GANDUJE, EL-RUFAI SPARK ROW OVER 2027 TINUBU RETURN TICKET

GANDUJE EL-RUFAI SPARK ROW OVER 2027 TINUBU RETURN TICKET The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has come under attack from northern leaders and groups over his call on the North to bury any ambition of contesting the presidency in 2027. They accused him of working against the interest of the North just to please President Bola Tinubu. The controversy surrounding Ganduje’s statement highlights the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, particularly regarding zoning and power rotation. As the country prepares for the 2027 presidential election, it remains to be seen how this debate will unfold. Ganduje had urged northern politicians nursing presidential ambition in 2027 to bury the idea, insisting that President Tinubu would serve two terms. Apparently reacting to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who, in a post on his verified X handle, threatened that in 2027, the North would give Tinubu the same treatment meted out to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. But Ganduje, while hosting leaders and members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre, PBAT Media Centre, and Tinubu Northern Youth Forum, TNYF, at APC National Secretariat in Abuja, said expectations that the North would produce the President in 2027 should be “perished.” “When a leader from the northern part of this country was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president in our party should come from the South”, he stated. “And luckily enough, we worked very hard with the cooperation of Nigerians. Our President has come from the South and is going, insha’Allah, for a second term in 2027. And then after that, it will be turned to the northern part of this country”. ‘Dangerous precedent’The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, said the statement wasn’t surprising, adding that Ganduje was doing the bidding of his “benefactor.” National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said: “It is a political statement, and he is representing the party. Whether he likes it or not, the President is the main man for the party, and the benefit he would get comes through the President. “So, whether he is from the North or wherever, he just has to support the President. It is, therefore, not surprising that, in spite of the Northern resistance for whatsoever reason, he is supporting the President, so it is not surprising. “However, there are things we need to learn from the behavior of the North. There is this thing they call ‘Takiya.’ It is a holy deceit. It is practiced in the North in some things. “So, what he says may not exactly be what he meant. So, let’s hope and believe that what he said was what he meant, and that was not a deceit aimed at appeasing those he wants to, with the intention of doing something else. “This is something our Southern brothers do not seem to know or understand. But for those of us in the North, when one of us says something, we weigh it properly based on the action that might follow.” ‘Disturbing questions’ On his part, National President of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, said Ganduje’s position raised disturbing questions about Nigeria’s democracy. He said: “Ganduje’s call for politicians from the North to drop any ambition of contesting against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election raises important questions about the principles of democracy and the right to political participation. “It is essential to analyze this statement in the context of democratic principles and the right to political participation. In a democratic society, every citizen has the right to contest for political office and present themselves as candidates for election. “This right is enshrined in the constitution and is a fundamental aspect of a functioning democracy. Ganduje’s call for politicians from the…

GANDUJE, EL-RUFAI SPARK ROW OVER 2027 TINUBU RETURN TICKET

GANDUJE, EL-RUFAI SPARK ROW OVER 2027 TINUBU RETURN TICKET The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has come under attack from northern leaders and groups over his call on the North to bury any ambition of contesting the presidency in 2027. They accused him of working against the interest of the North just to please President Bola Tinubu. The controversy surrounding Ganduje’s statement highlights the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, particularly regarding zoning and power rotation. As the country prepares for the 2027 presidential election, it remains to be seen how this debate will unfold. Ganduje had urged northern politicians nursing presidential ambition in 2027 to bury the idea, insisting that President Tinubu would serve two terms. Apparently reacting to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who, in a post on his verified X handle, threatened that in 2027, the North would give Tinubu the same treatment meted out to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. But Ganduje, while hosting leaders and members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre, PBAT Media Centre, and Tinubu Northern Youth Forum, TNYF, at APC National Secretariat in Abuja, said expectations that the North would produce the President in 2027 should be “perished.” “When a leader from the northern part of this country was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president in our party should come from the South”, he stated. “And luckily enough, we worked very hard with the cooperation of Nigerians. Our President has come from the South and is going, insha’Allah, for a second term in 2027. And then after that, it will be turned to the northern part of this country”. ‘Dangerous precedent’The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, said the statement wasn’t surprising, adding that Ganduje was doing the bidding of his “benefactor.” National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said: “It is a political statement, and he is representing the party. Whether he likes it or not, the President is the main man for the party, and the benefit he would get comes through the President. “So, whether he is from the North or wherever, he just has to support the President. It is, therefore, not surprising that, in spite of the Northern resistance for whatsoever reason, he is supporting the President, so it is not surprising. “However, there are things we need to learn from the behavior of the North. There is this thing they call ‘Takiya.’ It is a holy deceit. It is practiced in the North in some things. “So, what he says may not exactly be what he meant. So, let’s hope and believe that what he said was what he meant, and that was not a deceit aimed at appeasing those he wants to, with the intention of doing something else. “This is something our Southern brothers do not seem to know or understand. But for those of us in the North, when one of us says something, we weigh it properly based on the action that might follow.” ‘Disturbing questions’ On his part, National President of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, said Ganduje’s position raised disturbing questions about Nigeria’s democracy. He said: “Ganduje’s call for politicians from the North to drop any ambition of contesting against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election raises important questions about the principles of democracy and the right to political participation. “It is essential to analyze this statement in the context of democratic principles and the right to political participation. In a democratic society, every citizen has the right to contest for political office and present themselves as candidates for election. “This right is enshrined in the constitution and is a fundamental aspect of a functioning democracy. Ganduje’s call for politicians from the…

PDP CRISIS ESCALATES AS POLICE TOLD TO INVESTIGATE ALI ODEFA, UDEH-OKOYE OVER FORGERY

PDP CRISIS ESCALATES AS POLICE TOLD TO INVESTIGATE ALI ODEFA, UDEH-OKOYE OVER FORGERY The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court has directed the FCT Police Command to investigate allegations of forgery involving the party’s primary election guidelines. The order was issued by Magistrate Fatima I. Bukar, prompting law enforcement to interrogate key PDP officials. Among those questioned were the National Vice Chairman (South-east), Ali Odefa, and factional National Secretary, Chief Sunday Ude-Okoye, along with several staff members from the party’s national secretariat. Additionally, the official printers of the PDP, Abiodun Olu Printers Limited, were summoned but requested additional time, citing their absence from town. The court’s directive was based on a petition filed by PDP chieftain, Mike Iheanaetu, who alleged that documents presented in legal proceedings that upheld Ude-Okoye as National Secretary were falsified. The Principal Registrar of the Abuja Magistrate Court, Yusuf Tambaya, formally notified the Deputy Commissioner of Police, instructing a thorough investigation and a report within two weeks. If a prima facie case is established, the court ordered that the defendants be charged accordingly. Iheanaetu’s petition asserts that the original primary election guidelines were signed on February 17, 2022, by former National Chairman Dr. Iyochia Ayu and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. However, the alleged forged documents lacked a date and signatures. The petition further argues that Section 47(5) of the PDP Constitution does not mandate party officials to resign before contesting public elections. Conversely, the disputed guidelines state that any political appointee must resign before purchasing Expression of Interest (EOI) and nomination forms, citing Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022. It also allegedly misinterprets Section 47(5) of the PDP Constitution, requiring party executives seeking elective office to resign seven days before obtaining EOI forms. Iheanaetu’s legal representative, Kalu Kalu, has urged the court to issue a criminal summons against those involved, arguing that the forged guidelines have exacerbated divisions within the party. He maintains that his client has suffered significant harm due to their use. In response, the FCT Police Command summoned the implicated PDP officials, who provided statements regarding their knowledge of the matter. Investigators have also requested the party’s official printers to present original versions of the guidelines to verify discrepancies. Suspension of South-south Zonal Secretary Meanwhile, tensions within the PDP have extended to the South-south region, where the Zonal Executive Committee has suspended its Zonal Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu, for one month. The suspension follows accusations of misconduct and unauthorized public statements discrediting a zonal executive meeting held in Benin City, Edo State. Omemu had previously issued a statement from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, challenging the legitimacy of the meeting convened by National Vice Chairman (South-south), Chief Dan Orbih. He contended that such a gathering required approval from the Zonal Working Committee, which he claimed had not sanctioned the meeting. At the Benin meeting, a motion for Omemu’s suspension was introduced by factional Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, and seconded by Hon. Godwin Offiono, a member of the House of Representatives. Amaewhule accused Omemu of breaching trust and inciting division within the party. Following the suspension, PDP Zonal Legal Adviser George Turnah was appointed as Acting Zonal Secretary. Chief Dan Orbih praised the decision, emphasizing the need to restore order and discipline within the party’s leadership. The South-south Zonal Executive Committee meeting saw attendance from federal lawmakers representing the region, with the exception of Akwa Ibom State representatives.

TINUBU’S GOVT CAN’T SILENCE ME – PROFESSOR YUSUF SPEAKS FROM DETENTION

TINUBU’S GOVT CAN’T SILENCE ME PROFESSOR Yusuf SPEAKS FROM DETENTION Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof Usman Yusuf, who is facing corruption allegations has detailed his experience in the hands of security operatives and officials of the federal correctional service. Yusuf, a Professor of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, had been a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, his government and policies. His travail reportedly began after a viral interview criticising Nigeria’s new found romance with France among other public commentaries that allegedly unsettled the government. He was recently arrested by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and subsequently slammed with a five-count charges bordering on alleged embezzlement and conferment of undue advantage to himself, as the boss of the NHIA in 2016. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges in court. But on Wednesday, an FCT High Court shifted ruling in his bail application. Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ruled that he be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, FCT pending the ruling on February 27. But following the ruling, Prof Yusuf in lengthy response to his ordeal described the whole scenario as a ploy by the President to silence him. Professor Yusuf said he has full confidence in his legal team to “vigorously defend me against the baseless recycled falsehoods the EFCC charged me with. He said the family was deeply touched and remained eternally grateful for the overwhelming support from people all across the country and abroad. He assured Nigerians that he would never be silenced by Tinubu’s “dictatorial and autocratic leadership, which is forcefully suppressing any legitimate opposition to his misrule of our fatherland”. According to him, well-meaning Nigerians should resist “these dangerous traits that are reminiscent of the dark days of military rule in Nigeria”. He revealed that he had the haunting presence of the state stalking him since he started publicly criticising the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s. “The security agents have been physically and electronically tracking my family and I on the orders of this government. He said the trigger for his ordeal was the Northern Youths Summit in Bauchi last month. His fifteen days account of his detention and incarceration reads: “On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at around 6:30pm, as I was preparing to break my fast, my wife came upstairs to inform me that two gentlemen in black suits knocked at the door and came inside the house, saying I knew they were coming. I came downstairs in my Jallabiyya (robe), no cap, with bathroom slippers to meet these gentlemen who introduced themselves as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) directed to take me to their headquarters. “I asked them for their badges, which they showed me with an apology for the oversight. I asked for an arrest warrant, and they told me that they did not need one. I also asked why I was not sent any formal invitation letter before this intrusive visit. I then asked to be allowed to go upstairs to change but was physically blocked by these operatives. I also asked for my wife to be allowed to go upstairs and bring me a change of clothing, but they refused to allow that. “On stepping outside the house, there were 5 armed mobile policemen, some deployed to the back of my house, presumably to prevent me from escaping through the back door or window. The engine of the bus they came in was left running with the driver sitting inside. “In the heat of argument, my wife got into a shouting match with the lead operative, which made her say a few unpleasant words that provoked him and the rest of his team. “My 14-year-old…

TINUBU’S GOVT CAN’T SILENCE ME PROFESSOR YUSUF SPEAKS FROM DETENTION

TINUBU’S GOVT CAN’T SILENCE ME PROFESSOR Yusuf SPEAKS FROM DETENTION Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof Usman Yusuf, who is facing corruption allegations has detailed his experience in the hands of security operatives and officials of the federal correctional service. Yusuf, a Professor of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, had been a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, his government and policies. His travail reportedly began after a viral interview criticising Nigeria’s new found romance with France among other public commentaries that allegedly unsettled the government. He was recently arrested by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and subsequently slammed with a five-count charges bordering on alleged embezzlement and conferment of undue advantage to himself, as the boss of the NHIA in 2016. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges in court. But on Wednesday, an FCT High Court shifted ruling in his bail application. Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ruled that he be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, FCT pending the ruling on February 27. But following the ruling, Prof Yusuf in lengthy response to his ordeal described the whole scenario as a ploy by the President to silence him. Professor Yusuf said he has full confidence in his legal team to “vigorously defend me against the baseless recycled falsehoods the EFCC charged me with. He said the family was deeply touched and remained eternally grateful for the overwhelming support from people all across the country and abroad. He assured Nigerians that he would never be silenced by Tinubu’s “dictatorial and autocratic leadership, which is forcefully suppressing any legitimate opposition to his misrule of our fatherland”. According to him, well-meaning Nigerians should resist “these dangerous traits that are reminiscent of the dark days of military rule in Nigeria”. He revealed that he had the haunting presence of the state stalking him since he started publicly criticising the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s. “The security agents have been physically and electronically tracking my family and I on the orders of this government. He said the trigger for his ordeal was the Northern Youths Summit in Bauchi last month. His fifteen days account of his detention and incarceration reads: “On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at around 6:30pm, as I was preparing to break my fast, my wife came upstairs to inform me that two gentlemen in black suits knocked at the door and came inside the house, saying I knew they were coming. I came downstairs in my Jallabiyya (robe), no cap, with bathroom slippers to meet these gentlemen who introduced themselves as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) directed to take me to their headquarters. “I asked them for their badges, which they showed me with an apology for the oversight. I asked for an arrest warrant, and they told me that they did not need one. I also asked why I was not sent any formal invitation letter before this intrusive visit. I then asked to be allowed to go upstairs to change but was physically blocked by these operatives. I also asked for my wife to be allowed to go upstairs and bring me a change of clothing, but they refused to allow that. “On stepping outside the house, there were 5 armed mobile policemen, some deployed to the back of my house, presumably to prevent me from escaping through the back door or window. The engine of the bus they came in was left running with the driver sitting inside. “In the heat of argument, my wife got into a shouting match with the lead operative, which made her say a few unpleasant words that provoked him and the rest of his team. “My 14-year-old…

NORTH DIVIDED OVER TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION AS LEADERS TAKE SIDES

NORTH DIVIDED OVER TINUBU RE-ELECTION AS LEADERS TAKE SIDES Northern leaders have been divided over the possible re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Findings revealed that the once monolithic North is now split, with core northerners determined to oust Tinubu in 2027, while northern minorities support his re-election. Our correspondents noted that although core northerners complain about the President’s unfavourable disposition towards the region, minority groups argue that they have fared well under his administration. The Middle Belt, southern Kaduna residents, Hausa Christians of Northern Nigeria, and many natives of Plateau State have distanced themselves from the plot to unseat Tinubu. However, core northerners, represented by various political, socio-cultural, and indigenous groups, insist that Tinubu does not deserve a second term. The division among northern stakeholders is evident in social media exchanges between former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and a human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, who frequently express differing views on Tinubu’s approach to northern issues, particularly security. The Arewa Consultative Forum, a key political and cultural association in Northern Nigeria, alongside several prominent northern figures, said the region could not be coerced into re-electing Tinubu. Speaking, the Secretary General of the group, Murtala Aliyu, stated that the forum remained nonpartisan and would not support or oppose any candidate. The ACF was responding to a recent statement by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, who urged northern politicians with presidential ambitions to abandon their aspirations because Tinubu would serve for two terms. “What we normally do at ACF is to highlight critical issues that the people should consider when choosing a candidate, irrespective of their political party. We do not involve ourselves in promoting or antagonising any candidate,” Aliyu said. The League of Northern Democrats, a northern group comprising members of the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, vowed to support an alternative candidate in 2027. The spokesperson for the group, Ladan Salihu, said, “We don’t have a personal agenda against Tinubu, but we believe his government has not delivered. The performance indicators do not add up to justify northern support. “The government has not met expectations, and we in the North are not convinced he deserves another opportunity. Even those who voted for him are now filled with regret. His administration has brought hardship, poverty and agony to the people. “No northerner with a conscience can claim to be impressed with Tinubu’s performance. He may have the best intentions, but the system he is working with is flawed and unsustainable. It cannot deliver on the promises he made to the North.” Salihu also hinted at the possibility of a new political movement to field a northern candidate against Tinubu in 2027. “Yes, there is a possibility, because we are not convinced that this government can lift Nigeria out of its current predicament,” he said. Similarly, the National Coalition of Northern Groups warned that the North would not vote for Tinubu if economic conditions did not improve. In an interview, the coalition president, Jamilu Charanchi, stated that the North, which holds the majority of votes, would not re-elect Tinubu if economic hardship persisted. “It is the people who will decide who leads the country—there is no doubt about that. The North has a majority. It is up to President Tinubu to make the right decisions so that people will re-elect him. If he continues on this path, I can tell you clearly that people will not vote for him,” he said. Urging Nigerians to vote wisely, Charanchi advised the electorate to choose leaders based on competence, capacity, integrity and adherence to the rule of law. He said, “Nigerians should not allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians. They should vote based…

NORTH DIVIDED OVER TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION AS LEADERS TAKE SIDES

NORTH DIVIDED OVER TINUBU RE-ELECTION AS LEADERS TAKE SIDES Northern leaders have been divided over the possible re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Findings revealed that the once monolithic North is now split, with core northerners determined to oust Tinubu in 2027, while northern minorities support his re-election. Our correspondents noted that although core northerners complain about the President’s unfavourable disposition towards the region, minority groups argue that they have fared well under his administration. The Middle Belt, southern Kaduna residents, Hausa Christians of Northern Nigeria, and many natives of Plateau State have distanced themselves from the plot to unseat Tinubu. However, core northerners, represented by various political, socio-cultural, and indigenous groups, insist that Tinubu does not deserve a second term. The division among northern stakeholders is evident in social media exchanges between former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and a human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, who frequently express differing views on Tinubu’s approach to northern issues, particularly security. The Arewa Consultative Forum, a key political and cultural association in Northern Nigeria, alongside several prominent northern figures, said the region could not be coerced into re-electing Tinubu. Speaking, the Secretary General of the group, Murtala Aliyu, stated that the forum remained nonpartisan and would not support or oppose any candidate. The ACF was responding to a recent statement by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, who urged northern politicians with presidential ambitions to abandon their aspirations because Tinubu would serve for two terms. “What we normally do at ACF is to highlight critical issues that the people should consider when choosing a candidate, irrespective of their political party. We do not involve ourselves in promoting or antagonising any candidate,” Aliyu said. The League of Northern Democrats, a northern group comprising members of the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, vowed to support an alternative candidate in 2027. The spokesperson for the group, Ladan Salihu, said, “We don’t have a personal agenda against Tinubu, but we believe his government has not delivered. The performance indicators do not add up to justify northern support. “The government has not met expectations, and we in the North are not convinced he deserves another opportunity. Even those who voted for him are now filled with regret. His administration has brought hardship, poverty and agony to the people. “No northerner with a conscience can claim to be impressed with Tinubu’s performance. He may have the best intentions, but the system he is working with is flawed and unsustainable. It cannot deliver on the promises he made to the North.” Salihu also hinted at the possibility of a new political movement to field a northern candidate against Tinubu in 2027. “Yes, there is a possibility, because we are not convinced that this government can lift Nigeria out of its current predicament,” he said. Similarly, the National Coalition of Northern Groups warned that the North would not vote for Tinubu if economic conditions did not improve. In an interview, the coalition president, Jamilu Charanchi, stated that the North, which holds the majority of votes, would not re-elect Tinubu if economic hardship persisted. “It is the people who will decide who leads the country—there is no doubt about that. The North has a majority. It is up to President Tinubu to make the right decisions so that people will re-elect him. If he continues on this path, I can tell you clearly that people will not vote for him,” he said. Urging Nigerians to vote wisely, Charanchi advised the electorate to choose leaders based on competence, capacity, integrity and adherence to the rule of law. He said, “Nigerians should not allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians. They should vote based…

SACKED LAGOS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, OBASA, CHALLENGES REMOVAL IN COURT

SACKED LAGOS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, OBASA, CHALLENGES REMOVAL IN COURT Former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has taken his battle for reinstatement to the courts. The Lagos politician has filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, seeking to be immediately reinstated as the head of the state’s House of Assembly. The suit, filed on February 14, 2025, claims that Obasa was wrongly removed as Lagos Speaker. He has joined the current Speaker, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, and the Assembly as defendants. This development comes after weeks of failed political meetings aimed at resolving the crisis. The meetings, which were held between Lagos and Abuja, involved politicians loyal to President Bola Tinubu. Despite the President’s alleged call for lawmakers to return Obasa to office, the crisis has lingered. Obasa’s removal as Speaker on January 13, 2025, was a result of allegations of statutory and financial misconduct, including the controversial withdrawal of ₦43.5 billion for backup vehicles for members and other questionable expenditures.

HOW NIGERIA USED FINANCE AS SCAPEGOAT FOR TINUBU’S POLICY FAILURE – GAMBARYAN

HOW NIGERIA USED FINANCE AS SCAPEGOAT FOR TINUBU’S POLICY FAILURE — GAMBARYAN Head of Finance and Compliance at Binance in the United States, Tigran Gambaryan, said the Nigerian government used the cryptocurrency platform as a scapegoat for the repercussions of President Bola Tinubu’s Naira devaluation policy. Gambaryan disclosed this in a lengthy statement on his official X account on Friday, titled ‘Some Unknown Facts’. Reflecting on his experience under the Nigerian government’s custody in 2024, the Binance executive, Gambaryan, narrated how the firm, he and Nadeem Anjarwalla faced untold tribulations. According to him, while Binance was accused by the Nigerian government of manipulating the price of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, the reality was that the Naira’s devaluation at that time was a direct result of Tinubu’s monetary policy, which led to the country’s currency depreciating against the US dollar. He stressed that the floating of the Naira in June 2023 was the reason the Naira depreciated, not Binance. “They tried to use us to violate international privacy laws by demanding user data on all Nigerians to target opposition members allegedly “manipulating the price of the naira”. “However, they all knew that the naira’s devaluation was a direct result of Bola Tinubu’s monetary policy, which depegged the naira from the dollar. I’m not saying this policy decision was wrong, but everyone understood that removing government intervention would lead to extreme devaluation. Instead of acknowledging this, they used Binance as a scapegoat,” he wrote. Gambaryan accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of seeking a bribe to fund his political ambition. Similarly, the Binance executive alleged that some Nigerian lawmaker had demanded a $150 million bribe. Recall that Gambaryan and his Anjarwalla were detained on arrival on February 26, 2024, by the Nigerian government. While Anjarwalla escaped from custody, Gambaryan was kept in detention until he was charged in court for financial crime. This came after the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, raised the alarm that $26 billion was funnelled through Binance without a trace. Consequently, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, arraigned Binance, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla on 5 counts of money laundering and financial crime. However, months after the battle between the Nigerian government and Binance, the former dropped charges against Gambaryan and his firm. The court in October 2024 ordered the release of Gambaryan.

HOW NIGERIA USED FINANCE AS SCAPEGOAT FOR TINUBU’S POLICY FAILURE – GAMBARYAN

HOW NIGERIA USED FINANCE AS SCAPEGOAT FOR TINUBU’S POLICY FAILURE — GAMBARYAN Head of Finance and Compliance at Binance in the United States, Tigran Gambaryan, said the Nigerian government used the cryptocurrency platform as a scapegoat for the repercussions of President Bola Tinubu’s Naira devaluation policy. Gambaryan disclosed this in a lengthy statement on his official X account on Friday, titled ‘Some Unknown Facts’. Reflecting on his experience under the Nigerian government’s custody in 2024, the Binance executive, Gambaryan, narrated how the firm, he and Nadeem Anjarwalla faced untold tribulations. According to him, while Binance was accused by the Nigerian government of manipulating the price of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, the reality was that the Naira’s devaluation at that time was a direct result of Tinubu’s monetary policy, which led to the country’s currency depreciating against the US dollar. He stressed that the floating of the Naira in June 2023 was the reason the Naira depreciated, not Binance. “They tried to use us to violate international privacy laws by demanding user data on all Nigerians to target opposition members allegedly “manipulating the price of the naira”. “However, they all knew that the naira’s devaluation was a direct result of Bola Tinubu’s monetary policy, which depegged the naira from the dollar. I’m not saying this policy decision was wrong, but everyone understood that removing government intervention would lead to extreme devaluation. Instead of acknowledging this, they used Binance as a scapegoat,” he wrote. Gambaryan accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of seeking a bribe to fund his political ambition. Similarly, the Binance executive alleged that some Nigerian lawmaker had demanded a $150 million bribe. Recall that Gambaryan and his Anjarwalla were detained on arrival on February 26, 2024, by the Nigerian government. While Anjarwalla escaped from custody, Gambaryan was kept in detention until he was charged in court for financial crime. This came after the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, raised the alarm that $26 billion was funnelled through Binance without a trace. Consequently, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, arraigned Binance, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla on 5 counts of money laundering and financial crime. However, months after the battle between the Nigerian government and Binance, the former dropped charges against Gambaryan and his firm. The court in October 2024 ordered the release of Gambaryan.