severe dollar shortage contributing to the decline of the naira and boost the 2024 budget. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/amid-rising-debt-profile-fg-seeks-fresh-1-5bn-world-bank-loan/

6. NGX: Market Capitalisation Rises By N1.01 Trillion

On Thursday, the equity market maintained an upward posture, following sustained buy interests in stocks of Dangote Cement, MTN Nigeria, and BUA Cement, among others. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/ngx-market-capitalisation-rises-by-n1-01-trillion/

7. Ibadan Explosion’s Death Toll Increases to 5

The number of those who died from the explosion which occurred at the Bodija area of Ibadan on Tuesday evening has increased to five, an official disclosed on Thursday. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/ibadan-explosions-death-toll-increases-to-5/

8. Super Eagles Win Over Cote D’Ivoire, a Boost of Confidence Says Amuneke

Emmanuel Amuneke, 1994 African Cup of Nation winner/Atlanta 96 Olympics gold medalist has described Thursday’s Super Eagles win against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire as a “massive confidence booster” for the team. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/19/super-eagles-win-over-cote-divoire-a-boost-of-confidence-says-amuneke/

9. Kidnapping: NIMC, NCC Collaborate With Security Agencies on Solutions

The Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote says NIMC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are collaborating with security agencies to track down kidnappers and rescue the victims. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/18/kidnapping-nimc-ncc-collaborate-with-security-agencies-on-solutions/

10. Seun Kuti:  ‘Only Poor People Will Go To Heaven’

Seun Kuti, a Grammy-nominated artist from Nigeria, believes that only the impoverished shall enter paradise. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/18/seun-kuti-only-poor-people-will-go-to-heaven/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Ibadan Explosion: FG Orders Probe

Fish Out, Punish Perpetrators, Tinubu Orders
Directs NEMA To Offer Relief Materials To Victims
How CAC Document Indicted Illegal Miners Responsible For Explosion

The deadly explosion that rocked Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday, claiming three lives and injuring more than 80 persons has continued to draw reactions. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/18/ibadan-explosion-fg-orders-probe/

2. Nigeria’s Crude Oil Production Jumps To 1.4mbpd In December-OPEC

 How Nigeria, Iraq, Others Boosted OPEC’s Output

Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production reached 1.418 million barrels per day (mbpd) in the month of December 2023 up from the 1.37 million barrels recorded in the month of November, the latest Monthly Oil Market Report from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has shown. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/18/nigerias-crude-oil-production-jumps-to-1-4mbpd-in-december-opec/

3. There Was Plot To Annul 2023 Presidential Election- Soyinka Reveals

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka on Wednesday revealed that there was a plot to annul the 2023 presidential election won by President Bola Tinubu. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/18/there-was-plot-to-annul-2023-presidential-election-soyinka-reveals/

4. Abia Modular Refinery to Come on Stream in 2025: Commissioner

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, has said the modular refinery at the Abia Industrial Innovation Park will come on stream by 2025. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/abia-modular-refinery-to-come-on-stream-in-2025-commissioner/

5. INEC Releases Final Candidates’ List For February By-Elections

Ahead of the February 3, 2024 by-election in Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the polls. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/inec-releases-final-candidates-list-for-february-by-elections/

6. IGP Sets Up Special Squad To Address Banditry In FCT

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, is set to launch a Special Intervention Squad, SIS to arrest the recent surge in kidnapping, killing and other activities of the bloodthirsty bandits in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/igp-sets-up-special-squad-to-address-bandits-in-fct/

7. Marine Expert Calls For Review Of Niwa Act

Amarine transportation expert, Saheed Adesanya, has called on the National Assembly to review the Act establishing the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to allow states to control their inland waterways. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/marine-expert-calls-for-review-of-niwa-act/

8. Buhari: Why I Didn’t Sack Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele

After rumors circulated that Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was planning to run for president in the 2023 election, former President Muhammadu Buhari gave an explanation for his decision not to fire Emefiele. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/buhari-why-i-didnt-sack-ex-cbn-gov-emefiele/

9. NEXIM Bank Boosts Cocoa Production In Nigeria With Unveiling Digital Hub

In a bid to boost cocoa production in Nigeria, the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has launched a digital hub, Cocoa Connect Africa. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/nexim-bank-boosts-cocoa-production-in-nigeria-with-unveiling-digital-hub/

10. CBN Grants Access Holdings Approval-In-Principle For Consumer Lending Subsidiary

The CBN has given Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank, its preliminary clearance to establish Oxygen X Finance Company Limited, a consumer lending subsidiary. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/cbn-grants-access-holdings-approval-in-principle-for-consumer-lending-subsidiary/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Femi Adesina Exposé: The Buhari Years

* Ex Spokesman Reveal Unknown Facts About Former President
* No Witches In Aso Villa, Adesina Counters Abati
* How I Became Special Adviser To Buhari 

Several months after he left office as Nigerian president, ex-president Muhammadu Buhari remains an enigma, and a bundle of mystery. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/femi-adesina-expose-the-buhari-years/

2. Black Tuesday! Amid Uncertainty, Many Reported Dead In Ibadan Explosion

[i]* Rescue Workers Intensify Search For Survivors At Ibadan Explosion Site
[/i]Oyo Government, Police Call For Calm
Uncertainty, Confusion Trail Actual Cause, Figure Of Dead

It was a black Tuesday as an explosion rocked Aderinola Street, a government residential area of Bodija in Ibadan, sending shock waves across the Oyo State capital. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/black-tuesday-amid-uncertainty-many-reported-dead-in-ibadan-explosion/

3. Revealed:Why Shell Sells its Nigeria Onshore Subsidiary to  Renaissance Africa

[i]* Troubled  By Oil Spills As a Result of Theft, Sabotage And  High-Profile Lawsuits
[/i]Shell to Focus Investment on Deepwater and Integrated Gas Positions 

Shell has announced that it has signed a deal with Renaissance to sell the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), its onshore subsidiary in Nigeria. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/revealed-why-shell-wants-to-sell-its-nigeria-onshore-subsidiary-to-renaissance-africa/

4. 83 Illegal Refineries Uncovered In One Week In Niger-Delta, Says NNPC Limited

* 157 Incidents Of Crude Oil Theft Recorded

83 illegal refineries have been uncovered in the Niger Delta within the past one week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disclosed. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/16/tinubu-eulogises-buhari-says-ex-president-didnt-interfere-in-cabinet-appointments/

5. Tinubu Eulogises Buhari, Says Ex President Didn’t Interfere In Cabinet Appointments

President Bola Tinubu, Tuesday, showered praises on his predecessor, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari for not interfering in the appointments of his 48-man cabinet last August. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/16/tinubu-eulogises-buhari-says-ex-president-didnt-interfere-in-cabinet-appointments/

6. Sadiq Makes Sociedad  Match Squad List After Leaving Eagles Camp Over Injury

Despite being selected for Nigeria's 25-man squad for the competition, Sadiq withdrew due to a knee injury he sustained in a friendly against Guinea.  READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/16/sadiq-makes-sociedad-match-squad-list-after-leaving-eagles-camp-over-injury/

7. Rewane Outlines Policy Changes for 2024, Says Naira Undervalued
Mr Bismarck Rewane, Chief Executive officer (CEO), Financial Derivatives Company, said that the government needed to focus on some policy changes, aimed at steering Nigeria toward economic resilience in 2024. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/17/rewane-outlines-policy-changes-for-2024-says-naira-undervalued/

8. Bettagate: Showdown Looms As Tunji-Ojo Shuns CCB Invitation

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Code of Conduct Bureau are heading for a showdown after the minister Tuesday shunned an invitation by the CCB over an ongoing investigation bordering on alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/16/bettagate-showdown-looms-as-tunji-ojo-shuns-ccb-invitation/

9. NGX:  Market Records 3.93% Gain In One Day, ASI hits 87971.1 Points

The All-Share Index had a 3.93% rise, gaining 3,330.21 points to close at an all-time high of 87,971.10 points, during another incredible trading day at the NGX. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/16/ngx-market-records-3-93-gain-in-one-day-asi-hits-87971-1-points/
10. Nathaniel Bassey Advises Nigerian Singles:  ‘Gree For Somebody This Year’

Nathaniel Bassey, a Nigerian gospel artist, has counseled single people to give love another opportunity in 2019. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/16/nathaniel-bassey-advises-nigerian-singles-gree-for-somebody-this-year/

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Code of Conduct Bureau are heading for a showdown after the minister Tuesday shunned an invitation by the CCB over an ongoing investigation bordering on alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers.

The spokesperson of the CCB, Veronica Kato confirmed the development in a telephone interview on Tuesday, while noting that the minister’s interrogation would be rescheduled for a later date following his memo to the bureau citing national assignment.

“Yes, the minister’s interrogation has been rescheduled. He wrote, asking that it be rescheduled because he has a national assignment, so it has been rescheduled for a later date,” Kato said.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/tinubu-quizzes-interior-minister-tunji-ojo/

When asked about the next scheduled date, she said there was no specific date yet.

“We don’t have a precise date now, but it has been rescheduled to another day,” she said.

The CCB had invited the embattled minister over the involvement of his company in a ₦438 million contract with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The company, New Planet Projects, allegedly belonging to the minister, benefitted from a contract from the ministry.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/bettagate-ccb-quizzes-tunji-ojo-over-alleged-n438m-contract-fraud/

A document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Monday revealed that the CCB invited the minister to appear before it on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the CCB headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

The document signed by Gwimi S.P, the CCB Director, Investigation and Monitoring, on behalf of the CCB Chairman, Murtala Aliyu, revealed that the bureau’s invitation is hinged on its mandate and powers as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution.

In the appeal filed by David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contesting the election of Abdullahi Sule as governor of Nasarawa State, the Supreme Court has deferred rendering a decision.



Ombugadu and Sule have been engaged in an ongoing court battle concerning the results of the Nasarawa State governorship election that took place on March 18, 2023.



Tuesday, after the attorneys for the respondents and appellants adopted their briefs of argument, the court presided over by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun deferred the decisions until a date to be announced to the parties.

The apex court also reserved judgement in the appeal filed by Major General Aminu Bande, the PDP governorship candidate in Kebbi State, challenging the election of Nasir Idris of the APC as the governor of the state.



Last year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Sule the winner of the March 18 governorship election. Sule polled 347, 209 votes to defeat his closest opponent, PDP’s Ombugadu who got 283, 016 votes.



Dissatisfied with the election outcome, the PDP candidate approached the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, challenging INEC’s declaration of Sule as the winner of the poll.



He complained to the tribunal that his actual votes were unjustifiably reduced. At the same time, Abdullahi Sule of the APC was increased to aid Sule to victory, particularly in the forms EC8Bs of Gayam and Chiroma Wards of Lafia Local Government Area.



About seven months later, Ombugadu got judgement in his favour on October 2 as the tribunal nullified Sule’s election and declared him as the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

Delivering the judgment virtually, the Chairman of the tribunal Justice Ezekiel Ajayi declared Ombugadu of the PDP as the lawfully elected governor of Nasarawa State.



Sule, who was displeased with the tribunal ruling, appealed the verdict at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.



Ruling on the appeal on November 23, the appellate court reversed the sack of Gov Sule by the State Election Petitions Tribunal.



The three-member panel led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam held that the Tribunal was legally bound to act on witness statements filed along with the petition or front-loaded within 21 days stipulated by law.

The appellate court held that the tribunal led by Ezekiel Ajayi acted in grave error in using witness statements on oath not front-loaded as required by law to arrive at the unjust conclusion of nullifying the election of the governor.

www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Armed Forces Remembrance Day

* Tinubu, Obi, Govs, Service Chiefs, Others Pay Tribute To Fallen Heroes
* Akpabio Says Lawmakers Will Work For Better Welfare For The Country’s Military
* In Ironical Development, Bandits Attack Military Camp In Katsina, Loot Homes

Nigeria, on Monday January 15, 2023 observed the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a ceremony designed to honour the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and veterans. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/armed-forces-remembrance-day/

2. Uzodinma’s 2nd Term Inauguration: How Few People Looted Nigeria Through Subsidy-Tinubu

* Obasanjo, Akpabio, Abbas, Others Attend Event

President Bola Tinubu, Monday lamented how few people stole Nigeria’s commonwealth under the guise of subsidy in the last 40 years while bemoaning the effect on hapless Nigerians. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/uzodinmas-2nd-term-inauguration-how-few-people-looted-nigeria-through-subsidy-tinubu/

3. BETTAGATE: CCB Quizzes Tunji-Ojo Over Alleged N438m Contract Fraud

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has been invited by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to appear for interrogation about the N438 million contract scam at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/bettagate-ccb-quizzes-tunji-ojo-over-alleged-n438m-contract-fraud/

4. Sanwo-Olu Promises Effective Implementation Of N2.2tr 2024 Budget

Olu, on Monday, signed the state’s 2024 budget of N2.2 trillion while promising the effective implementation of the budget. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/at-signing-ceremony-lagos-gov-sanwo-olu-promises-effective-implementation-of-2024-budget-of-n2-2tr/

5. NNPCL To Hand Over Port Harcourt Refinery To Private Entities

In a bid to boost the efficiency and productivity of the state-owned Port Harcourt Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has unveiled plans to transfer the operations of the refinery to private entities. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/nnpcl-to-hand-over-port-harcourt-refinery-to-private-entities/

6. AFCON Watch: Senegal Beat Gambia 3-0, Cameroon, Algeria, Fail To Win

Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Gambia in Group C. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/afcon-watch-senegal-beat-gambia-3-0-cameroon-algeria-fail-to-win/

7. Japa: UK Government Releases Names Of Companies Eligbe To Sponsor Nigerians' Work Visa

The list of businesses and institutions authorized by the UK to sponsor skilled immigrants via the temporary worker immigration route has been revised. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/japa-uk-government-releases-name-of-companies-to-sponsor-nigerians-work-visa-check-list/

8. Exchange: Naira Within N1300/$ Range At Unofficial Market As U.S Dollar Ticks Higher

On Monday, as attention shifted to a number of impending economic reports and the US Apex Bank announcement for market direction on when the US Fed may start reducing interest rates, the naira stabilized at its lower level in the P2P market and black market while the dollar slightly increased. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/exchange-naira-within-n1300-range-at-unofficial-market-as-u-s-dollar-ticks-higher/

9. Wike-Fubara Peace Deal: Rivers Assembly to Reconfirm Nine Ex-Commissioners

The Rivers House of Assembly will re-screen and reconfirm nine former commissioners who resigned from the state executive council on Wednesday. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/wike-fubara-peace-deal-rivers-assembly-to-reconfirm-nine-ex-commissioners/

10. Mohbad’ Management Clarifies Will Dispute

Trending claims that the late musician Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known by his stage name Mohbad, left a will have been refuted by the artist's management. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/mohbads-management-clarifies-will-dispute/

Check Out Today’s Currencies Exchange Rates for 15 JANUARY, 2024 via link below:

https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/todays-currencies-exchange-rates-15-january-2024/

Charles Chukwuemeka Ugwuh, a former minister of commerce and industry, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of conspiratorial lending fraud totaling around N3.6 billion.

In a statement, the commission's head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, said that the former minister and Chief Geoffrey Ekenma were taken into custody on January 11, 2024, at No. 2, Musa Yar Adua Way, New Owerri, Imo State.

The arrest of the two suspects was said to have followed “a petition to the commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-minister.

The statement said: “Investigations revealed that Ugwuh and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., allegedly obtained a loan facility from the bank for the purchase and production of polished rice.

“However, the suspect, according to the petitioner, failed to meet up his obligations to the bank and all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. 2027: The Gang-Up Against Tinubu, APC

* Atiku, Obi, Kwanlkwaso Will Unite Against Tinubu In 2027-Utomi
* How Tinubu Can Survive Opposition Coalition In 2027-Reno Omokri
* Bwala Reveals He Got Atiku’s Approval To Visit Tinubu

While the 2027 General Election is still about three years away, political gladiators in the country have already started the scheming and politicking to wrest power away from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC). READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/2027-the-gang-up-against-tinubu-apc/

2. Dangote Refinery: Amid Ongoing EFCC Investigation, Dangote Sings Tinubu’s Praise

* Hails NNPCL, NMDPRA, NUPRC For Belief In Historic Project

In a veiled bid to warm up to President Bola Tinubu, the President of Dangote Group has sung the praises of President Ahmed Tinubu crediting the president for encouragement and advice which he described as being instrumental to the actualisation of the project. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/dangote-refinery-amid-ongoing-efcc-investigation-dangote-sings-tinubus-praise/
3. Oil Theft: Impounded MT KALI Vessel On Test-Run – Captain

* The Vessel  Was  Caught  With 200,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil.
Mr Adeboye David, the captain of the impounded MT KALI vessel in Bayelsa said that the ship was on a test-run from Lagos to Bayelsa. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/oil-theft-impounded-mt-kali-vessel-on-test-run-captain/
4. Sunday Igboho Opens Up, Says I Don’t Regret Leading Yoruba Nation Struggle, Hails Tinubu

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up on the role he played in leading the call for the self determination of the Yoruba people. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/sunday-igboho-opens-up-says-i-dont-regret-leading-yoruba-nation-struggle-hails-tinubu/

5.SERAP Tells Akpabio, Abbas To Cut ‘Self-Serving N344.85bn NASS Budget’

The current economic realities in the country have prompted the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), to call on the National Assembly leadership to cut down what it described as a N344.85bn 'self-serving budget' for the lawmakers. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/14/serap-tells-akpabio-abbas-to-cut-self-serving-n344-85bn-nass-budget/

6. AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Battle To Draw Against Equatorial Guinea

Despite boasting the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen in its ranks, the Super Eagles Sunday, battled from a goal down to force a 1-1 draw against the Elephants of Equatorial Guinea in their opening AFCON match held in Ivory Coast. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/14/afcon-2023-super-eagles-battle-to-draw-against-equatorial-guinea/

7. Insecurity: Pantami Blames Security Agencies of Not Using NIN-SIM Policy to Track Criminals

A former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has accused the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies for failing to utilise data generated from National Identity Number (NIN) linked to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in tracking kidnappers and curbing other crimes involving the use of a phone. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/insecurity-pantami-blames-security-agencies-of-not-using-nin-sim-policy-to-track-criminals/

8. Shettima Departs For World Economic Forum in Switzerland

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday departed Abuja to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/15/shettima-departs-for-world-economic-forum-in-switzerland/

9. Award Galore As Lagos Education District IV Honours Schools, Teachers

Best students and schools were recognized by Education District IV in Lagos State during its 17th Annual Award and Honors Day.The district honored students, instructors, and administrators for their commitment and diligence under the theme "Celebration of Excellence," giving top performers extra honors. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/14/award-galore-as-lagos-education-district-iv-honours-schools-teachers/

10. FG Reasonable In Moving Some CBN Departments To Lagos - Moghalu

n response to rumors that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has moved some divisions to its Lagos headquarters, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the CBN, has commented. READ MORE https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/14/fg-reasonable-moving-cbn-arm-to-lagos-moghalu/

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1.  IBB Resurfaces
* Says Military Regime  Will Not Happen Again  In Nigeria
* Advocates For Two-Party System
* Calls For Restructuring And Devolution Of Powers

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, a former military president, stated that a two-party system is optimal for the nation's democracy.

2. Insecurity: President Tinubu Proposes Creation Of Specialized Marine, Solid Mineral, Forest Police Units
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans to create specialized police units for marine, solid mineral, and forest security, according to a statement made on Saturday by the President's Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

3. Rivers Crisis: We’ve Fulfilled our Part of Peace Accord – Wike
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), claims that his team has complied with every demand made by the various parties to the Rivers State political issue on President Bola Tinubu in order to restore peace to the state.

4. Disquiet As Cardoso Moves to Return Some Central Bank of Nigeria Departments to Lagos
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced plans to comprehensively “decongest” its head office in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

5. Tinubu Maps Out N683b As 2024 Intervention Fund For Public Tertiary Schools
President Bola Tinubu has authorized N683,429,268 billion as the 2024 intervention money for public tertiary colleges in the country.

6. Digital Economy: SEC Grants NASD Digital Securities Platform
Under the Regulatory Incubation (RI) Program, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given NASD Plc permission to introduce its Digital Securities Platform (N-DSP), which is powered by Blockstation.
7. All Contractors Should Go Back to Sites - Gov Aiyedatiwa
Following the inauguration of new Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,all contractors handling road projects across the state have been ordered to immediately return to sites.
8. Betta Edu: FG Inaugurates Presidential Panel On Social Investment Programmes
After suspending all of the agency’s programs for six weeks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formed a special presidential panel on the Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA).
9. Vice President, Shettima Vows To Protect Nigerians’ Rights
Vice President Kashim Shettima has guaranteed that the current government will uphold the rights of every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
10.Ivory Coast Floors Guinea-Bissau In AFCON Opener
A perfect beach getaway in a beautiful place
Ivory Coast dominated the opening night of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Guinea-Bissa

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Guber Poll: No Surprises In Supreme Court Judgments

* Sanwo-Olu, Yusuf, Nwifuru, Otu, Mutfwang, Otti, Bala, Dauda Lawal Keep Seats
*Atiku Hails Judgements, Says It Is Undeniable Triumph For Constitutional Democracy
* Apologize To Us Over ‘Reckless’ Attacks On Judiciary, APC Tells PDP
* PDP Govs Forum Hails Supreme Court Judgement On Six States

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday, January 12, 2024 delivered rulings on eight governorship polls that have been in dispute, throwing up no significant surprise. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/13/guber-poll-no-surprises-in-supreme-court-judgments/

2. Nigeria To Witness Increase In Oil Production In 2024-Analysts

 * Agreements Signed With International Companies, Countries Will Boost Output For Nigeria's Oil And Gas Sector In 2024

Analysts at Meristem Research are projecting an increase in Nigeria’s oil production in 2024 barring any significant, unexpected shock to the sector in the year READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/13/nigeria-to-witness-increase-in-oil-production-in-2024-analysts/

3. History Made As Dangote Refinery Commences Production

It Has the Capacity to Meet 100% of Nigeria’s requirement 
To Begin With  Production AGO,Aviation fuel Before Moving  to PMS

The Dangote Refinery has commenced production. The largest single-train refinery in the world located in Nigeria’s commercial hub began production in the early hours of today (Friday) READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/13/history-made-as-dangote-refinery-commences-production/

4. Tinubu Appoints New CEOs For National Theatre, 10 Others In Arts, Culture, And Creative Economy Sector

President Bola Tinubu has appointed 11 new Chief Executive Officers for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/13/tinubu-appoints-new-ceos-for-national-theatre-10-others-in-arts-culture-and-creative-economy-sector/

5. Tinubu Approves N683b As Intervention Fund For Public Tertiary Schools In 2024

In a bid at addressing the decades-long calls for better funding of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved the sum of N683,429,268 billion as intervention fund for public tertiary schools in the country for 2024. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/tinubu-approves-n683b-as-intervention-fund-for-public-tertiary-schools-in-2024/

6. Abuja Shops, Eateries, Other Structures in Taxi Ranks Demolished

The Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced demolition of shops, eateries, and other illegal structures in taxi ranks across Abuja. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/13/abuja-shops-eateries-other-structures-in-taxi-ranks-demolished/

7. Active Voice Subscribers Stood at 221.7m in Q3 2023- NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says a total of 221,769,883 active voice subscribers were recorded in Q3 of 2023. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/13/active-voice-subscribers-stood-at-221-7m-in-q3-2023-nbs/

8. Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco Hunt For Glory As AFCON Gets Underway In Cote D' Ivoire

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway today, Saturday January 13, 2024 as hosts Ivory Coast take on Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan, to open the tournament. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/nigeria-egypt-senegal-morocco-hunt-for-glory-as-afcon-gets-underway-in-cote-d-ivoire/

9. Tinubu Suspends Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, N-Power, Others

President Bola Tinubu has suspended all administered programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/tinubu-suspends-conditional-cash-transfer-programme-n-power-others/

10. What We Discussed With Tinubu- APC Govs Speak

The Governors elected on the platform of the All-Progressives Congress under its umbrella body, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have hailed President Bola Tinubu over his efforts at tackling insecurity in the country. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/what-we-discussed-with-tinubu-apc-govs-speak/

THE New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has retained its hold as the ruling party in Kano State as the Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Yusuf, who contested under the NNPP was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged his victory in court.


A five-member panel of justices on Friday, January 12, unanimously held that the lower court misunderstood the import of the purported deduction of 165,616 ballot papers in favour of Governor Yusuf.

The lead judgment by Justice Inyang Okoro also held that the issue of Governor Yusuf’s membership was a pre-election matter.
He said the finding that by Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 134(1) of the Electoral Act, Governor Yusuf was not sponsored by the NNPP, was not a finding of the electoral tribunal but a mere observation that his name was not contained in the membership list

“This court has consistently maintained that the issue of nomination or sponsorship of a candidate for an election is completely an exclusive prerogative of the political party,” he held.

Detail shortly…. www.matrixngr.com

THE New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has retained its hold as the ruling party in Kano State as the Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Yusuf, who contested under the NNPP was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged his victory in court.


A five-member panel of justices on Friday, January 12, unanimously held that the lower court misunderstood the import of the purported deduction of 165,616 ballot papers in favour of Governor Yusuf.

The lead judgment by Justice Inyang Okoro also held that the issue of Governor Yusuf’s membership was a pre-election matter.
He said the finding that by Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 134(1) of the Electoral Act, Governor Yusuf was not sponsored by the NNPP, was not a finding of the electoral tribunal but a mere observation that his name was not contained in the membership list

“This court has consistently maintained that the issue of nomination or sponsorship of a candidate for an election is completely an exclusive prerogative of the political party,” he held.

Detail shortly…. www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Guber Poll Disputes: It’s D-Day!

* Anxiety, Tension, Suspense as Supreme Court Rules In Lagos, Kano, Zamfara, Plateau, Others
* Sanwo-Olu, Yusuf, Otti, Dauda-Lawal, Mutfwang, Others To Know Fate
* Heavy Security Presence In Kano, Zamfara, Others Ahead Of Judgment

After months of grueling legal fireworks, the Supreme Court will today decide the fate of eight states currently in dispute over the outcome of the March 18, 2023 Guber Polls in Nigeria.  READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/guber-poll-disputes-its-d-day/

2. Nigerians With BVN Hit 60.2m, Up From 58.7m Ahead Of CBN Deadline

* Anxiety Over Lack Of Access To Accounts Grows

21 days before the expiration of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) deadline for bank customers to have Bank Verification Number, BVN updated to their accounts or risk access to their accounts, registration has risen to 60.2 million, the latest data from the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System, NIBSS has shown. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/nigerians-with-bvn-hit-60-2m-up-from-58-7m-ahead-of-cbn-deadline/

3. Baguda Gives Reasons  Dollar Was Benchmarked at N800 in 2024 Budget

Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, revealed that the Federal Government deliberately chose not to set the foreign exchange benchmark in the 2024 budget using a spot rate. This strategic decision aimed to reduce potential risks and uncertainties. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/baguda-gives-reasons-dollar-was-benchmarked-at-n800-in-2024-budget/

4. ‘No Gree For Terrorists, Perpetrators Of Insecurity,’ Military Charges Nigerians

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has called on Nigerians to see the fight against insecurity as a collective work and used the viral social media slang, “No gree for anybody” to drive home the message. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/no-gree-for-terrorists-perpetrators-of-insecurity-military-charges-nigerians/

5. Edugate: Adeyanju Urges EFCC To Probe Other Ministers, Says Almost All Transferred Money Into Private Accounts

An Abuja-based rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, on Thursday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate all federal ministries noting that almost all the ministers under President Bola Tinubu’s administration transferred money into private accounts. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/12/edugate-adeyanju-urges-efcc-to-probe-other-ministers-says-almost-all-transferred-money-into-private-accounts/
6. Betta Edu: APC Govs Caution Against Hasty Judgments

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged Nigerians to await findings of anti-graft investigation, describing the corrupt charges against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu as a mere allegation. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/betta-edu-apc-govs-caution-against-hasty-judgments/

7. IG Orders More Operatives on Abuja-Kaduna Expressway 

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered for additional deployment of personnel on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway in response to the growing concerns about security on the expressway. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/ig-orders-more-operatives-on-abuja-kaduna-expressway/

8. 60 illegal Refining Sites Destroyed in One Week: DHQ

Troops of Operation Delta Safe, in one week, uncovered and destroyed 60 illegal refining sites and apprehended 30 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/60-illegal-refining-sites-destroyed-in-one-week-dhq/

9. TB Joshua:  Multichoice Removes  Emmanuel TV from DStv

The religious TV network Emmanuel TV, which was owned by the late Nigerian pastor, was no longer carried by Multichoice DStv due to controversies surrounding the ministry of T.B. Joshua, the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/tb-joshua-multichoice-removes-emmanuel-tv-from-dstv/

10. Mohbad; ‘I’m Unable To Sleep, Femi Falana, Wunmi Are Threatening To Kill Me’ 
[b][/b]
Joseph Aloba, the father of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also referred to as Mohbad, has claimed that he is being threatened with death by Wunmi, his daughter-in-law, and Femi Falana, her attorney. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/mohbad-im-unable-to-sleep-femi-falana-wunmi-are-threatening-to-kill-me/

Eleven new Supreme Court justices approved by the Senate in December 2023 will be sworn in next week.
The Justices billed for swearing-in are:
Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR-North Central
Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah-North Central
Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris-North East
Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani- North East
Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur-North West
Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar-North West
Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa-South East
Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme -South East
Hon. Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya-South East
Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein-south south
Hon. Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru- South west
Upon inauguration, the Supreme Court will operate with the complete roster of 21 justices, as mandated by the Constitution.
www.matrixliveng.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. World Bank Projects Improvement To Nigerian Economy In 2024, 2025  

* Says Inflation Will “Gradually Ease As Effects Of Last Year’s Exchange Rate Reforms, Fuel Subsidies Removal Fade”
* Growth To Be Driven Mainly By Agriculture, Construction, Services, And Trade
* Per Capita Income Will Also Be Restored To Pre-Pandemic Levels By 2025

The World Bank has projected Nigeria’s economy to grow by 3.3 per cent this year up from the earlier projected 2.9 percent growth. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/world-bank-projects-improvement-to-nigerian-economy-in-2024-2025/

2. Union, Keystone, Polaris Banks Get New CEOs, Executive Directors

Oni, Imam, Akintola To Assume New Roles Immediately

Few hours after dissolving the Board of Directors and the Management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has appointed new chief executives to pilot the affairs of these banks. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/union-keystone-polaris-banks-get-new-ceos-executive-directors/

3. NCS Promise to End Petroleum Products Smuggling in 2024

The Nigerian Customs Service has committed to ending the smuggling of petroleum products in 2024. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/ncs-promise-to-end-petroleum-products-smuggling-in-2024/

4. Edugate: Enitan, Perm Sec takes over Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation

In line with the directive issued by President Bola Tinubu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, has taken charge of the affairs of the Ministry following the suspension of the substantive minister, Betta Edu. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/edugate-enitan-perm-sec-takes-over-ministry-of-humanitarian-affairs-and-poverty-alleviation/

5. Court Remands Ex-Minister, Agunloye In Kuje Prison Over Alleged Fraud Case

An Abuja Federal High Court on Wednesday ordered that former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/court-remands-ex-minister-agunloye-in-kuje-prison-over-alleged-fraud-case/

6. Otedola Donates N1bn To Lagos Security Trust Fund

Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC, Femi Otedola, has donated N1 billion to the Lagos State State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/otedola-donates-n1bn-to-lagos-security-trust-fund/

7. CBN Appoints New Executives For Union, Keystone, Polaris Banks(FULL LIST)

Olayemi Cardoso, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, has appointed new executives to oversee the operations of Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/cbn-appoints-new-executives-for-union-keystone-polaris-banksfull-list/

8. Supreme Court: Yusuf, Gawuna To Know Fate Tomorrow In Kano Guber Dispute

The Supreme Court has fixed Friday for judgment in the Kano state governorship election appeals. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/supreme-court-yusuf-gawuna-to-know-fate-tomorrow-in-kano-guber-dispute/

9. Simi Fumes, Blasts Online Bullies Supporters

Following the charges of harassment and bullying that have shook Nigerian cyberspace, singer Simisola Kosoko, often known as Simi, has denounced those who stand by "predatory people. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/simi-fumes-blasts-online-bullies-supporters/

10. Supreme Court Fixes Friday For Judgement In Kano Guber Dispute

THE Supreme Court has fixed Friday for judgment in the Kano state governorship election appeals. READ MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/11/supreme-court-yusuf-gawuna-to-know-fate-tomorrow-in-kano-guber-dispute/

In line with the report  and recommendation of the Special Investigator on Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Related entities, Jim Obazee  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dissolved  the boards and managements of Titan Trust Bank, Union Bank, Keystone Bank and Polaris Bank.

The decision to dissolve the boards was taken after a meeting between Yemi Cardoso, Obazee, and the board and management of the four banks.

It would be recalled that the investors in Titan Trust Bank refused to honour the invitation to a meeting with the Special Investigator.

More to follow...
www.matrixngr.com

Good morning.  Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. Edu/FarouqGate: Call For Interior Minister’s Sack Heightens

Like Edu, Tinubu Must Suspend, Handover Tunji-Ojo To EFCC For Investigation-PDP
Says Continued Stay In Office Corroborates Belief That APC Is Haven For Looters
Group Demands Protection For Tunji-Ojo, Says Monstrous Passport Cabal Fighting Back
EFCC Talks Tough, Says No Hiding Place For Corrupt Office Holder

The ongoing financial scandal rocking the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry has continued to fester with each passing day. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/edu-farouqgate-call-for-interior-ministers-sack-heightens/

2. Fresh Crisis Brews In Rivers State

State Assembly Poised To Write Fubara Over Continuous Delay of Representing 2024 Budget

The fragile peace in Rivers State is currently being threatened if information getting to The Matrix is anything to go by. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/fresh-crisis-brews-in-rivers-state/

3. Dangote Refinery Receives Sixth Crude Shipment, Gears Up For Production

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently received its sixth batch of one million barrels of crude from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), marking a significant milestone for the facility. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/dangote-refinery-receives-sixth-crude-shipment-gears-up-for-production/

4. NIMASA DG, Jamoh Hails Supreme Court Judgement On Inland Waterways Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court Judgement that reaffirmed the Authority of the Federal Government through the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA to control activities in Nigerian Inland Waterways has excited the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh who described it as a win-win judgement. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/nimasa-dg-jamoh-hails-supreme-court-judgement-on-inland-waterways-jurisdiction/

5. Interconnect Debt: Globacom Fires Back, Denies Owing MTN

Nigerian telecommunications company, Globacom Ltd, has fired back at its rival and competitor denying owing the latter interconnect charges, contrary to reports making the rounds. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/interconnect-debt-globacom-fires-back-denies-owing-mtn/

6. Zenith, Providus, Jaiz Banks CEOs Land In EFCC’s Net Over Humanitarian Affairs Ministry’s Financial Scandals

The alleged financial fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has landed the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Zenith, Providus, and Jaiz banks in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/zenith-providus-jaiz-banks-ceos-land-in-efccs-net-over-humanitarian-affairs-ministrys-financial-scandals/

7. Tinubu Slashes Travel Expenses Of Government Officials By 60%, Reduces Security Details

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cut the travel budget for himself and every government employee in his administration by 60%.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, informed State House Correspondents of this on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to Naija News. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/tinubu-slashes-travel-expenses-of-officials-by-60-reduces-security/

8. MAN DG Requests Professionalism As EFCC Investigates Dangote

Investors are not encouraged by the way the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Dangote and other corporations in the nation, according to Mr. Segun Ajayi Kadri, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/edu-farouqgate-call-for-interior-ministers-sack-heightens/

9. Tiwa Savage Cries Out: ‘Hold Davido Responsible If Anything Happens To Me’

Tiwa Savage, a celebrated Nigerian musician, has filed a case against Davido, her colleague, alleging that he threatened to assault her and cause her serious bodily injury. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/tiwa-savage-cries-out-hold-davido-responsible-if-anything-happens-to-me/

10.‘Believe In Yourselves’ Sanwo-Olu Tells Super Eagles As Team Jets Out To Cote D’Ivoire

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged the Nigeria senior male football team, the Super Eagles to believe in themselves as they head to Cote D’Ivoire for the 2023/2024 Edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) starting on January 13, 2024. READ  MORE: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/10/believe-in-yourselves-sanwo-olu-tells-super-eagles-as-team-jets-out-to-cote-divoire/

On Monday, Pope Francis demanded that surrogacy be outlawed worldwide, calling the practice of a woman bearing another person's child "deplorable."

The 87-year-old pope called it a "grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child" in a New Year's address to diplomats at the Vatican.
READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/01/pope-speaks-on-plateau-killings/
In a speech dominated by calls for an end to conflicts around the world, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church said: “The path to peace calls for respect for life.”

This began “with the life of the unborn child in the mother’s womb, which cannot be suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking”, he said.

“In this regard, I deem deplorable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2023/12/22/catholic-bishops-clarify-churchs-position-on-same-sex-blessings/
“A child is always a gift and never the basis of a commercial contract. Consequently, I express my hope for an effort by the international community to prohibit this practice universally.”

In June 2022, the pope condemned surrogacy as an “inhuman” practice.

“Altruistic” surrogacy, whereby a woman gives birth to a baby on behalf of another woman or couple but no money changes hands, excluding for expenses, is legal in countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, Brazil and Colombia.

Commercial surrogacy is permitted in some US states.

www.matrixngr.com

EFCC Moves In, To Begin Investigation Of Edu, Accomplices
How Company Founded By Interior Minister Got N438m As Consultancy fee From Edu
Outrage Continues As CSOs Call For Her Accomplices To Be Fished Out, Interior Minister On The Line

In what will go down as one of the shortest stint as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu was suspended by President Bola Tinubu from his 48-man cabinet on Monday as the outrage surrounding a messy N585m disbursement scandal reverberates.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/07/edu-serap-asks-tinubu-to-probe-botched-payment-of-n585m-grant-to-private-account/

The Matrix reports that in a statement on Monday afternoon, presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said his principal ordered the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, “to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions” involving the ministry and “one or more agencies thereunder”.

Edu had stirred controversy when she approved that the sum of N585,198,500.00 be disbursed into a personal account.

In a letter allegedly signed by the humanitarian minister, she instructed the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum to the account of one Oniyelu Bridget as grants for vulnerable groups in four states.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/06/nsipa-defends-betta-edu/

Madein confirmed that although her office received a request from the humanitarian ministry to make certain payments, her office did not act on it.

This development stirred outrage from Civil Society Organisations like Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) to name a few. On Sunday, the Federal Government acknowledged the outrage and said the President had ordered a thorough probe of Edu’s ministry.

On Monday, the President caved in to pressure and suspended Edu not without directing the EFCC Chairman “to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder”.

The President also directed the suspended minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and “fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation”.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/06/tinubus-minister-betta-edu-admits-transfering-n585m-into-private-account/

“Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.”

In a case of when it rains, it pours, the scandal surrounding the Betta-Edu led ministry continues to unravel with another Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior,  currently in the line of fire after reports emerged that a company founded by him and his wife had gotten N438 million as "consultancy fees" from tEdu.

But Olubunmi has denied being a signatory to the firm while clarifying that he resigned from the firm in 2019 and he is no longer a signatory to the said firm.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2023/12/20/fg-announces-50-reduction-in-public-transport-fare/

“I am not a signatory to the company,” he said on Monday during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“As I’ve always said, I came into public office with a commitment to base my service on sincerity of purpose and openness. I believe that Nigerians don’t deserve to be kept in the dark in terms of public office operations.”

He added: “And actually, I was shocked because the company in question was a company where I was a director. About five years ago, I had resigned from my directorship”.

While admitting to founding the company alongside his wife, the minister said his resignation from the firm was owing to his political ambition.

“I and my wife founded the company 15 years ago. Well, in 2019, when I got to the House of Representatives, when I won election precisely, I made a change,” he said.

“I had resigned as director of the company to hold office.”

The minister said he is only a shareholder of the company which is not in violation of the law.

“Of course, and to the best of my knowledge, the public service rule does not prohibit public officers from being shareholders,” Olubunmi said.

Meanwhile, CISLAC has asked the Federal Government and anti-graft agencies to fish out the alleged accomplices of Edu and her predecessor.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2023/11/05/fg-to-subsidise-adire-production-to-boost-local-economy-betta-edu/
“The fraud allegedly perpetrated by both the previous minister, Sadiya, and the current one, definitely, they worked with some people, where are those people? If we want to get to the root of this, we must get them investigated,” said CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Rafsanjani had said it was pathetic that a ministry that should be sympathetic to the citizens was caught in the web of alleged funds diversions.

He had called on the President to carry out sweeping reforms within ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), stressing that diversions of funds weren’t restricted to the humanitarian ministry.


www.matrixngr.com

The Matrix has gathered that Doyin Okupe, the former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation resigned his membership of the party based on ideological differences.



He tendered his resignation in a letter he shared on Monday, saying he has been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life which is different from the ideology of the LP which is rooted in the left of the center.
READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/08/peter-obis-campaign-director-doyin-okupe-resigns-from-lp/


He added that he sought an exit from the party to continue his political activities with liberalism, sincerity and freedom.



According to him, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, himself and others left the People’s Democratic Party, PDP abruptly to look for a ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’ to contest the 2023 presidential elections.



“I submit herewith my letter of resignation from the Labour Party with effect from today. You will recall that our flagbearer, Mr Peter Obi, myself and others left the PDP abruptly and had to look for a Special Purpose Vehicle in which to contest the 2023 Presidential Elections,” he wrote.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/08/peter-obis-campaign-director-doyin-okupe-resigns-from-lp/

Continuing, he said; “The Labour Party, your good self and other members of your executives provided us with this veritable platform with no burdensomeness whatsoever and for which we were extremely grateful.”



Okupe added: “We did contest the election on the platform of the Labour Party and lost. This makes it exceedingly difficult for me to continue to stay in the Labour Party which is ideologically rooted in the left of the center.



“I have been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life. It is therefore this ideological conflict that makes me seek an exit so that I may continue my political activities with liberalism, sincerity and freedom.



“I wish to thank you in particular and other members of the leadership of the party for the cordiality and respect accorded to me as the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation.”



It would be recalled that Okupe, in 2023, announced his withdrawal from the campaign of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/09/tinubu-sacks-irukera-okoh-as-fccpc-bpe-bosses/

In a letter attached to the tweet, Mr Okupe wrote to Mr Obi recalling a discussion both politicians had about the conviction, which the former called “personal travails”.



“You will recall I briefed you yesterday about my personal travails in seeking justice and clearing my name using the Nigerian Legal System to pursue the same,” he wrote.

www.matrixngr.com

By Babajide Okeowo

In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.

The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
READ ALSO https://matrixngr.com/2024/01/06/n585m-scandal-sack-betta-edu-kperogi-tells-tinubu/

The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.
READ ALSO: https://matrixngr.com/2023/11/05/fg-to-subsidise-adire-production-to-boost-local-economy-betta-edu/

These directives of the President take immediate effect.

www.matrixngr.com

The presidential candidate of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally reacted to the incessant verbal attack he has suffered in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election coming up on February 25, 2023.

Tinubu who spoke during an interview with BBC Africa shortly after his Chatham House outing disclosed that he is attracting the most attacks and arrows in the run-off to the 2023 polls because he is the frontrunner.

He also described himself as the only qualified candidate for the country’s top seat in 2023.

Tinubu said none of the top contenders has the track record of competing with him in the forthcoming polls.

He said: “Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are not competent. They are not as competent as any other person out there. They've no track record, none of them is qualified except me.”

He expressed optimism that next year’s polls will be free and fair.

Tinubu said: “Things are going very well. I'm very, very confident that this election will be free and fair. I'm the frontrunner and that's why I'm getting many arrows.

“My top priorities are security, and economic recovery to get accelerated development to get Nigerians employed and get inflation down. You know, monetary policy needs to be changed. Subsidy needs to be decided upon and then removed.

“Insecurity in Nigeria is actually reduced and I will defend him (Buhari) for that. Then, 17 local and about 4 states where we had flags of foreign jihadists in Nigeria. That's no more, that's long gone.

“To start chaos is easy, to bring normalcy and redecorate is more difficult. Here we are, Buhari has degraded but not completely eliminated ISWAP. We need mass recruitment of individuals in a volunteer army to really clean up.

“I'm different. I am Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I have governed Lagos. I built a modern state that could be a country on its own. I've led an administration that's so prudent from N600 million internally generated revenue to N5 billion a month.

“That's a record, nobody else can brag about that. I've treated and tamed the Atlantic Ocean surge in Nigeria that would have perished so many people in Lagos. The infrastructural renewal of Lagos is excellent. I have continuity in Lagos. Buhari has done his best, he's my leader in the party.’’

Speaking on his source of wealth, he said: “I have an example of Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, he started from stock buying and brokerages. I inherited great real estate. I turned the values around. I'm not denying my wealth.

“I was the most investigated, the most accused Governor in opposition up to, you know, for eight years, and up till 2007, and since I've left the office. I'm still there, I've not taken any government appointments. No government contracts.

“I'm not getting any share of the revenue from Lagos. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund IMF have investigated the record in Lagos.”

Source : https://matrixliveng.com/2023-tinubu-reveals-why-he-is-under-attack/

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has arrested and detained popular Nigerian R&B singer Oladapo Oyebanji, better known by his stage name, D’banj.

According to an exclusive report by Premium Times, the musician was arrested and detained on Tuesday after ICPC operatives closed in on him, forcing him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, sources familiar with the matter said.

D’banj, insiders said, had dodged numerous summonses for weeks, claiming to be overseas for scheduled concerts each time he was invited to appear for interrogation over fraud allegations.

The pop star, a wealthy Nigerian celebrity, is accused of fraudulently diverting hundreds of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for the N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.

Investigators allege that D’banj colluded with some compromised government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme. The stipend paid to those beneficiaries is then paid to accounts allegedly linked to the pop star.

After the musician failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations, the ICPC moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to show up at the commission’s office on Tuesday.

On arrival, D’banj was subjected to a prolonged interrogation session after which he was detained. His plea for administrative bail was rejected by officials who said the musician could not be trusted to attend his trial if released on bail.

Our sources said the ICPC might approach the court on Wednesday for an extended remand order to enable the agency complete its investigation before charging the musician to court.

The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, could not be reached to comment on this story. She is said to be attending a programme abroad. Being in detention, the musician too could not be reached for comment
Source: https://matrixliveng.com/icpc-arrests-detains-nigerian-pop-star-dbanj-over-fraud/