TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • ‘They Don’t Behave Like Friends’ – Emir Sanusi Says He Won’t Help Tinubu’s Government

    The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he would not help them correct policies he believes are adversely affecting citizens.

    Sanusi, speaking on Wednesday as chairman of the 21st Anniversary of Fawehinmiism (Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture 2025) in Lagos, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy and its policies.

    “I can give a few points that are contrary, that explain perhaps what we’re going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it, and maybe avoidable. But I am not going to do that,” he said.

    The former Emir explained that while he could provide insights to improve the administration’s trajectory, he deliberately chose not to. He attributed this decision to what he described as a lack of reciprocal respect and friendship from the government.

    “I have chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, but I don’t want to help this government.

    “You know they’re my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So I watch them being stooges. And they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started out helping, but I am not going to help. I am not going to discuss it. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued,” Sanusi added.

    He further criticized the administration for failing to heed warnings about the potential consequences of certain policies.

    “People were told decades ago that if you continue along this path, this is where you’re going to end up, and they refused to open their eyes. Now, is everything being done today correct? No,” the former Emir said

     

  • JAMB Exonerated of Financial Misconduct by National Assembly Committee

    JAMB Exonerated of Financial Misconduct by National Assembly Committee

    The Federal Government has responded to remarks made by Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), regarding the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Sanusi, speaking during the 21st Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture in Lagos on Wednesday, stated that he would withhold economic advice from the government, citing personal grievances.

    “I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government. They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stewed, and they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing. But I’m not going to help,” Sanusi said.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, acknowledged Sanusi’s right to express his views but criticized his decision to withhold insights, suggesting it reflected personal interests rather than a commitment to national progress.

    “It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges. This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated,” Idris stated.

    He noted that the temporary challenges Nigerians face are the “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,” a point Sanusi himself had previously acknowledged.

    Idris highlighted the progress made under the Tinubu administration’s reforms, such as the unification of exchange rates, which has increased investor confidence and bolstered foreign reserves. He also pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has freed up significant funds for critical investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    “Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, indicate an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signaling that the economy is on the path to recovery,” Idris said.

    The minister expressed disappointment that reforms previously endorsed by global experts and Sanusi himself are now being subtly criticized. He urged the Emir to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over personal grievances or partisan considerations.

    “Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust. Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country; what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions,” he added.

    Idris reiterated the administration’s commitment to economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity, calling for constructive dialogue with well-meaning stakeholders while prioritizing the interests of Nigerians.

     

  • Zamfara Governor Confident in Armed Forces’ Efforts to Eliminate Bandit Leader Bello Turji

    Zamfara Governor Confident in Armed Forces’ Efforts to Eliminate Bandit Leader Bello Turji

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces’ ability to neutralize the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, stating that Turji’s “days are numbered.”

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lawal praised the military’s renewed commitment to tackling banditry in the state.

    “I believe Bello Turji is a matter of time, his days are numbered because I can see the commitment from the Armed Forces in terms of taking Bello Turji out,” Lawal said. “In fact, that same axis where the incident took place is actually the axis of Bello Turji. I am confident, I am optimistic, and I believe the Nigerian Armed Forces this time around are ready to take him out.”

    The governor also addressed the recent military airstrike in Zamfara State that tragically claimed the lives of over 16 residents in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area.

    Lawal clarified that the incident was not intentional and detailed the circumstances leading to the unfortunate casualties.

    “We have been battling issues within the last three days as a result of the airstrike. Let me say this, I have full information on what happened that fateful day, because we made a distress call to the air force in terms of some bandits attacking communities, and they quickly responded, and they were able to neutralize a lot of bandits,” he explained.

    However, he revealed that unintended casualties occurred during a subsequent operation.

    “On the second time when we made the same reports, unfortunately, at that time, there were some what we call the CPGs and some of those communities that came to rescue those under attack, and in the process, they were hit by the air force. I believe it was not intentional. It was one of those things in this kind of situation; sometimes there may be collateral damage, and that was what happened.”

    The governor extended his condolences to the families of the victims and described the measures taken to address the aftermath of the incident.

    “I set up a powerful delegation led by my deputy governor for an on-the-spot assessment and to commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives. In the process, what happened was fully explained, and they quite understood it was not intentional,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has deployed a fact-finding team to investigate the incident.

     

  • TCN Needs ₦2.8trn for 149 Power Projects, Says Minister

    TCN Needs ₦2.8trn for 149 Power Projects, Says Minister

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) requires approximately ₦2.8 trillion to execute 149 electricity transmission projects nationwide, according to Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power.

    Adelabu disclosed this during budget defense sessions with power sector committees at the National Assembly, highlighting the substantial funding needed to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

    “For the TCN alone, we will need about ₦2.779 trillion to enable us to execute about 149 projects we are currently engaged in all over the country. Our total budget as a ministry is not even up to this, but as the saying goes, half bread is better than none,” Adelabu said.

    The minister appealed for cooperation from lawmakers to achieve President Bola Tinubu’s mandate of improving electricity supply to Nigerians.

    “I’m telling you so that you can be aware of the kind of money that is needed in the ministry for us to address our electricity challenges. We need your cooperation and collaboration in achieving the mandate of Mr. President in electricity supply to Nigerians,” he added.

    Adelabu also provided updates on the Siemens power project, part of the Presidential Power Initiative, which aims to address Nigeria’s fragile power infrastructure. He revealed that the pilot phase of the project was 95% complete in 2024, and the Federal Government has approved the commencement of the second phase in early 2025.

    “The Federal Government is fully determined to address these challenges and issues that have been blocking our progress in our effort to provide electricity to Nigerians and our consumers,” Adelabu said. “Of particular note is the grid collapse, which has to do with the obsolete and outdated equipment around our power stations.”

    He stated that the Siemens project would involve the construction of five substations across the country, which are expected to improve power supply and reduce the risk of grid collapses.

    “To practically address this, the Siemens project will come on board in the first quarter of this year. We have almost concluded the takeoff of the project, and it will involve building five substations across the country. This will energize our supply so that the issue of grid collapse will be a thing of the past. By next week, we will begin the contracts for the substations to come on board,” the minister added.

     

  • ‘Put Nigeria First’ – FG Responds to Emir Sanusi’s Criticism of Tinubu’s Reforms

    ‘Put Nigeria First’ – FG Responds to Emir Sanusi’s Criticism of Tinubu’s Reforms

    The Federal Government has responded to remarks made by Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), regarding the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Sanusi, speaking during the 21st Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture in Lagos on Wednesday, stated that he would withhold economic advice from the government, citing personal grievances.

    “I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government. They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stewed, and they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing. But I’m not going to help,” Sanusi said.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, acknowledged Sanusi’s right to express his views but criticized his decision to withhold insights, suggesting it reflected personal interests rather than a commitment to national progress.

    “It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges. This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated,” Idris stated.

    He noted that the temporary challenges Nigerians face are the “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,” a point Sanusi himself had previously acknowledged.

    Idris highlighted the progress made under the Tinubu administration’s reforms, such as the unification of exchange rates, which has increased investor confidence and bolstered foreign reserves. He also pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has freed up significant funds for critical investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

    “Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, indicate an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signaling that the economy is on the path to recovery,” Idris said.

    The minister expressed disappointment that reforms previously endorsed by global experts and Sanusi himself are now being subtly criticized. He urged the Emir to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over personal grievances or partisan considerations.

    “Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust. Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country; what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions,” he added.

    Idris reiterated the administration’s commitment to economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity, calling for constructive dialogue with well-meaning stakeholders while prioritizing the interests of Nigerians.

  • CBN Imposes N100,000 per Customer Daily Withdrawal LiS Terminals

    CBN Imposes N100,000 per Customer Daily Withdrawal LiS Terminals

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a daily withdrawal limit of N100,000 per customer on Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals as part of its efforts to promote a cashless economy and curb financial fraud.

    In a circular titled “Cash-out Limits for Agent Banking Transactions” and addressed to Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Microfinance Banks, Mobile Money Operators, and Super-Agents, the CBN outlined new regulations aimed at standardizing operations within the agent banking industry.

    The apex bank said the measures are intended to address challenges, combat fraudulent activities, and ensure uniform practices across the financial sector.

    The circular specified that:

    1. Cash withdrawals (cash-out) per customer are limited to N500,000 per week, regardless of the transaction channel.
    2. Agent banking terminals must enforce a daily maximum transaction cash-out limit of N100,000 per customer.
    3. Each agent’s total daily cumulative cash-out limit must not exceed N1,200,000.
    4. Agent banking services must be distinctly separated from merchant activities, in which agents are required to apply the approved Agent Code 6010 for agent banking transactions.
    5. Agents must operate float accounts exclusively maintained with their principals for agency banking services.
    6. Principals are to monitor all agent accounts linked to the Bank Verification Number (BVN) to detect any of an unauthorized banking activities outside the designated float account.
    7. All agent terminals must be connected to a PTSA (Payment Terminal Service Aggregator).
    8. Daily transaction records, including cash-out activities, cumulative balances, and limits, must be electronically sent to the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) as a report to the CBN.

    The CBN emphasized that principals would be fully responsible and liable for any breaches of agent banking guidelines, as stated in the Guidelines for the Regulation of Agent Banking and Agent Banking Relationships in Nigeria.

    To ensure compliance, the apex bank said it would conduct impromptu back-end configuration checks and oversight activities.

    It also warned that failure to adhere to the directives would attract monetary fines and administrative sanctions.

     

  • Shina Peller Clarifies TikToker’s Connection to the Peller Family

    Shina Peller Clarifies TikToker’s Connection to the Peller Family

    Nigerian entrepreneur and politician Shina Peller has addressed widespread speculation surrounding a viral TikToker known as “Peller,” setting the record straight about the entertainer’s connection to his family.

    In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Shina Peller, who is also a prominent industrialist, confirmed that the TikToker is not related to the Peller family, renowned for its magical legacy and its connection to the legendary magician Professor Peller.

    “The name ‘Peller’ was given to our father as a magician, and it’s a name that the family has adopted since the time of my father,” Peller explained.

    While acknowledging the entertainer’s popularity, Peller clarified, “So, Peller, the comedian, is not a member of the Peller family. It’s a successful name. He’s just being smart. He’s been able to pop with the name. You can’t blame him, but I can tell you categorically that he’s not a member of the Peller family.”

  • Do2dtun Calls Out SoundCity for Allegedly Not Paying Staff 8 Months Salaries

    Do2dtun Calls Out SoundCity for Allegedly Not Paying Staff 8 Months Salaries

    Popular Nigerian on-air personality and show host, Do2dtun, has publicly criticized SoundCity, a prominent radio station, for allegedly failing to pay its staff salaries for the past eight months.

    Taking to his official X page, Do2dtun, whose real name is Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, expressed shock and concern for his friends and colleagues working at the station.

    The media personality described the situation as “cruel and inhumane” and questioned the rationale behind operating a radio station without fulfilling basic obligations to employees.

    In his posts, Do2dtun wrote: “It’s not by force to open a radio station. Owing your staff for 8 months is inhumane. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you this. My friends and colleagues at Soundcity, how do you guys cope? No salary for 8 months? Mehn that’s crazy!!!!”

    https://twitter.com/iamDo2dtun/status/1876894113485717986
    https://twitter.com/iamDo2dtun/status/1876901712314691721
  • “This is the Lord’s Doing” – Moses Bliss, Wife Welcome First Baby

    “This is the Lord’s Doing” – Moses Bliss, Wife Welcome First Baby

    Gospel artist Moses Bliss and his wife, Marie Wiseborn, have announced the birth of their first child.

    The couple shared the joyful news on Friday via a joint post on Instagram, accompanied by heartfelt words of gratitude and a series of maternity photos taken before the baby’s arrival.

    “This is the doing of the Lord,” the caption read. “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,… unto him be glory. Amen.” The couple quoted Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) to express their faith and thankfulness.

    Bliss and Wiseborn tied the knot earlier this year after announcing their engagement in January 2024.

    The couple held a series of wedding ceremonies, including court, traditional, and church weddings, as well as a praise concert in Accra, Ghana’s capital.

    Fans and fellow gospel artists have flooded the couple’s social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the arrival of their “bundle of joy.”

    Bliss, known for his hit gospel songs like “Too Faithful” and “Miracle No Dey Tire Jesus”, has often shared his journey of faith and family with his followers.

  • Davido Reveals Producer Gifted Him $20,000 as Appreciation for ‘Timeless’ Album

    Davido Reveals Producer Gifted Him $20,000 as Appreciation for ‘Timeless’ Album

    Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared a heartwarming experience involving a producer who worked with him on his “Timeless” album.

    Taking to social media, Davido recounted how the producer, after receiving his publishing check, visited his home to express gratitude by handing him $20,000.

    “A certain producer/writer I started working with from Timeless. Finally, he got his publishing check, came to my house, handed me 20 thousand dollars, and said, ‘Baba, I thank you,’” Davido shared.

    The singer expressed his delight at the gesture, adding that it was refreshing to see acts of kindness and gratitude still prevalent in the world.

    “Happy to see there are still good people in this world! Being appreciated sure feels good! Love you, brother!” he wrote.