Wednesday, 20 July 2022

NigerianEye: “CBN increases benchmark interest rate to 14%” plus 10 more

NigerianEye: “CBN increases benchmark interest rate to 14%” plus 10 more

CBN increases benchmark interest rate to 14%

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 02:00 PM PDT



The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 14 per cent from its initial 13 per cent.


The Governor, Godwin Emefiele said the MPC unanimously agreed to hold all other monetary policy parameters constant.


The Asymmetric Corridor was retained at +100 and -700 basis points around the MPR, the Cash Reserved Ratio (CRR) at 27.5 per cent and the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.


Emefiele explained that the parameters were retained to contend the rising trend of inflation in Nigeria.


The MPC considered the continued aggressive movement in inflation even after the rate hike at its last meeting.


Emefiele disclosed that members agreed not to consider both loosening and retaining rates at the existing levels.


The CBN chief said members felt that loosening will trigger the weakening of the exchange rate which could pass through to domestic prices.


"MPC did not also consider holding rates constant because a hold stance will suggest that the bank is not responding sufficiently to both the global and domestic price developments as inflation numbers continue to trend aggressively upward", he added.


The body expressed an unrelenting resolve to restore prices stability and provide the necessary support to strengthen our fragile economy.

Abducted priest found dead in Kaduna, CAN reacts

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 01:57 PM PDT


The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has described the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum by terrorists as a dangerous terrain for Christian leaders.


Recall that Fr. John Mark was abducted from the rectory of Christ the King Parish YadinGaru, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction, Friday, 15 July, 2022.


Rev. John Joseph Hayab, CAN state chairman in Kaduna expressed sadness while reacting to the killing of one of the priests, Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who until his death, was the CAN Chairman of Jema'a Local Government Area of the state, as well as coordinator of CAN in Southern Kaduna.


According to Rev. Hayab, "Kaduna State is a dangerous place to travel through and not safe, particularly for Christian leaders."


Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, confirmed the murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.


The statement announced that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was also kidnapped by the terrorists, escaped from their abductors.


The statement explained, "Sequel to the announcement of the two kidnapped priests from our diocese, we wish to announce that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas escaped from his abductors and has reunited with us."


It added, "However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains that the bishop, clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announced the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum."


According to the statement titled, "Re: Kidnapped priests of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan", the statement further explained that his corpse was later discovered decomposing on Tuesday, July 15, 2022.


It explained that until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama'a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna, stressing that Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum was the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan and the Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama'a local government area of Kaduna State.


The Diocese has, however, declared a two-day mourning for peaceful repose of his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

We did not direct oil marketers to hike petrol price -NNPC

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 12:13 PM PDT





Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it did not direct marketers or review the ex-depot price and pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

 

Following the hike in diesel price, oil marketers made a case for the increment of petrol price, citing soaring transport costs.

 

Although the federal government had insisted that the pump price of petrol remain N165 a litre, oil marketers said it is "not sustainable".

 

On Tuesday, reports claimed that NNPC, in a notice to oil marketers, approved an upward review in the pump price from N165 per litre to N179 per litre as well as the ex-depot price from N148.17 to N167 per litre.

 

TheCable reports that some filling stations have adjusted their pump prices.

 

But speaking on the telephone with TheCable, Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC's spokesperson, said the oil firm does not function as a regulator and consequently does not set prices for petrol.

 

He added that the company had no idea about the issue — as it did not emanate from it.

 

"The NNPC no longer approves pump price review. That is the work of the midstream and downstream authority," he said.

 

"I have no idea. They are the ones that tell you what price regime the government has approved, not NNPC. NNPC has already exited all that situation. We are operating just like MTN now."

 

An oil marketer who preferred anonymity told TheCable that the claims in the circulated message were "false" and "mischievous" as nothing of such happened between the government and marketers.

 

Apollo Kimchi, spokesperson, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), could not be reached as his mobile was switched off. 

VIDEO: Asa ‘Fire on the Mountain’ at NNPC unveiling stirs reactions

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 12:09 PM PDT

 


Popular Nigerian singer, Asa's performance at the transitioning of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC LTD to NNPC Limited has stirred reactions online.

 

The name change for the NNPC was pertinent to the Petroleum Industry Act.

 

ASA performed her hit song 'Fire on The Mountain' in front of President Muhammadu Buhari and some top government officials, including the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; and the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari.

 

The lyrics of the song depicts "there's trouble, bloodshed in a country and no one seems to care."

 

Nigerians took to social media commending Asa for passing a powerful message with her song to the president and other top government officials.

 

Video:


 

Here are some comments gathered from Twitter;

 

@MayorOfUyo "Asa dropped a bomb at the NNPC Summit and walked out without being arrested.By singing FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN before the president, she didn't abuse anyone, she didn't criticize anyone. She spoke directly to their consciences with a song.Legendary doings."

 

@Drpenking "Asa was invited to sing at the NNPC re-launch with Buhari in attendance. Guess the song she chose to sing? "There is fire on the mountain." No one can convince me that this was not on purpose . I saw what you did there, our lovely sister. God bless you for passing the message."

 

@TosinMatilda "ASA sings "Fire On The Mountain" at the relaunch of the NNPC in the presence of President Buhari.Violence served peacefully I hope all these politicians at the event understood the message!

 

@DejiFaremi "Asa sang Fire On The Mountain at an NNPC event, in the presence of Buhari and many other Nigerian leaders.Message passed!

 

@AdebayoAdekunle "The music is Still fresh,

 

The content is clear. Truly, the message passed but to who? Do they really believe there is any fire on the mountain?"

 

@MisterJonahh "Asa performed 'Fire on the Mountain' at the relaunch of NNPC in presence of President Buhari. To me, this isn't a performance but a protest. Bravery!

 

@DanielRegha "Asa should have turned down the offer to perform at the NNPC in the presence of the APC elites, whether or not she's using her song to send a msg is besides the point; What she did defeats the purpose of EndSARS. You don't call out bad leaders then dine with 'em when it's convenient."

 

@Nwa_Anambra "Thank you Asa for the protest song at NNPC limited lunch.It's not as if they don't get the message behind the song, they do but they don't care."

 

@NurudeenObalola "This is so beautifully poignant. Perfect song to remind those who have mismanaged this country that they're burning everything down. Only problem is Buhari and his cronies don't care if the mountain and the surrounding valleys burn to ashes."

 

@LinoIsawhe "Asa's rendition of "Fire on the mountain" at the NNPC Ltd unveiling is a direct message to Nigeria leaders including Nigeria President who is on ground. I do hope they hear the message and not just enjoy the tune. God bless." 

Ada Ameh: The Johnsons’ cast, crew mourn ‘Emu’

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:50 AM PDT

 


The news of the death of veteran Nollywood actress, Ada Ameh, shocked fans and colleagues when it was made public on Monday.

 

Ameh, who was popular for her role as Emu in Africa Magic family drama, The Johnsons, died on Sunday night.

 

Members of The Johnsons cast and crew have also joined the plethora of fans who mourned the late actress.

 

Actor Charles Inojie, who played Mr Johnson and Emu's husband in the family drama shared a picture of the actress on his Instagram page.

 

He wrote, "It has taken a while to authenticate this sad news before going public under advisement from Ada's manager who was on his way to Warri to secure physical confirmation of the horrible news that hit us all this morning.

 

"He has just called in from Warri and sadly he has confirmed our worst fears. Our beloved Emuakpor Johnson is no more!

 

"It is with deep sense of loss, total submission to the will of God, that Native Media Tv, cast and crew of @theofficialthejohnsons painfully announce the passing of our dear sister, friend, colleague and Matriarch of The Johnsons clan Ada Obande Ameh (aka Emuakpor Johnson).

 

"To all our teeming fans around the world, we have truly lost a rare and vibrant gem, but celebrate the life of an icon who daily put smiles on every face and spreads love in every home.

 

"Together, we join our voices with yours to offer prayers on behalf of the family. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

 

"ADA, you will be missed but your memory will live on in our hearts forever. We love you."

 

Actress Seun Osigbesan, who once played Jennifer and Emu's daughter in the comedy series, also penned a touching tribute for the late actress

 

She wrote, "My maama. It's been extremely hard for me all day. Never ever thought I would be making an 'RIP' post of you maama.

 

"Tears wouldn't even allow me type as I am completely devastated and broken.

My maama, It's so hard to even think or imagine you're no more, not talking of embracing its reality. This news of your demise is a sharp pain in the chest. It is as though a missile just exploded in a city.

 

"I kept saying and repeating these words to myself as I wept, 'it is well', Never will you be forgotten my maama. NEVER!!! RIP maama."

 

A post on Africa Magic official Instagram page also paid a glowing tribute to the actress.

 

"Farewell to a gem, Ada Ameh. Your passion brought so many smiles and love to families beyond measure. You will be missed. From all of us@ Africa Magic, "the post read.

 

It continued, "A rare gem has left our presence on earth, but she will forever be in our hearts. ADA AMEH, you brought so much light, love and laughter to our screens and homes.

 

"Your ever bubbly nature will be forever missed but never forgotten. Rest well. We will all miss you. #AdaAmeh #GoneButNotForgotten."

 

In October 2020, Ada Ameh lost her only daughter, Aladi Godgift, who was over 30 years old.

 

The actress had, in recent times, opened up about her battle with grief, depression, and mental issues.

Dana airplane makes emergency landing in Abuja

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:46 AM PDT

 


A Dana Air Boeing 737 aircraft with registration number: 5N DNA has made an emergency landing on approaching an international airport in Abuja, following an issue with one of its engines, Tuesday afternoon.

 

The airline gave an update on the incident via its Twitter handle.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, it said the incident happened at about 2:52 pm, adding that the passengers were safe.

 

"Our Abuja-bound Boeing 737 aircraft with registration number (5N DNA) embarked on an emergency landing today, July 19, 2022, due to an indication on one of its engines.

 

 "The pilot in command briefed the passengers on the incident and landed the aircraft safely at the Abuja International Airport at about 2:52 pm.

 

"All 100 passengers disembarked safely and the aircraft has been grounded for immediate attention by our team of engineers.

 

"The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has also been briefed on the incident."

We won’t surrender to blackmail – ASUU

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:43 AM PDT


The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, on Tuesday, said it would not be subjected to blackmail by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

 

The National President of the union, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, stated this during a media briefing with journalists in Abuja.

 

The union embarked on a strike on Monday, February 14, 2022.

 

The strike entered its 155th day on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

 

The president, Muhammadu Buhari, had on Tuesday, mandated the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, alongside his counterparts to end the lingering strike.

 

Speaking in Abuja, Osodeke said, "We will not be subjected to the blackmail of the minister of labour. Ngige has continued to blackmail us by churning out lies.

 

"They stopped our salaries thinking they will make us go back to work. Let them sit down as directed by the president.

 

  

Osun: Adeleke breaks down in tears, recalls impacts of elder brother, Isiaka

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:39 AM PDT


Governor-elect of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday broke down in tears while recounting the impact his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke, had on him and how it propelled him to victory.

 

Speaking with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV programme, Politics Today, Adeleke said his older brother died in the battle for the governorship seat.

 

He said he had dedicated his victory at the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state to Senator Isiaka who died on April 23, 2017.

 

He said, "This victory, I dedicated it to him (Senator Isiaka) because he taught me who I am.

 

"He died for this course. He wanted to be the governor of Osun State to save our people out of slavery but look at what happened, he died.

 

"I am so happy that his spirit lives. I know he is happy that his younger brother is now the governor-elect. I thank God that his spirit still lives".

Lai Mohammed bashed for accusing Peter Obi of sponsoring EndSARS protest

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:39 AM PDT

 


The professionals under the platform of Coalition of Nigeria Professionals for Good Governance (CNPGG), have called out the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, over a statement credited to him to the effect that the October, 2020 EndSARS protest, was allegedly sponsored by the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi.

 

According to some online reports, Mohammed was said to have claimed that most of the young men and women that were at the forefront of the EndSARS Movement, are currently campaigning for the LP flag-bearer on Twitter, and other influential social media platforms.

 

But CNPGG insisted that the EndSARS protest was a consequence of bad governance, occasioned by insecurity, youth unemployment, poverty and police brutality.

 

According to them, the fact that the Minister had yet to deny the vexatious report credited to him more than twenty-four hours after, suggests that he, indeed, authored it.

 

In the said report, Mohammed was quoted to have said: "Recent development has now unveiled the brain behind ENDSARS Protest in Nigeria which led to the destruction of Government properties and security agencies losing their lives.

 

"Over the years, investigation has been going on in order to unveil those behind this wicked act just to tarnish the good image of President Muhammadu Buhari and his good works.

 

"Mostly all the people and the misguided youths who championed the ENDSARS Protest are all campaigning for Peter Obi for President. All of them, no exception. That will go a long way in telling you that Peter Obi knows much about the ENDSARS Protest and those behind that ugly act must be brought to book to face disciplinary actions.

 

Reacting, in a statement jointly signed Dr Ado Manir (National President), and Dr Mrs Modupe Olalekan Mohammed (National Secretary), the Coalition said the unusual campaign was a spontaneous expression of frustration, disillusionment, and anger by concerned youths, who feared that the ship of state was navigating dangerously towards a precipice.

 

According to the coalition, the youths, in their wisdom, initiated the movement, which was anchored on the urgent need to disband the then dreaded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), an elite unit of the Nigeria Police, which carried out serial abuses.

 

The statement read: "Our attention has been drawn to a press statement credited to the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, which is currently trending on some social and traditional media platforms, alleging that the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, was the brain behind the EndSARS campaign that rocked the nation in October, 2020.

 

"We are surprised that the minister has not denied the report that is vexatious in nature, and patently false in content, several days after.

 

"This development is suggestive of the fact that he may have actually authored the unpatriotic and irresponsible statement, which flies in the face of reason and valued judgement.

 

"Nigerians know that the LP presidential candidate, is a fine gentleman, whose uncommon patriotism is exemplified in his commitment to the Nigerian Project; a characteristic that is unparalleled.

 

"While we are not holding brief for Peter Obi and his campaign organisation, as concerned Nigerians with vested interest in the Nigerian project, we will not be silent in the face of deliberate attempt at blackmailing a quintessential politician that the LP standard-bearer is".

 

It continued: "The EndSARS campaign was a carefully-planned and executed protest by frustrated and disillusioned Nigerians, who were, and have continued to be angry with the bad governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, which Lai Mohammed, incidentally, typifies.

 

"The APC project is one that is characterised by failed promises and arrogance of power, which Lai Mohammed embodies.

 

"It is curious that a man, who apologised personally and on behalf of the Nigerian Government for their failure, would now have the audacity to blame Peter Obi for instigating the famous EndSARS protest.

 

"Nigerians are tired of insecurity and bad governance hence they have moved to take back their country from the likes of Lai Mohammed and his collaborators, and no amount of blackmail can stop the movement of a new and progressive Nigeria with Peter Obi as the captain.

 

"We, therefore, call on Nigerians to remain steadfast and focused, as more campaigns of calumny against the captain of the "forward Nigeria Project", are expected in the coming weeks,and months leading to the February, 2023 presidential election".

143 Nigerians stranded in Libya arrive Lagos

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:15 AM PDT


About 143 Nigerians stranded in Libya have been received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.


The Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, who was represented by the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.


Farinloye said the stranded Nigerians arrived at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 3:18 pm with Boeing 737-800 Al Buraq Air with registration number 5A-DMG.


He said the returnees were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme.


He said the programme was meant for the distressed Nigerians who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries but could not afford to return when their journey became frustrated.


Farinloye said 96 male adults, 36 female adults, eight male and one female child, one female infant and one male infant were brought back to the country.

Bandits’ silence on remaining Kaduna-Abuja train victims scare me – Activist

Posted: 19 Jul 2022 10:11 AM PDT


Worried by the complete silence by bandits since after the release of seven victims of the Kaduna-Abuja train, an activist, Musa Abilewa has tasked the federal government to urgently intervene in the release of the remaining 42 victims held in captivity.


Musa Abilewa, a social crusader and public affairs analyst said he was afraid that the bandits have not said anything, nor showed any videos of the remaining captive, since the release of seven victims which was said to be facilitated by a governor.


"We were told that a governor of one of the northern states, upon realised that seven of his state indigenes were among the victims, facilitated the quick release of his indigenes, leaving non-indigenes to lavish in captivity".


He said since the governors of the remaining victims may not have that sympathy to facilitate the release of their own indigenes, the federal government must as a matter of urgency, and in the spirit of one Nigeria, act quickly to save their lives.


He said although those released testified that they were not tortured, the forest is not a relaxation place, adding that those in captivity, have never experienced being in the bush for too long, like what they are going through now.


He also called on religious leaders, to help intensify prayers for God's helping hand upon the victims.
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