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Post Date : June 12, 2024

UK economy stagnated in April – Data

  The UK economy saw no growth in April, according to early official figures from the Office for National Statistics. This comes after a 0.4 per cent increase in March. A Reuters poll of economists had anticipated this stagnation, attributing it to wet weather negatively impacting retail sales and construction output. The ONS report, the last GDP update before the election, revealed that April’s rainfall was 155 per cent above the long-term average. Details later

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Post Date : June 12, 2024

DAILIES TOP STORIES: We’re Seeking Fresh $2.5bn World Bank Loan — FG

Wednesday June 12 2024 Democracy Day: Tinubu hails Abiola, others, warns against anti-democractic forces S’Court begins sitting as states counter FG on LG funds Data breach: FG slams N400m fine on four banks, others Forex crisis: UK varsity offers expelled Nigerian students flight assistance Lagos-Calabar highway: FG reroutes mega project, slashes lanes to six World Bank affirms 3.3% economic growth forecast for Nigeria Police, military’s attitude to banditry frustrating —Zamfara Gov Naira appreciates to N1,485/$ in parallel market June 12: Atiku Blames APC For Nigeria’s Poverty, Insecurity Russia Not Enlisting Nigerians, Other Africans To War In Exchange For Visa Renewal – FG ‘Build Democracy That Reduces Friction,’ Jonathan Tells Tinubu New Naira Note Designed In UK, Printed In Nigeria, Witness Tells Court President Biden’s Son Convicted On All Charges In Gun Case Diageo Sells Major Shares In Guinness Nigeria To Tolaram NNPCL Signs PDA On 400-500mmscf Gas Deal, Eyes FID By December Kano Court Orders Substituted Service On Dethroned Emirs Two Soldiers Injured As Bandits Attack Military Base In Niger Fire Guts Kano Polytechnic’s Department Building Two Policemen, One Resident Killed In Fresh Imo Attack COAS Directs Investigation Into Alleged Brutalisation Of Civilian Workers By Soldiers Tinubu May Reshuffle Cabinet, Create New Ministry 31 States, 148 LGs Risk Flooding Minister Seeks Probe Of Perm Sec Over Alleged Sexual Harassment ‘Non-state actors inciting disaffection’ — DSS, police warn against #EndHunger protest Five die, 60 hospitalised in Lagos Cholera outbreak Terrorists release 40 victims after community pays N3m cash, N7.2m motorcycles Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

No! Facebook post that claimed gunmen Killed four policemen in Imo, is Misleading

By Pascal Ibe A blog page on Facebook known as Igbere TV on Tuesday claimed that unknown gunmen killed four policemen in Imo State. According to the post by Igbere TV, “BREAKING!! Unknown Gunm€n K!ll 4 Police Officers In Imo State 😭 | #IgbereTV “According to an eyewitness, the policemen were sh0t de∆d by unidentified Gunm€n at Okigwe road from orji Anumudu’s estate to Ikeduru while manning road block“ Many commenters on the post, strongly condemned this act while others blamed police for always mounting road blocks. However, some miscreants were happy with this incident. Verification Verifying the claim by Igbere TV that four policemen were killed on Tuesday, thefactwatch checks revealed that this is Misleading. First, the video which went viral around 8am on Tuesday showed only two police officers and a civilian killed. Locals who spoke to thefactwatch on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the fleeing gunmen Killed only three persons. According to sources, the incident happened on Owerri – Okigwe Road, at police checkpoint, a place called double pole in Akabo community in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo state. The source said that indigenes and residents were shocked to hear gunshots renting the air, only to come out afterwards and realized that three persons were killed. He said ” we heard gunshots and afterwards, we realized that two policemen and a passersby were shot dead. Policemen from Owerri have taken over the scene. This is very unfortunate.” ” They killed the policemen at Ndiokwu village which is popularly known as double pole and then moved to Ama-john area of the community. When they entered the village, they started shooting, sporadically. “They entered Ndiuhu Umuiyi Akabo community after they killed the policemen, and were releasing gunshots in the village. They later left the community after shooting repeatedly.” In a tense statement by Imo police command spokesperson, Henry Okoye confirmed to thefactwatch that two of the Imo police command’s gallant officers were shot dead. According to Okoye, the tragic incident was perpetrated In the early hours on Tuesday by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit. The Imo PPRO noted that the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabor in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State. The statement further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for on-the-spot assessment of the incident. Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence. Verdict The claim by Igbere TV that gunmen killed four policemen in Imo state, is Misleading. The story narrated by the locals and a statement from the police authorities in Imo, refuted the claim.

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

After disconnection notice, Enugu govt shuts EEDC office despite owing huge debt

  The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, on Tuesday, sealed off the offices of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, in Enugu State. The government took the action after EEDC announced that it would disconnect power supply to the Enugu State Government House and those of other state governments as well as institutions in the South-east over N180 billion debts. According to the spokesperson of EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, on arrival at the EEDC headquarters, he alongside other staff of the company observed that their headquarters had been sealed. “We were informed by the security men on duty that in the early hours of today (Tuesday) at about 1:53 a.m., a group of men came and locked up the gates, claiming that the state governor directed the action,” he said. He said apart from the headquarters, their offices in Abakpa, Awkunanaw and Ogui Areas were also sealed off by the agency. He said the development was “strange” given that there was no notice of any sort to the EEDC from the ECTDA. “As at now, there has not been any clear information or communication from the ECDTA explaining their action,” he stated. He observed the sealing of their offices might be connected to the notice by the EEDC to commence disconnection of its indebted customers from Tuesday. “Enugu State Government happens to be one of the indebted customers with over N1 billion owed to EEDC. It is important to state that the majority of the state government’s facilities are metered. So, it is not a case of estimated billing. “EEDC has about N180 billion as debt owed the company and has concluded plans to commence disconnection of indebted customers,” he said. When contacted on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the ECTDA, Uche Anya, said he would not speak on the incident at the moment because he was going into a meeting with Governor Peter Mbah. Asked to quickly confirm why the ECTDA sealed the offices of the electricity company, Mr Anyanwu responded “I will return your call.” According to DailyTrust, he was yet to do so as of the time of the report. IPOB’s Advice On Monday, the Indigenous People of Biafra called on the South-East governors to cancel all power contracts with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for being “an impediment to the development of the region.” In a statement on Monday, the spokesman for the pro-Biafran group, Emma Powerful, said EEDC has proven to be incapable of providing reliable, adequate, and affordable electricity to support economic stimulation and growth of the South East. Powerful alleged that the firm is just extorting money from the people of the South-East without providing reliable electricity. The statement read in part, “The global family IPOB ably led by the leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, calls on the governors in the South-East to cancel all power contracts with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for being an impediment to the development of the Region. “The South-East governors should leverage the electricity deregulation policy of President Bola Tinubu’s government and engage other local or foreign electricity generation and distribution companies to take the place of the incompetent company called EEDC. “The current electricity deregulation policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria has given powers to the state government to generate and distribute power to their state. Therefore, South-East governors must not subject the Eastern Region to darkness in order to please the insatiably greedy company called EEDC and its owner. “Electricity is a catalyst for economic development and growth, which Ndigbo must not be denied at a time like this. “South-East governors have no excuse for not providing reliable and efficient electricity in their states. The time of giving excuses with the monopoly of NEPA, PHCN, or EEDC is over. Now, the Federal Government Electricity deregulation has given them the power to hire and fire any electricity company in their state. Eastern region governors can come together and partner with a reputable power company that can provide steady and affordable electricity for the entire region.” The group said the governors must ensure that there is adequate electricity in the region without further delay. “Our attention has been drawn to the unconfirmed letter written to the South-East governors, universities, institutions, companies and communities by EEDC to come and pay what they did not consume and failure to do so EEDC will shut off their lights. “We beg EEDC to jettison such an idea because we don’t want to use force on them, and if they want to test the power IPOB possesses, we will let them taste the venom. If they venture to cut any lights in the South-East this time around, we will react because we have endured enough. The citizens of the South East are charged to deal with anyone seen as EEDC representatives anywhere in our land who try to shut off people’s lights. “Their extortion and incompetency should not be endured any longer. IPOB wants the governors to take responsibility for providing steady light in the South-East region. The development and progress of the South-East is dependent on these conditions. “The South-East governors must wake up and demonstrate their willingness to drive economic development of the East via the provision of steady and affordable electricity by canceling all power deals with EEDC,” the statement further added.

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

President Biden’s Son Convicted On All Charges In Gun Case

  A jury found Hunter Biden guilty on Tuesday of federal gun charges in a historic first criminal prosecution of the child of a sitting US president.   The 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden was convicted on all three of the felony counts stemming from his 2018 purchase of a handgun while addicted to drugs. The verdict comes as his father is seeking reelection and on a day when the Democratic president is scheduled to give a speech in Washington about gun violence. The president expressed his “love and support” for his son in a statement released by the White House following the conclusion of the trial held in the Biden hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. “I am the President, but I am also a Dad,” Biden said. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.” “So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery,” he said. “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” Biden added. The 12-member jury deliberated for about three hours over two days before reaching a verdict. Hunter Biden did not take the stand during the one-week trial. First Lady Jill Biden attended several days. Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, although as a first-time offender jail time is unlikely. The verdict comes less than two weeks after the conviction on business fraud charges of Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s likely Republican opponent in the November presidential election. The proceedings, along with another case in which Hunter Biden faces tax evasion charges in California, have complicated Democrats’ efforts to keep the election focus on Trump, the first former president ever to be convicted of a crime. Drug addiction In addition to being a political distraction, Hunter Biden’s legal woes have reopened painful emotional wounds for the family from his time as a drug addict. His brother Beau died from cancer in 2015, and his sister Naomi died as an infant in a 1972 car crash that also killed their mother, Neilia, Joe Biden’s first wife. The Yale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist was charged with falsely stating when buying a .38 caliber revolver in 2018 that he was not using drugs illegally. He was also charged with illegal possession of the firearm, which he had for just 11 days in October of that year. The president’s son, who has written unsparingly about his addiction, claimed that at the time he bought the revolver he did not consider himself to be an addict. He has long been the target of hard-right Republicans, and Trump allies have investigated him at length in Congress on allegations of corruption and influence-peddling. No charges have ever been brought. Hunter Biden’s business dealings in China and Ukraine have also formed the basis for attempts by Republican lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against his father. Those efforts too have gone nowhere. The White House has said there would be no presidential pardon for Hunter Biden. AFP

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

Diageo Sells Major Shares In Guinness Nigeria To Tolaram

  Tolaram Africa, a consumer packaged goods company with about five-decade presence in Africa, has acquired a major stake in Guinness Nigeria. Updating the Nigerian Exchange Group of recent development within the bank, Diageo’s Company’s Secretary, Abidemi Ademola, said the terms of an agreement for the acquisition of the shares by Tolaram was signed today, June 11, 2024. “Tolaram will acquire Diageo’s 58.02% shareholding in Guinness Nigeria, and enter into long-term license and royalty agreements for the continued production of the Guinness brand and its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits brands. “The transaction is expected to be completed during Fiscal 2025, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals in Nigeria,” Ademola said. Ademola said Diageo remained deeply committed to Nigeria and would retain ownership of the Guinness brand, which would be licensed to Guinness Nigeria for the long-term, enabling the next phase of growth and development of Guinness Nigeria under the stewardship of Tolaram. “In partnership with Guinness Nigeria and Tolaram, Diageo will continue to drive the brand and marketing strategy for Guinness in Nigeria, to ensure Diageo’s exceptional capabilities in brand building and innovation continue to drive long-term growth for Guinness in Nigeria.” Ademola said following completion of this transaction, Guinness Nigeria would remain listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. and, subject to regulatory approvals, Tolaram has plans to launch a mandatory takeover offer in compliance with local law requirements. Board Chair of Guinness Nigeria, Omobola Johnson, said, “Today’s announcement represents a significant opportunity for the next phase of growth for Guinness Nigeria. This partnership brings together Tolaram’s deep expertise in manufacturing and distribution, and Diageo’s exceptional capabilities in brand building and innovation. I believe this is a winning combination which leaves Guinness Nigeria extremely well placed to drive further growth in this market.” Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, said, “Today’s announcement marks an exciting moment for Guinness Nigeria, our employees and our customers. I look forward to working alongside Tolaram, which is one of the largest and most respected consumer goods companies in Africa, and I am pleased to note Tolaram’s alignment with Guinness Nigeria’s values and its strong commitment to build an enduring and sustainable business”. Also, Tolaram Africa’s Managing Director, Haresh Aswani, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Guinness Nigeria, a company with such a rich legacy and strong consumer loyalty, into our ecosystem. This strategic move will expand our significant footprint in the Nigerian market and presents an opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to foster innovation and deliver immense value to our customers and shareholders across the nation.”

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

NBS: VAT revenue increased by 19% to N1.43trn in Q1 2024

  The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria generated N1.43 trillion as the aggregate revenue from value-added tax (VAT) in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024. This is according to the VAT Q1 2024 report released by NBS in Abuja on Tuesday. The report showed a growth rate of 19.21 percent on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N1.20 trillion recorded in Q4 2023. NBS also said local payments recorded were N663.18 billion, foreign VAT payments contributed N435.73 billion, while import VAT contributed N332.01 billion between January to March.   On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the report showed that accommodation and food service activities recorded the highest growth rate at 59.15 percent, followed by the activities of administrative and support with 47.79 percent. “On the other hand, activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies had the lowest growth rate at –57.01 percent , followed by human health and social work activities with –27.73 per cent,” NBS said. In terms of sectoral contributions, the report showed the top three largest shares in Q1 2024 were manufacturing at 26.72 percent, information and communication at 17.42 percent and mining and quarrying activities at 15.42 percent.   “On the other hand, activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods and services producing activities of households for own use recorded the least share at 0.01 percent,” the bureau said. “This was followed by activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies at 0.03 percent, and water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities at 0.05 percent.” On a year-on-year basis, NBS said VAT collections in Q1 2024 increased by 101.65 percent compared to N709.59 billion in Q1 2023.

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

Report: Four banks, others pay N400m fine for data breaches

  The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has said more than 1000 financial institutions, schools, insurance companies, and consultancy firms are currently undergoing investigations for various degrees of breaches of citizens’ data. This was as the commission’s National Commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, revealed that four major banks and three other institutions have faced sanctions and incurred fines totalling N400m for infractions related to breaches of citizens’ data. Olatunji revealed this on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists to mark the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s signing into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act in Abuja. On June 12, 2023, Tinubu assented to the data protection bill to advance privacy rights and other fundamental freedoms both in cyberspace and in analogue transactions. The legislation allows Nigerians to seek redress from any data breach and stipulates that citizens’ data is “processed in a fair, lawful and accountable manner.” Speaking at the event, Olatunji emphasized that the nation’s data ecosystem has surpassed a value of 10 billion naira. Related News Striking union shuts airports, ports, banks Strike: Workers shut down banks, hospitals, schools in Ogun Banks generated N438bn from digital transactions in 2023 He stressed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ data in accordance with global best standards and practices, deeming it essential for ensuring its safety, security, and protection. The National Commissioner said, “Cumulatively, we have had over 1,000 reports of data breaches between when we started and now. The figure is low because of the low level of awareness among Nigerians. Out of the 1,000 cases, about 400 of them are digital revenue companies that we call loan sharks, but the main ones we have conducted investigations in the education sector, financial institutions, real estate, insurance, consulting, and schools, and as of today, we have finalised four major investigations, and some have paid their remediation fees. In the law, we can fine companies depending on the nature of the breach, impact on the subject, and level of cooperation, and we got N400m from remediation fees.” He added that ongoing investigations are being conducted concerning data infractions. Olatunji also highlighted that the NDPC’s activities have led to increased compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act in both the private and public sectors. “When we started, the levels of compliance within the private sector was about 49 per cent while the public sector was 4 per cent. But today, private sector compliance is above 55, while the public sector has reached 15 per cent,” Olatunji said.

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Post Date : June 11, 2024

Sexual harassment: Minister drags perm sec before Head of Service

  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has formally lodged a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation regarding allegations of sexual harassment levelled against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa. In a letter addressed to the HOCSF dated May 27, 2024, and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegation levelled against the permanent secretary by Mrs Simisola Ajayi. He emphasised the importance of addressing the matter urgently and thoroughly. The letter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).” It read, “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment. “Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly,” The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF his full cooperation in the investigation. “May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities,” he added. The spokesperson for the Ministry, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the development in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday. “Yes. The complaint is true,” Abu-Ode said when asked to confirm the authenticity of the letter. When contacted on the phone for his reaction, Lawuwa declined comment. “I am in a meeting. Sorry, I cannot talk, please,” he simply said after our correspondent introduced herself and issue she wanted him to react to. He has also yet to respond to a message sent to his WhatsApp on the matter as of the time of filing this report. Also, when contacted, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, simply said, “No comment. The matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities.” Ajayi, had a petition dated May 29, 2024, addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harrasment. Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), called for a thorough investigation into the actions of Amb. Lamuwa. The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.” According to the petition, Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, which have created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment. She claimed for instance that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room. He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat. She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.

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