Monday brief: E-Naira launch, IPOB's threat & Oyo jailbreak
+ Anyim's interrogation
Good morning.
Welcome to the Monday briefing. This newsletter keeps you updated with the latest news from Nigeria. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive it in your email before 7 am (WAT) every weekday.
Buhari to unveil e-Naira
President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to launch the e-Naira today, the Central Bank said on Saturday. The much-anticipated digital currency is expected to deepen financial inclusion and move the country towards a cashless economy. It had been scheduled to be unveiled on October 1, but the CBN moved the goalposts citing planned activities for Independence Day.
What to expect? Well, there is a website, and potential users are expected to download a mobile app to be able to access the digital currency. But the most basic requirement to use the currency is a phone number backed by a NIN.
Many commercial banks have already launched a waitlist for customers who are interested in the currency and it is exciting to see how it all pans out.
As with any currency, digital or otherwise, the level of widespread acceptance will be key in gauging the success of e-Naira.
Saudi Arabia: The President is also expected to leave for the oil-rich Kingdom today, to participate in an investment conference. He will also observe the lesser Hajji in Madina and Makkah before returning to the country on Friday.
The Economist: Meanwhile, the Presidency has been responding to the British publication’s damning report on Nigeria’s security situation. In a statement released on Sunday, presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu acknowledged the dire situation but boasted that the Buhari administration, unlike past governments, is attempting to find a lasting solution.
What else is happening?
Oyo jailbreak: The Abolongo medium custodial centre in Oyo state was attacked by gunmen on Friday, leading to the escape of at least 837 inmates. More than 300 of the prisoners have since been recaptured or have returned voluntarily. But many remain on the run. After visiting the breached custodial centre on Sunday, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, vowed to ensure the return of the remaining fleeing inmates. This is about the third jailbreak in Nigeria this year and the Minister believes the attacks are meant “to make Nigeria unsafe and ridicule the government.”
Anyim Pius Anyim: In another of its ‘interrogation exercises’, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission started to quiz the former Senate President on Sunday over alleged corruption and diversion of public funds. Sources say Anyim’s questioning is linked to a corruption case involving former Minister of Aviation and serving Senator, Stella Oduah.
Terrorist designation: On Saturday, a group of state legislators called on the federal government to designate bandits as terrorists. Governor Nasir El-Rufai made the same request last week and the National Assembly has passed resolutions calling for the same thing. The reasoning goes that if the bandits wear the terrorist tag, the military can apply maximum force in crushing their activities without risking human rights sanctions from countries like the United States.
Abuja-Kaduna rail: After tracks were bombed on Wednesday, the Nigeria Railway Corporation has completed repairs and resumed train services on the busy route. However, many commuters remain skeptical of the rail’s safety and have resorted to travelling by road, which is deemed even riskier.
IPOB: The proscribed group is threatening that the November 6 Anambra elections will not hold except its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is released from detention unconditionally.
Sexual misconduct: The Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi says it has sacked two lecturers accused of sexually harassing female students.
Thank you for starting your morning with me. See you tomorrow.