Housing Minister threatens to decamp from APC over Leadership issue

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, says he will resign if the current APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, is re-elected.

Ata made this statement at a press conference in Kano on Monday. He reaffirmed his position, stating he would resign from both his ministerial role and the party.

He said, “This is my position to this day. We oppose the reinstatement of the current APC leadership in Kano, given what happened in the last election.

“We will not accept this situation again. If the leadership remains, I will resign from my ministerial post and leave APC.

Ata emphasised his strong moral values and respect for elders, noting, “We will not compromise our values.”

He expressed concerns over the party leadership’s statements, which he believed contributed to the party’s failure in 2023.

“We must engage individuals of integrity to gain the trust of Kano citizens,” Ata stressed.

He said, “Votes and money do not grant power; only God bestows authority.”

Ata urged politicians from all parties to promote peace, respect each other, and follow the rules. (NAN)

Tinubu seeks security agencies’ synergy for effective crime-fighting at Senior Police Officers’ Conference

President Bola Tinubu has sought more synergy among security agencies in the country to combat crimes more effectively.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said this at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, held in Abeokuta on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the programme is themed “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing”.

The president noted that synergy among all security agencies remained vital to eliminating banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality.

He stated that internal security was fundamental to creating an environment where businesses and investment flourish.

He added that his administration had prioritised security agencies under operational capability, ensuring they were well-equipped to confront emergencies and effectively combat crime.

The president stressed that the conference’s theme aligned seamlessly with his administration’s core objectives.

“We are committed to fostering economic growth by leveraging the vast potentials of our human and natural resources.

“However, this vision is unattainable without a stable internal security landscape from states under collaboration.

“I reaffirmed our administration’s commitment to enhancing the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ensuring it is more effective and well-positioned to fulfill its constitutional mandates,” he said.

Tinubu noted that the present administration was working to bridge existing security infrastructure and equipment gaps through comprehensive and sustainable programmes.

“The programmes include renovating police barracks, including mobility and upgrading essential combats and protective gears.

“These ongoing efforts, complemented by efforts of state governments, will certainly inspire confidence and reposition the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

The president mentioned the implementation of the new minimum wage among many others as steps taken to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers, including police personnel.

“We will continue to collaborate with police leadership to provide financial incentives to motivate officers and all security personnel to perform at their highest level,” he said.

Tinubu explained that his administration remained committed to supporting NPF in meeting up with its crucial role of keeping Nigeria safe and united.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, noted the gathering served as a crucial platform for assessing the police administrative and operational strategies.

Egbetokun explained that it was also an avenue to exchange insights and realign policing objectives with the nation’s evolving global security landscape.

“Building on the successes of previous conferences, we have undertaken major reforms in investigative procedures, prioritising forensic analysis, digital case management, and improved judicial collaboration.

“The reorganisation of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other specialised units has been a priority, ensuring that our detectives operate in line with globally accepted best practices.

“Moving forward, all commands and formations have been mandated to implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50 per cent in 2025,” he said.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun commended the leadership of NPF for its commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

Abiodun reaffirmed that his administration would continue to assist all security agencies in safeguarding a peaceful state. (NAN)

JUST IN; Naira gains against Dollars as CBN sustains FX reforms

The Naira appreciated further at the official market on Monday, trading at N1,497.11 against the Dollar.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website showed that the Naira gained N3.62.

This marks a 0.24 per cent increase compared to Friday, Feb. 21, when the local currency closed at N1,500.73 to the Dollar.

The Naira has remained relatively stable against the US Dollar since December 2024, following CBN’s sustained reforms aimed at ensuring transparency in the Foreign Exchange (FX) market.

Analysts have continued to commend the CBN’s sweeping reforms to support the local currency.

Bismarck Rewane, financial expert and CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Ltd., also praised CBN’s efforts in media appearances on Friday and Monday.

He stated that the apex bank spent $8 billion to defend the Naira, insisting the interventions were necessary and aligned with the bank’s mandate. (NAN)