Phoenix Relations

10/04/2024

We wish you and your families very happy Eid celebrations

10/04/2024

Phoenix Relations wishes you and your families very happy Eid celebrations

29/01/2024

FG To Inaugurate Minimum Wage Committee Tuesday

The Federal Government is set to inaugurate a 37-man Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage with a mandate to recommend a new National Minimum Wage for the Country.



The planned inauguration of the Committee is sequel to the approval of President Bola Tinubu.





This was according to a statement on Sunday by Segun Imohiosen for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.





The inauguration is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 by 12 noon at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja.

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26/01/2024

26/01/2024

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja on Thursday vacated its earlier order of the court directing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede for disobeying a ruling of the court which asked operatives of the commission to vacate a property at Number 6, A*o Drive, Abuja.

Justice Abubakar Hussaini Musa upheld the submission of the EFCC Counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, that Olukoyede “is an officer of the law and respecter of the rule of law, with fervent commitment towards moving the EFCC towards enhanced professionalism and accountable conducts, and could not have willfully ignored or disobeyed the order of the court.”
Oyedepo further told the court, “I am here to assure my Lord that Mr. Ola Olukoyede who is now the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 18 October, 2023 and being a legal practitioner of many years at the bar will not knowingly disobey the order of the court.”

He asked the court to vacate the contempt proceedings against the EFCC’s boss, assuring that all the issues involved between the parties in the suit would be resolved.

Defence counsel, Adeyemi Pitan, did not object to the submissions of Oyedepo.
Responding, Justice Musa stated, “I knew that the EFCC Chairman was not aware of this, that is why I wanted the Chairman to come.”
The judge, thereafter, vacated the order and purged Olukoyede of the contempt proceedings.
He also adjourned the matter till February 7, 2024, for a hearing of the substantive suit.

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26/01/2024

Microsoft is laying off 1,900 people, or eight percent of staff, from its gaming division as it consolidates the blockbuster buyout of “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard.

In a memo to employees reported by US media The Verge on Thursday, the head of Microsoft’s gaming division Phil Spencer said the cuts came after synergies were found between the two companies.
Spencer told employees that Microsoft and Activision were committed to finding a “sustainable cost structure” to grow the gaming business, which employs 22,000 people and includes the Xbox division.
“Together, we’ve set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and ensured that we’re all aligned on the best opportunities for growth,” he added.

Alongside the layoffs, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra said he was leaving the company.
“It’s an incredibly hard day and my energy and support will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted,” Ybarra said on X, formerly Twitter.
Microsoft launched its blockbuster takeover in January 2022, an acquisition that made it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue.
The buyout faced stiff scrutiny from regulators, including in the United States, but the transaction eventually prevailed.

Britain’s regulator originally blocked the deal over fears it would damage competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming sector, where games are bought virtually and players can use a variety of devices rather than just consoles.
The layoffs come amidst an unprecedented wave of staff cuts at Big Tech companies that began in late 2022, but have rolled on through early 2024.
AFP
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26/01/2024

Atiku Asks Tinubu’s Govt To Explain NNPCL $3.3bn Loan

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday asked President Bola Tinubu to account for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan.



Last August, the NNPCL secured a $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan from the African Export-Import Bank to stabilize the foreign exchange market.



A few weeks ago, the Federal Government received $2.25 billion out of the $3.3 billion FX facility from the African Export-Import Bank.





But reacting to the deal in a statement, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wondered why the only information available to the public on the mega-deal is coming only through sources from the NNPCL. He claimed that a Special Purpose Vehicle called Project Gazelle Funding Limited is driving the deal, and it was incorporated in the Bahamas.

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04/01/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PHOENIX RELATIONS!!! 🎉

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22/09/2023

Liverpool Fight Back To Edge LASK On Europa League Return

Liverpool fell behind for the fourth time in five matches this season but fought back to beat LASK 3-1 in Linz in the Europa League on Thursday.

Liverpool, playing in the Europa League for the first time since finishing runners up in 2016, changed their entire starting 11 away to LASK and quickly fell behind.

In the 14th minute, Sascha Horvath lobbed a corner to Florian Flecker just outside the Liverpool box. The Austrian midfielder controlled the dropping ball before smashing a rocket shot past Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal.

Darwin Nunez levelled with a 55th-minute penalty kick after Luis Diaz was brought down.

After 61 minutes, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp started to replace teenagers with regular starters.

Within two minutes they were ahead when Ryan Gravenberch burst down the right and crossed low for Diaz to score from close range.

Pawel Wszolek met a cross from the left with a sliding volley to put Legia ahead.

Jhon Duran levelled after six minutes heading in a rebound after a Nicolo Zaniolo shot.

But the Poles regained the lead after 25 minutes when Wszolek crossed from the right and Ernest Muci scored on the half volley.

Lucas Digne levelled with a deflected shot from the edge of the box after 38 minutes but Muci settled the game with a low shot after 51 minutes.

Elsewhere in the early matches in the first round of the group stage of the second-tier European competition, Romelu Lukaku earned last year’s beaten finalists Roma a 2-1 victory at Sheriff.

Bayer Leverkusen crushed Swedes Hacken 4-0, Rennes cruised past Maccabi Haifa 3-0 in France, Spaniards Villarreal lost 2-0 to Panathinakos in Greece.

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22/09/2023

Tinubu Becomes First Ever African Leader To Ring Closing Bell At Nasdaq -Presidency

The world’s second largest stock exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (NASDAQ), on Wednesday in the world’s financial capital, invited President Tinubu to ring the closing bell, making him the first African President to ever receive the honour, according to the Presidency.

In a statement on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said that the invitation is also in honour of President Bola Tinubu’s determined global push to aggressively attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria.

According to him, the President, who was surrounded by Nigerian business leaders and officials of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, did not fail to seize the opportunity presented by the historic moment to boldly advance his foreign investment push as he stood, live, in front of financial markets at the famous stock exchange.

“It’s a great honour for me to be here. I am happy to bring Nigeria to your doorsteps and I am honoured that we are here today with a bubbling Nigerian stock market that will evolve in the West African sub-region. The greatest economy in Africa is Nigeria, there is an immense opportunity in Nigeria where you can invest your money without fear,” the President said.

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22/09/2023

‘Please Forgive Me,’ Shaibu Begs Obaseki

The embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has begged his principal, Governor Godwin Obakeki, for forgiveness over their political differences.

Addressing journalists on Thursday in Benin City, Shaibu appealed to Governor Obaseki to forgive and forget.

“I use this medium to appeal to Mr Governor, if there is anything that I don’t know that I have done, please forgive me so that we can develop our state together,” he said.

“We have just one year to go. We have been the envy of the entire country. So Mr Governor, if there is anything you feel that I have done, please I am sorry. I need us to work together to finish well and strong.”

When asked if he had resumed at his new office, Shaibu said, “We have resumed but there is still a lot of work to be done there.

“There is no problem about it. The governor has asked us to go there. Like I have always tried to prove, I am a loyal servant and nothing has changed.

“I took a personal vow to support my governor and you can see my Catholic people are here. When I took a vow with God, nothing can change it and I wish that the relationship that we had will come back in the next few days and weeks.

“I am missing my governor and by the grace of God, He will touch the governor’s heart and touch all of us and even those that are between us.

“I mean well. If there is any mistake I have made as a human, it is not out of wickedness because I know I’m not wicked. I have a very clean heart.”

Recently, Obaseki and Shaibu have been at loggerheads over issues relating to the alleged plots to impeach the deputy governor.

Last month, the governor accused his deputy of attempting to overthrow him, a claim Shaibu denied.

In early September, Shaibu was barred from gaining access to an event organised by the state where the governor and other top leaders were present.

Not long after, the deputy governor’s office was moved to a building outside the Edo State Government House.

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22/09/2023

CBN Postpones September 2023 MPC Meeting

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has postponed the 293rd Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26, 2023.

This was disclosed in a Thursday press statement by the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, Dr Isa AbdulMumin. But no reason was given for the decision.

“The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has deferred its 293rd meeting scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26, 2023, respectively.

“A new date will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this change may cause our stakeholders and the general public.”

The development comes two months after the apex bank met and raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which measures interest rate, from 18.5 per cent to 18.75%.

The then CBN acting Governor, Folashodun Shonubi, had told journalists that “hiking the interest rate has made a lot of difference in moderating the rate of inflation.”

The CBN MPC voted to hike MPR by 25 basis points to 18.75% from 18.5%. The committee narrowed asymmetric corridor to +100/-300 from +100/-700 and retained the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 32.5%

But the postponement of the September MPC meeting may not be unconnected with the non-confirmation of the newly appointed governor and deputy governors of the bank.

President Bola Tinubu had last Friday nominated Olayemi Cardoso as the new CBN chief. If confirmed by the Senate, Cardoso will replace the Acting CBN Governor Folashodun Shonubi.

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21/09/2023

CCECC Vows To Deliver Abuja Light Rail Project In Eight Months – Presidency

A Chinese construction company, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC), has committed to the completion of the Abuja light rail project in eight months, the Presidency said on Wednesday.

This is according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, on Wednesday.

The statement noted that the promise was in line with the determination of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enhance infrastructure development across the country.

“The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, extracted this commitment from the management of CCECC when its Chairman, Mr Jason Zhang, led some members of his management team on a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa today,” it said.

“Vice President Shettima described CCECC as part of Nigeria’s history, saying the Chinese construction giant has played a pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s landmark projects, adding that their commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa is commendable.”

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21/09/2023

CJN Laments Steady Rise In Political Cases

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has expressed concern over the significant volume of cases, particularly those of a political nature, that judges are tasked with handling daily.

Justice Ariwoola spoke on Wednesday during the swearing-in of recently appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The CJN also advocated a reduction in litigation and a greater emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods which he argued would reduce the workload of justices and conserve valuable resources.

Families and friends of the nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal were in attendance at the Supreme Court, alongside heads of courts, the President of the Court of Appeal, members of the outer and inner Bar and other top government officials.

The chief justice advised the jurists to uphold their reputation and flee from temptations which might come with juicy gifts.

Following the practice direction of the Court of Appeal, which allows the appellate court 90 justices, the swearing-in of nine justices brings the number of judges from 71 to 80.

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21/09/2023

‘The Greatest Economy Is Nigeria,’ Tinubu Tells US Investors At Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony

President Bola Tinubu rang the closing bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York on Wednesday as he called on the United States business community to invest in Nigeria’s “bubbling market”.

Tinubu, who is attending the ongoing 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, was accompanied to the bell ceremony by the President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Scott Eisner.

The closing bell ceremony, held at the seven-storey tower of the Nasdaq headquarters in New York, signifies the end of a trading session.

“I am happy to bring Nigeria to your doorsteps and honoured that we’re here today with a bubbling maket that will evolve the West African subregion,” Tinubu said.

“The greatest economy is Nigeria. There is an immense opportunity in Nigeria that you can invest your money without fear.”

The Nigerian leader cited the removal of “a lot of the bottlenecks”, including the fuel subsidy which he described as corrupt, adding that his administration had retooled the exchange rate to a “reliable, dependable one-figure floating of the exchange naira”.

“You are free to take in your money and bring out your money,” he continued. ” I count on you to invest in Nigeria.”

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20/09/2023

Enugu State Government Begins Sealing Of Illegal Mining Sites

The Enugu State Government has commenced the sealing of illegal mining sites and those operating without environmental impact certifications and mitigation plans.

Addressing newsmen after a firsthand inspection of mining site in Awhum in Udi Local Government Area of the state, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, stated that government would not fold its hands and watch the environment destroyed and lives engendered.

He warned that any firm that unseals and resumes operation without approval of the government will be arrested and prosecuted in the state Environmental Protection Court.

The Commissioner said, “We are here basically to look at what is going on here and to seal the place on behalf of the Enugu State government. You have all seen what is going on here, you have seen extensive mining activities going on here with a lot of environmental degradation in the state.

“We want to see the veracity of the licence which they claim they have and we have given them a letter inviting them to a meeting. We also want to find out how the have been remitting environmental fees to the Enugu State Ministry of Environment.

“We also want to find out the mitigating plans they have. The state government is aware of other mining sites, we know them in different local governments, we know the sites, gradually and we are going to get all of them. Our mission here gives signs to other mining activities that don’t have any recourse to the state government that we are coming to see them.”

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20/09/2023

Atiku Files Appeal At Supreme Court, Seeks Nullification Of Judgment

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar Atiku, has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking nullification of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petitions Court, which upheld the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 polls.

In the notice of appeal predicated on 35 grounds, Atiku insisted that the tribunal committed a grave error and miscarriage of justice in its findings and conclusion in its petition challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Tinubu as President.

The notice of appeal is also praying the apex court to set aside the whole findings and conclusions of the Tribunal on the grounds that they did not represent the true picture of the grounds of his petition.

Atiku maintained that the tribunal erred in law when it failed to nullify the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, on the grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, when by evidence before the Tribunal, INEC conducted the election based on grave and gross misrepresentation, contrary to the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, based on the doctrine of legitimate expectation.

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19/09/2023

Strike: ‘Four Months More Than Enough Time For FG’ -NLC

Nearly four months after ending the fuel subsidy regime, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the Federal Government over its failure to meet the demands of the union, which is gearing up to embark on an indefinite strike in light of economic hardships in the country.

Among its demands are to address the consequences of petrol price hikes, review the minimum wage, provide a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative, fix the country’s refineries, and pay lecturers’ salary arrears.

The ultimatum terminates at the end of the week.

Hours after a second meeting with the Federal Government ended in a deadlock on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero made a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he underscored the union’s frustration.

“We agree that the Federal Government has had more than enough time for the past four months and that even if there is a commitment, between now and the next four days, issues will be resolved,” he said.

“And we hope that the minister [Simon Lalong] will work with us within these next few days to make sure we resolve the problem.”

Asked to confirm negotiations will resume on Tuesday, the labour leader said if invited, the NLC will attend.

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19/09/2023

Invest In Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector, Tinubu Urges South African Firms

President Bola Tinubu on Monday engaged in a bilateral discussion with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, welcoming mining industries of that country to invest in Nigeria’s solid minerals development sector.

The talks were held in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu advanced his economic development diplomatic drive for investment attraction during the engagement.

“South African Mining industries have a role to play in the Nigerian solid minerals development sector,” the Nigerian leader told South Africa’s president

“Your business community has done well in Nigerian Telecommunications. We have great mineral wealth across our land, and you have good expertise in this area. We expect to deliver jobs and mutually beneficial results in this area as brother and sister countries.”

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19/09/2023

US, Iran Release Prisoners In $6bn Swap Deal

The United States and Iran on Monday swapped five prisoners each in one of the arch-foes’ first deals in years as Tehran gained access to $6 billion in frozen funds.

The five Americans freed by Iran, including one held for eight years, flew out of Tehran in a Qatari jet, hours after the unblocked funds were deposited in accounts also managed by Qatar.

The freed prisoners walked in the setting sun on the tarmac and within hours a separate US government plane shuttled them to Washington, where some will undergo medical check-ups.

The White House said Biden held an “emotional call” with families of the released prisoners, one of whom praised the president for taking the “incredibly difficult decisions” that freed them.

“Thank you, President Biden, for ultimately putting the lives of American citizens above politics,” Siamak Namazi, a businessman held since 2015, said in a statement.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted the Biden administration had “no higher priority” than freeing US citizens.

“It’s very good to be able to say that our fellow citizens are free,” Blinken told reporters in New York, where he and Biden are taking part in UN meetings.

Two of the Iranian detainees returned to Tehran after transiting Doha, Iranian official media said. The other three released by the United States have opted to remain there or in a third country.

Following quiet discussions led in part by Qatar, the two countries completed the exchange after the transfer of $6 billion in funds, frozen by US ally South Korea.

The Biden administration has rejected criticism at home that it was paying “ransom,” insisting the money will be used only for humanitarian purposes, with a threat to re-freeze the funds if not.

But Iran has insisted it has full access.

The money “cruelly blocked until now and currently in the possession of the Islamic republic belongs to the people (of Iran) and we will use them to meet the people’s needs,” President Ebrahim Raisi said in New York.

18/09/2023

NEWS UPDATE

Osun Govt Alleges Sabotage Over Averted Plane Crash Involving Adeleke

The Osun State Government is alleging sabotage in the averted aircraft accident involving Governor Ademola Adeleke.

A statement from Governor Adeleke’s spokesman Olawale Rasheed claimed that the engine of the aircraft carrying his principal and some of the Osun leader’s aides was tampered with.

“Contrary to the claim by the hanger owner that birds’ nests caused the incident, birds’ nests are made with straws not bidding wires as in this case,” he said Sunday.

“According to him, the near-fatal incident was averted shortly after boarding and less than two minutes after the commencement of taxing on the tarmac.”

“An early warning noise from the engines immediately prompted the pilots to direct the evacuation of the passengers. Everything happened within five minutes. Early reports from the internal investigation indicated sabotage. But the authorities, locally and internationally, are still investigating the incident,” the spokesman noted.

But the spokesman reassured that Governor Adeleke and his aides are safe and there was no injury or outward explosion on the plane.

“The Governor expressed his deep appreciation to well-wishers and supporters who have been calling since the report of the incident. Mr. Governor is hale and hearty,” he added.

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18/09/2023

CJN To Swear In Nine Appeal Court Justices September 20

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will on Wednesday, September 20, swear in nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal.

The new appellate court justices are to be inaugurated at the Main Court auditorium of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

A statement by the Supreme Court’s Director of Press and Information, Festus Akande, says that the CJN will swear them in by 11:00 a.m.

The new appellate court Justices are:
- Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun from Kaduna State, who was appointed a High Court Judge on 24th May 1999

- Binta Fatima Zubairu from Kaduna State, appointed a High Court Judge on 31st October 2001

- Peter Chudi Obiora from Anambra State, who was sworn-in as High Court Judge on 17th January 2005.

- Justices Okon Efreti Abang from Akwa Ibom State, who was appointed a High Court Judge on 22nd June 2009

- Asma’u Musa Mainoma from the Federal Capital Territory appointed High Court Judge on 1st February 2013

- Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu from Oyo State, who became High Court Judge on 26th June 2014

- Jane Esienanwan Iyang from Cross River State, who was sworn-in as High Court Judge on 12th February 2015.

- Hadiza Rabiu Shagari from Sokoto State, who was elevated to the High Court Bench on 12th February 2015

- Paul Ahmed Bassi from Borno State, appointed to the High Court on 14th July 2017.

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