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Northern group rejects CBN’s cyber security levy
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) strongly rejects the proposed imposition of a 0.5% cyber security levy on every electronic transaction in the Nigerian banking system by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This was contained in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi and made available to Peoples Daily in Abuja yesterday.
This levy, which is expected to be effective within the next two weeks, exemplifies the federal government’s lack of compassion and empathy for the plight of Nigerians in the face of the current economic hardship.
It is a crass act of heartlessness that follows the fuel subsidy removal, resulting in fuel prices above N1000 per liter, and the abrupt soaring of electricity tariffs, tantamount to another form of daily extortion by a government that came to power through democratic processes.
The CNG describes the policy as totally unacceptable extortion burdened on Nigerians who are already suffering from neoliberal exploitations, reflecting the government’s thoughtlessness towards the plight of the downtrodden.
“We believe that this additional charge is completely unjustifiable as Nigerians are already being fleeced through the collection of stamp duty, transfer fees, VAT, and SMS charges in the Nigerian banking sector.
“While we agree that securing our cyber space is paramount, that can only be justified as a corollary to stabilizing the economy and improving the standard of living of Nigerians.
“Even so, the current 0.5% rate is exorbitant in a country that has not fully implemented a N30,000 minimum wage but has reportedly increased the disposable income of members of the National Assembly.”
The CNG recalls that hundreds of billions of naira have been collected and pillaged through stamp duty alone in the last few years without transparent and accountable explanations to Nigerians by the apex bank.
“Therefore, this pronouncement by the CBN, which is capable of becoming another cesspool of corruption, is wholly and roundly rejected, condemned, and censured by all who have the country and its people at heart.
“We regret that the government has already deprived the people of any benefits in healthcare, education, fuel subsidy, and agriculture to the point that millions of Nigerians cannot afford a decent living in any form.
Speaking further, he said CNG observes that Nigerians are already struggling due to the government’s ill-advised policies that have weakened people’s purchasing power.
“We demand that the CBN immediately reverses this draconian and unilateral decision that unjustifiably imposes an extra burden on the masses amidst crushing economic circumstances.
“We call on the national banker, as a matter of principle and transparency, instead of further depleting the lean resources of struggling but resilient Nigerians, to provide a detailed explanation of all the stamp duty charges accrued from the banks in the last 10 years.
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.