The Federal Government has recently uncovered significant financial activities related to the nationwide protests that have captured the attention of the public and authorities alike. According to a report by The PUNCH, at least N83 billion has been traced in both cryptocurrency and fiat money that has been directed towards these protests.
Among this substantial amount, $50 million in cryptocurrency has been identified, with a notable $38 million being blocked in four specific cryptocurrency wallets. This revelation underscores the complexity and scale of financial transactions associated with the protests. Additionally, it has come to light that N4 billion has been contributed by various political figures across key cities, including Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina, further complicating the financial landscape surrounding the protests.
The details of this financial tracing were presented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, during the inaugural meeting of the Council of State. This meeting was convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by the protests and ensuring national stability.
During the meeting, multiple sources with knowledge of the proceedings shared insights regarding Ribadu’s presentation, which was titled “The Nationwide Protest As It Affects National Security.” This topic is particularly pertinent given the ongoing unrest and its implications for the country’s governance and social fabric.
Read Also: Tinubu Endorses Policy to Keep Medical Professionals in Nigeria.
In addition to the financial details, Ribadu revealed that a European individual has been identified as the mastermind behind the proliferation of foreign flags during the protests. This identification raises serious concerns about foreign influence in domestic affairs, and the individual is expected to be declared wanted by the Police in the near future.
One source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, disclosed that local conspirators linked to the capital city of Abuja, as well as the states of Kaduna and Kano, have been arrested. This indicates a proactive approach by the government to dismantle any organized efforts that may be fueling the protests.
“In his presentation, the NSA emphasized that the government was able to trace $50 million to crypto wallets that were utilized as donations for the protests. They successfully blocked four of these wallets, which contained a total of $38 million,” the source elaborated, highlighting the government’s efforts to control the financial aspects of the unrest.
Furthermore, it was revealed that some political actors have contributed N4 billion to support the protests, raising questions about the motivations behind such financial contributions. This information was shared by one of the sources during discussions with The PUNCH, indicating a deeper involvement of political figures in the ongoing situation.
The PUNCH had previously reported that President Tinubu convened the Council of State meeting to address several pressing matters, including the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, national security challenges, the economy, and food security concerns. The wide-ranging agenda reflects the government’s recognition of the multifaceted nature of the issues at hand.
The Council of State is composed of key figures in the Nigerian political landscape, including the President, who serves as its chairman, the Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This diverse assembly underscores the importance of collaborative governance in addressing national crises.
The discussions during the meeting highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure national security amidst the ongoing protests, which have sparked widespread debate and concern across the country. The need for a coordinated response to the unrest was a central theme of the deliberations.
Ribadu’s presentation aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, detailing the financial tracing efforts and their implications for national security. The presentation was met with serious consideration from the members of the Council, who recognized the potential threats posed by both domestic and foreign influences.
The identification of foreign involvement in the protests raises significant concerns about external influences on Nigeria’s domestic affairs. Such revelations could potentially lead to diplomatic discussions regarding the role of foreign entities in local governance and civil unrest.
The arrests of local conspirators further indicate the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the unrest. By targeting those who may be orchestrating or supporting the protests, the government aims to restore order and confidence among the citizenry.
The financial tracing efforts reflect a broader strategy to understand and mitigate the funding sources behind the protests. This approach not only seeks to disrupt the financial networks supporting the unrest but also aims to deter future contributions that could fuel similar movements.
Overall, the meeting served as a critical platform for discussing urgent national issues and formulating strategies to address them effectively. The government’s proactive measures, as highlighted in Ribadu’s presentation, signal a determined effort to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape while ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
