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BREAKING: Gunmen kill former Enugu commissioner, brother

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A former Commissioner for Rural Development in Enugu State, Hon. Gab Onuzulike has been killed by unknown gunmen.

Reports said Onuzulike, who was also a former Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area was shot dead Friday evening.

The incident occurred at Nkpokolo Achi while the ex-commissioner was returning from a burial ceremony.

An elder brother of the politician, Elvis Onuzulike, who was with him, was also shot dead.

A source, however, said that a team of security men gave the gunmen a hot chase, killed one of them and arrested another member of the gang.

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SEE ALSO:  FG postpones 2023 Census indefinitely

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Naira crashes to N1,000 per dollar

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The naira on Tuesday exchanged at N1,000 to the United States dollar at the parallel market, a historic dip that spotlights the weakness of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to manage the national currency amid runaway inflation.

While the central bank’s rate appeared to stabilise at N768 per dollar over the past week, the currency value has sunk to critical depths for those trying to access it at the parallel market, where most foreign exchange transactions are conducted in Nigeria.

According to Abokifx, a website that aggregates daily rates for Nigerians using parallel market sources, the dollar sold at N1,000 on Tuesday morning.

Abokifx gained prominence shortly after the naira began a steep freefall in 2016, following President Muhammadu Buhari’s brazen display of power over the central bank’s activities, which turned off international investors and reduced dollar inflow into Nigeria even as demand grew from within the country.

Ousted Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) attacked Abokifx in 2021 for allegedly manipulating the exchange rate at the parallel market.

Abokifx’s shutdown in September 2021 has so far done nothing to stop the naira’s free fall and steep crashing at the parallel market. But critics admonished Mr Emefiele at the time to focus on stabilising the naira rather than his 2023 presidential ambition, which appeared to have distracted him from functioning efficiently as Nigeria’s top banker.

The naira has continued to depreciate considerably against the dollar despite Mr Tinubu’s attempt to allow the free market to determine its value. It was exchanging at about N650 when Mr Tinubu took over from Mr Buhari on May 29.

SEE ALSO:  FG withdraws contempt charge against NLC, TUC

Spokespersons for both the presidency and the central bank did not respond to requests seeking comments about the naira’s historic fall on Tuesday.

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MOHBAD: I’m returning to Nigeria to clear myself – Naira Marley

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Mohbad and Naira Marley
Popular artiste Naira Marley on Tuesday stated that he’s making plans to return to the country to help the ongoing inquiry over the death of his former signee Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka MohBad.He said this in an official statement by his management team via his Instagram handle.

Naira Marley acknowledged the recent accusations of cultism and drug dealing that has been associated with his record label since MohBad’s death.

The statement reads: “In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee.

“All manner of stories has been woven against me in respect of his untimely death.

“I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.

“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Naira Marley claimed that he had nothing to do with MohBad’s death stating, “Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives.

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“Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.

“I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.

“In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.

“I am certain that the culprit behind his death has a vendetta against me and are fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them. In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as I am innocent of the accusations.

“Mohbad left the label in September 2022, the label accepted his departure. Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with oneRPM. Legal efforts were made to reconcile his concerns regarding the work we had done together.”

SEE ALSO:  Tinubu signs Nigeria Data Protection Bill, 2023 into law

He further decried allegation of drug dealing, stating “The rumors regarding the label being a drug cartel are untrue. I am not a drug lord, neither do I Marley belong to any cult or fraternity. I’m dedicated to proving my innocence and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence.

“I will like to clearly state that I have never fought or attacked Mohbad. For the avoidance of doubt I have never instructed anyone, friend, known associates or fans to attack, bully or harass <Mohbad. With regards to the talent on the label, none of our artists ever fought or mistreated Mohbad.

“I share my deepest condolences to the family. Let’s be mindful as we seek justice to focus on supporting the police and authorities with relevant information and evidence surrounding his death so that those responsible will be apprehended. I am positive that at the end of the day. the truth will prevail and I shall be exonerated.

“My lawyers are already in touch with the police and government agencies and will support in every way necessary.

“Without a doubt I will honor his memory and I promise to do right by him and his family.

“Thank you.”

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NLC, TUC declare nationwide strike from Oct 3

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File: NLC Protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have resolved to ground activities nationwide from October 3, 2023 following the failure of the federal government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians caused by the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit,

The labour unions disclosed this in a communique issued on Tuesday at the end of the virtual meetings of their respective national executive councils.

According to the communique, both unions said their decision to ground activities nationwide is in protest against the failure of the federal government to enact policies to ease the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on the citizens.

The statement added that the unions have directed their members and affiliate bodies to mobilise and embark on the strike.

The statement said that the declaration of the definite action is, “in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration and to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria to take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation”.

“To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours Tuesday, the 3rd day of October 2023.

“To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.

“To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilising accordingly for action to organise street protests and rallies until the Government responds positively to our demands.”

Recall that the NLC had earlier in the month, embarked on a two-day warning strike against the harsh impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy on the masses.

SEE ALSO:  Uproar over Gov Adeleke’s clash with ex-Senate spokesman at Eid prayer ground

It had also warned that it would embark on an indefinite strike after a 21-day ultimatum which expired on September 26.

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