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Godwin Emefiele, DSS’s running battle paused as CBN gov resumes

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The battle between the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and the Department of State Services over a plan to arrest the CBN governor may have been put on hold as Emefiele resumes duty.

The CBN governor on Monday resumed office at the CBN headquarters, after spending several weeks in the United Kingdom and the United States following reported plots by the DSS to arrest him.

In a statement by the CBN Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Osita Nwanisobi, the apex bank said the governor had resumed to work, amid concerns over his absence since last month.

The statement read, “The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, has resumed duty after his annual vacation abroad. Mr Emefiele, who proceeded on leave in December 2022, resumed work today, Monday, January 16, 2023.

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“The governor resumed with renewed vigour to perform his duty ahead of the first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the year scheduled for January 23 to 24, 2023. Mr Emefiele remains committed to performing the task before him in line with his oath of office and the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The bank further urged Nigerians to continue to support the policies of the bank aimed at ensuring a stable financial system and the Nigerian economy in general.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has denied invading the CBN head office in Abuja.

There were reports in some media outlets (not The PUNCH) that the DSS had stormed the CBN headquarters to arrest the governor of the apex bank.

In a statement on Monday by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, the agency denied arresting Emefiele.

The statement read in part, “The attention of the Department of State Services has been drawn to the false news making the round that its operatives invaded the Central Bank of Nigeria and arrested its Governor, today 16/1/23. This is fake news and quite misleading.”

However, the development appears to have put a temporary stop to the reported plot by the DSS to arrest the nation’s number one banker.

Emefiele, perhaps the most embattled and controversial CBN governor in the recent history of the country, left the country last month following the decision of the DSS to arrest him.

In December, the secret service agency approached an Abuja court to arrest Emefiele over allegations bordering on financing terrorism and money laundering, among others.

However, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja reportedly stopped the DSS from arresting the CBN governor for alleged  “acts of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.”

The DSS filed a suit on December 7, 2022, seeking to arrest the CBN governor. But Justice J.T  Tsoho declined to grant the application for the governor’s arrest on December 9, 2022.

The suit, with reference number FHC/Abj/CS/2255/2022, had State Security Services as the applicant.

Refusing to grant the DSS request, the judge said, “In the light of the foregoing reasons, I decline to grant this application ex parte. If the applicant believes that the evidence available to it so far is sufficient, then it can as well arrest and detain the applicant, even without the order of the court. If, however, the applicant desires to still pursue this application, then it should place the respondent on notice considering the sensitive public office that he occupies.”

Also, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, on December 29, barred the DSS and the Inspector General of Police from arresting and detaining  Emefiele, over allegations of terrorism and sundry offences against him.

Meanwhile, the court has ordered an accelerated hearing in the matter and abridged the time of both the respondents and the applicant.

Also restrained by the court order are the Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria, who are listed as the first, second and fifth defendants.

Justice MA Hassan made the order while delivering judgment in a suit marked GAR/CV/41/2022, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership

On Sunday, six Senior Advocates of Nigeria, a former Attorney General of the Federation condemned the move to arrest Emefiele for terrorism, insisting that the rule of law must prevail.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), they urged him to ensure that the government, especially the security agencies, observe the Rule of Law as a foundation of a democratic society by complying with court decisions.

In the letter signed by former Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Defence, Adetokunbo Kayode, Oba Maduabuchi, Emeka Ozoani, M.M Nurudeen, Abdul Mohammed, and Dr Emeka Obegolu, they said they observed moves to still proceed and sidetrack and disobey the court decisions and unduly and unlawfully Interfere with Emefiele’s fundamental rights.

 The letter, dated January 6, 2023, was titled Emefiele: let the rule of law of prevail.

Meanwhile, several groups supporting Emefiele had criticised the move by the DSS.

A coalition of human rights activists, the Arewa Youth Consultative Movement and public interest lawyers operating under the aegis of the Coalition of National Interest Defenders, had expressed concern about the DSS plot to arrest Emefiele.

They claimed the plan to sack the CBN governor was orchestrated by politicians who were not comfortable with the economic reform policy of the apex bank, especially the designation of the naira.

Reacting then, the DSS stated that it would not join issues with those protesting the suit filed against the CBN governor, saying they were on a wild goose chase.

In a release signed by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, the agency said it remained focused and unbiased and not succumb to propaganda, intimidation and the desperation of hirelings to undermine it.

“While professionally discharging its mandate, the DSS pledges to remain focused and unbiased. It will also not give room to the use of falsehood and deceit to misdirect public understanding and perceptions of issues of national importance.

“The service warned those on a wild goose chase to be mindful of their actions. Similarly, it urges members of the public to disregard the vituperations and rantings of misguided elements and not allow themselves to be used as instruments of destabilisation.

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Abia State

2027: Prepare Your Will If You Plan to Write Election Results in Abia — Governor Alex Otti Warns

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, warns politicians planning to manipulate the 2027 elections to “write their wills” first, reaffirming his stance on transparency, governance, and development in Abia State.
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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has cautioned individuals plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election results to first “write their wills” before embarking on such a dangerous mission.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the governor emphasized that his statement was not a threat but a caution informed by intelligence reports suggesting that some displaced politicians are boasting about plans to “write” election results in 2027.

“This is not a threat but a warning. If you are planning to write election results in Abia, please write your will first,” Otti declared.

He dismissed remarks attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, noting that power ultimately belongs to God.

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“I do not have the anointing to speak about what will happen in 2027 in 2025. But I know that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He wants. We should not speak when the Lord has not spoken,” he said.

Governor Otti advised Kalu to focus on his duties at the National Assembly, adding that there was no animosity between them despite the Deputy Speaker’s repeated public criticisms.

“My relationship with the Deputy Speaker didn’t start with politics. This is the second time he has publicly attacked my administration. I forgive him, but I think he suffers from what I call ‘Information Deficiency Syndrome.’”

He further clarified that according to the Protocol Act of 2000, the sixth position in Nigeria’s political hierarchy belongs to the Deputy Senate President, not the Deputy Speaker.

On Governance and Infrastructure

Governor Otti commended the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for its consistent efforts in maintaining a cleaner environment across Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

“We are now moving to the next phase of waste management — recycling and turning waste into wealth,” he said, disclosing ongoing engagements with investors and institutions to actualize the plan.

The governor also announced progress in reviving key moribund industries, including Star Paper Mill, Aba Textile Mill, and Modern Ceramics, through collaborations with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and other stakeholders.

“Government is an enabler. Our goal is to revive these industries, hand them to professionals to run as private entities, and create jobs for our people,” Otti stated.

Education and Health

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector, revealing that over 5,395 new teachers have been deployed across the state, with plans to recruit an additional 4,000 due to rising enrollment.

He also highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery, including the reconstruction of general hospitals and recruitment of over 774 healthcare professionals, with applicants coming even from other African countries.

“We are building a health system powered by renewable energy to ensure every community has access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Power and Infrastructure Expansion

Governor Otti announced the installation of nearly 8,000 solar-powered streetlights across the state and ongoing projects aimed at achieving steady electricity supply in Aba, Umuahia, Bende, and Ohafia.

“When Aba Power reaches its full capacity of 188 megawatts, excess power will be distributed to Umuahia and other parts of the state. Light brings development, and darkness disappears where there is light,” he said.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Senator Dave Umahi, recently commissioned eight newly completed roads in Abia, with more infrastructure projects including the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and Ihechiowa Ring Road set to begin soon.

On Defection Rumours

Governor Otti debunked speculations about plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he remains committed to his principles.

You don’t take decisions simply because others are taking them. We are not people who follow the crowd,” he affirmed.

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American Accuses Reno Omokri of Deception, Calls Him “Pathological Liar” as Omokri Dismisses Christian Genocide Claims

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American Accuses Reno Omokri of Deception, Calls Him Pathological Liar as Omokri Denies Christian Genocide in Nigeria
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A former Texas Mayor, Mike Arnold, has accused former Nigerian presidential aide Reno Omokri of deception and manipulation, describing him as a “pathological liar” who thrives on calculated deceit.

In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Arnold said he had witnessed Omokri’s alleged dishonesty firsthand during personal and professional encounters both in the United States and Nigeria.

“The truth about Reno Omokri is sad. I’ve seen it up close. Reno doesn’t lie like most liars. He lies calm, cool, constant. Up close, he’s reptilian. Chilling. Soulless. Yet so charming,” Arnold wrote.

Arnold, who claimed to have hosted Omokri in Texas and attended his birthday safari in Kenya, accused the former presidential aide of falsifying events, exaggerating connections, and fabricating ownership of luxury assets.

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He recounted an incident where Omokri allegedly showcased luxury cars online, falsely claiming ownership of two vehicles belonging to Arnold’s friend.

Arnold also alleged that during a fact-finding mission to Nigeria on Christian persecution, Omokri promised high-level meetings with President Bola Tinubu, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and the Sultan of Sokoto, none of which materialized.

“Looking back, those promises were props for his narrative for clout and manipulation,” he wrote.

Arnold further accused Omokri of misrepresenting him on Nigerian television, falsely introducing him as the current mayor of Blanco, Texas, and a close associate of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.

“On live TV, he called me a Republican mayor—we don’t even have partisan municipal elections. He also said I’m a personal friend of Ted Cruz. False,” Arnold stated.

Quoting Psalm 101:7, Arnold said Omokri’s actions were “soulless” and “evil,” adding that “lying to cover up the Christian genocide raging in Nigeria is a bridge too far.”

“People must know Reno Omokri is a pathological, habitual, calculating, self-serving liar from someone who knows him personally so they won’t trust his sleazy attempts to bury the blood of tens of thousands of Nigerian martyrs with the manure spewing from his mouth,” Arnold wrote.

He also accused Omokri of harboring political ambitions, claiming that he plans to run for vice president under National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Omokri, however, recently appeared on Arise News Night, dismissing reports of a Christian genocide in Nigeria as “ludicrous,” insisting that both Christians and Muslims are victims of insecurity across the country.

“Killings happen equally to Christians and Muslims,” Omokri said, urging Nigerians not to allow Western narratives to sow religious division.

The exchange has since sparked intense debate online, with many Nigerians weighing in on the authenticity of Arnold’s claims and Omokri’s controversial statements on religious persecution.

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Biafra

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s Ailment Not Life-Threatening – Court Adopts NMA Findings

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nnamdu KANU
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adopted a medical report by a panel set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which found that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not suffering from any life-threatening ailment.

The NMA panel, constituted by the association’s president on the order of Justice James Omotosho, was tasked with determining Kanu’s actual health condition following conflicting claims from medical experts representing both the prosecution and the defence.

According to the report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and partly read in open court on Thursday, the panel concluded that Kanu’s condition is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.

Justice Omotosho, citing the report and noting no objections from either side, ruled that the trial would proceed.

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The judge subsequently granted the defence six consecutive days — from October 23 to October 28 — to open and close its case.

Additionally, the court approved an oral application by defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that Kanu’s legal team be allowed to hold private consultations with him outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility to ensure confidentiality.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the private meeting will take place in the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.

The court further ordered that Kanu should continue receiving medical care at the DSS medical facility pending further proceedings.

One of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development after Thursday’s sitting.

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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Resigns from PDP with 23 Assembly Members

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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Resigns from PDP with 23 Assembly Members

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Wednesday during a state executive council meeting in Yenagoa, accompanied by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, including Speaker Abraham Ngobere and Deputy Speaker Faithful Ebi.

His Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the move, attributing it to ‘obvious reasons’ without specifics, while Diri thanked PDP supporters and reaffirmed his dedication to Bayelsa’s progress.

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Today, I have formally resigned my membership from PDP for obvious reasons.” – Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

The defection ends the PDP’s control of the state since 1999 and hints at a potential shift to the All Progressives Congress before the 2027 elections.

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Davido Announces 5IVE Alive Tour in Five Cities in Nigeria

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Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has revealed the Nigerian dates for his 5IVE Alive Tour, linked to his fifth studio album released in April 2025, following a successful North American run.

The tour kicks off on October 26 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and includes stops in Yola, Enugu, Ibadan, culminating on December 25 in Lagos.

Tickets are now available starting at ₦5,000 for most venues, with fans urged to purchase quickly amid high demand.


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