News

Controversy in Jos North LGA as Chairman Defies Governor, Resumes Office

Published

3 years ago

June 15, 2023

In a bold move that has stirred controversy, Shehu Usman Bala, the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, resumed his position on Friday, challenging the authority of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

The embattled council boss has defiantly remained at the council’s Secretariat accompanied by various ward counselors, causing a stir among a cross-section of workers.

Bala who earlier on Friday addressed the press, asserted his right to remain as the council boss until the court rules otherwise. He emphasized the importance of following due process and reiterated his position as the duly elected chairman. “I was given the mandate by the good people of Jos North local government, and I am here to carry out my duties as the executive chairman of the council,” he declared confidently. Bala also called for calm among the people of Jos North, assuring them that their mandate is still intact.

Furthermore, Bala urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang not to be swayed by the influence of certain individuals he referred to as “enemies of the state.” He appealed to the governor to uphold the principles of justice and allow the proper legal procedures to take their course.

The recent suspension of the 17 Local Government Areas structures by Governor Caleb Mutfwang has sparked a debate over the powers of the State House of Assembly. The governor took this step to facilitate an ongoing investigation being conducted by the State House of Assembly. However, Hon Baba Hassan, the Member representing Jos North North in the state house of assembly, expressed his dissatisfaction with the suspension, stating that there is no law that grants the House of Assembly members the authority to suspend elected local government chairmen.

The standoff between Shehu Bala and Governor Caleb Mutfwang has created a tense situation in Jos North LGA. As the legal battle looms, the people of Jos North anxiously await the resolution of this dispute and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution that respects the rule of law.

News

NPFL: VAR Is Not A Luxury, Technology Is Taking Over – Avonda Richard

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 11 06 at 8.02.51 PM.jpeg

Avonda Richard, an ardent supporter of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) based in Ogba, Lagos State, has called for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the domestic league, insisting that Nigeria must embrace modern football technology to improve officiating and strengthen the credibility of its football competitions.

Speaking during Sports247’s Let’s The Fans Talk programme, Richard expressed concerns over the standard of refereeing in Nigerian football, acknowledging the efforts of match officials while pointing out the challenges affecting their performance, particularly inadequate training and facilities.

“To be honest, the Nigerian officiating sometimes is really, really poor. But I must also give it to them; they are trying their best,” Richard said.

He argued that some referees lack the necessary professional training and access to adequate facilities to prepare them for the demands of the game, stressing that officiating should be treated as a serious profession that requires proper development and continuous education.

Richard maintained that introducing VAR into the NPFL would help reduce officiating errors and bring Nigerian football closer to the standards of other competitive leagues.

“VAR is not a luxury because technology is taking over. So VAR is something that Nigeria needs to introduce in the Nigerian Premier League,” he stated.

Beyond the introduction of technology, Richard also called for improved television coverage of the domestic league, noting that Nigerian football deserves greater visibility and should be accessible to supporters in the same way they follow major European competitions.

“We should be having a Nigerian professional league that people can watch, just like when we watch Premier League, Italy and Germany on the screen,” he added.

He believes that increased broadcast coverage would attract more attention to the NPFL, create greater awareness among football supporters and encourage accountability within the league.

Richard’s comments highlight the growing conversation around the need for improved refereeing standards, investment in modern technology and greater visibility for Nigerian football as the NPFL continues to seek stronger recognition within African football.

Business

CBN issues regulations for non-security virtual assets, effective November 5,

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The apex regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday issued regulations for the Operations of Non-Security Virtual Assets in Nigeria, setting out a framework for licensing, regulating and supervising stablecoins, virtual asset service providers and related activities.

According to a circular to virtual asset service providers and stakeholders in the financial services industry, the apex bank said the regulations are meant to promote responsible innovation, strengthen the integrity of the Nigerian financial system and provide an appropriate framework for emerging digital payment instruments.

The CBN said the regulations are issued under the CBN Act, 2007, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and other applicable laws. It described them as a comprehensive, risk-based framework covering the licensing, authorisation, regulation, supervision and oversight of non-security virtual assets in Nigeria.

The framework covers stablecoins, Deposit Money Tokens, virtual asset service providers, virtual asset payment services, platform-facilitated peer-to-peer services, and custody, transfer, remittance, clearing and settlement activities.

The regulations also set requirements on the classification and designation of regulated tokens and activities, and on the licensing of issuers and providers of non-security virtual asset services. Other areas covered include capital, reserve-backing, liquidity and redemption; corporate governance, risk management and internal controls; and technology risk, cybersecurity and operational resilience.

They further address the safeguarding of reserve and customer assets; customer protection, disclosures and complaints management; and anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing obligations. Sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, counterparty due diligence, regulatory reporting, supervisory access, information sharing, enforcement, administrative sanctions and orderly wind-down arrangements are also included.

The CBN said the regulations apply to persons carrying out regulated activities in or from Nigeria, those directing such activities at persons in Nigeria, and those whose activities may materially affect the country’s payments system, financial system, foreign exchange market or financial stability. They may apply whether or not the person has a physical presence in Nigeria.

The apex bank said the regulations do not displace the statutory mandate of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other competent authority. Activities involving security virtual assets, securities, investment contracts or other capital-market products remain subject to the capital-market regulatory framework. Where an activity involves both non-security virtual assets and matters under another authority’s mandate, approvals must be obtained from each competent authority.

All affected institutions, issuers, service providers, operators, promoters and other stakeholders are required to familiarise themselves with the regulations and comply fully with the applicable requirements.

The regulations take effect from November 5, 2026. The circular was issued by the CBN’s Payments System Policy Department.

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