News

Royal rumble! NSA Ribadu Threatens Legal Action Against Kano Deputy Governor

Published

7 months ago

May 26, 2024

Bu Kayode Sanni-Arewa

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has expressed intention to take legal action for defamation against Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Gwarzo mentioned that Ribadu supported Ado Bayero in coming back to Kano.

In a formal correspondence, issued by his legal representatives at Aliyu & Musa Chambers, Ribadu has requested an apology from the deputy governor.

“We act as solicitors to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who presently occupies the exalted position of the National Security Adviser (“our client”) and on whose instruction we write this letter.

“The attention of our client was drawn to a video clip being shared on different social media platforms wherein you granted an interview at Emir’s Palace in Kano on Saturday, the 25th day of May 2024, in a very calm atmosphere, and without any provocation whatsoever, falsely accusing our client of using his office to kill the people of Kano State and maim their properties. In the clip, you were shown to be saying in Hausa.

“Your false accusations against our client portraying his office as an appendage of a political party and a willing tool to cause chaos in Kano is false and done with the intention of damaging the hard-earned reputation of our client in the eyes of the right-thinking members of the society and indeed it has succeeded in doing so.

“In all the places he has served, our client has never been accused of any wrongdoing. Given this illustrious background, it is inconceivable that someone would harbour the thought that our client would descend his exalted office so low as to interfere in the local tussle of the Kano Emirate.

The wide coverage you gave your interview has caused serious embarrassment to our client and his family. Since the publication, our client has been receiving barrage of telephone calls both within and outside Nigeria from friends and associates who felt disappointed in him because of the false allegation owing to the fact that it came from a person occupying the office of Deputy Governor of Kano State. Our client and his office take your allegations seriously and by this letter, our client is demanding that you provide irrefutable evidence to substantiate your claims. If you have no proof, our client demands you to within 24 hours:

“i. retract the libellous allegation in a similar manner you made it as well as give it wide media circulation; and
“ii. issue a public apology in five National dailies with wide national coverage and on popular online platforms. Note that if you fail to do so, our client will be compelled to seek redress in a court of law.”

News

Arewa Christians Association Salutes Nigerians At Christmas

Published

46 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…urge President Tinubu, governors to be more humane in their policies

By Gloria Ikibah

The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has congratulated Nigerians as they mark the birth of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world.

In a statement by ACIPA Chairman, Rev. (Dr) Luke Shehu, on Wednesday, he urged President Bola Tinubu and state governors to be more compassionate and humane in their policies, decisions and utterances.

The statement reads: “Ours is a faith beyond hope or religion. A faith for fulfilled individual and corporate destiny fulfillment. Therefore, with the audacity of our faith we wish ALL a Merry Christmas and prosperous New year.

“As we celebrate Christmas and mark the New year with an audacious faith working to make Nigeria greater, we call on Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our governors to be more compassionate and humane in their policies, decisions and utterance.

“ACIPA is aware that the removal of subsidy was a necessity that was long overdue in view of the corruption surrounding the oil industry in Nigeria.

“While appreciating the President, that for the first time in years, Nigerians have not experienced the hardships associated to petroleum scarcity associated to Christmas and the Muslim Sallah celebrations. We therefore commend the President and call on him to sustain the tempo while maintaining the momentum at the war against corruption and total annihilation of terrorist so that our soldiers can go back to their barracks.

“As we journey in the path to fulfillment of our destiny, we wish to draw attention of Mr President and all governors as captains of the ship to be aware of many Jonahs that may lead to the capsizing of the nation or states ship. If the Jonahs’ in our ship(s) can not recuse themselves or asked to be thrown out, then certainly the captains, crew and passengers need to take a lot and throw the Jonahs out.

“In the years ahead as we journey along our path to destiny as a great nation on earth, we can not afford backlog of liabilities who are often political croonies in governance as a result of personal allegiances or family ties. This is unacceptable especially where such croonies are counter productive or a cog in the the wheel of our nation and states. Leadership requires courage and audacious pragmatism.

“Once more, ACIPA wishes ALL Nigerians a secured, blessed Merry Christmas and a prosperous New year”, he added.

News

Access Bank Becomes First to Meet CBN’s Minimum Capital Requirement with N351bn Rights Issue

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Access Holdings Plc has announced the successful completion of its Rights Issue, raising N351,009,103,017.25 through the issuance of 17,772,612,811 ordinary shares at N19.75 per share.

This achievement follows full regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

With this milestone, Access Bank Plc, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings, is the first bank to meet the CBN’s N500 billion minimum capital requirement for banks with international authorisation, well ahead of the March 2026 deadline. The bank’s share capital now stands at N600 billion, exceeding the regulatory threshold by N100 billion.

This marks a significant achievement as Access Holdings is the first CBN-licensed financial holding company to execute a fully digital Rights Issue. The process utilised the Nigerian Exchange Group’s E-offer platform to provide shareholders with a seamless and efficient subscription experience, enhancing accessibility and participation.

Speaker on the development, the Holding Company’s Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, highlighted the innovation and leadership demonstrated by the institution. Further details from the statement emphasize the bank’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive growth and improve shareholder value.

He said: “The Access brand has always resonated strongly with local and international capital markets. Since 2004, Access Bank has raised billions of dollars in capital to meet successive CBN recapitaliation directives. We are pleased that this time, we are the first to cross the finish line.

“The success of the Rights Issue demonstrates the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market and reinforces our shareholders’ confidence in the present value and potential of our company.

“We deeply acknowledge the invaluable and strong support of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission, who both played crucial roles in ensuring the integrity and efficacy of our Rights Issue exercise.

“We are also grateful to our valued shareholders, whose loyalty to the Access brand and vision for over 22 years has been most inspiring and unwavering. As we enter the new year, we are well-positioned to leverage our enhanced capital base to deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders.”

Access Holdings Plc operates through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 23 countries, and over 60 million customers.

The company serves its markets through four subsidiaries in banking, payment, pension administration, and insurance sectors: Access Bank Plc, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, Access Pensions Limited, and Access Insurance Brokers Limited.

Access Bank Plc serves its markets through three business segments—Corporate and Investment, Commercial, and Retail—and has enjoyed Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 22 years.

Following its merger with Diamond Bank in March 2019, Access Bank Plc became one of Africa’s largest retail banks by customer base and Nigeria’s largest bank by total assets.

News

I’m optimistic about Nigeria’s future, says Shettima

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government to national security, economic transformation, and the well-being of all citizens.

In a Christmas message on Wednesday, Shettima assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is resolute in its efforts to tackle critical issues such as security and economic challenges, as the country prepares for the coming year.

“As we approach a new year, I want to reassure you that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully dedicated to improving the lives of all Nigerians. We are committed to tackling economic transformation and enhancing the welfare of every citizen,” Shettima said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, the Vice President called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen unity across all regions and faiths, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

“Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. This holiday season offers us the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” he stated.

Shettima also assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, emphasising that security personnel would remain on high alert during the holiday period to ensure safety.

“Our brave security personnel will continue to work tirelessly to protect us. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard citizens during the festive season,” he said, urging travelers to stay vigilant.

Looking to the future, Shettima expressed hope and confidence in the country’s trajectory.

“I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation,” he said.

Addressing the nation’s youth, Shettima emphasised their crucial role in Nigeria’s development and outlined the government’s initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for them.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is rolling out various initiatives to empower you, enabling you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima said.