9 things Nigerians expect from Buhari in 2017

Nigerians cannot wait for the year to be over. People are already counting the hours to the end of 2016.

It has been a tough year for the country and Nigerians are hopeful that 2017 will be a better year.

Nigerians have been patient with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government but they are running out of patience. They are tired of excuses and want action.

Here are the things Nigerians expect from Buhari in 2017.

1. Security

Nigerians want an end to insurgency. They are tired of the bombings and killings. So far, the war against Boko Haram has been yielding great results but the people want the insurgents to be defeated completely. Nigerians also want a lasting solution to the Fulani herdsmen attacks on innocent citizens. They want an end to the kidnappings. People want to live their lives without the fear of being kidnapped or attacked.

2. Save the naira

The value of the naira has been depreciating despite efforts by the government to save it. With the naira exchanging for as high as N490 to one dollar in the black market, the nation’s currency, no doubt, has hit an all-time low. Businesses are collapsing and the fate of the naira remains uncertain. A report by Bloomberg LP rated the naira as one of the world’s four worst performing currencies in 2016. The president and his team need to do something about the depreciating value of the naira and it needs to be done fast.

3. End to recession

The economic recession into which Nigeria lapsed officially in August has continued to bite harder. Companies are sacking workers, others are reducing workers’ salaries by between 20 and 50% and some others have folded up. The prices of goods are going up every day. People are trying hard to survive while life remains painfully hard. President Buhari is optimistic that the current economic recession will end in 2017. We hope it comes to end fast because life is becoming tougher by the day.

4. Constant power supply

Is there any part of Nigeria that can boast of 24/7 power supply? Nigerians have gotten so used to not having power. They now see it as a normal thing. Most households and businesses depend on generators and this makes the cost of doing business in Nigeria very expensive. One of Buhari’s campaign promises was the generation, transmission and distribution of at least 20,000 MW of electricity within four years and increasing to 50,000 MW with a view to achieving 24/7 uninterrupted power supply within 10 years. He has spent close to two years in office and Nigerians are still suffering epileptic power supply. Nigeria will continue to lag behind and businesses will continue to suffer as long as there is no constant power supply. Nigerians are hoping that power supply will improve in 2017.

5. Job creation

While campaigning for the post of president, Buhari promised an empowerment scheme to employ 740,000 graduates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and three million Jobs per year. According to the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the federal government, under Buhari, has created 200,000 jobs. What we are witnessing is people losing their jobs. Unemployment is on the increase which is one of the reasons Ponzi schemes are flourishing in the country. Nigerians are tired of promises, they need action.

6. Minimum wage increase

The present N18,000 minimum wage, was signed into law, in March 2011, by former president Goodluck Jonathan. Since then, government has increased the price of fuel, transportation has increased, the prices of foodstuff has gone up, practically everything has gone up while minimum wage is still N18,000. Nigerian workers expect this government to increase minimum wage because N18,000 is no longer reasonable.

7. Reduction of pump price of petrol

Though it looks impossible, Nigerians would be happy if Buhari reduces the pump price of petrol. The price of petrol was increased in May from N87 to N145 per litre. Since then, there has been rumour of the government increasing it again. Things are really difficult and Nigerians are still trying to get used to the new price. Do not think of increasing the price, Nigerians do not want that. What they want is for the price to be reduced, no matter how little to cushion the suffering.

8. Fight corruption without bias

One of the goals of this administration is to fight corruption in the country. So far, a number of prominent people who looted the nation’s treasury have been arrested and are under investigation. Some have returned the money they stole and others are still in detention. Nigerians are aware that it is not only the opposition that stole public funds. In 2017, Nigerians expect the fight against corruption to be without bias. It should be fought squarely and sweep across all political parties whether ruling or not.

9. Quality of life to improve

2016 proved to be a very difficult year for majority of Nigerians. Buhari presented the 2017 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 14. According to him, the 2017 budget will make the lives of Nigerians better than it did in 2016. Hopefully, it will be better.

What else do you expect from Buhari in 2017?

Prominent Nigerians present their wish list for 2017 to President Buhari

As the year 2016 will be gradually coming to an end in less than 24 hours, Nigerians across the country have prepared their wish list for the year 2017 for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The people have pointed out the areas they want the president to focus on in 2017 with many describing 2016 as their worst year ever.

Top on the wish list are calls for President Buhari to find solution to the rising cases of hunger in the land by fixing the economy, tackling corruption successfully and the end to insurgency.

Others that also made the wish list include calls to restructure the country, ensure equity in governance and improve security of lives and properties generally, especially by putting a stop to attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

Read more below:

Muda Yusuf, the director-general, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged the President to restore liquidity in the foreign exchange market, review the current trade policy and find a way to stop the country from importing petroleum products.

The Ijaw National Congress explained that reviving the economy should top the President’s agenda, adding that experts in economic matters should be brought in to save the nation’s economy.

Yinka Odumakin, the national publicity secretary of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba group, asked President Buhari to “constitute an economic team to ensure that the sufferings of Nigerians are ameliorated.”

Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos, stressed the importance of doing everything possible to revive the economy to the President in his comment, saying Nigerians are suffering.

The National Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, urged the president to deal with the problem of attacks by Fulani herdsmen in “a manner that shows that he is committed to Nigeria and not Fulani herdsmen and engage the South-East and the South-South in a more constructive manner.”

Ahmed Yakasai, identified the top three things he would like President Buhari to do in 2017 as “providing better quality of lives for Nigerians, including empowering the youth, turning around the economy and securing the lives and properties of Nigerians.”

Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, the National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, said the President should “intensify war against corruption to properly channel the country’s resources for impactful change.”

Waheed Olojede, the Chairman, NLC, Oyo state chapter, who lamented the hardship in the land, called on political leaders “to take the welfare of Nigerians more seriously.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-political association of the Igbo, said its wish is for the president to place more emphasis on equity and justice in 2017.

Mallam Abdulmumini Shehu Sanni, the Katsina state Chairman of the National Conscience Party, challenged the Federal Government to give Nigerians the type of change that would improve their living conditions and free them from shackles of poverty, saying, “Never in my life will I dream of a year like 2016.”

Nigerians condemn senate rejection of Magu, demand to see DSS report

The decision of the Nigerian senate to reject the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as substantive chief of the anti-corruption agency has met with the annoyance of Nigerians.

The Bukola Saraki-led senate has rejected Ibrahim Magu as EFCC boss

A cross-section of those that commented on social media site Facebook about the rejection believe that the Senate is worried that it would soon fall into the net of Magu’s EFCC.

Others claimed that the decision is clear indication that corruption if fighting back against the anti-graft war.

Some others believe that Magu deserved what he got because his anti-corruption war at the EFCC has been one-sided. If not, they wondered, why have those that have been accused of corruption in the president’s cabinet not been arrested?

Meanwhile, some other Nigerians demanded to see the security report upon which the senate based its rejection of Magu.

Dansabo Majekira: It show clearly magu is the man of the year since many corrupt elements were serious afraid of him confirm him or not he has achieved alot shame to whoever support the move for not confirming him

Sesugh Jacob-desaint Oraduen: Whether reject or not, Magu will continue to pilot the affairs of the EFCC.

Itodo Joshua: Corruption is fighting back...saraki's senate is d worst I av seen so far in naija, too selfish n nothing good would come out of dem...last time a nominee for NCC was not confirmed becos he led a protest against d senate...

Yusuf Umaru: Most of the principal officers are under investigation by efcc under the leadership of Magu, this is yet another crystal clear case of corruption fighting back desperately , and I expect the Presidency civil society organisations the international community and all Nigerians to support and firmly stand behind magu in his critical fight against corruption

Aminu Abubakar Goma: House of corruption and useless people that contributed nothing good to the nation. Insha Allah magu will scale through whether you like it or no

Mansir Hussaini: These people are just of armed robbers. They really against the effort makes by Buhari to moving this country forward. He must countinue like that, what you are afraid must accure. We have to start recalling you home because being you there is just a waste of funds. Useless

Wole Sawyerr: When will my brothers & sisters come to term with this govt & accept PMB as the President so we can come together & move this nation forward, why as the mentioning of his name make go you angry? It definitely has nothing to do with GEJ I guess

Olusola Jegede: Now it seems Magu himself would now taste the dosage of what he has been giving to others. That security report that warrants his rejection could as well land him in prison. That's Nigeria for you. It's well with him

Nasir Cbey: They have no any reason to stop him, and he will continue with his work as acting. Imagine a conspiracy saying that people are in hardship and will not allow govt to work inorder to ease the hardship.

Auwal Moga: Pls, Magu should go ahead to break a record as acting chair of EFCC to deal with all corrupt Senators and their sponsors outside the senate house. Since their godfathers sponsors them to sabotages war against corruption.

President Buhari will now have to get EFCC a new boss

Binta K. Imam: I've said it here and its happening. The Chief of Staff, Kyari, The APC Nat Chair, Oyegun and Mamman Daura do not want Magu there. They have even gotten his replacement since. He should not cont to waste his time fighting them on Sahara Reporters.

Lawal Abdullahi Giza: If senate will reject Magu it means he is doing an incredible work. Well if there is any part of the constitution that say he can go on without confirmation. PMB should go on with him, most of the senators are crooks and looters hence they are afraid to confirm Magu. Remember he handle the corruption cases of most of the ex governors in the senate, if i were PMB i will insist on him.

Chukwudifu Ope: Who is Afraid of Magu? ...furnish us with the details of the security report! .....National Assembly members shouldn't allow the unexpected to happen in Nigeria!!!

Chuks Eldorado: This is the Senate of difference. This is showing that the era of having rubber stamped Senators who are controlled by the executive is over. This Senate will make history as the arm of govt that worked to save this nascent democracy. I commend them for this great effort. U don't use corruption to fight corruption.

Daniel Worlu: Senate rejected Magu 4 security reasons at their disposal this is complete nonsense cus the greatest Security risk we have in Nigeria is the National Assembly!!!!

Jazuli Lawal: This is not surprising. It has been anticipated based on the antecedents of the Senate. Nigerians truly understand that corruption is now fighting back. We must stand by Magu and reject the corrupt senators by occupying NASS.

Doherty Olukayode Oloketuyi: Shameless Senators who have converted the supposed hallowed chambers of the Senate to a chamber of thieves, rogues and looters. This is a classical example of corruption fighting back.

Oladele Azeez: This senators are rogues. If not, why are they afraid of confirming Magu as substantive chairman of EFCC? They should be bold enough to disclose the security report they are relying upon to reject his nomination.

Uzor Azubuike: Rejecting Magu will not solve the problem. Magu will continue to act on acting capacity of EFCC and will nail all of you if you are corrupt. Rejecting Magu now shows that he is doing his job well. Don't worry Magu you can be on acting capacity

Francis Chavwuko Okoro: Nigerians want to see the document containing the security report from DSS! Head or tail, Magu must be confirmed as he will be presented a million times.

Saeed Baba Ahmed: What do you expect from the most corrupt Senate any were in the world? How do you expect a thief not to reject someone who is coming to jail him? Security report? Let them exposé it, Nigerian's are waiting. Shameless people

Salihu Abubakar: We know corrupted senators will never confirm someone with integrity like Magu now is left to Nigerians whether to fight back or to live this corrupted so-called senators continue set this country back

Akhimie Godwin: Fear of the unknown grips the senators, let him continue in acting capacity.The best efcc chairman in the history of Nigeria. Magu pump up the action, arrest more criminals and show them that when you are in acting capacity, you tends to do more than when you are confirmed.

Abbas Datti: Do not be in haste to make final judgement, unless you see the security report available to our #Senators. Our #Senators we want to know the ins of the security report.

Agbeje Martin: Legislative conspiracy against the anti-graft offensive most definitely. Who is their choice for the office at this point? It must be one of their cronies or a puppet they can control at the end. It's worse than rat race with us as it stands, it is toad style sprint - landing behind the leaping point after a hard jump. We are not getting any better after all.

Paschal Ihedimbu: The senate is being irresponsible and selfish, they are afraid of being arrested by EFCC. If not let the spokesman explain what is contained in the security report he sited.

Abubakar Lawal: It's unfortunate we have this type of useless people as senators at this material time,it was yesterday they call on mr president to sack David Lawal based on their investigation of breach of law ,to confirm or not magu will continue with his job

Olaleye Bolaji: I knew from onset he'll not be confirmed coss he has stepped on many corrupt toes, please let Nigerian know reason he cannot be used, for Nigeria to stand,we need to get rid of dis thieves

Richard Mor Bassey: Govt. is like a nursing baby whose growth is base not only on the parents but by anyone who come in contact with the baby. the judiciary has a stake, the legislature also have a part to play, the how is how in the country also play a part. if all the stake holders do not agree it cannot work. MAGu should by now know that he is not the best!

Umar Mohammed Bajoga: Hahaha, let them state the reason why they reject him? the rejection of magu as efcc chairman by senate, is the beginning of wisedom. Magu is the hero of the of the year and the symbol of fighting corruption.

Peter O Elofusim: This is DSS fighting him. DSS produces security report. The old men in the villa whom he has come after for their corrupt practices are the ones fighting back

Muhammad Jameel: I don't remember the time a nominee was sent to the senate to head an organisation and ourightly rejected by the senate.Except in zis room but certainly not in za ozo room.

Peter Jerome Laikei: Probably because of his one sided fight against corruption.Abba Kyari,Babashir Lawal,Rotimi Amaechi,Umaru Dikko,Buratai,etc are all roaming about freely while Dasuki is rotten in Jail & FFK going in & out of custody.

Chatta B MJ: Bunch of un-armed rubbers they are the problem of this country (Nigeria). We have to wipe them away. As an acting chairman he too need to act fast and find his way to send all the corrupt ones to jail while his confirmation took place on their behalf. He has to send saraki to jail with urgency.

Abdulrauf Musa: The most important thing is that Magu can continue to pursue any Rat as EFCC Chairman on acting capacity. Let them continue draging Legs on his confirmation. I stand with Magu even if he is one sided!

Osak Uwubanmwen: I'd be surprised, if they did. A group of economic scavengers. He can continue to act to do the good stuff he is doing.

Jameel Adinoyi Jameel: Does it surprise you...But those parliament of ages cannot suppress the wish of the people. They are playing with the Masse's strength.

Olatokun Olatunde Sunday: Shame to Senate fighting corruption remain unchanged so magu remain efcc chairman Ag or sustantive

Ismaeel Alimi Adio: Corruption fighting back seriously, Mr president pls re- send magu name. #with magu I stand

Adam Aliyu Inda: Corruption is fighting back most of the so-called senators are corrupt with Magu they won't find it easy. Mago has come to stay as EFCC chairman

Engr Innocent Aneke: All of them are just bunch of corrupt unjust and unpatriotic ppl including magu.....God will expose all their shady and cover ups.

Abdul Malik: Thieves are afraid of magu.they like or not magu is the EFFC chairman

Alhaji Yaqub Balami: All the idiots are thieves and are not ready to fight corruption may God expose them in a best ways he can

Alhaji Greema: Don't worry magu, very soon some of them will be in your custody.

Aromokunola Tope: Those thieves will never confirm someone to hunt them. God will surely judge the thieves looting this nation. #Godwillfightcorruptsenate

Tombari Kiabel: It is the right step in the right direction. magu has turn himself to be tool to truncate our hard earn civil rule

Saleh Musa: Why won’t they reject his nomination, criminals

Daviskil Domingo: Magu is Apc tool for oppressing opposition

Dunya Mwada: Security report that their corrupt deals will be exposed. Really, corruption fighting back in a broad day light. This nation has lost all sense of responsibility by every standard. What a shame....!!!

Chinedu Mojekwu Magu: Till 2019, Dino is the worst senator for far.

Ibrahim Haruna: You guys are just afraid of him

Sale Yunusa: They have shown the word the importance of corruption

Miftahu Mubarak Olatunji: Security report not known to c-in-c. abi?

Mohammed Gambo Liman: Which security report. Corruption fighting back

Abdulrahman Haruna Hudu Engawa: Shegu kenan I don't know why they're afraid of Magu, if I where Buhari will continue to keep him as acting till 2019 matsiyata barayi kawai

President Buhari to announce Ibrahim Magu's replacement in January

President Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly searching for a person to replace Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the EFCC, may be replaced in the near future

A source close to the government informed Daily Post about the planned shift in the comission following the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the major anti-corruption agency.

The replacement may be announced as early as January next year.

The insider said: “Anyone who knows President Muhammadu Buhari knows he highly regards DG of the DSS (Lawal Daura) and he is not likely to overlook a report prepared by his confidant.

Magu himself did not help his case. How could someone awaiting confirmation make comment like he will never lobby the Senate for confirmation?

Lobbying happens everywhere in the world. It is a recognized as a legitimate channel of communication. Perhaps Magu thought he was doing so well that PMB will fight the Senate for him. But have proven otherwise.

The budget is at stake; PMB is trying to take loan and needs approval; these and other pending issues will not make the presidency fight the Senate over one person.

Again, you will recall than an anti-corruption award was given to Ike Ekweremadu by EFCC, Magu authorized a statement that said something like EFCC doesn’t give award corrupt people.

How could Magu openly attack the second in command of the Nigerian Senate and thinks that person and his colleagues will confirm him.

People should stop thinking they are the only ones who can do a particular job. Many better hands are out there.

On the other hand, the impending probe of former governors in the Senate played a role in the rejection. Although Magu could not have stopped them, he could have spoke less of going after them.

They actually formed a block against the confirmation. This is a lesson to people. When your work is the type that put you against people, watch your tongue, at least until you get power.

Magu said many things ordinary Nigerians wanted to hear, not what powerful Nigerians wanted to hear."

Asked about possible plans of Mr Magu after being replaced the source assumed that he will highly likely to leave the EFCC completely.

He said: “The decision to remain in EFCC is up to him. But do you believe he will accept to serve under a new chairman having tasted power? I think otherwise.”

Watch related video:

Meanwhile, Despite efforts to step down the probe of corruption allegations leveled against Mr Magu, Abubakar Malami, the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, has begun investigations into various allegations him as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

AGF submits report on Magu to President Buhari

Contrary to reports, the presidency has said that Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has not been removed from office.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also denied reports that its acting chairman Ibrahim Magu has been sacked.

The anti-corruption agency tweeted on its official handle that the reports making the rounds were not true.

According to Sahara Reporters, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has submitted the report of his investigations into allegations against Magu to the president.

The Guardian reports that Malami has directed the acting EFCC boss to vacate his seat and hand over the reins to the director of operations at the commission.

It was gathered that Magu has been redeployed back to Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to pave way for a new person to be presented by President Muhammadu Buhari as the nominee to head the anti-graft agency before the Senate.

There were reports that President Buhari was allegedly searching for a person to replace Magu, as the acting chairman of the EFCC The replacement may be announced as early as January next year..

The Senate recently rejected Magu’s nomination following allegations of graft levelled against him by the Department of State Security Service (DSS).

President Buhari subsequently directed the AGF to investigate the corruption claims against Magu and other senior government officials.

However, the Senate confirmed the nomination of the other 4 members of the EFCC and referred them for further security screening.

France vows to continue to support anti-terrorism fight in Africa

The French government has sent message to its troop stationed in Africa to be prepared for a long war against terrorism in the region.

This is coming on the heels of an operation by Nigerian troops in Sambisa forest that led to the capture of Camp Zero which is the stronghold of the terrorists.

Among those arrested in the forest were 40 foreigners with some suspected to be French citizens following the arrest of one who is an expert in Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).

Vanguard reports that Bernard Cazeneuve who is the prime minister of France also promised Chad, where French troops have been stationed since 2014 under Operation Barkhane, his nation’s financial support.

“Our country must continue to make clear and ambitious budgetary decisions in support of our armies.”

“We must prepare for a long war in an environment that has undergone dramatic shifts,” Cazeneuve said.

The Operation Barkhane covers five nations in Africa and was launched after French military interventions in Mali and Chad.

Others are Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso.

He hailed troops fighting on fronts “thousands of kilometres away from their homes”.

“You risk your lives to save others.”

“France will always help Chad surmount its difficulties,” Cazeneuve said after a meeting with President Idriss Deby.

Meanwhile, The Nigerian Army dismissed a new video released on Thursday, December 29, by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau as mere propaganda.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said the attention of the Nigerian Army is drawn to a video clip released by Boko Haram from an undisclosed location a while ago, showing its purported leader, making spurious claims.

He said: “While effort is on-going to subject the video for further forensic analysis, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate that it has captured and occupied the last known stronghold of the terrorists group in the Sambisa forest.

“We would like to reassure the public that this video is nothing but mere terrorists propaganda aimed at creating fear in the mind of people and to remain relevant.”

He added: “Therefore, there is no cause for alarm, more so as concerted effort in clearing the vestiges of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding is still on-going.”

Read Atiku Abubakar's New Year message to Nigerians

Nigeria's former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has declared that the year 2017 is a year of new hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Atiku in a statement released to mark the New Year celebrations, described the outgoing 2016 as a year in which our nation faced a multitude of challenges, but which ended on a high note, giving us hope and confidence in what we as a nation can achieve when we stand to work together.

He said: “Our military has recorded an important victory over Boko Haram and we should be grateful for the sacrifice our men and women in uniform are prepared to make to keep us safe. To honour them, we should also remember that it is our collective responsibility to make peace, and not just in the North East.)

“I believe we can and will work around our differences, because we know that our strength lies in our diversity. And when we make our New Year’s resolutions, I hope my countrymen and countrywomen will join me in aspiring to be tolerant and to listen with an open mind and heart to those who do not share our views. We should respect each other’s views and traditions, and we should remember that our humanity shows in how we treat the most vulnerable.”

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also addressed the economic challenges Nigeria is facing, saying: “On the economic front, the federal government has given assurances of a speedy recovery. I am confident that we will see investments in key sectors, and that steps will be taken to restore business confidence. We’ve been dealt a cruel hand, but things are looking up, and I’m confident we will emerge stronger: we’re learning to be more efficient and effective, and we’re learning to evaluate what we really need and what we can afford. We’re suffering, but we’ll become more innovative and competitive.”

Atiku said hope was important to all as we aim to achieve in 2017, as that hope and perseverance will guide us through the darkness that announces the break of dawn.

He thanked God for seeing Nigeria through a tough year, noting that the rest of Nigeria’s journey could only be made possible with God’s help.

The former vice-president recently described the defeat of the Boko Haram as the best Christmas and New Year present to Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday, December 27, noted that the sacrifice of the Armed Forces was a gift to the nation that had been under tremendous stress on account of the deadly activities of the insurgents.

Naira scarcity: Nigerians accuse FG of investing in MMM

Some Nigerians have accused the federal government of investing in the popular Ponzi scheme, MMM, following reports of scarcity of small naira denominations in the country.

Some Nigerians have suggested that the scarcity of small naira denominations could be as a result of the federal government investing in the popular Ponzi scheme, MMM.

The accusations surfaced after sources in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed to the media that the apex bank failed to print small naira denominations for about a year due to the current economic recession.

The sources explained that CBN did not award contract for the printing of the notes such as N5, N10, N20 and N50 usually done abroad due to the high cost of printing the banknotes.

“The cost of printing N50 is almost the same as N1,000. Printing small denominations costs more than the value and with the present economic situation, it makes sense to print higher notes which can be done locally by NSPM," a source at the apex bank said.

However the CBN has denied the allegation that it had not contracted the printing of smaller denomination currencies since 2015.

The CBN acting director, corporate communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor, dismissed reports of scarcity of smaller denomination in the market.

But some Nigerians puzzled by the revelation have described the currency saga as an embarrassment to the nation.

Other commentators insisted that the scarcity was caused by the CBN investing in the MMM scheme.

Read reactions to the issue below:

Jacob Kingsley: "As you can see that everything in Nigeria now is politics. Always try to come up with excuse instead of doing the right thing to move the country forward. This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that the CBN stop printing low denomination currency because of festival. CBN is now MMM. There is Godooooo."

Hajara Ibrahim: "Tell us the truth... Una don carry our money do MMM. Una think say we no know."

Lugar Ikenna Anozie: "Gcfr U guys were discouraging people to do MMM,but u carry our money do MMM...just tel us d truth,we will fogive u people."

On his part, Akinyemi Sunday suggested that the scarcity was caused by treasury looters who had prevented the funds from circulating.

He said: "The reason for the scarcity is as a result of stock piling of naira notes in private homes by politicians and public servants particularly the ex and serving governors and National Assembly members and treasury looters.

"As a matter of fact the money which is kept away from the system and from circulation is far far far bigger bigger bigger than the volume of money in the economy. Tooooooooo muuuch money had been stolen and kept away leaving the economic with stroke. Remember the judges and what was found in their homes.

"The politicians and criminals who gave them are having 99% of what they gave them in underground floors and isolated houses built for hiding money. This is the naked truth which the CBN knows but cannot tell us."

Gabriel Jerry sounded puzzled by the issue when he said: "Are you saying that you couldn't afford to print out smaller denominations? The central bank of the most populous country in Africa cannot afford to print her notes ? I reserve my comments."

Another group of commentators vented their anger on the Buhari administration over the issue:

Chidimma Claribel: " Hmmm,first in history to hear this type of story!which way Buhari?which way Nigeria?"

Zulu Donatus: "Upon the produced number of of barrels of oil increased . Jokers. Buhari wants to finish the oil before he steps down including the money he is taking from people. Nigerians would realise what we are talking about Buhari very soon."

Mercy Ihuoma: "That's rubbish. Other countries still use the least of the denominations of their currencies. Story for the gods!!!" Government of Lies and Deception."

Alo Kelechi: "That is the change."

Prisca Uj :"All happening under Buhari's watch."

Nedum Bright: " Nigeria in a deep mess under this wicked regime."

Meanwhile, Nigerians across the country have continued to groan over the failure Automated Teller Machines in most banks to dispense cash.

And in cases where banks are operating, customers have relayed experiences of being told to keep their withdrawals within a certain range of amount due to lack of cash.

Have you also experienced a cashless festive season due to the alleged insufficient funds in circulation?

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker resigns

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Adams Dabotorudima has resigned from office.

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker resigns

Surprisingly, the former Speaker who resigned Friday, December 18, 2015, Ikunyi Ibani of Andoni Constituency was re-elected Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly.

According to reports by Punch newspaper, Mr Dabotorudima succeeded Mr Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, the estwhile Speaker who resigned on Friday, December 18, 2015, shortly after Governor Nyesom Wike presented the N307bn Appropriation Bill for 2016 before the House.

Adams Dabotorudima who represent the Okrika constituency, the same Rivers East Senatorial District as Governor Nyesome Wike resigned today, Friday, December 30, 2016.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Njoku who was sworn in as speaker of the Abia state house of assembly on Thursday, December 29, has resigned his appointment on personal grounds.

50 dreadful prophecies about 2017 by Apostle John Suleman

Popular clergyman, Apostle John Suleman has released 50 shocking prophecies for the year 2017.

Apostle John Suleman has released 50 dreadful prophecies about 2017

The prophecies which were contained in a statement signed by his advisor on public communications, Phrank Shaibu warned the federal government not relax yet on Book Haram. “It’s a deception,” he said.

Another of the prophesy is that “forces” in Aso Rock were “planning to poison the current First Lady (Aisha Buhari).”

The same “forces” would “alienate Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and make attempts to remove him from office but God will humble Buhari in 2017.”

“A former First Lady of Nigeria needs prayers over her health. Forces in Aso Rock are planning to poison current First Lady (Aisha Buhari).Two times, Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, will face removal from office. They will alienate him and they will make attempts to remove him. But God will humble Buhari in 2017”, Suleman stated.

He said popular Ponzi scheme, MMM will dupe more Nigerians in 2017 as Nnamdi Kanu’s detention to cause international crises. God is angry with Buhari for the continued detention.

The man of God said more kidnapped Chibok girls will be released in the new year as Fulani herdsmen attacks will spread to Taraba, Benue, Imo and Jigawa state.

Details of the Prophecies below

1. I see terrorism on the increase

2. Federal Government of Nigeria should not relax yet on Book Haram. It’s a deception.

3. Buhari to face impeachment threats.

4. America and China to have major face-off

5. Crude Oil to flow in Northern Nigeria.

6. Abuja to experience major Fire explosion.

7. Donald Trump to face impeachment attempt as members of Congress will be divided on his style of leadership.

8. I see an airplane that has Nigeria’s logo (National Carrier)

9. Things will pick up a bit in Nigeria but hunger will persist.

10. I saw people crying over Bamanga Tukur

11. Buhari will be bereaved in 2017

12. Ecobank, Diamond, Fidelity, GTB to retrench staff.

13. President Buhari’s health needs attention

14. 2017 budget will have crises

15. More judges to be humiliated

16. MMM to dupe more Nigerians and I see court cases.

17. Dollar to exchange for N615

18. Recession in Nigeria to become depression in 2017

19. MTN and GLO to face hardship

20. A former First Lady of Nigeria needs prayers over her health.

21. Forces in Aso Rock planning to poison current First Lady (Aisha Buhari)

22. I saw huge number of Chibok girls released; some of them with kids

23. Nnamdi Kanu’s detention to cause international crises. God is angry with Buhari for the continued detention.

24. Donald Trump to favour Israel. American Embassy in Israel to be moved to Jerusalem.

25. Liberian election: CONTINUITY

26. Ghana’s new president to send many to jail.

27. Buhari and Senate to have crucial disagreement.

28. Nigeria’s Budget will be delayed

29. I see killings in Ekiti

30. EFCC to come after National Assembly members in Nigeria in a politically motivated arrests because of their refusal to confirm Magu

31. I see kidnappers entering schools

32. Nigeria will lose a great man of God and the New Year is when the Nigerian government will fight the Church like never before.

33. Some terrorists will be arrested in Lagos

34. Traditional Rulers indicted and arrested for corruption

35. Lufthansa, Dana air, Ghana Air, Aero Contractors; I see staff protests.

36. America to have financial crises.

37. A serving Cabinet Minister in Nigeria will die

38. Nigeria to secure foreign funds

39. Doctors will embark on strike in Nigeria

40. A new Mega party in Nigeria will swallow up APC

41. I see a new leadership for the APC in Nigeria.

42. I see the DSS being taken to court

43.France, Spain, Russia to pray against train going off the rail.

44. I saw a huge school building collapse.

45. Nollywood to pray. They will get help but will lose two major people. The Yoruba movie industry too but prayer can avert it.

46. Fulani herdsmen again! Taraba, Benue, IMO and Jigawa state.

47. Kogi state to organize state prayers to avoid major deaths and natural disasters.

48. Edo state; major celebration but pray against road crashes.

49. I see presidents being removed in Africa, I see presidents being installed.

50. Two times, Nigeria’s vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, will face removal from office. They will alienate him and they will make attempts to remove him. But God will humble Buhari in 2017.