Television Nigerian

Nigerians are furious, believe Tinubu is waging war against them – Nigerians fleeing Niger

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August 13, 2023

Nigerians are furious, believe Tinubu is waging war against them – Nigerians fleeing Niger

Some Nigerians who fled the Republic of Niger after the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum’s administration and the Economic Community of West African States’ approaching military action against the junta explain to ANIMASAHUN SALMAN how the ECOWAS intervention will effect them.

What is your occupation in the Niger Republic and where do you live?

You can call me Umar Abubakar. I am a native of Kebbi State who now lives in Agadez in the Niger Republic and own a furniture company.

Why specifically did you travel to Illela in Sokoto State?

Due to the increased tension on the ground as a result of the Economic Community of West African States’ decision, I am currently living here (in Illela) and have left my place of employment in the Niger Republic.

There was some tension following President Mohamed Bazoum’s removal from office by the military junta for a few days until things returned to normal.

Since ECOWAS promised to restore the expelled president, how are Nigerians in the Niger Republic feeling about that promise?

Many of us, especially those of us from Nigeria, have been having insomnia ever since ECOWAS said the president who was overthrown should be reinstated. There haven’t been any attacks on us, but if we’re not watchful, anything may happen. I made the decision to return to Nigeria for the purpose of praying for a peaceful resolution to the issue in the Niger Republic.

Currently, Nigeria appears to be at war with the Niger Republic to the average citizen. They are unaware of ECOWAS, and because Nigeria is one of the most populated countries, they assume that it is planning the impending onslaught on Nigerien territory.

Do you fear that war may break out in the Niger Republic?

I pray that there won’t be a battle over this subject because, if there is, only God knows what will happen next. Ordinary Niger Republic inhabitants require substantial sensitization to the fact that what ECOWAS is doing is for their benefit; otherwise, some of us (Nigerians) who coexist with them may experience difficulties going forward.

What would you like the federal government to do in your capacity as a Nigerian living in the Niger Republic?

My advice to our administration in Nigeria is to have a backup plan in place for some of our citizens who reside there. We all know how Nigeria is, which is why some of us opted to try our luck there (in the Niger Republic). However, given the current situation, staying there longer may become problematic.

Since there are many Nigerians in the Niger Republic and we come from every tribe in Nigeria, the government should make sure that they are protected. If there is going to be an attack against those coup plotters, our administration should start considering diplomatic measures to remove us before the Nigerian people turn against us. We all recall what transpired in South Africa, where our people’s businesses were the target. The government should act now because we don’t want to suffer unfairly.

Can you describe the circumstances in the Niger Republic before you left for Nigeria?
Haruna Abdulazeez is my name. Although I live in Altis, a town in the Niger Republic, I am originally from Osun State in Nigeria. Over there, I am an artisan. I temporarily left the Niger Republic for Nigeria because the situation there was quite tense, and I wanted to keep a careful eye on how things developed before determining when and whether to return.

Following the decision of the Economic Community of West African States headed by President Bola Tinubu, were there threats of an attack by the host communities against foreigners, particularly Nigerians there?

In all honesty, there was nothing comparable previously, although one can never be certain. I made the decision to return to Nigeria and stay in Illela for a while until things there return to normal since those people (Nigeriens) might decide to attack us at any time and it would be difficult for us to conceal.

What should the Federal Government of Nigeria do for its residents in the Niger Republic, if given the chance?

First of all, I would appreciate it if our government would prioritize the needs of Nigerians living in the Niger Republic. Any attempt to declare war on the military junta in the Niger Republic via ECOWAS is a direct attack on the local Nigerian population. There are certain states there that are different from those in Nigeria. Together with the wet season we are currently experiencing, their road system is really poor. The majority of us will have a very difficult time escaping before they execute us all. In the interest of some of us who work and live in Niger Republic, I implore the Nigerian government to prevent ECOWAS from starting a war against that country.

Have you spoken to your family in Osun State about your predicament and your plans for the future?

They all agreed with my decision to leave the Niger Republic and temporarily settle in Illela in Sokoto for security concerns after we spoke. It’s not like we live as refugees because the majority of us who have returned currently have one or two family in Illela. At least we are not in an Illela camp for internally displaced people, yet it cannot be compared to one’s usual way of life.

What do you do where you live, in the Niger Republic?
Greetings, I’m Nuhu Abdullahi. Despite living in the Niger Republic, I’m from the Niger State. I have a food stand there.

Why did you leave your business in the Niger Republic and come back to Nigeria?

I traveled to Illela so I could unwind and observe what was happening in the Niger Republic before determining what to do next.

Could you elaborate on your most recent experience there as well as the events leading up to your return to Illela?

I departed because of the anxiety brought on by the military coup that led to the overthrow of the democratic government. At first, the coup was met with violent protests as people were seen setting their cars on fire. In other words, I’m here to protect myself from any potential attacks since Niger Republic residents would respond if the so-called ECOWAS forces try to invade their nation.

The unpleasant side is that if there is an attack by ECOWAS or any force from anyplace, those of us who live there may pay the ultimate price.

When did you first arrive in Illela?

I’ve been here for a few days, and I’m not sure when I’ll go, but that will depend on when things become better in the Niger Republic.

Where in the Niger Republic do you reside?

I don’t live too far from Illela, but I had to go back to Nigeria to save my life in case the crisis got worse. It is regrettable that some Niger Republic residents now view us as their enemy. Up to the coup and the response of ECOWAS officials, we had been coexisting peacefully with these people.

We urge the ECOWAS leadership to take into account the common people in Nigeria and the Niger Republic who were unaware of or had no part in the coup. We only want peace, and we want the government and the ECOWAS leaders to start talking about a solution. The anticipated use of force won’t be of any assistance to us. It will only make the situation worse. Before acting, the government need to take our interests into account.

Obasanjo urges Christians to get involved in politics to counter rigged elections.

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Opinion

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August 13, 2023

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Obasanjo urges Christians to get involved in politics to counter rigged elections.

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria, claimed that elections there were rigged on Saturday and urged Christians to take an active role in politics to clean it up.

He announced this at The Gospel Faith Mission International’s 67th anniversary celebration and 57th annual conference, both of which were held at Gospel City, Ogunmakin on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

In his speech on the topic of “The Roles of the Church in Nation Building at a Time Like This,” Obasanjo emphasized the need of the church acting as the world’s salt during times of instability, despair, poverty, and depression.

“Corruption is the cornerstone of elections in Nigeria, and nothing can be good if corruption is the base of it.”

As he reflected on the 1999 elections, he cited the local government election, where PDP was completely rejected, as the two most upsetting and unfortunate incidents he experienced.

We had local government elections in 1999, which were “the two first depressing and awful experiences I experienced.”

They asked me where the money for the police and INEC was a few days before the poll, and I replied, “Money for DSS.

Obasanjo highlighted that he did not make funds accessible because he believed that all government entities ought to have received compensation for carrying out their obligations.

The General-Overseer of GOFAMINT, E. O. Abina, previously recalled meeting Obasanjo while he was the President while he was teaching Sunday School at Aso Rock Chapel. He continued by saying that when they spoke upon his arrival at the convention center, the former President informed him to his surprise that he was still teaching Sunday School.

Military Junta of Niger: Adeboye urges Nigeria to refrain from starting new wars

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August 12, 2023

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Military Junta of Niger: Adeboye urges Nigeria to refrain from starting new wars

Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged the government of Nigeria to prevent potential new hostilities from starting in the West African nation as fears over the military coup d’état that occurred in the Niger Republic mount.

Communities along Nigeria’s more than 1,500-kilometer border with Niger Republic, which spans seven states (Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe, and Borno), have already expressed concerns about their safety.

However, in response to the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) directive to reactivate military force against the Niger Republic, the famous priest declared: “Nigeria is already engaged in some serious wars; the nation does not need more wars.”

He delivered a sermon today on the subject of “Beyond Expectations” at the church’s 2023 Convention.

We are still engaged in conflicts against hunger, he declared. We are engaged in several significant wars, and we definitely do not want further wars. We want to win the battles we are in, and we don’t want new ones, whether they are inside or outside of our borders.

The Imam asserted that peace is always preferable than conflict after sharing his personal account of the Nigerian Civil conflict, which lasted from July 1967 to January 1970 between the Nigerian and Biafran sides.

“Nigeria still requires a great deal of prayer. Although I was just a young child, I was there at the battlefront during the Civil War—not as a soldier, but as a civilian who lived close to it. Based on what I witnessed, if given the choice between war and peace, I would pick peace.

Adeboye emphasized that “the country does not need more wars but to win the ones it is battling right now” because Nigeria is already engaged in multiple conflicts with kidnappers and terrorists, among other enemies.

“We already fight numerous wars in Nigeria; these conflicts are against kidnappers. Wars against terrorists are being waged. There are still areas in Nigeria where residents can never be certain that they won’t be murdered before the next morning, according to Adeboye.
He stated, “We’re still at war with some people who believe that if you’re a farmer and you plant, then what you’ve planted is food for their cows, and if your harvest is eaten by their cows and you complain, then they will kill you.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is presided over by the president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, wanted to send soldiers to the Niger Republic, sparking controversy. Adeboye’s remark came in response.
Recall that on July 26, 2023, President Mohamed Bazoum’s legally elected government in the neighboring Niger Republic was overthrown by the military.

Following this, ECOWAS gave the coup’s perpetrators until last Sunday to restore Bazoum, 63, or face the threat of using force by sending troops from the 15-member ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to compel a return to democracy.

The coup leaders remained defiant, and the deadline passed without any action despite Nigeria cutting off electrical supply to Nigeria amid a wave of economic repercussions, including border closure.

Breaking: ECOWAS Parliament Hold Emergency Session over Niger Coup

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August 12, 2023

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Breaking: ECOWAS Parliament Hold Emergency Session over Niger Coup

On Saturday, August 12, the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will convene virtually to debate the recent military coup in the Republic of Niger.

The meeting will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, at 10 a.m. local time, according to sources. Expectations are for all 115 members of parliament to show up.

The parliament will talk about potential remedies to stop some member nations, like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and most recently, the Republic of Niger, from routinely violating the laws outlined in the ECOWAS constitution.

The parliament’s statement is as follows:

An Extra-Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament will be held to in-depth review recent political developments in the Republic of Niger.The virtual session is planned to begin at 10 a.m. (local time, Abuja) on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

“Several ECOWAS Member States were encouraged to take bold actions toward achieving peace and security via the development of democracy and good governance by the early 1990s as a result of the significant changes that took place in the political and economic landscape of the world in the late 1980s.

“As a result, the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance entered into force in 2001, signaling a significant turning point in the political development of the sub-region. Multi-Party democracies rose to power as military regimes and one-party systems crumbled.

El-Rufai’s Power Play and Gang-Up Forced Him Out of Ministerial Appointment Uncovered

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August 12, 2023

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El-Rufai’s Power Play and Gang-Up Forced Him Out of Ministerial Appointment Uncovered

The former governor of Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, reportedly withdrew his nomination for a minister on Friday, citing security issues and a power struggle inside President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

El-Rufai was one of 48 individuals Tinubu reportedly proposed as ministry nominees in July, according to reports. For the position of minister of electricity and energy, he was proposed.

Thoughts about security were given as to why the Senate decided against confirming him on Monday. Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, stated that El-Rufai’s security had been a subject of some SSS concern, but he was unable to divulge any specifics.

Many were surprised by El-Rufai’s resignation. Known for his accomplishments, he is a politician. He served as the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) minister from 2003 to 2007.

El-Rufai was dissatisfied with the Senate’s decision to withhold security clearance, according to sources close to him. He allegedly believed the SSS’s worries weren’t justified.

El-Rufai reportedly disapproved with the president’s handling of the circumstance, according to the reports. They assert that Tinubu failed to support El-Rufai sufficiently and gave the impression that he cared little about the situation.

El-Rufai’s resignation was reportedly also a result of power struggles inside the administration. El-Rufai’s appointment was reportedly opposed by several influential government members, who invoked security concerns as a justification to prevent him from being appointed.

According to a source quoted by the Daily Trust, “some very influential Nigerians” don’t seem to be happy with the reforms El-Rufai was implementing in the power and energy sector.

Every change encounters resistance in some form, so what El-Rufai accomplished as minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was only feasible because to his perseverance and the backing of his principal, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The reforms were still being resisted by some, he noted, but they were ultimately successful due to political will.

According to a source close to the former governor, El-Rufai decided to revoke his nomination to the ministerial position even before the meeting with the president.

“What happened on Monday couldn’t have happened except there was some nod and wink from the place where the nomination came from,” a source claimed in reference to President Bola Tinubu’s nonverbal cues.

He didn’t ever ask for it. He was essentially bribed to come work for them, and after he eventually consented, they made him endure what occurred on Monday.

“A few extremely influential people don’t like him, and the president has recently joined the group. Why does the State Security Service (SSS) exonerate individuals involved in corruption investigations, some of which are pending on a national and even an international level, yet fails to exonerate El-Rufai? It’s political, and it’s terrible the president would allow himself to be involved in it, according to a different source.

El-Rufa’i was trapped in the maze of complex power plays and manipulations by his political rivals and those fearful of his expanding reputation, according to Abubakar Kari, an associate professor of political sociology at the University of Abuja, who was commenting on the circumstance.

“He is without a doubt one of the most intelligent and capable ministerial nominees, with a rich pedigree and a track record of achievements as a technocrat and public servant,” he said. When answering questions at the senate screening, he more than proved this, according to Prof. Kari.

“What happened was, therefore, a grand gang-up against the former Kaduna State governor by powerful forces, including some within the presidency and the security services,” he added, noting that “the most surprising of all, however, is Tinubu’s response to the whole thing.”

“The president made no effort to help El-Rufa’i—not even a finger was raised. Politically, this is quite important given El- Rufa’i’s standing and the part he played in Tinubu’s rise. Despite the terrible reputation they have had to deal with, Tinubu didn’t display this mysterious lethargy and apathy toward Akpabio or even Ganduje, the man claimed.

Black Market Naira to Dollar Exchange Rate, today, August 12, 2023

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August 12, 2023

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What is the black market, often referred to as the parallel market (Aboki fx), exchange rate for the dollar to the naira? The 11th of August’s black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate is shown below. At current exchange rates, you may convert dollars to naira.

How much is a dollar currently worth in naira on the black market?
Black market rate for the dollar to the naira today (Aboki dollar rate):
According to insiders at the Bureau De Change (BDC), on Friday, August 11, 2023, players at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) would buy a dollar for N940 and sell it for N950.

Please be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the black market or parallel market and has instructed anyone who want to trade in foreign exchange to go to their local banks.

Black market exchange rate for the dollar against the naira as of right now
Naira to Dollar (NGN to USD)Exchange Rate on the Black Market Today
N950 Buying Rate, N940 Selling Rate
Because prices fluctuate, the rates at which you purchase or sell currency may differ from those described in this article.
The billionaire co-founder of Seplat, Orjiako, being sued by Access Bank.
Access Bank Plc has filed a bankruptcy lawsuit against Seplat Energy co-founder ABC Orjiako.

As far as we know, a Federal High Court in Lagos has also authorized an ex-parte order to recover a past-due loan as a result of a ruling by the High Court of the United Kingdom.

An Interim Order, which The Whistler discovered in a regulatory filing document on Thursday, prohibited Seplat Energy, other businesses, and financial institutions from interacting with the stocks, bonds, investments, assets, and monies that belonged to the company’s retired co-founder, Orjiako.

In the order that was given on August 8, 2023, Seplat stated, “Company was served with ex parte interim court orders which were granted by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Nigeria in a bankruptcy court proceeding instituted by Access Bank Plc against Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, for the recovery of an outstanding loan amount that forms the judgment delivered by the High Court of the United Kingdom and registered in Nigeria as a judgment of the Federal High Court.

“The Interim Orders prohibit Seplat Energy and other businesses/financial institutions from dealing with the shares, investments, bonds, assets, and funds belonging to Dr. Orjiako (whether held by him directly or through a proxy), which are in Seplat’s custody, pending the hearing and decision on Access Bank’s motion for the appointment of a Special Manager,” according to the court documents.

After Reportedly Dropping Ministerial Appointment, El-Rufai Travels Out of Nigeria

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August 12, 2023

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After Reportedly Dropping Ministerial Appointment, El-Rufai Travels Out of Nigeria

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai left the nation quickly after abandoning his desire to be appointed to a cabinet position.

El-Rufai was headed to Europe, according to a reliable source, but he first planned to visit Egypt.

Out of the 48 nominees for ministers put up by President Bola Tinubu, the Senate had last week confirmed the appointment of 45 of them.

El-Rufai and the other two nominees, Stella Okotete (Delta) and Danladi Abubakar (Taraba), weren’t confirmed because the senate claimed it wasn’t yet ready to give the go-ahead for security clearance.
During el-Rufai’s screening last week, Kogi west senator Sunday Karimi reportedly presented a petition against him.

Tuesday’s meeting between the former governor and Tinubu at the presidential mansion in Abuja was kept private.

However, Premium Times cited sources in the presidency who claimed that El-Rufai informed President Tinubu that he was no longer interested in becoming a minister but would still make his fair share of contributions to Nigeria’s development as a private man.

Another source was cited by PT as saying, “He also told the president that he needed time to focus on his doctorate programme at a university in The Netherlands.”

Another source claimed that the former governor proposed Jafaru Ibrahim Sani as a new ministerial candidate for Kaduna.

El-Rufai allegedly informed the President that he would return the next day with his team to submit the preliminary work completed so far on the energy sector because he would no longer be a member of the federal executive council.

According to the online publication, Eyo Ekpo, a former commissioner at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Hafiz Bayero, a former commissioner and administrator of the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, Tolu Oyekan of the Boston Consulting Group, and attorney Ayodele Oni were among the team that accompanied the former governor to make presentations to the president on Wednesday.

El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, did not react when asked for comment.

I’m curious about your situation. Rebecca, recently rescued Chibok girl, hears from First Lady

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August 11, 2023

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I’m curious about your situation. Rebecca, recently rescued Chibok girl, hears from First Lady

First Lady tells Rebecca, the recently recovered Chibok girl, “I’m interested in your case.”
First Lady tells Rebecca, the recently recovered Chibok girl, “I’m interested in your case.”
Rebecca Kabu, one of the 277 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, was welcomed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON., on Friday at the presidential house.

The First Lady, who met Rebecca along with the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, vowed to take care of Rebecca’s medical needs and make sure she is healthy enough to return to school gladly.

While ensuring that the other captive females are not forgotten, Tinubu thanked the National Security Adviser’s office, the National Intelligence Agency, and other security organizations for their assistance in Rebecca’s rescue.

“Our precious Rebecca, I’m glad you’re here; I’ve been praying for you all night. I hope everything is going well for you. She has undergone a great deal of trauma, and no amount of words could do justice to it.

It is challenging to get by, but while you are still alive, God has plans for you. Cases of amnesia should be handled. I appreciate everyone helping with her rehabilitation as well as the NSA and NIA offices for not giving up.

Enhanced Hope

“Rebecca will be our first comeback narrative and returnee, she is our first fruit; she is a case I am particularly interested in to see if she can go back to school at her own pace,” the narrator said.

The First Lady promised Rebecca would be one of the first beneficiaries of her generosity when she stated that her non-profit organization, Renewed Hope Initiative, is actively working on how adult girls who are expelled from school might return to school for a great education.

“Earlier, I spoke with the NSA official about instances of alternate high schools where girls like Rebecca may return and learn at their own pace because education is crucial for both her and other people.

For them to be able to comprehend and handle the inheritance and legacies that will be left to them, they need education as a tool for the market.

“We sincerely hope that all of our children who are still with Boko Haram will return home, and we continue to pray for their safe return. She is in good hands since the governor is waiting for her, the first lady stated.

Rebecca replied that she could hardly understand English, but the first lady promised her that she would get better.

15 extras for treatment

Earlier, Rebecca, who was abducted in 2014 when she was 13 years old and is now 22 years old, was freed by government security forces on July 17, according to Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre, NSA.

According to him, the returnee has received a physical and mental health clearance to live with her parents in Borno state’s Zana village.

After that, he stated, the NSA office will investigate and send her case to the Federal Government for educational assistance together with the cases of the other 15 rescued and rehabbed girls.

“I’m come to introduce to you one of our young people who was abducted in 2014. We are fortunate to have one of them back among us. In 2014, the late Shekarau-led Boko Haram kidnapped Rebecca and took her away from her school in Chibok.

“She was rescued and returned from Cameroon on July 17. Over the past two weeks, a team of medical and psychological experts from the National Intelligence Agency and the office of NSA have conducted a thorough medical screening and physiological evaluation of her.

The following step is to deliver Rebecca to the governor of Borno state so that she can continue on to reunite with her family in Zana. She has been deemed to be in good health and psychologically stable.

Nigerian Army denies reports linking resignation of 25 soldiers to suspicions of corruption

Judiciary & Crime

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August 11, 2023

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The Nigerian Army has denied the reports linking the resignation of 25 soldiers to suspicions of corruption.

Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the director of army public relations, denounced the suggestion in a statement, calling it an effort to hastily undermine the combat spirit and morale of the NA’s devoted, devoted, and loyal soldiers.

Therefore, Brig-Gen Nwachukwu emphasised that the Nigerian Army often conducts voluntary retirement or release.

He declared, “The Nigerian Army is obligated to reply to claims in a publication by online news source Sahara Reporters, linking 25 soldiers’ resignations to charges of corruption against the Nigerian Army.

The suggestion that the soldiers are proceeding on voluntary discharge due to alleged corruption is an implausible effort to frantically lower the morale and fighting spirit of the loyal, dedicated, and patriotic troops of the NA, foster disaffection in the ranks, and ultimately put the fledgling Nigerian Government and nation in a panic mode.

Evidently, the medium and its owners need to receive education to comprehend that the NA is not a conscript Army and that recruitment into the NA is voluntary, with existing procedures on discharge and retirement of troops and officers, respectively, like other organisations. When they feel it appropriate and satisfy the requirements outlined in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen (Revised) 2017, this gives its personnel the option to apply for a voluntary discharge or retirement. Personnel have the unalienable right to request release either voluntarily or for medical reasons.

Accordingly, “Contrary to the malicious distortion of the incident by the media in question, it is not an abnormality for the COAS to sanction the voluntary discharge of troops, who willingly applied and satisfy the requirements for discharge from the NA.”

Given the background of the tarnishing story’s publishers, whose concerted effort has always been characterised by “pull him down” syndrome, disunity, a desire for violent disorder, revolution, and atrocious propaganda, Nwachukwu continued, “Any discerning mind realises that the publication was sinisterly and treasonably conjectured to deflate the high morale of the troops.

“It is known that the NA has consistently worked to give its employees a friendly, welcoming work atmosphere and conditions. This is clear from the NA’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities, including the deployment of equipment into the theatres of operations, the prompt payment of operational allowances, including the recently increased Ration Cash Allowance by the new Chief of Army Staff, the massive building of new housing, and the extensive renovation of outdated and dilapidated structures.

“These are on top of the enormous financial commitment to the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers, including medical evacuation overseas, the award of scholarships to children and wards of fallen heroes, and other innovative interventions in the theatres of operations to sustain the soaring morale of troops.

“Equally crucial is the planned execution of Army Headquarters’ plan for the rotation of troops away from the front lines. As a result, problems with overstaying and battle weariness are being addressed and eventually eliminated.

He emphasised that the NA, under the command of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, probity, and professionalism by providing exemplary and practical leadership, Sound Administration, that will continue to firmly guarantee the welfare and motivation of NA personnel as well as provide necessary enablers for operational effectiveness, all the while preserving public confidence.

He asked the general public to disregard the deceptive allegations made in the aforementioned publication because they are blatantly unsupported.

IELTS to cost Nigerians N107,500 due to fee increase by British Council

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August 11, 2023

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IELTS to cost Nigerians N107,500 due to fee increase by British Council

The Academic International English Language Testing System Examinations (IELTS) now cost N107,500 for Nigerians.

According to the British Council, which coordinates the assessment test for immigrants travelling to work or study in the UK and Canada, the charge would increase from September 2023 from the current range of N80,000 to N90,000.

The British Council issued a brief statement that began, “Dear valued test taker, We would like to advise you that there will be a price rise effective 01 September 2023 for IELTS examinations administered by the British Council.

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training will now cost N107,500, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will now cost N116,000, and Life Skills will cost N104,000. The increased costs are required to maintain the high standards for your testing experience. I appreciate that you choose the British Council.

The vast majority of Nigerians who view the UK as their preferred job or education destination may find the development to be significant.

Any person from a foreign nation who wants to move to the UK for employment or academic purposes must take the IELTS exam, according to the UK.

Nigerians continue to choose the UK as one of their top international destinations for improved educational and living conditions, with many choosing to travel there with their families on student visas.

21,305 Nigerian students will be studying at UK universities in the 2020–21 academic year. In comparison to 2019–20, this indicates a nearly 64% rise.

Nigeria was the only nation sending more students to the UK than China and India as of September 2021. Nigerian students enrolled at an increased rate from 12,820 in 2016–17 to 21,305 in 2020–21 to 44,195 in 2021–22.

Nigerians made up the majority of all countries who received sponsored study visa grants, which reached a record high of 65,929, a roughly 700% rise from 2019 and a 222.8% increase compared to the same period in 2021.

In May, data from the UK’s Home Office showed that 66,796 dependant visas had been granted to the families of Nigerian students who had been granted study visas between March 2022 and March 2023.