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El-Rufai, Matawalle, Bello Drag Buhari To Court

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Naira Redesign: El-Rufai Explains Why Emefiele Is A Saboteur

El-Rufai, Matawalle, Bello Drag Buhari To Court

 

Interestingly, three APC governors, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Kogi, and Zamfara states Governors have dragged the Buhari led Federal government before the Supreme Court, seeking a restraining order to stop the full implementation of the policy surrounding the new Naira notes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria in October 2022 announced plans to redesign the 200, 500, and 1000 Naira notes. The apex bank gave January 31 as the deadline for the swapping of the old notes. However, the inability of many Nigerians to access the newly redesigned notes forced the bank to extend the deadline to February 10. Today, many Nigerians find it hard to access money as most banks they visit claim they do not have the new Naira notes to offer.

El-Rufai, Matawalle, Bello Drag Buhari To Court

Worried by this development, the Kogi, Kaduna, and Zamfara state governments have through their lawyer, AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha (SAN), filed a motion ex-parte urging the apex court to grant them an interim injunction stopping the Federal Government either by itself or acting through the CBN, the commercial banks or its agents from carrying out its plan of ending the timeframe within which the now older versions of the 200, 500 and 1000 denominations of the Naira may no longer be legal tender on February 10, 2023.

Channels TV reports that the Plaintiffs in the suit are the three Attorneys-General and Commissioners of Justice of the three states, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), is the sole Respondent. The Plaintiffs said that since the announcement of the new naira note policy, there has been an acute shortage in the supply of the new naira notes in Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States and that citizens who have dutifully deposited their old naira notes have increasingly found it difficult and sometimes next to impossible to access new naira notes to go about their daily activities.

They also cited the inadequacy of the notice coupled with the haphazard manner in which the exercise is being carried out and the attendant hardship same is wrecking on Nigerians, which has been well acknowledged even by the Federal Government of Nigeria itself. The Plaintiffs further maintained that the ten-day extension by the Federal Government is still insufficient to address the challenges bedeviling the policy.

In the suit filed at the apex court, the Plaintiffs have also filed a motion on notice to abridge the time within which the Respondent may file and serve his Counter-Affidavit to this Suit and an order for an accelerated hearing of this matter. The states are seeking a declaration that the Demonetization Policy of the Federation being currently carried out by the Central Bank of Nigeria under the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not in compliance with the extant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and actual laws on the subject.

They are also asking the court to make a declaration that the three-month notice given by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Central Bank of Nigeria under the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the expiration of which will render the old Banknotes inadmissible as legal tender, is in gross violation of the provisions of Section 20(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 which specifies that Reasonable Notice must be given before such a policy.

 

The Plaintiffs are also urging the court for a declaration that given the express provisions of Section 20(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, has no powers to issue a timeline for the acceptance and redeeming of banknotes issued by the Bank, except as limited by Section 22(1) of the CBN Act 2007. The Central Bank shall at all times redeem its bank notes. The Plaintiffs further want the court to direct the immediate suspension of the demonetization of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Central Bank of Nigeria under the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria until it complies with the relevant provisions of the law.

‘In an affidavit filed in support of the suit and sworn to by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State, Aisha Dikko, she averred that although the naira redesign policy was introduced to encourage the cashless policy of the Federal government, it is not all transactions that can be conveniently carried out through electronic means. She maintained that several transactions still require cash in exchange for goods and services, hence the Federal Government’s need to have sufficient money available in circulation for the smooth running of the economy.

Dikko also pointed out that the Federal Government has embarked on the policy within a narrow and unworkable time frame, and this has adversely affected Nigerian citizens within Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States as well as their Governments, especially as the newly redesigned naira notes are not available for use by the people as well as the State Governments.

 

?That the majority of the indigenes of the Plaintiffs? states who reside in the rural areas have been unable to exchange or deposit their old naira notes as there are no banks in the rural areas where the majority of the population of the states reside. Most people in rural areas of the Plaintiffs? states do not have bank accounts and have so far been unable to deposit their life savings which are still in the old naira notes. There is restiveness amongst the people in the various states because of the hardship being suffered by the people, and the situation will sooner than later degenerate into the breakdown of law and order.

The Plaintiff State Governments cannot stand by as they are duty-bound to protect citizens in their states and prevent the breakdown of law and order. I know that if the Federal Government of Nigeria had given sufficient and reasonable time for the naira redesign policy, all the current hardship and loss being experienced by the Plaintiffs? State governments and people in the various states would have been avoided.

I know that the 10-day extension by the Federal Government is still insufficient to address the challenges bedeviling the policy. I also understand that the Federal Government cannot bar Nigerians from redeeming their old naira notes at any time, even though the senior notes are no longer legal tender. Unless this Honourable Court intervenes, the Government and people of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara State will continue to go through a lot of hardship and would ultimately suffer great loss as a result of the insufficient and unreasonable time within which the Federal Government is embarking on the ongoing currency redesign policy,? she stated.

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

There’s something about the Vatican that strips away titles and trappings. In the shadows of St. Peter’s Basilica, under the searing Roman sun, global leaders, power players, and everyday pilgrims become equals—bound by reverence and ritual.

Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

I should know. I was there.

On my last trip to the Vatican—during the funeral of Pope Francis just weeks earlier—I had witnessed something unforgettable. As President Donald Trump arrived and a crowd of dignitaries swarmed to greet him, a sharply-dressed, no-nonsense priest cut through the noise with a firm:

Scusi. This is St. Peter’s Basilica, not the White House. Kindly take your seats.

Boom. Order restored. And a reminder: here, no one upstages the moment.

So when I returned for the Installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV, I knew I’d be witnessing not just history, but human theater—with the Nigerian delegation right in the mix.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading the delegation, arrived in good time—early enough to soak in the atmosphere, greet dignitaries, and observe the ancient rites. As we settled into the square, I spotted Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi, former governors and political heavyweights, already seated. After the President had taken his place, I went over to greet them—and in a rare gesture of statesmanship, they chose to accompany me to pay their respects to the President.

What followed was a surprisingly warm and humorous exchange. Far from the icy tensions back home, Tinubu welcomed them with ease, smiling, laughing, and trading quips like old friends reunited at a family function. They soon returned to their seats—but that moment, however brief, spoke volumes about what’s possible in Nigerian politics when the ego is set aside.

But Rome doesn’t care who you are. The sun showed no favoritism. Under the blazing Vatican heat, everyone—presidents, pilgrims, priests—sat exposed. The square is merciless. People faint. They’re carried off in stretchers. It’s part of the experience.

One man, seated directly in front of me, collapsed mid-Mass. Paramedics were far off, and panic briefly rippled through the crowd—until Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, leapt into action. He darted to the vestibule and returned with a cold bottle of water that was used to revive the man before medics arrived.

Meanwhile, the President—stoic and composed—sat through the entire three-hour liturgy, standing and kneeling as required, skipping only Communion. Afterward, he lingered. He chatted with Nigerian priests, seminarians, posed for selfies, and shared laughs, showing none of the fatigue one might expect.

And oh—that suit.

Tailored to perfection, the President’s power suit turned heads across the square. The cut, the stride, the confidence—it was presidential flair meeting ecclesiastical ceremony. He walked up to greet the new pontiff with grace and gravitas.

So yes, Vatican ’25 wasn’t just a religious event—it was a convergence of power, humility, diplomacy, and humanity.

From protocol to personal moments, this was history not just witnessed, but lived.

And for those of us lucky enough to be there, one thing is clear:
In Rome, you don’t just attend a Mass. You become part of a moment that echoes through eternity.

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Renowned organizational psychologist, author, and international youth mentor, Ngozi Okafor, has unveiled a new line of inspirational television programs aimed at educating, empowering, and guiding the Nigerian youth. With over two decades of experience in youth development across the UK, USA, and Nigeria, Ngozi is bringing her message of hope and transformation directly to the screens of millions of young Nigerians.

The new programs, set to debut in the coming weeks, will focus on themes such as self-discovery, entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and mental wellness. Designed to bridge the gap between information and real-life application, each episode will feature stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical advice to help young people navigate life with clarity and confidence.

“Our young people are gifted, but many are simply not guided,” said Ngozi Okafor. “These programs are my way of reaching out—to say, ‘I see you, I believe in you, and here are tools to help you build your future.’ It’s not just about being on TV. It’s about starting conversations that lead to transformation.”

Ngozi’s journey in youth empowerment has spanned four continents, beginning in the UK with Hope Worldwide International, supporting vulnerable and homeless youth. In Atlanta, USA, she worked with Junior Achievers, leading business and leadership simulation programs, while also engaging youth in community service through initiatives like Meals on Wheels.

Back in Nigeria, Ngozi’s voice became familiar to thousands through Youth Arena on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM, a program that partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria to teach financial literacy to young Nigerians through engaging broadcasts and workbooks.

Beyond media, Ngozi has directly supported more than 50 young entrepreneurs by providing startup resources such as sewing machines, baking ovens, and seed funding. Her work reflects a lifelong mission: turning inspiration into action.

“This TV project is more than content—it’s a movement,” she added. “We are building a generation that is self-aware, skilled, and ready to lead. And we’re doing it one story, one screen, and one young person at a time.”

Ngozi Okafor’s upcoming television programs promise to fill a critical void in youth development programming and are expected to air on both national and regional networks. Additional details about scheduling and partnerships will be announced soon.

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has calmly addressed a wave of politically charged misinformation following his recent visit to the Vatican, where he attended an inauguration ceremony. The backlash, largely fanned by known government allies Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Omoyele Sowore, misrepresented the nature of his visit and falsely accused him of refusing to “pay homage” to the Pope until a supposed presidential intervention.

Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Contrary to the sensational headlines, Mr. Obi clarified that he did not meet the Pope, nor was such a meeting on his agenda. “I bought my own ticket and traveled for what I believe is a personal, non-political trip,” he told a close confidant in Abuja before departing. Emphasizing his commitment to modesty, Obi disclosed that he flew economy class, adding, “It’s the difference between business class and economy that I use for donations to build classrooms.”

Obi’s visit to Rome mirrored his past trips to the Vatican, including the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis. A Papal Knight and longstanding Catholic faithful, Mr. Obi is no stranger to such events. This time, he traveled alongside former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, both of whom held official passes granting them VIP access. They also paid a visit to Cardinal Francis Arinze, a 90-year-old Nigerian cleric and longtime Vatican figure — an act Obi has made a tradition of during such visits.

The criticisms have drawn widespread rebuke, with many questioning why a man known for self-funding his travels and donating millions to health and education continues to face political smears, while those squandering public funds remain unchallenged. Obi’s quiet return to Nigeria was followed, as usual, by school and hospital visits — the kind of grassroots outreach that has cemented his reputation as a man of service, not spectacle.

As misinformation continues to plague Nigeria’s political discourse, observers are calling for a return to truth and substance. “Enough of the lies. Enough of the propaganda. The truth has no tribe,” said a supporter who met with Obi before his Rome trip.

In an era of performative politics, Obi’s response has once again underscored his consistent message: humility, service, and transparency over noise.

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