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There is No Plot to Replace Secondus, says PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says a newspaper article of a plot to replace its National Chairman; Prince Uche Secondus is fake news.
While frowning at the article, the party described it is unprofessionally and malicious.
“We read with consternation and unbelief the piece titled: “Southwest PDP Chairmen alleged plot to replace Secondus with George,” the party said, adding that, -The article, ab initio, is unprofessional, malicious, indecent, reeks of prejudicial hack writing which is capable of diminishing the long held image,” of the paper.
“The stark truth is that the article was total fabrication. The piece claims that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state is scheming to displace Mr. Uche Secondus and make Chief Bode George the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party.
“This is utter nonsense and falsehood. It is libelous; an outrageous fable, a reckless assassination of character sponsored with the sole aim of tarnishing the hard- earned image of Governor Seyi Makinde and Chief Olabode George.
“The article discontentes morality. It is offensive, foul and noisome. It derides facts, scoffs at the truth, and mangles reality to achieve some deviously hidden goal,” the party said and wondered why the author of the article who is based in Ibadan failed to cross check with the Governor’s office or Chief Bode George the nature of the meeting held at Agodi Government house, Ibadan on June 19th.
“What’s more a Communique was also issued and given to journalists about the theme of the meeting. The Governor had invited the Elders and Stakeholders of the party in the Southwest to reposition the party and reconcile and mend the broken places. Nothing more,” the PDP said, in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan
June 30, 2020
Reps asks FG to replace NYSC with military training
The federal government has been asked to end the National Youth Service scheme and replace it with compulsory military training for fresh university graduates in the country.
A member of the Federal House of Representatives, Zakariya Dauda Nyampa made the suggestion at a virtual meeting organised by a non-governmental organization.
Nyampa who represents Michika/Madagali constituency of Adamawa state, said training fresh graduates in the army would help to curb the security situation in the country.
June 30, 2020
FG orders fresh four-weeks lockdown
Nigerian government on Monday ordered another four=week lockdown as part of measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The chairman of the presidential task force on COVID-19 Boss Mustapha disclosed this during the daily briefing to journalists, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the extension.
He said his team is “committed to striking a delicate balance between lives and livelihood,” adding that some modifications of the phase 2 of the eased lockdown were made including the reopening of airports for local flights “as soon as practicable,” reopening of schools for exiting students in secondary schools and the lift of ban on interstate travels.
He said the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations and that nationwide curfew from 10pm to 4am is still intact while the use of face masks in public places is still mandatory.
June 30, 2020
National Assembly intervenes, halts increase in electricity tariff
Nigerian electricity consumers got temporary relief Monday when the leadership of the nation’s Senate and House of Representatives intervened to halt the planned hike in electricity tariffs which was planned to commence on July 1 in spite of protests.
The decision to stop the commencement of a new tariff regime was reached at following dialogue between the leadership of the two chambers of the national assembly and the Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
The peace was brokered at a meeting that the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and other principal officers of the two chambers of the national assembly held with the Chief Executives of the Government electricity regulatory body and DISCOs across the country.
It was agreed that the new tariff would commence in the first quarter of 2021 after some other pending matters must have been tidied up.
Others that attended the meeting include the Chairmen of the Committees on Power from the Senate and House of Representatives.
The lawmakers insisted that the timing of the planned hike was inappropriate even though they did not take issue with the need to introduce cost-reflective tariffs for the power sector to attract much-needed investments, a position that the DISCOs admitted, adding that they were not well prepared for the planned hike in tariffs even though they desire the increase.
They also agreed to defer the planned hike until the first quarter of 2021, while the leadership of the National Assembly promised to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue.
‘The agreement here is that there is not going to be any increase in the tariffs on July 1st,’ Lawan said at the end of the meeting.
‘The Speaker and I, we are going to take appropriate action and meet with the President.
‘We are in agreement here that there is no question on the justification of the increase but the time is simply not right and appropriate measures need to be put in place
‘So, between now and the first quarter of next year, our task will be to work together with you to ensure that we put those blocks in place to support the eventual increase in tariffs,’ Lawan said.
The senate President said the government has been doing a lot as part of its obligations to provide some form of Intervention.
‘I’m quite aware that for this year, probably starting from last year, over N600 billion was earmarked for this sector to improve.
‘The potential increase in the tariffs is definitely something that will be of concern to us in the National Assembly.
‘There is too much stress in the lives of Nigerians today and indeed across the world because of the challenges imposed by COVID-19 pandemic and even before then, we had issues that would always make it tough for our people to effectively pay the tariffs.
‘One way or the other, for this business to flourish, for this sector to be appropriately fixed, for it to attract investment, something has to give way, there is no doubt about that but it is also crucial that we look at the timing for any of our actions,’ Lawan said.
Also speaking, Gbajabiamila said the National Assembly is on the same page with the DISCOs on the issue of cost-reflective tariffs.
He said- ‘There is time for everything. A well-intended programme or policy of government can fall flat on the face and never recover if you do it at a wrong time. I think we all agree to that.
‘There cannot be a time as bad as this for us to increase anything. Forget about electricity, anything. Whereas, even in times of decreasing revenue, we are even reducing the pump price. I don’t know how we can justify an increase in the cost of electricity at this time in Nigeria.
‘The good thing is that we have agreed that we need to do something about the cost.
‘Whatever will affect his government is something that should concern all of us. I think this will affect his government. This timing. Not the increase. The timing. I think it will affect his government and if it is going to affect his government, we should all rally around our people, our president and the government to make sure we do the right thing,’ Gbajabiamila said.
According to the representatives of the DISCOs, if the planned hike is eventually deferred till next year, the government should continue to bear the difference in the present tariff and what was considered as the appropriate tariff.
Others that attended the meeting were the representatives of NERC, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and Eko Electricity Distribution Company.
June 30, 2020
“One Belt One Road : One For All, All For One” Zoom Forum Opens
The Belt and Road Initiative Zoom Forum themed “One Belt One Road : One For ALL, All For One” started by 2:00pm Nigeria time on 27 June. President of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, Mr Muhammad Sulaiman presided over the online Forum, Mr. Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, delivered awelcome address with particular emphasis on the just concluded “Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19”, which was hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Buhari of Nigeria, Heads of State and Government of other African countries, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, were present at the Online Summit.
Mr. Li emphasized the Essence of Belt and Road Initiative is its Five-Pronged Approach: Policy Coordination, Connectivity of Infrastructure, Unimpeded Trade, Financial Integration and Closer People-to-People Ties. As a cultural counsellor, I always focus on Closer People-to-People Ties. In my eyes, both China and Nigeria are great countries with long history and rich culture, the history of our two countries shows us that civilization thrives with openness and nations prosper through exchange. In pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, we should ensure that when it comes to different civilizations, exchange will replace isolation, mutual learning will replace clashes, and coexistence will replace a sense of superiority. Most importantly, the pursuit of this initiative is based on extensive consultation and its benefits will be shared by us all. Furthermore, Mr. Li discussed essentially on the Covid-19 and its effects around the world and what China has been doing to contain the spread of the pandemic.
Mr. Li Xuda, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy
The contributions of Mr Muhammad Sulaiman had participants reflecting on the need for understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative, which he says is China’s greatest international economic ambition aimed at stimulating economic development, covering Asia to Europe and Africa. These areas according to him, is responsible for about 60% of the world’s population and 30% of the world’s GDP. It obviously contributes to China’s growth, which China in turn, sees as growth of partner Nations along the Silk and Maritime Roads. he emphasized that, for as long as it is beautiful for China, it is China’s sole commitment to ensure that all the partner countries along the belt will experience infrastructural growth, easy trade, financial support, cultural and educational exchange, which makes emerging market economies into vibrant economic pillars. He however noted the clash of cultures, regimes beliefs and financial viability, as parts of the challenges that he identified as possible obstacles in the future.
Some Participants at the Forum
The Director of the Centre for China Studies, Mr. Charles Onunaiju went further to stress on the need for understanding on what the Belt and Road Initiative stands for. He said that, because the world is changing fast through unfamiliar terrains, the need for nations to partner on collective ideas can never be deemed overemphasized.
Talking about the economy global in view of the infrastructural development that comes with the BRI, he appealed that growth can only be achieved if all parties take the initiative brought in 2013 by his Excellency President Xi and with the strong conviction that there is no going back on such a laudable project.
In addition, he called the Belt and Road, the frame work of international dialogue and consultation through which the vast and different cultural heritage of humanity can be appreciated. People to people contacts which will advance the building of a universal community of shared future through cross cultural engagement is one of the key strands of the Belt and Road.
There is a general consensus by the participants, that this project provides member nations from Asia, Europe and heartland Africa, avenues to meaningful growth, good health and economic viability as starters, while infrastructures takes place on mega scales.
Doctor Sheriff Ghali of the university of Abuja especially, talked about Nigeria’s level of preparedness as this initiative comes in. It is important he notes, that when the Belt and Road or the silk Road initiative comes in, that Nigeria should be found standing tall, prepared and waiting to take advantage of the available opportunities the initiative comes with.
On how to improve the spirit of partnership between Nigeria and China on IBR, Dr. Sheriff Ghali talked the two views as follows:
Firstly, all the major OBOR routes in Africa are facing security challenges such as Kenya-Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria and the Sahel. The two partners must work together to improve security situations for greater infrastructure investment on the continent.
Second, there is the need to restrategise on the Belt and Road rebels. Who are the rebels? They are those who refused to join the OBOR Initiative and they are urging others to repudiate. They try to meddle in China’s domestic issues especially in Hong Kong and campaign against China’s way of containing extremism in Xinjiang. These are all ways to thwart the efforts of the IBR Community.
It’s therefore imperative to deal with these issues for the realisation of shared future for mankind.
Other contributors include members of the media, the industrial, educational, cultural and medical sectors, Professors from various universities, members of the China alumni Association and other members of the public.
It is however assumed according to the General Secretary of the China alumni Association, Mr Yakubu Ibrahim, that Nigeria shares same cultural and educational values, will definitely find this initiative useful. Particularly, educational exchanges between the countries, will help provide the needed skills and knowledge to be used for the actualization of the Belt and Road Initiative objectives. This goes to say that, the ambitious initiative, and people to people bounding can best be achieved through human capacity development.
The participants at the forum also identified the contributions of the embassy in ensuring that assistance to the educational and cultural sectors have been at the forefront of the promotion of stronger bilateral ties that exist between both nations.
The other sectors, which include the National gallery of Arts, Professors from the Universities of Uyo and Abuja, Huawei, the Departments of the FCT Arts and Culture, FCT Secondary Education Board and a host of others.
It was agreed that because of the importance of the forum, that there should be more of such interactions in the future to create synergies between both nations.
The event ended at about 3:20 pm on the same day.
June 29, 2020
FG lifts ban on inter state travel
By Vincent Nosakhare
The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 has announced an easing of some guidelines put in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Boss Mustapha. Secretary to the Government of the Federation and head of the PTF today said the ban on interstate state travel would be lifted starting from 1st of July while schools would also be opened for students preparing for their final examination to seat for such examination.
Below is his full speech:

I welcome you all to the National Briefing by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 for Monday, 29th June, 2020.
2.When the PTF briefed the nation on 1st June, 2020, we informed you that Mr. President had approved amongst others, that we should proceed into phase two of the eased lock down for a period of four weeks to enable the PTF evaluate the developments properly and continue toensure balance between lives and livelihood.
We also cautioned that the gradual relaxation was subject to review should developments warrant it.
3.Within the Month under review, the PTF continued to monitor developments and consistently admonished Nigerians to change their behavior in view of the fact that the spread of the virus had entered the community phase. It is the considered opinion of the PTF that Nigerians, though aware of the existence of the virus, have generally misunderstood the objectives behind the reasoning of government in gradually relaxing the restrictions.
4.For the purpose of emphasis, the virus is still dangerous and has continued to wreak havoc at home and abroad. The exponential rise in number of cases detected and the fatalities gives cause for concern. Statistically, the following numbers should interest us:
Global, African and Nigerian Situation as at 27th June, 2020
Description
World Statistics
African Statistics
Nigerian Statistics
Confirmed Cases
10,129,054
375,390
24,077
Fatalities
502,189
9,329
558
Recoveries
5,493,601
175,876
8,625
Samples Tested
N/A
N/A
130,164
Recent Spike in Daily Numbers
125,039 reported in the USA on 26/06/2020
N/A
779 reported in Nigeria on 27/06 2020
Statistical comparison between the exact dates in the months of May and June, 2020 .
Period of Comparison
Global Numbers
African Numbers
Nigerian Numbers
May 28 2020
Confirmed Cases:5,593,631
Deaths: 353,334
Confirmed
Cases: 89,592
Deaths: 2,370
Confirmed
Cases: 8,915
Deaths: 259
June 27th 2020
Confirmed Cases:10,186,375
Deaths:502,985
Confirmed
Cases: 383,104
Deaths: 9,604
Confirmed
Cases: 24,077
Deaths: 558
Daily Reported Statistics in Nigeria from 18-27 June, 2020:
June, 2020
18th
19th
20th
21st
22nd
23rd
24th
25th
26th
27th
Cases
745
667
661
436
675
452
649
594
684
779
Recoveries
340
274
137
161
230
229
275
209
431
372
Fatalities
06
12
19
12
07
08
09
07
05
04
NOTE:
(i) For eight out of the days the daily numbers exceeded 500; and
(ii) For every detected case, there is a high possibility that up to five (5) have not submitted to testing and therefore not detected.
5.As we are all aware, the PTF in conjunction with sub-national entities, the organized private sector, put in places a number of measures. The PTF also escalated its activities around risk communication to Nigerians but we have observed with growing concern the non-compliances with these measures designed to prevent transmission and protect vulnerable segments of the population. We hold the strong view that if such actions do not abate, experiences of resurgence of the virus from other jurisdictions including China, the United States of America, Brazil and across Europe may emerge in igeria and we run the risk of erasing the gains made in the last three months.
6.By way of a reminder, there is presently no known vaccine for the virus and that all over the world non-pharmaceutical measures still remain the most effective fighting opportunity we have for overcoming this pandemic.
7.To further strengthen our National Response, the PTF in the intervening period vigorously built partnerships locally and internationally. Similarly, we fully have decentralised the National Response with State Governments and communities taking ownership and more responsibility. These efforts have greatly improved our ability to maximally detect, trace, isolate and treat nationwide successfully.
8.The PTF has also continued to pursue the strategic thrust of “telling (communicate), tracing (identify) and treating (manage)” cases, with a stronger focus on precision interventions in high burdened LGAs within identified states of the Federation. This precision intervention will be signposted by:
i. Aggressive scaling up of efforts to ensure effective community protection and sensitisation; and
ii. Increased provision of support and guidance to states in their response to the outbreak.
9.Ladies and gentlemen, the focus on the important roles to be played by the States is underscored by the following considerations:
i. The spread has entered the community phase which only States and LGAs should drive;
ii. The inaction of a particular State could endanger its neighbours and compromise the entirety of the response;
iii. States will be encouraged to make considerable efforts to ensure a push for compliance within the guidelines issued by the PTF;
iv. States must also take greater care in leading on public health measures in the LGAs under their jurisdiction, by working on surveillance, case finding, testing, isolation, tracing and quarantining contacts; and
v. FG will predicate its resource deployment to States on the level of compliance and the extent of collaboration received on this public health emergency.
10.Notwithstanding the challenges faced in the last one month and the fact that Nigeria’s statistics have been on the rise, substantial progress has been made in the following areas:
i. Harnessing of data, which shows that 60% of the confirmed cases are in a handful of local governments in the country (18 out of 774 LGAs nationwide), and putting in place targeted interventions;
ii. Increased capacity to detect, test and trace those infected with the virus,
through the activation of 38 molecular testing laboratories, resulting in raising the test count nationwide in excess of 130,000;
iii. A shift in focus to a targeted community-based approach, enhanced risk communication;
iv. Increased collaboration with the legislature, State Governments and the organised private sector;
v. Activation of a new, cost-effective policy on the evacuation of returning Nigerians;
vi. Increased awareness of COVID-19 among the population;
vii. Cushioning the socio-economic impact of the restrictions through the provision of palliatives to vulnerable members of various communities nationwide; and
viii. Successful re-opening sectors of the economy despite initial challenges in areas such as the banking sector, industry and agriculture.
12.Today, the PTF submitted its 5th Interim Report to Mr. President for his consideration. In the Report the PTF specifically reviewed the issues around the general level of compliance with prescribed measures, while taking note of the following:
i. Implications of the lack of general compliance with measures;
ii. the global and domestic developments especially in the area of rising statistics; and
iii. the continued restrictions in the education and transportation sectors as well as for activities that attract mass gatherings such as operations of markets, worship centres and entertainment.
I3.In doing the foregoing, the PTF considered the need for the continuation of the policy of striking the delicate balance between lives and livelihood as well as inputs received from different stakeholder groups.
14.The PTF similarly identified the underlisted areas of concern that would require attention under the on-going restrictions:
i. International travel;
ii. Entertainment activities;
iii. Educational services/sector; and
iv. Public and Private Sector offices.
15.You will recall that the PTF had in previous briefings stated that the aim of Phase Two was to sustain the gains from earlier steps taken for pandemic control and to enable additional sectors of the economy restart activities. Given the challenges and the visible danger ahead occasioned by skepticism, poor public perception both leading to lack of compliance, it has come to the inevitable conclusion that the extension of phase two of the eased lockdown will be needed to:
i. consolidate the gains in the areas of the economy that have restarted,
ii. ensure better compliance with the health-based response;
iii. support the states in enforcing guidelines and protocols as well as strengthening the LGAs build community level structures for ownership and effective risk communication; and
iv. help to better achieve the balance between saving lives and ensuring that wellbeing and livelihood of citizens are protected.
16.I am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.
17.Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:
i. Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;
ii. Permission of movement across State borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;
iii. Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;
iv. Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations;
v. Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable;
vi. Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities;
vii. Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response;
viii. Strengthening partnerships with States, Local Governments, traditional rulers, community/religious leaders and civil society to ensure increased public awareness and compliance with preventive guidelines;
ix. Encouraging State governments to empower Local Government Authorities to intensify contact tracing efforts and ensure stronger grassroots mobilisation to support the response;
x. Encourage States and Hospital authorities to ensure continuity of other health services to prevent fatalities from other life-threatening conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
xi. Deepening of collaboration with other mandate groups at States/Federal levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response in the short, medium and long terms.
18.The National Coordinator will in due course announce and publish the details of the revised guidelines while relevant MDAs including Education, Transportation and Aviation will respectively consult further with stakeholders and issue guidelines for their sectors
19. The PTF will now take your questions please.
18. I thank you for listening.
June 29, 2020
BREAKING: Daycare centres and primary schools remain closed – FG
Federal Government has said all primary schools and daycare centres across the Federation remained closed.
The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Sani Aliyu, stated this in Abuja on Monday.
“All daycares and primary schools to remain closed till further evaluation,” he said.
Details later…
June 29, 2020
BREAKING: FG relaxes ban on interstate travels
The Federal Government has lifted the ban placed on interstate travels with effect from July 1, provided such journeys are made outside curfew hours.
The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this at the ongoing daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday.
Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also said the government has approved the safe resumption of domestic flights in the country.
He disclosed that the latest developments were contained in the task force’s fifth interim report which was submitted to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), earlier in the day.
Mustapha said, “I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.
“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:
“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;
“Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;
“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;
“Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations;
“Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable;
“Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities;
“Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response.”
June 29, 2020
Lagos To Build Infectious Disease Research Centre
The Lagos State government has revealed plans to build an International Infectious Disease Research Centre in the state.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed that the centre would be situated at the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, as part of the government’s response to COVID-19 and preparation for other infectious diseases after the pandemic.
He made the disclosure on Sunday at the official launch of the 150-bed Mainland Infectious Disease Isolation Centre donated by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the government would also erect a purpose-built Doctors’ Quarters and permanent isolation wards to ramp up capacity for any infectious disease outbreak in Lagos, as part of the global masterplan for the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.
Defeating COVID-19
“Our Infectious Disease hospital is seeing a lot of brand new things coming up and we are committed that this hospital’s post COVID19 would see a purpose-built international infectious disease research centre; the designs are out already,” he said.
The governor added, “We will also be building purpose-built isolation wards, we will ramp up our infrastructure and capacity and not wait for a pandemic to come on us again.”
He commended CACOVID for donating the state-of-art 150-bed Isolation centre to Lagos, saying that the facility would certainly add to the state’s capacity and enable it do a lot more in the war against COVID-19.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the latest donated structure is about the sixth or seventh structured isolation centre in Lagos.
He, however, noted that beyond putting up isolation facilities for COVID-19 case management, it was important for citizens to understand the need to take responsibility against the pandemic.
The governor said, “It is not a function of how many isolation beds that are built but a case of ourselves taking responsibility; understanding that this virus knows no race, colour or age.
“COVID-19 is real and we owe it a duty to tell our people to be very cautious and take precautionary measures and ensure that it is only when we do all of these things that this pandemic can be defeated.”
June 29, 2020
CBN raises alarm over fraudulent twitter handle, @YusufPhilipYila
The Central Bank of Nigeria has described as fraudulent the operations of a fraudulent twitter handle, @YusufPhilipYila, purported to belong to the bank’s Director of Development Finance Department, Philip Yusuf.
The CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, says the impostor’s handle has been posting messages related to the bank’s N50bn targeted Credit Facility.
Mr. Okoroafor said the fraudster was doing so with the intent of wooing unsuspecting loan seekers and owners of small scale businesses to enter into correspondence with the owner of the fake handle.
The CBN official warned unsuspecting members of the public not to have anything to do with the said Twitter handle.
He adds that “Although the CBN, through the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, has disbursed loans to beneficiaries successfully under its COVID-19 Targeted Credit Facility, none of the bank’s official engages in direct interactions with prospective or successful applicants.”
June 29, 2020