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  • Scrapping Of Niger Delta Ministry: Asari Dokubo Disagree with Tinubu

    Scrapping Of Niger Delta Ministry: Asari Dokubo Disagree with Tinubu

    Mujahid Asari Dokubo, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, has openly condemned the Nigerian government’s recent decision to dissolve the Niger Delta Ministry, highlighting this move as part of a long-standing trend of overlooking the region’s interests.

     Dokubo, a vocal advocate for the region, argued that the removal of the ministry represents a setback for the people of the Niger Delta, who have historically struggled for recognition and fair access to resources derived from their land.

    In his remarks, Dokubo explained that the Niger Delta Ministry was initially established as a response to the demands of local communities who sought a dedicated institution to address their unique developmental challenges.

     This ministry, he noted, had come into existence through significant sacrifices made by various Niger Delta communities, which include the Ijaw and Ogoni, in the pursuit of better resource management and regional development.

    Alhaji Dokubo, who spoke on a TV breakfast show, also voiced his discontent with the current classification of the Niger Delta, which he believes has been diluted over time to include regions outside the Niger Delta’s core geographical area.

     He expressed disappointment that such political changes undermine the ministry’s original purpose, making it more challenging to secure the resources and development needed for genuine Niger Delta communities.

    While addressing whether the ministry was dissolved due to inefficiency, Dokubo rejected this reasoning, pointing to systemic corruption as a broader issue across Nigeria, rather than one specific to the Niger Delta. 

    He concluded by emphasizing the need for laws that genuinely support the Niger Delta, while expressing frustration over the lack of substantial development frameworks in the country.

  • N70,000 Minimum Wage: Katsina Sets Up 13-Member Committee

    N70,000 Minimum Wage: Katsina Sets Up 13-Member Committee

    The Katsina State Government has empaneled a whopping 13 member committee to implement the N70,000 minimum wage increase.

    The committee is to also address the financial challenges faced by its workforce.

     Led by the Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, the committee includes 13 members, representing labor unions, government officials, and civil society organizations.

    This initiative encompasses state and local government employees, along with other categories of workers, as Katsina joins other states such as Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, and Lagos in adopting or discussing similar wage adjustments. 

    Katsina’s move follows earlier investments in the state’s health sector, where nearly N3.78 billion was allocated for improvements from June 2023 to April 2024, including the establishment of a sickle cell center and free drug distributions at Katsina General Hospital.

  • LG Financial Autonomy: Abia Assembly Denies Target Bill

    LG Financial Autonomy: Abia Assembly Denies Target Bill

    The Abia State House of Assembly has clarified that it has not approved any legislation that would centralize local government funding or undermine their financial autonomy. 

    The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Austin Okezie, firmly rejected claims of a bill aimed at creating a Central Management Agency for local government funds, branding such reports as false.

    Okezie explained that the House’s recent discussions focused on the “Abia State Rural Access Road Agency” (ASRARA) bill, which aims to establish a body for managing rural road projects in partnership with the World Bank under the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP). 

    He pointed out that this initiative has already been adopted by 19 states, including Ebonyi and Sokoto, and is designed to improve rural infrastructure.

    The Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of local governments in this project, stating that the ASRARA bill is essential for accessing necessary funding for rural roads, as these roads primarily fall under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

     He dismissed rumours of a walkout by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the deliberation, clarifying that the absence of some members was due to personal matters unrelated to the bill’s discussions.

    Okezie urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation, noting that social media has been rife with unfounded claims about the Assembly’s stance on local government autonomy.

     He reassured the citizens of Abia that the Assembly’s initiatives are designed to benefit the state’s residents, urging them to recognize the positive impact of such legislative efforts.

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  • Minimum Wage: Gov Mbah approves N80k

    Minimum Wage: Gov Mbah approves N80k

    The governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for Workers in the state.

    The governor made the disclosure in a statement posted on his social media handle.

    He said, “I have just approved a minimum wage of N80,000 for Enugu workers, effective October 2024.

    “We appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of the state’s workforce and will continue to prioritise their welfare in line with our campaign promises.

    “Tomorrow is here.”

    It can be recalled that Governor Mbah in August inaugurated the committee for the implementation of the new national minimum wage for civil and public servants in the state.

    This followed the approval of N70,000 as the new national minimum wage by the Bola Tinubu-led Federal government.

  • Why Tinubu didn’t sack Matawalle — Onanuga

    Why Tinubu didn’t sack Matawalle — Onanuga

    Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has explained the decision not to dismiss Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, amidst allegations of his involvement in sponsoring bandits and insecurity.

    During an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday, Onanuga described these claims as “mere allegations and fabrications that are not true.”

    When asked why Matawalle remained in the cabinet following the recent reshuffle, which saw some ministers relieved of their duties, Onanuga acknowledged the circulation of various stories regarding Matawalle’s alleged connections to insecurity in Zamfara State, noting that these allegations have even reached the President.

    However, he emphasised that the National Security Adviser’s office investigated these claims and found them to be false, asserting that Matawalle is fit to perform his duties.

    “As far as I know, most of those things are just mere allegations. I think in one of them, I got something like that I sent to the NSA, I said have you heard about this? and he said no, we have proved that a lot of those things they are not correct, they are not true.

    People are just bringing out all kinds of fake things and allegations about someone.

    “And that is why the man is there. Even the President has heard so many stories about him.

    For him to be there, shows like I said, some of those things have been probed, and they are found not to be true,” Onanuga explained, clarifying the rationale behind the President’s decision not to dismiss Matawalle

  • Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye thanks Tinubu for opportunity to serve

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye thanks Tinubu for opportunity to serve

    Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, says she remains committed to serving Nigeria and will do her best to contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity.

    Ohanenye was among five ministers relieved of duty following the 19th Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

    In her place, President Bola Tinubu reappointed the former Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, as the new Minister for Women Affairs, thanking the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours.

    In a letter of appreciation made available to journalists on Thursday, the former Minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for the privilege to serve as Minister, describing it as an honour and privilege to have contributed to the nation’s development.

    She also thanked the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her guidance and support during her tenure as Minister, which she noted was instrumental to her success.

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye also thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support, adding that the confidence and trust in her were a source of inspiration.

    She said, “I write to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the extraordinary opportunity to serve as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    It has been an honour and a privilege to contribute to the development of our nation.

    ”I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for her invaluable guidance and support during my tenure as Minister of Women Affairs.

    Her kindness and encouragement have been instrumental to my success.”

    “To the people of Nigeria, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support.

    Your trust and confidence in me have been a constant source of inspiration.

    I remain committed to serving my country and will continue to do my utmost to contribute to its progress and prosperity

  • Gov Alia suspends attorney general over EFCC legality suit 

    Gov Alia suspends attorney general over EFCC legality suit 

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mynin.

    The commissioner was suspended for joining the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission without informing his principal.

    The Apex Court had on Tuesday reserved judgment on the suit filed by 19 states of the federation.

    However, three out of the nineteen states challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were reported to have withdrawn from the suit.

    The three states, according to the report are; Anambra (9th plaintiff), Adamawa (16th plaintiff), and Ebonyi (18th plaintiff) separately submitted applications for withdrawal before the Court.

    The Attorney General of Anambra State, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the court that she wishes to withdraw from the suit, having filed a motion for withdrawal on October 20.

    Similarly, the Attorney General of Ebonyi State, Ikenna Nwidagu, stated, “My Lord, I filed a notice of withdrawal dated and filed on October 21. My Lords, we pray this honourable Court strikes out the name of the 18th plaintiff.”

    However, Alia, who was taken aback that the state joined other states to challenge the legality of the anti-corruption agency, was said to have ordered the suspension of the attorney general.

    Confirming the suspension to our correspondent, the governor’s spokesperson, Kula Tersoo, said, “It’s true, His Excellency today suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for joining the suit challenging the legality of EFCC without informing the governor.”

  • After 5-year jail term: Ex-Rep Member, Farouk Lawan walks out of prison

    After 5-year jail term: Ex-Rep Member, Farouk Lawan walks out of prison

    Looking forlorn and old, former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, walks out of the Kuje prison, Abuja, after completing his five-year jail term.

    The Supreme Court had in January affirmed the five-year jail term handed to Lawan by the Court of Appeal.

    Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from businessman, Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.

    In a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel affirmed the 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld Lawan’s sentencing to five years in respect of only count three on the three-count charge on which he was tried at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    In the lead judgment prepared by Justice John Okoro but read by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the apex court found that Lawan’s appeal was without merit and dismissed it.

    A video shared online on Tuesday showed Lawan’s release from Kuje prison, looking tired and old.

  • Ondo Guber: Police cautions against fake news

    Ondo Guber: Police cautions against fake news

    The police in Ondo have warned fake news purveyors and other mischief makers ahead of the state’s November 16 off-cycle governorship election.

    The police stated that such action could cause a breakdown of law and order as the state prepared for the gubernatorial election.

    “The police command emphasises the importance of verifying information before sharing or reposting, as constructive engagement is essential for fostering a peaceful environment during this pivotal time in the history of the state,” the police said in a statement by its spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.

    The police said it had observed two trending old videos and misleading content being shared with intent to incite unrest and violence.

    While explaining that one of the videos depicting flooding in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, was “irresponsibly circulated”, the police added that the action also threatened the integrity of democracy and could deprive the political parties of a level-playing field in the forthcoming election.

    “Such actions are not only misleading but pose significant risks, especially during this crucial electoral period, as the spread of misinformation can undermine public trust, incite violence, jeopardise public safety, and threaten the integrity of our democracy—ultimately depriving the people of a level playing field for the exercise of their civic rights and responsibilities.

    “In a similar event, a story alleging the amputation of fingers from a corpse at a mortuary in Ajowa-Akoko was found to be false, as confirmed by the divisional police officer who visited the morgue,” the police said.

    The police urged the electorate to remain critical of the information they encounter and distance themselves from those who seek to exploit the current situation for personal gain.

    “Finally, while assuring the citizens of the force’s readiness, in collaboration with sister security and safety agencies, to ensure free, fair, and safe elections, the commissioner of police, CP Abayomi Oladipo Peter, wishes to state that the command under his watch will not stand idly by while agents of calumny operate,” it added.

    The police stressed that they would not hesitate to respond appropriately and within the law to threats to the peace of the election.

    Eighteen political parties have fielded gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming election.

  • Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde officially enters 2027 presidential race

    Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde officially enters 2027 presidential race

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 elections.

    Supporters of Makinde have already begun showing their backing, using the hashtag #MakindeForPresident to spread his campaign across social media platforms.

    Currently, the governor is hosting members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) press corps in Ibadan, where he is showcasing his various development projects across the southwest region.

    Interestingly, the official social media accounts of the PDP have also started using the #MakindeForPresident hashtag while sharing photos and videos of these key projects.

    Makinde has positioned himself as a leading candidate within the opposition party, and the social media campaign suggests that his bid for the presidency has now officially begun.