Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has narrated how former President Olusegun Obasanjo could have been killed for an alleged coup plot in 1995 under Gen. Sani Abacha if not for him.

Gowon said this at the maiden edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organised by the Plateau Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 by General Sani Abacha and convicted of being part of a planned coup to overthrow his government.

Obasanjo, despite pleading innocent to the coup, was sentenced to death.

He spent three years in prison before he was released in 1998 following the death of Gen. Abacha on June 8 of that year.

While Gowon was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, Obasanjo was the Guest of Honour, respectively.
“I wrote a letter to Abacha, I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil.

“I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja; I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen.

“I’m glad that soon after that, things changed, and not only that Obasanjo left prison, he became our president in 1999.

“This is something that only prayers and sincerity can do; I’m happy that today myself and Obasanjo are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he said.

Gowon also thanked the state government for organising the carol, adding that it would further unite the citizens of the state.

The former head of state said that the state had gone through a myriad of security challenges. Hence, the carol provided a suitable avenue for the people to commune.

The founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo has revealed why he doesn’t trust any public institution in Nigeria.

Soyombo revealed this on Saturday during an interview on Arise Television, following his arrest and detention by the Nigerian Army for three days in Port Harcourt, Rivers State before he was released on Friday.

The investigative journalist explained that everything he told the army during interrogation was leaked to suspected oil thieves who also told him the exact things he said.

“How can you grill me at the 6 division and everything I told you, the illegal bunkerers were telling me. Every single thing,” he said.

“The real grouse of the army is that one, I did not carry them along. I would not deny that I have low trust for Nigerian public institutions.”

The FIJ founder added he does not trust any public institution in Nigeria dur to his ordeal investigating stories as an undercover journalist.

“A small two-minute diversion. Last year, I did an undercover investigation on an orphanage selling babies. I bought a new born baby for N2 million. I took the baby to NAPTIP, I looked after that baby,” he said.

“After I handed over the baby to NAPTIP, I sent a representative to go there every month. Her birthday, we bought a gift, Christmas same. We woke up one day and NAPTIP shut the door on us.”

The Nigerian Army had confirmed the arrest of the investigative journalist at an illegal oil bunkering site in the Niger Delta region.

The arrest, which sparked widespread concern and condemnation, occurred during an operation against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The confirmation followed public outcry over Soyombo’s detention, with the FIJ reporting on X (formerly Twitter) that Soyombo had been in Army custody for three days.

The organized labor unions in Cross River State have announced plans to embark on an industrial action due to the state government’s failure to implement the newly approved minimum wage of ₦70,000.

This decision was confirmed by the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Mr. Monday Ogbodum, on Saturday in Calabar.

According to Ogbodum, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has set a deadline for the strike to commence at midnight on Sunday if the state government fails to meet their demands.

Speaking on behalf of the labor unions, he emphasized that there would be no backing down on the industrial action unless the government promptly implements the new wage structure.

“Yes, we are still in talks with the government,” Ogbodum said. “We had a meeting on Thursday, followed by another on Friday that stretched into the late evening. Another meeting is scheduled for today (Saturday).

However, this does not mean that all is well. While the government has shown some seriousness in addressing our concerns, our position remains clear: even if we sign any document or agreement today, it does not equate to actual implementation.

“The TUC chairman further explained that negotiations are ongoing, but the unions are prepared to join the strike should the need arise.

He stressed that labor unions are seeking tangible actions and not just verbal commitments.

Labor unions in Cross River State, including the NLC and the TUC, have expressed their dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in adopting the new minimum wage policy.

The ₦70,000 wage adjustment was introduced to provide relief for workers amidst rising inflation and economic challenges.

Despite the federal government’s endorsement of the policy, some states, including Cross River, have been slow to implement it, citing financial constraints.

Union leaders argue that the state government has had ample time to prepare for the policy’s implementation and should prioritize the welfare of its workers.

They have warned that any further delay will be met with decisive action, as workers are no longer willing to endure the economic hardships caused by inadequate wages.

The situation remains tense, with stakeholders closely monitoring the outcome of the ongoing discussions between labor representatives and the state government.

The unions have called on the government to act swiftly to prevent the strike, which could disrupt essential services across the state.

Bayer Leverkusen forward, Victor Boniface, has landed himself in hot water following allegations of reckless driving and mobile phone usage on a highway in Germany.

The Nigeria international reportedly posted a photo on social media that showed him scrolling through his phone while driving his Mercedes-Benz.

The 23-year-old’s actions have sparked widespread criticism, with fans and commentators expressing disappointment at what they described as irresponsible behavior.

The incident has not only drawn public backlash but has also caught the attention of his club, Bayer Leverkusen.

Manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his disapproval of the forward’s conduct, hinting at potential disciplinary action. Speaking to BeIN Sports, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool star did not mince words regarding Boniface’s behavior.

“I don’t like it; it’s obviously not good, and of course, it’s not allowed to happen,” Alonso stated firmly.

“I haven’t seen Boni [Boniface] yet, but he knows it’s not allowed. We have to tell him he’s not allowed to do something like this.

”The coach’s remarks reflect the club’s commitment to maintaining high standards of discipline and professionalism among its players.

Such actions, particularly those involving risky driving behavior, not only tarnish the image of the player but could also bring unwanted negative attention to the club.Boniface’s alleged use of his mobile phone while driving breaches both German traffic laws and the moral expectations placed on public figures like professional footballers.

In Germany, it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving, with violators facing fines and potential driving bans.

Additionally, as a role model to young fans worldwide, Boniface’s actions could set a harmful precedent if not addressed appropriately.Since joining Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface has been a key figure for the club, earning plaudits for his performances on the pitch.

However, this off-the-field controversy threatens to overshadow his accomplishments. Fans have taken to social media to express their concerns, with many urging the young striker to prioritize safety and uphold the values expected of a professional athlete.As the club investigates the incident, it remains to be seen what disciplinary measures will be taken.

For now, the focus is on ensuring that the message is clear: such behavior is unacceptable. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame and the importance of setting a positive example, both on and off the field.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has not yet commenced bulk sales or opened its purchase portal, as essential processes are still being finalised.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says an official announcements will be made if and when price reviews on the products occur.

Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. in a statement on Friday, said currently its products being sold were originated from the Dangote Refinery.

The 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity refinery began truck-out of petroleum products on Tuesday in Port Harcourt following its rehabilitation.

Some petroleum marketers and Nigerians have raised operational concern about the refinery as regards to pricing.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also confirmed that the Refinery had not released any new price for products purchase.

The association said that it bought PMS with the old pricing template while  awaiting the new prices.

“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote Refinery and include applicable Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fees,” he said.

“Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities.

“We advise the public to disregard any misleading information regarding pricing. Official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur,”. 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday advised bank customers to report any difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs to the apex bank from December 1.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said this during the 2024 annual bankers dinner in Lagos organised by the Chattered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)

He urged customers to make reports through designated phone numbers and email addresses for their respective states.

Cardoso, who was offered a fellowship at the CIBN, said the guidelines would be distributed widely to raise public awareness.

He called for full regulatory compliance by all stakeholders, including Mobile Money Operators and PoS Agents, to promote digital transaction channels and improve service delivery.

“We also recognize the ongoing challenges with cash availability at ATMs, which disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians.

“To address this, we are conducting spot checks across Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and will impose penalties on underperforming institutions.

“Effective December 1, 2024, customers are encouraged to report any difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs directly to the CBN through designated phone numbers and email addresses for their respective states.

“I repeat, financial institutions found engaging in malpractices or deliberate sabotage will face stringent penalties,” he said.

According to him, the CBN will continue to maintain a robust cash buffer to meet the country’s needs, particularly during high-demand periods such as the festive season and year-end.

The CBN governor said the focus was to ensure seamless cash flow for Nigerians while fostering trust and stability in the financial system.

He explained the Payment System Vision initiative for 2025 to further enhance confidence in the nation’s payment system.

He assured that payment gateways in settling financial transactions will become better in 2025 as delays will be addressed.

Cardoso said that trust was fundamental to fostering digital transactions, and CBN must take every necessary step to preserve that trust in payment systems.

He said delays often disproportionately affect vulnerable segments of the population, adding that CBN would apply penalties on non-compliant institutions to safeguard consumer trust and ensure swift redress mechanisms.

He said in 2025, CBN would prioritize initiatives including implementing open banking framework, advancing contactless payment systems, and expanding its regulatory sandbox.

“Additionally, we will issue revised guidelines for agency banking and continue to strengthen electronic payment channels”.

He also disclosed that Nigeria would exit the grey list on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) by Q2 of 2025 while reeling out enforcement plans against money laundering, cybercrime, fraud, corruption, among others.

Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of  the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said that 2024 had been an eventful year for the banking industry and the economy.

He said various policies and regulations of the apex bank and the federal government had begun to yield fruit.

“For example, the Nigerian economy continues to be more resilient and agile as shown in the steady growth from 2.98 per cent in Q1 to 3.19 per cent in Q2 and now 3.46 per cent in Q3 of 2024.

“Likewise, the Nigerian banking industry has also shown resilience this year despite the macroeconomic pressures such as rising inflation, and exchange rate fluctuations, amongst others.

“The bank recapitalization exercise also attests to the fact that we are well on our way towards not only strengthening the financial sector but also supporting a $1 trillion economy envisaged by 2030,” he said.

Also, Dr Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Central Bank in Sierra Leone praised efforts of the CIBN and Nigeria’s apex bank yielding positive fruits in Africa and globally.

He called for collaboration towards building a sound financial eco system.