Headlines

There is growing disquiet within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) following revelations of plans by the new management to relocate major departments from the Abuja headquarters to the former headquarters in Lagos.

The decision, spearheaded by CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, has reportedly unsettled staff members, particularly married women, leading to discontent within the institution.

The targeted departments for relocation include Banking Supervision (DBS), Other Financial Institutions Supervision (OFISD), Consumer Protection Department (CPD), Payment System Management Department (PSMD), and Financial Policy Regulations Department (FPRD).

A substantial workforce of 1,533 employees is expected to be affected by this massive redeployment.

Sources within the CBN expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such a move, emphasizing the pivotal roles these departments play in the institution.

Some fear concentrating the crucial functions in Lagos may weaken the significance of the Abuja headquarters.

The decision has also reportedly caused distress among married women employees, who are grappling with the prospect of being relocated away from their families. Some staff members are said to be contemplating resignation in response to the policy.

A source who preferred anonymity told Daily Nigerian: “The affected departments are the major departments of the CBN. They are the only departments mentioned in the BOFIA Act [Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act].

“Moving them entirely will only further strengthen Lagos and weaken Abuja. When you move all these departments to Lagos, then what is left of the headquarters? It will become almost useless.

“Women colleagues that are married can’t cope with this decision, especially those from the North.”

The new management, led by Governor Cardoso, has faced allegations of creating a hostile work environment since assuming office.

Reports suggest that many staff members have resigned under the current management, citing an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

While an internal memo from the CBN cited the need for decongestion as a primary reason for the relocation, some insiders question the rationale behind the decision.

There are suspicions of a potential downsizing agenda and concerns that the move could elevate Lagos at the expense of Abuja.

The CBN memo stated that the decongestion initiative aims to optimize the operational environment, ensure compliance with building safety standards, and enhance the efficient utilization of office space. It cited safety concerns, reduced efficiency, and potential compromise of the building’s structural integrity due to overcrowding as driving factors behind the decision.

However, critics argue that the immediate-past governor, Godwin Emefiele, had already made provisions for an annexe office and a multi-level car park to address overcrowding concerns at the head office building.

The Dangote Refinery has started production. The largest single-train refinery in the world located in Nigeria’s commercial hub began operations in the early hours of Friday.

This followed the delivery of six million barrels of crude supply to the refinery this week. It had earlier also received other batches.

Although it was supposed to begin operations in June 2023, the oil refinery built by Aliko Dangote received its first crude deliveries late last year in a step to starting up the delayed megaproject.

Billed as Africa’s largest of its type, the 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote refinery could be a game changer for Nigeria’s economy when fully operational by helping end the country’s reliance on fuel imports.

The initial run will be for the production of diesel and aviation fuel before moving on to petrol output.

Though one of Africa’s largest oil producers and the continent’s top economy, Nigeria relies almost totally on imported fuel and diesel because of a lack of refining capacity.

Fuel imports and subsidies caused a huge drain on foreign exchange when Nigeria was struggling with dwindling oil revenues and foreign currency shortages.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also have surplus of each of these products for export,” the company said in a statement.

The facility sits on 2,635 hectares (6,500 acres) of land at the Lekki Free Zone on the edge of Lagos city and costs an estimated $19bn.

The refinery, first scheduled to open in 2021, was officially inaugurated by then-president Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended all administered programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the Federal Government said.

Announcing the suspension in a statement on Friday, the Director Information, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said the president’s decision was in view of the “ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.”

“All four (4) Programmes administered by NSIPA, viz; N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme (the “Programs”) have been suspended for a period of six weeks in the first instance,” the statement read.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also raised significant concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to the Programs’ beneficiaries.”

According to the statement, Tinubu also constituted a ministerial panel to conduct a thorough review of the agency’s operations to recommend necessary reforms of the NSIPA.

During the period of this suspension, all NSIPA-related activities, including but not limited to all distributions, events, payments, collaborations and registrations are now frozen.

Tinubu also assured stakeholders and all Nigerians that his administration remains committed to a swift and unbiased process that will ensure that, going forward, social intervention programmes will work exactly as intended, to the benefit of the most vulnerable Nigerians.

The Supreme Court has upheld Caleb Muftwang’s position as the Governor of Plateau State, dismissing the petition filed by Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ruling solidifies the victory of Muftwang, who secured 525,299 votes according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the March 18 governorship poll, defeating Yilwatda, who garnered 481,370 votes.

The Plateau State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had initially upheld Muftwang’s election, but the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned the victory, leading to the appeal to the Supreme Court.

Justice Akomaya Agim, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that the sponsorship of a candidate for an election is an internal affair of a political party.

The justice declared that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to determine the validity of the candidacy of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and stated that Nentawe Yilwatda of the APC had no right to challenge Muftwang’s emergence as the PDP’s ticket-holder.

The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Dauda Lawal as the duly elected Governor of Zamfara state.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, criticized the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision, describing it as “perverse.”

Justice Agim emphasized that the allegations of over-voting failed to stand as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not provide essential documents such as the voter register, polling unit officer report, and eyewitness testimony.

The judge highlighted that BVAS machines alone could not establish electoral malpractices, and the petitioner, Mr Matawalle, did not provide sufficient evidence to support his claims.

“The court is of the view that the tribunal was right. The judgment of the Court of Appeal was perverse because the petitioner failed woefully to prove his allegations,” declared Justice Agim.

Some Kano residents are celebrating Abba Yusuf’s affirmation as the duly elected governor.

The Supreme Court confirmed the resounding confirmation a few hours ago, ending a period of political uncertainty and legal battles.

Social media video indicates that Kano’s atmosphere is electric, with streets filled with cheering supporters, chanting slogans and waving banners adorned with Abba Yusuf’s image.

The affirmation follows a legal process that has finally solidified his mandate as the legitimate leader of the state.

Yusuf’s supporters have also taken to social media to express their joy, with hashtags related to the affirmation trending nationally.

Many say the affirmation is expected to usher in a new era of governance in Kano.

In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has reversed the removal of Governor Yusuf of Kano State, thereby reinstating him to his position. The landmark ruling has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, solidifying the National New Progressive Party’s (NNPP) hold on power in the state.

The legal battle surrounding Governor Yusuf’s removal began months ago when a lower court nullified his election victory, citing irregularities in the electoral process. The decision sparked widespread controversy and political unrest, leading to a prolonged legal tussle that ultimately reached the highest court in the land.

After careful deliberation, the Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled in favor of Governor Yusuf, declaring his removal unconstitutional and reinstating him as the legitimate governor of Kano State. The decision has not only restored political stability but has also reaffirmed the democratic principles of fair governance and due process.

The NNPP, the political party under which Governor Yusuf was elected, has hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling as a triumph for justice and democracy. Party leaders expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the decision reflects the will of the people and the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The reinstatement of Governor Yusuf has sparked celebrations among his supporters, who have eagerly awaited this moment. The streets of Kano are filled with jubilant crowds, waving party flags and chanting slogans in support of their leader. The governor, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice and vowed to continue serving the people of Kano with dedication and integrity.

However, the ruling has not been without its critics. Opposition parties and some sections of the public have raised concerns about the implications of the decision, questioning the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary. These concerns highlight the need for ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure transparent and credible elections in the future.

As Kano State moves forward with Governor Yusuf at the helm once again, the focus now shifts to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The reinstated governor has pledged to redouble efforts in areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation, aiming to improve the lives of the people of Kano.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Governor Yusuf and the NNPP has not only reshaped the political landscape in Kano State but has also set a precedent for future electoral disputes. It serves as a reminder that the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the will of the people is respected.

As the dust settles on this legal battle, all eyes will be on Governor Yusuf as he resumes his duties, striving to fulfill his promises and lead Kano State towards progress and prosperity.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana  Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his spokesperson, Isa Gusau.

A government statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed that Gusau died during a protracted illness on Thursday, at an Indian hospital.

Zulum, in the statement, described the deceased as a dedicated public servant and a cherished member of his team.

Gusau, who served as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to  Zulum since June 2019, had also served in the same capacity under Senator Kashim Shettima when he was the governor of the state.

“Mallam Isa Gusau was admired by everyone for his commitment to the people of Borno State and his exceptional professionalism in his role,

“He was a tireless advocate for the state and he worked tirelessly to communicate the government’s initiatives and policies to the public with clarity and transparency,” the statement quoted Zulum as saying.

The governor added that “Isa Gusau will be remembered for his passion for serving the people of Borno State and his dedication to the betterment of the state.  His exceptional communication skills played a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and the people.”

The governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and also prayed that God gives his family and other loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

In a significant judicial ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of Bala Mohammed, confirming his position as the Governor of Bauchi. The court’s decision adds a final stamp of authority to the electoral process, settling any legal uncertainties that may have lingered since the initial contest.

The verdict not only affirms the legitimacy of Governor Bala Mohammed’s mandate but also reinforces the democratic principles that underpin the electoral system. The Supreme Court’s role in providing a conclusive resolution contributes to the stability and continuity of governance in Bauchi.

This affirmation follows a thorough legal examination of the election process, underscoring the adherence to due process and the rule of law. Governor Bala Mohammed and his administration can now proceed with renewed confidence, focusing on the welfare and development of the people of Bauchi.

The Supreme Court’s decision resonates beyond the immediate political landscape, setting a precedent for electoral disputes and reinforcing the significance of fair and transparent elections in our democratic framework.

As Bauchi celebrates the legal validation of its chosen leader, the verdict stands as a testament to the resilience of democratic institutions and their ability to ensure a just and accountable governance.