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EFCC cautions schools, hotels, others against charging in dollar

Published

8 months ago

April 8, 2024

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has warned schools, supermarkets, hotels and others against charging for services in the country in dollar or any other foreign currency.
Olukoyede, in the latest edition of the commission’s monthly e-magazine, called EFCC Alert released on Monday, threatened to jail anyone found dollarising the economy.
The EFCC boss warned that anyone caught collecting the dollar for services or goods would be treated as a criminal in accordance with relevant Nigerian laws.
He vowed that the commission would go after schools, supermarkets, hotels, estate developers and business operators that used the dollar for transaction instead of naira.
“We have also started securing convictions.
“Schools that charge Nigerians in dollar, supermarkets that trade in dollar, estate developers that sell their property in dollar, hotels that are invoicing in dollar, we are coming after you and we have made arrests in that area.
“Yes, if foreigners are coming in and the only means of transacting is their credit card, and dollar, why not, you will get that.

But document it properly as against selling things within the system, local economy and you will be using dollar as the medium of exchange, it is illegal.

Our law does not allow for that. And we have also effected some arrests,” he said.
According to him, this is making impact as the rate at which some people advertise goods and services in dollar has really gone down.
“We are not going to relent. We are going to continue until we eradicate mutilation of currency, and illegal dealing in forex. Another area is in the area of illegal forex trading.
“Coupled with the activities of the CBN, we are trying to ensure that those involved in currency trading are properly licensed, regulated, and do their documentation properly,” he stated.
Olukoyede, while explaining the efforts in ensuring success of the anti-graft war under his leadership, condemned some Nigerians who continued to celebrate criminals in the country, stressing that such practice was anti-societal.

“I wondered why some Nigerians should be closing their eyes to the atrocities being committed against the nation by those being investigated for financial crimes but trying to attack the commission for doing its job.
“The moment EFCC starts investigating someone, those who have benefited from him one way or the other, will close their eyes to what they have been deprived of by reason of that financial crime.

“They then concentrate on attacking the agency. They use media propaganda and even sometimes physical attack, yet we are working for Nigerians.
“We are working to preserve integrity in the way we do things and so we need the support of Nigerians,” he said.
According to him, people are given money to procure arms and they won’t do it, and so expose those at the warfront to all kinds of danger and peril.
“It is important for us to come together as a people. Outsiders are not going to clean Nigeria for us. We are here. Someone like me I only have one passport, the green passport.
“Corruption is so damaging, and that is why we are where we are today.
“Go to other African countries, small countries across the globe, you will see development, you’ll see good roads, you’ll see quality health facilities.

Even the issue of insecurity that we are talking about, one way or the other, it can be linked to corruption.
“I keep telling people that there is nothing wrong with us fundamentally as Nigerians but the system we run, and the processes that we follow are the things that are causing problems for us,” he said.
According to him, there are bad guys all over the world but over there, their system is strong enough to checkmate them and to ensure that there are consequences for wrongdoing.
“So, we need to come together and say wrong is wrong irrespective of whether we are related to the person or not. That is when I’ll believe that we are ready to fight corruption,” he said.
The chairman reiterated his call on the need to establish a special court to try corruption, given the negative effect of corruption on development in the country.
“If we agree that corruption has contributed greatly to underdevelopment, then we must adopt extraordinary means to fight it.
“I have always been an advocate for creation of special courts, and I will continue to be.
“I believe that the time has come for this, and I also appeal to members of the National Assembly to help us in facilitating this.
“This will be a great boost to the corruption fight in Nigeria. We have laws and regulations guiding our investigations,” Olukoyede said.

(NAN)

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

28 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

36 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

Police rescue abducted Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager

Published

42 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.

The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.

“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.

According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.

Transparent, Rewarding!
The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.

Below is the full statement:

KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED

The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.

The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.