ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that three people have been allegedly shot at an ongoing protest along Apata axis of Ibadan.
It was learnt that the hoodlums allegedly engaged the men of Oyo State Joint Security Taskforce before they later retaliated which according to report led to the shooting of three yet to-be-identified people.
It was confirmed that one of the shot persons died instantly.
As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been made by Oyo State Police regarding the incident
“The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimj Akeredolu has accused the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele and other powerful people at the Villa of plot to demarket All Progressives Congress APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akeredolu was quoted in a statement made available to news men as read in part:
The people of this country have been compelled to live under excruciating pains occasioned, mainly, by the contrived crisis in the petroleum sector. Nigerians have been at the mercy of the unscrupulous elements in the distribution chain who have sustained the artificial scarcity of the product since late last year. The unsavoury sight of the past has not only resurfaced in all the major cities of the country. It is also eroding the goodwill enjoyed by the Federal Government for the stability achieved in the past seven years.
“Nigerians have been living with scarcity of petroleum products for some time now. Fuel scarcity, a phenomenon which this current Administration had once confined to the dustbin in the chronicle of happenings in an inglorious past, has suddenly assumed a permanent feature of our daily existence and there appears to be no solution to the perennial crisis.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria, through his Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who purports to act under the powers conferred on the institution by the CBN Act, has chosen this period, when the country prepares for general elections, to redesign the currency notes for sundry reasons, chief among which is the need for the bank to be in control of the currency notes in circulation and checkmate the unwholesome activities of terrorists and their enablers and election riggers.
“The struggles and actual fights recorded in banking halls, ATM and POS points, and markets across the country are disquieting. The choice of this period for the implementation of a policy, which bears an instant negative impact with no discernible mitigation in sight, raises serious suspicion of partisanship on the part of the CBN. The ordinary people are the victims. Depositors can no longer access their monies even to feed their families. Hunger is not the anticipated result of a monetary policy.
“While no reasonable person will contend with the decision of the CBN to discharge its statutory functions, the plight of the downtrodden must, however, be considered. Majority of Nigerians groan, at present, under the crushing weight of these crises. There is pervasive discontent in the land and unless some urgent redemptive steps are taken to ameliorate the debilitating effects of seeming desultory and nonchalant disruptions of their normal simple lives, a series of events with unpleasant consequences is inevitable.
“There is palpable anger engendered by frustration in the land. The wave of discontent increases with unbelievable rapidity across the country. The current hardship being experienced by the ordinary people forebodes unpleasant consequences. These crises may set in motion a chain of events the end of which is better imagined.
“The Federal Government must make a categorical pronouncement on the availability of petrol and its price since it is the general belief that the country still pays humongous amounts as subsidy. A situation which permits a few individuals to inflict pains on the populace, seemingly without check, is deplorable. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, must come clean on the new monetary policy. Nigerians are practically buying the country’s currency to feed when we are not in a state of war.
“The fact that the ruling party hopes to present candidates for election in the general elections in the coming weeks accentuates the level of suspicion as regards the possibility of having certain elements whose interests stand at variance with the general aspirations of the party and its committed members.
“There is no better way to de-market a brand than this ruthless execution of a pernicious motive.
The Federal Government, through the President, must act now”.
Police have hinted of a plan to attack offices of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) banks, media houses and other strategic places under guise of fuel and inadequate supply of redesigned naira notes by unscrupulous elements in Oyo state.
It will be recalled that aggrieved residents at the early hours of Friday took over major roads, especially Gate/Iwo road axis in Ibadan North East local government area in protest against inadequate supply of naira notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Also, customers waited endlessly at the various points of the Automated Teller Machines of some of the banks in the metropolis.
Long queues were observed at some of the ATMs points despite the fact that there is a report that they were not dispensing the redesigned ones as directed by CBN.
Angered by this development, aggrieved residents barricaded the major roads, set up bonfires while a police post located at the heart of the city was reportedly torched.
Disturbed by the trend, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo Command, Adewale Osifeso was quoted in a statement calling on the residents to be calm and maintain peace.
The statement read, “Worthy of note is that, available intelligence reveals that certain unscrupulous elements have perfected plans to hijack the process, escalating the situation into full scale chaos by shutting down and attacking places of interest which includes but not limited to INEC facilities, Banks, Media houses, Schools, Correctional Centers and other critical infrastructures inclusive of looting major malls and business centers within the State.
“Member of the public are hereby advised especially with reference to the youth segment to avoid being used by agents of violence who want to capitalize on the situation to criminally enrich themselves especially as we navigate towards the 2023 General Elections as the Command is fully prepared to mobilize fully to prevent these criminal elements from turning Oyo State into their Playground.
“Consequent on the above, Residents would witness high octane Patrols in concert with relevant sister security agency all in a bid to Heighten the level of confidence of residents and as well reassure them of the commitments of the Oyo State Police Command at providing comprehensive security for all residents in the State.
Meanwhile the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has carpeted the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the inadequate supply of the redesigned naira notes, and lingering scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which have made life difficult for people in the country.
National President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, threw the bomb, during an interview with journalists, in Ibadan, on Thursday, on the sidelines of the commissioning of Food Union Hotel and Suites, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, built by the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), under the leadership of its outgoing national president, Lateef Oyelekan.
He contended that the scarcity of fuel and redesigned naira notes might be an attempt to disrupt the conduct of this year’s general elections. The way out of the incessant fuel challenges, he said, is for the Federal Government to make its four refineries to be operational.
On the redesigned naira notes, Wabba said: “As far back as 12th of December 2022, we wrote to the CBN Governor the likely consequence of the action he was about to take in redesigning the naira notes, without consultation and dialogue with stakeholders. He took the action unilaterally. We have seen it come to pass the consequence that we warned him against. Also, we wrote to Mr. President as NLC to tell him what we envisaged because the entire economy of Nigeria and lather part of Africa is mostly informal.
“So, people trade in their small and medium scale businesses in actual currencies. By the time you retrieve the old currencies, and the new ones are not available, what you can see is chaos. When I was coming to Ibadan this morning, in every bank, I have seen a very chaotic situation, where people are losing a lot of man-hour. People queue in banks to retrieve their hard-earned money that government cannot give them.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC Compliance Team in Oshogbo has busted an FCMB in Osogbo, the Osun State capital where some ATMs were loaded with cash with their wrappers un-removed, thus preventing the cash from being dispensed.
The ICPC stayed that upon discovery the Team directed that the wrappers be removed, and the cash loaded properly.
However, when a follow-up visit was undertaken the following day to ascertain the level of compliance, the Team discovered that one of the ATMs was still loaded with the wrappers un-removed.
The Operation Manager of the Bank was arrested and taken in for questioning.
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the fifth columnists behind the current nationwide fuel and new Naira notes scarcity want to foist a political crisis on the country.
Speaking at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, venue of the presidential campaign rally on Friday, Asiwaju Tinubu said the people behind the crisis that is causing nationwide frustration and hardship to Nigerians want to spark turmoil that can lead to postponement of the general elections.
“They are hoarding Naira so that you can be angry and fight. They want confusion so that the election can be postponed. What they want is an interim government. But we are wiser than them. We will not fight. Any rat that eats the rat poison will end up killing itself.”
The former Lagos State Governor told the people that he is in the presidential race to better their lives.
“I am in the race for the betterment of the people. If it is what I will eat and what I need personally, God has provided for me. I am in this race to make life good and better for you too.
“Ekiti people are well educated people. They are well read; they don’t joke with education. But it is not good to finish schooling and not get a job. So, we shall provide jobs for you.
“On that day, we will trek to the polling booths to cast our votes. Your polling booths are not far from where you live. So, you should walk down to cast your votes,” Tinubu told his supporters.
Rallying the people of Ekiti to hope for better and happy life in his prepared speech, Tinubu said he believes every Nigerian is entitled to live a life of dignity.
“I believe each and every Nigerian is entitled to a life of dignity and happiness free from the fear of hunger, poverty, violence and hopelessness. I believe we can do better as a nation. I believe we must do better. History calls. Destiny Calls. Greatness calls.
“I came here today to offer you my best and assure you that I will always work for you. Take a look at my plan and ideas for the nation. You will like them because they were developed out of concern and hope for your welfare and for your future.
“Parents, don’t you want your children to enjoy a better life. Young people, don’t you want a nation where you can realize your dreams and also be able to care for your parents, yet nurture and have children of your own.
“Join us, elect us so that the government will work to ensure that you have decent jobs, that farmers make a good living, that enough schools and clinics exist. We will expand industry, assure your peace and safety, make sure that our nation is well fed and without hunger and we shall renew your hope in Nigeria and in your future.”
Speaking on his plans for Ekiti State, Tinubu promised to focus on development of the agricultural sector, employing modern and mechanized farming.
He also promised to make the state an exportation hub for its agricultural products, bringing more revenue to the state.
“My farm policy will establish commodity exchange boards guaranteeing prices for important crops so that you are ensured a decent living for your hard work. Our Agricultural Plan calls for agricultural hubs and improves access to finance.
“Both these will enable you to modernise farm operations, improve productivity while reducing the harshness of physical labour through mechanised equipment and modern technology.
“Your cocoa will supply users in Europe, Asia and beyond. More than that, through our plans to promote agro-allied processing, local companies will begin to turn cocoa into finished products. Ultimately, you will export chocolate candy and other fine things to the rest of the world.
“Implementing this plan in Ekiti and the rest of the nation means progress for you and the entire economy. For we shall grow more food, with less strain and effort. Increased food security means you will be able to visit the market to buy the food you need yet still have money left in your hand for other life necessities,” he added.
Citing the Ikogosi Warm Spring, Tinubu said the state will be a befitting tourist site for the country, attracting foreigners from in and out of the country and boosting the state’s resources.
“You are an industrious people living in a scenic and fertile land. Tourism will thrive under a government that prioritises security, development, commerce and creativity.
“Your beautiful warm springs and waterfalls will welcome tourists from across Nigeria and all over the world. The Ikogosi Tourist Centre will become known as a shining beacon of what Nigeria can achieve,” he added.
Just like in everywhere else, Tinubu emphasised his industrialisation plans, creating jobs and developing infrastructure across the country.
On security, he said, “Rest assured, my security strategy will be tough on kidnappers, killers, terrorists and bandits.
“My national security plan invests heavily on ensuring we have enough active, well trained and well-equipped security personnel to defeat threats wherever and whenever they emerge. We shall significantly augment the number of active duty personnel.
“Moreover, we shall invest in enhanced ground and air surveillance technology so that we can identify, track, outmaneuver and ultimately defeat those who seek to defeat our democratic and good way of life. They will witness and end their evil doings and terrible ways.
“I vow to mobilise the totality of our national security assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and from even the fear of that danger.”
In his address at the rally, Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji introduced Asiwaju Tinubu as an in-law who gave his daughter as wife to Ekiti people and the people of the state must reciprocate with 100% votes for him and all APC candidates.
The governor assured the people of a better Ekiti State with Tinubu as president, the same point he made during the meeting of the APC candidate with Ekiti State Council of Traditional rulers.
Among APC National Leaders and governors who attended the rally were former Interim National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande, former governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Trade and Industry Niyi Adebayo, APC National Women Leader, Betta Edu, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Olamilekan Adeola and other Federal and State lawmakers from Ondo and Ekiti States.
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, an actress and cosmetologist, for allegedly tampering with the redesigned Naira notes, an offcence contrary to Section 21 (5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Act, 2007.
Omoseyin was arrested by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Fraud Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, following intelligence report.
The 31-year-old was arrested after the video of her spraying and stepping on the newly redesigned Naira notes at a party surfaced online.
In the viral video, she was also seen flaunting wads of the new Naira notes.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the EFCC on Thursday, February 2, 2023 for further investigations.
Items recovered from her at the point of arrest include a Range Rover and iPhone mobile devices.
The suspect will be charged to court once investigations have been concluded.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has slammed the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for create unresting unrest and crisis in the State.
The former governor of Lagos State hit Adeleke on Thursday at the APC rally in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, stating that the APC administration of Gboyega Oyetola would soon return to continue its good work.
Recall the Osun election petition tribunal in a judgement delivered on January 27 sacked Adeleke citing issues of over-voting in some polling units and declared Oyetola as the winner of the election.
In his remarks at the APC rally, Tinubu accused the PDP candidate of causing unrest in Osun and misbehaving over the little opportunity he is given to rule.
He said: “They were given little opportunity to rule for some months and they started misbehaving, killing, and creating unrest in Osun state”
Highlighting his plans for the state, Tinubu said he would support Osun to be a manufacturing and tourism paradise.
He said: “You have fertile soil, abundant mineral resources, and a rich culture and history capable of attracting tourists from across the world.
“A vote for me is a vote to develop all parts of this state and this country. Rural areas will not be forgotten but will be developed to support more economic activities and create better lives for the people.
“At the same time, our growing urban population, you city boys, will enjoy decent jobs and a living wage.”
The angry youths protesting against the scarcity of Naira in Ibadan have stormed both state and federal secretariat to express their grievances on the economic crisis brought about by the Naira redesign.
The angry youths who fiercely invaded the state secretariat were coming from Agodi Gate where WEMA Bank located in that axis was destroyed while the Police Station was set on fire.
It was learnt that a security officer detailed to the office of the State Governor was injured while trying to prevent the burning fire from further spread.
The police officer has since been taken to an undisclosed hospital for immediate medical attention.
The lingering crisis of Naira scarcity brought by the money redesign has taken its toll on Nigerians as many are left with no option other than to continue storming the banks nearest to them in search of the unavailable money.
There were burning of yres in front of the state Secretariat by the angry mob to register their anger.
As at the time of filing this report, men of the Joint Security Taskforce have been stationed to strategic places in Ibadan to forestall further breakdown of laws and orders.
The Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has announced the suspension of his campaign activities over the unending fuel and new naira-note crisis.
Governor Seyi Makinde, whose campaign trail has visited some parts of Oyo State, said this during the Flag-off of the Omi-Adio-Ido Road on Friday.
The Governor said the suspension is in solidarity with the people over anti-people economy policies of the All progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun confirmed this.
In the statement, Makinde, who was in Ido to continue his campaign, directed that all campaign activities be suspended until further notice.
Olatubosun said Governor Makinde noted that the suffering of his people is too much, saying he was elected to protect their interests and well being.
Dr. Olatubosun said, Governor Makinde, who flagged-off the Omi Adio-Ido Road in an emotional laden voice, directed leaders of the Party in Oyo State to suspend campaign.
“As a mark of honour to citizens and residents of Oyo State, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has direct that all campaign activities of the party at all levels be suspended until further notice”, the statement read.
He added, “Governor Seyi Makinde’s love for his people necessitated this unprecedented move, at this time. We urge all residents and citizens of the State to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.”
ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that protest has broken out today in Ibadan as angry protesters blocked entrance of Access bank Monatan, Iwo road and road leading to Challenge, Ibadan as scarcity of money ( cash ) rages on.
According to eyewitness who spoke to ODUDUWA NEWS under condition of anonymity, “this is what the wicked people behind these scarcities ( Fuel, cash, electricity ) wants to achieve.
“But Allah the exalted is greater than all of them, they want to starve us to death and we shall overcome”.
