The acting rector of Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo, Dr Emmanuel Barki, who was kidnapped last week, has been freed by his abductors.
Barki was kidnapped along with two other staff members of the institution and a driver on Wednesday by unidentified gunmen while returning to Ugbokolo from an official assignment.
The acting rector was freed from captivity in the late hours of Monday.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi after he regained freedom, Dr Barki said he regained freedom due to God’s intervention.
He expressed appreciation, particularly to his family, friends and the church, for staying awake with him in prayers for God to intervene.
Kidnapped acting rector of Benue Poly regains freedom
Kidnapped acting rector of Benue Poly regains freedom
Binance executive’s health worsens, appears in court in wheelchair
The executive director of the cryptocurrency platform, Binance, Tigran Gambaryan, arrived at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a wheelchair for his trial for alleged money laundering on Tuesday.
Gambaryan, who was first detained on February 26, has spent 141 days in a correctional centre in Abuja.
.When the prison officials wheeled in Gambaryan, he stood up from the wheelchair and walked slowly into the dock.
The defence counsel, Mark Mordi, drew the court’s attention to his client’s deteriorating condition.
He urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the prison medical officer and immediately ensure that his client was treated in a hospital.
Mordi said: “My client came in here in a wheelchair. He has been complaining of back pain.
“We need to be careful of the life in our hands.”
Similarly, Gambaryan’s wife in a statement from the United States and made available to TVN, expressed concern about his deteriorating health.
She said: “I am heartbroken to see my once fit and healthy husband reduced to such a condition. This ordeal has taken a severe toll on him, leaving him in so much pain that he can hardly walk. I do not understand why this is being allowed to continue. Tigran is innocent.
“All he did was dutifully travel to Nigeria for a meeting. Now our lives have been turned upside down and his health is at serious risk.
“I am pleading with the Nigerian authorities to urgently release my husband on humanitarian grounds. This situation is destroying him. I need him safely home with us right now.”
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Govs Bala Mohammed, Fubara, Makinde, 6 others in Enugu for PDP Governors’ Forum meeting
The 13 governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are converging on Enugu for a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum holding in Enugu on Wednesday.
Among the governors received by the host and governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as they came to register their presence at the Government House, Enugu was the Chairman of the Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.
Others were Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Ahmed Fintiri of Adamawa.
Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, were being expected as at press time.
Although the agenda of the meeting was not made known, the forthcoming party congresses, Edo and Ondo governorship elections, the internal challenges facing the PDP and the state of the nation are expected to dominate deliberations.
Founded on February 24, 2013 during the administration of former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP Governors’ Forum serves as a platform for the governors to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences on how to move the party forward and to better coordinate programmes and policies in their various states.
Meanwhile, the governors were already being treated to a cultural night organised in their honour, Tuesday night, by the host governor, Dr. Mbah.
Govs Bala Mohammed, Fubara, Makinde, 6 others in Enugu for PDP Governors’ Forum meeting
Court orders arrest of prison doctor over Binance executive’s health
A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Dr Abraham Ehizojie, the Medical Doctor at the Kuje Correctional Health Centre, over refusal to produce the medical report of the detained executive of Binance Holdings Ltd, Tigran Gambaryan.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, issued the order following an application by Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, (SAN) who complained to the judge that his order instructing that Gambaryan’s medical reports be made available to his team had not been complied with.
Following Mordi’s lamentation, Justice Nwite asked a prison official who brought Gambaryan to court about the development.
He replied that he got the court order and delivered the order to the doctor on Tuesday, July 9.
He said, “He is not here and I expected him to be here”.
Also, the prosecution counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, told the judge that he also expected the medical officer to be in court today.
Mordi afterwards, prayed the court to issue a bench warrant against the medical officer of the correctional centre for him to be produced in court the next adjourned date.
Mordi also prayed the court to issue an order for Gambaryan to be given hospital remand immediately so that thorough medical examination can be carried out on him to know his true state of health as his health has gotten worse.
He said, “My client came in here in a wheelchair. He has been complaining of back pain.
“We need to be careful of the life in our hands,” Mordi said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, counsel did not object to the fact that Gambaryan needs adequate treatment.
He however objected to the request, that he should be placed in hospital remand.
After listening to arguments from both parties and taking their submissions, the trial judge said it is unfortunate that a government institution would be treating a court order with levity.
He said, “I hereby make an order of bench arrant on the medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Service, to appear before this court”.
He also ordered that Gambaryan be taken to the Nizamiye Hospital for medicare for 24 hours, at any time of his choice but under full security surveillance.
He adjourned the matter until October 11 and 18 for continuation of trial.
At the previous hearing, Wednesday, July 5, Justice Nwite had ordered the management of the Nigerian Correctional Service to release the medical certificate of Gambaryan on or before July 16 (today).
The judge gave the order following an application by Mordi who had asked the court to summon Ehizojie to explain why he had allegedly refused to make available Gambaryan’s medical report despite the court ordering him to do so.
Meanwhile, in the morning when Gambaryan arrived at the Court premises for his scheduled hearing, he was brought in, in a wheelchair.
Recall that Gambaryan had, on May 23, collapsed in the open court over alleged ill-health.
The defence law firm, Aluko & Oyebode, had also, on May 27, raised alarms that the cryptocurrency firm’s executive might die in Kuje Correctional Centre over his alleged deteriorating health.
Earlier, Dr Olubukola Akinwunmi, Head of, Payment Policy and Regulation Division at the Central Bank of Nigeria was cross-examined by Binance’s counsel, Babatunde Fagbohunlu, (SAN).
Gambaryan, alongside his company, is facing a money laundering charge brought against them by the EFCC.
IMF revises downward Nigeria’s growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised downward Nigeria’s economic growth projection by 0.2 percentage point amid weaker than expected activity in the first quarter of the year.
The Nigeria’s growth forecast was revised downward by 0.2 from the earlier projection in April.
This in turn has led to a downward revision of economic growth for sub-Saharan Africa.
The IMF announced this development in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) update released on Tuesday.
The report read: “The forecast for growth in sub-Saharan Africa is revised downward, mainly as a result of a 0.2 percentage point downward revision to the growth outlook in Nigeria amid weaker than expected activity in the first quarter of this year.”
The Bretton Wood institution raised alarm that some near-term risks have gained prominence from the previous outlook.
It added: “Overall, risks to the outlook remain balanced, as in the April 2024 WEO, but some near-term risks have gained prominence. These include upside risks to inflation that stem from a lack of progress on services disinflation and price pressures emanating from renewed trade or geopolitical tensions.
“Risks of persistent inflation in the services sector are tied to both wage and price setting, given that labor accounts for a high share of the costs in that sector. Higher nominal wage growth, which in some cases reflects the catch-up of real wages, if accompanied by weak productivity, could make it difficult for firms to moderate price increases, especially when profit margins are already squeezed.
“This could lead to further stickiness in wage and price inflation. The escalation of trade tensions could further raise near-term risks to inflation by increasing the cost of imported goods along the supply chain.
“Bumpiness along the remaining disinflation path could destabilize the return to price stability if short-term expectations spike upward as a result of disappointing inflation data.”
IMF equally held its global growth expectations for 2024.
The Fund expects the world economy to grow 3.2 percent this year, unchanged from its April forecast.
“Global activity and world trade firmed up at the turn of the year, with trade spurred by strong exports from Asia, particularly in the technology sector,” it stated.
For 2025, it expects global growth of 3.3 percent.
The Washington-based lender also warned that the prospect of interest rates staying elevated longer in the face of escalating trade tensions and increased policy uncertainty.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Nnamdi Kanu sick, denied medical attention, says lawyer
Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel for the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has claimed that the IPOB leader is ill and is being denied medical attention.
Ejimakor disclosed this in a tweet on X.com on Tuesday.
According to him, Kanu was found unwell during a visit on Monday, exhibiting shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and general discomfort.
He added that a request for a doctor’s visit was submitted but reportedly denied by the Department of State Services, where Kanu is currently detained.
Ejimakor wrote, “Yesterday, during our visitation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we found him ill, with shortness of breath, low BP, and general malaise.
“For this reason, he requested to see his doctor, and we submitted a letter in this regard. Today, the doctor arrived at the DSS but was denied access to #MNK.”
According reported in March that IPOB called on the Federal Government to release its leader, saying that his health is deteriorating in detention.
His family had also claimed that he needed a cardiologist and urged President Bola Tinubu not to allow him to die in DSS custody.
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FG, World Bank to review land compensation rates
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and Ogun State Estate Surveyors and Valuers, is working to establish equitable compensation rates for land acquisition, particularly focusing on crops and economic trees.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Bodinga Aminu, highlighted this initiative during a visit to the Bureau of Lands and Survey in Abeokuta.
He emphasised RAAMP’s role in constructing rural access roads financed by the World Bank, alongside state-funded projects.
Aminu stressed the necessity of updating the compensation guidelines, last revised 16 years ago, to reflect current realities.
The goal, according to him is to prevent disputes and ensure affected individuals receive adequate compensation, thereby supporting state development efforts.
“The mandate extends beyond road construction to ensuring just compensation for affected parties, safeguarding livelihoods and minimizing litigation,” Aminu added.
The Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey, Ms. Temitope Adewunmi said, “Our purpose here is to introduce a framework for assessing the value of crops and economic trees, which are not regularly traded commodities like houses. This framework aims to guide fair compensation practices during land acquisition.”
The World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist, Michael Ilesanmi, underscored the critical role of valuers in land administration, emphasising the need for robust land rights protection to attract investors to Ogun State’s burgeoning sectors.
“Land holds cultural, historical, and economic significance. Proper compensation practices are crucial as Ogun State positions itself as an attractive destination for education, manufacturing, and agriculture investments,” Ilesanmi remarked.
The Director-General of Lands, Segun Fowora, welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to enhance transparency and cooperation between landowners and investors.
“The Bureau has faced challenges with landowners feeling undercompensated during acquisition processes. This initiative will bridge gaps and clarify benefits, including Corporate Social Responsibility impacts,” Fowora affirmed.
He expressed optimism about the review process, expecting it to streamline land access, administration, and compensation practices in Ogun State.
Oluremi Tinubu visits Saraki in Lagos
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has paid a condolence visit to the family of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, ahead of the funeral of their matriarch, Mrs Florence Morenike Saraki, in Lagos.
While condoling with the children, Mrs Tinubu said her visit, which has the permission of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a way of letting the family know that they love them.
According to Tinubu: “We are one family. You know that politics aside, President will always look out for you.
“Mama lived a good life. I know it hurts so much but we thank God for the good life she lived.”
The First Lady pointed out that the son of the deceased and President of the 8th Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, was always in her support at that time in the upper chamber.
She prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed.
In his response, Saraki noted that he was not surprised by the visit of the First Lady, whom he described as a passionate and loving woman.
He said: “You always see the bigger picture all the times. I know you are a passionate woman who is full of compassion. I know you are here with the knowledge of the President. I thank you very much.”
Oluremi Tinubu visits Saraki in Lagos
Ogun students protest killing of colleague by hit-and-run driver
Students in Ogun State, under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students and National Association of Ogun State Students, on Tuesday, protested the death of a student of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapade, Aiyepe Annexe, Idowu Pelumi David.
The deceased was reportedly killed by a hit-and-run driver in front of the camp of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, along the Ikenne-Sagumu road last week.
The students staged the protest at the Ogun state police headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, demanding an investigation into Idowu’s death.
They were armed with placards with various inscriptions such as, “Every live matter”, “We cannot be silenced on justice” and “Ogun Students Demands Arrest and Prosecution of NYSC State Coordinator, Diana Nasamu For Obstruction Of Justice”.
The state Chairman of NANS, Francis Adeyanju said, “We are here to register our displeasure over the demise of one of our students. We want to believe that justice will prevail.
“We have done our investigation and we have seen the truth, but it seems these people are trying to hide something from us. The state coordinator of NYSC is trying to hide something from us, she is hiding the driver of the suspected car that killed the student.
“Eyewitness claimed that the driver of the suspected vehicle that killed the student drove into the NYSC camp immediately but the state coordinator has continued to deny this obvious truth.”
Also speaking, the National President of NAOSS, Kehinde Thomas, accused the state coordinator of NYSC, Olayinka Diana Nasamu of cover-up.
“This peaceful protest is to express our sadness and grievance over the senseless crushing to death of Idowu Pelumi David, an ND1 Public Administration student of the Gateway Polytechnic, Ayepe Annex, by a staff of the National Youth Service Corps in the state.
“We will not sit idly and allow the incident to be swept under the carpet. The lives of the Ogun State students matter. Death is naturally the end of us all, we all agree. But, this careless killing of Idowu Pelumi David, must not go without the perpetrator being brought to book.
“Students in the state strongly believe in the integrity and capability of the police in the state, to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure justice is not only done but seen to be served”, Thomas said.
Addressing the protesters, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Manger Fergus, said the police had already commenced investigation into the death of the student.
He assured the students of justice and urged them to remain peaceful in expressing their grievances.
CBN holds MPC meeting Monday as inflation soars
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced its Monetary Policy Meeting to discuss measures to combat the country’s escalating inflation and economic hardship.
The meeting, scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, will be the 296th MPC meeting and the fourth under the leadership of CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who was appointed in September 2023.
The CBN has been under pressure to address the rising inflation, which has seen the country’s interest rate soar to 26.25 per cent in May, up from 18.75 per cent in May 2023.
Despite calls from stakeholders in the financial sector to pause interest rate hikes, the CBN has maintained its tightening measures.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has previously advised the CBN against further interest rate increases, citing the need for businesses to recover from previous rate hikes. However, the CBN has insisted on its stance, citing the need to control inflation.
CPPE director-general Muda Yusuf advised the MPC to pause its tightening measures because of the increase in the recent inflation rates.
He said, “The persistent inflationary pressures in the Nigerian economy remained a major cause for concern because of the implications on purchasing power and operating costs for businesses.”
The latest inflation figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics show that headline and food inflation rose for the 19th consecutive time to 34.19 per cent and 40.87 per cent respectively, in June 2024.
This has led to increased pressure on the CBN to take decisive action to address the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
The upcoming MPC meeting is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders and analysts, who will be looking for signs of a shift in the CBN’s monetary policy stance.
With the country’s economy facing significant challenges, the CBN’s decisions will have far-reaching implications for businesses, consumers, and the overall economic outlook.