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The new minimum wage demand rose from N200, 000 a month to N435, 500 because of the economic realities in the country.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Enugu State, Comrade Ben Asogwa, stated this in Enugu on Thursday in an interview.
Asogwa said the value of naira to a dollar when the N200, 000 was the benchmark had doubled, hence the demand for an increase from the earlier amount requested.
He said, “Let’s face the economic realities. If you look at the present monetary value, and what it was then, you will understand that the increase is in order. We are also trying to make the government understand how bad the economy has become. They should also evaluate what workers in other parts of the world earn compared to Nigeria.
“Nigeria is an importing nation, including importing the finished products of our natural resources exported in raw forms. Those in government have so much bastardised the economy. When we pegged the minimum wage at N200, 000, a dollar was around N700. But today, it is over N1400. The government should realize the injuries it has done to the economy.”
He said the review of the minimum wage was in accordance to the law, adding that, “By law, the minimum wage is reviewed every five years. It was last reviewed in 2019, hence this year is statutorily the year for another review.”
On how the new minimum wage would impact on non-civil servants, C Asogwa said, “The wage is not only for those who are government workers. The committee constituted for the negotiation comprises representatives of federal, state and the private sectors. It is also noteworthy that the economy revolves around workers’ salaries. When workers are paid well, traders sell better and the value chain continues.”
He blamed the dwindling of the nation’s economy to the removal of fuel subsidy without ensuring that Nigeria’s refineries were optimally functional, government’s inability to stabilize the dollars against the naira, and the country’s lack of production capacities.
He, however, admitted that the proposed N435, 500 new minimum wage is not static as it could be reviewed by the committee currently meeting with the federal government on the matter.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has voiced his frustration at some Nigerians whom he said were celebrating the rapid fall of the nation’s currency, the naira, calling them “clowns.”
Shettima who is never short of expletives and is usually in a combative mood made the statement while speaking as a representative of the President, Bola Tinubu at an event organised by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday in a video shared by Symfoni.
The naira has been rapidly depreciating in an astonishing manner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), instigating frantic monetary policies in its bid to stem the tide due to scarcity of the greenback.
Africa’s biggest economy is experiencing new challenges putting the naira under pressure since Bola Tinubu, the president, came to power on May 29, 2023.
The rate at the official window closed above the parallel market, often referred to as the ‘black market’, on Tuesday at the close of trading, raising concern on the direction of the country’s economy.
At the so-called Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) window, the naira was 1,482:57 per dollar according to the data published by the FMDQ, which calculates the exchange rate.
That was above the black market rate which closed at 1,475 raising serious alarm and frantic apex bank intervention.
And on Wednesday, the naira rose above N1,500 before retreating to above N1,400 as of Thursday and above N1,300 on Friday according to reports by FMDQ, following CBN intervention.
Shettima did not take kindly to social media reports which he said were not only disheartening but disenchanting.
He descended on those he said were celebrate the fall, saying, ‘”It is not only disheartening and disenchanting, but also heartbreaking that yesterday when the Naira culminated to N1,500 to the dollar, instead of us to coagulate into a single force and salvage our nation economy, sadly, some clowns are celebrating on Twitter of an impending implosion of the Nigerian economy.”
The Nigerian Government has bought 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and other military arms to bolster the West African nation’s military capabilities.
The United States Department of Defense made this known in an article published on Thursday.
The contract, valued at $1 billion, includes the state-of-the-art helicopters and 32 mission computers provided by Northrop Grumman, with a separate contract valued at $7.7 million awarded in December.
Nigeria has been grappling with complex security challenges for years, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and banditry in the northwest.
This multi-pronged crisis has displaced millions and claimed countless lives, making the purchase of the helicopter, scheduled for completion in June 2024, a significant upgrade to Nigeria’s military assets.
The sale follows the US State Department’s approval in April 2022 of Nigeria’s request for the helicopters, which includes guidance systems, night vision imaging systems, and extensive training.
This military package aims to enhance Nigeria’s security infrastructure, contribute to shared security objectives, and promote regional stability. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the United States highlighted the importance of this sale in supporting the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The AH-1Z Viper, a multi-role attack helicopter, is designed for various missions, including reconnaissance, escort, and strike operations. This addition is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to address multiple security challenges within its borders, ranging from Islamist insurgency to widespread banditry.
Nigeria’s ongoing military procurement strategy includes acquiring m-346 attack aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role helicopters, and Chinese-made Wing Loong II drones, among others.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified a statement made by its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, that a religious sect was laundering money for terrorists, saying the group referred to was neither a church or mosque in particular.
The anti-graft agency said those subjecting Olukoyede’s revelation to sinister interpretation were on to mischief and should be ignored.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Thursday, with the titled “EFCC clarifies Its chairman’s disclosures about alleged money laundering by religious leaders,” said: “The groups fingered by the EFCC chair are religious sects, not a church or a mosque.
“Those subjecting this disclosure to sinister interpretation are on to mischief and should be ignored. The EFCC’s boss is focused on his assignment of tackling all shades of economic and financial crimes and would not be distracted.”
Recall that at the commission’s public engagement on ‘Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption’ on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 in Abuja, the chairman had frowned at the conduct of some religious sect leaders whom he accused of being complicit in money laundering.
He had said: “As I’m standing before you, there is a matter we are handling, a pyramid scheme that involves over N30 billion fleeced from Nigerians.
Along the line, some people died, some victims collapsed and all of that. We were able to trace over N7billion to a particular religious body and I said, write a letter to the leader of that religious sect, and we did
“The next thing we saw was a restraining order. We got a restraining order restraining us from recovering the money. Meanwhile, people have died along the line. Money traced directly to your body, and that is what we are battling. Of course, we have appealed, and this is the situation that is facing us, religious leaders.”
He further said, “when I was the chief of staff, we investigated an issue of money laundering, somewhere in this country. There is a particular religious sect that laundered money for terrorists. These are the problems we are battling with.”
However, Oyewale said, “Olukoyede neither mentioned a Church, Mosque nor any particular religious entity. Unfortunately, his comments have been twisted with mischievous connotations.”
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged the German government to not deport about 12,000 illegal migrants into Nigeria, saying such a move will aggravate security challenges in the country.
Akpabio made the call on Wednesday when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Gunther, in her address, said both Germany and Nigeria are large economies in Africa and Europe respectively, and as such can partner.
“We are honoured to be here today. Nigeria and Germany being the largest economies and population in their respective continents, need to come together in their peoples’ interests. Nigeria is Germany’s second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” the German envoy said.
In his own address, Akpabio noted that Nigeria is grappling with insecurity and called on Germany to work in synergy with Nigeria in the areas of security and power, to enhance the socio-political development of Nigeria.
The Senate President, then, urged Gunther to help Nigeria, Africa’s largest population in fighting insecurity as well as strengthening its economy.
He begged the German government to halt its move of deporting 12,000 illegal migrants of Nigerian extraction, as this can create more insecurity in the country.
“We also have a problem of infiltration from other countries. We require assistance from Germany in the area of security because when we had the Boko Haram issues in the North East, it might not have escalated to the level it did if we had the support of major players like Germany and others,” he said.
“It was very difficult for us to get support from America at that time, maybe due to what they read on social media concerning us. If developed countries stop listening to social media, they would be willing to assist developing countries.
“The recent decision of Germany to deport illegal Nigerians back to the country numbering 12,000 is something you have to look into for us, because of its security implications. As a result of the current political situation in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, almost every black person in Germany, would claim to be a Nigerian because they don’t want to return to crises prone countries.
“Dumping 12,000 illegal immigrants in Nigeria would lead to the escalation of insecurity in the country. There is, therefore, the need for your country to allow our immigration officers to assess, who exactly is a Nigerian amongst them. If they allow them in here, without any kith and kin and they have to survive, the result would be nothing but militancy or insecurity,” Akpabio added.
The depreciation of the naira against the United States dollar by 55 per cent at the official foreign exchange market has led to a commensurate depreciation in airfares on international routes in Nigeria, according to findings by The PUNCH.
The naira had fallen from approximately 900/dollar to over 1,400/dollar on Monday after the FMDQ Exchange, which records data the nation’s official exchange rate, reviewed its methodology for calculating the rate.
The review came after the Central Bank of Nigeria accused approved foreign exchange dealers of reporting false figures.
However, barely 24 hours after the movement of the official exchange rate, international airlines operating in Nigeria moved the exchange rate for pricing their tickets to from about N900/dollar to N1,421/dollar.
The development led to approximately 55 per cent in international airfares on Nigerian routes.
Findings by our correspondent on Wednesday showed that ticket prices on Lagos-London-Lagos, Lagos-New York-Lagos, Lagos-Johannesburg, Lagos, among other top destinations had increased commensurately.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, who confirmed the sharp increased, said the development would compound the woes of travel agencies.
“We have been feeling the pinch for a long time, and the situation is just getting worse. People who are traveling are not doing so for fun; they are traveling for serious business like medical or even education. It’s no longer about leisure,” Akporiaye told The PUNCH.
Akporiaye explained that travelers were reluctantly parting with money, and given a choice, they wouldn’t pay at all.
“For instance, an air ticket that used to cost $1000 has now surged to N1.5m. The financial strain is a necessity for travelers, forcing them to squeeze their budgets.”
She said the industry operators empathised with their situation, with some passengers resorting to appealing and offering collateral just to pursue their objectives and travel.
The president said the prices would undoubtedly decrease, adding that, “I am optimistic. It’s not the fault of the airlines; rather, it’s a reflection of the country’s economic situation.”
The NANTA leader said at the moment there was no noticeable difference between the rates in the black market and the official window of the forex market.
As such, she advised airlines to open up lower inventory options to encourage travelers already financially burdened.
“I suggest that airlines contemplate offering lower inventory options, enabling customers to access flights for maybe N1m. This customer-centric approach recognises the financial constraints faced by many travelers.
“The higher inventory, nearing almost N5m, shows variations with some options open while others remain closed. It’s crucial to emphasize that airlines are not responsible for setting the exchange rate.”
Price checks by The PUNCH revealed that the average airfare ticket to some of the high-traffic international destinations like London cost N2.77m; Dubai N2.65m; New York N3.2667m; and Johannesburg N3.05m.
For the Lagos-Johannesburg-Lagos route, depending on the travel date, Africa World Airlines charges N2.7m, while Turkish Airlines sets the price at N3.4m. The airfare for a round-trip from Lagos to Dubai is N2.3m with Turkish Airlines, and N3m with Lufthansa.
An agent at Travel and Tours Limited, Maureen Chimaobi informed The PUNCH that the naira’s exchange rate of naira to dollar is getting worse for travelers.
“As of Monday, the exchange rate was $1 to N1450. I don’t know how much it sold today..”
“This ugly development is no longer only limited to the aviation sector, prices of goods and services have generally gone up. Even local commodities are not left out.”
On June 14, 2023, the naira fell signficantly following the decision to allow the currency to fluctuate freely, leading to a significant drop in its value. Since then, airlines and passengers have continued to struggle to bear the surging air ticket prices.
Despite the currency woes, our correspondent could not verify if there is any data to support that travel demands in Nigeria have dropped.
The International Air Transport Association reported that African airlines’ annual traffic rose 38.7 per cent in 2023 versus the prior year.
“Full year 2023 capacity was up 38.3 per cent and load factor climbed 0.2 percentage points to 71.9 per cent, the lowest among regions. December 2023 traffic for African airlines rose 9.5 per cent over December 2022.”
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has said the Federal Government’s directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria to take over the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is illegal.
President Bola Tinubu had, on Monday, reportedly directed the CBN to assume the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the NNPCL. Consequently, NNPC is expected to submit the receipts for crude oil sales to CBN for vetting and documentation.
Reacting, Atiku in a statement, Thursday said Tinubu’s directive undermined the operational independence of the national oil company.
“Without prejudice to the possibility of any good that was intended in the decision of the Federal Government to make the Central Bank of Nigeria take over the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, it must be clearly stated that the action is not legal in its application, he stated.
The former Vice President who noted that little has been communicated to the public about explaining details of the decision, declared that “Whatever may be the merit of the new arrangement, the presidential directive is a violation of the legal status of the NNPCL.”
Atiku stated “It is an arbitrary order capable of undermining the operational independence of the NNPCL.
“By this order, Mr. President has wrested control of the finances of the NNPCL and donated the same to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“This is an unprecedented act, without any legal or ethical basis. It is also a violation of the principle of due process in public administration. State-owned enterprises are not subject to such arbitrary orders and have full control over their finances within the confines of their respective establishment laws.
“The NNPCL is a creation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which was signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 16 August 2021.
“The PIA makes extensive provisions for the formation, structure, governance, and operation of the NNPCL as an independent limited liability company in Sections 53 to 65 of the Act.
“The government must, therefore, respect the provisions of the law and allow the NNPCL to run as an independent company based on sound commercial objectives and in line with international best practices and standard principles of corporate governance.
“Only then would the new NNPCL grow into a formidable institution with track records, requisite technical and financial capacity, and readiness to operate in public space.”
The former vice president said any attempt to undermine the operational independence of the NNPCL will be a hindrance to any chances of attracting investments and attaining global relevance in the Petroleum Industry.
The statement read in part “Let it also be stated that the Central Bank Act 2007 does not confer on the Central Bank of Nigeria, any responsibility for vetting the transactions of, or formulating and maintaining the internal controls and internal audits in state-owned enterprises, public or private.
“The CBN should be allowed to perform its core functions as provided in the extant law. To enhance transparency and accountability in the operation of the NNPCL, its bank accounts for crude sales proceeds (for example at Morgan Stanley) and the entire crude sales conversion circle can be trailed by Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and CBN.”
In a passionate appeal during his 80th birthday celebrations and book presentation in Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, emphasized the crucial role of religion in fostering peace among citizens.
The cardinal’s remarks highlighted a vision of religion as a force for unity and reconciliation, countering the narrative that it often serves as a catalyst for conflict.
Cardinal Onaiyekan, renowned for his contributions to interfaith dialogue and peace-building efforts in Nigeria, expressed his contentment with the growing discourse on the necessity of peace for national progress.
“The country cannot make progress without peace in place,” he stated, underscoring the indispensable need for harmony in fostering societal and national development.
Drawing on his extensive experience in religious leadership, Cardinal Onaiyekan pointed out that religion, when presented correctly, has the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting peace.
Onaiyekan said, “They even blame religion for our situation. But my position is that true religion must be about peace.
“Whatever you do, even if you shout the name of God a thousand times, and you are hurting your neighbour and killing the innocent, that is not religion.
“If religion is presented in a way that is not peaceful, then it cannot succeed in bringing the peace we expect. Many talk religion but are talking war and conflict.”
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who spoke at the event said Onaiyekan’s unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and unity has touched countless lives and inspired generations.
He said through the former archbishop’s unfaltering faith and dedication, he became a “beacon of hope, guiding his flock with love, compassion and unwavering integrity”.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan’s leadership and ministry have been marked by a resolute pursuit of justice and equality. In the face of injustice he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalised and the voiceless.
“It is not just his actions that inspire us; it is his words that resonate in our hearts. His Eminence possesses a rare gift of eloquence and a profound ability to unite people from all walks of life.
“His words have the power to heal; to bridge divides, and to ignite the flames of hope in even the darkest of times.
“His sermons have touched the hearts of millions, reminding us of our shared humanity and the inherent dignity that resides within each and every one of us.”
Born in Kabba, Kogi on January 29, 1944, Onaiyekan was the archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and was ordained a cardinal on November 24, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Gombe State Police Command on Thursday busted two currency syndicates in possession of $56,300, and N265,000 counterfeited notes.
Our correspondent reports that the groups totalling16 specialised in the printing and disposing of counterfeit dollar and naira notes.
Parading the suspects, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahid Abubakar, said 12 suspects were arrested in Bajoga, Funakaye and Dukku Local Government Areas.
Abubakar said the first syndicate, made up six suspects, was arrested in possession of 500 pieces of 100 dollar and N265, 000 were recovered as exhibits.
According to him, the arrest was made possible after one Buba Muhammadu went to buy medicines at the chemist of Muhammad Ismail in Sangaru quarters in Bajoga with a counterfeit N1,000.
He said further investigation led to the arrest of the rest of the members.
“Buba Muhammadu, 45 years, male; Jungudo Muhammadu, 53 years, male; Adamu Yusuf Mallum, 30 years; Abdulhamid Abdullahi, male 60 years; Salihu Abdulhamid, 50 years, male; Abubakar Abdullahi 35 years male,” Abubakar listed them.
He said the second syndicate, also made up of six suspects, was arrested in Malala Village, Dukku Local Government Area in possession of 63 pieces of counterfeited 100 US dollar notes.
Abubakar added, “Haruna Adamu aged 60 years male of Tanji Village Darazo LGA, Bauchi State; Garba Ibrahim aged 25 years, male of Hashidu, Dukku LGA, Gombe State; Samaila Musa aged 30 years male of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA; Sa’adu Muhammed aged 23 years male of No.10 Badarawa Quarters, Kaduna State; Yusuf Abdullahi aged 30 years male of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA; Muhammadu Umaru aged 26 years male of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA. The suspects were arrested at Malala Village, Dukku LGA in possession of 63,000 pieces of 100 dollar notes.”
He said all the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be charged to court.
Abubakar urged the public in Gombe State to be more vigilant and report all cases to the appropriate authorities as opposed to taking the law into their own hands.
[PRESS RELEASE] FG's Directive to CBN challenges the legality and operational independence of national oil company
AdminFG's directive to CBN to take over crude oil sales proceeds from NNPCL is not legal, undermines the operational independence of the national oil company
Without prejudice to the possibility of any good that was intended in the decision of the Federal Government to make the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) take over the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), it must be clearly stated that the action is not legal in its application.
Although, as usual, of the current administration, little has been communicated to the public about explaining details of the decision.
According to what is publicly available, the President has issued a directive that henceforth, the NNPCL would submit receipts for crude oil sales to CBN for vetting and documentation.
Whatever may be the merit of the new arrangement, the presidential directive is a violation of the legal status of the NNPCL.
It is an arbitrary order capable of undermining the operational independence of the NNPCL.
By this order, Mr. President has wrested control of the finances of the NNPCL and donated the same to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This is an unprecedented act, without any legal or ethical basis. It is also a violation of the principle of due process in public administration.
State-owned enterprises are not subject to such arbitrary orders and have full control over their finances within the confines of their respective establishment laws.
The NNPCL is a creation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which was signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 16 August 2021.
The PIA makes extensive provisions for the formation, structure, governance, and operation of the NNPCL as an independent limited liability company in Sections 53 to 65 of the Act.
The government must, therefore, respect the provisions of the law and allow the NNPCL to run as an independent company based on sound commercial objectives and in line with international best practices and standard principles of corporate governance.
Only then would the new NNPCL grow into a formidable institution with track records, requisite technical and financial capacity, and readiness to operate in public space.
Any attempt to undermine the operational independence of the NNPCL will be a hindrance to any chances of attracting investments and attaining global relevance in the Petroleum Industry.
Let it also be stated that the Central Bank Act 2007 does not confer on the Central Bank of Nigeria, any responsibility for vetting the transactions of, or formulating and maintaining the internal controls and internal audits in state-owned enterprises, public or private.
The CBN should be allowed to perform its core functions as provided in the extant law.
To enhance transparency and accountability in the operation of the NNPCL, its bank accounts for crude sales proceeds (for example at Morgan Stanley) and the entire crude sales conversion circle can be trailed by Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and CBN.
Amongst other supportive measures to enhance transparency, the NNPCL board members can be better selected and reconstituted to include, if desired, representatives of the CBN and NEITI.
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
1st February, 2024.
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Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in 26 states, where run-off and by-elections will take place.
In a statement on Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the restriction will be from 12 a.m to 6 p.m.
The by-elections are fixed for February 3 in various constituencies across 26 states.
The by-elections are to be conducted due to the death or resignation of members of the national and state houses of assembly.
In some constituencies, the court ordered run-off elections.
The elections will fill vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal and 28 state constituencies across 80 local government areas.
Individuals on essential services like officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, and emergency responders are exempted.
The IGP also banned security aides attached to very important persons (VIPs) from going to the polling booths and state-owned security outfits from election security management.
“Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to specified authorities. Numbered to call: 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); you can also reach us at @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (e-mail),” the statement reads.
Egbetokun warned of the legal consequences of disrupting the election process.
‘Give Reforms A Chance’: Tinubu Seven Months Old In Office, He Needs More Time — FG Tells Nigerians
AdminThe Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi is calling on Nigerians to be patient with the reforms of the Bola Tinubu government.
Tinubu, who came into office in May, initiated a string of reforms including the floating of the naira and the removal of the much-debated fuel subsidies. The moves have triggered a spike in the cost of living with inflation soaring.
But Malagi believes these are bound to happen, maintaining that in the long run, these reforms would yield fruit.
“I want you to remember that the President is seven months old in office. I am not going to make excuses that seven months is just a short time,” he said on Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
“But for a long-term plan, you need a lot more time to put structures. But of course, as you trudge along, there will be shocks, turbulence, and occasional dislocations that you would find. But the vision of the President is very clear: he wants to take Nigeria to the desired prosperity. He works day and night to achieve that. Every day, all the ministers and everyone are working in that direction but the results are not seen yet. We ask Nigerians to be a little more patient.”
While admitting that the government is aware of the hardships Nigerians are facing, the minister reassured that the country’s leadership is working tirelessly to reverse the trend.
According to him, President Tinubu’s government had in the wake of the subsidy removal introduced some measures to curtail the impact of the move.
He listed some of them to include the wage awards to Federal Government workers and plans to roll out CNG buses across the country.
Nigeria’s labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – had repeatedly threatened strikes over the high cost of living.
In fact, in August, the unions downed tools with businesses, government offices, and markets closed for a day in the capital Abuja. But the strike was met with a mixed response from businesses in the economic capital Lagos.
Ahead of the primaries for the September 21 governorship election in Edo, the state chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has declared that any aspirants who cannot afford the fee for expression of interest and nomination form lacks the capacity to run for governorship election.
The party state chairman, Ogbalol Kelly, stated this on Wednesday in Benin while speaking on the N30 million fee charged by the party, among other issues.
Kelly said the N30m nomination fee is the lowest compared to the other two major political parties contesting the election charged.
He explained that the cost of elections into political offices in Nigeria is quite expensive as witnessed from the recent general elections.
“Aside being qualified to contest election, aspirants must also be ready to show capability and capacity to fund campaigns and other election requirements.
“Therefore, any aspirant who cannot afford the fee lacks the capacity to run for the governorship election,” he added.
Kelly said funding political parties is a challenge and that the sale of forms is a major source through which political parties are funded.
“Issues that may arise as a result of primaries and election itself which has to do with litigation arising from such activities as well as other logistics issues, make it imperative for the parties to charge a reasonable fee like ours, so that it can adequately discharge its responsibilities during and after the elections,” he stated.
He disclosed that two governorship aspirants had bought the party forms, a man and a woman, urging others to do same.
Kelly appealed to the governorship aspirants to make the necessary sacrifice by participating in the exercise, assuring them the party is determined to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants leading to the emergence of a credible candidate.
He said the party had reduced the fee for women by 50 per cent in order to ensure their participation in the governorship election.
Meanwhile, Kelly denied allegation that the party received a sum of N500m from the state government in order to feature a neophyte as its candidate in the election.
He noted that the guideline currently released by the leadership of the party with regard to governorship election in the state is in line with the provision of the constitution and the electoral act.
Former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami, was on Thursday, sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Ondo state, following the inauguration of the former deputy governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, as the governor of the state.
Ayedatiwa was inaugurated on the 27th of December, 2023, following the death of late governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in a hospital in Germany.
The swearing ceremony held at the International Events Centre, Dome, in Akure, the state capital, was sequent to Adelami’s confirmation by the state House of Assembly after his nomination last week.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odudola, administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Office on the new deputy governor.
Ayedatiwa in his remarks, disclosed that the dissolution of the State Executive by him last week was in carried out in good faith and to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the current administration in the state.
The governor said, “The decision was borne out of genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate this administration for maximum delivery on our mandate.
“We also needed to minimize unnecessary distractions usually associated with Cabinet Members and other appointees in an election year like we have in Ondo State.
“This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave the way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.
“We have a sacred duty to our people not to sacrifice good governance on the altar of individual, though legitimate, pursuit of political aspirations. We harbour neither ill wind nor animosity towards no one.”
He acknowledged the ecstasy that greeted the nomination and appointment of Adelami as testimony to his acceptance and if right choice, saying “we are bringing on board a gentleman of stellar quality, impeccable character and rich administrative acumen as Deputy Governor.
He, however, challenged the new deputy governor “to handle your portfolio in a manner to sustain this euphoria, because as it is often said, it is easier getting to the top than to remain at the top.
“It is our expectation that you will provide fresh ideas and new drive to support this administration in consolidating our legacy projects, building a sustainable socio-economic base as encapsulated in our Redeemed agenda; and pilot the politics of the state to a higher level of humility, justice and harmony as you serve the citizens.”
In his acceptance speech, the new deputy governor pledged to build on his previous performance by supporting Ayedatiwa in providing good governance to the people of Ondo State.
Adelami said “I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets.
“My wealth of experience in both public and private sectors coupled with my connections nationally and internationally are available for you to explore for the wellbeing of our people.
“I want to therefore appeal to all our people in Ondo State at home and abroad to kindly support Mr Governor and me in our sincere desire to entrench good governance in our Sunshine State.
“I will make available my wealth of experience in both public and private sectors for the transformation of our dear sunshine state.
“I equally plead with you for more cooperation with our dear governor to foster great collaboration and unalloyed unity for the development of our state to the admiration and pride of our great leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been very supportive to our state.”