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Category: North Central

  • Benue State Shuts Down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes

    Benue State Shuts Down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes

    Benue State authorities have shut down a microfinance bank and a leisure park owned by a member of the House of Representatives, Asema Achado, due to unpaid registration fees. 

    On December 23, officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, along with law enforcement, sealed off City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank in Makurdi.

    Despite an initial payment of N20,000 for registration and an additional N219,000 for default fees, the authorities demanded another N20,000 before unsealing the premises. 

    Please Read: 11 Reportedly Killed in Fresh Benue Attack

    After this was paid, a new enforcement team arrived, resealing both businesses and reportedly using excessive force, including tear gas, which caused distress among visitors.

    Achado criticized the actions, claiming the businesses were sealed without court authorization, and pointed out the undue harassment, especially towards vulnerable customers. 

    The BIRS stated that its role was limited to collecting revenue, and that the ministry had overseen the enforcement.

  • Rev. Father Alia of Benue State Unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

    Rev. Father Alia of Benue State Unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

    Benue State Governor, Reverend Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Sunday, in Makurdi, the state capital, unveiled Zeva Premium Lager Beer, his first industrial legacy project. Produced by the Food Basket Brewery, Governor Alia said that the initiative is aimed at promoting economic growth and development of the state.

    Speaking at the an unveiling and tasting ceremony at the IBB Square in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria, Reverend Father Alia enthused, “the production of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a testament to the state’s determination to harness its resources and foster local economic growth.”

    “The brewery will also generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from farming to production, marketing, and distribution,” Gov. Alia added.

    READ ALSO: Deaths and Blood Rituals for Bulaba Balablu Christmas

    The brewery project was sponsored by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC).

    The BIPC Managing Director and CEO, Raymond Asemakaha said Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit, the Blue Print Newspaper reported.

    Mr. Asemakaha, elaborating further, said, “The beer is expected to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the state, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, improving GDP, and generating revenue for the government.

    “The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is part of BIPC’s efforts to drive initiatives that will uplift the people of Benue, create wealth, and foster development.

    “The company has established the Food Basket Brewery, a state-of-the-art facility that will produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer, and other assorted brands,”

    The unveiling of this brewery makes it the second such attempt by the Benue State to venture into the production of beer.

    The first such attempt was during the second republic when late Gover Aper Aku commission the More Lager

  • Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has stationed 3,180 officers at various locations, including worship centers and public spaces, ahead of Christmas celebrations.

     The move is part of efforts to ensure the safety of residents during the holiday season.

    FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, shared this update during a press briefing in Abuja.

     He explained that the deployment would focus on high-traffic areas such as places of worship and event venues, as well as potential hotspots, including unfinished buildings and shanties. 

    To bolster security, the police will carry out patrols on foot and in vehicles, as well as implement stop-and-search operations.

    Though the Commissioner did not state any motif for the special deployement, he said Tactical units and Rapid Response Squads (RRS) will also be deployed across key locations.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria: Challenging the Dysfunction, Rebuilding the Institutions

     Additionally, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will inspect critical government and public infrastructure to ensure safety.

    CP Disu noted that the police would collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment throughout the festive period. 

    He also called for cooperation from religious leaders and recreational facility owners. 

    The Commissioner reminded residents to avoid fireworks and firecrackers to prevent unnecessary panic and encouraged vigilance, urging the public to report suspicious activities using emergency contact numbers provided by the police.

  • Buhari Not Linked to FCT Land Revocation  – Garba Shehu

    Buhari Not Linked to FCT Land Revocation  – Garba Shehu

    Spokesperson, Garba Shehu has denied recent reports linking some of the lands seized by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Management to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He clarified that the affected property does not belong to former President Muhammadu Buhari but assigned to the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” an organization established by supporters of the former leader.  

    Mr. Shehu said that during his presidency, Buhari declined a personal land allocation in the FCT, citing ownership of an existing plot.

    READ ALSO: Shiroro – Katampe Power Line Attacked Again

    He explained that the land in question was allocated to the foundation but faced challenges when the authorities imposed unusually high fees for the certificate of occupancy, unlike fees issued to similar groups. 

    This situation eventually led to the land revocation.  

    Garba Shehu expressed the hope that his clarification addresses widespread speculation and urged the public to avoid misinformation linking the former president directly to the seized property.

  • Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

    Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

    The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the state government a three-day deadline to resolve the unpaid November salaries of local government workers.  

    According to the NLC, about 75% of the state’s workforce, including members of unions like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are yet to be paid for November 2024.  

    READ ALSO: How Abdulfattah Ahmed, Ex-Kwara Governor Allegedly Stole N5bn UBEC Fund – Witness

    The union has demanded that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq address the delay by ensuring immediate payment. It stated that December salaries would not be accepted until the November arrears are cleared.  

    The NLC has warned of statewide industrial action if the issue is not resolved by Thursday, December 19, 2024. This action could result in a shutdown of key services, potentially disrupting activities across the state.  

    The union has called on the government to act promptly to prevent further unrest and maintain stability in the workforce.

  • Stop Further Demolitions – Senate Orders Wike

    Stop Further Demolitions – Senate Orders Wike

    Concerned by widely circulating reports about sharp practices bordering on land grabbing, amongst others, the Nigerian Senate has instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to stop all demolitions in the FCT, except those ordered by the courts.

    The instruction by the senate shall subsist until full investigation is completed on the demolition exercise in the FCT.

    READ ALSO: Defamation Saga: Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee asked to Debar Farotimi

    An ad hoc committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has therefore, been empaneled to look into the matter. 

    The committee is expected to submit a report within two weeks. 

    This decision follows concerns raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who claimed that proper procedures were not followed during the demolitions that were recently approved by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT.

  • Senate Advances FCT Development Commission Bill

    Senate Advances FCT Development Commission Bill

    On Wednesday, the Senate moved forward with the FCT Development Commission bill, passing it through the second reading.

    The proposed law seeks to establish a commission responsible for managing the growth of satellite towns located within 60 kilometers of Abuja’s borders.

     Senator Wadada Aliyu, who introduced the bill, addressed the pressures on neighboring towns due to Abuja’s rapid expansion as Nigeria’s political and economic hub. 

    The bill outlines a framework for the commission’s operations, including local offices and administrative units to ensure efficient management. Additionally, funding will be secured through a first-line charge, adhering to legal requirements.

     During the debate, senators had mixed reactions, with some raising concerns about the availability of funds and the possibility of overlapping functions with other agencies. The bill will now go through the committee stage for further review.

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  • Minimum Wage: Gov Alia approves N75k

    Minimum Wage: Gov Alia approves N75k

    The Benue State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000, surpassing the ₦70,000 benchmark previously set by the Federal Government.

     This adjustment aims to address the financial concerns raised by workers in the state.  

    Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this development after a meeting with labour leaders at the State Secretariat. 

    The wage increase will take effect from November 2024, alongside the payment of three months’ salary arrears, as allocated in the 2024 budget.  

    The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve workers’ welfare, following discussions on issues such as wage awards, transportation allowances, and tax relief.

     The government has reiterated its commitment to easing the economic burden on public servants.  

    This move is expected to boost morale and provide much-needed financial relief for the state’s workforce.

  • Rivers APC Chairman Refutes Claims of Wike’s Health Issues

    Rivers APC Chairman Refutes Claims of Wike’s Health Issues

    Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee, has dismissed rumors suggesting that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is unwell. 

    Okocha, who is a close ally of Wike, addressed the speculations in an exclusive interview, following a media briefing on recent developments within the state’s APC and the court’s ruling blocking federal allocation access to Rivers.

    These rumours surfaced after Wike appeared on national television, looking frail while responding to an allegation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

    Social media users expressed concern over Wike’s appearance, questioning whether his weight loss indicated a hidden illness. 

    Some even suggested he should step back from his political duties to focus on his health.

    Okocha quickly dismissed these claims, stating that Wike’s health is not an issue. He emphasized that such rumors were baseless, as the minister continues to fulfill his duties with vigor. 

    Okocha noted that it is normal for individuals, especially those in demanding positions like Wike’s, to face criticism regarding their physical appearance, but he assured that Wike is neither sick nor struggling with any health issues.

  • Minimum Wage: pleateau workers get N70K  

    Minimum Wage: pleateau workers get N70K  

    The Plateau State government has announced the approval of a new minimum wage of N70,000 for its workforcem

     This decision, effective immediately, follows the recommendations of a committee on salary adjustments.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who authorized the new policy, aims to improve the welfare of civil servants and strengthen their role in achieving the state’s development objectives. 

    The administration expects workers to respond with a renewed sense of duty, enhancing service delivery and overall productivity in public service.

    The approval was conveyed through a statement from the Head of Civil Service, Stephen Gadong, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a more motivated and efficient workforce.