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Four States Join Legal Battle Over Naira Crisis
The legal opposition against the Central Bank of Nigeria’s currency redesign policy has grown as more states join the battle against the Federal Government.
The Attorneys-General of Ekiti, Bayelsa, Sokoto, and Rivers have announced that their states will be joining the suit as co-plaintiffs, which was initially filed by the governments of Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara.
The growing number of states opposing the policy are rallying against the February 10th deadline for the currency swap, citing that it is causing undue hardship for their citizens.
Kano and Ondo have now joined the original three states, who filed the suit under number SC/CV/162/2023, at the Supreme Court.
This is as the Nigerian Governors Forum warned on Sunday that the crisis occasioned by the CBN policy might cause another economic recession in the country.
As a result of the legal action taken by the three northern states of Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara, the Supreme Court granted an ex parte order last Wednesday, prohibiting the Federal Government and CBN from enforcing the February 10th deadline for exchanging the old N1000, N500, and N200 notes.
However, the Federal Government has since taken steps to have this order vacated.
Ekiti, represented by its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN, filed an application on Friday seeking three specific remedies. The details of these remedies were made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The state government is seeking “leave of this honourable court (Supreme Court) to join the applicant as a co-plaintiff in this suit; an order of this court joining Attorney-General of Ekiti State as a co-plaintiff in this suit; and for such order or further orders that this honourable court may deem fit to make in this circumstance of this suit.”
The application made by Ekiti, through Mr. Dayo Apata, was based on a number of grounds, including “the acute shortage in the supply of naira notes in Ekiti State since the announcement of the policy by the Federal Government through the CBN.”
The state government also averred that “the directive of the Federal Government of Nigeria had affected the livelihood and had inflicted excruciating pain and hardship on all Nigerians, including citizens of Ekiti State.”
Additionally, the application argued that the directive issued by the Federal Government has had a negative impact on the revenue, levies, and taxes owed to the Ekiti State Government, as economic activity in the state has come to a complete standstill.
“Ekiti is a federating state of Nigeria and therefore has an interest in the determination of the originating summons in the suit earlier filed by the three states in the federation, having a common interest as other plaintiffs and also in the outcome of the suit, sought the leave of the court to be joined as a co-plaintiff in order to be bound by the outcome of the suit.” He said.
On Sunday, newsmen received confirmation from the Bayelsa State Government that it too would be filing a request to join the suit. The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, confirmed this in a brief response to an inquiry from a correspondent.
He said, “Yes, Bayelsa will join in the subsisting suit at the Supreme Court.”
Furthermore, there are strong indications that the Sokoto State government may also join the legal opposition against the deadline for the old naira notes.
When speaking with the correspondent, the Sokoto State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Usman Sulaiman, stated that the state may join the suit based on the resolutions made at the Nigerian Governors Forum. The commissioner added that he has already communicated his recommendation to the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
“There is a possibility of Sokoto State joining the suit based on the resolutions of the Nigerian Governors Forum. I have written to the governor on the next step and presently awaiting his response which will determine what to do from our end,” he disclosed.
The Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, declined to provide a specific timeline but stated, “I will not give you a timeline, but when we file it, you will know.” However, the state governor, Nyesom Wike, had previously announced that the state would be joining the suit.
Regarding the interim injunction issued by the Supreme Court, Governor Wike stated that the intervention was timely as some forces were attempting to disrupt the democratic process.
He made these comments at the County State School in Emilaghan, Central Abua, during the campaign rally flag-off for the Rivers State People’s Democratic Party in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area on Wednesday.
The Lagos State Government has also expressed his readiness to join the legal battle as it is a matter of true federalism.
This was confirmed by the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, in response to inquiries from newsmen on Sunday.
“The Lagos State Government will likely join in the suit because it is about true federalism; it is about equity and justice. It is about everything that we cherished. It is about values. So we may likely join.”
Omotosho also said the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu won’t hesitate to order the arrest of persons rejecting the old naira notes.
The New African magazine has announced its highly anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, recognizing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to politics, business, science, sports, and civil society.
The annual compilation celebrates achievements by Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of African talent.
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In a statement, Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine, emphasized the importance of the list in today’s divided global climate.
She said, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.
“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
Spotlighting African Excellence Across Fields
Politics and Public Service
1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye
2. Kemi Badenoch
3. Muhammad Ali Pate
4. Claver Gatete
5. Ali Mohamed
6. King Mohamed VI
7. Ronald Lamola
8. Yemi Osinbajo
9. Nardos Bekele-Thomas
10. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science and Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative Arts
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
Prominent activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that over N180 million was stolen from the account of his NGO, the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, following a cyberattack.
Otse, who launched the initiative in October, initially raised over N35 million within hours of its debut.
The campaign gained further momentum when celebrated music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, contributed N100 million.
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In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Otse disclosed that the NGO’s funds were diverted into an unknown account.
He said, “Honestly, I’ve not been myself for the past few days. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and N180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested.”
Otse revealed that the NGO’s bank account has been placed on Post No Debit (PND) status to prevent further withdrawals.
According to him, while N20 million remains in the account, N160 million was siphoned. He added that steps are being taken to recover the money.
“We’re heading to Jos to recover the money,” he stated.
As a precaution, Otse confirmed that the NGO’s app has been temporarily shut down for maintenance and enhanced security measures.
He assured supporters of regular updates on the situation.
The Martins Vincent Osei Initiative was created to support vulnerable populations and address societal issues.
Embattled Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has defended his opulent lifestyle, claiming it serves to inspire young people rather than flaunt wealth.
This statement comes amid a UK Immigration Upper Tribunal ruling ordering his deportation over visa violations.
Adegboyega, 44, faced accusations of overstaying his visitor visa, which expired after he arrived in the UK in 2005.
Related News: Nigerian Pastor, Adegboyega Faces Deportation From UK Over £1.87m Fraud Allegations
He had applied to remain in the country on human rights grounds. The tribunal, however, ruled against him, citing his failure to regularize his status.
The pastor’s luxurious lifestyle, including designer clothing and expensive cars, was a focal point of the case.
Addressing the tribunal, Adegboyega stated that his lifestyle is fully funded by his wife, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 annually at AON.
He said, “I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary. I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria, but I have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”
Defending his appearance, Adegboyega emphasized the importance of projecting success to his young congregation.
The court noted, “For instance, people have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all of his personal possessions had been paid for by Mary.
“He believes it is important for him to dress the way that he does because he needs to inspire these young people – they need to understand that there are legitimate ways of making money, for instance through entrepreneurship.”
Despite the ruling, Adegboyega dismissed the deportation concerns as insignificant.
“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression; every Nigerian should be proud of me. Living in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating is the smallest matter,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in his resilience. “No panic, I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here – pastors and leaders – I have survived everything. I’m here, I am at home, nobody should panic for me.
“I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of people you look up to. I have survived that well; nothing has changed, nothing will change,” he added.
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