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Buhari Didn’t Approve Emefiele’s Naira Redesign — Former CBN Deputy Governor

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The trial of the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria continued on Wednesday with a former CBN Deputy Governor, Edward Adamu, testifying as the fourth witness.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Federal Government over the chaotic naira redesign policy of the CBN under his watch in late 2022.

The ex-CBN helmsman faces four counts before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama in Abuja.

Appearing as the fourth prosecution witness on Wednesday, Adamu told the court that Emefiele breached the laid down procedure in the naira design exercise of 2022.

Adamu, led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Rotimi Oyedepo, (SAN), told the court that during his time as a CBN staff, he witnessed previous redesigns of the naira, carried out with the aim of addressing issues of volume of currency in circulation, inflation, counterfeiting and general currency management, among others.

He, however, claimed that the 2022 naira redesign exercise carried out by Emefiele during ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was without the approval of either the President or the CBN Board, contrary to the law.

Adamu explained that the standard procedure for a naira redesign originates from the Director of Currency Operations and is passed on to the Committee of Governors, who then forward it to the CBN Board for approval before it reaches the President.

He alleged that Emefiele bypassed this process.

Instead, Adamu testified that Emefiele convened a meeting of the Committee of Governors, where he presented a purported presidential approval for the redesign and proceeded with implementation.

He further noted that, upon reviewing Exhibit E2, which was admitted as evidence, the design of the naira notes currently in circulation differed slightly from what was approved by both President Buhari and the CBN Board.

He asserted that these changes were made unilaterally by Emefiele.

During cross-examination, the defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), asked Adamu if, prior to the recent naira redesign, it was customary for a board recommendation to precede presidential approval. Adamu confirmed that it was.

Ojo then asked if there had ever been a practice where the President gave approval before the board was informed. Adamu responded that such a practice was not the norm during his tenure.

The defence counsel further questioned Adamu on whether he was aware of instances where the President approved the release of funds to ECOWAS, the military, or other countries without prior consultation with the CBN Board or Committee of Governors. Adamu admitted to being aware of one such instance.

Ojo also inquired if Adamu knew of any consequences for not adhering to procedures outlined in the CBN Act. Adamu stated that he could not recall.

Referring to an earlier statement made to the EFCC on February 24, 2024, Ojo asked Adamu if he recalled saying that the minutes of CBN Meeting 764 were adopted. Adamu responded that he could not remember.

The defence counsel argued that the witness’s account in court was inconsistent compared to his statement to the EFCC.

The prosecution counsel objected, arguing that the witness’s testimony and prior statement were not yet in evidence before the court.

The judge subsequently allowed the witness to refresh his memory by reviewing his statement, which he did.

The defence counsel then asked Adamu if he was privy to any discussions between the former CBN governor and the President regarding the specifics of the redesign. Adamu responded in the negative.

Justice Anenih adjourned the case till November 18 for the continuation of the trial.

BIG STORY

Lagos Assembly Debunks Abuja House Rumour, Warns Against Election Season Propaganda

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has described as misleading and mischievous the widespread misinformation that it budgeted for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law.

This rebuttal is contained in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman, House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Describing the report as a deliberate and disturbing falsehood being peddled by patently ignorant people, the statement reads, “There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The report is a complete fabrication and a product of political mischief intended to misinform the public.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State. It is, therefore, illogical, irrational, and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction.”
The statement emphasized that the budget is already in the public domain and accessible for scrutiny by discerning Lagosians and Nigerians alike. It reiterated that the Lagos State Government operates a transparent budget that speaks to the needs of the people and the demands of a megalopolis.
“We view this rumour as part of a wider attempt at election-season propaganda, designed to erode public trust, sow discord, and malign democratic institutions.”

The chairmen further clarified that the 2026 capital expenditure of the House of Assembly is less than 0.04% of the total CAPEX of the state, which clearly demonstrates the culture of prudence, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that guides the legislature. However, they noted, “Historically, the House does not even access up to its approved budget in many fiscal years.”

They stressed that the Assembly remains fully committed to excellence, transparency, good governance, and the collective welfare of the people of Lagos State, in line with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.
“We therefore challenge those behind this harebrained allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their statements forthwith. Failure to do so may attract appropriate legal actions.
“We urge Lagosians and the general public to disregard this baseless rumour and always verify information from official and credible sources.”

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Lagos Partners MTN To Redevelop Obalende Under-bridge Into Eco-Friendly Bus Park

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The Lagos state government has partnered with MTN Nigeria to redevelop the Obalende under-bridge into a modern transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO bus park.

Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, announced the project in an X post on Tuesday.

Wahab said the redevelopment would transform the previously degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centered facility.

According to him, the new bus park will feature an organized and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and security agencies, over 60 public toilet facilities, kiosks, and other amenities for commuters and residents.

He said the project prioritizes safety, health, and aesthetics, noting that solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility, enhance closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and help curb criminal activities in the Obalende axis.

The commissioner added that a biodigester system will be installed to manage wastewater sustainably, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal.

Wahab said the redevelopment will also include solar panels to support energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, as well as tree planting to improve air quality and beautify the environment.

He described the project as part of the state government’s efforts to reclaim public spaces and make them functional, sustainable, and safe for residents.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Increases Petrol Price By N100, MRS To Sell At N839

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-gantry price of its premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, to N799 per litre.

The price of the product was increased by N100, from N699 per litre to N799 per litre, effective on December 12, 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, the refinery said MRS retail outlets will now sell the product at N839 per litre — up from N739 per litre.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability,” the refinery said.

“Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to market stability and an uninterrupted nationwide supply of petrol.

“During the recent festive period, the Refinery implemented a deliberate and temporary price support intervention to cushion Nigerians at a time of heightened household spending,” the plant said.

Despite the price reduction, the refinery accused “many filling stations” of failing to “reflect the new price at the pump,” thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the slash.

“As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import-related volatility and external supply disruptions, while remaining a stabilising force in the downstream petroleum sector,” the plant said.

Dangote refinery reaffirmed its commitment to providing energy security, price stability, and long-term value for Nigerians.

Speaking on the development, David Bird, chief executive officer (CEO), said the refinery is currently supplying about 50 million litres of petrol to the domestic market daily, with nationwide distribution running smoothly.

He explained that the refinery’s flexible design allows it to process different types of crude and intermediate feed stocks, making it possible to maintain petrol supply even during scheduled maintenance.

Bird added that this ensures that domestic fuel availability remains stable and uninterrupted.

“This marked the second consecutive festive season in which the Refinery absorbed significant costs in the national interest, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025 to promote affordability and market calm.”

 

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