Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, on receiving the National Order of the Lion from Senegal’s President Macky Sall. Tinubu praised Dangote for his entrepreneurial achievements, job creation, and contributions to economies in Nigeria and West Africa. The National Order of the Lion is Senegal’s highest honor, and the award ceremony is scheduled for February 2. Tinubu commended Dangote and wished him continued success in his endeavors.
2. Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima experienced the loss of his stepmother, Hajia Hauwa Abba Kormi, who passed away at 69 after a prolonged illness. The funeral, held at Shettimari, Lawan Bukar, Maiduguri, Borno State, included five children, numerous stepchildren, and grandchildren. Meanwhile, Shettima criticized those celebrating the depreciation of the naira, emphasizing the need for unity to address the economic challenges. The naira recently plummeted, reaching an all-time low of N1,482.57 per US dollar. Shettima expressed disappointment at individuals finding humor in the economic downturn instead of working together to salvage the situation.
3. The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate arrest of Fulani leader Seriki Chumo for his alleged involvement in a crisis resulting in the death of a farmer and three security personnel. A report revealed used cartridges in Chumo’s house and his engagement in a gun-running business. The lawmakers condemned attacks by Fulani herders in the state and urged the Commissioner of Police to investigate and bring the suspects to justice. In another development, the Nasarawa State PDP accused Governor Abdullahi Sule of double standards regarding the creation of a Fulani vigilante outfit. MURIC also condemned the lopsided appointment of a security committee in Plateau State.
4. The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Institutions has summoned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, to address concerns over the declining value of the naira on 6th February 2024. The official exchange rate hit a record low of N1,520 to a dollar, prompting the Senate to seek solutions from the CBN. However, the CBN cleared the foreign exchange backlog for foreign airlines and implemented measures that led to a rebound in the naira’s value, appreciating to 1,400 per dollar at the parallel market on Thursday. Analysts anticipate mixed effects on the economy due to the CBN’s policy changes on banks’ FX exposures.
5. The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged the German government not to deport approximately 12,000 illegal migrants to Nigeria, stating that such a move could exacerbate security challenges in the country. During a courtesy visit by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, Akpabio emphasized the need for collaboration between Germany and Nigeria, particularly in addressing security issues and enhancing socio-political development. He specifically requested Germany to reconsider the deportation decision, expressing concerns about potential security implications and the risk of escalating insecurity in Nigeria if the deportations proceed.
6. The kidnappers of six pupils and staff from Apostolic Faith Church Primary and Secondary School in Emure, Ekiti State, have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from N100 million to N15 million. The victims were abducted on Monday, and the kidnappers initially demanded a higher ransom. A relative of one of the abductees revealed the reduced amount and mentioned the kidnappers’ threat to harm the victims if the payment is delayed. The relative appealed for assistance from Nigerians, the state government, and the federal government. However, the state Police Public Relations Officer denied knowledge of any ransom demand, emphasizing ongoing efforts to rescue the victims. In response to the recent killings of traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Inspector General of Police deployed military resources, including helicopters and armored personnel carriers, to address the situation.
7. Actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was sentenced to six months imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos for spraying and stepping on new Naira notes at a social event. Initially pleading not guilty on February 13, 2023, she was granted bail on February 15, 2023. During the hearing of the case, Omoseyin changed her plea to guilty due to overwhelming evidence. The prosecution recalled that she was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 1, 2023, and handed over to the EFCC on February 2, 2023, for further investigation. The trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, sentenced her to six months imprisonment, effective immediately, with an option of a N300,000 fine to be paid into the consolidated revenue account of the federation.
