The naira continued depreciation against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Wednesday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate data on Wednesday showed that the Naira weakened slightly to N1,549.26 on Wednesday from N1,549.04.

This means that the Naira marginally dropped by N0.22 against the dollar on Wednesday.

Ekwutosblog reports that this is the third time Naira has recorded depreciation against the dollar this week.

Meanwhile, at the Naira black market, the Naira gained N5 on Wednesday to close at N1,590 per dollar, up from N1,595 the previous day.

This showed that the naira ended Wednesday with sentiments at both foreign exchange markets.

Recall that on Monday and Tuesday this week, the Naira depreciated at the official market but has remained relatively stable at the black market.

The National Chairman of the Ulam’u Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir has given condition to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He clearly stated that President Tinubu would lose their support if he drops Vice President, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Speaking at a gathering at the Yantaya Mosque in Jos, Plateau State, Sheik Jingir reminded the audience that he had publicly backed Tinubu and Shettima in 2023, despite his relationship with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

“Myself and others around me supported Tinubu and Shettima, and we’re backing your joint ticket. Any attempt to drop Shettima, I wouldn’t support that move because they had earlier agreed to contest and work together. I supported them without taking a penny from them. Although I am close to Atiku Abubakar, I chose to vote for Tinubu and Shettima. There are rumors circulating that things aren’t going well between them but I don’t believe it. In my opinion, it’s the work of their enemies.”

Recently, speculations have intensified within the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the president might consider replacing Shettima on the 2027 ticket.

But Sheik Jingir sees such rumours as the handiwork of who he calls “unpatriotic elements” trying to sow division within the presidency.

He called on the President to shun ‘enemies’ trying to sow discord between him and Shettima ahead of the polls.

A former senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabir Garba Marafa, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent bandit attacks in Zauma, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, and parts of Shinkafi LGA, which claimed the lives of local vigilantes and security personnel.

In a condolence message issued through his media aide, Mansur M. Haruna, Marafa extended his sympathies to the families of those affected, describing the situation as a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity in the state.

He said the persistent violence in Zamfara highlights the need for unity among the three arms of government, stressing that no meaningful progress can be made without ensuring the safety of citizens.

“The failure to act collectively on security is costing innocent lives. Unfortunately, some leaders have chosen to play politics with this crisis,” he said, recalling how his past warnings about the threat of banditry were dismissed.

He urged residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to peace, noting that political rivalry should never override the need to protect lives.