Edward Adamu, the fourth prosecution witness in the trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, on Wednesday, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that Emefiele did not have the approval of the CBN Board for the 2023 redesign of naira notes as required by the rules.

Adamu is a former Deputy Governor of the CBN.

The witness said the design also deviated from what Emefiele claimed was approved by then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Adamu disclosed that the usual process for currency redesign begins with the Director of Currency Operations submitting a proposal to the Committee of Governors (COG).

The COG then transmits the proposal to CBN Board for approval, with the final stage being the seeking of presidential endorsement.

He said Emefiele bypassed these procedures by simply calling for a COG meeting and presented what he claimed was a presidential approval and proceeded with the redesign, straightaway, a statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said on Wednesday.

Adamu was quoted as saying, “I became aware of it in October 2022 when the governor informed us, the deputy governors, that he had gotten an express approval to redesign the currency.

“Then on the 26th October, 2022, we were formally informed of the presidential approval of the redesign, so that is what happened in October, then there was a formal announcement of the currency redesign.

At the meeting, the governor showed us the approval of the president, by showing us the page where the approval of the president is. “Subsequently, there was a board meeting of the board of directors, where we were also informed of the presidential approval of the currency redesign.”

He further disclosed that the current designs of the notes fundamentally differ from what was originally approved, stating that Emefiele unilaterally made the changes. The redesign affected N200, N500, and N1000 notes.

When the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, sought to know if there had been instances where a presidential approval was gotten for an action before the CBN Board was informed, the witness stated that such was not the practice during his time at the apex bank.

Justice Maryanne Anenih discharged the witness from the dock at the end of the cross-examination and adjourned the matter till October 17, 2024 for continuation of trial.

The erstwhile chairman of Alimosho Local Government in Lagos State, Jelili Sulaimon, has said that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, lacks the constitutional right to suspend him from office.

Society Reporters reported on Monday that the Lagos State House of Assembly indefinitely suspended Mr Sulaimon as the Chairman of Alimosho LGA.

It was reported that the House took the decision during Monday’s plenary session, after lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Sulaimon over allegations of misconduct and defiance of the legislative House.

The House in a statement published on its website titled “Breaking: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho Council Chairman,” directed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to assume control of the council’s affairs.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sanni Okanlawon, who moved the motion for suspension, reportedly said, “It is evident that Jelili Sulaimon has continuously disregarded this House’s authority and failed to comply with directives, showing blatant misconduct. We cannot stand by and allow such chaos to persist.”

Okanlawon also highlighted the unrest that occurred in the Iyana-Ipaja axis in April 2024, which led to the death of a civilian.

Following our investigation into the unfortunate pandemonium that broke out, it was clear that Sulaimon masterminded the incident. He has since refused to cooperate with this House’s inquiries,” he added.

However, in a statement made available on Wednesday, titled: “You Lack The Power To Suspend Me, Jelili Fires Back At Lagos Speaker,” Sulaimon described his purported suspension as an abuse of due process.

According to the statement, the embattled chairman stated this at the council Secretariat during a public address of the electorates and residents of the council area on October 8, 2024.

The statement quoted Hon Jelili as had said, “Just as the National Assembly cannot suspend a State Governor, the State Assembly lacks the right to suspend a local government Chairman.

Only the Legislative arm of the council can suspend the Executive Chairman of a local Government following due process.”

He added that there was no time the Lagos State House of Assembly wrote the Council that it was not responded to duly.

“So, he wonders why such step should be taken simply because the Speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa allegedly wants to force the council to contract the market levy collection to Abiodun Ejigbadero who is in the middle of the crisis that took place at Iyana-Ipaja market in April 2024 and which led to the death of Micheal Ajayi.

He therefore encouraged Alimosho residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear and favour. As well as encouraged the House of Assembly to retrace her steps as something cannot be built on nothing.”

“If my child ever turned out like Bobrisky, I would feel I failed.” This is the kind of mean remark that some individuals have made upon encountering Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.

The young man’s controversial lifestyle has sparked debates nationwide, with many worrying about the influence he might have on impressionable youths.

Given his current case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his fame is at an all-time high—so is the worry of the older generation.

In April 2024, Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira, and given a six-month jail sentence. There were claims, however, that Bobrisky lived comfortably in a private apartment during this time, which he denied. Officials later confirmed that while he was held in the facility, his special treatment was for security reasons, due to his appearance and identity.

Bobrisky’s life has indeed been a series of scandals, from the recent legal troubles to social media drama. But these have only helped to him at the centre of public scrutiny. Moreover, his bold defiance of norms has made him a focal point for criticism, especially from parents and community leaders who worry about his influence on young Nigerians.

Public figures including former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe have urged parents to teach their children strong values. They argue that Bobrisky’s lifestyle directly opposes traditional African norms of decency and respect. As Bobrisky pushes boundaries, reputable individuals like Otunba Runsewe have spoken out about how they feel these values are being tested.

Indeed, with a large social media following, Bobrisky’s influence is undeniable. Yet, his flamboyant persona and controversial behaviour leave many uneasy. In a society where cultural values run deep, it is only right for rational individuals to be vigilant against things that run against these values. Bobrisky tops this list.

“A man who tries to walk two roads will split his legs,” warns an old proverb. Bobrisky’s life, full of contradictions, reflects this truth. Especially now that he is playing Russian Roulette with bodies like the EFCC, who knows what a person like him could drag parents into in the name of defending their children.

It is important to recall that Otunba Segun Runsewe warned Nigerians about the character called BOBRISKY. Today the cultural icon, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has indeed been vindicated.