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Russian Gas Still Flowing to Europe Despite Deadline Day for Rouble Payments Arriving

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Tensions in Ukraine: The West Is Skeptical of Russian Overtures

By Derrick Bangura – The amount of gas flowing into Europe from Russia hit its highest level in four months on Friday, despite threats from the Kremlin to halt all supplies to “unfriendly” countries, potentially wreaking havoc.

Friday marks the deadline for countries in the European Union and elsewhere to start paying for their gas in roubles
Failing to comply, President Vladimir Putin said, would lead to Russia turning off the taps for gas supplies to Europe, triggering widespread energy shortages on the continent.

Mr Putin has demanded that importers of Russian gas in Europe stop paying in dollars and euros, and instead open rouble accounts in Russian banks in order to prop up the country’s struggling currency.

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But the Kremlin appeared to leave the door open to a last-ditch compromise, saying that Russia wouldn’t halt all supplies today as payments on deliveries due after 1 April wouldn’t be taken until as late as May.

Around 60% of gas imports into Europe are currently paid in euros, and the rest in dollars.

It is likely that Russia and the European Union will reach some kind of agreement, according to energy experts, whereby clients in countries like France and Germany continue to pay for their gas in euros and Gazprom converts that to roubles in Russia.

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“It was in the interest of both parties to avoid a complete halt of flows,” said Leon Izbicki, a natural gas analyst at Energy Aspects.

“Europe would need to implement rationing of gas, which would have massive ramifications and lead to industrial shutdowns, while Russia would lose yet another revenue stream.”

But Gazprom insisted on Friday it was going ahead with the move, saying it had started to send requests for rouble payment switches to its clients.

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Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Kremlin said that Mr Putin’s order to receive gas payments in roubles is irreversible.

“The overall risk of a complete shutdown is lower in our opinion,” Mr Izbicki said, pointing to the Russian announcement on Thursday that it would accept payments in dollars or euros into a special currency account at Gazprombank.

EU sanctions specifically exclude Gazprombank, leaving room to find a compromise.

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Requiring payments in roubles could prop up the faltering currency and support exchange rates, experts said, while allowing Russia to more easily navigate sanctions.

It is unlikely to dramatically change the country’s dire economic situation, however.

Daily gas flows from Russia into Europe via Ukraine hit their highest level on Friday since November, according to Bloomberg data.

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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