The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has said that without divine intervention, the exchange rate could have skyrocketed to ₦10,000 for $1.

Speaking at the Special Holy Ghost Congress in Abuja, Adeboye explained that Nigeria’s financial difficulties are largely linked to its reliance on fuel imports, despite the country having significant oil resources.

He noted that billions have been spent on refineries, many of which remain non-functional, resulting in a continued dependence on imported petrol.

Adeboye also addressed the controversy surrounding the government’s decision to eliminate costly fuel subsidies, a move that angered those who profited from the previous system and contributed to further economic challenges.

“We need help, and it’s not human help; it’s divine help,” he stated.

“Before our current president took office, we were aware that the root of our financial issues lay in the importation of petrol. Despite having oil, we continued to import petrol and waste billions on refineries that did not operate effectively.

“When the president cancelled the subsidy on petrol imports, those who benefited from it became upset and created more problems.”

As the naira continued to decline rapidly, Adeboye said that he prayed and was grateful that others joined him in prayer.

“If God hadn’t intervened, $1 could have been worth N10,000 by now. This illustrates how much we need prayers,” he said.

As the Ondo State governorship election approaches, the Labour Party (LP) has refuted claims that its candidate, Olusola Ebiseni, has been disqualified.

The party has called on Nigerians, especially voters in the state, to disregard reports suggesting that Ebiseni is no longer in the race.

The controversy stems from a judgment by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which reportedly disqualified Ebiseni.

The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Hamma Barka and with the ruling delivered by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, allegedly ruled in favor of an appeal against Ebiseni’s candidacy.

However, the LP insists that the matter had already been resolved internally before the court’s judgment. Ondo State LP Chairperson, Mrs. Remilekun Ojo, dismissed the reports as false, accusing opposition parties of spreading misinformation to destabilize the party.

“These reports are all lies,” Ojo said in a statement to Newsmen on Thursday.

“The issue was settled internally, and our candidate remains in the race.

This is an attempt by politicians from other parties, who feel threatened by our growing influence, to create confusion.”Ojo emphasized that Ebiseni’s name remains on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal and that the party had no official communication from the electoral body indicating otherwise.

The LP’s legal challenges began with a previous Federal High Court ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite, which recognized Ebiseni and his running mate, Ezekiel Awude, as the valid candidates for the election.

Justice Nwite ruled that Ebiseni’s second primary election was valid, noting that he had paid the required nomination fees and compensated another aspirant, Festus Olorunfemi, who had withdrawn from the race.

The appellate court’s decision, however, has been contested by the LP, which maintains that the issue has been resolved.

The party also criticized media outlets for publishing misleading information about Ebiseni’s candidacy.

The party’s youth leader in Ondo State, Hon. Samuel Boniface, supported the Chairperson’s position, alleging that some politicians had attempted to bribe him to dismantle the LP structure in favor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“Three weeks ago, PDP stakeholders offered me over ₦100 million to collapse the LP structure into their party, but I declined,” Boniface revealed in an interview. “I have a goal and cannot sell my conscience.

This election is not about money but about the future of Ondo State.”Boniface also hinted at legal action against media platforms that reported the purported disqualification of Ebiseni.

“We are suing newspapers that claimed our candidate was removed from the race. The claims are baseless and disruptive.

The Olorunfemi who started this matter stepped down for Ebiseni and was duly compensated. We have all the records to prove it.

”As the November 16 election draws near, the Labour Party remains determined to challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP, asserting that it offers a viable alternative for the people of Ondo State.

The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, Olusola Ebiseni, has confidently asserted that the contest is primarily between his party and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ebiseni made this declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, just days before the off-cycle election.Ebiseni dismissed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a non-factor in the race, emphasizing that the PDP’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi, lacks the political strength to challenge the LP and APC.

He pointed out Ajayi’s history as a former deputy governor of Ondo State under the APC administration, arguing that his association with the incumbent government undermines his credibility.

“This election is going to be about two political parties and their administration,” Ebiseni said. “There is no PDP in this election.

This election is between the Labour Party and the APC. Agboola Ajayi of the PDP was Akeredolu’s first-time deputy governor. Aiyedatiwa of the APC was Akeredolu’s second-term deputy governor, now the incumbent governor.

If you want to assess their credibility and performance, you will assess the Akeredolu government and the roles they played.

”Ebiseni further explained that the election would serve as a referendum on the APC’s governance under Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. According to him, both Ajayi and the APC candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, are direct extensions of the current administration, leaving voters with a choice between continuity under the APC and a break from the status quo with the Labour Party.

Highlighting his own qualifications, Ebiseni expressed confidence in his chances of emerging victorious, citing his extensive experience in public administration.

He served as a local government chairman and later as a commissioner under the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, where he gained valuable insights into governance and policy implementation.“My experience as a former local government chairman and commissioner has prepared me for this role.

I have a deep understanding of the needs of our people and the solutions required to address them.

I am confident that the Labour Party represents the change that Ondo State desperately needs,” he stated.Ebiseni also underscored the Labour Party’s growing influence across the state, noting that the party has connected with grassroots voters disillusioned with the APC’s leadership.

He urged Ondo residents to seize the opportunity to elect a government that prioritizes their welfare.As the November 16 election approaches, Ebiseni’s remarks set the stage for a closely contested battle between the Labour Party and the APC, with both sides vying to shape the future of Ondo State.

Nigeria secured a ticket to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations finals (the continent’s flagship football championship) for the 21^st time after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday that still put the Cheetahs’ prospects for qualification on the wire.

The game played under driving rain inside the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny produced a number of interesting moments, but the biggest was when Victor Osimhen celebrated wildly as his 81^st minute header that sailed past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou not only secured Nigeria’s first place in the group, but also put him at par with the legendary Olusegun Odegbami in goals’ tally for Nigeria. Both are now joint second to the top man, Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.

Osimhen’s goal, in which he profited from a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon, and restored parity on the night after Mohamed Tijani’s goal for the Cheetahs in the 16^th minute, was his 23^rd for the senior team. Odegbami, the former captain of the team who took the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals by the scruff, scored his 23 goals in 46 matches.

The downpour ushered the two teams into a game of two halves, with the Cheetahs keeping possession and running rings round the Super Eagles for large swathes of the first period. However, Tijani’s header from a cross by the vibrant Junior Olaitan that found the net by going through the legs of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was against the run of play.

Minutes earlier, Alex Iwobi had miscued when Osimhen headed down the ball for him from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, and Osimhen himself was foiled by Dandjinou just before the Cheetahs struck at the other end.

Nwabali was alert to punch away as Olaitan broke loose three minutes later, and it was ding-dong until four minutes before the break, when Osimhen should have scored from a brilliant Onyemaechi cross, only to watch the ball roll away from goal after his header.

In the 55^th minute, Ademola Lookman and Osimhen caused anxious moments at the Benin Republic rear, but Olaitan also got close after Captain William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina fumbled with the ball down the line. Onyemaechi, coming forward a lot, saw his shot roll agonizingly away from goal just after the hour, and Osimhen headed wide away in the 74^th minute as the Cheetahs began to nurse hopes of a win.

Osimhen had other ideas. His goal sent the Super Eagles to Morocco 2025 as group winners, and ensured the Eagles remain unbeaten in the AFCON qualification campaign going into their last game of the series, against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

Rwanda, with five points from their five games after an unexpected 1-0 loss to Libya in Kigali also on Thursday, must beat the Super Eagles in Uyo and hope that Libya overwhelm Benin Republic in Tripoli on Monday, to spring to second place and collect the second ticket to the finals from Group D.

“It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer. The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen said.

The trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele continued on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, with a fifth prosecution witness, Kingsley Obiora, former CBN Deputy Governor in charge of policy, disclosing that the new naira notes printed and released into circulation under Emefiele’s leadership did not match former President, Muhammad Buhari’s approval.

Testifying before Justice Maryann Anenih via zoom, Obiora pointed out that, “the approval by the President was different from what was eventually produced.” He stated this after being shown evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, noting that he recognized the discrepancy when he compared the President’s original approval with the currency that was put into circulation.

Obiora, who worked at the CBN for over seven years, clarified his involvement in the CBN’s Committee of Governors COG, a body he described as comprising “the governor, four deputy governors, and the director of corporate services.”

He further explained, “The governor is the Chairman of the Committee, and during my tenure as Deputy Governor, Emefiele was our Chairman.”

According to Obiora, the Committee met weekly on Wednesdays to deliberate on critical policy matters and updates within the bank.

Reflecting on how the redesign plan came about, Obiora recounted a CBN event held on October 25, 2022, in Lagos to mark the one-year anniversary of the e-naira.

During the event, “the governor called all four deputy governors into a huddle and informed us of the plan to redesign the currency.” Obiora expressed immediate concerns, saying, “My personal reaction was that the event itself may not be the appropriate place to announce such a major policy”. He further urged that more time be allocated to study the policy thoroughly and make improvements.

Despite these concerns, Obiora said Emefiele pressed on and brought the plan forward in a formal meeting of the COG on October 26, 2022.

“The governor mentioned that we had already had the president’s approval for the policy,” Obiora confirmed, adding, “The deputy governor in charge of currency operations presented a memo, and it was discussed, deliberated upon.”

Following this, Emefiele and two other deputy governors joined him in a press conference to announce the policy to the public.

When asked about the CBN Board’s role in the redesign, Obiora explained that the board was only formally informed months later, in mid-December 2022, when the naira redesign was presented to them.

He testified, “The policy was discussed at the board level mid-December. The board did not sit as day-to-day management but instead gave policy directions.”

Obiora clarified that “the board’s involvement in the policy was limited to endorsing the COG’s prior decision, not initiating it.”

During cross-examination, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo, SAN, questioned Obiora about the board’s role in finalizing the redesign.

Ojo suggested that the December board meeting “conforms with the naira notes currently in circulation,” to which Obiora replied, “Yes, sir.”

He further clarified, saying there had been no directive or complaint from former President Muhammadu Buhari about the redesign.

Obiora also commented on his limited past involvement with currency design. He shared that during his initial role as Special Adviser at the CBN in 2014, the bank had introduced a redesigned N100 note. However, he emphasized, “I was not part of it, but I was at the bank then.”

After giving his evidence, Justice Anenih discharged him and adjourned the matter till December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025 for continuation of trial.

In a fresh onslaught against Boko Haram and Lakurawa terrorists, military troops have killed 88 suspects, arresting over 200 in one week.

Spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, who made the disclosure, also said that troops also arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.

Buba said troops are on an onslaught to crush terrorists in the Northwest and other parts of the country.

He noted that operations are being modified accordingly, to box in these terrorists, while also increasing operational intensity to ensure total destruction of all terror groups and dismantling of their terror networks.

He added that troops are also deployed in strength to provide assistance to the police in ensuring a hitch free off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, slated for 16 November 16, 2024.

“Indeed, troops’ presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, while keeping mischief makers at bay. The NAF is already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of INEC

“Meanwhile, during the week under review, troops neutralised 88 and arrested 228 persons. Troops also arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion Two Four Million Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (N1,021,412,950.00) only.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 84 assorted weapons and 2,393 assorted ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 34 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, five fabricated revolver pistols, eight locally made pistols, three pump action guns and one magnum pump action.

“Others are: 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 146 rounds of 7.62mm PKM ammo, 77 rounds of 9mm ammo, 49 live cartridges, 25 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 16 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, 27 mobile phones and the sum of N1,851,000.00 only amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, 25 storage tanks and 59 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 3 barges, 7 speedboats, 73 drums, one tricycle, 5 pumping machines, 3 mobile phones and 9 vehicles among others. Troops recovered 942,420 litres of stolen crude oil, 175,075 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,980 litres of PMS.

“Overall, troop offensives have severely depleted ISWAP terrorist rank and file in the NE forcing a desperate recruitment drive. Similarly, terrorists in the NW are on a recruitment drive on social media for new recruits. Troops are aware of the situation and working with other security agencies and governments to thwart the plans.” General Buba said.