Some agents working for loan apps, which include Palmcredit, Easybuy, Xcrosscash, and Newcredit, have shared some sordid tales of how their employers allegedly made them start disbursing loans to people that never applied nor requested loans and would later begin to harass them for repayment with interest.
The mandate from their employers is to get loans disbursed to as many people as possible on a daily basis and by all means.
And that comes with a target that must be met: For some daily conversion is 20, while others have it as high as 35 and the target often becomes higher as the need arises, according to the agents.
Conversion in the loan app parlance means the number of people each agent disbursed loans to on a daily basis.
To arrive at the conversion, each agent is given 270 mobile numbers of potential borrowers every day, the first target is to achieve at least 90 connects, this means that out of those 270 phone numbers, some of which may be switched off or no longer in use, they must be able to talk to at least 90 people, from which they must get at least 20 people to disburse loans to.
Consequences of failure According to some of the agents who spoke to Nairametrics under the condition of anonymity for the fear that the company might come after them, latching onto the high unemployment rate in the country, the operator of the apps stipulates termination of employment as the consequence of failure to meet the conversion target.
They, however, give agents the opportunity of being trained 3 times to learn more about how to cajole people into taking loans before being booted out if the targets are still not met.
“Each day, we are assigned 270 numbers to call and we are expected to connect at least 90, that is, have communication with at least 90 customers. Some of the numbers could be switched off, and there could be hang-ups due to poor network, but you have to connect 90. The worse is the conversion rate target is not static, this week you could be asked to have a conversion rate of 35-40, and the next week it could be 45. Conversion here means the number of people who took loans through you,” one of the agents told Nairametrics.
Another agent whose daily conversion target is 20 said:
“I am in the nano department that handles Palmcredit and Xcrosscash. We are expected to achieve 20 conversions daily and this sums up to 120 conversions in a week. If you missed your target in a week, you will be sent for training, if you missed another week, you will be trained again until the third time. If you miss the target a 4th time, your appointment will be terminated.
So, to meet this target, agents most times do disburse loans to people that did not apply so far they have the loan apps on their phones and had taken a loan before. This is possible because we have access to the customers’ accounts on the apps. Again, on the apps, there are some settings that require the customers to stop automatic loans, but many don’t see it, which means that their account can be credited with loans at any time even when they did not apply.”
Shady interest rates
For these loan apps, it is not just about pushing out the loans, the motivation is the high-interest rates attached which the borrowers must pay. Curiously, the loan apps are not open when it comes to the rates charged on their loans, which often led to some borrowers getting stuck in the process of repayment.
One of the agents narrated:
“Easybuy sales script trains agents to pitch a percentage as low as 8% to customers whereas a customer that applies for 100,000 and chose the repayment tenure of 6 months pays back over 70,000 as interest charges, which is 70%. We have complained about the high-interest rate as it is also affecting us in getting conversions, but it only keeps increasing by the day.
“Secondly, we have sold by cajoling customers on promos that never were in place, an example was during December last year when we were asked to pitch a New Year Promo to the customers, where they could win iPhone 11 pro max, but there was nothing like that. Maybe some people can win tomorrow anyways.”
Protest and appointment termination Tired of the working conditions and what they described as unrealistic targets being set by their employer, some of the agents decided to stage a protest to demand better working conditions.
According to them, the management of the company handling the loan apps, Emtill Solutions Limited got wind of the plan and hurriedly issued an undertaking to be signed by all staff.
Part of the undertaken, a copy of which was sighted by Nairametrics, read:
“I will contribute to maintaining a peaceful and harmonious workplace for all employees. I will refrain from any actions or behaviors that may incite or contribute to riotous situations. “I understand that engaging in riotous behavior is a serious violation of company policies and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. I am prepared to accept responsibility for my actions and face the consequences should I fail to abide by this undertaken.”
Agreement form agents are made to sign While some of the agents refused to sign the undertaking and went on to stage the protest within the premises of the company, 7 of them were handed their employment termination letter the following day. A copy of the termination letter dated August 4, 2023 reads:
“We are sorry to inform you that your appointment with EMTILL SOLUTION LIMITED as SALES AGENT is terminated with immediate effect, which is also your last working day. You are hereby required to hand over any company material, equipment, and documents in your possession to the Human Resources Department.” When contacted, the Human Resource Manager at Emtill Mr. Olurankinse Oludotun confirmed that indeed that the agents were sacked for protesting.
According to him, they were made to sign an undertake which forbid them from staging any protest.
“The content of the undertaken does not suggest that they cannot complain about the work, but it says they cannot make a protest while at work. What we are saying is that if there is a need for them to complain, they should use the official means to complain, not protest,” he said.
Company denies allegations While denying the claims by the agents that the working condition in the company was bad, he admitted that “there is always room for improvement.” Oludotun also described every other allegation levelled against the company as ‘untrue’.
When asked why the company encourages the disbursement of loans to people that did not request it in order to meet targets, Oludotun said:
“Well, you will agree with me that employees have a way of badmouthing the company. For an employee to say they are being mandated to push loans to people that did not request, it is very wrong.”
On the claims that the agents are being given unrealistic targets that force them to be pushed out loans by all possible means, the HR Manager said: “That is not correct.”
Between Emtill and Newedge Finance While the apps operated by the agents are owned by Newedge Finance Limited, a loan app company fully approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the agents were employed by Emtill Solutions Limited, a company that prides itself as “a leading contact centre in Nigeria, that provides both inbound and outbound multichannel customer service.”
This suggests that Newedge Finance outsourced the management of its apps’ sales services to Emtill.
The agents, however, insisted that they were working for Newedge because all the customers they were dealing with were made to pay into Newedge finance accounts.
When contacted, the CEO of Newedge Finance Limited, Ms. Jessica Ugwuoke, denied any knowledge of the employees that were sacked but was evasive about the company’s relationship with Emtill.
“Emtill is a totally different company, we are Newedge Finance Limited, that is all I can say,” she told Nairametrics.
On the list of approved digital lenders just released by the FCCPC, Newedge Finance has three loan apps registered to its name. These include Palmcredit, Easybuy, and Newcredit.
Loan apps users continue to lament Aside from the issue of harassment and defamation of borrowers by loan apps which prompted the FCCPC in collaboration with other sister government agencies to come up with the registration framework for digital lenders, many Nigerians have continued to lament different atrocities of loan apps in the country.
Now common across several loan platforms in the country is the practice of forcing loans on people.
Unfortunately, this is not peculiar to unregistered loan apps as many of the currently registered apps are also found guilty of this sharp practice.
Sharing her experience with one of the loan apps, a victim, Joseph Oluwakemi, said:
“I was a victim of Hen loan last month. They paid a loan I never requested into my account, I complained and they took back the money. After the seven days lapsed they started threatening me for the interest. The agent tagged my picture with my BVN and sent it to all my contacts, describing me as a criminal.” Borrowers are also lamenting the high-interest rates being charged by these loan apps, which oftentimes, are not fully disclosed before the loans are taken.
Many often realize in the course of repayment that they have to pay more than the interest rate stated before they took the loan.
Below are screenshots from the responses of agents( image attached)
Deputy Cabinet Director of former President Buzoum raises alarm over spate of attacks, says insecurity has worsened
Insecurity and Terrorism, first consequences of the ongoing hostage taking in Niger, preventing the President of the Republic SEM Bazoum Mohamed from performing his duties fully.
In just two weeks of interruption by the Head of State, Supreme Chief of Armies, we have recorded six (06) complex attacks on military positions, twice as many as those recorded in two years of SEM Bazoum Mohamed's power.
Indeed, what General Tiani doesn't know is that the fight against terrorism is not a classic military operation where you know where the enemy is hiding, just take the right weapons and have a little courage and boom! It's done, the job is done, we are going home!
Terrorism is a complex phenomenon that requires a careful specific approach and simultaneous consideration of several technical and political aspects.
That is why as soon as Bazoum’s arrival as head of state, he took action on the situation and immediately set up a multidisciplinary team to which he trained to think, analyze and propose an integrated national strategy against terrorism and terrorism, stabilization of conflict zones
This team did a laborious job and proposed to the Head of State a four-axis strategy, the first is the military axis, the second is the political dialogue and security diplomacy axis, the third is the security axis and the fourth is socio-economic development.
The primary objective of the military axis is to develop a territorial link to block terrorists' penetration into Nigerian territory. The grids will be maintained by light units and interoperative close commands for the efficiency of action and especially mutual protection.
The second axis has a double objective: i) to reach out communities to understand the key players of extracting Nigerians engaged in conflict by giving them opportunities to return to normal civil life and ii) security diplomacy aims to assess and choose strategic partners to to benefit from their technical skills for third dimension mastery.
Well since taking hostage, General Tiani fearing a military intervention to release him has broken all the link fighting terrorism and demobilised all the units he brought to Niamey for his own protection as he also sent forty (40) vehicles of the special forces to keep his parents in his native village in Toukounous.
Also, General Tiani, who has not left Niamey for twelve (12) years, has ended the strategic partnership that allows us to master the air dimension, completely ignoring the enormous services we get.
As a result, the linking has become porous and the air means are missing, the terrorists have to only advance to the few remaining military positions to slaughter them!
Mr. Daouda Takoubayoke Deputy Cabinet Director of the President of the Republic S.E.M Mohamed Bazoum
Africa’s biggest phone firm sees shares rise 6,6% on deal
Deal done at decent valuation in context of global payments
MTN Group Ltd., Africa’s biggest wireless carrier, said Mastercard Inc. agreed to take a minority stake in its financial-technology business, which the company values at $5.2 billion.
“Signing of the definitive investment agreements is expected to occur in the very near term,” MTN Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said in a statement on Monday.
Africa’s young, tech-savvy population are increasingly using their mobile phones to bridge gaps in services including banking. That’s opened a lucrative and fast-growing space in the fintech sector for wireless carriers. Much of the attention to date has been on mobile-payment systems, with a wave of fast-growing startups including Flutterwave Inc. and Interswitch Ltd. emerging in the industry.
MTN rivals including Airtel Africa Plc, Nairobi-based Safaricom Plc and South Africa’s Vodacom Group Ltd. are all at various stages of transforming from basic voice and text mobile use to digitalization, with a broad aim of separating and monetizing the businesses in the longer term.
Airtel has already brought in Mastercard as an investor in its mobile-money unit. India’s Jio Platforms Ltd., the digital arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., set an earlier precedent by attracting capital from Facebook Inc. and Silver Lake Partners in 2020.
MTN has said previously it plans to raise 25 billion rand ($1.3 billion) from asset sales. Its most recent disposals include the sale and lease-back of its South African mobile-phone towers and a plan to sell some of its West African assets. It also has a stake in New York-listed tower owner IHS Holding Ltd. that it may sell down, although the tower firm’s low trading prices and a dispute with its management has delayed any sale in the near-term.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has attributed the free fall of the naira against the dollar to the diversion of diaspora remittances to the parallel market.
Folashodun Shonubi, CBN acting governor, spoke while delivering a lecture titled ‘Diaspora Remittances and Nigeria Economic Development’ at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.
TheCable had reported that the naira tumbled to an all-time low of N950/$ at the parallel/black market on Thursday — two months after the currency’s float.
Meanwhile, at the investors and exporters (I&E) window, the naira appreciated slightly by 0.13 percent to close at N781.34/$.
Speaking at the event, Shonubi said a lot of diaspora remittances arrived in Nigeria in dollars and end up in the parallel market without being officially documented.
“With those remittances, the dollars have come in, we know the dollars have come in but we don’t see them in the official system. So, they must be going somewhere and somewhere,” Shonubi said.
“And the challenge with the black market, unofficial market or parallel market or whatever name you want to call it, it is not regulated, and it becomes an easy place to have criminal activities.
“We investigate bankers, not just bankers, anybody who has committed an offense, the first thing they want to do is to run to the black markets, change it to the dollars because it is less money to carry around.
“Some of the funding in the black markets are actually from diaspora remittances. That’s why it important we need to know a lot of what’s going on there.
“We can’t play the sentiment game. If we don’t understand the dynamics, we usually go with the literature which does not necessarily work for us.”
Shonubi said the amount of inflows coming through many unapproved channels and eventually ending up in the parallel market contributed significantly to Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) crisis.
He said that implementing measures within the country to manage illicit remittances and detect these channels would be beneficial.
This, he said, would ensure remittance flows into the proper channels, and harness maximum benefits to grow the economy.
“We talk about black markets, which also create their own problems. Management of the foreign exchange market and the efficacy of our policies to manage the exchange rate becomes difficult due to the insignificance of our diaspora remittances which are going to other markets,” the CBN boss said.
“Today, someone called me privately and said that this thing (naira) has gone up to some levels in the black markets, my question was, what do you want me to do? Do I operate in the black markets? I don’t know the basis of pricing in the black markets.
“The other thing people don’t realise is that, because you don’t have full information, and I will give you an example since we started the I&E window. We found out that some people would deliberately wait until the last minute and do one transaction of $5,000 and that becomes the closing rate.
“We can’t do without diaspora remittances. For many countries, that’s their main source of income.”
When a biopsy showed I was positive last year I began treatment with a cancer Centre with a branch in Ikeja and VI. I sometimes came from election campaigns to the Ikeja Centre near the Airport. The Doctors would try to smuggle me out from the back. The well known shielded ?”
Your Excellency, the President of the ECOWAS Commission;
Your Excellency, President of the African Union Commission;
Your Excellency, President of the UEMOA Commission;
The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in West Africa and the Sahel; and
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
Let me commence by welcoming you all to the Second (2nd) Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, within the space of ten days. Your presence here, despite the short notice, demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our esteemed community to finding a lasting solution to the political situation in the Republic of Niger.
Today, we gather with a profound sense of urgency and firm determination, building upon the commitments made during our first Extraordinary Summit, on the grave political crisis befalling our sister nation. During that initial meeting, we voiced our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military take over and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.
Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation. One of the facilitators, former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would update us on the outcome of his mission to Niamey.
Similarly, as part of a coherent diplomatic initiatives, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations, particularly Libya and Algeria. During these engagements, the Envoy designated for Libya had the privilege of an audience with the President of Libya. This discourse resulted in an unequivocal expression of support for the resolutions adopted by ECOWAS aimed at restoring constitutional governance in Niger. In Algeria, the Envoy was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the President of the country. These initiatives are aimed at presenting a cohesive and united stance regarding the ongoing circumstances in Niger, thus showing a collaborative and concerted approach among African nations. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Following the resolution of our previous Extraordinary Summit to initiate a meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee was duly held from 2nd to 4thAugust, 2023. The outcome of that meeting, as well as a Memorandum by the President of the ECOWAS Commission on current socio-political developments in Niger, will be presented during this Summit. These will offer critical insights that will inform our collective decision-making process at this meeting.
Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.
Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach. We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.
More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region. By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all. Esteemed Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am confident that this 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger will be a defining moment in our journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity.
In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to each of you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust that our deliberations will be productive and fruitful, leading us to find an amicable solution to the political crisis in Niger. As we continue to work together in solidarity and harmony, we can ensure a prosperous future for the entire West African region. With these remarks, I hereby declare this Extraordinary Summit open.
DMO offers 2 new FGN savings bonds for subscription
The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Monday announced an offer of two fresh Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bonds for subscription at N1,000 per unit.
According to the DMO, the first offer is a two-year FGN savings bond due on August 16, 2025, at an interest rate of 9.634 percent per annum.
“The second offer is a three-year FGN Savings Bond due on Aug. 16, 2026, at 10.634 per cent interest rate per annum.
“The offer is subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.
“Opening date is August 7, closing date is August 11, the settlement date is August 16, and coupon payment dates are November 16, February 16, May 16 and August 16.’’
According to the DMO, interest is payable quarterly while bullet repayment (principal sum) is on the maturity date.
It stated that FGN savings bond qualifies as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.
“Qualifies as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds amongst other investors.
“Qualifies as a liquid asset for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said.
It added that the FGN saving bond which is on the Nigerian Exchange Limited is backed by the full faith and credit of the FGN, and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.
Canada opens new pathway for carpenters, plumbers, welders from Nigeria, others
Canada has unveiled a new immigration pathway for carpenters, plumbers and welders from other countries including Nigeria.
In a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Tuesday, the country announced a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers with specific expertise in carpentry, plumbing and welding.
“Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields,” it said.
It said by prioritising the invitation of skilled newcomers with experience in the trades, the country aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
“These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, alongside general invitation rounds, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks,” it added.
According to Marc Miller, minister of IRCC, it is absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs.
“This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades’ workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada,” he said.
In May, Sean Fraser, the former minister of IRCC, announced changes to EE through category-based selection, a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.
Canada’s express entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to provide permanent residence to skilled workers. It’s the country’s main system for managing skilled worker applications for Canadian immigration.
There are many different ways for professionals and workers to qualify for a Canada immigration permanent resident visa, according to lawyers at First Immigration Law Firm based in Canada.
“The most prominent option is through Express Entry, which is Canada’s main pathway for economic class skilled workers. Your best bet to be eligible under the entry is to meet the requirements of either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class,” they said.
Canada’s aging population and lower birth rate has been shrinking its labour force, forcing the country to intensify its efforts to attract large, young and vibrant immigrants by offering immigration-friendly policies.
Last year, the Canadian federal government announced an aggressive plan to take in 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025, with almost 1.5 million new immigrants coming to the country over the next three years.
The country landed 437,120 Permanent Residents in 2022, a nearly eight percent increase from the total number of PRs in 2021, according to IRCC.
For Nigeria, it grew by 41.9 percent to 22,130 last year from 15,595 in the previous year.
After an eventful few days, I want to again express my gratitude to His Excellency, @officialABAT GCFR for seeing it fit to nominate me as a Minister of the Federal Republic. I particularly want to thank the distinguished members of the @NGRSenate for their engagement today and especially for their understanding of the circumstances around my previous comments.
I apologise again to all and I look forward to the opportunity to work with all stakeholders in government as well as the young passionate people of Nigeria towards a prosperous, inclusive and peaceful economy that we all desire and as outlined by the President’s Vision.
I am grateful to all who have been part of this story, which highlights our collective passion for a greater Nigeria.
A doctor who had just 2 weeks to complete her housemanship just died in general hospital(Odan, Lagos island) due to poor management and negligence!!! The elevator she was in, fell from 10th floor to the ground! Video was so painful to watch 💔
All she wanted to do was get her food from a dispatcher downstairs 😩 It even took them an hour to get her out of the elevator😩😩 She was still conscious even with fractures, she was taken to emergency and then another delay, no blood. This country failed her.
Particularly aggrieved because we've complained for a long time about this elevator. We've maneuvered, managed and prayed each time we had to use it. Empty promises will be made to fix it....till it killed one of us💔💔💔💔💔💔😭
I have never seen a VISA refusal letter this sad and detailed. Is this the shege Nigerians are experiencing now?
The Embassy makes the following assessment. You have applied for a Schengen entry visa with the intention of visiting Sweden for 14 days for tourism purposes.
Initially, the Embassy notes that the security situation in Nigeria is uncertain and there is an ongoing economic crisis in the country. There is therefore a high risk that Nigerian citizens do not leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for. The applicant must therefore be well established in their home country to be able to be granted a visa.
The Embassy also wants to highlight that trade in forged documents by private individuals and corruption in connection with the issuing of documents by the authorities is very common in Nigeria. Available country information indicates that the possession of a Nigerian id-document, even certified ones, does not guarantee the correct identity of a person.Many businesses specialize in issuing forged documents, and it is neither difficult nor expensive to obtain, for example a forged driving licence or other documents that in turn can be used to obtain for example a passport or birth certificate. According to investigations, there is a particularly brisk trade in forged documents in Benin City in Edo state (Country of origin information report Nigeria, March 2021, p. 42)
The Embassy notes that you have not visited the Schengen area previously and subsequently returned to your home country. The fact that you previously have not visited the Schengen area cannot single-handedly constitute ground for refusal of the application for an entry visa. It is however relevant in assessing your purpose and importance of your intended visit to Schengen. You have stated that you have your own company and you have submitted certificates regarding the company.
However, you have not shown what assets the company has, that you have access to the assets or that you have a monthly income from the business.
You have also provided bank statements. Regardless of said bank statements being genuine, bank statements alone cannot prove that you are well established since a bank balance is also considered movable assets, and data therefore not tie you to your home country.
Further more, the bank statements do not show that your financial situation has been stable over a longer period of time. You have also not shown any personal ownership of property or other financial ties to your home country. All in all, the Embassy finds that you have not shown that you have regular incomes and/or such assets that your financial situation can be considered stable.
Furthermore, the Embassy considers the stated purpose of your trip to be questionable. You have submitted a hotel booking, but no information has been provided regarding what you plan to do and sec during your time in Sweden. The Embassy concludes that you have not been able to justify the Betecknint 52593708 purpose and conditions of the intended stay in Sweden.
Like mentioned above, you have previously never visited the Schengen area and subsequently returned to your home country. No safe conclusions can consequently be made regarding your intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of a visa. The Embassy concludes that against this background, especially considering the general socioeconomic situation in Nigeria, you have failed to show that you are well established in your home country. Based on the circumstances mentioned the Embassy also concludes that you have not been able to justify the purpose of your intended stay. Your application for a Schengen entry visa is refused.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has declared an end to all Sit-At-Home exercise, including the Monday’s sit-at-home and any other proposed thereof being aimed to force the government to release him.
Kanu made the declaration in a handwritten letter, which his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, read out to journalists during a world press conference, held in Enugu State on Friday.
Kanu in the writing declaration dated July 24, 2023 which Barrister Ejimakor read, followed the refusal of Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple to announce the cancellation and further declaration through his media platforms.
Kanu, however, warned Ekpa to "desist from calling for any Sit-at-Home henceforth" and "to make a public announcement to the effect that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt of a direct order from him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel any pending Sit-at-Home in place at the moment".
The full statement reads: "This Public Announcement bears (as shall be reproduced below) the unedited, verbatim Instructions containing a Direct Order personally issued by MAZI NNAMDI KANU in his own handwriting on 24th July, 2023 through me to MAZI SIMON EKPA, instructing him to ‘desist from calling for any Sit-at-Home henceforth’ and ‘to make a public announcement to the effect that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt of a direct order from him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel any pending Sit-at-Home in place at the moment’; and also that he (Mazi Nnamdi KAnu) has, by the same order, ‘authorized me to issue a press statement if he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) fails to make this announcement on his platform’.
"For avoidance of doubt, this Direct Order was personally handed to me by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him on the said 24th July, 2023 at the headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS), Abuja. Later that day, I tried to contact Mazi Simon Ekpa via his WhatsApp number but could not reach him until 1:44AMthe following day (25th July, 2023), whereupon I snapped the Direct Order as written and sent to him. He thereafter acknowledged receipt and we spoke briefly on it and exchanged a couple text messages thereof.
"Since that early 25th July, 2023 (when I conveyed the Order to Mazi EKPA and he duly acknowledged it, he has not implemented the Order or otherwise made such announcement on his media platform. Nonetheless, I made a conscious decision to give him the benefit of doubt and thereby accord him more time to do the needful.
"Then, late yesterday, further written Instructions was issued by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to me, referring to the extant Direct Order to Mazi Ekpa and, in addition, instructing me that given that Mazi Ekpa has not carried out the Order, I must, as of today, being 28th July 2023, proceed to make the Order public through a Public Announcement/ Press Statement. In the said further Instructions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu added more pertinent details and instructed that I must equally make them public.
"Accordingly, and as of Counsel, bound by duty and the solemn oath of my noble profession to faithfully and zealously implement my Client’s clear Instructions without any fear or favor, I now therefore reproduce verbatim the contents of said Direct Order to Mazi Simon Ekpa (at the first Paragraph) and the related further Instructions (from the second Paragraph to the end), as follows:
“Simon, this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any Sit-at-Home henceforth. Equally refrain from antagonizing Governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf. I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending Sit-at-Home in place at the moment. I embarked on this movement to liberate our people not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people. I have authorized Aloy to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.
“Anybody still engaging in Sit-at-Home is not my disciple. Haters of Biafra and mindless murderers in uniform are hiding under the cover of combating enforcers of Sit-at-Home to unleash mayhem against the same people we swore to defend.
“I have sent countless messages to those purportedly enforcing Sit-at-Home that they are not doing so in my name. I am not begging anybody to release me just that Nigeria should have the decency to obey their own laws.
“The main issue which our people should address their minds to is the unconscionable delays in hearing the government appeal at the Supreme Court, which is a situation not amenable to any Sit-at-Home. Therefore Sit-at-Home is a waste of time, resources and energy.
“Those who may not understand the genesis of the Sit-at-Home should refer to my younger brother's press statement on the eve of the commencement of the original order issued by the IPOB family. My brother made it clear to the DOS that I was against the order for people to stay at home under whatever guise. This caused a rift between my siblings and DOS till date.
“Aloy should use the above contributions to form the main body of the press statement. I want our people to know how this whole sit-at-home brouhaha started. Had DOS obeyed my direct instructions to cancel the first Monday sit-at-home, opportunistic scavengers would not have jumped on the bandwagon to wreak havoc on our people I want our people to know how this whole Sit-at-Home brouhaha started. Had DOS obeyed my direct instructions to cancel the first Monday Sit-at-Home, opportunistic scavengers would not have jumped on the bandwagon to wreak havoc on our people.”
"You (Aloy) must release the press statement tomorrow with the screenshot of the handwritten note I gave to you unfailingly”.
Signed:
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
“In conclusion, I hereby affirm upon my honor as of Counsel that above words (in quotation) and the attached handwritten note are the words of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his handwriting.”
NIGERIAN ARMY SOLDIER NOT DETAINED FOR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
Contrary to reports being circulated in the Social Media that a personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA), Lance Corporal Musa Adamu is in detention for converting from Islam to Christianity and preaching the gospel, the reality is that the soldier is in custody for violation of some provisions of the Armed Forces Act.
The awful report credited to Sahara Reporters is not only a misrepresentation of the true situation but an outrageous falsehood tainted with religious bigotry, being peddled against the Nigerian Army; a professional institution guided by well established ethics and tradition in all its activities and administration of personnel. This is aside the unbiased premium of place accorded the spiritual concern and growth of personnel as well as the sensitivity it attaches to religious practices amongst personnel.
To set the records straight, Lance Corporal Musa Adamu, a personnel of the Amphibious Training School was attached to 63 Brigade to partcipate in an ongoing operation, during which he was found preaching in uniform on a social media platform in violation of extant Social Media policy for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This prompted his invitation for interrogation by relevant authorities. Rather than present himself for the investigation, he absconded for about six and a half months, resulting in the declaration of the soldier on Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL). The action of the personnel violates Section 58 (a) (b) Obstruction of Provost Officers and Section 59 (a) (b) Absence Without Leave.
It must be clarified, that once a personnel is absent from his unit for 7 days without any justification, he will be declared on AWOL. This automatically triggers the freezing of his salary account, until the personnel returns to unit and is arraigned and sanctioned.
It is equally important to state that contrary to the erroneous impression that the soldier is being victimized for converting from Islam to Christianity and for preaching the gospel, the soldier was rather taken into custody for investigation and in pursuant of statutory provisions enshrined in the Armed Forces Act CAP 20: The Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which the soldier contravened. His detention is therefore not unlawful.
It is expedient to point out, that each and every personnel of the NA functions under a Corps or Department with stipulated statutory responsibilities manned by qualified personnel trained to effectively execute those duties. Hence, religious affairs of the NA are handled by designated clergies in the Directorates of Chaplain Services (Protestant), (Roman Catholic) and Islamic Affairs. Personnel of these Directorates are the ones mandated to conduct all religious activities to cater for the spiritual needs of all personnel of the NA, both in the theatres of operations and within the barracks.
The question begging for answer is, if the NA allowed the soldier to change his religion, why then would the NA victimize him? It is ironical therefore, that an institution that promotes the spiritual wellbeing of its personnel is alleged to have detained the soldier for the expression of his faith, even when it is abundantly clear that he has the opportunity to also change his Corps to any of the Army's Chaplaincy.
The NA will not be hesitant to state that it is guided by ethics, traditions and military laws, which direct personnel on their conducts. Violation of these ideals and statutory stipulations evoke sanctions, irrespective of the faith of the offender.
Consequently, the NA denounces the libelous publication capable of causing disaffection amongst personnel as well as bringing disrepute and distractions to the NA from its trajectory of discharging its constitutional mandate to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, particularly at this crucial time that it is turning the tide against insurgents and other criminal elements across the country.
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee has moderately hiked monetary policy rates to 18.75 per cent.
The acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Folashodun Shonubi, disclosed this on Tuesday at the press briefing at the end of the 292nd MPC meeting.
DAILY POST recalls that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its last MPC meeting, tightened the economy by raising the interest rate to 18.5 per cent.
Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), arrived at the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, around 9:18am on Tuesday, clutching the Bible.
The King James Version (KJV) of the holy book was tucked inside a red paperback.
Dr Obi Ogar, Director, Veterinary Services, Cross River Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has disclosed that well boiled meat does not prevent one from contracting anthrax after consumption.
Ogar said this on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.. He was reacting to claims in some quarters that boiling meat properly could kill the pathogen that causes anthrax.
Anthrax is a deadly bacterial and zoonotic disease caused by a bacterium called bacillus anthracis. It also occurs primarily in cattle, sheep, goats and could affect other animals.
He said the bacterium could only be destroyed using heat through the process of incineration, which will burn the substance to ashes.
He said while disposing of an animal that dies of anthrax, it should be done in a very deep grave after which disinfectant and chemical should be poured on the carcass before covering to prevent any escape.
“This organism is not killed by the heat from our kitchens but from incineration, thereby burning the substance to ashes which renders the meat of no use to the owner,” he said. Ogar said the public should desist from eating bush meat for the time being because the disease is zoonotic and could also affect animals in the wild.
He advised Nigerians to buy their meat from approved meat markets and not from roadsides because no one could guarantee where they get their meat from.
Few weeks ago, anthrax was reported in some neighboring West African countries and just last week, it was reported in Suleja, Niger State, Nigeria.
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