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Cash Scarcity: Emefiele Is Sadist, Committed Crime Worse Than Electoral Fraud — Wole Soyinka

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The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, is a sadist and has committed a crime against humanity with his naira redesign policy which has “impoverished” many Nigerians, says Wole Soyinka.

For several months, Nigerians have had to grapple with a cash crunch due to the CBN’s limiting of cash in circulation. But the central bank is accusing politicians of hoarding cash. Deposit banks have complained of receiving limited cash from CBN.

Professor Wole Soyinka, a playwright and rights activist, slammed Mr. Emefiele and President Muhammadu for stifling “lives and livelihoods” through the cash policy that has made cash withdrawals at banks, ATMS and PoS difficult.

“You can’t buy newspapers. You can’t buy guguru. Which means the saleswoman cannot pay for plantain, which means that the farmer cannot pay for transportation of his goods from his farm to the market,” said Mr Soyinka regarding the cash scarcity caused by the CBN’s naira redesign policy.

The rights activist stated this in a Channels TV interview aired on Monday.

He added, “Emefiele has committed a crime against humanity, over and beyond even any electoral mago-mago. He struck at the heart of the subsisting survival principles, minimal needs and entitlements of the ordinary people in the street.”

The apex bank, in October 2022, announced the redesign of the N200, N300, and N500 banknotes. The CBN announced that the banknotes would cease to be legal tenders on February 15, 2023. The policy and deadline were approved by Mr Buhari, who claimed he was trying to stop vote buying and other corrupt practices ahead of the February 25 and March 18 elections.

However, the Supreme Court nullified the arbitrary withdrawal of the old banknotes and ordered the Buhari regime to allow the currencies to remain in circulation until December, following a lawsuit challenging the naira policy. The suit was initially filed by Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and Bello Matawalle of Zamfara.

Mr Soyinka expressed concern that the scarcity of the naira has persisted with its attendant economic and social hardships.

“…Don’t bully me, don’t take my voice away. Don’t take my economic potential away. Don’t throw me on the mercy of a sadist like Emefiele, who impoverished…he and his boss, Buhari, because ultimately, responsibility (rests) with him to have allowed this to happen. But this is the expert,” Mr Soyinka stressed. “This is the one who gives advice and executes the policies.”

He further stated, “And (Mr Emefiele) reduced this nation to a state where even a few days ago, I sent a cheque to the bank, and the cheque came back, they had no cash. One of the bankers eventually brought me something from his own cash and explained to me what had been going on; and how they would sit and wait for money to come.”

CBN spokesman Isa Abdulmumin did not immediately reply to The Gazette’s request for comments.

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Throws Grand Party To Celebrate Customers [PHOTOS]

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In a momentous gesture of gratitude and recognition, the Adron Homes Management Team orchestrated a surprise celebration at the esteemed West Park & Gardens Estate, Paradise City, Ayegun Adron City, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, on the 12th of May 2024. This grand event, meticulously organized by the Directorate of Estate at Adron Homes, aimed to honor and appreciate the valued residents and homeowners of this prestigious estate.

Under the distinguished chairmanship of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the Chairman/CEO of Adron Homes, the event unfolded with an air of elegance and prestige. Accompanied by many top senior directors including :

Mrs. Ajobo Adenike – Deputy MD, Southern Nigeria;Ms. Shola Orunmuyiwa – Group Director Legal Bureau ;Engr. Stephen Ogunbiyi – Technical Director;Engr Sola Okanlawon – CPC Southern Nigeria;Arch. Bolaji Mustapha – PD Upland World;Mr. Christopher Adeogun-Director Internal Control & Compliance;Engr Kole – Chief Director Power & Energy ;TP Rotimi Dipeolu -Director of Physical Planning and Development ;Ms. Omotola Alonge – Director of Construction & Building Materials,Mr. Michael Oyadele -Director of Public Affairs; Engr Festus Fatunbi-Deputy Project Director Upland World;Mr. Kunle Aliyu -Director of Estate Western World and other esteemed Partners and consultants ,the occasion was a true testament to the community’s significance and vitality.

A highlight of the celebration was the official inauguration of the New Executive Committee of the West Park & Gardens Estate Residents Association (WEPAGERA) by the esteemed Chairman/CEO, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing himself. With Mr. Idris Adejumo leading as Chairman and a stellar team of executives by his side,which include :

-Elder Abayomi Olatunji – Vice Chairman;

-Mr. Akintunde Akinpelu – General Secretary;

-Mrs. Aderonke Adelakun – Assistant General Secretary;

-Mr. Musbau Yekini – Financial Secretary/Treasurer;

-Mr. Babatunde Adesesan – Assistant Treasurer;

-Mr. Sakiru Opeyemi Aliu – Publicity Secretary;

-Mr. David Akinbi – Assistant Publicity Secretary;

-Dr. Sola Popoola – Ex-Officio/Adviser;

-Dr. Ademola Adebayo – Ex-Officio/Adviser;

-Grandma Esther Adeyemi – Ex-Officio/Adviser;

-Alhaji Ismail Adeyemi – Security Coordinator;

-Mrs. Gbemisola Adelakun – Projects/Maintenance Coordinator;

-Rev’d Olufemi Tokede – Zone 1 Coordinator;

-Mr. Oyewumi Adelakun – Zone 2 Coordinator;

-Mrs. Elizabeth Olade – Zone 3 Coordinator

the committee embodies a vision of unity, progress, and excellence, promising to steer the community towards greater heights.

Residents, professionals, and top senior officials from Adron Homes alike were swept up in the joyous atmosphere of the event. Questions were entertained by the Adron Team, fostering an environment of open dialogue and camaraderie. Residents were encouraged to embrace a culture of inclusivity and neighborly love, transforming West Park And Gardens Estates into a beacon of hospitality and warmth, attracting potential landlords seeking solace in its tranquil surroundings.

The Adron Homes Management Team pledged their unwavering support to the newly inaugurated WEPAGERA committee, vowing to work hand in hand to make West Park & Gardens Estate the epitome of excellence in the entire southwest region. The residents, in turn, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for this initiative, applauding the management of Adron Homes for their commitment to their well-being and happiness.

As the celebration drew to a close, filled with laughter, music, and entertainment, it symbolized not just a moment of revelry, but a reaffirmation of the strong bonds that unite West Park & Gardens Estate. In this enclave of luxury and harmony, residents and management alike come together to create a thriving and prosperous community, setting a shining example for others to follow.

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Edwin, Dangote Industries’ Vice-President Bags Icon Award

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Members of the Democratic Youth Assembly of Nigeria (DYAN) have visited the Vice-President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Mr. Devakumar Edwin, in his office at the corporate Headquarters of the Pan-African Conglomerate in Lagos during which they presented him with an award of “Icon of Delight Service”.

The body stated that the award is in recognition of Edwin’s his contributions toward Societal Development, Human Upliftment and Selfless Service to Humanity.

 

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Fubara To Probe Wike’s Administration, Others

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The executive governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, says a judicial panel of inquiry will be set up to investigate the management of the state’s resources and affairs under past administrations.

Fubara made this declaration on Monday while swearing in Dagogo Iboroma, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the Rivers’ attorney-general and commissioner for justice, at the government house in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

“Let me also say this: you have a big task. We will be setting up a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the affairs of governance. So, brace up; I am not going back on it,” the governor said.

Earlier on Monday, Iboroma was vetted and approved as a commissioner nominee by the Rivers House of Assembly, which is run by factional speaker Victor Jumbo.

Iboroma was appointed when Zacchaeus Adangor resigned in April.

“Please defend us. We know that you are going to defend us because your record is clean. You are a gentleman who is peaceful. You are not a noise-maker. People like you are endowed, and they have the fear of God,” Fubara told Iboroma.

Fubara succeeded Nyesom Wike, who is the current minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), as governor in May 2023.

He was the accountant-general under Wike.

In May 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Fubara and 58 others wanted over an alleged N435 billion fraud.

  • This Is A New Era

Fubara said the swearing-in of Iboroma marked the beginning of a new era for his government, which he noted has moved on from the political crisis in the state.

“I am happy that this is happening today to mark the beginning of a new era in our administration. When I said that I had a reason for being patient, it is because I know that we are all from one family and if we have a disagreement, no matter how bad it is, it should be resolved amicably,” Fubara said.

“But it has become very clear that this disagreement, there is no way to resolve it amicably. And for a lot of reasons, there is visible evidence that there is sabotage and deliberate attempt to sabotage this administration.

“For that reason, we have to move forward. And moving forward, if it means taking decisions that are going to hurt anybody. We are not going back on the protection of the interest of Rivers people.”

  • The Crisis

The Rivers house of assembly has been polarised since 2023 following the rift between Fubara and Wike.

In December, 27 members of the assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Rivers assembly has 32 seats. One lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, died in September 2023.

In October 2023, Ehie Edison was elected speaker of the factional assembly, after his removal as house leader by members led by Martin Amaewhule, amid the plot to impeach Fubara.

Edison later resigned as a lawmaker to become chief of staff to Fubara.

The lawmakers in the Amaewhule-led faction are loyal to Wike.

The political crisis took a fresh twist last Wednesday after Jumbo, a lawmaker representing the Bonny state constituency, was elected factional speaker.

Last Friday, a state high court in Port Harcourt granted an interim injunction restraining Amaewhule from acting as a speaker of the Rivers assembly.

Charles Wali, the presiding judge, also restrained 25 other assembly members from parading themselves as legislators.

The motion ex parte was filed by Jumbo and two assembly members, Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Timothy, loyal to Fubara.

 

Credit: The Cable

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