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Why Judiciary Might Overturn Emefiele’s Suspension

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Following the suspension, Friday, of Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and his replacement in acting capacity with Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, his former deputy, overseeing the Operations Directorate, by President Bola Tinubu, legal minds are beginning to examine the legality of the action.

 

A public interest and Human Rights lawyer, Inihebe Effiong, took to his verified tweeter handle, @inihebeeffiong to throw legal light on the developing story.

 

Effiong, observed that the CBN Act contains no provision for the president to remove a sitting governor of the bank in the manner President Tinubu did.

 

He cited Section 11 of the Act as ground for his argument.

 

In addition, Effiong noted that when a former governor of the apex bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi suffered a similar fate, the courts waded in and ruled that the president lacked such powers.

 

He maintained that though he was personally not satisfied with Emefiele’s discharge of his duties as governor of the CBN, the legality of the matter was paramount.

 

His stance appears in sync with his profile, which partly reads “I am committed to ending corruption and injustice.”

 

Effiong tweeted, “Godwin Emefiele corrupted the CBN and made nonsense of our exchange rates and forex market. The fiscal and monetary policies of the CBN under him did not help the country.

 

“However, Mr Tinubu cannot remove him by virtue of Section 11 of the CBN Act without recourse to the Senate.”

 

In a series of tweets, Efiong shed light on possible legal banana peels that might undo President Tinubu’s action, should Emefiele’s legal team be worth their onions.

 

The tweet threads, reads, “I’m aware of a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Sanusi’s case, where it was held that while the President cannot remove the CBN Governor unilaterally, he can exercise disciplinary control over him, which includes suspension.

 

“That judgment is the law on the issue.”

 

Even at that, Effiong went on to share his personal thoughts, that the president was not empowered by the Act and the judicial precedents to suspend the governor of the CBN.

 

According to him, “My view is that since the CBN Act does not envisage the suspension of the Governor by the President, and given the need for institutional independence of the CBN which cannot be guaranteed without security of tenure of the governor, the President shouldn’t be able to suspend.

 

“This is, however, my personal view and is subject to the subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court.”

 

He rounded-off the tweets with another personal take on Emefiele, his suitability for the exalted office of CBN governor, and expressed the desire for him to “render account of his stewardship”.

 

“As a citizen, I do not see Emefiele as a fit and proper person to lead the CBN.

 

He should render account of his stewardship and be thoroughly held accountable for his misdeeds,” Effiong tweeted.

 

The coming days will show what legal practitioners make of the development.

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

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