Binance, Others Face Billions Of Dollars In Fines in Nigeria Over Alleged Currency Manipulation

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may slam huge fines running into billions of dollars on one of the world’s biggest exchanges, Binance, and other cryptocurrency firms operating in the country, THISDAY gathered on Wednesday. SEC, alongside other security operatives is currently probing allegations that the crypto companies had engaged in currency manipulations activities against […]

Isn’t It Time for Nigeria to Embrace a Multipolar Approach to Development Partners?

The Bretton Woods approach, characterized by the influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, traditionally offers financial aid and loans to developing countries with strict economic policy conditions aimed at market liberalization and fiscal austerity. This Western-centric model often imposes a one-size-fits-all solution that may not align with the unique contexts […]

Military cooperation with Russia strengthens security – African nation’s foreign minister

Mali’s army “has the opportunity to defend its territory” and the nation needs to continue to work with Moscow, Abdoulaye Diop has said Military cooperation with Moscow has helped strengthen the security of Mali, Abdoulaye Diop, the foreign minister of the West African state, announced during a press conference on Wednesday. After talks with Russian […]

The Day of Glory and Falsehood on Aba Power Project

Congratulations to Professor Barth Nnaji and his crew for the successful completion of Aba Power project after many years of setbacks. This is a day of jubilation for Aba residents and people of the five southeast states. Governor Alex Otti and his officials deserve praise for their contribution to the completion of the Aba Power […]

BOURDILLON, ALMAJIRIS AND POVERTY IN YORUBALAND

The Politics of Collective Immiseration A northern politician once said something that Yorubas ought to ponder seriously about if we are still a thinking people He said if Bola Ahmed Tinubu had come before Obafemi Awolowo, most Yorubas would be almajiris todayDid you hear that? I never heard a word so true from the mouth […]

Agents of Darkness

First published March 23, 2008 When President Umar Yar’Adua made an allusion last January to the colossal sum of $10b sunk between 1999 and 2007 in the power sector by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration which was yet to produce expected results, the news was received with bewilderment across the country. Many thought that, perhaps, the […]

The dark side of the Aba Geometric power project

Residents of Eastern Nigeria’s industrial hub of Aba are still jubilating over the 24-hour power supply that Geometric Power will now bring to them after years in which mindless politics threatened to scuttle the country’s first-ever Integrated Power Plant. Geometric Power, owned by a professor of engineering and former minister of power, Barth Nnaji, had […]

SOLUDO AND A NEW ANAMBRA (Part One)

Despite formidable obstacles, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Master Plan for a new Anambra has begun to document numerous victories. Since its founding on August 27, 1991, Anambra State has tried to prosper under minimum government. It was not until the Anambra Vision 2070, chaired by Professor Chukwuma Soludo, that the state was projected into a sustainable […]

The Crucial Role of the Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze Road in Urban Mobility and Development.

The Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze Road, integral to the Owerri master plan, plays a significant role in reducing traffic congestion in and around Owerri city by providing a bypass to other cities and connecting crucial institutions and communities. This route traverses more than 20 communities, with its potential to accelerate economic activities along the route and making it a […]

How Traders Use Binance to Influence the Exchange Rate of the Naira

Last year, the exchange rate was stable at 730 Naira to $1, mirrored in the Binance P2P market where USDT was pegged at the same rate. So, what changed within a year to cause a 60% depreciation of the Naira? There are two main reasons: Exploration of Factors In June last year, the government took […]

Comprehensive Economic Reform Strategies for Nigeria

A laymans free economic advise. To address the economic challenges Nigeria faces, a strategic approach centered on enhancing transparency, undergoing economic and political restructuring, and enacting sustainable policies is essential. This approach demands significant political determination, a steadfast commitment to exemplary governance, and the engagement of all societal sectors to realize the economic transformation Nigeria […]

Imo: Thinking Out Of The Box

Imo State was created in 1976, and since then Abia and some parts of Ebonyi States have been carved out of the State. As presently constituted, Imo is divided into three Senatorial Zones of Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri. Since 1999 the present Democratic dispensation birthed, the State has produced five elected Civilian Governors namely; His […]

Barth Nnaji: Why I Located $800m Geometric Power Plant in Aba

The Chairman of Geometric Power Group, Professor Barth Nnaji, has explained that his passion to contribute to industrial development in Igbo land in a manner that would accelerate rapid development of Nigeria was the major influence behind the decision to locate the Geometric Power Plant in Aba. Nnaji, who was Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, […]

Tinubu, Intellectual Void and The Nigerian State.

Bola Tinubu’s biggest shortcomings are rooted in his debilitating intellectual laziness. Two months into office have brutally exposed this. Bola Tinubu has guile, he is cunning, and is blessed with significant street smarts, but he is not an intelligent man. Ibrahim Babangida while corrupt was very intelligent. It might be an oversell to describe Olusegun […]

Putin says he was right about Biden

The US leader’s “crazy SOB” comment only proves his point, the Russian president has said US President Joe Biden’s recent insulting remarks are proof that it would be better for Russia if he stayed in office, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. Speaking at a fundraiser in California on Wednesday, Biden had called Putin […]

HUNGER PROTESTS: IGBO SILENCE IS A PROTEST (A Reply to Prof Usman Yusuf)

A few days ago, Ndigbo came under fire from Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), for their perceived lack of interest in the ongoing nationally spreading hunger protests and strikes. He said: “I honestly don’t know why the South East is quiet, uncharacteristically quiet. But the President […]

Can the EU be trusted with its own nukes?

Scared of being abandoned by the US under Trump, European officials are floating the idea of the bloc’s own nuclear force With its farmers rebelling, its economy declining, and its traditional parties decaying, you’d think the European Union has enough to worry about at home. Yet its thoroughly detached elites love to think big. And what’s bigger than nuclear […]

Nigeria, crime and insecurity

Crime in Nigeria has increased exponentially over the past few recent years, crimes ranging from car-jacking in streets, armed robbery in homes, sometimes with POS machines to the more grievous kidnapping, abductions and other acts of terrorism. As these problems increase, one reads in the media is calls for more investment in tracking equipment and […]

Why the world stopped having sex

If even France, with its mighty reputation, is losing interest in getting frisky, what hope do the rest of us have? Paris remains the City of Love, the French kiss a globally renowned tongue twister and Serge Gainsbourg’s graphically sexual Je t’aime, moi non plus, a shock to the senses. Everywhere you look, it seems, the […]

Israel has the same Western support as Hitler had– Maduro

The president of Venezuela backed the assessment of the Gaza conflict made by his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva Modern Israel enjoys “the same encouragement, the same funding, and the same support” of the collective West like Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany before the World War II, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said. The president made the remarks […]

Our president’s love affair with the IMF

A colleague yesterday shared a 1992 campaign video of Chief M.K.O. Abiola promising to demystify governance in Nigeria and stop “people’s heads” from being “shaved in their absence.” A professor friend (political scientist) commented that “that’s partly why he never became president.” Becoming president or king comes with a price. When ‘The Price of Kings’, […]

The Critical Role of Commonsense Reasoning in a World of Misinformation.

In an age where information is abundant and not all of it trustworthy, the ability to critically evaluate sources, understand context, and apply common sense reasoning is crucial. This includes recognizing credible sources, understanding the motives behind the information presented, and reflecting on one’s biases. In essence, fostering a culture of critical thinking and skepticism […]

SURVIVING THE TINUBU HARDSHIP

Please, make it a habit to check in on your family, friends, acquaintances and colleagues. You never know who might have passed away or who might be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Nigeria has unfortunately seen a rise in suicide rates in recent times. Many are also suffering greatly due to the current economic hardships […]

PROPOSED STATE POLICE: A MEMO TO THE MODALITY COMMITTEE

Victor Hugo, a renowned philosopher, famously said, “No force on earth can stop an idea whose time has come”. An idea that has reached its prime is known as a zeitgeist or spirit of the times. The moment that yields to its utility as demanded by historical necessity is when the idea or concept—a “spirit,” […]

Rescuing the Free-Falling Naira: A Quick Fix Proposal

Many, including myself, recognize the pivotal role that politics will play in the success of government policies. But I wonder if there could also be a concept of ‘economic will’ behind the effectiveness of economic policies? I hope so. If we accept that rational decision-making derives from deep held convictions, then Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) […]

Mobilizing Nigeria’s Youth for Political Change.

Nigeria is blessed with a wealth of young talent excelling in various fields, including Engineering, the Sciences, the Arts, Education, Commerce, Agriculture, Entertainment, Fashion, Banking, Entrepreneurship, E-commerce, and Divinity, to name a few. However, one area where this talent seems conspicuously absent is in Politics. When I highlight an exception in politics, it’s with good […]

Hypocricy: EU bought almost €30bn worth of Russian energy last year.

Russia supplied just over €29 billion ($31.2 billion) worth of energy to the EU last year, according to data from the bloc’s statistics office, Eurostat, as cited by the Russian business daily RBK. Despite bans and extensive sanctions, the bloc has continued to import oil, petroleum products and natural gas from Moscow This figure represents […]

The Impact of Quick Wealth Syndrome and Political Entrenchment on Nigerian Youth.

The phenomenon of the quick money syndrome versus the acquisition of formal education and gradual wealth building in Nigeria has significantly impacted our youth’s psyche and development. This contrast reflects broader societal issues influenced by economic challenges, unemployment, and societal values that prioritize material success over educational attainment and ethical labor. Additionally, there’s an increasing […]

The argument Against State Policing in Nigeria.

Today, President Bola Tinubu in company of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House met with the 36 States Governors and the FCT Minister. He informed the Governors that the Federal Government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the […]

Revisiting the 1963 Constitution: Lessons for Restructuring Nigeria.

The 1963 Constitution of Nigeria, often referred to as the Republican Constitution, marked a significant transition in Nigeria’s constitutional and political development. It replaced the Queen of England as the head of state with a President elected by a secret ballot of the joint session of the two houses of the Federal Assembly. This move […]

US debt to top $54 trillion – budget office

An aging population and higher interest expenses have been pushing the country’s indebtedness higher The US national debt could surge by $19 trillion over the next decade to surpass the $54 trillion mark, owing to the mounting costs of an aging population and higher interest expenses, according to the latest report by the Congressional Budget […]

VENEZUELA AND NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC CRISES: THE TROUBLING SIMILARITIES

President Bola Tinubu recently declared that he should be included in the Guinness Book of Records for having the guts to remove fuel subsidy on his first day in office—something that no other Nigerian president has ever done. Yes, he does deserve a spot like that, but sadly, it’s not for the wrong reason. The […]

Netanyahu doesn’t listen to anyone – EU’s top diplomat

Josep Borrell has urged the US to send “less arms” to Israel Supplies of weapons to Israel should be reduced as the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignored international calls to avoid civilian casualties during the IDF’s military operation in Gaza, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said. According to the latest figures […]

Israeli spies threatening my family – South African FM

Naledi Pandor claims to have received intimidating messages arising from the war crimes case against Israel South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has accused Israeli intelligence of attempting to intimidate her and her family in response to Pretoria’s genocide case against the Jewish state in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the war in […]

UK could recognize Palestinian state – Cameron

People need to be given a “political horizon” toward a state of their own, the foreign minister said The UK is considering whether to officially recognize a Palestinian state, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has revealed. Such a gesture would create “irreversible progress” toward peace in the Middle East, he believes. Speaking at a reception for Arab […]

UK tells Israel to ‘stop and think’ over Gaza

West Jerusalem must carefully consider any military action in Rafah, Foreign Secretary David Cameron has said Israel must carefully consider the consequences of further military action in Rafah in southern Gaza, which hosts approximately a million displaced Palestinian civilians, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has said. His comments came shortly after Israel carried out airstrikes […]

South Africa urges ICJ to act against Rafah offensive

The expansion of Israel’s ground operations in the southern Gaza city may further violate Palestinians’ rights, Johannesburg says South Africa urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to evaluate whether Israel’s planned ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah requires the court to intervene to prevent further breaches of Palestinian rights in an […]

Disgusting: US Senate Advances $95 Billion Aid Package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Disgusting: Here are the 18 Republicans Who Voted with Democrats In an unusual session held on Super Bowl Sunday, the US Senate voted to move forward a substantial $95 billion aid package that will support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with no southern border security provisions. The vote garnered support from RINOs, with a final tally […]

Exploring Peaceful Separation: A Roadmap for Nigeria’s Ethnic and Economic Challenges

This narrative invites a reflection on the principles of self-determination, the importance of respecting cultural and ethnic identities, and the potential for peaceful restructuring to create more cohesive and prosperous societies. It’s a call to consider alternative pathways to harmony and development, emphasizing dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding as foundational pillars. The emphasis on peaceful […]

Uniting for Equity: Addressing Microzoning Challenges in Owerri Zone.

The microzoning dilemma in the Owerri zone, involving the three power blocs—Owerri, Mbaike, and Mbaise—underscores a tangled scenario of political maneuvering and equity issues. This situation calls for a unified effort from all Owerri zone stakeholders to establish unity and reach a consensus on rotating political offices, ensuring equitable representation for all blocs. Such collective […]

FG prohibits states from collecting mining royalties, Minister for Solid Minerals Development.

Report, February 2, 2024. Dele Alake states, “State governments and local governments are entitled to collect other taxes, such as ground rent, but not royalties and taxes on mining.” This policy, if enforced, undermines the revenue-generating capacity of mineral-rich states and escalates constitutional disputes highlighted by recent Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN) rulings on internal […]

Challenges Posed by Unsanctioned Political Groups in Imo State’s Political Arena.

The political environment in Imo State is characterized by the emergence of various self-serving, unsanctioned political pressure groups. These groups, often formed to advance specific political agendas, may align more with individual or party interests than with the general welfare of the public. Their activities, ranging from advocacy and lobbying to potentially manipulative actions affecting […]

Confronting the “It Must Be Me” Politics in Nigeria’s Leadership Dilemma.

In June 2022, Bola Tinubu’s declaration of “Emi lokan” (It is my turn) during an event in Ogun State starkly underscored the self-centered ethos pervading Nigeria’s political scene. This proclamation, far from being a mere personal ambition, epitomized the widespread greed, self-indulgence, and egotism characterizing Nigerian politics. It unveiled a deeper, detrimental political philosophy where […]

Concerns Rise Over Nigeria’s Delayed Ambassador Appointments

Delay in Appointing New Ambassadors Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Diplomatic Relations. Five months have passed since President Bola Tinubu recalled all of Nigeria’s ambassadors, and he has yet to appoint their replacements. On September 2, 2023, President Tinubu ordered the immediate recall of all Nigerian ambassadors and envoys. Nigeria operates 109 diplomatic missions globally, including […]

Nigeria at a Crossroads: A Call for Renewed Leadership and Integrity

Nigeria stands as a beacon of potential, evoking both admiration and concern on the global stage. Its wealth in natural resources, from aluminum and gold to fertile lands yielding diverse crops, positions it as a powerhouse for industrial and agricultural development. The vision of thriving industries—from technology to agriculture, fueled by resources such as oil, […]

The real propagandists are those who dismiss Tucker Carlson’s Putin interview

Will Western media outlets look past their egos and establishment narratives to take advantage of the insights from the conversation? American establishment media spent the days in the run-up to Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin pre-judging it as propaganda, and soliciting the opinions of establishment figures, like former US secretary of state, first lady, […]

New York Times Confirms: It’s Trump Versus the “Deep State”

From our Archives 31 October 2019 Even the Gray Lady admits the president is up against a powerful bureaucracy that wants him sunk. The New York Times on Thursday published a remarkable piece that essentially acknowledged the existence of an American “deep state” and its implacable hostility to Donald Trump. The Times writers (fully five on […]

De-Dollarization: How a Multipolar World Is Reshaping the Global Economy

As more nations continue to find viable solutions to bypass the US dollar for other alternative currencies, the US government’s stranglehold on global finance and trade continues to decline. No one should be surprised at this point since Washington has been using its currency as a weapon of war including the economic sanctions it has […]

Towards a New International Monetary System

Background and Introduction This relatively lengthy introduction is deemed necessary to understand how we got to where we are today; to grasp the long-term western (US) plan to dominate the world economy with their currency, the US dollar, to which some 23 years ago the US-dollar’s cousin, the Euro, was added, with the same “zero-backing” […]

The Fall of the West

First published in June 2023 In his bestselling book of 1987, The Rise and Fall of Great Powers, historian Paul Kennedy chronicles the rise of western power and its world dominance from 1500 to the present. He reports that the rise was not due to any particular event, nor even an unusual series of events. […]

Sanctions of Mass Destruction: America’s War on Venezuela

30 January 2019 American economic sanctions have been the worst crime against humanity since World War Two. America’s economic sanctions have killed more innocent people than all of the nuclear, biological and chemical weapons ever used in the history of mankind. The fact that for America the issue in Venezuela is oil, not democracy, will surprise […]

The Road to Venezuela: A Chronicle of Crisis

Venezuela’s crisis is both profound and man-made, mirroring a nation engulfed in war. It is plagued by acute shortages of food and medicine, unchecked crime, and frequent electricity outages. This narrative finds echoes in the experiences of another nation familiar to me. Economists have labeled Venezuela’s situation as an extreme hyperinflation scenario, where goods’ prices […]

The Recolonization of Latin America and the War on Venezuela

“The Western Hemisphere is our Region” Michael Pompeo, US Secretary of State First published in March 2019 Introduction Not since the US pronounced the Monroe Doctrine proclaiming its imperial supremacy over Latin America, nearly 200 years ago, has a White House regime so openly affirmed its mission to recolonize Latin America. The second decade of […]

SHOULD NIGERIANS BE ALLOWED TO BEAR ARMS?

The argument over whether Nigerians should be allowed by law to carry weapons for self-defence is returning and gaining traction in light of the terrifyingly high levels of insecurity in the nation, especially kidnapping. When the notion was recently put to the Chief of Army Staff, he soberly rejected it. Nigeria’s chief of army staff, […]

Government ordered to Regulate Prices of Essential Goods and Petroleum Within One Week

In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, February 7, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, directed the federal government to establish pricing for various goods and petroleum products within the next seven days. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the directive following a motion presented and argued by the petitioner, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN. Justice […]

Analyzing the Super Eagles’ Success: Team Composition and the Spirit of Patriotism

Analyzing the Super Eagles’ Success: Team Composition and the Spirit of Patriotism FACTS: °12 Igbos out of 25 players ° 22 Christians out of 3 Muslims °21 Southerners out of 4 Northerners °12 states, Imo, Edo, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Kebbi, Kano, Borno out of 36 States °12 Igbos, 5 Yorubas, […]

DEMOCRACY BACKSLIDE AND THE FUTURE OF ECOWAS POST EXIT OF THREE NATIONS

This Tuesday, in Abuja, the Save Democracy Group – West Africa (SDG-WA) and the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS) held a policy dialogue. They expressed alarm about the shortcomings of democracy, especially in West Africa, the sub-region where the majority of Black people live, as seen by the military’s increasing reentry into […]

NATIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF MIYETTI ALLAH’S ‘NOMAD VIGILANTE GROUP’

The Fulani socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, established the “Nomad vigilante group” in Nassarawa state on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. The Miyetti Allah’s national president, Bello Bodejo, stated that the security group will support law enforcement in their efforts to battle criminal activity within the state. He added that 1,144 Fulani youths […]

How Facebook Became Tool for State Censorship and Goldmine for US Intelligence Services

Sunday is the 20th anniversary of Facebook’s* launch. In twenty years, the company has grown into a major tool for manipulation, social engineering and control by the deep state, big business and Western intel agencies. Sputnik reached out to an insider-turned whistleblower for info on the architecture of Facebook’s censorship industrial complex. Formally launched on […]

STRONG RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED MEGA OPPOSITION PARTY

Three influential opposition figures have hinted at the coming of a mega party that will challenge the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general election. These are Prof. Pat Utomi of the Labour Party, a former governor of Kano State and the presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, […]

Tinubu under pressure.

France has been exerting pressure on Tinubu, utilizing its influence over previous allies such as Mali, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. These countries have historically supported Nigeria’s efforts to maintain unity and combat insurgencies, including during the Nigeria-Biafra war and the fight against Boko Haram. In exchange, France was promised access to Nigerian gas. This arrangement […]

Israel accepts ceasefire deal.

Qatari negotiators are awaiting a final response from Hamas officials, who have seemingly welcomed the plan Israel has agreed to a ceasefire proposal that would halt its war with Hamas, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday, citing the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Hamas has reportedly given the plan a “positive” response. The ceasefire plan was hashed out in Paris […]

Civil War 54 Years After: Showunmi Berates Unfair Treatment Of Igbos, Calls For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

A former gubernatorial aspirant in Ogun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Showunmi has insinuated that the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was a testament to the unfair treatment of South-East people in the country. This is as he also on behalf of Nigeria […]

Leaders of the biggest social media companies grilled by US Congress.

U.S. senators on Wednesday grilled leaders of the biggest social media companies and said Congress must quickly pass legislation, as one lawmaker accused the companies of having “blood on their hands” for failing to protect children from escalating threats of sexual predation on their platforms. The hearing marks the latest effort by lawmakers to address […]

Cryptocurrency Adoption in Nigeria: A Response to Economic and Regulatory Challenges.

The shift towards cryptocurrency in Nigeria has been influenced by economic factors and actions of law enforcement agencies like the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These agencies have targeted young, enterprising Nigerians, often labeled as ‘scammers’, leading to the blocking of bank accounts, seizure of cash and […]