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The much awaited general elections are just 11 days away and preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) are in an advanced stage. However, Nigerians have continued to express mixed feelings about the elections. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke JP outlines the reasons why Nigerians must vote in a new set of leaders that possess the political will to address the country's myriad of challenges. Excerpt:

Do you think the outcome of the general elections will usher in a new set of leaders in Nigeria?

Credible leadership in the Nigerian context is a farce, if we are to consider the socio-behavioral status of each of the presidential candidates as well as others who are vying for other sensitive positions in the next political dispensation. Each of them, however, have varying degrees of image issues. Without doubt, a winner must emerge among them. The present situation in the country is a reflection of the cumulative deficiencies in our leaders-past and present consequences of poor socio-economic conditions of our people and their environment due to a low level of performance, institutional indiscipline and corruption, as against the main objective of democracy which we are operating as our political philosophy. The justice system remains selective in the dispensation of justice. The legislative arms are weak and usually act out the script written by the executive, resulting in very weak policy formulation and implementation at the expense of the welfare and wellness of the people. In effect, the excesses of the executive remain uncontrollable, resulting in unwarranted marginalization and poor infrastructure that is dysfunctional, making the lives of Nigerians to be at the mercy of deteriorated services. The general elections, therefore, as it will come by God's grace, in this month and in March, is going to be a date with our resolve to take our destinies in our hands. Hence, we must not toy with it and we must let it be free,fair and credible and without acrimony. Nigerians are now more conscious and aware of the importance of good governance to effect peace and sustainable development as observed in many nations where democracy is functional. For us in Nigeria, we are tired of playing around democracy for its dividend to be mere tantalizing mirages. In addition, various indicators of development are at the lowest ebb. For example, human development and infrastructure indexes, high inflation rates, poverty, hunger and diseases, devastating climate change effects and institutional corruption. Nigeria needs credible leaders that will be visionary and proactive with a network of wisdom to passionately solve the problems in the land. The President and other political office holders that will emerge after the general elections must be ready to fix the weak areas and must be very selfless in discharging their duties to be able to minimally deliver the expected dividends of democracy. Above all, we need a detribalized President and a non-religious bigot who will be able to bring sanity into the religious system to be able to spiritually have a united voice in correctin all the wrongs. This is the only way by which good governance can be nurtured through the spiritual drive for accelerated socio-economic development. Various lessons have been going on with respect to how best to vote without wasting the exercise. The only wisdom in collecting the Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) is to use them wisely on the days elections will take place to ensure that credible leaders emerge and correct all aberrations in the land, for Nigeria to become a better place to live in and to prosper at a sustainable level.

Teach the truth and proclaim the gospel. Make efforts to understand the role of the gospel in counsels and the Word of God and seek to give it a place in your lives and testimonies. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev. 3 : 10-22

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Abuja, Nigeria CNN  — 

Nigeria was forced Wednesday to delay plans to replace its banknotes with a redesigned currency after chaotic scenes at ATMs as millions of people struggled to get their hands on the new cash.

The country’s old notes were supposed to cease to be legal tender starting February 11 but the country’s Supreme Court suspended that deadline because banks were unable to disburse enough of the new naira.

Nigerians have been spending hours in long lines at cashpoints since late last month after rushing to deposit the old banknotes ahead of an initial deadline of January 31. But they haven’t been able to withdraw enough of the new versions to meet their daily expenses.

That shortage has led to frayed tempers and untold hardship for millions of Nigerians, particularly those who work in the cash-based informal economy and for citizens who live in rural areas.

Nigerians say they are struggling to pay for food and public transportation as vendors reject electronic payments. The pressure on the banking infrastructure has caused many servers to fail, multiple sources told CNN.

In November last year, President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled the redesigned currency with the aim of reining in counterfeiting and the hoarding of large sums outside the banking system.

Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele said in January that out of 3.23 trillion Nigerian naira ($6.9 billion) in circulation as of October last year, “only 500 billion naira was within the banking industry” while a whopping 2.7 trillion naira ($5.8 billion) was “held permanently in people’s homes.”

Emefiele added that around 1.9 trillion naira (around $4 billion) have so far been returned to the banking system since the new notes were first introduced in November.

Nigerians queue for new banknotes

Nimi Princewill/CNN

The redesigned bills were intended to replace the older series of the 200-, 500-, and 1,000-naira notes on January 31, but a 10-day extension was announced following widespread outcry about the timing.

The new notes look very similar to those in circulation with a change in color as the only significant difference. The new naira notes are, however, “fortified with security features that make them difficult to counterfeit,” President Buhari said last year.

Abulrahman Abdullahi, who lives in the Nigerian capital Abuja, told CNN he needs cash fast as he is running out of food and unable to restock supplies. Across the country, banks have increasingly become targets of mounting anger over the frustrating search for the new naira notes.

Nigeria’s largely informal economy depends mainly on cash, but the CBN is trying to encourage people to make greater use of electronic banking, a policy considered premature by analysts.

Nigerians are desperately relying on their banks to distribute new bills after the February 10 deadline to exchange the old currency saw many scrambling to deposit their old notes. The banks, however, do not have enough of the new notes to go around, fueling anger from individuals, some of whom have vandalized bank property or stripped to their underwear in rage, according to videos shared on social media.

“I’ve been here for hours,” Abdullahi told CNN, as he struggled to keep his place in a rowdy queue that had formed at a bank ATM in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

“I have to shop for foodstuffs. It has been very difficult for me. The number of times I eat in a day has reduced to two because if I run out of foodstuffs, I may not be able to restock,” he said.

At a neighboring bank, customers were instructed by staff to withdraw no more than 10,000 naira ($22) per person from its ATM. Customers from other banks were directed to withdraw only 1,000 naira (less than $3) from the cash machine.

In one Lagos supermarket, cash from the machine was restricted to just 1,000 naira (less than $2) despite the lengthy wait times.

“What can we do with 1,000 naira!,This government doesn’t care about us,” security guard Joel Johnson told CNN.

Anger and protests

The government and the CBN have come under pressure and governors of three Nigerian states are challenging in court the short time frame given to exchange the old notes for new ones, which they warn could lead to “the breakdown of law and order” ahead of the crucial presidential vote later this month.

To compound matters, Nigerians are also facing long lines for fuel across the country, leading to mounting anger and frustration with protests springing up in parts of the country as citizens rail against the hardship caused by the scarce currency and hikes in fuel prices.

One person was reportedly killed in clashes between protesters and police in Nigeria’s third most populous city, Ibadan, according to local media.

Economist Bismarck Rewane told CNN Nigeria’s transition to new currency notes could have been better handled, adding that scarcity of the new bills would hurt the country’s economy.

“It will lead to some disruption and contraction in economic activity,” Rewane says. “GDP numbers for the first quarter of the year will be affected .”

The CBN assures that “queues at ATMs will disappear soon” while directing commercial banks to pay the new notes over the counter, however, “subject to a maximum daily payout limit of N20,000 ($43).”

President Buhari said he was “aware of the cash shortages and hardship being faced by people and businesses, on account of the naira redesign,” but assured Nigerians of “significant improvements between now and the February 10 deadline.”

One scarcity too many

The current cash squeeze isn’t the only shortage Nigerians are grappling with.

A year-long fuel scarcity has worsened in the past few weeks, leaving many cash-strapped Nigerians unable to purchase gasoline, which has tripled in price in parts of the country.

State oil company NNPC blames the lingering scarcity on distribution problems. Analysts say the fuel shortages could hamper the ruling party’s chances at the February poll.

Source-CNN

Drivers wait in line to buy fuel at and next to a filling station, causing traffic gridlock on Lagos' Ibadan expressway, in Lagos on January 30, 2023.

Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images

“It has implications for politics, in terms of the ruling party suffering some disapproval from the electorates because of the hardship they face,” says leading political analyst Sam Amadi.

“People are going to record the government as a failure … and that can impact the fortunes of the ruling party,” Amadi tells CNN.

President Buhari is serving a final second term and the ruling party hopes he will be succeeded by candidate Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the country’s richest state Lagos.

Amadi suggests that the shortage of the new naira could have a positive impact on the coming elections.

“It may actually reduce vote buying if well managed, which is probably (one of) the strategic objectives of the monetary policy around the new naira,” he says.

Vote buying has been a feature of Nigeria’s elections, which have been marred by violence and fraud in recent years.

Source-CNN

The chairman of the Oyo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Alhaji Ismail Ademola Babalola will be conferred with a chieftaincy title on Saturday 18 February, 2023 by the, Baale of Ologuneru, Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria.

According to the invitation to guests, the NUJ chairman will be conferred with the title,Agbaakin Baale of Ologuneru while his wife, Monsurat Ajoke will be conferred with the title Yeye Agbaakin Iyalosde of Ologuneru.

The event which comes up at the Baale's palace in Ologuneru will be followed with the reception for invited guests at an event center in the conmmunity.

Alhaji Babalola was returned unopposed for a second term of three years by journalists in the state.

In another development, concerned journalists in the state have continued to express reservations over the practice of the profession in the state and the infiltration of the profession by criminal elements, stressing that a lot has to be done for the profession to return to the front seat.

They appealed to the NUJ executive to carry out a major reform in the union as a step towards ensuring that the worried public have confidence in professionals.

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) —The FBI Columbia field office issued a warning today to be cautious of potential romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it is likely scammers will exploit individuals online who may be looking for companionship or romance this time of year. Recent data reported in the 2021 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) annual report showed that South Carolinians lost $6.8 million dollars to confidence fraud and romance scams that year. Although 2022 data has not been released, it is expected there will be increased reported losses due to recent upward trends. “Cyber criminals use any information they can find about you to gain your trust, build a relationship, and ultimately steal your money or personal identifiable information (PII),” said Susan Ferensic, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Division. “We want the public to be well informed about how these scams occur and how they can better protect themselves.” The following are examples of common red flags of romance scams, as well as tips to better protect yourself. Common Romance Scam Red Flags: The scammer makes promises to meet in person but gives excuses as to why they can’t. The scammer will ask for money once they gain your trust. Typically, they explain they have an owed debt, need financial assistance, or they ask for travel funds. The scammer will request money through methods that make it hard to be traced and hard to get back. The scammer may ask to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. How to Protect Yourself: Be careful what you post and make public online. If you suspect a scam, stop communicating with the person immediately. Conduct a reverse image search of the person’s photo(s). If it is associated with another name or profile, it is likely a scam. Take things slow and ask a lot of questions. Never send money to someone you have only communicated with online or by phone. If you suspect you are involved in a romance scam or you have fallen victim, report the incident to the FBI’s IC3 by visiting www.ic3.gov.

Source-FBI

Democracy thrives on justice, equity, good governance, creation of employment opportunities, creation of a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, compulsory free primary and secondary education, a robust agricultural sector and most importantly, regular supply of electricity and petroleum products.

Sadly, candidates for political offices in Nigeria are yet to come up with verifiable and practicable alternatives to the present scheme of things in all sectors of the economy.

Already, Nigerians are worried about the huge debt burden at all levels of government which is trailed by abandoned projects that are major features of various states in the country.

The pockets of violence in different parts of the country is now the response of Nigerians to the malfunctionality of the socio-economic and political system.

Existing institutions now superintend irregularities and disorderliness in the process of proferring solutions to the challenges bedevilling good governance. It is obvious that certain government policies have brought about great uncertainty and anxiety among Nigerians.

This in turn has resulted in the negative reactions of Nigerians who have been hard hit by the un-leadership actions of Those-in-Authority. The poilitical processes have moved from normal to abnormal.

The approach and response of Those-in-Authority to unfolding events is crucial.

Unfortunately, the above mentioned have been retroactive.

However, the expectation of Nigerians is that the political processes will be modified to douse the mounting tension in the land or their coercive template will be deployed as usual to curb the dissatisfaction and anger everywhere.

The Mock Accreditation

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has disclosed that its mock accreditation exercise conducted nationwide on Saturday February 4th, 2023 was a huge success. In addition, candidates for political offices are pressing on with rallies and campaigns. This is strange. Furthermore the attitude of Point of Sale Operators(POS) and a majority number of bank staff towards impoverished Nigerians have exposed the script of Those-in-Authority. Posterity will never forgive them. All these are coming at a time when Nigerians are busy expressing their feelings on the pains, agonies and hardships certain government policies have brought about. Indeed, there is more to it than meets the eye.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

These are perilous times, there are false prophets everywhere misleading several. Lawlessness, all forms of criminality and wickedness pervade the landscape. In the midst of all these evil and darkness, the spirit of God shines out all the more brightly.

2 Timothy 3 : 1-17

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

These are perilous times, there are false prophets everywhere misleading several. Lawlessness, all forms of criminality and wickedness pervade the landscape. In the midst of all these evil and darkness, the spirit of God shines out all the more brightly.

2 Timothy 3 : 1-17

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.