CASH POLICY: CONCERNS AROUND THE COUNTRY AS PANDEMONIUM EMANATE FROM NAIRA SCARCITY

The news surrounding the current cash policy in the country took another twist in the early hours of Friday morning. News was out that the CBN had authorized the deposit of old 500 and 1000 banknotes. The Central Bank Of Nigeria C.B.N. has since denied this. ‘“Members of the public should therefore disregard any message not released by the CBN on this subject”. Media houses are advised to verify information from their sources before publication, their statement ended.

Governor of Kano State Umar Ganduje has told reporters that he will burn down any bank that refuses to accept Old Naira notes. He gave this word of caution in response to the cash policy on Friday during his inspection of palliatives meant for distribution to the citizens. This gesture was to cushion the effects of the hardship caused by the cashless policy that has rocked the country.

CASH POLICY: RIOTS ERUPT IN THE FORMER CAPITAL CITY

 Tensions flared and riots broke out in Ojota, Agege, Ketu, Mile 12 Area of Lagos as residents and commuters scampered for safety. Motorists and residents who were on their way to different places of work hurriedly turned back in panic as rioters burnt tyres on roads, blocking movements. However, the spokesperson for the Lagos police command, Benjamin Hundeyin said Normalcy has returned to some areas in Lagos. “Free movement of vehicles and people fully restored”. Our officers and men are still on ground to prevent any breakdown of law and order, We also urge Nigerians to continue to be calm and pursue their lawful business within the ambit of the law” concluded the officer.

We believe the riots are in connection with the lingering deficiencies surrounding the current cash policies. The past few weeks have been frustrating for residents as naira notes scarcity skyrockets.

In reaction to this, the Lagos State Governor, H.E Jide Sanwo-Olu has called for calm over protests in Lagos. He assured the residents of the state that the government is already making plans on how to solve the situation at hand. The governor believes there is no need for violence and he will make this position known come February 22.

Still on the riots that have rocked the city of Lagos in the past days. The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), has condemned the act of violence on its staffs, offices and properties. The ASSBIFI has now directed their staffs to stop working in states that have witnessed attacks until attacks abate. This announcement is coming after 3 banks were downed in Lagos State.

2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The House of Representatives in a statement in Abuja today said the Naira Scarcity could jeopardize the forthcoming General Elections. The chairman of the committee called for an intervention to mitigate the hardship Nigerians are facing due to the cash policy. He then said Nigerians were subjected to unwarranted hardship due to wrong timing of the implementation of the policies.

A catholic bishop has advised Nigerians to reject the evil of vote buying. He warned that Politicians with evil intentions could in no way possess good intentions for the people. “We call on the law enforcement agents to ensure the protection of properties and lives during the elections without partiality or fear” He concluded.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide rose from an emergency meeting of its National Executive committee N.E.C on Friday in Enugu. The committee through its spokesman asked Igbos in the South-East to resist the sit-at-home order by self-styled separatist leader, Simon Ekpa. He encouraged them to come out in their numbers on the Election Day and vote massively for the son of their soil, H.E Peter Obi. Meanwhile, women from the south-east had on February 15 called on their fellow women to do exactly as the N.E.C has directed.

FOREIGN: TURKEY AND SYRIA EARTHQUAKE NEWS UPDATE

The death tolls from the earthquake that has rocked Turkey and Syria in the past few days has now surpassed 46,000. Searches are well into the 11th day in Southern and Central Turkey as well as in Northern and Western Syria. 11 survivors who have now happily reunited with their families were rescued today by the search parties after spending more than 250 hours under the rubble in Western Syria. D8 has now joined other Non-Governmental Organizations in pledging support to victims and families that got affected by the disaster.

You can help reach people affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Donate to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal today.

Mozambique pastor dies after attempting Jesus Fasting

Mozambique pastor dies after attempting 40 days and 40 nights ‘Jesus Fasting’. His surviving wife had confirmed. Members of his congregation had demanded answers after witnessing their leader slumping and dying right on the same spot. The police are already making investigations to determine the real cause of the man’s death. He left behind 3 children and a wife.

ENTERTAINMENT

The music industry is still mourning the sudden passing away of South African Kiernan Jarryd Forbes popularly known as AKA. The rapper was shot last week in South Florida, Durban, in the provinces of South Africa. He was buried today, 18th February 2023. Rumors have swirled around the nature of his death, many believed it was an act of revenge planned by family members of his ex-girlfriend who jumped off a storey building to her death years ago. The father of the lady in question is said to have blamed AKA for her death and never believed it was suicide. Others believe it was just gang activities while a minority think it was just envy and pure jealousy that preceded the assassination.

Since his demise, family and friends have on a daily basis payed tributes to the slain artiste.

SPORTS

News this morning confirmed that Christian Atsu has died. The Hatayspor striker [31] had been missing for a few days before the news got out that his house in Turkey was affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. He had played for Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle, and Bournemouth in the EPL for years. Atsu was also a regular feature of a Ghanaian side that participated in three World Cups. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Arsenal returned to the summit of the EPL on Saturday afternoon after securing a late winner at Villa Park. They had come into the fixture in second spot having been winless in four matches. They had to come back from behind twice on Saturday before finally getting all three points in a match that was electrifying and involved two goals in the final five minutes.

Other Fixtures Across the EPL this weekend:

N’Forest vs Manchester City. Chelsea vs Southampton.

Newcastle vs Liverpool.

Brighton vs Fulham. Everton vs Leeds.

Wolves vs Bournemouth. Brentford vs Crystal Palace.

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