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BREAKING: Ganduje, Akeredolu drag Buhari, CBN to court over cash withdrawal limits

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2023

The Ondo State Government has filed a suit before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja against the Federal Government in respect of the directive issued through the Central Bank of Nigeria limiting daily cash withdrawals from banks.

In an originating summon filed and signed by the Attorney General of Ondo State, Sir Charles Titiloye Ksm FCArb, on Thursday, Ondo state Government is praying the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of the directive issued by Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria on limitation of daily cash withdrawals from banks which has totally paralysed and brought to a standstill the activities of Ondo state Government and has adversely affected economic and commercial activities in the state.

Ondo state Government contended that the guideline on daily maximum cash withdrawal made by Federal Government is an infraction on the legal rights of Ondo State Government and its citizens to access funds for execution of developmental projects, small credit facilities to petty traders (who have no account in banks) and highly detrimental to daily commercial activities in the state.

Ondo State Government urged the Supreme Court to declare that the Federal Government cannot by directive issued through Central Bank of Nigeria, amend or vary an existing Act of National Assembly particularly Section 2 of Money Laundering Act which relates specifically to limitations on cash withdrawals for individual and Corporate organisation to Five (5) million Naira and Ten (10) million Naira respectively. The updated guidelines issued by CBN now places maximum withdrawal for individual and corporate organisation at N500,000 and Five (5) Million Naira respectively.

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Ondo state Government is asking the Supreme Court to decide whether the guidelines issued by Federal Government on maximum daily cash withdrawal and the continuous suffering and hardship caused by the implementation of the said policy is not in conflict with the express provision of section 2 of the Money Laundering Act, Sections 20, 39 and 42 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.

Ondo state Government averred that while it has more than 149 Ministries, Departments and Agencies to run on daily basis in a state with more than three (3) million people, less than five hundred thousand people has bank account through which bank transfer can be made. Consequently the policy of the Federal Government has totally paralysed the economy of the state.

Ondo state Government averred that the citizen of Ondo state now spends precious hours at Banks ATM waiting to collect the new Naira note while citizen in the rural areas and villages without Banks and internet facilities have been shut out from receiving or transferring money to meet their daily economic needs

The Government urged the Supreme Court to intervene and stop further implementation of the said Federal Government policy.

In a related case, Ondo state Government filed an application before the Supreme Court seeking to join the suit instituted by Zamfara, Kaduna and Kogi states on the timeframe within which citizens and Government can swap the old Naira Note for the new Naira note. In a motion on notice signed and filed on Thursday 9th of February, 2023, Sir Charles Titiloye Ksm FCArb, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State prayed the Supreme Court to join Ondo state Government in the earlier suit filed by the said three states challenging the 10th of February, 2023 deadline for change of Old Naira Notes for New Naira notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Attorney General noted that Ondo State Government and people are currently experiencing the same excruciating economic and financial hardship occasion by the said incoherent demonetization policy currently introduced by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Furthermore, the Kano state Government led by Abdullahi Ganduje has on Thursday evening filed a suit against the Federal Government at the Supreme Court in respect of the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In suit number: SC/CS/200/2023, sighted by The PUNCH, the Kano State Attorney General, through his Counsel, Sunusi Musa, SAN, is asking the apex court to declare that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), cannot unilaterally direct the CBN to recall the now-old N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes without recourse to the Federal Executive Council and National Economic Council, respectively.

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The Kano government is praying a mandatory order seeking a reversal of the Federal Government policy to recall the N200, N500 and N1,000 notes from circulation due to the policy affecting the economic well-being of over 20 million Kano citizens.

The applicant is also seeking for mandatory order, compelling the Federal Government to reverse the naira redesign policy for alleged failure to comply with 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The applicant is similarly praying for mandatory seeking the apex court to compel the Federal Government to reverse the cash swap policy for allegedly not complying with the 1999 constitution and other extant legislation.

“A Declaration that the combined reading of the provisions of the section 148(2) of 1999 constitution and Part 1, and Paragraph 19 of the Third Schedule thereof, the President cannot unilaterally without recourse to the Federal Executive Council and National Economic Council respectively give approval to the Central Bank of Nigeria for the implementation of cash withdrawal limit pursuant to the demonetization economic policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the suit read.

In the originating summon, the Kano State Government, further prayed for a declaration, that the president’s directive to the CBN for the implementation of cash withdrawal limits policy pursuant to the demonetisation of Federal Republic of Nigeria without recourse to FEC and NEC respectively is unconstitutional, illegal null and void.

The applicant is also praying for a mandatory order reversing the policy of the Federal Government on the recall of the old currency notes for allegedly failure to comply with the provisions of Constituiton and other extant legislation.

Recall that on Wednesday, the Supreme Court gave an interim order to the CBN not to end the use of old naira notes on February 10, 2023 in an ex-parte application by the three applicant states including Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara.

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BREAKING: Council of State to CBN: Print more naira notes or make old ones available

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Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.

In a statement released on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the charges as “false and misleading,” asserting that she maintains her position.

“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.

She chastised individuals disseminating false claims, accusing them of attempting to distort the truth and misinform the public.

The senator, who was suspended following a disagreement with Senate leadership, stated that she is still devoted to defending her constituents’ rights and that some people are attempting to mislead public opinion with false remarks.

“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications, as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”

Natasha also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.

She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.

Natasha urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.

“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”

Following her suspension from the Senate, some have advocated for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

The recall effort came after she was suspended from the Senate following a heated debate with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has subsequently taken her case to local and international media outlets, as well as the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

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UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Trends Admin

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

A tragic auto accident on the Ikire-Ibadan expressway has claimed the lives of five students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.

The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Balogun Area of Ikire, involved a luxurious bus traveling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo. Reports indicate that both vehicles collided head-on, resulting in multiple casualties.

In addition to the UNIOSUN students, five other individuals also lost their lives in the horrific accident, bringing the total death toll to ten.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the crash, but emergency responders were on the scene to provide assistance.

A statement released by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), that the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.

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“Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.

“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students; Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering, Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law, Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health, Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.

“Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.

“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our University community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time”, he said.

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

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Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG named

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2025

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River State Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas

Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG named

Rivers Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the resignation of the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, describing the development as sad.

The Administrator appreciated the immense contributions of Nwaeke in the short period he served the administration and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Ibas said in the interim, Dr Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary Welfare, Office of the Head of Service had been appointed in acting capacity until the emergence of a new Head of Service.

While congratulating her on her appointment, Ibas assured the people of Rivers of his commitment to neutrality, peace and stability.

Ibas also announced the appointment of Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

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He said his appointment followed careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.

“Prof. Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the Administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect,” Ibas said.

He added that Worika’s appointment reflected his commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.

Worika, who hails from Okirika, Rivers State, is a globally recognised scholar, legal expert and administrator with a track record in public service and institutional leadership.

He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and has performed roles across academia, international organizations, and government advisory capacities.

He is the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.