₦airaland Forum

Many South Easterners will not be travelling to their home towns and villages for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year festivities, no thanks to the high cost of transport and the prevailing security challenge in the five states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

The two festivals are highly regarded in that part of the country and it is the period of the year when kinsmen, friends and associates gather in their homestead to feast and rejoice.

However, the security challenge in some parts of the zone which has resulted in the death of many people, including security personnel, by gunmen is now scaring some South Easterners to have a rethink about travelling home.

So much is the fear that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday issued a clarion call to the Igbo to come home for the festivities

It said its Eastern Security Network (ESN) would provide them security.

Incidentally, it is the same IPOB and the ESN that the security agencies often blame for the spate of attacks on law enforcement agents and the stay at home actions in the zone.

A random sampling of bus fares from Lagos to some major cities in the South East yesterday showed that they ranged between N33,000 and N50,000 per head.

As at yesterday, one of the private transport companies charged N50,800 from Lagos to Owerri: another charged N47,975 to Aba for each adult and N37,875 for a child and yet another charged N33,000 from Lagos to Aba.

In effect, a family of four going from Lagos to Owerri will require N400000 to and from on transport alone.

And there are other expenses to be met while at home.

Transport operators said the fares could go up further between now and December.

Air fares from Abuja and Lagos to Enugu and Owerri are equally high.

Air Peace quoted N162,000 for an economy ticket from Abuja to Owerri for tomorrow, Sunday, and N266,000 from Abuja to Enugu on the same day while Owerri to Abuja is N95,500 and Enugu to Abuja is N95,400.

The airline quoted N381100, N143000,N181100 and N238000 for Lagos to Enugu for December 15,16,17/18 and 19 respectively, and NN314400, N285800 and N238200 for Lagos to Owerri for Dec 16,17 and 18 respectively.

IPOB to Ndigbo: Please, come home, your security is guaranteed

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful said the Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives will be on hand to provide safety and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the festive period.

It warned criminals to steer clear of the South East, particularly during the Christmas season, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers are actively working to make the region inhospitable for criminals.

The group said it was determined to tackle insecurity in the South East region and urged the Igbo to contribute to maintaining harmony for the purpose of growing the region’s economy.

It also urged them to bring their investments home to spur development and create job opportunities for the region’s youth.

“We need peace to thrive as a strategic economic hub in Africa. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards peace and security in Alaigbo,” it said.

It asked the federal government to dismantle “all indiscriminate and illegal military, police, and other checkpoints in the South East,” claiming that the checkpoints “are sources of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of travelers.”

Police beef up security in Ebonyi

The police are already beefing up security across Eboni State while the state government, residents, social clubs and groups are planning big for the festivities.

Only yesterday, Governor Francis Nwifuru announced a Christmas bonus of N150,000 for State Civil Servants to enable them have a good Yuletide celebration.

Spokesman for the State Police Command Joshua Ukandu assured residents, returnees and visitors of adequate security during the period.

He pledged the readiness of the command to ensure that criminals had no space to operate in any part of the state during the period.

“As it has been the tradition of the police, no effort will be spared in ensuring that every nook and cranny of the state is policed and made safe before and during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, has constantly warned that there will be no space for criminals and other hoodlums to operate in the state and she has religiously kept faith.

“The police command wants to use this opportunity to warn those planning to cause security breaches or engage in any form of criminal activities to have a rethink about their actions as there will be no safe haven for criminals.”

He warned that the ban on the use of fireworks is still in place, adding that anyone caught indulging in the act would be arrested and prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, has constantly warned that there will be no space for criminals and other hoodlums to operate in the state and she has religiously kept faith.

“The police command wants to use this opportunity to warn those planning to cause security breaches or engage in any form of criminal activities to have a rethink about their actions as there will be no safe haven for criminals.”

He warned that the ban on the use of fireworks is still in place, adding that anyone caught indulging in the act would be arrested and prosecuted.

He also advised parents and guidance to monitor the movements of their children and wards and to ensure that they were not cajoled into engaging in criminal activities by their peer groups.

They should monitor the type of friends that visit their children and wards as well as check when these children go out and the time they come back,” he said.

He urged the public to report any suspected criminal activity in their area to security operatives for prompt response.

Senior Special Assistant on Security to Ebonyi Governor, for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, Okenwa Uka assured of adequate security in the state.

“Ebonyi is the most secured state in the Southeast all thanks to Governor Nwifuru’s efforts in partnership with security agencies.

“So the state government will not relax but will keep being vigilant and supporting the security agencies who are doing a great job under the direction of Governor Francis Nwifuru in securing the state,” he said.

Mr Uka lauded Governor Nwifuru for paying workers N150,000 Christmas bonus, noting that this will make the Christmas worthwhile for not only the workers but for traders.

“This will not only enable the workers to shop for Christmas but will mean that businesses will be patronized, leading to good liquidity in the state,” he said.

No chance for hooligans here, Anambra State Govt

The Anambra State Government and the security agencies in the state vowed that no space would be conceded to hooligans to operate in the state.

The Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga told The Nation in Awka that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) were battle ready to deal with hoodlums who might want to spoil the joy of the generality of the people.

Already, Police, Military and Defence Corps teams have been deployed to the various communities to compliment vigilance groups.

Ikenga said patrol teams would also go round to keep the peace.

Information and Strategy Commissioner Law Mefor said the residents should entertain no fear as the festivities approach.

“The residents will testify after the festivities. It’s not a noise making thing; watch and see action ” Mefor said.

Some residents who fled in the aftermath of the gunmen attack and are currently in Aba said they were not in a hurry to return home.

An indigene of Awka South resident in Abia State, Mrs. Chinyere Okafor, said her relations got a letter from an unknown group warning them not to return to the village this Christmas if they want to stay alive in January, 2025.

Although she said that the matter has been reported to the authorities, she said that they have cancelled their Christmas visit to the village to avoid failing victim of circumstances that they could avoid.

An indigene of Arochukwu, Tochukwu Okoro, said that their community was coming out of a boundary dispute and was never considering going to his village this December.

Imo braces for Christmas amid security concerns

The Police in Imo State say they are working toward a peaceful holiday period for residents.

We have deployed additional personnel to strategic locations across the state to prevent any security breach,” Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma said in Owerri.

Police spokesman, Henry Okoye, said that the police commissioner has directed all area commanders to ensure adequate security during and after the festivities.

“We are fully prepared for this Christmas; we have mapped out strategy to dismantle criminals’ hideouts in the state,” he said.

We are assuring all Imolites of their safety before, during and after the Christmas and New Year festivals. We have sectorised the state for the purpose of patrolling the state for adequate security.”

Information, Public Orientation and Strategy Commissioner, Declan Emelumba, said the state government was fully prepared for the festivities and has “made adequate security arrangements for the people.”

Despite these assurances, some residents have expressed concerns about the prevailing security challenges in the region.

We are still experiencing frequent cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other crimes in our communities,” said Mrs. Nkechi Okoro, a resident of Owerri.

“I hope the security agencies will live up to their promises to ensure our safety during the festive period.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/seasterners-shun-yuletide-travels-over-insecurity-costs/

Nigeria continues to face cash scarcity despite a significant year-on-year increase of N1.59 trillion in the amount of currency held outside banks.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s money and credit statistics shows that a substantial proportion of currency in circulation remains outside the banking system, with more than 90 per cent consistently held outside formal financial institutions in 2024.

The data revealed that currency outside banks surged to N4.29tn in October 2024, accounting for 94.3 per cent of the total currency in circulation of N4.55tn.

This represents a significant year-on-year growth of 59 per cent or N1.59tn from N2.70tn in October 2023, when 89.6 per cent of the total currency was outside banks.

On a month-on-month basis, the amount held outside banks increased by 6.8 per cent or N270bn, compared to the N4.02tn recorded in September 2024.

In September 2024, currency outside banks stood at N4.02tn, representing 93.1 per cent of the total currency in circulation of N4.31tn.

This marked a year-on-year increase of 66.3 per cent compared to N2.42tn in September 2023, when 87.5 per cent of the total was outside banks. The month-on-month increase was 3.8 per cent.

In August 2024, currency outside banks rose to N3.87tn, which accounted for 93.3 per cent of the total currency in circulation of N4.14tn.

This represented a year-on-year increase of 73.9 per cent compared to N2.22tn in August 2023, when 83.6 per cent of the total currency was outside banks.

The trend continued in July 2024 with N3.67tn held outside banks, representing 90.5 per cent of the total currency in circulation of N4.05tn.

Despite efforts to promote cashless transactions, the data shows that Nigerians remain deeply reliant on cash, which could hinder the country’s push for modernised financial systems.

The President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, Olusoji Oluwole, attributed the worsening cash shortage across the country to the CBN’s inability to meet the cash demands of commercial banks.

CBN to fine banks

Meanwhile, the CBN on Friday announced a fine of N150m per branch on Deposit Money Banks found guilty of facilitating the illegal flow of mint naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous agents.

Saturday PUNCH had reported the surge in the hawking of naira notes at exorbitant charges in different parts of the country, as Nigerians continue to struggle with limited access to cash in banking halls despite threats by the CBN.

The apex bank disclosed this in a circular issued on Friday, December 13, 2024 and signed by the acting Director of the Currency Operations Department, Mohammed Olayemi.

The circular revealed that the CBN was concerned about the increasing prevalence of mint naira notes being traded by hawkers, a practice the bank described as impeding efficient and effective cash distribution to customers and the general public.

The circular, which referred to an earlier directive dated November 13, 2024, highlighted the apex bank’s determination to address the commodification of the naira.

Under the directive, any branch of a financial institution found culpable will face a penalty of N150m for the first violation.

Subsequent infractions, the CBN warned, would attract stricter sanctions under the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

To ensure compliance, the apex bank stated that it would increase periodic spot checks in banking halls and ATMs while deploying mystery shoppers to uncover illicit cash hawking spots across the country.

The circular read, “CBN will continue to intensify the periodic spot checks to the banking halls/ATMs to review cash payouts to banks’ customers, as well as mystery shopping to all identified cash hawking spots across the country.

“In this regard, erring deposit money banks or financial institutions that are culpable of facilitating, aiding, or abetting, by direct actions or inactions, the illicit flow of mint banknotes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous economic agents that commodify naira banknotes shall be penalised at first instance N150,000,000.00 (one hundred and fifty million naira) only, per erring branch, and at later instances, apply the full weight of relevant provisions of BOFIA 2020.”

https://punchng.com/cash-outside-banks-hits-n4-3tn-cbn-warns-on-scarcity/

Despite economic hardship and suffering, some state governors have yet to reduce the cost of governance, particularly in the number of vehicles in their convoys, findings by Sunday PUNCH have shown.

The governors, who are the major beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy removal which resulted in more revenues from federal allocations, have yet to adjust their extravagant lifestyles.

Cutting the cost of governance by political officeholders has been emphasised as a way to mitigate economic hardship.

On October 24, President Bola Tinubu restricted ministers and heads of agencies of the Federal Government to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys.

The president also ordered them to have a maximum of five security personnel as part of measures to reduce the cost of governance.

Investigations by our correspondents showed that many of the ministers have complied with the president’s directive.

However, some state governors have not done much to cut down on the cost of governance.

The luxury lifestyles of governors are noticeable in their convoys, as many retain large numbers of expensive vehicles.

Also, the travel expenses, cabinets, and political appointments of some governors have raised concerns about their readiness to reduce expenditures.

NASARAWA

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has a convoy of 15 vehicles, including the latest models of Chevrolet Jeep, Lexus, Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado.

The price of a brand new 2023 Chevrolet Jeep in Nigeria ranges between $35,000 and $70,000, while a brand new Lexus 2023 model costs between $47,000 and $90,000.

At N1,050/litre, at least N85,000 worth of fuel will be needed to fill the 81-litre tank capacity of the Chevrolet SUV, while filling up the Lexus 2023 model with a tank of 87 litres requires about N91,000. The two vehicles therefore will need N176,000 worth of fuel.

If other vehicles have at least 70-litre tanks, it will take N73,500 to fuel each of them. For the 13 vehicles in the convoy, at least N955,500 of fuel will be needed. The entire convoy will then require at least N1.1m worth of petrol, which could last for a few days or a week.

A resident of Lafia Local Government Area of the state, Agatha Locombu, expressed dismay at the large convoy of the governor amidst prevailing hardship.

Agatha said, “The vehicles being used by politicians are too many. You can imagine a governor having a convoy of over 15 vehicles in this hard time. It is not the right thing to do.

“Here in Nasarawa State, our governor has numerous SUVs in his convoy, and sometimes, I imagine how much the state government spends to maintain the vehicles when the masses can barely afford three square meals a day.”

But the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, said the governor had been prudent with the state’s resources.

“He is one of the governors who have refused to travel on chartered planes, unlike other governors. All these are targeted at cutting the cost of governance,” he added.

ADAMAWA

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, maintains a convoy of 15 vehicles, including six Toyota Prado (2024 model) being sold between $62,830 and $100,665 each.

The fuel tank capacity of each of the Prado is between 87 litres and 150 litres. This means any of the brands will gulp between N91,350 and N157,500 worth of fuel at a time.

With at least 70-litre tanks in each of the other nine vehicles, it will take N73,500 to fuel each SUV and a total of N661,500 worth of fuel for the vehicles.

Some of the governor’s aides, who were contacted by Sunday PUNCH for comment, declined to speak on the grounds that they were not permitted to talk to journalists.

Besides, the governor also has 80 aides, with 24 commissioners and 57 heads of commissions.

Fintiri had earlier appointed 47 media aides, followed by 30 advisers, 45 senior special assistants, 37 principal special assistants and 21 special assistants in 2023.

ZAMFARA

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, uses a 2025 BMW 760i series being sold at N197,807,247.76 as of September this year.

The V-8 car has a fuel tank of 73.81553 litres (19.5 gallons). At N1,050 fuel pump price (in Abuja), it is estimated that the governor will use N78,000 to fill his car tank, paid for by taxpayers.

In the governor’s convoy are also Lexus and Toyota SUVs numbering about eight, and five Hilux in a video seen on by Sunday PUNCH.

The 13 other vehicles in the governor’s convoy will be fuelled at the cost of N949,000 at a 70-litre capacity per vehicle.

DELTA

Governor Sheriff Oboreveori of Delta State has over 15 vehicles in his convoy as sighted by Sunday PUNCH.

Our correspondent observed that the convoy included a Lexus SUV 2023 model, which the governor bought shortly after he assumed office.

The price of the governor’s official vehicle goes for between $47,000 and $90,000, depending on the trim.

With a litre of petrol being sold for about N1,050 per litre, it will cost about N155,000 to fill the 110-litre tank capacity of the SUV.

Besides, the governor also has a Mercedes 580 being used as a backup. This vehicle has a 76-litre tank and it takes N79,800 to fuel it.

The 12 other vehicles in the governor’s convoy will be fuelled at the cost of N822,000 at a 70-litre capacity per vehicle.

Findings from auto dealers revealed that the price of the car is between $147,441 and $198,300.

Other vehicles in the governor’s convoy include those for protocol aides, anti-bomb personnel, chief security officer, police, Department of State Services, two buses for media, and one medical bus, among others.

PLATEAU

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has a convoy of 12 vehicles in his convoy.

Mutfwang uses Lexus 600 2023 SUV and Range Rover 2023 models.

Other vehicles in his convoy include Toyota Land Cruisers and Prado, a pilot Hilux, an ambulance, and a bus for the press crew, among others.

The Lexus SUV goes for $90,815.

The prices of the other vehicles go for between $83,000 and $121,500.

With N1,050 per litre, the Lexus with 80 litre tank capacity will be fuelled at N84,000, while the Range Rover will gulp N94,500 worth of fuel.

If the 10 other vehicles have at least 70 litres tank each, it will take N735,000 to fuel them.

KATSINA

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has 11 vehicles in his convoy, while his deputy, Faruk Jobe, has four.

Aside from his Lexus LX 570, the governor also has Prado, Toyota Land Cruisers, and two buses (for press crew and new media).

According to an online price survey, the price of the Lexus LX 570 ranged from $86,930 to $91,930, depending on the year and specs.

With a fuel tank capacity of 93.12113, it takes N98,000 to fill the tank at N1050 per litre.

The average fuel tank of a Prado is between 80 and 110 litres, meaning that between N84,000 and N115,000 will be used to fuel the vehicles.

In Jobe’s convoy are official Lexus CX. R, J560, Land Cruiser, and two Prados.

The prices of the Lexus CX. R, J560 ranged from $37,515 to $141,350, depending on the trim and options.

LAGOS

Findings by our correspondents showed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has 11 vehicles in his convoy, including his Land Cruiser 409 TT.

Among the vehicles in Sanwo-Olu’s convoy sighted at two different times while on official engagements are six SUVs, one ambulance, two Hilux vehicles (for security personnel) and two buses for the press crew.

Also, the governor’s convoy has two BMW motorcycles that usually lead the convoy.

According to a market survey, Sanwo-Olu’s Land Cruiser 409 TT is being sold for between $105,940 and $139,000 as of the time of filing this report.

The governor’s Land Cruiser has a 110-litre tank capacity and fuelling the vehicle at N1,050 per litre will cost N115,500.

OSUN

Findings revealed that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s convoy consists of 11 vehicles, including an ambulance and backup.

Adeleke uses two Lexus LX 600 SUVs, with a 2023 model costing $90,815 and a 2024 model costing $93,915, excluding destination fees.

The wife of the governor, Titilola Adeleke, usually has four vehicles in her convoy.

Also, a review of the budget performance documents in the state revealed that the state spent N527m on refreshments and meals between January and September 2024.

But the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in the state, Kolapo Alimi, said the amount was expended on transportation, accommodation and event organisation.

BORNO

Sunday PUNCH observed that the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, rides a 2021 Lexus LX 570, being sold between N90m and N120m depending on the location and specification.

The LX is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, with a fuel tank capacity of 93 litres that requires N97,650 to fill.

It was observed that the governor moves in not less than 11 vehicle convoy.

Zulum also has 19 commissioners and 168 aides comprising nine Senior Technical Assistants, 81 Senior Special Assistants and 78 Special Assistants.

OGUN

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has 10 vehicles in his convoy.

The governor uses two Lexus SUVs, three Hilux vehicles for security operatives, the press crew bus, one ambulance sometimes and a Sienna space bus for the aides.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the convoy of the deputy governor are not more than five with two SUV Lexus, while one serves as a backup, the press crew bus, and two Hilux vehicles for security and protocol.”

KANO

There are no fewer than 10 vehicles in the convoy of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.

Findings by Sunday PUNCH showed that there were five Toyota SUVs, three Hilux vehicles and two buses in the convoy.

The governor uses Lexus LX 570 being sold for between $86,930 and $91,930, depending on the trim. It has a 93.1 fuel tank capacity that requires N98,000 worth of petrol to fill.

SOKOTO

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has five SUVs and other vehicles in his convoy.

Two of the SUVs are Lexus 2023 models with each of them costing between $49,950 and $90,000.

The governor also has in his convoy three Toyota Prado with each costing nothing less than N150m.

The Toyota Lexus SUVs consume about 180 litres while the Toyota Prado consumes about 100 litres of fuel.

Also, the Deputy Governor, Muhammad Gobir, has about three SUVs in his convoy.

Each of the 25 commissioners in the state also use Prados.

This is apart from another set of vehicles given to about 40 special advisers.

Meanwhile, the governor recently distributed the Toyota Corolla (2006) to some of his Senior Special Assistants as official vehicles.

ONDO

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has between five and eight vehicles in his convoy.

The vehicles include the governor’s bulletproof SUV, two pilot Hilux, another SUV for security, an ambulance and a bus for the media.

Aiyedatiwa usually attends functions with between five and eight vehicles within and outside the state.

EKITI

The convoy of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, is made up of between four and six vehicles.

The vehicles include the governor’s Toyota Landcruiser and other Toyota products being used by security operatives and the media.

BENUE

In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia spends huge amounts of money on frequent foreign trips, just as he keeps a large convoy, including the latest bulletproof 2023 Lexus Jeep which is reportedly worth N500m.

According to a government official, the governor has jetted out of the country three times in the last few weeks.

In the past few weeks, the governor has embarked on foreign trips thrice. First, was a trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly, though as part of the vice president’s entourage. But, he decided to have offside engagements which made him spend more days.

Barely a week after he returned, he jetted out to the United Arab Emirates to attend the 2024 Gitex Global Summit.

As of the time of filing this report, the governor is in China, attending the 136th session of China Import and Export Fair Exhibition.

However, the Technical Adviser to the governor on Publicity and Media Strategy, Solomon Iorpev, said all the trips of the governor in recent times were for the benefit of the state.

“The convoy of the governor is devoid of the usual luxury of a flashy and long convoy. The point is that the so-called long convoy was caused by the appointees of the governor who like to join him in any official engagement within the state,” he added.

BAYELSA

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has 29 commissioners, 109 technical advisers, and about 700 senior special assistants.

Some top government officials said the governor’s last two trips gulped huge sums of money.

Diri has a N1.134bn budget for food, refreshment/nourishment for his office in 2024.

KADUNA

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has maintained a large team of 80 aides and 14 commissioners, according to Sunday PUNCH’s findings.

Uba, who didn’t change the official vehicles left behind by his predecessor, Nasir el-Rufai, has in his fleet of cars, a Lexus 460 model (2022), and another that he “rarely” uses.

A Lexus 460 model goes for between $45,353 and $59,473 in the car market.

Other vehicles in the governor’s convoy include two BMW X5 motorbike outriders and several Toyota Hilux vans for police escorts and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives.

JIGAWA

The convoy of the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, consists of a minimum of eight vehicles, including for press, security, and other permanent entourage members.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the governor’s official vehicle is a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV 7th anniversary edition.

Market survey shows that the SUV goes for between $57,900 and $63,900.

GOMBE

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe state uses Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, while his commissioners and special advisers use GAC sport utility vehicles.

KWARA

Amid economic hardship, the Kwara State Government has spent a total of N922m on the presidential lodge and guest chalets.

A report on the budget performance of the state between January and September 2024 revealed that it budgeted N1bn for the lodge and guest chalets, while the government did not spend anything on water facility repairs and rehabilitation that has a N700m budget.

However, unlike most of his colleagues, the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, attends official and private assignments in a convoy of few vehicles, sometimes less than five.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that AbdulRazaq rides in a 2024 bulletproof Toyota Hilux, estimated at over N200m, while the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, rides a 2022 Toyota Prado estimated at N120m.

YOBE

In the first nine months of 2024, the Yobe State Government spent N2.6bn on honorarium and refreshments, according to a budget performance report.

The state also spent N1.2bn on the construction of chalets at a presidential lodge in the same period under review.

According to the report posted to the state’s website, a total of N600m was expended on three generators between January and September 2024.

Also, a sum of N1.1bn was used to purchase stoves and cooking gas for distribution to the public to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems, deforestation, and emission of GHGs.

TARABA

A total sum of N2.6bn was spent on office furniture and fittings by the Taraba State Government between January and September 2024, according to the budget performance report of the period.

However, the state spent N1.7bn on the rehabilitation/repairs of public schools, and N617m on the rehabilitation/repairs of agricultural facilities.

But Emmanuel Bello, the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to Governor Agbu Kefas, denied the report, saying it was untrue.

“Which office was furnished with such an amount? How much does the state get each month? How is the governor able to pay for free education? How have we kept our obligations to servicing loans and debts of the past?” he queried.

CROSS RIVER

According to the third-quarter budget performance of Cross River, the state spent N5.5bn on the procurement of vehicles between January and September 2024.

This means that the state spent 46.6 per cent of its N32.4bn Internally Generated Revenue on vehicles.

EBONYI

Even without a public zoo, the Ebonyi State Government claimed to have spent a sum of N1.1bn on wildlife conservation between January and September this year.

A total of N3bn was budgeted for wildlife conservation in the state.

However the state government denied the report, stating that the amount was for contingency, not wildlife conservation.

“First, the amount N1.1bn recorded against wildlife conservation is an amount meant for contingency items which the approved budget has coded under Margin for Increase in Cost and not wildlife conservation,” the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, said.

https://punchng.com/governors-revel-in-luxurious-convoys-amid-economic-crisis/

The Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced a N150,000 Christmas bonus for each state civil servant in appreciation for their dedication and commitment to service, as well as their understanding during the strike.

Penpushing reports that the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Monday Uzor, made this known in a statement on Friday, explaining that the governor made the pronouncement at a state banquet at Government House Abakaliki in honour of the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever.

“Workers in Ebonyi State Civil service will receive N150,000 each as a 2024 Christmas bonus from the State Government. The gesture is in appreciation of workers commitment to duty and understanding during the strike’, he wrote.

“Our workers have shown a lot of commitment and respect to us as a government. During the strike action, they heeded our appeal because they understood the situation of things, and we are most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare,” the statement read.

Penpushing further reports that Uzor added in the statement that the Governor in same vein, directed that every worker should receive the bonus before the close of work on Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The statement stated that earlier the Governor had received the British Deputy High Commissioner in his office at Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, where he solicited the assistance of the British Government in the areas of Water, Health, power and education as well as Agriculture.

“We are committed to industrialising the state. We have made progress in Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilisers and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters, and Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki.

We cultivate rice in large quantities and seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation. Water and sanitation are another area in which we have made significant progress in our quest to increase the provision and access to quality water supply in rural and urban areas. We have revived the Oferekpe water scheme with the capacity to produce 100 million cubic litres of water on a daily basis.”

Penpushing also reports that Governor Nwifuru commended the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office and other development partners for their active support and commitment to Nigeria’s development.

Meanwhile, the Deputy High Commissioner earlier had expressed satisfaction with ongoing development in the state and pledged to assist, considering the long-standing ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

https://penpushing.com.ng/governor-announces-n150000-christmas-bonus-for-each-civil-servant/

What is there Lagos can do it too

The Central Bank of Nigeria has reiterated that the old N1000, N500, and N200 denominations remain valid and legal tender nationwide.

The spokesperson of the apex bank, Hakama Sidi Ali, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

CBN’s comments come as cash scarcity worsened nationwide despite the apex banks’ directive to Nigerian banks to ensure the availability of cash in Automated Teller Machines.

Reacting, CBN clarified that all its banknotes are valid, contrary to the claims making the rounds.

“CBN has observed the misinformation regarding the validity of the old N1000, N500, and A200 banknotes currently in circulation.

“In line with the Bank’s previous clarifications and to offer further assurance, the CBN wishes
to reiterate that the subsisting Supreme Court ruling granted on November 29, 2023, permits the concurrent circulation of all versions of the N1000, N500, and N200 denominations of the Naira indefinitely.

For the avoidance of doubt, all versions of the naira, including the old and new designs of N1000, N500, and N200 denominations, as well as the commemorative and previous designs of the N100 denomination remain valid and continue to be legal tender without any deadline.

“We, therefore, advise the public to disregard any claims that the old series of the aforementioned banknotes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024. We urge Nigerians to continue accepting all Naira banknotes (both old and redesigned) for their daily transactions and to handle them with care to ensure their longevity,” the apex bank said.

However, the CBN urged Nigerians to use alternative e-banking payment to carry out their daily transactions.

Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, such as e-channels, to reduce pressure on using physical cash,” the statement added.

DAILY POST reports cash scarcity has worsened in the past weeks despite CBN’s directive to mitigate the challenges.

In October 2024, CBN clarified that there is no deadline to the use of the old banknotes.

During the administration of ex-CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele’s Naira redesign policy, the Supreme Court had ruled that the old Naira notes can co-exist with the new notes.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/12/13/cash-scarcity-cbn-gives-update-on-validity-of-old-n1000-500-n200-naira-notes/

Tick tock for TikTok. While the Chinese-owned video app has flirted with a U.S. ban before, this is starting to look like the real deal. TikTok just can’t shake the taint of its ownership and the alleged risk that China is picking through all that U.S. metadata to push its political agenda on the 170 million U.S. users.

Per The New York Times, lawmakers are concerned that TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, “may put sensitive user data, like location information, into the hands of the Chinese government. They have pointed to laws that allow the Chinese government to secretly demand data from Chinese companies and citizens for intelligence-gathering operations.” The net result, The Times reports, is that “TikTok’s future in the U.S. is in serious jeopardy.” A ban could hit as soon as mid-January.

While U.S. TikTok users—including the many thousands of people generating some income from the site—will be left stranded, the U.S. ban will also concern the billion-plus users outside the U.S. worried by this drastic move. All the more reason to ensure your account is properly set up, that you are not sending unnecessary data to TikTok and its Chinese owners, and that you are not risking the loss of your account.

This last point is critical. Malicious hackers love an event they can use as a lure to trick users into sharing their usernames and passwords. You can assume that as a ban approaches, you will be inundated with emails, texts and social media messages promoting to safeguard or move your account if you click on a link or download a new app or update. Don’t do any of these things—change your security settings now; don’t wait and risk losing your account to a hacker.

The reality is that there is nothing you can do to stop TikTok and its ownership from accessing the data harvested by the app on your phone. And if that data is sent to China and accessed by others, there’s little you can do about that either. That’s down to policy and data sovereignty assurances, over which you have no control.

But you can place some restrictions on what the app can collect from your phone and you can ensure your account is secure. In the app and privacy settings on your iPhone or Android, you can disable location services as you can in the app itself. The app will still try to infer your approximate location, but that’s less risky.

You also need to beware if you enable any contact syncing with Facebook, as that provides more metadata and information around your personal networks. Similarly, restrict access to contacts through your phone settings. You should also disable access to the microphone and camera if you don’t use those with the app, and you should limit access to your media album, selecting only the videos you choose to share.

As for your account itself, in the app you should go into “Security & Permissions” and check there are no devices accessing your account that are not your own. You should also check if any apps are accessing your TikTok account that you didn’t deliberately connect. And as with all apps, you should set up two-factor authentication, or “2-step verification” as TikTok describes it, to force new logins to use more than just your password. You will need to select two separate verification methods. An authenticator app is best.

What happens if and when the TikTok is banned is unclear. It’s very likely there will be a set of delays and proposed new measures. As for whether the app will suddenly disappear from your phone, The Times says “probably not,” and I agree.

But The Times also warns that “the law would penalize internet service providers and app store companies like Apple and Google for distributing or updating TikTok on app stores. So the TikTok app would probably degrade over time, slowly becoming unusable.” U.S. lawmakers have now confirmed that Apple and Google “must be ready to remove TikTok from their U.S. app stores on January 19.”

Security professionals are rarely fans of TikTok given its ownership and extensive data harvesting—no different to other social media apps on your phone. As ESET’s Jake Moore says, “the best way to secure your TikTok account is to delete your account and remove the app from your phone but this may not appeal to everyone.”

Assuming you want to keep your account, Moore’s advice is clear-cut. “TikTok accounts are connected to your phone number which adds a layer of security to the account. However, two step verification is also offered in multiple ways including adding your email address, via SMS as well as by using an authenticator app which is the preferred way to authenticate. You can also set up trusted devices where the safest way is to remove all devices other than the device you are currently using.”

Make sure you secure your account now, before the surge in cyberattacks begins over the coming weeks. Meantime, as The Hill says, “the popular social media app’s fate now rests in the hands of the Supreme Court and the incoming Trump administration, which has offered tepid support at-best for TikTok in the wake of the election.” Tick-tock for TikTok, it seems, is now just a few weeks away.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2024/12/13/tiktok-ban-secure-your-account-now-before-its-too-late/

According to OSJRP, the judiciary and Nigeria justice system has by Farotimi’s case been brought under trial and scrutiny.


The Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP) has demanded the release of the detained human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi and immediate abolition of criminal defamation provided for in Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act.

The OSJRP which made the demands in a statement issued on Friday expressed deep concern about the criminal defamation charges recently instituted against Farotimi by Afe Babalola (SAN), under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The reform group said, “This development brings to the forefront the urgent need to address the criminalization of libel and Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, both of which pose significant threats to freedom of speech and civic engagement in Nigeria.”

According to OSJRP, the judiciary and Nigeria justice system has by Farotimi’s case been brought under trial and scrutiny.

“Would we prefer to be bound by the shackles of medieval antiquity or would we proceed with other progressive states to uphold fundamental rights, free speech, transparency and accountability?” the group questioned.


The group said, “This case reflects the misuse of laws rooted in historical relics,” stressing, “Criminal defamation originated from colonial-era statutes designed to suppress dissent. It has no place in modern democracies.”

The OSJRP noted that several states in Nigeria, including Lagos and Ekiti states where Farotimi was arrested and where he is being detained and prosecuted, have already decriminalised libel in line with international best practices.

“The continued existence of such laws in any state in Nigeria undermines Nigeria’s commitment to international conventions such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“Unfortunately, the obnoxious Section 24(2) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibitions) Act 2015 has surreptitiously resurrected the Medieval Ghost of Criminal Defamation which is now clanging its chains of antiquity in the path of civil justice and fundamental rights.

“The courts must find the courage to walk through it as nothing but fantome, demystify it and proceed to do justice for the greater good,” the group stated.

It pointed out that laws criminalizing defamation “are relics of colonial imperialism which should be confined to the vehicle of historical oblivion.

“Unfortunately, the learned sage did not only attempt to explore such an unfortunate weakness in the judicial system for personal gain; when it was discovered that Ekiti State does not countenance Criminal Defamation, he has proceeded to allow the IGP to proceed against Dele Farotimi in a charge of Criminal Defamation as contained in the Cybercrimes Act thus reinforcing the failure of our justice system and creating an unfortunate precedents for public officers.”

The OSJRP noted that one major problem with criminalising defamation and for that matter, why it should never have been criminalized is the Subjectivity of Harm.

It stated, “Defamation laws are often based on subjective judgments of harm to reputation, making it difficult to justify criminal sanctions.

“This can lead to arbitrary decisions and potential abuse of the law. Criminal defamation laws therefore can be abused by powerful individuals or governments to silence journalists, activists, or critics.

“This limits the ability to criticize public figures or institutions without fear of legal repercussions.”

The group further stated, “The Cybercrimes Act reincorporates defamation into our judicial system in the worst manner possible by employing some of the most uncertain terms. This should not be allowed.

“Defamation lacks the jurisprudential basis for its criminalization. One of the jurisprudential bases for criminalizing actions or omission is the tests of Legitimacy and Necessity.”

It argued that criminalisation must serve a legitimate public interest, such as protecting life, property, or public order, adding that it must be necessary, meaning no less coercive alternative can achieve the same goal.

“Criminalising defamation falls short of these tests. Defamation serves more of personal interest than public interest and less coercive alternatives already exist in civil remedies.

“Furthermore Criminalisation should not infringe on fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, or association, unless such restrictions are necessary and proportionate.

“Defamation falls short of these tests. Criminalising defamation restricts the right to make fair comments, particularly about matters of public interest.

“This undermines the public's right to engage in open debate and criticise government actions or societal issues,” the statement added.

According to OSJRP, Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalizes online statements deemed “grossly offensive” or “false,” has been abused to stifle dissent.

“It contradicts the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under the ICCPR and the African Charter on Human Na People's Right.

“The Supreme Court has already made an authoritative position on why Defamation should not be a crime and should not be treated as such. In the case of Aviomoh v. C.O.P. (2022) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1819) 69.”

The group also noted that the Cybercrimes (Prohibitions, Prevention etc) Act has been reviewed to decriminalise defamation.

It stated, “Evidently, the Inspector General of Police that has arraigned Dele Farotimi on the basis of Section 24 of the Act as it was in 2015 is oblivious of this change.

“By virtue of the Cybercrimes Prohibitions, Prevention etc) Amendment Act of 2024 which was signed into law by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 27th February 2024 the notorious Section 24 has been amended in the following words:

“Section 24 (1) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting for paragraphs (a) and (b), new paragraphs "(a)" and "(b)" - "(a) is pornographic; or (b) he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order, posing a threat to life, or causing such message to be sent,” (emphasis ours).

“From the foregoing, section 24 no longer operates to serve the personal interests and personal vendetta option provided by criminal Defamation.

“The court can therefore not entertain any charge of Criminal Defamation on the basis of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibitions, Prevention) etc Act.”

The OSJRP said that criminalizing defamation contributes terribly towards shrinking the civic space–a chilling precedent, stressing that by resorting to criminal proceedings to ventilate his grouse with Farotimi, Afe Babalola would be setting a dangerous precedent for public officials and politically exposed persons to use the same method to gag critical and undermine the judiciary integrity.

It maintained, “The way out of this is for the revered legal luminary to retrace his steps and seek his redress, if he must, via civil claim.

“The only good thing about this situation is that it provides the court with an opportunity of setting the law right by publicizing the amendment of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act.

“The courts are enjoined to vehemently resist granting convictions based on criminal defamation provisions and make it difficult for public officials to gag critics and undermine the judiciary’s integrity.”

As it reiterated its demand for Farotimi’s release, the OSJRP said, “Judges must boldly declare the criminalisation of defamation unconstitutional and co-trays to ratified international instruments.”

https://saharareporters.com/2024/12/13/justice-reform-group-demands-release-dele-farotimi-abolition-criminal-defamation

During a press briefing in Minna, Danmaman said, “The high number of out-of-school children has significantly contributed to the increasing crime rate, especially among teenagers.”


The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmaman, has disclosed that between January and December 2024, 713 crime suspects, including teenagers, were arrested for various offences, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and car theft.

During a press briefing in Minna, Danmaman said, “The high number of out-of-school children has significantly contributed to the increasing crime rate, especially among teenagers.”

He revealed that the police rescued 37 kidnapped victims and seized a variety of firearms and ammunition during the year.

Providing an update on the murder of Hadiza Umaru, Danmaman said, “The victim was poisoned under the guise of treatment for ‘evil spirits,’ and her body was buried in a shallow grave.”



He added that further investigations into the case led to the discovery of additional graves in the same area.

https://saharareporters.com/2024/12/13/nigerian-police-say-out-school-children-causing-crimes-niger-state-arrest-713-suspects

SaharaReporters gathered that the raid took place late on Wednesday night at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, which resulted in the arrest of several students.
Some officers from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS), formerly known as the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), of the Nigeria Police Force have raided a students hostel in Anambra State.

SaharaReporters gathered that the raid took place late on Wednesday night at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, which resulted in the arrest of several students.



SaharaReporters learnt that the students were sleeping in their lodges when the rogue officers raided their hostels, broke into their rooms, and arrested them, accusing them of theft.

In a statement released on Thursday by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Vice President, South East Zone, and obtained by SaharaReporters, the students' union condemned the arrest.



NAPS also urged the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, to warn the errant officers to stop harassing their students, or else they would shut down the state with massive protest.



They warned the errant officers to respect the rights and dignity of students and to cease all forms of breaking into students' lodges at odd hours, as well as the harassment and intimidation of students.



The statement read, "National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the umbrella body of all polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of technology, health, and other allied institutions awarding ND and HND certificates, with a membership strength of 20.1 million students across the federation.

"We are writing to express our strong condemnation of the unwarranted arrests and intimidation of our dear students of Federal Polytechnic Oko.



"These arrests, which often occur at odd hours of the night (11 pm2 am), are totally unacceptable to the leadership of NAPS South East Zone and must stop immediately," NAPS stated.



The students union said, "We urge you to respect the rights and dignity of our students and to cease all forms of breaking into students' lodges at odd hours, harassment, and intimidation of our dear students.



"Sir, we are putting you on notice that if these unwarranted arrests and intimidation do not stop, we will be forced to take drastic measures, including a massive shutdown/protest, where several journalists, TV stations, and media will be involved."



The statement continues, "We cannot stand idly by while our students are harassed and intimidated unjustly. We demand that you respect our rights and dignity as students and citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



"We hope you will take our demands seriously and put an end to these unwarranted arrests and intimidations."

Chai even tinubu is more handsome dan this onyema, inside life 😂😂😂😂

You have to take her back and finish what you started, both of you are not serious. Nonsense

You have to take her back and finish what you started, both of you are not serious at all.. nonsense

By Tunde Oso, with agency report

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, London, Prof. James Tooley, has been suspended, after allegations of an affair with a young woman from Hyderabad, India.

The woman, now in her 20s, claims she had a sexual relationship with the now 65-year-old professor. Tooley has denied the allegations.

In the news posted on www.indiatoday.in. Tooley is reported to have helped her with paying her university fees. The Indian woman claimed in her diary that she had a sexual relationship with the 65-year-old Prof. Tooley. These allegations sprang up after the professor’s wife handed over copies of the diaries written by the young woman to the university.

The accusations are said to have come from his 42-year-old wife, Cynthia, handing over copies of diaries penned by the younger woman.

Cynthia is a first generation immigrant originally from Nigeria. She arrived in the UK aged 21 to study her postgraduate degree and has two bi-racial children.

The Times quoted her as saying she was 18 when she first met Prof Tooley, then in his 50s, and their sexual relationship started when she was aged 21, though later updated this to suggest she was instead 25.

The alleged relationship began after the academic got involved in a project in the Indian city of Hyderabad aimed at providing low-cost private schools for poor communities.

He was alleged to have known the woman’s father and contributed towards her university tuition charges, before a relationship was struck up after she graduated.

Prof. Tooley has led the private university, which was co-founded by Margaret Thatcher, since 2020, when he succeeded historian Sir Anthony Seldon.

Prof. Tooley’s suspension was revealed in a letter to students in October this year, following which he issued a statement through his lawyer branding claims made against him as ‘baseless and malicious’, adding that he would soon be ‘vindicated.’

The woman now claiming to have had a relationship with Prof Tooley was quoted by the Times as saying: ‘Anyone who reads my diaries can see I was in love with him and wanted to be with him.

‘He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect. People will say he used me because he has power and money, but that’s not the case. He is a good man who cares a lot about other people.’

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/12/affair-uk-varsity-vc-suspended-after-nigerian-wife-blew-whistle/

Free visa to go and do what in South Africa?

Airport Rules Change: New list of banned items in check-in and cabin baggage issued during travel, Full list


Airport Rules Change: Often people do not know what things are not allowed in flights. But, it is important for you to know this before traveling in a flight. Especially for passengers traveling to Dubai. If you are planning to go to Dubai, then this news is very useful for you.
Airport banned product: Authorities have issued instructions regarding the list of prohibited items in checked in or cabin baggage during air travel between India and the UAE. Passengers are advised to follow the instructions given by airports, customs and civil aviation authorities. Some of the items that are allowed in checked in baggage may not be allowed in cabin baggage. Some of the items prohibited in baggage are as follows:

Ghee: Ghee and butter cannot be carried in cabin luggage as they come under the liquids category. They are considered as aerosols and gels and are not allowed more than 100 ml. However, passengers could carry up to five kilos of ghee in the check in baggage. But, it is important to read and understand the directives by airline companies and airports as some of them do not allow ghee in the baggage. You could check the list of banned items in their respective websites.
Pickle: Pickles except chili pickles could be carried in both check in and cabin baggage. Chili pickle isn’t allowed in the cabin luggage.
Copra: Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) of the Indian Civil Aviation has added copra or dried coconut in the list of banned items in March 2022. Copra cannot be taken by the passengers in their check in baggage.
E cigarette: E cigarettes are allowed neither in check in baggage nor in cabin luggage.
Spices: Whole spices or spice powders cannot be carried in cabin luggage. However, they are allowed in the check in baggage as per the directives of BCAS.
You can take these products by payment
There are many products for which you will have to pay first to carry them while traveling to Dubai. This list includes plants, fertilizers, medicines, medical equipment, books, cosmetics, transmission and wireless devices, alcoholic drinks, personal care products, e-cigarettes and electronic hookahs.
You could get more information about this from the airport or website of airline companies. Passengers are supposed to be aware about the customs rules of the cities or the countries they land in. UAE’s Federal Customs Authority too has issued a list of banned items.

https://www.informalnewz.com/airport-rules-change-new-list-of-banned-items-in-check-in-and-cabin-baggage-issued-during-travel-full-list/?amp=1

This boy is dating Nkechi—— please who is this Nkechi everyone is talking about?

Oga you talk too much every time tinubu Pledges, una no They fear God .. Audio government.

We are already paying it, this is just coming late, the way all this network is charging this days only God can save us all

Keep quiet 🤫 , you people talk too much, na who still they believe this audio government

They will never hear,

Angelfrost:
Honestly, most of us never realised he was not in the country...!

His presence and absence really make no difference... Just like his predecessor.

Buhari could disappear for months and almost all citizens wouldn't realise he was AWOL.

Honestly I never knew president was not in the country , chai my people what is really going on in this Nigerian ?

Now I believe, I thought no woman can cheat on soldier, chai fear women

Foolish people..

Where’s the sauce of this information

CoronaVirusPro:
Everyone sane person needs medication!

A state of emergency should be declared in the world. Lucifer has come to rule.

But I still prefer the white Lucifer you said Dan this black Lucifer siting on the throne tormenting innocent souls..

How can this be , how possible is this , I’m speechless

I’m not surprised because that’s only thing they no how to do. May God save us in this country called Nigerian

Well I have seen so many comments and I also understood that you are one of does people who don’t like Trump… well all I could say is first go and Ask God to forgive you your own sins before you start condemning someone else, all ye hypocrisy. Like it or not Trump is now a president go and kill him . if it’s paining you.