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Category: News

  • Senate Presidency: ACF denies endorsing Kalu

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has denied endorsing former Abia governor, Sen. Kalu Uzor Kalu as its preferred candidate for the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly.

    Alhaji Musa Saidu, a member of the forum said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Saidu was reacting to a statement created to Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the leader of the Arewa Youth Conservative Forum (AYCF) claiming that the ACF had endorsed Kalu for the position.
    “I want to say without fear of contradiction, that the ACF has no youth wing and there was no time that we sat to make Shettima the AYCF leader. The whole thing is false.


    “The ACF has not endorsed Kalu as the next Senate President, because we have our own ways of doing things. It is shocking to hear Shettima asking Sen. Abdulaziz Yari to step down for Kalu in the race for Senate Presidency,” he said.


    Saidu, also the leader of the Arewa Community in Southern Nigeria, said that the ACF would have preferred that the position be zoned to the North because of its contribution to the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the Feb. 25 election.


    “The North contributed the highest votes for Tinubu in the presidential election, so we can’t just endorse candidates from other zones for the Senate Presidency.


    “How can we work for Tinubu to become president and then turn around to start campaigning for other zones to become Senate President?
    “In fact, the Vice-President slot given to the North is just like a spare tyre, everybody in Nigeria knows that the position has not much value.


    “Since the North West gave Tinubu the highest votes, then it should be given the Senate Presidency, the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives is too small for the zone,” he said.


    Saidu added: ”It is a payback time for the North, so it should be given the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly.


    “For fairness and justice, the North should be considered for the Senate Presidency and Sen. Abdulaziz Yari should be endorsed for the position.”

  • Sokoto Attack: PDP condoles with victims’ families

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has expressed sadness over the recent attacks by bandits on some communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    The state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, in a statement on Monday issued to newsmen by Hassan Sanyinnawal, the party’s spokesman, described the attacks as callous and dastardly.

    Goronyo also expressed sadness over the deaths and injuries recorded during the attacks.

    “As a party, we want to express our heartfelt condolences to the immediate families of those who lost their lives and pray Allah to forgive the deceased and give the families the fortitude to bear the losses.

    “More so, we appeal to the Sokoto State Government to take necessary measures to address insecurity in the state and also assist the families of the victims,” he added.

    Gunmen on Saturday killed no fewer than 30 people during the attacks, while many others were injured.

  • Subsidy Removal: FG mulls TUC’s demands, sets up c’ttee to review minimum wage

    The Federal Government has said it will consider the list of demands from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) which includes a review of the minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting between the Federal Government and the TUC which lasted for about several hours, the spokesperson for the Federal government, Dele Alake, said that it will also look at the practicability of the demands.

    Among things the government is considering is tax holidays for workers.

    Alake said that most fundamentally, President Bola Tinubu will constitute a tripartite committee to include states and organised labour and the private sector to study the dynamics of the minimum wage augmentation with a view to reach an amicable conclusion.

    According to him, there is no disagreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over their demand for a review of the minimum wage or a return to the status quo, noting that the FG representatives will meet with the President to crystallize decisions on the demands.

    He added that the absence of the NLC does not translate to an isolation of the group in the discussion but that the FG is making efforts to reach them as the parties agreed to reconvene on Tuesday 24 hours before the scheduled strike by the NLC.

    Meanwhile, the TUC has maintained that the Federal Government, in the interest of social dialogue, revert the price of fuel while discussions continue.

    President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, said the union is hopeful as the Federal Government promised to look into their demands, the top of which is a review of the current minimum wage among others.

    “The demands are so long, they are so many. Part of it is the demand for a (review) of the minimum wage and we stated that for us, it is quite apt that the minimum today is not a living wage, as we all know. The value of the minimum wage since it was negotiated, has plummeted to a very abysmal level as it is today.”

    *Channels

  • Proposed Strike: No division in our ranks-NLC

    *Says media reports, a product of mischief

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted reports that it is divided in the group ahead of thier planned nationwide strike on Wednesday.

    The union had given the federal government till Wednesday to reverse the current hike in fuel price or face mass action to protest the removal of subsidy.

    In a statement on Sunday, the NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said the lead story by ThisDay Newspaper was laughable and sheer mischief.

    “The lead story on the front page of ThisDay of Sunday, June 4th, 2023 entitled NLC Divided as North, South-West Chapters May Shun Planned Strike , is a laughable and desperate attempt by enemies of the people to polarise Nigeria Labour Congress along ethnic or regional lines on an issue with a national spread.

    “Happily, this scenario only plays in their imagination as Nigeria Labour Congress continues to be the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation united by a common vision/mission and shared national values.

    “On the looming strike action, we want to assure that all the affiliate unions of the Congress stand together with an unshakeable resolve to prosecute, come Wednesday, except the NNPC and Government do the needful.

    “Whereas, primordial sentiments such as religion, region or ethnicity may be refuge for some, at the Nigeria Labour Congress, they have no place.

    “What counts for us are issues such as the mindless and criminal increase in the pump price of pms whose burden will be borne by the already impoverished communities of the poor across Nigeria.

    “The burden of this malevolent policy will not be borne by other segments of the country to the exclusion of the North or South- West. Thus, there is no reason for these regions to back out of the strike.

    “We do not know from where ThisDay got their story. However, if this is their way of making up for the gaps in their relationship with the new entities in power, we would say, it is rather excessive!” the statement said.

  • Subsidy Removal: FG, TUC in closed-door meeting 

    The representatives of the Federal Government are meeting with the Trade Union Congress  (TUC)  at the State House over the removal of fuel subsidy.

    This is a follow-up to Wednesday’s meeting with the organized labour which ended in a deadlock.

    At that meeting, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) demanded that the Federal Government go back to status-quo by reversing the price of fuel before resuming negotiations with the union.

    In Sunday’s meeting, the federal government’s team is led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Others are the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefie; former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

    Also in the meeting are the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Zacch Adedeji; Executive Vice President, Downstream, of the NNPCL, Yemi Adetunji; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake; Hon James Faleke, among others.

  • NDLEA recovers 390kg illicit drugs in Kano, Kaduna, others, in 5 days

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recovered 390kg of illicit drugs in Kano, Kaduna, Borno and Oyo states in raids conducted between May 30 and June 3.

    Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that two suspects, Ma’aruf Rabiu and Abubakar Mustapha were arrested on May 30 on Zaria-Kano Road in Kano State.

    They were in possession of 260 blocks of Indian hemp weighing 39.4kg, he stated.

    He added that another suspect, Auwal Ibrahim was nabbed with 38kg of Indian hemp on May 31 on Kaduna-Abuja Road.

    “Also on May 31, a 35-year-old female suspect, Bilkisu Isiya, was arrested at Birnin Yero, Kaduna in possession of 5.6kg Indian hemp,’’ Babfemi stated.

    He stated also that one Abubakar Usman and Adamu Yusuf were arrested at Bargu village in Shani Local Government Area of Borno on June 3 with 165 blocks of skunk weighing 140.7kg.

    He added that their arrest was effected with the support of the military deep inside an insurgents’ environment.

    “A female suspect, Hauwa Ibrahim, 25, was also nabbed in Bargu village with 6.4kg of skunk.

    “Another suspect, Alhaji Abubakar, 27, was arrested at Njimtilo checkpoint, Borno with 4,200 ampoules of Pentazocine injection and different quantities of psychotropic D5 and exol-5 tablets.

    “A 30-year-old suspect, Iroko Wasiu was arrested at a drug joint at Sabo Aba-Owolowo on Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway on May 30 and 31.2kg of cannabis was recovered from him.

    “Two suspects, Deji Adelabu, 35, and Mutiu Salau, 37, were nabbed on May 31 in Sabo area on Oyo-Ogbomoso Road and at Awuro Dada area in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, respectively.

    “They had a combined weight of 8kg Indian hemp on them,’’ Babafemi stated. 

  • Women Arise marks 27 years Kudirat Abiola remembrance

    Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise, has saluted the efforts of the late Kudirat Abiola who fought for the return of democracy to the country.

    In her tribute on Sunday to the pro-democracy activist who was killed 27 years ago, Okei-Odumakin described Kudirat as “a rare Amazon” that is greatly valued.

    Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the late winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

    “Her memory is as lucid as the vision of all the glorious compatriots whom we were favoured to rub shoulders with in the face of fire.

    “Those who have gone ahead as the pantheon builds. The finest across generations of a beleaguered country.

    “Among such is Kudirat situated. In the strong spirit of duty and commitment to justice,” Okei-Odumakin said.

    According to the Human Right Activist said, though it has been 27 years since Kudirat Abiola was killed, the death is still fresh in the minds of pro-democracy activists.

    Okei-Odumakin said that her total dedication to justice still retained in memories.

    “It is evergreen and as fresh as the day.

    “The late Kudirat Abiola was killed fighting for justice, for defining womanhood, dignity and humanity.

    “She walked right, would not run nor flinch but was killed for asking for justice,” she said.

    Okei-Odumakin told the people not to forget those who fought for justice and democracy.

    “Some swam in sweat. Some bled and some died. Kudirat died among others who have taken seats in Valhalla,” she said.

  • Subsidy Removal: NUJ to join NLC’s nationwide strike

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has threatened to withdraw its services nationwide as a result of the recent subsidy removal and increase in fuel pump price the federal government.

    According to a statement signed by the National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, the Union said its members will join the proposed NLC strike which begins Wednesday 7 June, 2023.

    “An emergency Central Working Committee meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was convened online on Saturday, to discuss issues surrounding the decision by the Federal Government to remove Fuel Subsidy and the position taken by the Nigeria Labour Congress.


    “After presentations by the National President, Chris Isiguzo, and the National Treasurer Bamidele Atunbi on the position taken by NLC on the matter, members unanimously adopted the position of NLC on the issue.


    “The CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could however lead to social unrests and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight.


    “CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.


    “Accordingly CWC directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June, 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector,” the statement said.

  • PHOTOS: Sanwo-Olu hosts Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka; Receives signed jersey 

    Star Boy Bukayo Saka signing his jersey for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday.

    The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday hosted Arsenal player, Bukayo Saka, at the State House, Marina.

    Sanwo-Olu, who is also an Arsenal fan, made this known on his Facebook page, as he shared pictures of the visit.

    The governor wrote, “Exciting day at the State House, Marina today as I had the pleasure of hosting my favourite #Arsenal player, Star Boy Bukayo Saka. I also enjoyed receiving my own signed Saka Jersey.

    “As a proud #Gunner, I’m incredibly proud of their inspiring run in the Premier League with such a young team.

    “Their determination has motivated many and shown us the power of youth. We’re committed to bringing that same spirit to grassroots football in Lagos.

    “Together, let’s create opportunities for our talented young players. Thank you for visiting me, Bukayo and I look forward to next season. #COYG”

    Bukayo Saka has been in Nigeria since the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season where his team finished second behind Manchester City.

  • Man City beat Man United to win FA Cup

    *Pep’s lads are one away from the season’s treble

    Reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City on Saturday defeated neighbors Manchester United in the 2022/23 FA Cup final played at the prestigious Wembley Stadium.

    Manchester City Captain and match winner, Ilkay Gundogan, who scored the fastest FA Cup goal in less than a minute, told BBC Sport afterwards that he was happy to score and win for his club because they really deserve it. 

    “To win a final is always special. Every trophy is special. This group deserves it. We played really well, second half was amazing and we deserved to lift another trophy.

    “Obviously we know how we want to play the kick off and we aim to do that, to go long for Erling and try to get a second ball. It just placed amazingly for me and I just had to hit it. Obviously it was a quite good strike.”

    Gundogan, who has since been a target of almost champions Arsenal, said concerning his future that he would wait and see how things pan out at the end.

     “I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated and feel special in this club. I know that and that is why I have been here seven years. Nothing is decided yet, we will see what will happen.”

    Man City next face Italian giants Inter Milan in the Champions League final with a a chance to win a treble this season on the cards.