Author: The Nation

• Secret police won’t tolerate moves to scuttle democracy
• Experts: Interim govt plot treasonable

By Nicholas Kalu, Jide Orintunsin, Abuja; Precious Igbonwelundu and Damola Kola-Dare

The plot for an interim government is real but will fail, the Department of State Services (DSS) warned yesterday.

It said there was a conspiracy to set aside the constitution and install an interim government after May 29 by “misguided” political elements.

The secret police warned against moves to scuttle democracy, vowing to do all within its powers to frustrate the scheme.

It said it has identified key players in the plan, but opted not to name them.

DSS spokesman Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement, warned those behind the plot to thwart democracy to retrace their steps.

Afunanya said the Service considers the plot being pursued by these entrenched interests as not only an aberration, but a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine the civil rule.

The agency said the aim was to plunge the country into an avoidable crisis.

The statement reads: “The planners, in their many meetings, have weighed various options.

“These include, among others, sponsoring endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of a state of emergency.

“Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the federal and state levels.

“The DSS supports the President and Commander-in-Chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction.

“It also supports the Presidential Transition Council and other related bodies in the states.

“It will collaborate with them and sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations come 29th May, 2023.

“Consequently, the Service strongly warns those organising to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.

“Stakeholders, notably judicial authorities, media and the civil society, are enjoined to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability of the nation.

“While its monitoring continues, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions.”

A security expert and lawyer, Bulama Bukarti, condemned the idea of an interim government, noting that it is illegal and unconstitutional.

Speaking on Channel’s Politics Today, Bukarti urged international partners not to recognise any government that comes to power through unconstitutional means.

“Interim government or whatever name it is called is illegal and unconstitutional.

“It has no basis in law and nobody in Nigeria has the right to install that kind of government. Therefore we should stop such illegal calls.

“I call on Nigeria’s international partners, especially Nigeria’s Western partners, to take this threat seriously.

“They should make it clear that they will not accept any government that comes into power through unconstitutional means.

“They must sanction any individual that is involved in the kind of things that the DSS is warning us about,” he said.

National Coordinator of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) Senator Dayo Adeyeye described those calling for an interim government as anarchists and doomsday prophets.

To him, such calls amounted to inviting a coup.

The SWAGA chief urged the Federal Government to arrest those behind the plot and ensure the law takes its course.

He said they were sponsored by internal and external forces, and expressed confidence that Tinubu would be sworn in on May 29.

Adeyeye said the rejection of the outcome of the presidential election was an assault on democracy.

He berated protesters who went to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja to advocate for a return to military rule.

He described them as saboteurs who should be severely punished.

Adeyeye said: “Those calling for the interim government do not wish Nigeria well. It amounts to calling for a coup. That will never happen.

“Nobody wants a return to military rule. Protesters who knelt down in front of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja were sponsored. I am amazed they have not been jailed.

“By the time Tinubu is sworn in on May 29, agitations will fizzle out and everything will die down.”

A pro-democracy group, Patriots in Defense of Democracy, called on security agencies to caution against those behind the inflammatory statements capable of heating the polity.

Its convener, Tosin Adeyanju, made the call during a special prayer session to mark the 71st birthday of President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group frowned at proponents of the annulment of the presidential election, warning against a repeat of the June 12, 1993 debacle.

“If their excesses are condoned; if they suffer the criminal fantasy that they can repeat the imbroglio of June 12 1993, we shall demonstrate that the spirit of NADECO is alive and active, and we shall not go abroad.

“We shall battle and defeat them on the field and wherever they call for battle.”

The DSS’ alarm came on the heels of Tuesday’s protest at the Army Headquarters by some persons calling for the return of military rule

Since the February 25 presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections, there have been claims that some aggrieved politicians were working to stop the May 29 handover to new democratic leadership.

The DSS had on Saturday warned politicians against peddling “hate speech” and all forms of “false narratives” to ignite violence.

Minister of State for Labour and Productivity Festus Keyamo had petitioned the DSS to invite the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over their post-election comments.

Baba-Ahmed had faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for issuing a certificate of return to Tinubu and his running mate Kashim Shettima.

Speaking during a programme on Channels, he said: “Swearing in Tinubu and Shettima is as good as swearing in the Nigerian Army on the 29th of May.

“If you swear in people who have not satisfied the requirement (of 25 per cent in the FCT), you have by so doing ended democracy.

“The crisis I am telling you about is that our democracy is going to end by the way we’re going. 

“This democracy is going to end on the 29th of May, 2023. Please, write it down.”

When cautioned by the anchor for holding extreme thoughts, Baba-Ahmed said: “Swearing in a ticket that has not met the constitutional requirement is ending democracy. Quote me on it….

“Mr President, do not hold that inauguration. CJN (Chief Justice of Nigeria), Your Lordship, do not partake in unconstitutionality.”

Baba-Ahmed’s comments were despite his and Obi’s pending petition before the Presidential Election Petition Court challenging Tinubu’s declaration.

FEAR has gripped Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) that low deposits from their customers could limit their ability to lend and offer credit to boost production and investments.

A Bankers’ Committee member confirmed that the banks have been threatened by what he described as lack of interest to “return difficult-to-get cash into the banking system.”

The cash crunch triggered by the implementation of the naira redesign policy encouraged many Nigerians to abandon the banking culture.

The banker said: “It is not really desirable if cash is not deposited in the banks, either across the counter or through electronic transfers. It means money supply will be reviewed beyond what is optimal and that can affect lending.

“The ability of the commercial banks to create money, lend money for production purposes, for investment purposes, even for consumption; people borrow money to buy personal goods and services; all that will be affected.”

The senior banker attributed the weak desire to return cash to banks to the loss of confidence in the system, saying it was “as a result of a decline in confidence in the system, the fear that cash shortage will continue.”

He added: “Those who are not traditional hoarders are also keeping the cash at home, but at some point, when more money is in circulation, normalcy will return to the banking system”, he said.

The banker, who pleaded anonymity, said the lack of interest in depositing cash is part of the uncertainty arising from the scarcity of cash in banks, following the introduction of the cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

However, he expressed optimism that confidence was gradually being restored in the banks and commercial sector.

Proffering a solution, the banker urged the CBN to “sustain its tempo of releasing more notes, both new and old into the system, saying definitely, customers will gradually regain confidence in the banking system”.

The Managing Director/CEO SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Gbolade Idakolo, said: “The deposit is expected to decline due to the experience of depositors in the past few months.

“Bank customers went through hell to make withdrawals from their deposits so it is natural for there to be resentment as regards depositing their funds back to the banks.

“This trend will be on for some months before depositors will adjust accordingly. The economy will gradually bounce back with the infusion of cash back into the system,”

The staff of some commercial banks in Abuja told The Nation ”that deposits are coming in trickles, most come only to withdraw”.

Another scenario playing out daily in the banking halls is the crowd of bank customers who besiege the customer care unit of the banks. Most of the angry customers visit the Customer Care unit to complain about one failed transaction or the other.

Olasimbo Akinsiku was at her bank to demand for the reversal of several debits allegedly posted against her account for failed airtime purchases amounting to N8, 000. She left the bank with assurances that the payment would be reversed.

Another customer whose N13, 100 had been stuck between her bank and a gas retail station, said she’s being lodging complaints at her bank since February 11 to have her money returned, but she said nothing has been done so far.

At the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, apologised to Nigerians for the glitches they experience in the course of using alternative payment channels.

Since his apology, many Nigerians have been weary of engaging in electronic transactions and some banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATM) cards are notorious for their failures.

By Jide Orintunsin, Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja; Tajudeen Adebanjo and Oyebola Owolabi

President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reflected on the popular mandate conferred on him by voters across the six geo-political zones.

Tinubu, whose 71st birthday was celebrated with prayers in the church and mosque in Lagos by supporters and admirers, said his democratic mandate was the best birthday gift from Nigerians.

The president-elect renewed his solemn pledge to transform the country, adding that he will not fail Nigerians.

At the birthday prayers and thanksgiving service, clerics called for national unity and good governance, urging Nigerians to support the president-elect to realise his lofty dreams for the country.

The prayers were held across the country, following Tinubu’s request, instead of the yearly Bola Tinubu Colloquium.

Eminent Nigerians, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, also continued to pay tribute to the eminent politician, wishing him long life.

In an appreciation statement to Nigerians, titled: “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians” in Abuja, Tinubu raised a lot of hope for the country, promising not to disappoint Nigerians.

It reads: “I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, and for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.

“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone.

“Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May, my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.

“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.

“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. 

“I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support. 

“They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail.

“Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. 

“May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”

Cleric: Tinubu’s election a matter of destiny 

Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev. Sunday Makinde, said Tinubu was elected to rebuild Nigeria.

Makinde gave the exhortation at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, where he described Tinubu’s election as a destiny for a purpose.

The cleric also sought ardent prayers for Tinubu for ‘divine wisdom, robust good health, victory over his enemies, and for him to finish his terms successfully’.

Makinde also congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, saying their re-election was possible because of their hard work and people-oriented programmes.

He said: “On behalf of all Christians in Lagos State, I congratulate Asiwaju Tinubu because it is a dual celebration – his 71st birthday and electoral victory. We also thank God who has made him a winner.

“Asiwaju’s antecedents in private and public life have prepared him for this assignment. He has been elected for this purpose to rebuild Nigeria just as he rebuilt Lagos. God has chosen him to raise Nigeria to enviable heights.”

The cleric, however, urged Tinubu to focus on certain aspects of the polity that need urgent attention.

“I will advise Tinubu to choose his team of ministers, advisers and ambassadors under divine prayers. He should consult God before man. He should use the best brains and professionals, even from the opposition parties, to actualise his dreams of a better Nigeria.

“Another area of importance is religious unity. Tinubu must work on achieving religious tolerance, and ethnic and tribal unity. He must ensure there is an abundance of social amenities -water, electricity, educational and medical rehabilitation, agricultural revolution and development, and ensure massive job creation to reduce unemployment and brain drain.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, praised God for Tinubu’s life, and prayed that ‘the visionary leader would be strengthened to bring about development and programmes that would uplift the people’.

He said: “We give glory to God for answering all the prayers as evidenced in the declaration of the celebrant of today as President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

“This prayer session is, therefore, not just to express our gratitude to God on Asiwaju’s birthday, but also to appreciate Him for the victory achieved in the last election.

“We also beseech the Almighty God, especially in this Lenten season, to strengthen him, grant him good health, wisdom, inspiration and all that he will require to accomplish all the laudable plans, programmes and policies that will uplift our dear country and all Nigerians to greatness.”

The service was held simultaneously with a special prayer at the Alausa Central Mosque, attended by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Folasade Jaji, among others.

The special thanksgiving was attended by officials from the private and public sector, cabinet members, party faithful as well as religious leaders across Nigeria, including the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Adegbite and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser (Religion) Rev. Bukola Adeleke.

Islamic scholars pray for Tinubu

Scores of Islamic scholars joined the Lagos State government in offering prayers for the President-elect.

At the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, the Islamic scholars were led by the National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad; Deputy National Missioner of Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla; National Amir of Ikhwan ul-Muslimin Foundation, Sheikh AbdulHakkem Muhammad Awwal; former Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam AbdulHakeem Kosoko; Chief Missioner of Nadwat-Ul-Ahli Society Worldwide, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Adeyanju Lawal and Founder of Jamahliy Society Worldwide (JSW) Sheikh Abdullahi Akinbode, among others.                               Sanwo-Olu appealed to the gathering to remain steadfast in their prayers for Tinubu.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, the governor said while no leader has the intention to fail, they are overwhelmed by the challenges and unexpected issues following the assumption of office.

He said Nigerians should pray that the president-elect be surrounded by advisers and aides who have the interest of the country at heart.

Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu has a lot of good plans for Nigerians and will surely perform well in office.

He said: “Asiwaju himself is very grateful to Almighty Allah for what He has done for him. My prayer for him is for Allah to be with him, and to guide him to achieve those things he desires for this country because he has a lot of plans. I just pray that all those plans will materialise to impact people and this country positively.”

He described Asiwaju as a very bold and determined man who has persevered a lot.

“He doesn’t run away from challenges. So, he is a man who understands what he needs for a nation to be developed and I just pray that he will be able to do all those things in his mind for development.”

Ahmad urged Nigerians to continually pray for the president-elect that Allah should help him, lead and guide him in the journey.

At the service was Speaker of the House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Folasade Jaji, APC Lagos State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi; Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Folorunso Coker; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Media Adviser to President-elect Tunde Rahman; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters Alhaji Abdullahi Jebe; House of Assembly member Olusola Elliot; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing Kamar Olowoshago, his Transportation counterpart Abdulhafiz Gbolahan Toriola; House of Reps-elect Kafila Ogbara; House of Assembly elected members Jubreel AbdulKareem and Stephen Ogundipe; member, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Alhaji Mutiu Aare; Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman Wahab Alawiye-King; SUBEB Board Member Alhaji AbdulHakeem Shittu and former Mosan-Okunola LCDA Chairman/Grassroot Network for Asiwaju Tinubu (GNAT) Chairman Abiodun Mafe.

Osinbajo hails Tinubu

Osinbajo felicitated with the President-elect, praying to God to grant him more wisdom and strength in the years to come.

In a statement, the vice president said: “Dolly and I rejoice with you, the family, friends and associates on this occasion of your 71st birthday.

“We thank the Almighty God for his grace and enablement upon your life that has made possible your many years of service and contributions to Lagos State, our nation and our great party.

“This occasion of your 71st birthday is unique, as it occurs as you prepare to take on your most significant assignment yet as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“All we can offer you in this solemn period is a prayer. That the Lord will help you in this assignment and give you good health, strength and wisdom to serve our people and our nation excellently.”

APC governors pledge support

The Progressive Governors Forum (APC) expressed confidence in the leadership qualities of Tinubu.

The forum said it was proud of the vision of the President-elect for the country, which has continued to resonate with all Nigerians since his election.

Chairman of the forum and governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, in a goodwill message to mark the President-elect’s 71st birthday in Abuja, noted that this year’s celebration came shortly after Nigerians freely and enthusiastically gave the former Lagos State governor the mandate to lead the country

Describing this year’s birthday as unique, he said: “The Progressive Governor’s Forum joins millions of Nigerians and other well-wishers in congratulating our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President-Elect, on his 71st birthday. We wish you a happy birthday as well as, a multitude more, in the future.

“This year’s birthday is coming shortly after Nigerians have freely and enthusiastically mandated you to lead our country. Your patriotism, nationalism, boldness and courage have been acknowledged by the majority. 

“It is a befitting birthday tribute that you are Nigeria’s next President, and even while you are taking a much-needed time to reflect on all that needs to be done, your vision of a Nigeria that shall take its place of pride among the comity of the nation is resonating with all.

“As you celebrate today, we join in praying for a more prosperous future for your good self, the family and indeed our nation.

“We are confident in your ability and also proud of your accomplishments.”

Rivers State  Governor Wike has expressed confidence in Peoples Democratic Party  (PDP)  readiness to defend its mandate at election petition tribunals.

Wike said soon, the various election tribunals would commence sitting but that the PDP would prove that the mandates of its candidates were not stolen.

He spoke at a luncheon for  PDP candidates that won their elections and received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday.

The luncheon celebrated   Governor-elect  Siminialayi Fubara; , Deputy Governor-elect,   Ngozi Odu and other elected Representatives of Rivers State for the National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike, who also said he was not afraid of a visit from the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) stated that without God, the PDP would not have been celebrating its victory at the polls.    

The governor told persons elected to the National Assembly to support every course designed to promote national unity while placing the interest of the state paramount at all times.

He explained the importance of working in tandem with the state on any course.

Wike regretted that some Rivers leaders went to Abuja and betrayed the interest of the state, observing that they had become the greatest losers.   

The governor had before the dinner accused the suspended PDP  National Chairman  Iyorchia Ayu of weakening the party.

He alleged that Ayu abandoned his core duties as chairman  for a private enterprise  in Benue State  

Wike made the allegation at the Rumuigbo Civic Centre, where he inaugurated the Rumuigbo Internal Roads in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA).

Wike, who declared his belief in a strong leadership of the PDP, lamented that such could not be achieved under Ayu.

He said under Ayu, the PDP lacked the kind of leadership required to make it a strong political force.

“I believe that we should have strong leadership. I can’t support people whose interest is only to amass money,” he said in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri. 

Wike explained that it was because of such a  leadership style that he was supporting Ayu’s removal from office.

He said: “That is why I am in support that he must leave office if we want PDP to be strengthened. I owe no apology to anybody. I said it before, this is the final fight we will fight and we are going to win this fight.”

FIVE hundred and thirteen beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have been linked to multiple account fraud, it was learnt.

The suspects, according to the PAP office, were linked to 1,370 accounts.

The development followed Tuesday’s protest by some ex-agitators at the premises of the National Assembly over the stoppage of their N65, 000 monthly stipends.

The PAP management said stoppage of the stipends was necessitated by the issues surrounding Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).

It explained that the fate of the protesting ex-agitators hang on the outcome of the ongoing investigation into multiple accounts of ex-agitators linked to one BVN.

Reacting to the claims of the protesting ex-agitators, Mr. Freston Akpor, spokesman to the PAP Interim Administrator, said all the names of those involved in the BVN fraud have been forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for investigation.

The PAP Office also blamed bank officials for colluding with the ex-agitators to aid the “financial crime”.

“So, investigation is ongoing and honestly I must tell you there is nothing the Presidential Amnesty Programme can do now over this matter until the investigation is concluded and then the ONSA will take a decision on what to do.

“This is a financial crime that is why the ONSA is investigating the matter. The policy is one name, one BVN. But in a situation where you have more than 30 names linked to one BVN, it becomes an issue.

“We discovered that 513 names were linked to 1370 accounts. And these are the people who have cases to answer. As it stands those who are protesting are the people who fall within those who have multiple accounts linked to their BVN.”

On the purported “gentleman agreement” with leaders of the ex-agitators to receive monies in bulk to pay the boys, he said “it is these same boys, so-called beneficiaries, who have also come to complain that when the money is collected by this so-called leaders, the money doesn’t trickle down to them”.