The Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, BRGIE, has claimed the declaration of Biafra Liberation on December 2, 2024, will bring about peace and stability in the West African region.
Simon Ekpa, who is known as the Prime Minister of BRGIE, disclosed this in a statement via his official X handle on Thursday.
This is coming amid vow by the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa that Ekpa must be arrested and prosecuted.
However, Ekpa noted that the declaration of Biafra meant total freedom from Nigeria.
He stressed that the liberation of Biafra would put an end to the insecurity surge in Nigeria.
According to him, “in preparation for the declaration of the Restoration of Independence state of Biafra, BRGIE has engaged a Lobbying Firm in Washington DC to represent the Biafra government effective from June 12, 2024.”
He added that the marginalization of Biafrans will be a thing of the past from December.
“As the Biafra Declaration of 2nd December 2024 comes closer, our objective is to see Biafra total freedom from Nigeria, which will help to restore peace and stability in the entire Sahel region, it will also help to end terrorism in West Africa.
“The Biafra Republic Government In Exile BRGIE under my leadership has hired one of the prominent Lobbying Firm in Washington DC to represent the Biafra government effective from 12.6.2024.
“Our arms remain wide open to other possibilities across the board. Biafrans are ready to make friends with whoever is willing to help in the Liberation, we have no enemies other elements in the Nigeria state”, he said.
About three weeks ago, Ekpa’s BRGIE announced that it has dragged the Nigerian government to the African Union over Biafra Liberation and the continued detention of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Biafra declaration will restore peace, stability to West Africa – BRGIE
Biafra declaration will restore peace, stability to West Africa – BRGIE
Bank witness exposes suspicious payments in Agunloye trial
In a development surrounding the alleged $6 billion Mambila Power Project fraud, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission witness has shed light on how former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, received multiple transfers totalling N5.2 million from an employee of Sunrise Power and Transmission Ltd, Jide Sotirin.
An EFCC statement on Thursday via X noted that the revelation came during Agunloye’s trial before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, where he faces seven-count charges bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of the Mambila Power Project contract.
A compliance officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, Adebayo Ilori, took the stand as a prosecuting witness and narrated the intricate details of the financial transactions involving Agunloye and Sotirin.
According to Ilori’s testimony quoted by the EFCC, “Sometimes in October 2022, the bank received a letter from EFCC requesting for some information on the account opening package, statement of account, and certificate of identification on two customers, Olu Agunloye and Jide Sotirin.”
Ilori further explained the process undertaken by the bank to comply with the EFCC’s request, stating, “Upon receiving the letter, Wale Agunbiade, head of the Unit, went ahead to generate the statement of account from the computer system of the bank.”
The witness confirmed the authenticity of the documents provided to the EFCC, stating, “Upon receiving the account opening package and statement of account, we compared the information generated because the statement of account was generated from the bank’s application by imputing the customer’s details on the computer system, and all the parameters requested, which was then printed out.”
Ilori’s testimony took a critical turn when he revealed the details of the financial transfers Sotirin made to Agunloye.
“The witness established that Sotirin on August 10, 2019, transferred the sum of N3,600,000.00 from his account to Agunloye. On October 22, 2019, he transferred N500,000.00 to Agunloye and equally did so on November 13, 2019, to the tune of N1,121,000.00,” the EFCC statement noted.
The witness further corroborated his claims by referring to the bank statements, stating, “On exhibit EFCC (1b), the name of the account holder is Agunloye Olu, and it is a Naira account. On 10 August 2019, there was a transfer credit of N3,600,000.00 from Sotirin Jide Abiodun in favour of Agunloye Olu. Also, on 22 October 2019, there was a credit transfer of N500,000.00 from Sotirin Jide Abiodun to Olu Agunloye, and on 13 Nov 2019, there was a credit transfer of N1,121,000 from Jide Sotirin Abiodun to Agunloye Olu.”
The EFCC furthered that the court proceedings were adjourned until June 11, 2024, for cross-examination.
The EFCC had on January 10 arraigned Agunloye, who served as power and steel minister between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on seven counts bordering on “fraudulent award of contract and official corruption.”
In one of the charges, the EFCC alleged that on May 22, 2003, Agunloye awarded a contract, titled “Construction of 3,960mw Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on a Build, Operate and Transfer Basis” to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited “without any budgetary provision, approval and cash backing.”
In another count, Agunloye was alleged to have on August 10, 2019 “corruptly received the sum of N3.6m from Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and Leno Adesanya for having conveyed the ‘approval of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station’ in favour of SPTCL.”
Minimum wage: I’ll approve what Nigeria can afford – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said that he would approve a new minimum wage that the government can afford.
The President said this on Wednesday at a dinner to mark Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken Democracy in Abuja.
Tinubu thanked those who stood by him over the years, promising Nigerians that he won’t depart from the tenets of democratic governance.
“I have to celebrate with you my dear brother, Senate President, Deputy Senate President,” he said, adding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jibrin Barau would soon get an Executive Bill from him on the new minimum wage.
“The minimum wage is going to be what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford and what I can afford. Cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all,” he said.
The President also pledged to bring down the prices of food items by tackling the menace of banditry that has forced many farmers away from their farms.
He also rallied Nigerians to support his administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy and informed citizens that a bill for a new minimum wage would be sent to the National Assembly soon, among other things.
Recall that the government and the labour last Friday, failed to reach an agreement on the new minimum wage.
While labour again dropped its demand from N494,000 to N250,000, the government added N2,000 to its initial N60,000 and offered workers N62,000.
Both sides submitted their reports to the President who is expected to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly for a new minimum wage.
Minimum wage: I’ll approve what Nigeria can afford – Tinubu
Govs should earn minimum wage to feel workers’ pain — Soludo
The Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, on Wednesday, said governors and other elected officials should earn minimum wage to reflect the current reality of Nigeria.
He said contrary to the flamboyant lifestyles portrayed by governors and elected officials, the country was facing a dire financial crisis.
The governor spoke at a special edition of The Platform, an event organized by The Covenant Nation to promote national development.
According to him, Nigeria’s economic woes are exacerbated by the extravagant lifestyles of government officials, which are sustained at the expense of the nation’s wealth.
“Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,” Soludo said.
He went further to say, “The poor are hungry and impatient, let’s not annoy them more with our insensitivity. In this case, I agree with reverend father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well.
“In Anambra, I have not received a kobo as salary since I assumed office. I have donated my salary to the state.
“It is symbolic. It is not much. I think generally, the system is in denial. There must be some signalling, it is just the symbolism of this.”
Soludo urged his colleagues and other elected officials to cut wasteful spending.
“That is why I proposed reinventing the new code of conduct for public officers. For the federal government, the actual projected revenue comes to about N6,160 per Nigerian, per month.
“For the states, except Lagos and a few states, most states have revenues amounting to less than N3,000 per resident, per month.
“It is from this shares per citizen that we are expected to provide all the infrastructure, debt service, pay salaries and pensions, build schools, and provide everything.
“For each of our wasteful spending, let’s be conscious of how many citizens share that we are squandering. Once we lose this consciousness about the public trust we bear, the society dies irredeemably,” he said.
Osun Govt to host industrial summit in September
Plans have been concluded by the Osun State Government to host a three day industrial investment summit in September 2024.
The state government disclosed this in a statement issued by the Summit Consultant, Rotimi Awelewa, in Osogbo on Thursday.
The Industrial Investment Summit according to the statement is expected to hold at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, CBCIU, Abere.
The decision by the state government is coming after the state governor, Ademola Adeleke who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, on May 10, 2024, inaugurated the Central Working Committee for the Osun Industrial Investment Summit, 2024.
The statement said, “Industrial Investment Summit 2024 from September 11 to September 13, 2024 with the theme ‘Connecting Progress with Purpose’ which will focus on the bid to position Osun State as a major industrial and Commercial hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
“The Osun State Investment Summit 2024 is packaged to showcase bankable opportunities and strategic matchmaking platforms, convening stakeholders to Osun Industrial ecosystem to facilitate partnerships and investments in the State.
“The principal objective and focus of the Summit is to set an economic policy agenda for accelerated industrial investments in Osun State, Nigeria, underpinned by sustainable and inclusive development.
“Through focused discussions and deliberations, the Summit seeks to identify and address the key challenges and opportunities for transforming Osun State economy, with a particular emphasis on the role of Agriculture, Industrial Advancement, Manufacturing, Tourism and Capital Investment.”
The summit is also expected to focus on driving double-digit industrial investment and economic growth across every nook and cranny of Osun State.
Osun Govt to host industrial summit in September
EU imposes €200m fine, daily penalties on Hungary for systemic breach of asylum laws
The European Union’s highest court has slapped Hungary with a substantial fine of €200 million (approximately $216 million) and a daily penalty of €1 million for flagrantly violating the bloc’s asylum laws.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Hungary has persistently failed to comply with EU regulations, despite a previous ruling in 2020 that mandated the country to adhere to international procedures for asylum seekers.
The ECJ stated that Hungary’s actions constitute a deliberate evasion of its obligations, leading to the systematic breach of EU asylum laws. The court’s decision comes after a lengthy legal battle, highlighting the EU’s commitment to upholding the principles of asylum and the rule of law within its member states.
Read also: 120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says
Hungary’s breach of EU asylum laws has resulted in the illegal deportation of migrants, raising concerns about the country’s disregard for human rights and international norms. The ECJ’s ruling serves as a strong rebuke to Hungary’s actions, emphasizing the importance of compliance with EU regulations and the protection of asylum seekers’ rights.
The fine and daily penalties imposed on Hungary are a significant step towards ensuring that member states respect the EU’s asylum laws and uphold the principles of human rights and dignity. The ruling also serves as a warning to other member states that failure to comply with EU regulations will result in consequences.
The post EU imposes €200m fine, daily penalties on Hungary for systemic breach of asylum laws appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
End insecurity, economic hardship – CAN tells Nigerian Govt
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the common good of Nigerians by ending insecurity and economic hardship.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.
Okoh emphasised the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in governance, adding that political leaders should be held accountable for their actions.
He asked President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy serves the people, not just the interest of a few citizens.
He also stressed the need for unity and inclusivity, urging Nigerians to work together to build a stronger country where everyone has a voice and equal opportunities.
He said, “As we celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria and the 31st anniversary of the widely acclaimed ‘freest and fairest’ presidential election of June 12, 1993, the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, congratulates the government and people of our great nation.
“Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is our nation’s best form of government.
“However, we must acknowledge that our democracy still faces significant challenges. Insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice continue to afflict our citizens. We emphasise the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
“Our leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust, and they will be held accountable for their actions. We also stress the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of our diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
“Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunities. Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn.”
End insecurity, economic hardship – CAN tells Nigerian Govt
Tinubu taking right decisions, support him – Al-Mustapha to Nigerians
The younger brother of Major Hamza Al Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, Hadi Al Mustapha, on Thursday urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu because he’s making the right decisions.
Al-Mustapha said Tinubu’s reforms would reposition the socio-economic outlook of Nigeria and restore global confidence in the country’s economy.
In a statement he issued to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Al-Mustapha urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s moves to restore local government autonomy and address the current multi-faceted challenges
He said: “The President is taking the right decisions and everyone must support the administration. We have finished elections and the time for politics is over, it is time to rebuild Nigeria and everyone must play their part.
“The administration is fighting for local government autonomy and it is commendable. It’s a tough and courageous decision. If it succeeds, it will be a new dawn for democracy in Nigeria and for the rural dwellers in the country who will feel the positive impact of democracy.
“That is not all, the president is also tackling the economic challenges boldly and steadily, and i am sure that very soon we will start seeing results. People should be patient with this administration so that Nigeria can get out of the woods. Everybody, no matter your political party, should support the government because this is not time for the usual politics politicians like to play. This is the time to rebuild Nigeria.”
Tinubu taking right decisions, support him – Al-Mustapha to Nigerians
Malaysian footballer attacked with acid vows to play again
A Malaysian international badly hurt in an acid attack in May broke down in tears on Thursday as he pledged to return to football in “one to two months”.
Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim suffered fourth-degree burns on his neck, shoulder, hands and chest in the attack at a shopping centre outside Kuala Lumpur on May 5.
Nicknamed “Mickey”, the popular 26-year-old spent three weeks in hospital and had multiple surgeries for the burns to his skin.
Speaking to journalists for the first time since the ordeal, a tearful Faisal said: “My hope is to return to the pitch in the next one to two months, even though the doctor says it could take up to six months.”
He added: “I am willing to return to training when doctors give me the green light.”
Scars were visible on the left side of his head and face. He also appeared underweight and his physical movements seemed slower.
A dozen burly bodyguards wearing black escorted the player into the press conference.
Faisal did not explain why, but said that “right now I am kept in a secret hideout” with his family, expressing hope “I can soon be free and no need to hide”.
Two people were arrested after the attack but both were released without any charge. It is unclear what was behind the assault.
Faisal’s case was the most serious and high-profile of a string of crimes against four top-flight Malaysian footballers in May.
The incidents are not believed to be linked.
Faisal is an established Malaysian international whose equaliser against South Korea at the start of the year was voted best goal at the Asian Cup.
“I miss football,” added Faisal.
Malaysia’s domestic football season was scheduled to begin on May 10 with a curtain-raiser between Faisal’s Selangor and Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Selangor pulled out citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats”, but the league got under way the following day under heavy security.
AFP
120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says
“The world is facing a terrible indictment with a staggering 120 million people living in forced displacement due to war, violence, and persecution,” the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) announced on Thursday.
UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi emphasized that conflict remains a significant driver of mass displacement, with crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar forcing more people to flee their homes. The global displaced population is now equivalent to that of Japan.
Grandi expressed his shock at the high displacement figure, which has more than doubled since he took office eight years ago. He attributed the increase to a combination of new and mutating crises, climate change, and a failure to resolve long-standing conflicts.
“The way conflicts are conducted, in complete disregard of international law, and often with the specific purpose of terrorizing people, is a powerful contributor to more displacement,” Grandi said.
Read also: ‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment
The UNHCR report revealed that 68.3 million people were internally displaced within their own country, while 43.4 million refugees and others needed international protection. Grandi noted that 75% of refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, contrary to the perception that they all go to wealthy countries.
Sudan’s civil war has significantly contributed to the rising numbers, displacing over nine million people, with nearly 11 million Sudanese uprooted by the end of 2023. Grandi highlighted the devastating situation in Chad, which has received 600,000 Sudanese refugees in the past 14 months.
Other countries with significant displacement crises include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Gaza, and Ukraine. Syria remains the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million people forcibly displaced inside and outside the country.
Grandi acknowledged that the trend is unlikely to change without a shift in international geopolitics, and the figure may continue to rise. The UNHCR report emphasizes the need for international action to address the root causes of displacement and support those affected by conflicts and persecution.
The post 120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.