Metro
WHY PROTESTERS ARE STILL ON THE STREETS, AND HOW TO REMOVE THEM
Ok. Let’s put this in simple English. It is a thread.
Why we do not accept the President’s and IGP’s assurances.
- You have made at least 6 promises over the last 4 years on the subject. Not a single action was ever taken. These guys come back stronger and worse.
- The recommendations of the 2018 Presidential Panel on Police Reforms have not been implemented. You set up the panel, empowered them, accepted their report, promised to implement all the recommendations, but failed to implement.
- You have not actually heard us. You keep assuming what we want.
- You do not regret the actions of your killer squad. You are only reactionary. Your words and body language suggest that it is still business as usual.
- Your men and officers are still on the streets harassing and arresting peaceful protesters, and anyone that records their atrocities.
Now to why SWAT is not the solution.
- It is difficult to believe that much thought was given to the creation of the new unit. It took less than 3 days to come up with a ‘perfect’ replacement for SARS. That is just too quick to be taken seriously. Especially in view of your past record of unfulfilled promises.
- Your selection process for who will be on the SWAT team could not have been thorough. It is logically impossible to screen, approve and designate members of an elite tactical team within 3 days. And you are saying their training will start next week. How did you pick the new officers? It is obvious you are only changing the title from SARS to SWAT. Like NEPA to PHCN. No real difference. It appears you’ve only invited the dissolved SARS operatives to Abuja so that they can resume as SWAT.
- You have not told us the mode of operation of the SWAT team, and the command structure. The problem of SARS was only half about the men. It had more to do with their lack of accountability, and fuzzy terms of reference. Add to that their poor training on human rights. You have still not addressed those issues.
- Nothing has been said about the current detainees in SARS captivity or ongoing cases/investigations. No hand-over, no release. This proves that it is still the same old boys in a new garment.
- SWAT as a team needs to be properly funded, trained and tooled. We do not have any confidence that there is any funding plan for this ‘new’ squad.
What then can the Police and Government do to convince Nigeria that this time around, you are serious?
While we wait for the implementation of the extensive reforms, we need tokens of commitment. Here are a few low hanging fruits you can implement in the immediate and short term to assure Nigerians that this is not mere words again:
Set up a website or digital data centre to receive all complaints and allegations against members of SARS from 1992 till date. We want to know that you’re listening to us.
Set up a Truth Commission with mandate to move from State to State to hear and receive complaints and evidence from all victims (or their families) of SARS brutality.
Order police officer to stop engaging peaceful protesters. NSCDC and FRSC are better suited to manage crowd and traffic at this time. The people are triggered already. Ensure your men don’t aggravate them. We should not even be talking about not harassing or arresting them. But this is Nigeria. Tell military and paramilitary man to stop harassing and arresting peaceful protesters.
Invite NBA, National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council, Civil society groups, and the judiciary to audit all SARS detention facilities across the country. And unconditional release of detainees who are innocent or without reasonable cases to answer.
Order the immediate hand-over of all SARS detainees to the regular police formations in each State. With instructions to accelerate investigation and trial.
Announce a compensation scheme for all victims or families of those murdered.
IGP and top brass of the police should physically visit families of confirmed victims of SARS brutality, and condole with them. We want to see empathy. We want to see remorse.
Order immediate and phased psyche evaluation for all present and past SARS operatives. You need to understand why they act the way they do, so that you can preempt such psychological breaks among officers in future.
Order immediate forensic financial audit of all SARS operatives in the country. The monies they have extorted from people are kept somewhere. It wouldn’t be so hard to trace.
Announce the suspension of the heads of SARS formations across the country, and make them appear before disciplinary panels. Someone must be held accountable for the atrocities of their operatives.
Order immediate restructure of the police architecture to allow State Governors have effective oversight powers over the police infrastructure in their States.
Finally, when you address us, look into the camera. Stop reading a script. It makes you look like you don’t care. Better yet, come out and address the human beings. Do not just talk to cameras and the press.
Michael Olaniyan.
Office of the Citizen of Nigeria
Business
Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels
Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made serious allegations against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming that the agency misused $59 million to accommodate illegal migrants in luxurious hotels.
The billionaire entrepreneur revealed this in a tweet on Monday morning, stating that the discovery was made last week. According to Musk, the funds were intended for American disaster relief but were instead diverted in violation of national regulations.
He wrote: “The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals! A clawback demand will be made today to recoup those funds.”
The revelation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that FEMA’s allocation of funds should prioritize American citizens affected by disasters. The allegations have also intensified scrutiny on FEMA, which has faced previous accusations of financial mismanagement.
An inspector general audit recently revealed that FEMA mishandled nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The audit stated that $8.1 billion in costs remained questionable, while $1.5 billion was allocated prematurely and could have been better utilized for other emergencies.
As scrutiny mounts, former President Donald Trump has reportedly considered abolishing FEMA, describing the agency as “a disaster.” To address these concerns, Trump has established a council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to review FEMA’s operations and propose necessary reforms by late June.
The allegations against FEMA have triggered a broader debate on the proper allocation of taxpayer funds and the government’s role in disaster management. More updates are expected as the situation develops.
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Access Holdings: Imprints of a Thriving Banking Powerhouse, By Bolaji Israel
Access Holdings has continued to evolve and reinforce its corporate stature as a formidable force in Nigeria’s financial sector, demonstrating capacity for relentless growth, resilience and ambition through strategic expansion and innovative approaches. The entity owes its significant bulk to the Access Bank Group, supported by other allied services firms.
Also known as Access Corporation, the group has grown over the last 35 years to emerge as Nigeria’s largest financial holding company, offering services such as commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and asset management.
Though Access started off as a corporate bank, it swiftly expanded into personal and business banking in 2012, solidifying its role as a well rounded financial solutions provider.
In his memoir, ‘Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa, ‘ Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede detailed how himself and his partner, Herbert Wigwe walked the delicate path of buying Access Bank and never looked back since.
The bank’s acquisition in March 2022 by the maverick duo of Aig-Imoukhuede and Wigwe, which changed its entire growth, profit and branding trajectory as well as its merger with Diamond Bank in 2019 which shot up its customer base to over 42 million, granting it a status of the largest bank in Africa by customer base and the largest in Nigeria by assets, form a part of its remarkable and turnaround milestone.
With a keen focus on digitisation-driven growth and customer satisfaction, it has not only solidified its status in Nigeria but has also set its sights on becoming a formidable player in the international banking arena.
The group’s growth and expansion drive has been marked by a series of strategic acquisitions and mergers aimed at enhancing its market presence and delivering value to customers. In 2021, Access Bank acquired African Banking Corporation (ABC Holdings), a move that significantly bolstered its operations in Southern Africa. This acquisition allowed Access Bank to enter markets such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia, thereby enhancing its regional footprint and customer base.
In addition to its African ventures, Access Holding has been eyeing opportunities in Europe and Asia. Recent announcements highlight the bank’s interest in potential partnerships and acquisitions that could facilitate its entry into these lucrative markets. The bank’s management has stated, “We are committed to diversifying our operations and exploring new markets that align with our growth strategy.”
The results of the expansion efforts have been promising. For the year ending 2023, Access Holding reported a staggering 300 percent growth in profit after tax to N612.4 billion, from N204.1 billion in 2022. This represents the largest profit ever recorded by the company, under the leadership of its late co-founder, Herbert Wigwe.
It revenue soared by 80% to N2.6 trillion, from N1.4 trillion in 2022 while assets rose by 78% to N26.7 trillion, from N14.99 trillion in 2022, marking a significant growth trajectory that positions Access Holding as one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential banks.
Leading Force in Financial Sector
Access Holding’s influence in the financial sector extends beyond its impressive growth metrics. The bank has taken on a leading role in advocating for financial inclusion and economic empowerment across Nigeria and Africa. Through various initiatives, Access Holdings is committed to providing access to banking services for underserved populations, thereby contributing to the broader goal of economic development.
The bank’s emphasis on technology and innovation has positioned it as a leader in the digital banking space, setting benchmarks for other financial institutions to follow. By continuously enhancing its service offerings and embracing new technologies, Access Holding is shaping the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.
Innovations and Technological Advancements
Access has prioritized innovation as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. Over the past two years, the bank has invested heavily in upgrading its technology infrastructure to provide customers with seamless and efficient banking experiences. The launch of a robust digital banking platform is a clear testament to this commitment. The improved platform allows customers to perform a wide range of transactions, from fund transfers to bill payments, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
The bank’s mobile banking app has also seen significant upgrades, incorporating features such as biometric authentication, personalized financial insights, and enhanced security protocols. These innovations have resulted in a marked increase in user engagement, with over 10 million active users reported in 2024.
Moreover, Access has revitalized its Point of Sale (POS) services to cater to the growing demand for cashless transactions. The bank has deployed thousands of POS terminals across Nigeria, facilitating secure and efficient payment solutions for businesses and consumers alike.
Leadership and Succession
The unfortunate demise of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America, would have constituted a permanent clog for any company without a formidable structure.
Access Holdings has however been able to rise above the dark moment and steadied the ship with the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as Chairman and emergence of Bolaji Agbede as GCEO. The swift realignment is a clear testament to the group’s ability to deftly manage succession.
Growth Outlook and Ambition
Access growth results and targets highlight its ambitious nature. The banking group aims to achieve a market capitalization of ₦10 trillion by 2025, with plans to expand its customer base to over 50 million across its operational territories. This ambition is supported by strategic partnerships and potential mergers, not only within Nigeria but globally.
Analysts have noted that Access Holdings is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for financial services across Africa and beyond. With a solid foundation and an eye on expansion, the bank is poised to become a leading financial institution on the global stage.
The landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector has been vibrant, and Access Holdings is keen on exploring potential opportunities. In Nigeria, the banking industry has witnessed a wave of consolidation, with several banks seeking to enhance their market positions through strategic mergers. Access has expressed interest in potential acquisitions that align with its growth strategy, particularly in the areas of technology and customer service.
Globally, the banking group is also exploring partnerships that can facilitate its entry into new markets. The management has indicated that Access Holding is open to collaborating with fintech companies and other financial institutions that can complement its service offerings and enhance customer value.
Awards and Commendations
Access Corp’s commitment to excellence and innovation has earned it numerous accolades over the past year. The bank was recognized as the “Best Bank in Nigeria” at the Global Finance Awards, a prestigious honour that underscores its leadership position in the industry. Additionally, the bank received the “Most Innovative Bank” award at the African Banking Awards, highlighting its commitment to embracing technology and improving customer experiences.
These awards reflect a solid dedication to maintaining high standards of service and its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing financial landscape.
Access Holdings trajeectory stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic expansion, innovation, and effective leadership. With its aggressive growth strategy, commitment to technological advancement, and dedication to customer satisfaction, it is firmly establishing itself as a thriving banking conglomerate.
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