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Banks Attacks:  Over N5bn, 7 banks branches lost — ASSBIFI

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Bank Attack
Bank Attack
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Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, has said no fewer than N5 billion have been lost and seven bank branches completely destroyed following violent protests and attacks in some states over the scarcity of new naira notes.

President of ASSBIFI, Olusoji Oluwole, condemned unwarranted attacks on banks by aggrieved Nigerians frustrated by their inability to get new naira notes, called on the public to desist from threatening or attacking bank workers, or destroying bank properties because bankers are also victims of the poorly implemented currency redesign.

Briefing on the upsurge of violence over the scarcity of new naira notes, ASSBIFI President said the N5billion was based on the attack on about five banks and seven branches across Abeokuta, Edo, Delta, Oyo, and Uyo states.

He said bank branches were burnt, Automated Teller Machines, ATMs, destroyed and workers’ personal effects were damaged, as well as a heavy attack on their members.

According to him, said the last count of attacks, which happened previously in Oyo and Ogun states were put at about N2 billion, while the recent attack increased the banks’ losses to N5 billion.

He said, “ Right now, I want to believe that we will be talking about not less than five billion Naira and we are still counting, because seven branches have been burnt, ATMs have been destroyed, personal effects have been damaged, vehicles and so on and so forth.”

Oluwole informed that the Association has put its members on alert to be withdrawn without further notice should the attacks and threats to their lives continues, saying “we value the lives of our members and colleagues and will not put them at any further risk. We have put them on alert and shall instruct them without further warning to immediately stay away from their branches if these attacks on our members and facilities continue until such a time that they can be guaranteed their personal safety and the security of their workplaces by the relevant authorities.

“We call on the public to desist from threatening or attacking our members, or destroying our properties as they will be only proverbially cutting their noses to spite their faces. We can only give what we have been provided with and nothing more.

“We also challenge the news media to be investigative, verify and probe their information so that the nation and the world will know the truth. We are in a critical period of our National development, and all hands must be on deck to bring Nigeria out of the woods. Fake and deceptive information must be checked at a time like this.

“ASSBIFI and National Union of Banks Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, members are highly responsible, ethical, and patriotic people, mindful of the negative impact industrial action in an already charged environment, but if we are pushed, we will do what is necessary to defend and protect ourselves.”

Continuing, Oluwole among others, said “Since the Supreme Court order of February 2023 and the outcome of the National Council of State meeting held on Friday 10 February 2023, the CBN has not provided any direction to banks or the public despite the public statements made by the Attorney General of the Federation and some members of the Council of State.

“Our fear of the impact of this deafening silence from the authorities came to reality on Wednesday 15 February 2023 when disgruntled citizens again went on the rampage in Edo, Delta, Ogun, and Oyo States attacking and burning down banks and other institutions.

This we believe was also fueled by the disappointing comments of some high-profile individuals in positions of authority who should have joined us in seeking solutions to the problem rather than further heating up an already volatile polity and knowing that banks are regulated by the CBN and not by any agencies of the various tiers of government.

“The much awaited but belated National address by the President this morning (yesterday) is a clear indication that the funds released to the public were not sufficient and we are amazed that in the same breath, bank officials have been accused of “placing obstacles in the path of innocent Nigerians. We sympathize with our colleagues and employers in various banks whose branches were attacked, damaged, or burnt along with their equipment.

As we stated in previous releases, while we are not against the CBN Policy to Redesign and Withdraw the Old Naira Notes, we continue to reiterate the need to fully engage all relevant stakeholders in immediately looking beyond printing new notes as ordered by the council of state and fashioning out immediate ways to enhance alternative means of transactions that will be devoid of failures and restore confidence in the cashless system.

“The Apex bank should Increase awareness at all levels to discourage panic withdrawal and hoarding of the new currency while providing industry-wide incentives to encourage the transition from cash transactions. We salute institutions that have chosen to act proactively.

It should monitor and sanction outlets that have been verified to shut down the use of alternative means of payment, demanding cash that finds its way into the hands of currency traders. The CBN should also monitor the abuse of the currency at public events, and apply sanctions as prescribed in the CBN act.”

ASSBIFI President added that “This is not the time for trading blames or playing to the gallery for cheap publicity, but the time to constructively work towards providing solutions that will bring relief and comfort to the vulnerable Nigerians whose lives have been put on hold by the scarcity of cash and fuel, two essential items that are needed as the general elections draw near.

“Despite the losses in terms of lives, damaged properties, and looming job insecurity due to the destruction of business premises within our industry, and the impact on Insurance Organizations, we remain committed to going the extra mile in providing service to our customers in safe and secure environments.”

 

 

 

 

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#EndSARS Movement Was Funded From US To Ambush Tinubu From Becoming President – Bisi Akande 

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Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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The former interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has claimed that the #EndSARS movement was designed and funded from the United States of America against President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the #EndSARS movement was heavily funded from the US with support from America and only brought to Nigeria to ambush Tinubu from becoming President.

Speaking in an interview with Edmund Obilo, as seen in a video which has now gone viral on social media, he mentioned that the .obedient movement were the ones behind the #EndSARS movement and protest.

He added that it was after the protest they attempted to transform into a political party and when it became impossible, they all migrated into another political party.

“EndSARS was designed to be the end of Tinubu. Those behind the EndSARS knew that’s what they were doing,” Akande declared during the interview.

Asked by the interviewer to identify those behind the EndSARS movement, Akande replied, “The obidients.”

“The Obidients were behind EndSARS; it was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu).

“Obideints came from America to do the EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party, and they couldn’t form a party and joined whichever party,” the APC chieftain said.

Pushing further, the interviewer noted that Obidients are tied to Peter Obi and Akande, in response said: “Well, maybe Obi’s party, I don’t know, maybe Obi’s movement, I don’t know, but the obidients were behind the EndSARS.

“It was well planned with a lot of money from America.”

He added that it was an ambush that President Tinubu wasn’t aware of.

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Court Grants Sowore ₦10m Bail

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Omoyele Sowore
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The judge gave him 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the police until the bail is perfected.

The convener of #Revolutionnow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been granted bail to the tune of ₦10 million and one surety in like sum.

The surety must be a responsible individual with landed property valued in like sum.

The surety is expected to deposit the original documents of landed property and a passport photograph to the registrar of the court.

While ruling on the bail application, the trial judge, Justice Musa Liman, ordered Sowore to deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court.

The judge, however, gave him 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the police until the bail is perfected.

Sowore had honoured the invitation of the police on Monday, January 27, 2025, when he was questioned at the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

He was subsequently granted administrative bail but rejected the conditions of bail and remained in custody.

The police later filed a 16-count charge of cybercrime against him.

In count three, the police said Sowore on December 20, 2024, through his X handle, called the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, “the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force”.

Sowore is being accused by the police of posting the picture Egbetokun on his X handle with the caption: “Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people can not make progress”.

The police also alleged that Sowore, through his X handle, said, “IGP Kayode Egbetokun will destroy the Nigeria police if we don’t act now”.

He pleaded not guilty to 16 count charge of alleged cybercrime.

 

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Nigeria Was On Life Support When Tinubu Assumed Office – Akpabio

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President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
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The Senate President and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said the country was on a “life support” as at the time President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, he called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom State, to continue supporting President Tinubu as he works to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Nigeria Was on Life Support,” he said.

His stance comes following ongoing major reforms such as the introduction of the tax bills, removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira, and others introduced by Tinubu.

Akpabio recounted a conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration.

“Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being president after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”

The Senate President expressed optimism about ongoing economic reforms, noting that while they may be painful, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado.”

He advised beneficiaries not to sell their empowerment tools but to use them to uplift their families economically.

“We have enough foodstuff to distribute; there should be no stampede. These items are being extended beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts in the state.”

“Your support has not only enhanced our educational experience but also inspired us to strive for excellence. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

Akpabio commended Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace and inclusivity in Akwa Ibom.

“Without peace, there cannot be development. The governor has embraced all Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political affiliations.”

He also acknowledged the governor’s Christmas gesture of distributing 1,000 bags of rice to the APC family in the state and announced an additional 1,500 bags of rice for the PDP State Chairman.

Akpabio praised Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, for fostering unity in the Senate.

“Everyone in the Senate has an equal voice, regardless of party affiliation. Opposition is good, but it should be constructive.”

Senator Abba Moro described Akpabio as a leader committed to empowering his people.

“It takes wisdom to know what to give people for lasting benefits rather than instant gratification.”

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, called the empowerment programme “mega, marvellous, and magnificent.”

The event was attended by key political and community leaders, including,

Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo (Minister of Petroleum Resources, Gas) Senator Ita Enang (APC Chieftain), Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Paramount Rulers of Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim

In closing, Akpabio emphasised the importance of collective effort in building a better Nigeria and assured constituents of continued representation and development-focused initiatives.

 

 

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