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Cardoso Suspends All CBN Intervention Programmes

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Cardoso has suspended all CBN Intervention Programmes.

The recently appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has expressed his commitment to addressing the apex bank’s outstanding foreign exchange obligations as a top priority in the immediate future, JomogNews reports.

He made this statement on Tuesday during the Senate members’ screening session.

Cardoso pledges to bolster transparency, address corporate governance issues, and guarantee the autonomy and integrity of the bank, instilling confidence.

“We need to promptly find a way to take care of that. It would be naive for us to expect that we’ll be making too much progress if we’re not able to handle that side of the foreign exchange market,” he said.

Furthermore, the newly installed CBN governor has expressed his plan to ensure price stability, shift towards evidence-based monetary policies, and put an end to the unconventional monetary measures introduced by his predecessor, all to boost the value of the naira.

As the nation contends with a decline in economic indices and the Nigerian Naira’s alarming proximity to the 1,000/$ mark on the parallel market, Cardoso’s confirmation assumes significant importance.

According to Cardoso, the immediate plan to stabilize the naira will be for the apex bank to settle existing financial obligations and make “transparent rules.”

Explaining how to tackle what he referred to as an ‘operational challenge,’ he stated:

“Right now, we have a situation where we are aware that there are unsettled obligations by the CBN. Whether it is $4bn, $5bn, or $7bn, I don’t know but the immediate priority will be to verify the authenticity and extent of what is owed.

“Number two, apart from the operational issue, there is one that is system related that involves ensuring that we come up with open rules, and transparent that any of the players in that area understands. We can’t expect foreign investors and portfolio investors to come; we can’t expect them if there is no open, transparent system that everyone understands.

“In setting up those guidelines one will carry the relevant stakeholders along and the comment was made earlier that one should be ready to engage everybody and hear views. Those two things, though they may seem simple, will go a long way to easing up the restrictions we are having on people (investors) that want to come in.”

Folashodun Shonubi, who served as the Acting CBN Governor until recently, made a significant announcement on September 6, 2023. He stated that negotiations between the apex bank and commercial banks regarding dollar debts had been successfully concluded. Shonubi assured that all outstanding forex exchange backlogs would be fully addressed within the coming one to two weeks.

Cardoso on Inflation Rate

Speaking further, the newly confirmed CBN governor has articulated a clear strategy to address the country’s ongoing issue of inflation.

In his statement, he emphasized the importance of implementing policies that are grounded in “empirical evidence“ and “data-driven analysis.”

He said,

“When you look at the dimension of inflation, we will be doing evidence-based monetary policy. We shall not be making decisions based on a whim. We will significantly rebound the infrastructural demand concerning ensuring that our data-gathering capacity is enhanced so we can make decisions based on proper data.

Nigeria’s inflation surged to 25.80 percent in August 2023, 1.72 percentage points higher than the 24.08 percent recorded in the previous month.

Cardoso emphasized that credible research indicates that over the last decade to fifteen years, a significant 50 percent of inflation has been attributed to the increase in money supply and deficit financing.

“This is a big problem at least it certainly has been over some time and it’s something we have to face frontally,” he noted.
Cardoso added that avoiding deficit financing would tackle money supply issues.

Suspension of Intervention Programmes

In the screening process, Cardoso made it clear that the central bank’s independence and credibility should be reinstated through a renewed focus on its core mandate and the promotion of a culture that prioritizes compliance, stating that the CBN will not be used to finance the fiscal deficit of the federal government.

“Much has been made of past CBN forays into development financing such that the lines between monetary policy and fiscal intervention have become blurred.

“In refocusing the CBN to its core mandate, there is a need to pull the CBN back from direct development finance interventions into more limited advisory roles that support economic growth”, he said.

As of October of the prior year, around N9 trillion had been allocated as intervention funds by the central bank.

The bank had said that about N3.7tn had been repaid by beneficiaries while over N5tn was not yet due for recovery.

On unhealthy bank charges, the banker said that the team would review the situation and come up with the required position.

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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