THERE was confusion in the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State on Saturday as two winners emerged from the governorship primary held by the party across the 192 wards in the state.

Sunday Tribune gathered that prior to the primary held to produce the party’s standard-bearer for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state, there had been a palpable tension within the party following allegations and counter allegations that the immediate past governor of the state and former National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshimhole, was bent on imposing a candidate on the party.

The tension was said to have culminated in the last-minute withdrawal of two frontline aspirants, Ehizuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, from the governorship race.

But the tension became heightened on Saturday as two candidates: Honourable Dennis Idahosa and Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as parallel winners from the election.

While the Electoral Committee Chairman and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, declared Idahosa as the winner of the primary election, Dr Stanley Ugbuaja, the state Returning Officer announced Senator Monday Okpebholo as the party candidate.

Announcing the results earlier at Protea Hotel in Benin, Governor Uzodimma said that Idahosa pulled a total of 4,483 votes to defeat his other aspirants.

He gave the breakdown of the results as follows: Dr Blessing Agbomere (50 votes), General Charles Airhiavbere (162 votes), Colonel David Imuse (400 votes), and Senator Monday Okpebholo (200 votes).

Others are Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe (02 votes), Mr Gideon Ikhine (700 votes), Honourable Clem Agba (100 votes), and Mr Lucky Imasuen (02 votes).

According to Uzodimma, the party direct primary election was free, fair and credible, adding that Honourable Dennis Idahosa was declared as winner having scored the highest lawful votes cast.

However, in a dramatic twist, Ugboaje, who alleged that he was brutalised by thugs suspected to have been brought to the collation center by a certain aspirant, announced Okpebholo as winner of the primary at the residence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

He said Okpebholo scored 12,145 votes, while Idahosa scored 5,536 votes to emerge second.

“I hereby certified that Monday Okpebholo, having scored the highest votes, is declared winner and duly returned as APC candidate for the election,” Ugboaje said

Earlier, hoodlums suspected to be thugs stormed the result collation centre situated at Lushville Hotel and Suite and disrupted the process.

The hoodlums manhandled several journalists, including NTA cameraman, and Arise Television reporters, just as they also scattered their equipment.

Reacting to the election, one of the candidates, Honourable Agba, however, condemned the result, saying he won the exercise based on the authentic turnout of party members.

In a statement he issued shortly after the poll, Agba said: “To my good people of Edo State and esteemed members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, I want to thank you for your loyalty and support for my candidature.

“Unfortunately, what we have all witnessed in the APC party primaries in Edo State on Saturday falls below the minimum standard of democratic elections that is universally acceptable.

“I believe strongly that thousands of loyal party members were disenfranchised. Based on the authentic turnout, we clinched victory. The result so far announced is a ridicule and undermines the principles of democracy and fair play. The votes of the people did not count, the processes of election were compromised and the strength and unity of our party were greatly undermined.

“While I remain a loyal party member, I will not be part of a process that robs the mass of our loyal party members of their inalienable right to vote. What has taken place in Edo State negates all that even our political leaders have taught us over the years about democracy, the will of the people, one man, one vote and justice and fair play.

“We must come together to challenge this great injustice and restore the integrity and strength of our great party. Such Impunity that the people have been subjected to should have no place in our great party. We will proceed speedily within the guidelines laid down by our party to seek for justice,” he stated.

The Nigerian Government has warned Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) outlets nationwide, threatening to shut them down due to deceptive pricing practices amidst increasing economic hardship.

Naija News reports that the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Adamu Abdullahi, issued a statement on Saturday warning against the rising cost of food.

Abdullahi emphasized that businesses must provide clear and transparent pricing information to enable consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to combating exploitative practices, highlighting penalties outlined in the FCCPA for violations.

The commission encouraged businesses to adhere to fair pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment.

The statement reads, “The Commission is aware that similar practices may occur at other FCMG outlets nationwide. These outlets are advised to cease such practices immediately to avoid consequences.

“Businesses are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during challenging economic times.

“The FCCPC remains committed to combating all forms of exploitative or misleading practices that undermine consumer rights. The FCCPA protects consumer rights and prohibits deceptive business practices. Section 115 outlines potential penalties for violations, including fines for organisations and imprisonment for directors.

“The FCCPC encourages all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment.”

Naija News recalls that the Commission had, on Friday, stormed Sahad Stores Limited, a well-known establishment situated in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and sealed the building off due to various allegations, including stockpiling, extortion, lack of transparency, and misleading pricing practices.

Renowned economist and policy analyst Professor Jeffrey Sachs has stated that short-term loans with tenures ranging from 7 to 10 years and high-interest rates pose liquidity problems for Africa, as they fail to consider the continent’s long-term growth potential.

He said while speaking in an interview with CNBC Africa on the sidelines of the Africa Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he faulted international lenders and credit ratings agencies for having a narrow mechanical perspective of the continent.  

According to him, the strategy Africa should adopt is long term growth for long term development stating that the continent can growth by at least 7% for the next 40years.  

• He stated, “while I want to raise capital for sovereigns, I don’t want to do it on 7yr or 9yr loans. Africa’s development prospects are enormously bright, but they require 25yrs, 30yrs or 40yrs loan. Africa does not have the liquidity in the sovereign debt in the international market, so when rollovers come, there is always a crisis. Not for deep reasons but because of the lack of the institutional framework that is adequate at the international level.” 

He further stated that countries, credit rating agencies, international lenders should key into the right strategy which is long-term borrowing for long term growth.  

More Insights  

• In the past few years, a few African countries have defaulted on their foreign debt mainly due to lingering growth issues from the covid-19 pandemic and the effects of their war in Ukraine on their local currencies and inflation levels.  
• The hawkish monetary policy position of central banks across Europe and the United States is also responsible for the elevated interest rates for lending to African countries and short tenure stance of the lenders.  
• Africa’s huge young population requires substantial investment in infrastructure- transport, communication, education and housing. These can only be built through properly though-out financing.  
• Governments across the continent have not been that successful in locally raising the capital needed and have turned to foreign lenders with rate of returns occupying their minds rather the development of the continent. 

[Nairametrics]

Thousands of demonstrators yesterday gathered in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, demanding swift presidential elections.

It comes after the country’s top court blocked President Macky Sall’s attempt to postpone the election, originally scheduled for this month.

Mr Sall’s last minute decree, backed by parliament, had triggered a political crisis in Senegal, once regarded as a bastion of democracy in West Africa.

Yesterday, opposition supporters held signs demanding a “Free Senegal”.

It was the first rally allowed by authorities since Mr Sall’s announcement two weeks ago.

“Today’s watchword is mobilisation,” said presidential candidate Malick Gakou on the march.

He told the AFP news agency there was “no room for error any longer” and elections must be organised in March in order for the handover of power between President Sall and his successor on 2 April – when the president’s second term in office is set to expire.

Protesters in Dakar wore T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Protect our election” – named after the collective organisation of religious and civil groups opposed to Mr Sall’s controversial decree.

[BBC]

No fewer than nine persons were reportedly killed by bandits in Kwasam community, Kauru LGA and Gwada community, Igabi LGA both in Kaduna State.

The bandits also reportedly abducted 35 others including a retired Director of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his brother and the brother’s wife, just as nine people were injured during the attacks.

The retired CBN Director was identified as Zakariya Markus.

The breakdown showed that six persons were killed, five abducted and two injured in Kauru LGA, while three persons were killed, seven injured and 30 others kidnapped in Igabi LGA of the state.

According to sources, the incident occurred penultimate Friday when bandits invaded the community a few minutes after 10 pm.

Sources said the bandits picked two people who, at gun point, led them to the residence of the retired CBN official and abducted him.

A source said: “Bandits moved into his family house, abducted his brother and the brother’s wife.

“Residents rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, but the bandits fired at them, killing six and injuring two.

“Those killed include Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata.

“Those kidnapped include Mr. Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Mr. Monday Markus (younger brother of the retired CBN director), Monday Markus’ wife, Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru.”

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pleaded for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state, following the attacks.

The governor also sent his condolences to the families that lost their loved ones.

Governor Uba Sani spoke through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, during an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area, in the company of the Garrison Commander, One Division Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Muhammad Kana, alongside other military commanders and security forces working in the general areas.

The Governors’s representative said: “We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Kerawa and Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.

“May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest and grant speedy recovery to the injured.

“I want to assure you that we are also here for an assessment of the security situation, and as you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested.

“The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA.

“The delegation had meetings with traditional leaders, led by the Acting District Head of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, as well as religious and community leaders drawn from Dunki, Gwada, Bina, Maraci, Tami, Karshi and Kerawa, where issues critical to the improvement of the security situation were discussed.”

The team is expected to visit, Kajuru and Kauru local government areas.

• Uzodinma announces Idahosa; Okpebholo declared winner at Ize-Iyamu’s residence
• I’m the authentic winner, says Agba •Only Uzodinma-led committee can announce results – Morka

Confusion erupted yesterday in the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the declaration of House of Representatives member Dennis Idahosa as winner of the party’s governorship primary.

Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, declared Idahosa winner at Protea Hotel, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin at the end of the collation of results from the 18 local government areas of the state.

The result was however disputed by Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) and the immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, both of who said they won the primary election.

Idahosa, who currently represents Ovia constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, was credited with 40,453 votes.

Senator Monday Okpebholo had 100 votes.

Details of the result as announced by Uzodimma are as follows: Blessing Agbomhere – 50 votes, Maj.Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.) – 162; Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor – 180; Col. David Imuse (rtd.) – 400;  Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe – 02; Gideon Ikhine – 700; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu – 02; Anamero Dekeri – 230; Prince Clem Agba – 100 and Chief Lucky Imasuen – 02.

Uzodimma described the primary conducted by his committee as the authentic one.

He said it was peaceful in the state’s 192 wards.

However, armed thugs invaded Lushville Hotel and Suites, Gapiona Avenue, GRA, Benin, the initial collation centre at about 2.52 pm, sparking pandemonium.

The collation officers were on break when the thugs struck.

The State Collation Officer, Dr. Stanley Ughoajah, halted the live transmission of the proceeding by some national television stations.

Okpekholo, at the time of the invasion, was leading Idahosa in six of the 18 local government areas already collated.

Okpekholo was ahead in Ikpoba/Okha, Esan Southeast, Oredo, Esan West, Owan West and Esan Central, while Idahosa led in Akoko-Edo LGA and his Ovia Southwest LGA.

Journalists who had gathered to cover the process were injured and their equipment destroyed.

Party officials and other stakeholders were similarly attacked and the highbrow hotel’s facilities damaged.

The many policemen and other security operatives at the venue appeared overwhelmed by the turn of events.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present at both collation centres.

As Uzodimma was rounding off the declaration of the results, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who had withdrawn from the race on Friday, invited reporters to his residence in GRA, Benin, where Okpebholo was declared winner of the parallel election by Dr. Stanley Ugboajah, the Collation Officer.

Okpebholo, according to Ugboajah, received 12,145 votes and Idahosa 5,536 votes.

Signs of trouble had emerged earlier in the day when two more aspirants joined Ize-Iyamu in withdrawing from the primary election.

First to throw in the towel yesterday was a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Lucky Imasuen and later Dr. Ernest  Umakhihe.

Imasuen in a letter addressed to his supporters said his decision to withdraw was in “the interest of peace and unity of our great party,” and because “members of our National Working Committee (NWC), in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District.”

He pledged to support “whoever emerges as our candidate in the primary election.”

Soon after pulling out of the race, Umakhihe declared support for “the choice of the party,” Idahosa.

Umakhihe, a retired federal permanent secretary, Edo North Senatorial District, said: “It has been a worthwhile journey of our resolve to make a difference in the affairs of our dear Edo State. However, following my latest interaction with the party’s leadership, I will not be contesting the primaries.

“Let us give our support to Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who is the choice of the party. There are greater days ahead.”

Agba: Based on the authentic turnout, we clinched victory

Agba, who also laid claim to victory, thanked his supporters for their “loyalty and support for my candidature.”

He said: “To my good people of Edo State and esteemed members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, I want to thank you for your loyalty and support for my candidature.

“Unfortunately, what we have all witnessed in the APC party primaries in Edo State on Saturday February 17th, 2024 falls below the minimum standard of democratic elections that is universally acceptable.

“I believe strongly that thousands of loyal party members were disenfrachished. Based on the authentic turnout, we clinched victory.

“The result so far announced is a ridicule and undermines the principles of democracy and fair play. The votes of the people did not count, the processes of election were compromised and the strength and unity of our party greatly undermined.

“While I remain a loyal party member, I will not be part of a process that robs the mass of our loyal party members of their inalienable right to vote.

“What has taken place in Edo State negates all that even our political leaders have taught us over the years about democracy, the will of the people, one man, one vote and justice and fair play.

“We must come together to challenge this great injustice and restore the integrity and strength of our great party.

“Such impunity that the people have been subjected to should have no place in our great party.

“We will proceed speedily within the guidelines laid down by our party to seek for justice.

“I want to thank everyone that has supported me for your unwavering commitment and belief in our vision and qualification. Your passion and dedication have been the driving force behind our campaign, and I am truly grateful.

“As we move forward, remember that our journey is far from over. We will continue to fight for a better future for Edo State, a future where every citizen can thrive and succeed.

“Our resolve is unbreakable, and our commitment unwavering. We will not rest until justice is served and the people’s will is honoured.

“Thank you, and let us march forward with courage and conviction.”

Edo will vote massively for me, says Idahosa

Idahosa, who was accompanied by his wife, Osaretin, in his acceptance speech at Protea Hotel, Benin, expressed gratitude to  President Bola Tinubu and “my leader, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole” and the people, especially his constituents in  for “giving me the mandate in 2019 and 2023, which gave me the opportunity to shine in the National Assembly. “

Continuing, he said:”There is no Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. The September 21, 2024 governorship election will be between APC and Labour Party (LP).

“In LP, 80 per cent of the members will align with the younger generation. Obedient Movement is between the age bracket of 18 and 45. I happen to be in that constituency (age bracket). Edo residents will massively vote for me.”

Only Uzodinma can announce primary result – APC

The APC urged party members and the public to disregard unofficial results for the Edo State governorship primary.

The party maintained that only the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Primary Election Committee is authorised to undertake final collation and announce the final results.

National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement on Saturday dissociated the party from a live broadcast on national television and online platforms announcing results.

The statement reads: “The attention of the National Working Committee of our great Party has been drawn to a live broadcast on major national television stations and online news outlets of results of the ongoing Edo State APC Governorship Primary Election by some unauthorized persons

“We wish to state categorically that only the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Edo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee is duly authorised to undertake the final collation and announcement of results of the Primary Election in the State.

“We urge all Party members, officials in the State, and the general public to disregard the said announcement of results by these unauthorized persons.”  

[TheNation]

Indications have emerged that the organised labour is prepared to lower its demand for N1m minimum wage for workers in the country in line with realities on the ground. The shift in position will likely be communicated to the Federal Government during the second meeting of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage on Monday and Tuesday.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the meeting would enhance deliberations between all parties involved in negotiations to allow for the announcement of a new minimum wage on or before April 1 following the expiration of the current N30,000 minimum wage as provided by the law.

President Bola Tinubu, through his deputy, Kashim Shettima, had on January 30, 2024, inaugurated a 37-member panel on the new minimum wage at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

With its membership cutting across the federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, the panel is to recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.

In his opening address at the inauguration, Shettima urged members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit a report early as the current N30,000 minimum wage expires at the end of next month.

“The timely submission (of the report) is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Shettima said.

He also urged good faith in collective bargaining, emphasising contract adherence and encouraging consultations outside the committee.

In May 2017, the House of Representatives moved to amend the National Minimum Wage Act for a compulsory review of workers’ remuneration every five years.

The Minimum Wage Act of 2019 signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari empowers the committee to deliberate and come up with an agreed wage, which will be eventually ratified by the National Assembly after due legislative scrutiny.

Buhari had also signed the Minimum Wage Act that approved N30,000 for both federal and state workers in the same year.

However, President Bola Tinubu announced the discontinuance of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, which triggered a sharp rise in the general cost of living.

Although the administration approved an additional N35,000 wage award for six months starting from September 2023 to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, the organised labour maintained that this was only a provisional solution and called for a complete review of the minimum wage.

Chairing the panel is a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, who at the inauguration affirmed that its members would come up with a “fair, practical, implementable and sustainable” minimum wage.

The inauguration of the committee follows months of agitation from the organised labour, which expressed concerns over the Federal Government’s failure to inaugurate the new national minimum wage committee as promised during negotiations last October.

On the government’s side, members include the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, representing the Minister of Labour and Employment; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lydia Jafiya.

Others are the Minister of Budget Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Yemi Esan; Permanent Secretary, GSO OSGF, Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri; and Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – member/Secretary, Ekpo Nta.

Representing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum are Mohammed Bago of Niger State (North-Central); Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State (North-East); Umar Dikko Radda, Katsina State, (North-West); Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State (South-East); Senator Ademola Adeleke, Osun State (South-West); and Otu Bassey, Cross River State (South-South).

From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr Chuma Nwankwo and Mr Thompson Akpabio; representing the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture are Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice-President; and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi, National Life President.

Representatives of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises are Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, President and Chairman of Council; Theophilus Okwuchukwu, private sector representative; Dr Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice-President, North-West; and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria are Mrs Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

From the organised labour are Joe Ajaero, President, Nigeria Labour Congress; Emmanuel Ugboaja; Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Ambali Akeem; Benjamin Anthony and Prof Theophilus Ndukuba.

From the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria are Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President I; Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II; Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President III; Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General; and Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson Women Comm.

Speaking with our correspondent on the deliberations of the committee following the announcement by the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, that rising inflation in the country might push the organised labour to demand N1m as minimum wage, a representative of the NLC, who is also a member of the committee, Akeem Ambali, said one of the principles of collective bargaining allowed all parties to look into all factors before an amount would be agreed on.

“The principle of collective bargaining allows compromise once the parties look at all factors to ensure an agreeable amount is reached,” he stated.

Speaking on the next sitting of the committee, Ambali said, “The second meeting of the minimum wage committee has been slated for Monday and Tuesday.

“On the timeline of March for the expiration of the current minimum wage, we hope that the committee, the Presidency, and the National Assembly will expedite action to ensure that the new Minimum Wage Act would have come to replace the old one by April 1, 2024.”

Ambali also expressed shock at the N500m approved by the President for the committee.

A leaked memo had disclosed the request for N1.8bn for the inauguration of the committee. The memo, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and dated January 18, 2024, was addressed to President Bola Tinubu.

It underscored the committee’s need for substantial funds to kick-start its operations. The document sought approval for the release of N1bn, with the inauguration set for January 26, 2024. The memo also emphasized the legal requirement to establish a new minimum wage by April 1, 2023.

President Tinubu, in response to the memo, approved N500m for the committee’s inauguration, while acknowledging the importance of the committee’s work, and also highlighted the necessity of efficient resource management.

Commenting on the amount, Ambali said, “On the purported allocation of funds to the committee, it is unbelievable because we were never informed or given a kobo. We will unravel the fact behind this soon.”

The Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, who also confirmed Monday and Tuesday’s meeting of the committee, stated that the N1m proposed minimum wage was reflective of the country’s economic realities.

He said it was unfortunate that a Nigerian worker was not earning up to N1m monthly but members of the National Assembly were being paid humongous amounts and acquiring luxury vehicles at the nation’s expense.

“How many months did those in the National Assembly put in that each of them is going home with huge amounts and they have vehicles worth N250m each?” he queried.

Etim told Sunday PUNCH that with the removal of the fuel subsidy, the cost of living had increased, causing the workers to lose hope.

The TUC deputy president added, “How much is for accommodation now? How much is food? By right, civil servants on Level 17 are supposed to be entitled to a two-bedroom flat. Now, a two-bedroom flat costs about N3.5m to rent in Abuja.

“Have you looked at the cost of cement and building materials now? Have you taken time to look at the cost of transportation? So, if you think that the workers cannot earn N1 m, and politicians are earning N3.5m in a month; who is fooling who?

“If the government cannot pay the N1m minimum wage; what the NLC has put forward is a proposal to let them come out to say what they can pay and let it be justifiable in line with the cost of living.”

Etim noted, “If insecurity does not allow people to go to the farm, what will they eat? It is like what the Bible describes as ‘to eat and die’. Have you taken time to look at the cost of a loaf of bread?

“Is it not because of the increase in the cost of bread that led to the revolution in Sudan in 1980? So, if Nigerians have been patient with the government, they need to pay.”

On food hoarding, he said, “If you have the advantage of having food, do not hoard it. Hunger does not recognise food hoarding, and it can turn into a crisis. Hoarding of food is a recipe for revolution.

 “My advice is that those in privileged positions to have food should release it to those who need it rather than hoarding it. If you continue hoarding it, it is going to spoil.

“There is hunger in the country and the President is aware of it. That is why he had a meeting with the governors to let them know there is hunger in the country, so that they will release money and pay the necessary salaries they are supposed to pay, and should let people have access to money to reduce poverty.”

‘FG will consult’

Reacting to the N1m minimum wage demand by the organised labour, the Federal Government said it would prefer to wait for the final decision of the 37-man committee.

The Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, told one of our correspondents that the government would take a reasonable position that would take account of the interest of the people after due consideration of Nigeria’s resources and other factors.

“It (N1m demand) is a proposal but the Federal Government will not pre-empt the work of the 37-man committee that includes labour itself. The government will do what is right in the interest of the nation as a whole, taking into account our resources and other factors.”

On whether the payment of N1m is sustainable by both federal and state governments in the face of the rising inflation, the minister said he would “leave Nigerians to imagine that.”

‘Tread with caution’

A developmental economist and financial expert, Dr Segun Ajayi, said the Federal Government must tread with caution in negotiating with the TUC and the NLC over their demands.

“N1m in this economy is not a lot of money, but the problem is that I am sure the government will say they cannot afford it. From the current economic realities, it is also obvious that the government cannot pay workers N1m as minimum wage. But, in negotiations, it is a good point to always start big. So, by the time it is beaten down and subtractions are made, the workers would have something substantial to bank on,” he said.

Another senior economist, Dr Ade Dayo, said, “The government and the Organised Labour must be reasonable. Nigeria cannot afford to enter into a recession. The country can also not afford another industrial action. The economy is at its lowest ebb. We have never had it this bad in more than 20 years.

“It is true that the N30,000 minimum wage is too meagre to take any worker through the month. The government must understand that. Labour, too, must also understand what the government can afford at this time. But, I believe that everything will melt at the negotiation table; compromises will be made and things will be fixed amicably.”

Also commenting, a senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Dr Ugwueze Emmanuel, said the government should consider the plight of Nigerian workers and respond speedily to their requests to increase the minimum wage to “something reasonable.”

He stated that N1m was not too much to ask for, adding that some politicians with little or no qualifications “earn much higher while doing so little.”

“The government people should not act like they are not in the country. How can a worker take home N30,000 as a monthly salary in this economy? How much is bread? How much is garri or rice? The government must also learn to see things from the lenses of the people,” he added.

Former Senate Leader and ex-Board Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has said that shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government will be a difficult task to achieve.

Ndoma-Egba, a lawyer and politician, made the submission while reacting to the call for a change to the parliamentary system from the present presidential method of government in Nigeria by some lawmakers via a bill.

The bill seeking a return to the parliamentary system captioned: ‘The Bills Proposing Constitutional Alterations For a Transition To Parliamentary System of Government,’ was sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Hon Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others.

Expressing his view on the issue, the erstwhile Senate Leader, said: “That is a call for a fundamental restructuring of the country from a presidential system of government back to a parliamentary system that we had practised up to the first military coup of January 15, 1966. To achieve this you will need at the very least, a constitutional amendment that will come with many accompanying consequential amendments that will amount to almost a new constitution.

“The major arguments against the presidential system have been the concentration of executive powers in chief executives, that is the president or governors to the point of making them constitutional dictators, and the cost of the system.

“Recall however that the country started off with the parliamentary system. Why was it ditched? What were the arguments against it? We need to as of today compare the comparative economics and advantages of both systems. But certainly, it will be a change that will not be easy to come by.”

The ex-parliamentarian further noted that “Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages but the attraction of the presidential system in our situation is the stability it gives and the authority it confers on the elected chief executives who are elected directly by the people and for fixed terms, unlike the parliamentary system that is controlled by parliament.”

“Love and business and family and religion and art and patriotism are nothing but shadows of words when a man is starving” – O’Henry, 1862-1910.

About two weeks ago, your Vice President called Nigerians, who registered their displeasure about the continuing devaluation of the Naira, “clowns” for not supporting the government now when things are tough. Shettima has forgotten that he begged for the job. If he can’t stand the heat, he should resign. But, he cannot be insulting his employers. He was joined by one Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who apparently has no relatives, friend or town’s men feeling the pain of hunger. The two, like all the “Yes-men and women” of your administration, are leading your government down the path which destroyed Buhari and others before you.

 Every President sooner or later becomes a prisoner of his Aso Rock staff. They shield you from the harsh truth of human existence. Invite Buhari and Jonathan and ask them if there were truths they wished were brought to their attention while in office; and you will be surprised what the answers will be. For instance, it is doubtful if Buhari would have condoned the scam involved in feeding school children, with N53 billion, during COVID-19 lockdown. The report submitted to him would have been made deliberately misleading for the embezzlement to escape his attention. Grand larceny would have been reported as a wonderful achievement by his government. You already run the same risk. Here is why.

On December 30, 2023, in our SATURDAY VANGUARD, I got an article published titled NIGERIA 2024: SLIDING FURTHER INTO CHAOS. I summarised the year as follows: “2024 in Nigeria will be characterised by three words – scarcity, failure and chaos.” Scarcity of cash and foreign exchange now lead the parade of other scarcities. Go to any market – open market for the masses or supermarkets for the rich – and you will be surprised how scarce items we once took for granted have become.

Scarcity inevitably promotes price increase; and the less the supply, the higher prices go up. That is why food inflation is now over 30 per cent and will most probably go higher rather than lower. Granted, you have recently instructed that 100,000 tonnes of food be released from the Nation’s Food Reserves to ease the pressure on prices. But, I am afraid that gesture will not solve the problem of food scarcity for reasons which might have escaped your attention. Let me remind you.

WE’LL OPEN RESERVES TO ADDRESS FOOD COSTS – FG

“Now some of these will involve unlocking the foods that are available in most of the storage facilities (National Food Reserve) around the country. You know the Ministry of Agriculture has some food reserves. They are going to be made available to Nigerians” – Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and Orientation, after a meeting of the Special Presidential Committee in Emergency Food Intervention, February 8, 2024. From my experience of over thirty years, one of the most pathetic things observed has been how relatively respectable media persons get appointed as government spokesmen; and they lose their reputations.

It is almost impossible for anybody to be in that position, in times of serious crisis, without purveying falsehood in order to stay employed in high office. Idris, therefore, has my sympathies. But, that is all he would receive from me. To be candid, his pronouncement is pure drivel. A day later, the nation was told that Tinubu has ordered the release of 100, 000 tonnes of assorted food items – rice, wheat, cassava, maize. Politely, I will describe that intervention as pissing in the ocean at low tide. That quantity of food cannot feed Lagos State for a month. Then what follows? I will explain later why the 100, 000 tonnes of grain ordered released is more political swindle than solution to the food scarcity problem. To be honest, this government needs to become more serious before Nigeria goes the way of Sudan.

Perhaps the FG needs to be reminded that the palliatives offered in the third quarter of last year by the National Economic Council, NEC, included releasing food from the National Reserves to the states. Till today, most states have not received the supplies promised. From where will the FG obtain the additional 100, 000 tonnes to be released? I pity Idris; I pity Tinubu even more. It took most of us about two years before realising that Buhari was a veritable danger to Nigeria; that he was unreliable. Because Tinubu is a minority President, there has been no honeymoon; and he got himself into trouble by frequently talking first and thinking later. This measure will get us nowhere.

FAILED PROMISES GALORE

Politicians’ promises almost always count for very little under normal circumstances.  In a crisis, they count for nothing. Thus, when Tinubu announced simultaneously subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation, without consideration of the repercussions, it was an invitation to monumental economic and social crises for which his government and Nigerians were not prepared. Negative reactions spontaneously erupted. Panic set in.

The National Economic Council, NEC, which should have been consulted before the announcement, was summoned to help find solutions. Palliatives were rolled out. Among them were the release of grains from the National Food Reserves, reduction of the exchange rate below N1000/$1, payment of N35,000 allowance to workers, fuel supply from Dangote and Port-Harcourt Refineries and the roll-out of gas operated busses. Till today, none of the major promises have been fulfilled. It has been failure all around.

Failure of the FG to redeem its pledges are among the reasons why the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and other  affiliates are now threatening to embark on a nationwide strike and why food protests are multiplying. I am not surprised about these developments. Nigerians were warned before that the Tinubu government would have very little to offer us this year; that scarcity of a lot of things is inevitable. Has the reader noticed how the CBN and FG have ignored the cash scarcity problem?

It is because they have no clue on how to solve the problem. Yet, not finding a solution to it has condemned millions of mini-enterprises to liquidation; and millions, previously employed to joblessness. Unknown to Tinubu, a spiral of misery has gradually developed. Cash scarcity reduces demand for some basic commodities; transporters bring less; prices escalate on account of reduced supply and demand plummets even further – ad infinitum.  The logical consequences are already unfolding.

CHAOS OF GOVERNANCE

“The chaos keeps on getting worse in spite of everything they do to improve discipline and morale” – Boris Pasternak, 1890-1960, in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO

Pasternak’s classic about the Russian Revolution taught us a lot about how chaotic revolutionary changes can be – if not well-managed. The book, by that title, which eventually became an award-winning film, was mostly responsible for Pasternak winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. Tinubu might be well-advised to get that film to be shown at a retreat for his Ministers, advisers and ‘Lagos Boys’. Tinubu might not realise it, but, those two primary policy changes – subsidy removal and exchange rate liberalisation – were as revolutionary as some aspects of the Communist Revolution in Russia in 1905.

Together, they effectively removed the advantages enjoyed by those who lived on Nigeria’s illness. They threatened the current powerful; who routinely collected billions of dollars at favourable exchange rates; sold them at black market rates and re-cycled the proceeds. Believe me; they will not surrender power easily. Partisan politics, ethnicity and religion have very little to do with it. It is group interest that is at stake. The political class is one group.

That was why members of the National Assembly, NASS, support the extra-ordinary remuneration package they receive – irrespective of party to which they belong. For instance, most of them were enjoying special exchange rates under Buhari; so they had no reason to press for unified exchange rate. The mega economic class is another group. If the original report of the Special Investigator is ever released for public scrutiny, Nigerians will discover that the same people manipulating prices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange are the suspects under interrogation. This is not the time to name anyone.

 Unfortunately, pervasive scarcity of cash, dollars and food are driving the masses to the streets. Governors are panicking and taking the law into their hands. Here are a few examples. A court just ordered Tinubu to fix the price of petrol, diesel and a few items. Why not everything including maximum SANs can charge clients?  Niger State Governor bans wholesale food sales and wants to stop food sales to neighbouring states.

Kano State empowers a Price Control Unit to force open warehouses where food stuffs are stored, accuse the owners of hoarding and confiscate the products found. Yobe State is also restricting sale of foods produced in the state to other states. Interestingly, neither Niger nor Yobe is stopping food stuff from other states from coming in. Kano State government cannot distinguish between temporary storage for future use, e.g. wheat by Flour Mills and hoarding. State approved burglary is here. Anarchy is here.

A HONEST POLITICIAN AT LAST

An honest politician is almost impossible to find. Here is one – at last.

Hardship: Dishonest for APC to blame opposition for protests – ex-Vice Chair, Lukman Salihu. ‘Tinubu’s renewed hope turning to renewed anger’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has established a task force to tackle illegal forex trading and naira abuse.

The commission is combating illegal forex trading against the backdrop of the continued depreciation of the naira against the US dollar.

According to data from the financial market infrastructure group warehousing, also known as FMDQ, the naira depreciated to N1,537.96 per US dollar on Friday from N1,498.25 on Thursday.

Recall that the EFCC had arrested several suspects in the past in connection with illegal forex trading and abuse of the naira notes in public functions.

In December 2022, operatives of the commission arrested 87 forex dealers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Lagos and Kano.

Findings revealed that the EFCC detectives ransacked the forex dealers’ vaults for stashed dollars and naira.

Also, the anti-graft agency in February, secured the conviction and sentencing of a Nigerian actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, to six months imprisonment for spraying and stepping on Naira notes.

Delivering judgment, Justice Aneke sentenced her for the offence with an option of N300,000 fine to be paid into the consolidated revenue account of the federation.

Reiterating its effort to combat the crimes, the EFCC in a notice posted on its Facebook page on Saturday, enjoined the public to report people engaging in illegal forex trading and naira mutilation.

“If you have information on the misuse of the Naira and illegal trading in FOREX, call the EFCC’s Taskforce on any of these toll-free numbers: 09135003322 and 0912887608.”

Meamwhile, the Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government of Ogun State, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, on Saturday morning confirmed his suspension for two months and without salaries by the Egba Traditional Council over alleged abuse of Nigerian naira notes.

Speaking with our one of our correspondent, Oba Sowemimo said, “The suspension was announced during our meeting yesterday (Friday), they said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one muscian.

“When I was asked if I have anything to say, I stood up and apologized for whatever I have done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months. I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chatise, so I am good with the decision”.

A viral video early January had shown the royal father’s lack of respect for the naira where he was seen decorating the popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde with knitted new notes of N1000 which was used as a garlands to decorate the musician.

The council had moved against Oba Sowemimo for publicly degrading Nigerian currency, an offence which contravenes law of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)