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El-Rufai: There Are Now More Poor Nigerians Than Our 1960 Population

El-Rufai: There Are Now More Poor Nigerians Than Our 1960 Population

*Decries persistent low voter turnout, seeks true federalism 

*APC: Opposition leaders weaponising grudges against President 

*Ruling party insists Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, failing to provide leadership for their parties 

*Catholic church, ADC condemn disruption of Owerri lecture

Chuks Okocha,  Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Amby Uneze, Tony Icheku in Owerri

A former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the weekend insisted that there are more poorer Nigerians in the nation today than during the period of the country’s independence in 1960.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said if the Nigerian government makes it a priority, it can end poverty like China and India, which he said, are in the process of beating the social menace.
The politician, a key member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) disclosed this during an interactive session in Owerri, Imo State, titled: “Moving Forward Together”.

In his speech at the event, the former governor said that while other countries like China and India have largely conquered poverty, Nigeria has no master plan yet to achieve the same.
“For the sake of our people, we need to have a roadmap for beating mass poverty. It is deeply embarrassing that, judging from the population estimate in 1960, there are now more poor Nigerians than there were Nigerians at independence 65 years ago. China has beaten mass poverty, while India is on a path to ending it.

“We too can do it, if we make it a governance priority to move our people out of poverty. We need an economic programme to achieve this important human goal, a programme that is pragmatic in execution but ambitious in its goal.

“ In this regard, what is needed is not new agencies of poverty alleviation or ‘humanitarian affairs’ with a massive bureaucracy, but innovative ways to make honest, hardworking citizens more productive and better-rewarded, while discouraging rent-seeking and other ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes in our society,” El-Rufai argued.
However, THISDAY check revealed that in 1960, Nigeria’s population was estimated at about 45 million as against over 220 million currently.

While there are no reliable statistics available on Nigeria’s poverty rate specifically for 1960, the very year of independence, THISDAY’s checks showed that most poverty data began in later decades—with the earliest comprehensive measure around 1980, when the poverty rate was approximately 27.2 per cent.
But by 2024, more than 54 per cent of Nigerians were estimated to live below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15/day, capturing about 129 million people.

Despite recent government efforts, the disparity between rural and urban poverty has been especially pronounced, with rural regions often exceeding 75 per cent.
Besides, El-Rufai questioned the persistent low voter turnout during elections in Nigeria, explaining that between 2003 and 2023, the proportion of Nigerian voters fell from 60 per cent to 30 per cent.

“In my view, one of the most pressing items for elite consensus is how our governments emerge in a democratic process. We need to agree on how to build trust in the electoral process and promote citizen participation. Our country has since 1999 conducted national elections as at when due.

“Given our stormy history, 25 years of unbroken rule by elected governments indicates that our country is on a pathway to democratic stability. But voter turnout at presidential elections has been declining since 2007. Less than 30 per cent of registered voters bothered to vote in 2023, down from over 60 per cent in 2003!
“Also, the integrity of every presidential election result from 1999 to date has been challenged in the courts, except in 2015 when President Goodluck Jonathan personally and commendably chose not to. Low voter turnout should worry every democrat because apathy by citizens who feel alienated from the political process could lead to unwelcome fragility.

“We should engage our citizens to find out why so many consistently forfeit their constitutional right to vote. We should try to ascertain what could encourage them to resume exercising that fundamental democratic right. This, in my view, should also include measures to assure them that the election process is free from threats of violence or coercion, while ensuring that the results would accurately reflect the preferences expressed by voters at the ballot box,” he pointed out.

He emphasised that there was a need for an elite consensus around free and fair elections, stressing that adopting a wholesale electronic system of voting as well as real-time transmission of results was central to having transparent polls.

“I do not see any compelling argument or unbridgeable barrier to adopting electronic voting and transmission of results for the 2027 elections. Based on our experience in preparing for and conducting local government elections in Kaduna State in 2018, I believe there is adequate time today, for INEC to acquire and deploy the hard and soft infrastructure needed to deliver this for the entire country at a much lower lifecycle cost than the current, unreliable system that has repeatedly been subject to human manipulation,” El-Rufai stated.

According to him, Nigeria can adopt electronic voting machines that are designed and configured to do at least five functions: Integrating the simultaneous identification and verification of the voter; providing a paper trail of votes cast at every polling unit and shutting down of the system at the predetermined deadline.

Besides, he called for the provision of a printout of the polling unit result for each party agent, presiding officer, the media and the security agencies, and a seamless transmission of the polling unit results on the conclusion of voting.
To him, there is an urgent need for the current and prospective office holders to focus not just on an ‘arithmetic’ of power, but on a national programme that addresses and solves societal problems as well as true federalism.

“This country was founded as a federation, but it appears that there are very few committed federalists in Nigeria. Recent experience would seem to suggest that federalism is a concept often touted by those seeking power who promptly forget about it once suitably empowered.

“ Our experience in the First Republic, as well as the consensus of scholars have credited federalism with helping to advance inter-ethnic unity, democratic stability, and socio-economic development. The intrusion of a unitary, centralising mindset from the 1970s onwards appears to have limited these well-known attributes of federalism.
“My personal view is that promoting federalism is in the interest of Nigeria’s progress and development. The attempt to run Nigeria as a unitary polity runs contrary to its founding constitutional structure and denies its rich diversity.

The federal government has since the 1970s acquired more powers and resources but it does too much but too little well.
“More powers, resources and responsibilities should be devolved to the states, including policing. I welcome the progress made in the 2023 constitutional amendment that moved electricity and railways to the concurrent list, thereby allowing states to own, operate and regulate entities in those sectors. But we should go further and implement the recommendations made in 2018 by the APC Committee on True Federalism which I chaired,” he suggested.

In a similar development, the Administrator of the Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State, Rev. Fr. Martin Ohajunwa, has condemned the ‘act of hooliganism’ exhibited by some hired thugs at the weekend to disrupt the Odenigbo Lecture that was going on at the premises of Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral Owerri.
The Imo State Chapter of the African Democratic Party (ADC) also frowned on the inglorious act as it called on the Imo State Government and the police to fish out the perpetrators and punish them.

In a sermon on Sunday at the Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, Ohajunwa described the  brigandage as a ‘slap on Igbos’ noting that Igbo people should rise up and live above such condemnable acts.
He warned the youths of Igbo extraction to find something meaningful to do instead of getting involved in political thuggery that would eventually damage their future.

According to him, those who sent the youths to Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral Owerri made a very big mistake because from the history of the church, dating back to the civil war, all attempts to bomb the place were unsuccessful.
He stated that some of the hoodlums that were arrested by the Church security revealed the identity of their sponsors and warned them to desist forthwith from smearing the premises of the church, adding “the wrath of God would descend on them.”

THISDAY reliably gathered thugs were sent to disrupt the speech of the former governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai, who came on a private visit to the state and decided to attend the church function.
Meanwhile, the ADC, Imo State Chapter, has condemned the desecration of the Odenigbo Lecture organized by the Assumpta Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, describing the act as deeply alarming and threatening to the peace, stability, and moral fabric of Imo State.

The party’s press release signed by the State Public Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi, stated that such acts of lawlessness are unacceptable and must be addressed decisively.
“We condemn this blatant display of thuggery in the strongest possible terms. The perpetrators’ actions are not only a direct affront to the Catholic Church but also a threat to societal harmony, particularly as the nation approaches critical electoral exercises. The rule of law must prevail over chaos and intimidation.

“The ADC Imo State Chapter calls on the Imo State Government and all security agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent against future acts of lawlessness, ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly during religious and civic events and uphold the rule of law and protect the sanctity of places of worship and public gatherings.

“We further urge all citizens to remain calm, peaceful, and disciplined. The strength of Imo State lies in its people’s respect for law, tolerance, and civic responsibility.
“Imo State has always stood as a beacon of peace, learning, and hospitality. Our people are industrious, tolerant, and deeply rooted in republican values that celebrate dialogue, engagement, and respect for law and order.

“We will not allow fringe elements, paid provocateurs, or acts of violence to redefine our heritage or tarnish the image of our state. Ndi-Imo remains steadfast in discipline and civility, showing that true strength lies in ideas, integrity, and peaceful action, not in chaos or intimidation,” the release stated.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that opposition leaders,  including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors of Kaduna, Sokoto, Anambra and Rivers states,  El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Mr. Peter Obi and Mr. Rotimi Amaechi have failed to provide leadership, purpose, direction and vitality to their parties.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement issued yesterday said rather than focus their attention and touted leadership abilities to building viable opposition parties, they prefer to play the blame game, pointing fingers at the APC for failure that is entirely their own.  

Morka noted that a justification for democratic political opposition exists essentially in its role to hold the government accountable to govern in accordance with the rule of law and democratic norms.

Morka, while reacting to a recent interview where Tambuwal accused President Bola Tinubu and APC of plotting the destabilisation of opposition parties in the country, said he  offered no substantiation of his bogus claims.

He noted that it was now clear to Nigerians that the present crop of opposition leaders have lost focus aside from their compulsive and obsessive crave for power and patronage that feed their ego and greed.

He added: “Opposition politics is not simply about membership of a political party different from the ruling party. It is not just about the freedom to zap in and out of political parties based on purely selfish political calculations.

“ It is also not about the freedom to bandy false narratives, peddle lies and engage in smear campaigns designed to sow discord and mislead the public. Opposition politics is certainly not also about weaponising grudges disguised as opposition critiques.

“It is perplexing that these opposition leaders – the likes of Tambuwal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mr. Peter Obi and Mr. Rotimi Amechi – who have occupied some of the highest political offices in our country have failed, horridly and disgracefully, to provide leadership, purpose, direction and vitality to their parties.

“It is also about the duty of opposition leaders to take responsibility and accountability for their failure as leaders of their parties.”

Morka maintained that without effective leadership, opposition parties cannot perform their ascribed role of promoting accountability of governance or its role to provide credible policy alternatives or extending cooperation to the ruling party in pursuit of progress, and achieving the common good.

He wondered how anyone could take present day opposition leaders seriously as capable of leading Nigeria at this moment in the nation’s history when they have proved so grossly incapable of leading their parties.

“Opposition leaders remain in denial while their parties drift, rudderless at sea, as their members peel away in droves. The opposition’s attempt at building a coalition remains a figment that is not coalescing due to the hostile takeover of the  ADC that is now unraveling in crippling dimensions, and the competing selfishness, desperation and arrogance of its leaders.”

The spokesperson said the ruling party would continue to strengthen its internal democratic systems to stand stronger, and serve Nigerians better

He said  that as a government, Tinubu remained resolute and focused on rebuilding generationally neglected foundations of its economic life and repositioning the country for sustainable progress.

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*Decries persistent low voter turnout, seeks true federalism  *APC: Opposition leaders weaponising grudges against President  *Ruling party insists Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, failing to provide leadership for their parties  *Catholic church,
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FG Calls for Truce as NUPENG Vows to Embark on Strike Today Over Dispute with Dangote

FG Calls for Truce as NUPENG Vows to Embark on Strike Today Over Dispute with Dangote

* Petrol retailers declare shutdown from Tuesday  

*IPMAN distances members from industrial action 

*ERA kicks, knocks NLC, NUPENG

Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) yesterday vowed to go ahead with its planned strike action today (Monday), in protest against the decision by the Dangote Refinery not to allow drivers of its newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks join any trade union.
But the federal government pleaded with the union, which also kicked against the massive importation of the Dangote trucks, which it said will put its members out of business, to reconsider its stance on the nationwide industrial action, pledging to  broker a dialogue to resolve the dispute .
The President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha and the General Secretary of the union, Olawale Afolabi, in a statement in Abuja, maintained that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of  NUPENG would refrain from lifting petroleum products from depots nationwide.
NUPENG  also disowned a statement attributed to  the President of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), Enoch Kanawa, which claimed that NUPENG could not speak for members of petroleum tanker drivers. Kanawa had  urged  Nigerians to disregard the planned industrial action.
The leadership of NUPENG declared that the Kanawa-led DTCDA was a creation of the  Refinery, which has vowed not to allow its recruited truck drivers to join NUPENG. The union argued that NUPENG is the only statutorily recognised union authorised to unionise the drivers.
NUPENG vowed that it would not surrender to what it called ‘slavish conditions’ being promoted by the refinery in the oil industry.
“We ask our members, members of the public and independent minded objective segments of the media to disregard (DTCDA) and its statements…Slavery ended centuries ago but some unscrupulous capitalists are making efforts to bring it back.
“Any worker who cannot exercise the right of association is no better than a slave. Ordinary Nigerians should neither encourage nor support slavish working conditions,” NUPENG maintained.
But while calling for a truce, the federal government pleaded with NUPENG to reconsider its stance on commencing a nationwide industrial action from today over alleged anti-labour practices.
A statement signed by Head, Information and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia said the plea was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi on Sunday.
The statement said that the minister also pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with the petroleum workers on their planned strike.
Dingyadi said that since his ministry has intervened in the matter, the unions should shelve their plan of shutting down the petroleum industry, with a view to maintaining peace in this highly critical sector of the Nigerian economy.
Dingyadi stated: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG.
“The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the country’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse consequential impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country, running into billions of Naira, but also cause untold hardship and difficulties for Nigerians.
“Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved,” Dingyadi stated.
The minister also assured Nigerians that the dispute will be resolved harmoniously to ensure that no disruption occurs in the petroleum sector, which is vital to the Nigerian economy.
Also at the weekend, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN)  announced a three-day forewarning of suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products commencing from the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in its ‘advocacy for healthy competition’ as against any form of monopoly in the Nigerian Petroleum downstream sector.
PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, made the announcement while addressing members nationwide and newsmen in Abuja, emphasising that the action of NUPENG would be both lawful and peaceful, underscoring the association’s commitment to promoting workers’ rights and benefits through constructive engagement.
PETROAN underscored its commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerian citizens in the pricing stability of the petroleum sector and promoting a stable and productive industry.
The organisation called on President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, among others, to intervene urgently in the proposed actions of NUPENG and PETROAN  to avert potential hardship and pain on  citizens arising from the suspension of lifting and dispensing of petroleum products.
He appealed to the President to find a solution to the crisis, ensuring the smooth operation of the oil and gas sector and minimizing disruptions to the nation’s economy.
Gillis-Harry said that pump attendants at PETROAN member filling stations are registered members of NUPENG, explaining that hence, NUPENG’s strike would mean these attendants would be absent from duty.
He instructed filling station owners not to discipline or sack any pump attendant who would be absent from duty until the end of the strike.
“PETROAN has earlier advocated for healthy competition in the oil and gas sector, as opposed to monopolistic tendencies.  The aggressive business strategies of Dangote Refinery would have far-reaching consequences, including pushing private depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, retail owners, truck owners, and truck drivers out of business,” the statement added.
This, PETROAN warned, would trigger millions of unemployment nationwide, with devastating effects on the economy and the livelihoods of Nigerians.
The organisation advised Nigerians to view any initial strategy aimed at gaining monopoly as a “Father Christmas” promise, cautioning them not to forget the events that unfolded in the cement industry. He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not be swayed by promises that may seem beneficial in the short term but could have long-term negative consequences.
“In a bid to mediate on  the proposed shutdown, PETROAN held an emergency ordinary national general meeting, where it resolved to hold consultations on Sunday and Monday. In the event of no fruitful outcome, the PETROAN Congress agreed to not to sack any employee who participates at all retail outlets nationwide by the early hours of Tuesday.
“To enforce this decision, a 120-man compliance team will be mobilised as watchdogs to ensure safety of our member’s facilities. As a critical player amongst stakeholders, PETROAN will join other stakeholders in ensuring healthy competition in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria.
“This collaborative effort aims to promote a conducive environment for workers, foster sector growth, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian economy”, it said in a statement.
Still on the planned strike, the national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Sunday distanced itself from a strike initiated by the Western Zone of the association which it said was opposed to Dangote acquiring trucks to transport its products to consumers.
The Western Zone in a press statement signed by its Chairman and Acting Secretary, Basorun  Akanni and Mr. Adeleke Adeoye had said Dangote’s intention contravenes the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and urged its members to begin a strike on Monday.
However, a statement in Benin City by the National Ex-Officio, Douglas Iyike, on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of IPMAN, urged its members to disregard the strike action.
Iyike added that what Dangote was doing constituted a huge assistance that would free them from multiple and choking levies they are forced to pay by petroleum tanker drivers. He also declared that the action of Dangote is supported by the PIA.
“I am refuting this story as the former chairman of IPMAN Benin Depot and presently the National Ex-Officio of IPMAN. That IPMAN National Executive Council (NEC) under the leadership of Alhaji Maigandi Shettima is not aware of the action preconceived by the IPMAN Western Zone going on strike by Monday.
“And as you would know, the PIA bill has given the room for any individual to own a refinery in the country and have their own trucks to distribute your products and even build petrol stations if you choose to. Dangote has not done any harm but good to we marketers and to the general public.
“However, I want to state unequivocally that the IPMAN western zone has no impetus to call for any strike as it lacks the constitutional powers to do so. It is only the National Executive Council of IPMAN that has the reserved right to do so and not the zone or any depot and the western zone should also by this statement take into cognisance that they are not on their own.
“They are under the NEC of IPMAN according to the IPMAN constitution of 2009 as amended and as such cannot take any decision of any kind of strike or demonstration regarding the interest of marketers without the approval of the National Executive Council of IPMAN. We advise esteemed marketers to go on with their normal day to day business,” Iyike stated.
He maintained that the Dangote Refinery will create jobs for the citizens of the country, explaining that direct distribution would make marketers get products on credit bases and pay the balance after sale.
Meanwhile, the Economic Rights Activists (ERA) has strongly condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), NUPENG, PETROAN, and other affiliated unions for their planned nationwide strike, which it said threatens to disrupt fuel distribution and cripple Nigeria’s economic life.
During a press conference in Abuja, ERA’s Executive Director, Dr. Josiah Inuwa, described the proposed industrial action as a “reckless and unpatriotic” assault on the Nigerian people, warning that it would inflict severe hardship on millions while potentially serving the interests of economic saboteurs.
The unions’ grievances stemmed from alleged anti-union practices at the Dangote Refinery and accusations of monopolistic control in the downstream petroleum sector.
Inuwa, however, argued that the strike would primarily harm ordinary citizens—small business owners, transport operators, and families—rather than corporate giants.

He highlighted the devastating impact of past oil sector strikes, such as the 2012 fuel subsidy protests and the 2020 industrial actions, which cost the economy billions of naira daily and deepened recessionary pressures.

The group warned that the proposed strike could trigger similar losses, threatening Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery under Tinubu’s reforms.

Inuwa raised concerns about the timing of the strike, noting its alignment with efforts by vested interests to undermine Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency through the Dangote Refinery, a critical step toward ending decades of reliance on imported fuel.

“Whether knowingly or not, NLC, NUPENG, and PETROAN risk becoming pawns of cartels that profit from the status quo,” he said, accusing the groups of orchestrating sabotage to derail the refinery’s success.

ERA also accused union leaders of hypocrisy, pointing to the disconnect between their public rhetoric and private privileges.

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* Petrol retailers declare shutdown from Tuesday   *IPMAN distances members from industrial action  *ERA kicks, knocks NLC, NUPENG Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin
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Cardoso: CBN Committed to Economic Stability, Stronger Banks, More Investment Inflows

Cardoso: CBN Committed to Economic Stability, Stronger Banks, More Investment Inflows

*Vows to jealously guard financial system stability 

*EU Chambers hail reforms, Naira stability 

Nume Ekeghe

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the apex bank’s commitment to driving economic stability and building stronger, more resilient banks. He also assured that renewed confidence in monetary policy will attract greater investment inflows into Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at a fireside chat moderated by Andreas Voss, Chief Country Representative, Deutsche Bank Nigeria, during the European Business Chamber (Eurocham Nigeria) C-Level Forum in Lagos, at the weekend, Cardoso pointed out that the ongoing recapitalisation exercise for commercial banks was “making good progress” and would produce stronger institutions capable of withstanding shocks and financing growth.

Cardoso noted that while headline inflation remains elevated, it was trending downward as a result of collective efforts thus far, with the expectation that the benefits of the bank’s tighten monetary policy stance would continue to take hold.

“We will guard very jealously the stability that has been restored in the financial system,” he said.
“Our priority is to sustain that stability, while at the same time tackling inflation and ensuring the financial system is resilient enough to support corporate lending and investment.”

When asked about high lending rates in Nigeria and their impact on investment, the CBN Governor acknowledged the concern but tied it back to his earlier point on inflation and stability.
He said there was a significant opportunity for interest rates to come down over time as inflation continues on its downward path and as markets become more efficient in allocating capital.
“That is the environment in which stronger corporate lending and higher levels of investment will naturally follow,” he added.

Cardoso noted the CBN’s recapitalisation directive, which requires banks to increase their minimum capital, was designed precisely to build resilience and ensure the financial system is strong enough to support broader economic activities.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the fintech ecosystem and expand financial inclusion, noting that technology-driven solutions would be central to deepening access and tackling poverty.

Importantly, he pointed to deeper collaboration with the fiscal side, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Budget Office, as a positive development that would help the country sustain reforms and deliver long-term stability.

On Nigeria’s place in the global economy, he said: “What current geopolitical shifts make clear is the urgency of getting our own house in order. Nigeria is not only a large and attractive market in its own right, but it also sits at the gateway to West Africa and the wider continent. This makes stability at home all the more critical.”

Members of the EU Chambers praised the CBN’s reforms and the stabilisation of the naira as key drivers of renewed investor confidence.

Eurocham President Yann Gilbert, in his opening remarks, described the chamber as a bridge connecting European businesses with Nigerian policymakers.

“Our members are deeply committed to this country,” he said. “We want to invest, create jobs, and build lasting partnerships.

“This forum is about engagement, dialogue, and solutions that strengthen confidence and unlock opportunities between Nigeria and Europe.”

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*Vows to jealously guard financial system stability  *EU Chambers hail reforms, Naira stability  Nume Ekeghe The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the
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NULGE: AGF Plotting to Preempt S’Court, Set to Pay Osun LG Funds to APC Chairs, Councillors Sacked by Court

NULGE: AGF Plotting to Preempt S’Court, Set to Pay Osun LG Funds to APC Chairs, Councillors Sacked by Court

The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has disclosed that the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation is plotting to “preempt the Supreme Court” by allegedly preparing to pay withheld local government allocations in Osun into the accounts of court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.

In a press statement signed by its President, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, the union warned that the alleged move would amount to “gross misappropriation” and a brazen attempt to subvert the rule of law.
It said: “Nigerians are well aware of the lingering crisis that has plagued local government administration in Osun State since February this year, following the seizure of local government funds by the federal government. This matter is currently before the Supreme Court for adjudication.

“We have, however, received credible information that officials of the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) have been instructed to prepare mandates to release Osun State local government allocations covering over eight months into accounts that do not belong to our local governments. Disturbingly, these accounts belong to chieftains of the APC who have been removed by the court as chairmen and councillors.

“We competently gathered that the Director, Federation Account, and Director, Funds (names withheld) in the OAGF’s office, under the directive of the Accountant General of the Federation worked late into Friday night and through Saturday, processing papers and figures to facilitate this illegal diversion. These desperate moves are a clear attempt to preempt the decision of the Supreme Court.”

Osun NULGE therefore issued a strong warning to the Accountant General of the Federation, his officials; the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its officials to desist from obeying illegal directives.
It added: “Criminal acts have no statute of limitation. Any payment of Osun State local government funds into private or fraudulent accounts will amount to gross misappropriation. By law, only Directors of Administration and Directors of Finance are authorised signatories to local government accounts.

“However, the law is that the persons occupying the positions of these authorised signatories must be authenticated in writing by the Auditor General for the Local Governments of the State to ensure compliance with the law and avoid payment to impostors. Therefore, any impostors whose names may have been smuggled into CBN records are acting in clear violation of the law. We remind the CBN to steer clear of partisan politics and uphold its constitutional mandate”, NULGE stated.

Stating that they are not politicians and are not involved in the politics that is involved, however, NULGE explained that as a union, it has a duty and obligation to protect members’ jobs and stand by its members whose positions are being usurped by impostor politicians.

“It is curious and deeply troubling that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant-General of the Federation and the CBN have singled out Osun State for this punitive treatment while local governments in the other 35 states continue to receive their allocations through accounts as provided for in the 1999 Constitution.

“Significantly, the AGF, who also served as counsel to the APC governorship candidate in the last Osun election, appears to be placing the rule of power and politics above the rule of law. This is unfortunate and unacceptable. The case before the Supreme Court should be allowed to run its course without anyone foisting a fait accompli on the system,” Osun NULGE emphasised.

It insisted that the people of Osun State will not accept the injustice, pointing out that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done and stressed that the rule of law must prevail over political desperation.

“Accordingly, we call on well-meaning Nigerians, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations, and the international community to join our call for the rule of law in Osun State. The money involved belongs to the people of Osun State, not to any political party or group of politicians,” it added.

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The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has disclosed that the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation is plotting to “preempt the Supreme Court” by
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