Author

Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria Banks
Exclusives

Three Nigeria Banks may collapse in 2021 Over negative balance sheet and rougher business outlook

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

As it stands now, according to an insider source who would want to remain anonymous, some Nigeria banks have been run into obligations that have far outweighed their incomes and stirred red balance sheets. Another reason identified for this looming danger is the disreputable and unprofessional activities of some bank Chief Executive Officers which the banking regulator, the Godwin Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has condoned and concealed for them overtime now.  

“These banks are standing on far borrowed legs and have been technically illiquid for a long time.  But the regulator seems to look the other way round”, the source told this media platform. 

“Bad and nonperforming loans, mostly extended to allies and politically exposed people who receive these loans and in most cases, share with top bank echelons, as well as the current economic realities may spell this looming doom on some of these banks in 2021”.

“In virtually all the cases, these loans continue to appear on the banks’ books as assets.  This is the height of deception that has overtime been condoned by Emefiele-led CBN”.

Another source hinted that the Godwin Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has compromised all known banking tenets and standards and has overtime condoned irregularities, and allowed manipulations of figures by the bank echelons, because of unwholesome affiliations and relationships that exist between the CBN echelons and some bank executives.  

Our investigation further revealed that while some of these banks may suddenly go down irrecoverably, others may seek mergers with other stronger banks. 

Perennially, Godwin Emefiele has allegedly allowed lots of rots in the banking sectors.  The rots were seen in other agencies and companies affiliated to CBN such as NIRSAL, Nigeria Security Printing and Minting, NEXIM Bank, among others where the Central Bank Governor’s “boys” currently hold sway.  

Recall that this media platform has previously exposed the level of fraudulent activities going on in NIRSAL where proxy-companies are used to fleece monies.  

CBN Governor’s critics allege that the Governor has dumped the banking tenets and standards in order to remain in the good books of Nigeria power brokers, especially the “Cabal” members whom Emefiele has been accused of serving more than he serves the nation banking sector. 

“The Governor is in the fore of this decay and unless he is awakened fast, we may see a repeat of what happens previously where depositors lose their hard earned monies as a result of bad banking policies and untamed corruption”

All efforts to hear from the Central Bank of Nigeria over the allegations were unsuccessful as at the time of publishing this report. 

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covid-19
Health

Nigeria records 22 Covid-19 deaths as recoveries cross 100,000

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Meanwhile, 23 states have reported 1,861 new Covid-19 infections in Nigeria as total number of confirmed cases rises to 126,160 in last 24 hours.

Lagos has 773 new Covid-19 cases; FCT-285; Oyo-138; Rivers-111; Plateau-92; Nasarawa-83; Kaduna-59; Enugu and Imo-57 each; Edo-43

Other states are Kano-27; Kwara-20; Ebonyi-19; Abia-17; Ogun and Osun-12 each; Katsina-8; Bayelsa-6; Bauchi and Delta-5 each; Borno and Jigawa-4 each; Zamfara-1

There are 1,089 Covid-19 patients discharged across Nigeria in last 24 hours including 941 community recoveries in Lagos, Rivers and Plateau States; successfully treated cases now 100,365.

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Exclusives

Northern Governors welcome appointment of new service chiefs

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The forum has also commended the outgone Service Chiefs for giving their best in the service of the nation.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong in a statement, commended the President for taking the decision and asked the new Service Chiefs to put in their best, not only to meet the expectations of the Commander-in-Chief, but also that of Nigerians, who have high expectations for enhanced security and safety of lives and properties.

He charged them to build on the successes of their predecessors and also learn from their challenges, in order to address the lingering problems of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that the nation has been battling to contain.

Lalong assured the Service Chiefs of the support and collaboration of the Northern Governors Forum, in addressing insecurity in the region and the nation as a whole, in order to enable the citizens pursue their legitimate businesses, without any hindrance.

He appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for the new Service Chiefs as they provide leadership for the patriotic officers and men of the Armed Forces, to put up a final onslaught against the protracted security challenges.

Governor Lalong also thanked the former Service Chiefs for their courage, sacrifices and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territotial integrity and dealing with internal threats, during their stewardship, and wished them well in their future endeavours.

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ortom
Health

Benue Governor Ortom tests positive For Covid-19

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

According to his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, this followed the test results of most of the Governor’s close aides who also returned positive in the last few weeks.

Though, the Governor has not shown any symptoms of the disease, he has already commenced treatment as prescribed by medical personnel.

He advised those who have come in contact with him in the last couple of days to go for test.

The Governor said it is equally important that those who came in contact with other persons who have tested positive for the virus, should go for test, to ascertain their COVID-19 status.

Ortom urged Benue people to continue to observe the protocol for the prevention of the virus, such as wearing of face masks, use of sanitizers, regular hand washing and physical distancing.

He encouraged the people not to be afraid of going for COVID-19 test, as only doing so would help in containing the spread of the disease.

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Buhari
Exclusives

Photos: Buhari chairs 31st virtual cabinet meeting

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha physically attended the meeting, which started at 10:00 am.

The six ministers who physically attended the meeting are those of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo and the Minister of state for Power, Goddy Agba.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and other Ministers are participating in the weekly council meeting from their various offices in Abuja.

Before the commencement of the day’s proceedings, cabinet members observed a minute silence in honor of former Ministers, Alhaji Dauda Birma, Alhaji Mohammadu Gambo Jimeta and Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim.

The late Birma, who served as Minister of Education from 1997 to 1998, died on 5th January, 2021, aged 80.

Jimeta, who died on the 21st of January, at the aged of 83, was the Minister of Agriculture from 1995-1997, he was also the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser at various times.

While Abdullahi Ibrahim was the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, as well as Transportation and Aviation, between 1984 and 1985, when President Buhari was the military Head of State.

Ibrahim, who was the first Northern Lawyer to attain the position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, died on Sunday 24th January at the age of 84.

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Gbajabiamila
Exclusives

House will pass PIB into law in April – Gbajabiamila

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Gbajabiamila gave the assurance, while taking contributions at the public hearing, organized by the Ad-hoc Commitee of the House on PIB.

The Speaker promised that the speed of the passage would not diminish the thoroughness, expected of the Lawmakers, on the bill.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Silva said, he is optimistic that after 20 years of the introduction of the PIB to the National Assembly, that both the Senate and the House of Representatives would continue the sustained determination to pass the bill into law.

Similarly, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mele Kyari, offered a glimpse of hope, that oil will still be relevant in the next 30 years.

Mele added that the passage of the bill into law, would bring about the needed vigour and transparency that would in turn, engender productivity in the petroleum industry.

In his submission, the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mohammed Nami, explained that the bill would promote economic growth and make the petroleum sector competitive.

He stressed total support of the Service to the development of the oil and gas industry, inline with international best practices.

The bill, termed, “A Bill for an Act to Provide Legal, Governance, Regulatory and Fiscal Framework for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, the Development of Host Communities and for Related Matters (HB. 1061)”, is an executive bill that debuted to the National Assembly 20 years ago.

But high profile multicoloured interests, according to reports, had stifled its legislative progress and passage.

With this development, President Muhammadu Buhari, on September 20, 2020, retransmitted the Bill to the National Assembly, for which the House is currently having a public hearing with keyplayers in attendance.

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army
Headlines

Army unleashes 100 female special troops on bandits

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Usman Mohammed, who welcomed the Special Force to their Camp Base in Kakkau, Kaduna State, charged them to be focused, on discharging their duties.

The newly established military base is to serve as a camp for 100 Special woman Battalion, drawn from different military formations of the Nigerian Army.

The General Officer Commanding One Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Usman Mohammed tasked them to be professional in discharging their responsibility.

He said the Nigerian Army will continue to ensure the Kaduna-Abuja highway is secured.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said the deployment of the special forces will help to strengthen security on the highway.
The Abuja-Kaduna Expressway is notorious for bandit attacks

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covid-19
Health

President Buhari approves regulations to prevent spread of Covid-19

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

This was contained in a press release from office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.

These Regulations shall take effect immediately until otherwise determined.
All other Protocols and Guidelines issued by the PTF, NCDC, and or State Governments, except as expressly provided, shall remain in force.

Any offence under these Regulations is punishable, on summary conviction, by a fine or a term of six months imprisonment or both in accordance with Section 5 of the Quarantine Act.
Some of the provosions of tur regulations are:

Restrictions on Gatherings

  1. At all gatherings, a physical distance of at least two metres shall be maintained at all times between persons.
  2. No gathering of more than 50 persons shall hold in an enclosed space, except for religious purposes, in which case the gathering shall not exceed 50% capacity of the space.
  3. All persons in public gatherings, whether in enclosed or open spaces, shall adhere to the provisions of Part 2 of these Regulations.
  4. The provisions of these Regulations may be varied by Guidelines and Protocols as may be issued, from time to time, by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 on the recommendation of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

PART 2
Operations of Public Places
Markets (including open markets), Malls, Supermarkets, Shops, Restaurants, Hotels, Event Centres, Gardens, Leisure Parks, Recreation Centres, Motor Parks, Fitness Centres, etc.

  1. No person shall be allowed within the premises of a market, mall, supermarket, shop, restaurants, hotels, event centres, gardens, leisure parks, recreation centres, motor parks, fitness centre or any other similar establishment (hereinafter collectively referred to as “establishments”) except:
    a. he is wearing a face covering that covers the nose and mouth;
    b. he washes his hands or cleaned the hands using hand sanitiser approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); and
    c. his body temperature has been checked. Any person found to have a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius shall be denied entry and advised to immediately seek medical attention.
  2. Every establishment occupier shall make provision for regular hand hygiene for any person coming into the premises during opening hours. This includes a handwashing station with soap and running water, or hand sanitiser approved by NAFDAC.
  3. Each establishment occupier is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting his premises.
  4. It is the responsibility of the occupier of the establishment to:
    a. Enforce the proper use of face covering;
    b. Make provision for safe hygiene facilities;
    c. Enforce provision of temperature checks prior to entry into the establishment;
    d. Enforce provisions and use of face covering within the establishment;
    e. Ensure that their customers queue up and are attended to serially while complying with physical distancing measures and avoiding overcrowding; and
    f. Generally, ensure compliance with the provisions of these Regulations.
  5. Occupiers of establishments are liable for any observed non-compliance by any persons within the premises.
    Places of Worship
  6. All worshippers and users of places of worship shall comply with the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of these Regulations.
  7. Worshippers shall, where and whenever possible, avoid sharing worship items such as mats, bottles, hymnals, etc.
  8. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of a place of worship to ensure compliance with the provisions of these Regulations within the worship centre.
    Workplace and Schools
  9. All persons entering the premises of a workplace or school shall comply with the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of these Regulations.
  10. It is the responsibility of the person in charge of a workplace or a school to ensure compliance with the provisions of these Regulations within the office or school premises.
    Banks
  11. All employees, customers and visitors of banks shall comply with the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of these Regulations.
  12. All banks shall comply with the guidelines, mode and scope of operations issued by the Central Bank and Federal Ministry of Finance as it relates to the COVID-19 response.
  13. All banks shall develop a schedule for regular cleaning of buttons and surfaces of Mantrap Entrance Doors, ATM machines and other commonly used areas.
    Public Transportation Vehicles
  14. All operators and passengers of public transportation vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “operators”) shall comply with the provisions of Part 2 of these Regulations.
  15. Operators shall ensure adequate spacing in between passengers.
  16. Operators shall ensure frequent cleaning and disinfection of parts of the vehicle frequently handled by passengers and drivers such as doors and window handles/buttons, steering wheels and dashboards.
  17. Operators shall encourage passengers to frequently perform hand hygiene.
  18. All operators of trains, ships and planes shall have an occupational health and infectious diseases preparedness plan, in case an employee or traveller becomes unwell in the course of a journey.
  19. It is the responsibility of operators to ensure compliance with the provisions of these Regulations in the course of their operations.
    Hostels, Boarding Houses and Detention Centres
  20. Managers of Hostels, Boarding Houses, Nursing Homes, Correctional Centres, Remand Homes, Holding Cells, Military Detention Facilities, and such centres for care and custody of persons, shall ensure compliance with the provisions of these Regulations.
  21. Managers of such facilities shall ensure that suspected cases of Covid-19 are promptly and appropriately separated from others and are reported to medical officers of the State Ministry of Health for necessary action.

PART 3
Mandatory Compliance with Treatment Protocols

  1. The health and safety protocols and guidelines are issued by the PTF on Covid-19 on the recommendation of the NCDC and shall be binding on all persons.
  2. Persons confirmed to have tested positive to COVID-19 by an NCDC accredited laboratory, may not refuse isolation and or admission to a designated health establishment for management of the disease.
  3. All public secondary and tertiary health facilities shall designate a space or holding bay for the initial triage or assessment of suspected persons with COVID-19 in line with the approved protocol for case management.
  4. All public secondary and tertiary health facilities shall establish sample collection centres, where test samples from suspected cases can be collected and transmitted to an accredited testing laboratory in the State.
  5. Notwithstanding the provision of Regulation 27, where a person confirmed to have tested positive to the COVID-19 is:
    a. Asymptomatic or has mild symptoms; and
    b. Proves able to make an alternative isolation arrangement that satisfies protocols issued by the NCDC, as certified by a healthcare provider and assessment by a medical professional;
    such person may use such alternative arrangements, including supervised “home-based care,” for self-isolation and adhere strictly to the guidelines, until confirmed by the healthcare provider to be no longer at risk of infecting others with the virus.

PART 4
Offences and Penalties

  1. Any person who contravenes the provisions of these Regulations commits an offence.
  2. Any person who, without reasonable cause, contravenes a direction given under Parts 1 and 2 of these Regulations commits an offence.
  3. Any person who, without reasonable cause, obstructs an authorised official from enforcement of these Regulations commits an offence.
  4. An offence under these Regulations is punishable, on summary conviction, by a fine or a term of six months imprisonment or both in accordance with Section 5 of the Quarantine Act.

PART 5
Enforcement and Application

  1. Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, and other relevant Local Government, State and Federal Government agencies are hereby directed to enforce the provisions of these Regulations.
  2. Any officer of the enforcement agencies who fails, neglects, or refuses to enforce the provisions of these Regulations shall be subject to disciplinary action by the disciplinary body of his respective agency.
  3. The provisions of these Regulations shall apply throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  4. State Governors may issue Regulations on further steps as may be considered necessary.
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Service Chief
Headlines

New Service Chief Nominees pledge to protect lives and property

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Speaking to journalists after meeting with President Buhari at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday, The Chief of the Defence Staff nominee, Major General Leo Irabor said they will add value by protecting lives and property.

President Muhammad Buhari, according to a statement issued after the meeting charged them to be patriotic, and serve the country well.

The President said Nigeria is in a state of emergency and wants them to be patriotic, serve the country well, as well remain loyal loyalty is to the country.

The President also charged them to be concerned about the morale of their officers and men, saying they should be made to feel physically and professionally secure.

He pledged that Government would do its best in terms of equipment and logistics.

The Service Chief nominees who were led to the meeting by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), are: Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral AZ Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice-Marshal IO Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

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police
Exclusives

Female police officer sacked for getting pregnant while unmarried

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has sacked a female corporal identified as Olajide Omolola for getting pregnant while being unmarried.

According to a report by The PUNCH, the NPF announced her dismissal in a wireless message that originated from the department of finance and administration in Ado Ekiti.

The document was addressed to the divisional police officer (DPO) at Iye Ekiti where Omolola is based.

In the message, the chief financial officer in Ekiti was asked to relay the information of her dismissal to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to ensure that her salary is stopped.

Section 127 of the Police Act and Regulation against women police getting pregnant before marriage W/PC (woman corporal) Olajide Omolola passed out of Police Training School on 24/04/2020 attached to yours contravened above provisions,” the statement read.

“She stands dismissed from the force. Dekit her. Retrieve police documents in her possession with immediate effect. O/C CFO Ekiti only. You are to relay signal to IPPIS Abuja for the stoppage of her salary with immediate effect.

“DECOMPOLS (deputy commissioners of police)/ACPOLS (assistant commissioners of police)/HODs/DPOs Ekiti State only. You are to lecture women police. Treat as very urgent.”

Omolola had completed police training on April 24, 2020, and was attached to Iye Ekiti.

Section 127 of the Police Act states that: “An unmarried woman police officer who becomes pregnant shall be discharged from the Force, and shall not be re-enlisted except with the approval of the Inspector-General.”

In September last year, President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which repeals the Police Act, 2004, however the young woman was still sacked based on the repealed act.

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