Category: Uncategorized

  • CBN: Personal remittances hit $20.93bn in 2024

    CBN: Personal remittances hit $20.93bn in 2024

    The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has said that personal remittance inflows rose to $20.93bn in 2024, reflecting an 8.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the apex bank while announcing a balance of payments surplus of $6.83bn for the 2024 financial year.

    The statement was signed by the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali.

    The figure marks a significant turnaround from deficits of $3.34bn and $3.32bn recorded in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

    The CBN said the improvement was due to a mix of macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence.

    According to the statement, remittance inflows remained resilient throughout the year, with inflows through International Money Transfer Operators increasing by 43.5 per cent to $4.73bn, up from $3.30bn in the previous year.

    The statement read, “Remittance inflows remained resilient, with personal remittances rising by 8.9 per cent to $20.93bn.

    “International Money Transfer Operator inflows surged by 43.5 per cent to $4.73bn, up from $3.30bn in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement from the Nigerian diaspora. Official development assistance also rose by 6.2 per cent to $3.37bn.”

    The current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22bn, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17bn.

    Non-oil exports rose by 24.6 per cent to $7.46bn, while gas exports increased by 48.3 per cent to $8.66bn.

    Meanwhile, petroleum imports fell by 23.2 per cent to $14.06bn, and non-oil imports declined by 12.6 per cent to $25.74bn.

    On the financial account side, Nigeria posted a net acquisition of financial assets amounting to $12.12bn.

    Portfolio investment inflows more than doubled, rising by 106.5 per cent to $13.35bn, while resident foreign currency holdings grew by $5.41bn.

    However, foreign direct investment dropped by 42.3 per cent to $1.08bn.

    The country’s external reserves also grew by $6bn to $40.19bn by the end of 2024, strengthening the country’s foreign exchange buffer.

    In terms of data quality, the CBN reported a marked improvement in reporting accuracy. Net errors and omissions declined by 79.5 per cent to negative $5.10bn in 2024, down from $24.90bn in 2023, which the bank attributed to improved data capture and transparency.

    Reacting to the figures, the Governor of the CBN was quoted as saying, “The positive turnaround in our external finances is evidence of effective policy implementation and our unwavering commitment to macroeconomic stability. This surplus marks an important step forward for Nigeria’s economy, benefiting investors, businesses, and everyday Nigerians alike.”

    The bank further attributed the improved external position to policy reforms, including the liberalisation and unification of the foreign exchange market, a disciplined monetary policy stance, and coordinated fiscal and monetary interventions.

     

     

     

  • Elumelu: We must fix electricity to build $1tn economy

    Elumelu: We must fix electricity to build $1tn economy

    Chairman of Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu, has said that Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1tn economy cannot be realised without urgent and sustained efforts to address challenges in the country’s electricity sector.

    Elumelu, who spoke on Wednesday, at the company’s Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, said access to reliable power remains the single most critical factor in transforming the Nigerian economy, particularly as the country pushes for increased contribution from the non-oil sector.

    “I want to use this opportunity to reiterate that access to electricity remains the single most critical factor in fixing the Nigerian economy, especially as we seek to have the non-oil sector make greater contributions to our economy.

    “We must, therefore, fix power to fix and transform Nigeria. We know that to grow a $1tn economy, electricity must be fixed. That is not the case today,” he said.

    Elumelu noted that although President Bola Tinubu had directed last year that all impediments to the power sector be removed, the pace of implementation remained slow.

    “The President directed last year that all impediments to the power sector should be removed. But I’m afraid to say that critical people who should help to see the President’s vision come alive are afraid to do so. May I use this opportunity to call on them to help translate the President’s initiative idea into action,” he added.

    Elumelu also raised concerns about the huge debts owed to Transcorp by the Federal Government for electricity supplied to the national grid.

    According to him, the government currently owes the group over N600bn.

    “As of date, our Federal Government owes your company over N600bn. That is $400m.

    “Much as we, patriotic Nigerian investors, are committed to supporting the efforts of the Federal Government in fixing the economy, we have a rather excruciating burden of subsidising the sector. It requires urgent attention,” he said.

    He acknowledged efforts by the present administration to address liquidity issues in the power sector, including the Presidential Metering Initiative and transmission reforms, but stressed that implementation must be swift to prevent further deterioration.

    Despite sectoral challenges, Elumelu announced significant growth within the group.

    He disclosed that Transcorp PLC’s market capitalisation had risen to over N4.5tn from less than N20bn in 2011 when his group took over the company.

    “When we took over this company in 2011, the market cap of Transcorp was actually N2bn. Today, the group market cap is over N4.5tn,” he said.

    He added that since the takeover, the company has consistently paid dividends, declaring N1 per share for the 2024 financial year.

    “By the time we took over the company in 2011, they had not paid dividends one day. But since we took over the company, we have consistently paid dividends to shareholders. We have declared a Naira dividend for 2024. And 2025 will definitely be better than 2024,” he said.

    According to Elumelu, Transcorp Power now has a market value of over N2.7tn and has fully repaid its FX acquisition loan of $215m in 2024.

    “When we say that Transcorp is about transforming lives, improving lives and transforming Nigeria and Africa, it is based on the role we play in catalysing development. Power is critical for the development of every economy,” he said.

    He also announced the completion of a new 5,000-capacity event centre at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a hub for global events.

    “Rwanda, Dubai and Kenya have become event centres. So, we want to put your country on that mark. And you have succeeded,” he said.

    Elumelu further disclosed that the company was considering expanding into other critical sectors, including agriculture and renewable energy, following recommendations from shareholders.

    “They want us to explore the possibility of going to critical sectors of the economy that will help us to complement what President Bola Tinubu and his government are doing to make life better for everyone,” he said.

    “We came back from Israel not too long ago, exploring possibilities about investing in the agriculture sphere. But beyond agriculture, we’re interested in renewable energy.”

    He concluded with a message to the investing public: “To shareholders of Transcorp, they are very excited. And to the investment public, it’s time to come on board and enjoy what our shareholders are already having.”

    The President and Group CEO of Transnational Corporation Plc (also known as Transcorp Group), Dr Owen Omogiafo, stressed the firm’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

    She noted that the firm is exploring strategic diversification into agriculture, targeting high-impact opportunities.

     

     

  • Niger dumps French, adopts Hausa as national language

    Niger dumps French, adopts Hausa as national language

    Niger military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.

    The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.

    According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”

    Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.

    Most of the country’s population of about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.

    The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

    This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.

    During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was given approval to stay in power for five more years.

    Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.

    These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.

    Like Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.

    They’ve also pulled out of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.

     

     

  • FEC orders full implementation of naira-for-crude deal

    FEC orders full implementation of naira-for-crude deal

    The Federal Executive Council fec has officially directed the full implementation of the suspended Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners.

    The Ministry of Finance disclosed this on its official X handle titled “Update on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira Initiative,” on Wednesday.

    Recall that the first phase of the six-month deal involving the Federal Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and Dangote Petroleum Refinery ended March 31, 2025.

    It has not been renewed and the Dangote refinery has since stopped selling refined petroleum products in naira due to the non-renewal of the naira-for-crude deal.

    In a new update on Wednesday, the committee said the policy is not temporary but a long-term plan to cut Nigeria’s dependence on foreign exchange for petroleum.

    This came after a key meeting on Tuesday to review progress and tackle ongoing issues.

    It added that the initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, and bolster energy security.

    The statement read, “The Technical Sub-Committee on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative convened an update meeting on Tuesday to review progress and address ongoing implementation matters.

    “The stakeholders reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council.

    “Thus, the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.”

    The policy, which mandates the transaction of crude oil and refined petroleum products in Naira, is aimed at strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty, enhancing local refining capacity, and stabilising the foreign exchange market by reducing the demand for dollars in domestic petroleum transactions.

    The ministry explained that this policy is structured to foster energy security and encourage investment in domestic refining infrastructure.

    While acknowledging that the transition involves complexities, the government admitted that existing challenges are being systematically addressed.

    “As with any major policy shift, the Committee acknowledges that implementation challenges may arise from time to time.

    “However, such issues are being actively addressed through coordinated efforts among all parties. The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports national economic objectives,” it noted.

    The statement added that the meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji; the Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Dapo Segun; the Coordinator of NNPC Refineries; Management of NNPC Trading.

    Also present were representatives from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Ports Authority, Afreximbank, and the Secretary of the Committee, Hauwa Ibrahim.

     

     

     

  • NCC proposes 12-month grace to reclaim airtime on deactivated lines

    NCC proposes 12-month grace to reclaim airtime on deactivated lines

    The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC has proposed a 12-month grace period for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime on deactivated lines.

    The proposal was disclosed during a virtual stakeholder engagement forum held in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the initiative is part of efforts to balance consumer rights with operational realities in the telecommunications sector.

    Maida said the telecommunications industry has played a significant role in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation in Nigeria.

    According to him, the prevalence of mobile services and the flexibility offered by prepaid plans have benefitted millions of Nigerians.

    However, with the evolving landscape, it has become necessary to address emerging challenges that could undermine consumer rights.

    He explained that the proposed framework seeks to address the issue of unclaimed recharges when accounts become inactive.

    Maida noted that the Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024 stipulates that a prepaid line without a revenue-generating event for six months must be deactivated.

    If the inactivity continues for another six months, the line may be recycled.

    He stated that under the new framework, subscribers whose lines have been churned would have a one-year window to claim their unused airtime, provided they can verify ownership.

    Maida added that the initiative is geared towards balancing consumer protection with the practicalities of maintaining an efficient telecommunications industry.

    He said, “The debate remains whether operators should be required to refund unused airtime or whether the principle of ‘use it or lose it’ should prevail. Our goal is to establish a framework that protects consumers while ensuring the continued efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.”

    Also speaking at the event, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs Chizua Whyte, said the Draft Guidance on Unutilised and Unclaimed Subscribers’ Recharges is a critical step in fulfilling the commission’s mandate to develop regulatory instruments that foster a vibrant communications market.

    Listing the key provisions of the draft guidelines, she said, “Firstly, establishing a 12-month window during which affected subscribers can claim unutilised recharges after their lines have been churned, provided they can verify ownership. This balances consumer rights with operational practicality.

    “Secondly, requiring operators to conduct comprehensive audits of all churned numbers and submit detailed documentation of all unclaimed and unutilised recharges, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

    “Thirdly, directing that unclaimed recharges cannot be monetised but must be made available through service options to the affected subscribers, including voice offerings, data plans, and value-added services on the primary network.”

    Whyte said the issue of unutilised and unclaimed recharges on churned subscriber lines poses both a consumer protection challenge and a regulatory opportunity.

    She noted that when subscribers are disconnected after extended periods of inactivity as defined by the Quality of Service Regulations, many leave behind unused credits.

    She explained that the proposed guidance would ensure that subscribers maintain rightful access to their purchased credits while providing operators with regulatory clarity.

    She said that unclaimed airtime would not be monetised but made available to affected subscribers through services such as voice offerings, data plans, and value-added services.

    Whyte further stated that the commission expects full compliance from operators within 90 days of the issuance of the guidance, alongside comprehensive consumer education and notification requirements.

    She said the initiative aligns with international best practices, as seen in countries like the United States, the European Union, and India, where transparency and service alternatives are prioritised over cash refunds.

    She added that the commission is committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-centric telecommunications landscape.

    According to her, the engagement forum provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights that would shape the final framework.

     

     

  • Report: US imports $643m Nigerian goods in two months

    Report: US imports $643m Nigerian goods in two months

    The United States imported $643.1m worth of goods from Nigeria in the first two months of 2025, just a month before the implementation of new tariffs by the Trump administration, The PUNCH reports.

    The tariffs, which take effect on April 9, 2025, have raised concerns about their potential impact on Nigeria’s trade.

    However, oil and minerals are exempted from the new tariff regime, offering some relief to Nigeria’s major export sectors.

    Data from the United States International Trade Commission revealed that Nigeria’s imports on a customs basis for February 2025 stood at $286.3m, a sharp decline from the $423.6m recorded in the same month of 2024.

    This marked a reduction of 32.4 per cent. On a year-to-date basis, customs-based imports fell from $951.6m in 2024 to $643.1m in 2025, representing a decrease of 32.4 per cent.

    On a Cost, Insurance, and Freight basis, Nigeria’s imports for February 2025 stood at $298.4m, compared to $436.3m in February 2024, marking a decline of 31.6 per cent.

    On a year-to-date basis, CIF-based imports fell from $979.6m in 2024 to $666.3m in 2025, indicating a decrease of 32 per cent.

    The customs basis for US trade refers to the value of goods at the point of entry into the United States, excluding costs related to insurance and freight, while the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis includes the total value of the goods along with the insurance and shipping costs required to deliver the goods to the US.

    Despite the drop in imports, Nigeria’s trade balance on customs imports for February 2025 improved significantly, rising to $187.2m from $77.3m in February 2024.

    This represents an increase of 142.2 per cent. On a year-to-date basis, the trade balance moved from a deficit of $158.8m in 2024 to a surplus of $44.3m in 2025, marking a recovery of 127.9 per cent.

    The total trade between the US and Nigeria for the first two months of 2025 stood at approximately $1.33bn.

    This includes the value of both imports and exports, reflecting the extensive trade relations between the two countries.

    Nigeria’s exports on a domestic and foreign Free Alongside Ship basis amounted to $473.6m in February 2025, slightly down from $501m in February 2024, representing a decline of 5.5 per cent.

    On a year-to-date basis, F.A.S.-based exports fell from $792.8m in 2024 to $687.4m in 2025, marking a decrease of 13.3 per cent.

    The PUNCH further observed that the United States recorded a trade deficit against Nigeria only in January 2025, according to data from the United States Trade in Goods report.

    The report showed that the US posted a deficit of $143m in January but recorded a surplus of $187m in February. This positive shift resulted in a year-to-date surplus of $44m.

    The data revealed that Nigeria’s exports to the US rose significantly in February, amounting to $474m compared to $214m in January.

    This marked an increase of 121.5 per cent. On a year-to-date basis, Nigeria’s exports to the US totalled $687m, showing a strong recovery after a slow start to the year.

    US imports from Nigeria, however, recorded a decline. In February, imports were valued at $286m, down from $357m in January, representing a decrease of 19.9 per cent.

    Year-to-date, US imports from Nigeria amounted to $643m, indicating a reduction in import volume compared to the previous month.

    The shift in trade dynamics between January and February highlights a reversal of the deficit trend seen at the start of the year.

    In January, the US recorded a deficit as imports from Nigeria exceeded exports. However, in February, increased exports and lower imports led to a surplus.

    The PUNCH further observed that the United States imported crude oil worth $413.57m from Nigeria in the first two months of 2025, according to data from the United States Trade in Goods report.

    The data shows that the total volume of crude oil imported from Nigeria during this period was 5.3 million barrels.

    Crude oil accounted for approximately 64.31 per cent of the total imports from Nigeria to the US, which stood at $666.3m in the first two months of the year.

    This highlights the significant role of crude oil in Nigeria’s export portfolio to the US.

    In February 2025, the volume of crude oil imported from Nigeria to the US was 1.8 million barrels, valued at $142.2m.

    This marked a significant drop from January 2025, when the volume was higher at 3.5 million barrels, valued at $271.4m.

    The data revealed that the value of crude oil imports fell by 47.6 per cent month-on-month.

    The year-to-date customs value of crude oil imports from Nigeria stood at $413.6m as of February 2025.

    Month-on-month, the data shows that the customs value of imports in February was significantly lower than in January.

    The C.I.F. value of crude oil imports from Nigeria to the US was $146.2m in February, compared to $278.2m in January.

    The cumulative C.I.F. value for the first two months of the year stood at $424.4m. The month-on-month analysis shows a decrease of 47.4 per cent in the C.I.F. value between January and February.

    While oil and mineral exports remain exempted from the new tariffs, analysts have expressed concerns about the potential impact on other sectors.

    Agricultural and manufacturing goods, which previously benefitted from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, are likely to face increased competition and higher costs.

    In a related development, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said the recent 14 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on Nigerian exports will have a negligible effect on the Nigerian economy.

    Edun stated this at the inaugural Corporate Governance Forum organised by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated in Abuja on Monday.

    While recognising the seriousness of escalating global tariff conflicts, Edun emphasised that Nigeria remains relatively insulated from severe impacts, given the exclusion of oil and mineral exports—Nigeria’s primary exports to the US—from the tariff.

    He highlighted the comparatively moderate 14 per cent tariff as favourable when placed alongside Vietnam’s 46 per cent and China’s 34 per cent tariffs.

    “Nigeria’s exports to the US were N1.8tn, N2.6tn and N5.5tn in 2022-2024, respectively. Fortunately, oil and mineral exports accounted for 92 per cent, implying oil and mineral exports amounted to N5.08tn in value, while non-oil was just N0.44tn. Consequently, the tariff effect on exports is negligible if we sustain our oil and minerals export volume.”

    However, Edun admitted the government’s economic management team is closely monitoring the global situation.

    “We are going back to the drawing board to look at our budget all over again because we have to see what changes have been made in the assumptions that underlay the production of that budget and the reality over the first quarter and even projected into the future,” he said.

    The PUNCH earlier reported that the newly imposed 14 per cent tariff by US President Donald Trump on exports by Nigerian businesses presents a significant risk to the $10bn annual exports to the United States, potentially disrupting key sectors such as agricultural trade, experts and trade associations concerned about a potential global trade war.

    The economic experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, noted that the policy, which would raise the prices of goods and services for consumers, would weaken the standard of living, slow down manufacturing activities, hinder international trade and consequently weaken demand for Nigerian oil in the US, one of its key markets.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s trade with the United States reached a combined N31.1 tn in ten years between 2015 and 2024. An analysis of the foreign trade report showed that N16.4 tn was recorded as exports and N14.71 tn in imports, indicating a trade surplus of N1.64 tn.

    A breakdown showed that Nigeria exported goods worth N344.27 bn in 2015 and received N581.99 bn as imports. In 2016, it increased to N1.03 tn in exports and N706.09 in imports. Exports surged to N1.73 tn in 2027, N1.094 tn in 2018, and N1.01 tn in 2019 before dropping to N382.19 bn in 2020 due to the pandemic. By 2021, exports increased to N800.34 bn, N1.82 tn in 2022, N2.61 tn in 2023 and N5.52 tn in 2024.

    The Federal Government earlier acknowledged that several of Nigeria’s oil and non-oil exports are set to face adverse effects due to the newly imposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump.

    This tariff, which is expected to disrupt trade relations, could potentially weaken the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the U.S. market, according to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, in a statement on Sunday.

  • Terra Gold wins 2025 ADVAN award

    Terra Gold wins 2025 ADVAN award

    Popular Terra Gold has received the Brand Innovation of the Year award at the 12th edition of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria African Awards 2025.

    The recognition, according to a statement on Friday, underscores the brand’s commitment to redefining kitchen essentials and its journey of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of quality.

    It stated that from its inception, Terra Gold had set out to revolutionise the way people experience food by driving innovation with its unique all-in-one cube.

    “Designed for versatility, Terra Gold enhances a variety of meals, from mouthwatering stews and heartwarming soups to irresistible jollof rice. With Terra Gold, the possibilities are indeed endless,” the firm stated in the statement.

    It stated that winning the ADVAN Awards is a testament to Terra Gold’s disruptive and innovative marketing approach. “The brand set out to challenge conventions, exceed expectations, and captivate the hearts and palates of consumers.

    “This vision led to impactful campaigns that not only showcased the product’s versatility but also deeply resonated with audiences, reflecting their culinary aspirations and daily cooking experiences,” the statement added.

    Reflecting on this achievement, the Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, said, “Driven by innovation and a passion for quality, we created Terra Gold—a seasoning cube designed to simplify cooking.

    “It empowers home chefs and mothers to prepare a variety of dishes with ease, saving consumers the hassle of stocking multiple seasoning cubes. With its rich taste and consistent flavor, Terra Gold is that one innovative cube that lives true to its ‘One Cube, Endless Possibilities’ promise, ensuring a superior seasoning experience for Nigerian kitchens.”

    As Terra Gold continues its journey, the brand remains committed to elevating culinary experiences. The Brand Innovation of the Year award is not just a milestone—it’s a motivation to explore new horizons, introduce groundbreaking products, and redefine the future of kitchen essentials, according to the firm.

    It said Terra Gold’s recognition at the ADVAN African Awards is a celebration of a brand that dared to dream, innovate, and transform the culinary landscape. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, and tradition intertwines with innovation.

    “As kitchens across Nigeria and beyond continue to resonate with the rich flavours of Terra Gold, the brand’s story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that with dedication and innovation, the possibilities are truly limitless,” the firm stated.

     

     

     

  • Natasha recall: Senator petitions IG, Kogi CP as kinsmen tackle INEC

    Natasha recall: Senator petitions IG, Kogi CP as kinsmen tackle INEC

    The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, over alleged forgery of signatures.

    Saturday PUNCH gathered that the petitions were submitted to the IG and the police commissioner on Friday afternoon.

    Some members of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, led by one Charity Ijese, had submitted over 250,000 signatures at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja with a petition seeking the embattled senator’s recall.

    The petition for her recall followed a series of events after she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged gross misconduct.

    This was shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.

    On Tuesday, INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed receiving the petition from the constituents.

    However, the electoral body noted that the petition lacked essential details such as the contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners.

    The following day, INEC wrote to Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Presiding Officer of the Senate, Akpabio, confirming that the contact details of the petitioners had now been corrected.

    Shortly afterward, leaked video clips surfaced on social media showing some politicians in the state appending their signatures to the petition.

    Suspicion grew further during the week as many questioned how over 250,000 constituents could have signed the petition within 10 days when only 120,000 turned out to vote in the 2023 general election for the senatorial district.

    Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the suspended senator’s legal team, led by Victor Giwa, revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the IG and the Kogi State police commissioner over the alleged forged signatures in the recall petition.

    He added that a copy of the petition would also be submitted to INEC.

    Giwa said, “Firstly, we are aware that those signatures were forged, and it is the act of APC members in Kogi State, who are desperate to remove her. Secondly, we are prosecuting the case in court. We have written our petition regarding the forgery, and we are submitting it to the Inspector General of Police, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and INEC. Before 1pm today (Friday), they would have received it.”

    He explained that the legal team decided to take the forgery petition to the police because it involved a criminal offence.

    “INEC does not have the materials to examine a case of forgery. What they are expected to do is compare whether the signatures correspond with the ones signed by the owners. But we are alleging that it is a case of forgery, and only the police can handle cases of forgery. Let the petitioners present the signatures, and let the police subject them to forensic tests for us to confirm that they were not forged,” Giwa added.

    It is expected that after receiving the petition, INEC will embark on verifying the signatures at each polling unit in the constituency.

    However, Giwa insisted that the forgery allegation must first be addressed before the commission could proceed to the next stage of the recall process, especially given that a related case was still pending in court.

    “The case is in court, and INEC is aware. Secondly, we are now dealing with allegations of fraud. Some people submitted certain signatures, and others claim they were forged, which is a criminal matter. So, as an institution, I believe INEC would need to submit the signatures to the police to confirm whether or not there is forgery. And this should come before the verification exercise,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Ebira People’s Association has condemned the ongoing recall process against Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a politically motivated gang up designed to undermine democracy.

    Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the association’s Secretary, Baba Abdulrazaq, criticised the recall process as an “electoral fraud” and a “coup against democratic institutions.”

    He urged INEC to resist being used as a tool to subvert the people’s mandate.

    Abdulrazaq accused INEC of facilitating an illegitimate recall effort by providing undue support to individuals he described as “impostors and dissidents.”

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission has illegally provided support to impostors, dissidents, and petitioners who claim to have gathered 250,000 forged and stolen signatures,” Abdulrazaq stated.

     

     

     

  • Senator Natasha Akpoti alleges plan for her arrest upon return to Nigeria

    Senator Natasha Akpoti alleges plan for her arrest upon return to Nigeria

    Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has claimed that there are plans to arrest her as soon as she arrives in Abuja.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, who attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York despite not being an official delegate of the Nigerian government, made this revelation in an interview with Premium Times on Sunday.

    “… I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja,” she stated.

    The senator, who has been vocal about her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, further alleged that Nigerian officials attempted to remove her from the United Nations premises following her speech at the event.

    “The Senate President Akpabio sent three staff headed by the Chargé D’Affaires of the Nigerian embassy in New York to evacuate me from the United Nations premises right after my speech. I was rescued by parliamentarians from other countries and the security,” she claimed.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan explained how she managed to attend the IPU meeting despite her suspension, stating that she registered online as a senator and was granted a pass.

    “The suspension does not remove my legitimacy as a senator. I attended the same programme last year and was already on the mailing list. After I got a pass, I bought my own ticket and funded my trip and participation at the event,” she argued

    There has been no official response from the Nigerian government or the Senate President regarding these allegations.

  • Video shows Mohbad’s wife confronting him for taking her snap

    Video shows Mohbad’s wife confronting him for taking her snap

    The controversy surrounding Olawunmi, wife of late Nigerian singer, Mohbad, has intensified with the emergence of a video showing her confronting the singer.

    It’s worth noting that Mohbad’s passing on September 24, 2023, left an irreparable void in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

    Despite a series of court hearings, trials, and police investigations, the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death remain unknown.

    However, the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death intensifies as his father, Joseph Aloba, accuses Wunmi of involvement in his son’s death.

    Mohbad and Olawunmi

    Meanwhile, a video has surfaced online showing Wunmi confronting Mohbad for taking her picture without consent.

    Mohbad remains calm, as he addresses his wife, who angrily confronts him.

    Check out reactions that have followed below….

    Sucess Ihuoma remarked, “If couples post their disagreement scene, internet will be blocked. Perfect relationship involves disagreement too.

    Deborah Valentino queried, “So this is bullying?.But Sammy Larry and Naira Marley own na play abi?”.

    Soma Chi wrote, “No marriage is perfect.No relationship is perfect.Let this girl rest”.

    King Ronke added, “What do we do about this info?.I suppose dey sing praise and worship dey quarrel?.All of a sudden everybody’s relationship is perfect”.

    Watch the video here