Suspected insurgents linked to the Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP), locally referred to as Lakurawa, have launched a violent attack on Kalenjini town, the hometown of Isa Kalenjini, chairman of Tangaza local government area council in Sokoto State.

Eyewitnesses reported that the coordinated assault occurred shortly after the local government chairman left his residence, making many to believe that he was the primary target of the attack.

The Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the incident, stating that joint security forces were on the trail of the attackers.

He noted that some of the livestock stolen during the raid have been recovered after the assailants fled into the Tangaza forest.

Efforts to reach Isa Kalenjini for comments proved unsuccessful, as calls to his telephone remained unanswered as at the time of filing this report.

The attack on Kalenjini town comes on the heels of a similar violent raid on April 22, 2025, when members of Lakurawa terrorist group, in collaboration with armed bandits, attacked Saminaka village, also in Tangaza LGA of the State.

During the assault, one person identified as Salihu Isiyaku Hamza was killed, and a large number of livestock comprising sheep, camels, and cattle—were rustled. The attackers reportedly escaped into Gohono forest after firing sporadically to cause panic.

The late Hamza was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

The ISSP (Lakurawa), a designated terrorist organisation, has been increasingly remain active in the region, escalating attacks on rural settlements, local leaders, and security personnel.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols in the area as residents continued to call for more proactive and permanent solutions to the deteriorating security situation.

The defections led to the collapse of the entire PDP structure into the ruling APC, ending 26-year run of the PDP in the governance of Delta State.

The high-level defections followed a meeting of PDP leaders and stakeholders in the state on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital.

Announcing the outcome of the meeting at a press conference in Asaba, the state capital, Delta State commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, flanked by Senator James Manager, a pioneer member of the party, disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shetima was expected to receive Governor Sheriff Oborewvori and the PDP family into the APC camp in Asaba on Monday.

Vice President Shettima will be attend a rally at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Monday.

Consequently, the governor has directed all PDP stakeholders in the state to join the APC.

The defections come barely a week after Governor Oborevwori and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 second-term ambition.

LEADERSHIP exclusively reported in January that at least five PDP governors, including Oborevwori, would defect to the APC.

Although Oborevwori had consistently denied reports of his defection to the ruling APC, PDP leaders in the Delta insisted that he had perfected his plan to jump ship.

The PDP leaders had claimed that the governor had perfected his defection to the APC during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos early this year.

The governor’s defection further reduces the number of PDP governors to 11, a far cry from the party’s peak as a ruling party in 2007 when it held 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

Briefing journalists at the end of yesterday’s meeting, the state commissioner for works (rural roads) and public information, Charles Aniagwu, said the decision became necessary following the unfortunate happenings at the party’s national level.

He said: “For some time now, the media, particularly social media, have been awash as to what political decisions we will take in Delta.

“While that was on, the governor and the leaders of the party have been very busy carrying out some necessary consultations and it is also part of that consultation that has resulted in this meeting today for the leaders of the PDP to be able to advise as to what necessary steps that needed to be taken.”

According to him, the party leaders were unanimous on the need for a political change in the state.

He went on: “And there was a need for change that would help cement the development in our state; to build the bond of love that has existed in our state, and to further advance the security and welfare of our people.

“As you know, all politics is local. So in taking this decision, we came to the inevitable conclusion that moving out of the PDP is very necessary for us to collaborate with our kith and kin and build that bond that we have been enjoying.

“We believe that what is happening in the PDP at the national level can be likened to that of palm wine, whose taste has changed, which is why this decision has been made.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to say that we are moving to the APC boldly.”

Also speaking, Senator James, the pioneer chairman of the PDP in the state, said the decision was made in consultation with various stakeholders across the state.

“You have just been told about some things happening in the Delta State PDP. Some consultations have been going on, and the climax of these consultations is what you are seeing today.

“We have discussed and have agreed to disagree, and it is a unanimous agreement. I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP, but you cannot be in a boat already capsizing because I am a riverine man.

“Looking at issues the way they are; we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.”

Manager referenced the PDP Governors’ decision at a recent meeting not to collaborate with any other political party towards dethroning the ruling APC in 2027 as evidence that the PDP was heading nowher.

“But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an incumbent president? You think you can win? That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

“We (PDP) lost the election in 2015 due to a merger which even included splinter groups from the PDP. There are also other reasons.

“Today, Sen Anyanwu is the party’s national secretary; tomorrow, it will be another person. The party must be in a position to win an election. So you see that it is becoming hilarious. The PDP is truly in trouble.

“If you look closely, the current PDP state chairman, the governor, the deputy governor, the immediate past governor, and the speaker were in the meeting – all these persons were in the meeting; also National Assembly and House of Assembly members: the who’s who in Delta State were in the meeting to make this decision,” he said.

With Oborevwori now wearing APC’s colours, the South’s political map has tightened. The new alignment enhances President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances by adding roughly 1.4 million Delta votes to the ruling party, assuming that the ordinary people align with the political choices of the political elite.

The state deputy governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the immediate past governor of the state and former vice-presidential candidate of the party, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the National Assembly, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, local government council chairmen, top government functionaries, and party officials attended the meeting.

APC Welcomes Gov Oborevwori, Okowa, Others, Assures Of Party’s Cooperation, Accommodation

Meanwhile, the APC National Working Committee has welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other leaders of the PDP to the ruling party.

APC national publicity secretary Felix Morka, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday after the defection of Oborevwori, Okowa and other Delta PDP leaders, assured them of cooperation and accommodation in the ruling party’s family.

He said the APC NWC led Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was highly elated by the decision of Governor Oborevwori to join the party, along with eminent leaders of the PDP including former governor and vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, senior administration officials, leaders and members of the House of Assembly, local government chairmen and councillors in the state, and teeming leaders and  members of the PDP.

“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika federal constituency, we are delighted that Delta state, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians,” Morka stated.

6-term Lawmaker Dumps PDP

In the same vein, a ranking member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oke, a six-term lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, said he left the PDP after consulting his political associates, friends, and family members.

His resignation letter, which LEADERSHIP sighted, was dated April 16, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State. A copy was sent to the national and state chairmen.

“I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) immediately.

“This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends. I wish you would accept my resignation in good faith,” the letter reads.

However, the lawmaker did not disclose his next political move, even as he urged his loyalists and supporters to leave the PDP and await his next direction.

Oke was suspended by the Osun State PDP Chapter due to his alleged loyalty to President Tinubu.

LP Senator Mulls Joining Ruling Party 

There are strong indications that Senator Neda Imansuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District under the Labour Party (LP) platform, may soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as members of the APC mount continue to pressure on federal lawmakers.

The Labour Party at national and Edo State levels have been engulfed in an intractable leadership crisis and factions.

The lawmakers had evaded questions on his continuous membership of the LP on several occasions owing to the crisis rocking the party.

Imansuen is often seen in public functions alongside notable APC leaders in Edo State. He is said to enjoy cordial relationships with the state’s ruling party members. Rumours over his likely defection had sent tongues wagging in political circles.

Giving credence to the speculation and his imminent defection, the special adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, Hon Eugene Utubor, visited the Edo politician Tuesday night pressure him into joining Governor Okpebholo in his developmental agenda.

It was reliably gathered that the meeting, which lasted for several hours, centred on bringing in the LP National Assembly member to join the party. A source privy to the meeting described it as fruitful.

Imansuen, the Senate Committee chairman on Ethics and Privileges, expressed gratitude for the visit and commended Okpebholo’s efforts at driving development in the state.

He was quoted as having stated, “The governor has done remarkably well in such a short time.

“It is crucial that we come together to ensure the success of his vision for our people. Every well-meaning Edo citizen is encouraged to rally around the governor as he works diligently for our collective progress.”

The Lagos State government has charged the leadership of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, and Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria to support the drive to reduce the rent burden on Lagosians and shun the prevalent illegal fees in the real estate business.

In a statement by the deputy director, Public Affairs, Ganiu Lawal, the professional bodies were also urged to stem the rate at which agents across the real estate value chain engaged in competition of fees in real estate transactions.

It stated that, “the introduction of illegal fees such as caution fee, inspection fee, finder’s fee, and others represents a professionally harmful practice which affects tenants and puts the integrity of the practitioners and property owners at stake.

“The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, and Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria, were invited to a stakeholders meeting jointly chaired by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.

“The session is a continuation of the strategic engagement to curb arbitrary rent charges, demand for high agent fees, and promotion of sanity in the real estate business in Lagos state.

The meeting was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Housing, Alausa – Ikeja.”

The state government, through the commissioner and the special adviser, challenged the association to protect the integrity of the real estate business with support for a joint effort of all stakeholders for full enforcement and compliance with the real estate transaction laws of Lagos State.

Akinderu-Fatai said, “the aim of engaging all stakeholders is to strengthen the working relationship between the State Government and the professional bodies for the benefit of Lagosians.

“Lagos State Government is concerned about the challenges faced by families in securing and retaining rental accommodation in the state, with unpleasant rent increments and illegal estate transaction charges.”

The commissioner reiterated the plan of the Lagos State government to encourage and promote monthly and quarterly rent payments in the state in line with the tenancy law.

He said, “the state government is aware of the increase in demand as greater than supply, but the government would no longer tolerate and allow the extortion of accommodation seekers with unwholesome practices.

“I want to assure you that the state government under the leadership of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu is compassionate and will leave no stone unturned to ensure sanity in the real estate business in the state.”

The special adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, stated that there “were existing state laws, such as the 2015 Tenancy Law and the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, which specify a percentage of chargeable fees of not more than 10 per cent on real estate transactions.’’

Odunuga-Bakare also urged the stakeholders to cooperate with the state government to ease the conditions under which Lagosians secure accommodation.

Speaking at the meeting, the representative of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos Branch, Gbenga Ismail; a member of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Kolawole Tony; and a member of the Association of Estate Agent in Nigeria, Dr. Adeniyi Tinubu, jointly expressed their readiness to forge a workable alliance with the state government to solve high rent cost and excessive charges.

They added that , “the professional bodies will also join the state government in promoting advocacy, public enlightenment as well as sensitisation programmes on the best practices in real estate transactions.”

The meeting further resolved to convene another stakeholders’ forum to be attended by representatives of all practitioners in the real estate business, including the Nigerian Bar Association, for a holistic buy-in of every sector for the benefit of Lagosian.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has called for increased recruitment into security agencies and the adoption of technology-driven solutions to tackle the worsening security situation in the country.

Naija News reports that the forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made the announcement following their meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

The communiqué was read by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

Uzodimma highlighted that the governors have set up a committee to work alongside security agencies in order to implement a joint strategy aimed at addressing the rising tide of killings, particularly in states like Benue, Plateau, and Katsina.

The committee’s primary focus will be to tackle the increasing violence, which has seen an uptick in attacks by suspected herders and armed gunmen.

The call for swift action follows a series of deadly attacks across the country. On March 9, at least 15 people were killed in renewed attacks by suspected herdsmen in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

On April 14, another attack in Zike hamlet, Plateau State, resulted in the deaths of at least 52 individuals, including an entire family of eight, with many properties destroyed.

In response to these brutal incidents, the 36 state governors have urged security agencies to confront these challenges directly, stressing the urgency of restoring peace and stability across the affected regions.

Governor Uzodimma informed journalists that the Forum had received a presentation from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening both national and subnational security capabilities.

The initiative focuses on early threat detection and coordinated responses, with the phased deployment of advanced technology to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety.

“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety.

“Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level,” Uzodimma said.

In addition to security matters, the governors also received a presentation from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, on unlocking the economic potential of land through federal-state partnerships for land reform.

The proposal aims to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security, and boost internally generated revenue across states. The governors welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to catalyse investment, improve urban planning, and enhance land-based revenue generation.

The forum also discussed a strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN) to revamp the electricity distribution sector by leveraging private sector investment.

The proposed agreement would involve PSGN assuming control of select distribution companies and introducing smart grid technologies to enhance service delivery and energy access.

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Advocates For State Police
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, also weighed in on the ongoing security issues, emphasizing the need for state police to effectively address security concerns at the subnational level.

Sani highlighted the limited role governors currently have in tackling the problem due to constitutional constraints but expressed optimism that discussions around the creation of state policing would soon gain traction.

“In my opinion, it’s not an indictment. I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the Constitution of Nigeria. Don’t forget that even tomorrow, by the grace of God, it’s one of the areas we are going to look at – the possibility of the creation of state policing in Nigeria, which for me would go a long way in addressing insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,” Sani said.

Sani also spoke about the importance of taking responsibility as a leader, citing his success in mitigating communal and religious clashes in Kaduna during his time in office.

He acknowledged the need for increased security forces but called for a non-kinetic approach to tackling the problem, especially given the limited number of military and police personnel in the country.

The forum’s discussions highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

Governor Sani concluded by emphasizing the importance of working together, stating, “We don’t need to blame each other. We have to look at other areas of addressing the issue of insecurity. That is the reason why I believe we all have to work together.”

The International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, has revealed that at least 664 million workers worldwide do not earn enough to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. 

This figure represents one in every five workers globally.

In light of this, the ITUC has called on all governments and employers to engage in genuine social dialogue and to ensure that living wages become a reality by strengthening minimum wage frameworks and expanding collective bargaining systems.

In a statement, the ITUC expressed support for a new initiative by the International Labour Organisation, ILO, aimed at ending the global crisis of poverty wages. 

The ILO recently launched a programme that prioritizes the principle of a living wage in its support to member countries.

According to the ITUC, this development follows years of persistent advocacy by trade unions. Under the new program, the ILO will provide technical support to governments and social partners to estimate and implement living wages in accordance with tripartite principles.

ITUC General Secretary, Luc Triangle, explained that “this initiative builds upon a landmark agreement reached in February 2024, in which ILO constituents adopted a shared understanding of the living wage concept and the principles guiding its estimation and application.

“This is a major step toward ensuring fair wages and dignified livelihoods for workers worldwide. It is a scandal that hundreds of millions of working people are still earning poverty wages. This new program represents a critical shift from decades of advocacy to tangible action. It’s time for every worker to earn enough to live a decent life.”

Triangle reiterated the ITUC’s call for governments and employers to commit to genuine social dialogue, emphasizing that living wages are fundamental to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The ITUC highlighted that, by conservative estimates, 664 million workers globally live on wages too low to meet basic needs. The ILO’s new program is expected to expand technical assistance to countries, helping them develop accurate cost-of-living estimates to support evidence-based wage negotiations. It will also strengthen wage-setting institutions, including collective bargaining systems and tripartite minimum wage frameworks.

The ITUC views this initiative as a vital tool in bridging the gap between minimum and living wages and called for strong union participation in its implementation. It also urged governments to ratify and implement ILO Convention 131 on Minimum Wage Fixing.

“This framework—developed with the involvement of workers’ unions—is essential for ensuring that minimum wages reflect the real cost of living and are regularly updated to keep pace with rising living standards,” the ITUC said.

…Begins campaign for platform workers’ rights

Meanwhile, International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, has taken over the struggle for Platform workers’ rights. 

 ITUC is backing the campaign with Time to Deliver: Rights for All Platform Workers.

According to ITUC: “We demand urgent action to stop exploitation, and to deliver fair wages, decent working conditions and the right to organise. 

“The call for all platform workers to receive the same protections as all other workers will take centre stage at the  International Labour Conference, ILC,  in June, where we are pushing for a new ILO Convention and Recommendation to set global standards for fair treatment.  

Join our fight to ensure that platform workers – from care workers, to couriers, to content moderators – are no longer denied the rights they deserve.  

“Also at the ILC:   The  ITUC Global Rights Index  2025  will be launched, revealing the latest trends in workers’ rights violations worldwide. We will take a clear message to the governments and employers at the ILC: workers’ rights must be respected, and unions must be free to organise without fear.  

“We aim to secure a strong and legally-binding standard on biological hazards.  As well as resistance, April is also a month of  remembrance. This International Workers’ Memorial Day will focus on protecting workers’ rights in the age of Artificial Intelligence, AI, because AI is too often being used to control and exploit workers rather than support them.  

May 1, International Workers’ Day, will be time to  Take Back Democracy!  While billionaires profit, workers face low wages and crumbling public services.

Says they’re hobnobbing with enemies of party

Urges Tinubu to tackle insecurity

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olabode George, has advised former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to leave the party immediately because of their anti-party activities.

He said the party was being embarrassed by the open display of affinity by the two to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

George, in a statement also advised President Bola Tinubu to create a special fund account where managing directors of banks could deposit, at least, N20 billion each annually to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

On PDP crisis, he wondered why Atiku and Wike should be hobnobbing with opposition elements and still claim to be part of the PDP structure.

He said: “What exactly is going on? Anybody who is tired of PDP should leave and join another party. Enough of this embarrassment. As a founding elder of this party, I will not watch while some people openly disrespect the party. It is impossible.”

George, who queried the reason Atiku visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna with other politicians, said: ‘General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, remains my boss but he is not a member of our party.

“So, why is Atiku hobnobbing with him politically? Is he not guilty of anti-party offence already?

The other day, President Bola Tinubu told Wike that APC must win the council election in FCT and he agreed.

“Wike has been given a direct order to win FCT for APC and he still claims to be a member of PDP. Are people now shameless politically that they cannot be principled? Where is the leadership of our party? Why are they tolerating Atiku and Wike? Why are they allowing the duo to continue to embarrass our party publicly?

“Now, some governors are joining them to endorse Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. I ask again: what exactly is going on in our party? Has discipline gone to the dogs? Has everything broken down completely? Has sanity taken flight in the way we run the party now?

“Nigerians are yearning for change, which only the PDP can offer because ours is the only organised party. Apart from Ganduje, who else do you know in APC NWC? APC is a one-man show being controlled from the Villa.

“This is the time for the national leadership of PDP to take decisive steps to save our great party. As a founding member of our party and an elder statesman, I call on other elders of our party to call Atiku and Wike to order, as the two are not bigger than the PDP.

“They cannot continue hobnobbing with enemies of our party and think I will keep quiet. The truth must be told every time without minding whose ox is gored.

“This is the time to save our party from those undermining PDP from within. If Atiku is strategising on how to form a coalition with others because of 2027, he should do that outside the structure of our party. You cannot be within and be working against the interest of this party. We will never allow that.

“Wike’s case is very clear to everybody. He wants to be in the good books of Tinubu while working against our party. He is an adult and knows what is good for him politically, but you cannot claim to be in the PDP and be working against the interest of the party.

“Many people do not know that what Wike did in Rivers, leading to the emergency rule declaration of March 18 is anti-party activity.

“He organises live interviews across television stations as if he is the president and attacks PDP in the process. If there is any iota of shame left in him, this is the time for him to leave our party.

“His strategy is to continue to work within the party for the President’s reelection. This is the time for our party leadership to wield the big stick because nobody is more powerful than the party.

“The moment we remove the liabilities in our party, we will be in a formidable position, as an opposition party, to take over power from APC at the federal level in 2027.

“Due to the anti-people policies of APC, Nigerians are going through a lot and they are waiting for PDP to alleviate their suffering in 2027.”

On the rising wave of insecurity in the country, the PDP leader said: “Insurrection, insurgency, kidnappings, killings and corruption have taken over the land. As the Commander-in-Chief, what exactly is Tinubu doing to reverse this ugly trend?

“The way people are being killed in Benue and Plateau, does it make sense? The nation is drifting and this is the time for former Presidents and opinion leaders to speak truth to power. We can’t continue this way.”
To the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, bankers are part of the professionals who created economic hardship in the country

George also queried the source of the billions of naira declared by banks as profits yearly.

“There is what is called round-tripping. There is also insider abuse, hidden and fraudulent charges. All these are targeted at Nigerians. You can’t see a bank MD in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, United Arab Emirates etc in private jets every other day.

“Here, our Bank MDs not only charter private jets but own jets. Where are they getting the money from to maintain this type of luxury and lifestyle?

“The government must look into this. Now that Tinubu is trying to lessen the burden of Nigerians, these bank MDs should be made to pay not less than N20 billion each into this special intervention fund account.

“Now that he is back in Nigeria, Tinubu should also be serious about projecting the image of this country.”
“No rat, lizard or cockroach was killed in Rivers yet, you declared emergency rule and suspended an elected governor just because you are the commander-in-chief.

“People don’t use power like that. Nigeria is called the Giant of Africa but economically, constitutionally and politically, are we a Giant in the real sense of the word?

“Nigeria spent billions of dollars to restore peace, security, democracy, economic and political independence in South Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Zimbabwe and others.

“It is an anti-climax that what we gave to others that led to stability, we don’t have at home. Are we now the Giant of Africa only on paper, and not in reality?”

A few days ago, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, received a two-man delegation from the International Monetary Fund, IMF, comprising the IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Christian H. Ebeke, and, Axel Schimmelpfennig from Washington, D.C. 

The purpose of the visit was to assess how Nigerian workers and the general populace are being affected by the current socioeconomic environment and the hardship resulting from government policies. 

The IMF delegation , led by Schimmelpfennig also sought insights from the NLC regarding the state of the labour market in Nigeria. According to them, the information gathered would contribute to the IMF’s annual country report for Nigeria.

Vanguard learned that preparations for the meeting had been ongoing since the NLC President’s earlier meeting with officials from the World Bank and the IMF in Washington.

IMF explains reasons for visit

Upon arrival at Labour House, the NLC leadership welcomed the IMF before the team briefed the NLC leadership on their mission, since the meeting was held at the instance of the Fund.

Sources at the meeting disclosed that the IMF team acknowledged that the Nigerian government has been grappling with fiscal challenges since assuming office. They emphasized that the IMF’s recommendations are purely advisory and not mandatory, based on the prevailing realities in each country.

The delegation expressed concern that, often, governments do not follow the IMF’s recommendations to the letter, instead adapting them to align with political objectives. In effect, the IMF attempted to distance itself from the adverse consequences of some recent economic reforms in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, the IMF team requested continued engagement with the NLC going forward.

Ajaero’s response

In response, the NLC President made it clear that governance should prioritize citizens’ welfare over profit-making.

He criticized the austerity measures often recommended by the IMF, noting that they have worsened living conditions for Nigerians.

It was gathered that Ajaero particularly highlighted the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said has led to increased suffering, hunger, and poverty among workers and the general population.

The NLC President argued that t”here was no real subsidy to remove in the first place, as the government was already profiting from crude oil sales.

He described the “subsidy removal” as merely a justification for increasing fuel prices. He equally questioned the use of the revenue purportedly saved from the subsidy removal, especially since the government continues to borrow heavily.

“He pointed out that the cost of essential services—such as education and transportation—has tripled, leading to widespread hardship. He condemned the growing disparity between the worsening living conditions of citizens and the increasing wealth of government officials.”

Ajaero emphasized that “genuine reforms should improve the welfare of the people, not enrich those in power. He also criticized the government for not consulting key stakeholders before implementing the subsidy removal policy.

This exclusion, he said, has exacerbated the country’s economic challenges. “He noted that inclusive dialogue could have produced better strategies and outcomes, lamenting that the government has isolated itself from valuable advice.”

On the national minimum wage, “the NLC President complained that the N70,000 wage is not being implemented sincerely across all levels of government. Instead, the government has continued to impose additional taxes, worsening the financial burden on citizens.”

Ajaero urged “the IMF to advise the government to ease this pressure and allow citizens to breathe. He warned that rising poverty levels could lead to social unrest if left unaddressed.”

He concluded that “the current reforms have only widened the gap between the ruling class and the people, worsening the lives of ordinary Nigerians while enriching those in power.”

 Tax bill encourages laziness

•$6trn worth of minerals in N-Central not being utilised

•Tinubu should apply the Elon Musk formula 

•We need a department of efficiency

•I support Trump’s tarrif hikes

Legal icon and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, in this interview declares thatNigeria must undergo deep-rooted political and economic reforms to make progress. Excerpts:

What is your evaluation of some of the policies of President Bola Tinubu, like the fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation?

Before I am misinterpreted, let me be very careful to say that it does seem as if some of the structural problems regarding the issue of devaluation and fuel subsidy removal are beginning to have an impact positively, but not sufficiently to make an impact on the street.

So a man who has a high blood pressure reading of over 160 by 120, means it is very critical. It needs to come down to about 140 to 100. So it sums up Nigeria’s position. While these adjustments are good, even though we have to ask where the product of the fuel subsidy is, what it has done can be called a correction. A correction is when you are going in a particular direction, and you know that that is not the correct direction. So nobody can dispute that the removal of the fuel subsidy is not in the right direction because only a few benefited, and the big question is, where is it going? Is it going into social institutions, hospitals, and schools? It’s a good idea that it’s happening and I think it was reflected in pricing: fuel pricing is not good. They can be N100 or N200, but certainly not N1,200. The current price is N930. Food pricing is high but stable, but not as before.

So if this is possible, why is it not possible to achieve more success? The reason is: if you have read Why Nations Fail, nations fail precisely because of the sort of nonsense going on in Rivers State.

It shouldn’t be happening at all. It’s a needless distraction. The rift between APC and PDP is not to the benefit of the people of Rivers State. That is the problem the authors of Why Nations Fail described.

The government fails to focus on good governance. Nigeria’s biggest problem is the over-concentration of power at the centre. If we are to achieve the N500 trillion targeted budget, which is possible, we must break up the overcentralised system to do at least eight constitutionally recognised political zones. 

The Middle Belt Zone needs to come out of the North-West. The Edo area needs to come out of the South-South, each with its independent economic constitutional structure. People say there’s a delay in the Supreme Court; it takes up to 10 years to get a verdict. There’s only one Supreme Court. In the United States of America, there are as many supreme courts as there are states.

So why should the Magistrate Court in Yaba head to the Supreme Court? So when you open up the process, you have 36 Supreme Courts. In every county in America, which we call a local government, there’s a police chief, but here, we have only one.

On Trump’s policies

Do you know why President Trump wanted to make friends with the President of Ukraine but it backfired? It is because the world is shifting to a green economy. The green economy is driven by critical minerals, and North Central is ranked number four in the world for critical minerals.

Under the North-Central is about $6 trillion worth of resources that are not being utilised; rather, political leaders are fighting for the crumbs rather than saying, ‘If we work together, we can dig deep.’ That is why we should be talking about what President Tinubu can do. The fuel subsidy removal we thought was not a good idea has worked because it has lowered the temperature, but it has not lowered it to the point where it’s making an impact. Not until we start buying fuel at the rate of N200 can I congratulate President Tinubu. But it ought to be put on record that the naira has been stable.

My prediction is if these things go well, we should be going about N1000 to $1 in the middle of 2026. We must move away from what the Western world tends to paint us as. We have what we call formal democracy, where every four years there are elections.

But what is the quality of the elections we are having? In the West, what they look at is the checklist. One of the checklists is elections. But Nigeria, since 25 years ago, has not reached the four important processes from authoritarian to semi-authoritarian to liberal, but I will put Nigeria as a semi-democracy, and that’s very kind. Because the rule of law remains challenging, accountability remains challenging; these are the critical ingredients for a nation moving toward liberal democracy.

What Trump is doing is what I recommended a long time ago because I read this from Mrs Margaret Thatcher, a British stateswoman and Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. Her government was a catchment of efficiency, which is what Elon Musk has done. This Department of Efficiency is what we need. 

So the budget is in deficit because we have an inefficient civil service, and they consume 90 per cent of the public revenue. For instance, the colonial heritage of the cabinet office, which is now called the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, in Nigeria. We have the SGF, we have the Head of Service and the Chief of Staff. Three guys doing the same thing. I don’t know which one should stay; we are running an executive government, not a parliamentary one.

Those duplications are the things we need to look at. So if we begin to apply the Elon Musk formula, you can reduce Nigeria’s civil service substantially. You can’t expect Nigeria to move forward if you do not take revolutionary action. That’s the only way you can get results.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has lauded the former Governor of Delta State and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for supporting President Bola Tinubu, saying Okowa’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has vindicated his (Wike’s) political stance in the last general election.

Wike in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka on Wednesday night in Abuja, said he has now been vindicated, following his decision not to support the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

He said; “It is another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.”

Wike called on other Nigerians who are still sitting on the fence to throw in their support for the President.

The Minister described the open endorsement of the president by Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as “a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.”

“I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.

“That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not when they have problems and begin to run up and down.

“They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them.

“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train,” the Minister said.

The UK has made immigration into the country a little less pleasant, with the new sets of rules for immigrants looking to come to the UK.

Depending on your Visa status, as an immigrant there are certain restrictions and rules you must follow in the UK.

To be able to engage in any of these activities you must have proper authorization from the right authorities.

Here are 10 things you are restricted from doing as an immigrant in the UK

1. Work without authorization

Immigrants who move to the UK with visitor’s visas generally are not allowed to work in the UK. You are not allowed to work for a UK owned enterprise, or even start a personal business. Engaging in any form of work without the proper visa can lead to legal penalties or deportation. What activities are considered as work? Taking employment in the UK;
• Doing work for an organisation or business in the UK;
• Establishing or running a business as a self-employed person;
• Doing a work placement or internship;
• Direct selling to the public;
• Providing goods and services.

2. Claim Public Funds (Welfare Benefits)

As an immigrant in the UK claiming of public funds is prohibited, unless you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or specific benefits entitlement, you are generally not allowed to claim welfare benefits (such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Jobseeker’s Allowance) in the UK.

3. Vote in General Elections

Voting in general elections is a no go for non-citizens of the UK. Voting in general elections is only restricted to citizens of the UK and some commonwealth citizens.

4. Overstay your Visa

Overstaying your visa is staying longer than your visa permits, and this is one of the restrictions immigrants in the UK have. People who got their visa through fraudulent means are also treated as overstayers when caught by the authorities.

5. Bringing family members without approval

Inviting family members into the UK without proper clearance is considered illegal in the UK for immigrants. If your visa does not permit dependents, you cannot bring family members to the UK without prior approval.

6. Education

Without a visa supporting education and study in the UK, enrolling for education is prohibited for immigrants. Though there are a few grey areas, like children from the age of 5 – 16 are allowed to access state funded education despite their immigration status, as this is the legal age for education in the UK.

7. Forming legal partnerships or marriage

Forming a legal partnership or marriage in the UK is prohibited for immigrants. If as an immigrant you want to get married in the UK you have to go through the right authorities.

8. Professional sports or coaching

You can’t work in the UK in a skilled capacity unless you have the proper work visa. This includes coaching in any sports activity.