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Category: Governance

  • Nationwide protest: SGF, ministers hold emergency meeting today

    Nationwide protest: SGF, ministers hold emergency meeting today

    The Federal Government has scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday (today) morning in response to a planned nationwide protest slated for August 1.

    This comes after President Bola Tinubu pleaded with the organisers to shelve the protests and give his administration more time to execute people-oriented programmes.

    A circular shared with The PUNCH on Tuesday by sources with knowledge of the meeting indicated that all the ministers, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and the Special Advisers to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, were among those invited for the meeting.

    The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Richard Pheelangwah, dated July 23, 2024, was titled, ‘Planned Nationwide Protest.’

    It read, “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.

    “Attendance is mandatory. Please, accept the warm regards of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

    The planned session is coming amid the clamour for nationwide protests from August 1 over the rising cost of living and the economic hardship in the country, which has blamed on the removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira and other economic reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration.

    The planned demonstration, inspired by the recent Kenya protests, has gained traction on social media, where it is trending under the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’

    However, the Presidency and the police authorities called on youths to abandon the plan, describing it as ill-advised.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday conveyed the President’s plea to Nigerians in an interview with State House correspondents, after a meeting with Tinubu.

    He said, “On the issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.

    “So, there is no need for a strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more time to see to the realisation of all the goodies he has for them.”

    Idris said the President took the protesters’ grievances seriously and was committed to ensuring a better future for Nigeria.

    He mentioned the speedy passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill by the National Assembly and the recent approval and delivery of grains to state governments as evidence of the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

    Idris added, “We also discussed the issue of the country generally and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.

    “For example, you saw that the Federal Government approve grains and rice for state governments, it was delivered to them expeditiously also.

    “Like I said the other time, it is just the necessary first step; the government is going to continue in that direction, supporting them and ensuring that whatever interventions the Federal Government has put in place go to those that should benefit. It is very important that is being put out.

    “The Federal Government is looking at strategies that every intervention would go directly to those who benefit from those interventions, not middlemen intervening along the way.”

    The minister also said President Tinubu was passionate about the newly launched Student Loan Board, which aimed at ensuring that every eligible student had access to tertiary education.

    “It is no longer a time for all of us to stay back and see our young able-bodied men and women that have pa

  • BREAKING: We Won’t Allow Violence Under Guise Of Copying Kenya Protests – IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, warned against any violence under guise of replicating the protest which shook Kenya.

    Following some policies which aggrieved Kenyans considered anti-masses, young persons trooped to the parliament and strategic places across Kenya last month.

    The protest had led to some reforms, including cabinet reshuffle.

    Some groups are currently mobilising for protest under the theme #EndBadGovernance

    But speaking at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during a strategic meeting with top police officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), on Tuesday, Egbetokun advised those planning the protest to jettison the idea, saying the police would not fold their arms watching them engaging in violence.

    The police boss said the force’s decision was based on what happened during the last #EndSARS protest nationwide, insisting that the police, particularly has not been relieved of the trauma they passed through.

    The top cop said, “Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities.

    “We will, therefore, not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleash violence on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again.”

    According to him, the police have run background checks on many of the organisers and sponsors of the protest, it was found out that many of them are not living in Nigeria, and that they are only out to instigate crisis in the country.

    He added, “Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks.

    “Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategising and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

    “While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

    “As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences. The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives.

    “Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise. Rather than lead to any positive outcome, EndSars merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country.

    “Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests.”

    Fielding questions from journalists, Egbetokun also said that measures are in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters will be apprehended.

    He stated, “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians.

    “Consequently, I want to seize this opportunity to sound the note of serious warning to hoodlums who may want to take laws into their own hands in the name of protests. Do not worry.”

  • Tinubu Sends ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Bill To NASS

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted a national minimum wage bill to the House of Representatives in the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

    The President and the leadership of the Organised Labour had last Thursday agreed on ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    Information Minister Mohammed Idris had said “the new national minimum that Mr President is expected to submit to the National Assembly is ₦70,000”.

    The truce between the government and labour sides followed a series of talks between labour leaders and the President in the last few weeks after months of failed talks between labour organs and a tripartite committee on minimum wage constituted by the President in January.

    The committee, which comprised state and federal governments and the Organised Private Sector, had proposed ₦62,000 while labour insisted on ₦250,000 as the new minimum wage for workers who currently earn ₦30,000 as minimum wage.

    Labour had said ₦30,000 was unsustainable for any worker going by the economic vagaries of inflation and high cost of living which followed the removal of petrol subsidy by the President.

    Despite its initial insistence on ₦250,000 as the new minimum wage, Labour accepted the President’s offer of ₦70,000 last Thursday.

    The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said Labour accepted ₦70,000 and rejected a proposal by President Bola Tinubu to pay ₦250,000 minimum wage on a condition to increase petrol prices.

    He also said Labour agreed to the ₦70,000 offer because minimum wage won’t be reviewed once in five years anymore but once every three years.

    The transmission of the wage bill came about six weeks after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would be sent to the National Assembly for passage.

  • Police Deny Selling Falomo Barracks

    Police Deny Selling Falomo Barracks

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Police headquarters in Abuja has described shocking and unfounded, trends of discussions on the dilapidated status of barracks and their redevelopment, specifically the Falomo Barracks and others in Lagos in social media dismissing allegations that the barracks have been sold.

    Rather the Police said the barrack along with others is being redeveloped in partnership with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by building more befitting and modern barracks

    Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi made this known on Tuesday.

    He said, “Following series of misleading write-ups and social media comments alleging that the Falomo Barracks land in Lagos State has been sold, it has become pertinent for the Nigeria Police Force to address the shocking and unfounded trends of discussions on the dilapidated status of barracks and their redevelopment, specifically the Falomo Barracks and others in Lagos.

    “While we appreciate the concerns and interests of concerned groups and individuals on the general welfare of police personnel, we aim to provide clear and accurate information about these unpalatable allegations.

    “Due to the critical state of several police barracks (including the Falomo Barracks) the NPF leadership conceived a partnership arrangement with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by redeveloping the barracks into more befitting and modern barracks – with complementary facilities and modern infrastructure.

    “The redevelopment of the barracks (including Falomo Barracks) is set to be speedily completed after which the occupants will be duly offered fresh accommodation in the redeveloped sites.

    “In specific terms, the occupants of Falomo Barracks Blocks A and B have each received a sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) only as a temporary relocation allowance.

    “This payment has been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation.

    “It is important to note that this initiative is not limited to Falomo Barracks alone.

    “Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time.

    “This is a strategic effort to improve the living conditions of our officers and their families, which is a key focus of the current police administration.

    “The claims that the Barracks are being vacated and the pieces of land sold are false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary discord within the ranks of the NPF.

    “The improvement of these facilities is a priority for the Nigeria Police Force, and steps are being taken to address the issues effectively.

  • Court declines to bar Fubara from spending Rivers funds

    By Vivian Michael

    A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja has refused to shut down all expenditures of Gov. Siminalay Fubara of Rivers pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit field by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24 and moved by Sebastien Hon, SAN, rather ordered the plaintiffs to put all the defendants in the suit on notice.

    Justice Nwite, however, granted another motion ex-parte by the plaintiffs to serve the 5th to 10th defendants with the originating process and other applications in the matter by substituted means.

    The judge said: “the leave is hereby granted to the plaintiffs/applicants to serve the 5th to 10th defendants/respondents with tne plaintiffs/applicants’ originating and any other process(es) filed or issued in this suit by substituted means to wit:“By publishing same in the Nation Newspapers.”

    Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Aug. 7 for hearing of the motion on notice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5th to 10th defendants are Fubara; Accountant-General (A-G) of Rivers; Rivers Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC); Chief Judge (CJ) of Rivers, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi; Chairman of RSIEC, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd.) and Government of Rivers State respectively.

    The Rivers State House of Assembly and Right Honourable Martin Amaewhule (1st and 2nd plaintiffs) had, through their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed the suit dated July 14 but filed July 15.

    They had sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

    Also joined in the suit are Fubara, Rivers A-G, RSIEC, Rivers CJ, Chairman of RSIEC and Rivers government as 5th to 10 defendants.

    In the motion on notice brought pursuant to Order 28 Rules 1 and 2; Order 27 Rules 5; Order 28 Rule 1(2) of FHC Civil Procedure Rules 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, the plaintiffs sought two orders.

    They sought an order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants from honouring any request, command, order or mandate or any banking or other instrument, financial instruction or other instructions issued by the 5th defendant on his instruction or at his instance or deriving from the 5th defendant’s authority or in any manner, fund or revenue of Rivers State or Rivers State Government in the custody of the said the defendants, or held by the said defendants for the benefit of Rivers State or Rivers State Government or in any NAN reports that the two rulings, which were delivered on July 17 in the judge’s chamber, were obtained on Sunday in Abuja by NAN.

    The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly had, on July 15, suspended all expenditures of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara until he re-presents his budget before the house.

    The lawmakers gave the governor a seven-day ultimatum to re-present his budget, which they said had expired.

    Rivers House Leader, Major Jack, moved the motion to bring up a resolution alerting the house of the governor’s seven-day deadline for presenting the 2024 budget to the house.

    Following consideration, the assembly decided to shut down the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account, prohibiting any expenditure by Gov. Fubara’s administration.

  • NLC accepts N70,000 as new national minimum wage

    NLC accepts N70,000 as new national minimum wage

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accepted the offer of N70,000 as the new National Minimum Wage, as proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a meeting at the Presidential Villa on July 18, 2024. 

    This was disclosed in a statement via NLC’s X handle on Friday, July 19.

    This decision was made during an emergency treatment National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on July 19, 2024.

    The statement reads:”The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened today in an emergency meeting in response to the outcomes of the Meeting with the federal government which held yesterday, the 18th of July, 2024 at the Presidential Villa with the new National Minimum Wage in focus.

    “The President of the Federation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presided over the meeting.

    “The NEC-in-session after extensive deliberations, unanimously:
    1. Commended and applauded the doggedness of the leadership of the Congress on the courage and forthrightness with which they handled the National Minimum Wage fixing exercise
    2. Accepted the President’s offer of N70,000 (Seventy thousand Naira) as the new National Minimum Wage and the 3-yearly tenure for its review.
    3. Demanded full and strict compliance by all to the dictates of the National
    Minimum Wage 2024 when it becomes an Act.”

    “NEC-in-session concluded that this decision, though challenging and far from our initial demand, was made in the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice for Nigerian masses to avert a threatened further hike in the price of Petrol which would inflict more hardship on the already suffering masses.

    “Once again, NEC-in-session restates the commitment of the NLC to continue to stand resolutely in its mission to defend and advance the rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerian people at all times. It therefore calls on all Nigerians to unite in this cause and to hold our leaders accountable to the same standards of sacrifice and service.”

  • DSS kills kidnapper of popular Hausa singer Rarara’s mother, recovers N26.5m

    DSS kills kidnapper of popular Hausa singer Rarara’s mother, recovers N26.5m

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Department of State Services operatives have killed one and arrested another of the kidnappers of Hajiya Hauwa’u Adamu, mother of popular Kano-based Hausa singer, Dauda Rarara.

    Gunmen had broken into the residence of Rara’s mother in Kahutu village in Danja Local Government Area of Kano State and abducted her on Friday, June 28, 2024.

    She, however, regained freedom after spending 20 days in captivity.

    A highly placed source in the secret service told Daily Trust that N26.5 million was also recovered in a covert operation.

    The source said the Kano command’s tactical team, based on reliable intelligence, busted a gang of five bandits in Makarfi bush where they were sharing the ransom.

    “One Hamisu Tukur, is currently in custody with gunshot injuries, while Bature was killed,” the source said

  • Appeal Court affirms Diri’s re-election as Bayelsa Governor

    Appeal Court affirms Diri’s re-election as Bayelsa Governor

    By Vivian Michael, Abuja

    The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, Thursday, affirmed the re-election of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.

    The judgement described the appeal brought before it by the All Progressives Congress(APC) and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, as incompetent and abuse of court process.

    The appellate court, had in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices lead by Justice James Abunduga, said it found no reason to dislodge the earlier judgement of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    It held that the court below was right when it declined to nullify the outcome of the gubernatorial poll that was held in the state on November 11, 2023.

    The Bayelsa Governorship petition tribunal, had on May 27, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, dismissed as lacking in merit, the petition that was filed against governor Diri’s re-election by the APC and its candidate.

    The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to adduce any credible evidence to substantiate any of the allegations they raised against the outcome of the governorship poll.

    It struck out as incompetent, all the additional proof of evidence, as well as statements on oath of some of the witnesses that testified for the petitioners.

    The court below maintained that the law expressly provided that an election petition must be filed no later than 21 days after the result of an election was declared.

    It held that such petition must, at the time it was filed, be accompanied by written statements of all the intended witnesses.

    The tribunal held that the decision of Sylva and his party to file their additional proof of evidence and statement on oath of witnesses, long after they had filed the petition, was “tantamount to a surreptitious attempt to amend the case of the petitioners.”

    The tribunal noted that whereas Sylva and his party prayed it to declare that they were the valid winners of the governorship election, they equally applied for the same election to be declared invalid.

    It held that prayers of the petitioners were contradictory, adding that Sylva and APC did not tender any electoral material to show that any irregularity occurred during the election.

    It held that the petitioners were unable to discharge the burden of proof that was placed on them by the law, stressing that they failed to show, polling units by polling units, the particulars of the non compliance they alleged and how it substantially affected the outcome of the election.

  • We need support to pay N70,000 minimum wage – Organised private sector

    We need support to pay N70,000 minimum wage – Organised private sector

    The Organised Private Sector, OPS, has reacted to the new N70,000 minimum wage adopted by the Federal Government.

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers, with a promise to review the national minimum wage law every three years.

    Reacting, the spokesperson of OPS, and Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, warned that members cannot pay the N70,000 national minimum wage announced by the Federal Government without support.

    He was quoted as saying: “While we commend the President for putting to rest the immediate issue of the National Minimum Wage, we also note, most importantly, his commitment to support the sub-nationals and the organised private sector to pay the new wage.”

  • Edo Deputy Governor’s security strengthened as gunmen attack convoy of Okpebholo, Shaibu 

    Edo Deputy Governor’s security strengthened as gunmen attack convoy of Okpebholo, Shaibu 

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    On Thursday in Benin, gunmen attacked the convoy of APC governorship candidate Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the reinstated deputy governor Philip Shaibu, resulting in the death of one security officer.

    The attack took place on Airport Road as Okpebholo and his team arrived from Abuja on a chartered flight. A police officer was killed and three others sustained injuries. Okpebholo’s condition remains unclear, though he is reported to be hospitalized in an undisclosed location in Benin City.

    This incident follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Wednesday that overturned Shaibu’s impeachment by the state House of Assembly. The Assembly has since appealed the ruling.

    The gunmen, stationed at the airport exit gate, opened fire on the convoy, leading to a retaliatory response from the security personnel protecting Okpebholo and Shaibu. The attack prompted businesses and offices in the vicinity to close quickly, and many motorists abandoned their vehicles and sought safety.

    SP Chidi Nwabuzor, spokesperson for the Edo police command, confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation.

    “It is premature for the police to confirm at this time until the investigation is concluded,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a check showed that security had been strengthened at the premises of the state Deputy Governor, Godwins Omobayo located at Osadebey Avenue, near the airport, in Benin to forestall any attack on him.

    In a statement on Thursday, Edo government alleged that it had observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs working in connivance with the former deputy governor.

    Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation, alleged that Mr Shaibu-led thugs have unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in the guise of enforcing the judgement reinstating him to office.

    “We want to reiterate that Shaibu will face the consequences of violence that he has resorted to in pursuit of his aim to return to the Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the judgement has been filed,” he said.

    The commissioner enjoined the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as government restored peace to the ancient city.

    However, efforts to get the reaction of Shaibu proved abortive.

    But a statement by Godswill Inegbe, an aide to Okpebholo said his principal was attacked by the gunmen.

    “During the unprovoked attack, three mobile policemen attached to the security detail of Sen. Okpebholo were injured with bullet wounds, while one of the policemen has been feared dead,” Inegbe said.

    According to him, Okpebholo is at this moment admitted in an undisclosed hospital in Benin for medical attention with other members of the entourage.