NEWS
Current Cash Flow Below Expected Level – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress is maintaining its ultimatum for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide enough cash within two weeks or face the picketing of its offices, according to a warning issued by the group.
The Vice-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adewale Adeyanju, confirmed that the NLC is monitoring the CBN’s cash supply to commercial banks, and noted that the current flow of cash is not at the expected level.
However, Adeyanju acknowledged that the situation has improved compared to previous weeks.
Recall that the NLC had previously announced plans to picket CBN state offices nationwide over the shortage of naira notes, which has exacerbated the country’s difficulties.
After engaging in numerous meetings with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provided assurances that the cash crisis would be resolved.
As a result, organised labour suspended the planned strike and stay-at-home action scheduled to commence on March 29.
The Presidents of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the TUC, Festus Osifo, announced to journalists that the two unions would monitor the availability of cash in commercial banks for two weeks before determining the next line of action.
However, The punch disclosed that in a recent interview with Adewale Adeyanju, he stated that the NLC would meet to evaluate the ultimatum issued to the CBN and decide on the way forward.
He said, “We have given them two weeks. You know we said the two weeks is for the CBN to go and ensure that they dispense naira to all Nigerians, and it is yet to elapse. So when we meet, we are going to review it, the NLC always review its actions.
“If we are satisfied with the CBN cash flow, we will know what action to take. Although I think it is better than before, nobody is complaining now and that is why additional two weeks were given to CBN to review all their past activities so that money can be dispensed to Nigerians.
“So the threat for the strike is suspended for now until when the two weeks given to CBN elapses. If they cannot meet up and Nigerians are still agitating that the naira is not properly dispensed, congress will review its activities and get back to Nigerians.
“The NLC has its own way of conducting its activities. We gave them two weeks and suspended the planned strike to make sure the naira is being circulated to all Nigerians.
“When the deadline elapses and we find out that they did not meet up to the required standard, we are going to review our ultimatum. The two weeks ultimatum is still in place,” he stated.
NEWS
Ex-UN Envoy Warns Of New Cold War Threatening Africa’s Unity
Renowned diplomat and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari, has raised alarms over the looming threat of a new Cold War that could fracture Africa along geopolitical lines.
Speaking at the Realnews Magazine Annual Lecture in Lagos, Gambari urged African leaders to urgently reposition the continent amidst intensifying global power struggles.
The lecture, themed “Africa in World Shifting Geopolitics: Matters Arising on Demography, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Resources,” explored Africa’s strategic role in a rapidly evolving international system.
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Gambari cautioned that without proactive measures, Africa risks being sidelined or exploited in the unfolding global order.
Africa: Battleground in a New Power Struggle
Describing the increasing militarisation by major global powers, Gambari painted a picture of fierce competition for control over Africa’s resources and strategic locations.
He noted that the proliferation of foreign military bases across the continent is evidence of this struggle.
“A relentless militarisation is taking place across the world—from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic to the Antarctic,” Gambari said. “Rich in natural resources and strategically located, Africa has become a key battleground in this global power struggle.”
He cited Djibouti as a stark example of Africa’s strategic importance.
The country, located near the Red Sea, hosts both the United States’ only permanent base on the continent, Camp Lemonnier, and China’s first overseas military installation.
Gambari warned that the presence of such bases represents more than security interests, suggesting echoes of colonial ambitions aimed at controlling Africa’s wealth and arable land.
“The seaboard of Africa is already dotted with military bases operated by various powers,” Gambari observed. “The continent is once again at the center of a scramble as the new Cold War intensifies.”
The Return of Zero-Sum Geopolitics
Gambari also highlighted the resurgence of zero-sum geopolitics, where nations compete for influence at the expense of others.
He noted that China and Russia are emerging as dominant players in Africa, with China leveraging infrastructure projects and debt relief, while Russia offers weapons and military support.
“These actions signal a destabilising competition for influence,” Gambari said, adding that traditional powers like France, Germany, India, and the UK are also expanding their presence on the continent.
“The age of zero-sum geopolitics is back, with all its destabilising consequences for African countries,” he said.
Unlocking Africa’s Potential Amid Challenges
Despite the geopolitical rivalry, Gambari emphasized that Africa’s youthful and growing population provides a significant opportunity for the continent to assert its influence globally.
He urged African leaders to invest in education, innovation, and youth-driven initiatives to harness this demographic dividend.
“With well over a billion people and an overwhelmingly youthful population, the African continent is destined for a significant role in the demographics of the world,” Gambari said.
“But we must build national and regional strategies to leverage the energy, innovative acumen, and futuristic vision of our young people.”
Gambari warned that without these strategies, Africa’s demographic advantage could remain underutilised.
He also called for the continent to be proactive in shaping the rules of the emerging global order, rather than being passive participants.
“We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the rules of a new world order are being written,” Gambari said.
“We must insist on being joint rule-makers, ensuring the new global order reflects our values and aspirations for a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable world.”
A Call to Action
Gambari concluded with a rallying cry for African leaders to harness the continent’s abundant resources and human capital.
He said Africa must use its demographic and strategic advantages to achieve the structural transformation that has long eluded it.
He said, “We must be ready to harness our abundant human and natural resources to leapfrog our development. Although the outcomes of ongoing geopolitical shifts are uncertain, they need not come at the expense of our people and our continent.”
Gambari stressed the need for bold leadership, warning that Africa cannot afford complacency. “Our youth bulge must become an advantage that places us at the forefront of the digital economy and its innovations,” he said.
NEWS
Relatives Of Renowned Journalist Abducted In Kogi, N50m Ransom Demanded
Three relatives of Malam Ahmed Ajobe, a former Editor of Daily Trust, were abducted by gunmen on Thursday evening along the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road in Kogi State.
The victims, identified as a male and two females, include Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.
The family members were returning from a market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area, where they had gone to purchase items for the seventh-day prayers of Ajobe’s late mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir.
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The matriarch passed away on Sunday after a protracted illness.
The abduction occurred around 3 p.m. on the deplorable Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road, a known hotspot for criminal activities.
According to a family source, the kidnappers contacted the family on Friday and demanded a ransom of N50 million for the release of the victims.
A close family friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding for N50 million as ransom.
However, I can’t confirm what the family is offering in the negotiations because I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja. What I can say is that no amount has been paid yet, and the victims are still in captivity.”
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to rescue the victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has deployed officers to track the assailants.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has ordered the drafting of a tactical team to reinforce the local police. We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe release of the victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Aya said.
The Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road has long been a source of concern for residents, who have repeatedly called for improved security and road infrastructure.
Negotiations between the family and the kidnappers are ongoing, but as of press time, the victims remain in captivity.
NEWS
I Previously Called For Simon Ekpa To Be Shot – APC Chieftain
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has expressed strong support for the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Onokpasa, a lawyer, described Ekpa as a dangerous figure whose actions warranted severe measures, including his elimination.
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Simon Ekpa was apprehended in Finland earlier this week by the country’s Central Criminal Police alongside three other individuals.
The arrests were part of an investigation into suspected terrorist activities.
Finnish authorities confirmed the development in a statement, noting that Ekpa and others were being questioned for their alleged roles in terrorism-related crimes.
Onokpasa, who has been a vocal critic of the separatist leader, revealed that he had previously called for Ekpa to be neutralized due to his alleged involvement in violent activities in Nigeria’s Southeast.
“The case of Simon Ekpa—his arrest is long overdue,” Onokpasa said during the interview. “In fact, I had actually encouraged that he should be shot because he was killing his fellow Igbos. If the person is an enemy combatant, he is liable to be shot. I know the law. This is just intelligence stuff.”
The APC chieftain also described Ekpa as “a crazy, poorly educated fellow,” adding that his actions have led to significant bloodshed among Igbos in the region.
Onokpasa emphasized his unwavering support for Ekpa’s arrest, which he believes is a necessary step in addressing the violence linked to separatist agitation. “In that case, I am in full support of his arrest,” he added.
Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, often accused of fueling unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast through his advocacy for Biafran independence.
His arrest is being hailed by some as a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region.