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A stampede during an almsgiving zakat for the poor in Bauchi State has led to the death of four people.
The stampede occurred at about 10am at the Shafa Holdings Company plc headquarters along Jos Road, on Sunday.
A 17-year-old identified as Naima Abdullahi, is currently receiving medical treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmed Wakili, said the situation has been stabilized as at the time of filing his report.
Wakili said the police acted swiftly upon hearing the news, adding that the police commissioner encouraged the public to stay composed.
[DailyPost]
Foremost Yoruba socio-cultural organization, the Yoruba Alliance Forum (YAF), at the weekend urged the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, the Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho and many others that have been bothered by the recent viral audio content credited to Iba Gani Adams, to sheath their swords and unite to fight the common enemies of Yoruba race.
The leaders of the pan-Yoruba organization made the appeal on Saturday, after reaching out to Iba Gani Adams on the telephone, as part of efforts to ensure peace in Yoruba land.
YAF, in a statement signed by the chairman, Chief Onitolo-Ariyo Adejare, and the secretary, Comrade Adedeji Oluwaseun, described the unity of the Yoruba as the best weapon to fight common enemies.
The YAF chieftains also added that Yoruba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora are worried about the ongoing social media attacks between loyalists of Iba Gani Adams and that of Sunday Igboho.
The group also described those who are sending the viral audio content across the social media platforms as enemies of the Yoruba race, saying that such acts were very libellous because they had intruded into the privacy of Iba Adams and the other person involved in the private discussion.
“This unlawful act can affect the much-needed unity and peace in Yoruba land and can also expose the race to further attacks by the enemies of the Yoruba.
“The issue that transpired between Iba and his former aides in 2015 as well as the audio content generated from a private discussion in 2021 should not be the clog in the wheel of the progress of the Yoruba race.”
[TheNation]
Several people have been reportedly killed in a clash between rival youths in the Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It was learnt that many people were also injured during the clash said to have started on Saturday night between Taroh and Motola youths in the locality and lasted till the early hours of Sunday .
The state Commissioner for Information , Musa Ashoms, confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Sunday .
“I Cannot Call My Forefathers Unwise Because I’m A Christian” -Says A Herbalist Who Is Also A Pastor
The commissioner, who blamed the situation on disputed land in the area, said, “I have just called the Mikang Local Government chairman over the issue. He told me that it is something that could have been avoided and not allowed to escalate to the point that people lost their lives, and at the moment, there are persons receiving treatment at the hospital.
“It started as a result of dispute over land.
“According to the LG chairman, the land in question cannot even produce six bags of rice, and you know when people are attached to their land, they could go extra mile.
“It is something they could have controlled their nerves, but somehow, it got to a point where others too joined them and houses were burnt down and people were maimed.”
He advised the people to always explore alternative dispute resolution mechanism in resolving their differences and refrain from taking the law into their hands .
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, said security operatives had been deployed to the troubled area while investigation over the incident continues
“The area is now calm. People are going about their normal businesses,” the PPRO added
[Punch]
A former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, said those expecting the Naira to be N400 to the Dollar are living in a dream world.
Moghalu made this assertion in a statement via his X handle on Sunday.
According to him, the exchange rate should reflect its market value in reality.
Moghalu claimed that the Central Bank had created artificiality that it sought to maintain to please economic illiterates in political power at the time.
The economist insisted that artificiality created room for massive arbitrage by speculators which bled the economy.
He suggested that the sooner the country focused on the creation of value-added manufacturing export economy that earned forex beyond oil in real and significant terms, the better.
Moghalu said, “Those who want the Naira to be N400 to the $ are living in a dream world. Even discounting for the negative impact of speculative attacks on the value of the Naira, the exchange rate will (and should) reflect its market value in reality, not the artificiality that the central bank sought to maintain to please economic illiterates in political power at the time.
“That artificiality created room for massive arbitrage by speculators which bled the economy. Nigeria does not (yet) have a productive export economy. That’s the heart of the matter.
“And we do not have $100 billion in foreign reserves. So on what basis would the Naira forex rate return to some fantasy land soon? It will also take time to regain or achieve full investor confidence such as we had when we were there (and the rate was N150-165 to the $.
“The sooner we focus on a painstaking creation of value-added manufacturing export economy that earns forex beyond oil in real and significant terms, the better.
“Key to this is the electricity conundrum in which we are at less than 4,000 megawatts of generation for a population of 200 million for decades now.
“Take power to even 20K megawatts (let’s not talk of 50K for South Africa’s 60 million population or Brazil’s 181K megawatts for a population only slightly larger than Nigeria) and you will see what the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit is capable of,” he said.
[Vanguard]
President Bola Tinubu says his administration is deploying “detailed strategies” to ensure schools are secure for learning in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu welcomed the news of the release of the abducted students of the Government Secondary School Kuriga, Kaduna, and Tsangaya in Sokoto.
The president commended Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna; Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, and the security agencies for the safe release of the abducted Kuriga students.
The president said the dedication towards the safe release of the victims is “critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions”.
In the early hours of Sunday, Sani announced the release of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren.
Sani Abdullahi, a teacher at Government Secondary School Kuriga, had said 287 students were missing after the attack on the schools.
On Friday, 15 students abducted from a Tsangaya school in Gidan Baya, Gada LGA of Sokoto regained their freedom.
The students were kidnapped on March 9 when bandits attacked their community.
[TheCable]
Human rights advocate, Femi Falana said official negligence led to death of Nasarawa State University students, who died in a stampede incident that occurred in the institution.
Falana stated this in a statement he made available to Vanguard on Sunday.
The statement reads, “Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State was reported to have ordered the distribution of two 7.5 kg bags of rice and N5,000 to each student of the State University at Keffi.
“The distribution of the palliative was scheduled to hold at the state university’s convocation square last Friday morning. As the distribution exercise was not well organised, there was a stampede of thousands of students at the venue. The stampede led to tragedy as many students were injured.
“As the university health centre was ill-equipped to treat the injured students, they were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, Nassarawa State.
“As the injured students were not promptly attended to, two female students were pronounced dead while at least 17 others were left with varying degrees of injuries arising from sofocation at the venue of the distribution of rice. Our thoughts and condolences go to the families and friends of the deceased students.
“According to the state government, the tragic incident occurred “when suspected hoodlums and some misguided students forced their way into the school’s convocation ground to cart away the rice kept at the venue meant for distribution as palliatives to students.”
“But the Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof Suleiman Bala decided to blame the tragedy on the victims of the official negligence. He was reported to have said that “our students were not patient enough to follow the process of accessing these palliatives.”
React to the development, Falana described the death of the students as unfortunate, noting that the authorities of the University failed to draw any lesson from the recent stampede which claimed the lives of seven persons during the distribution of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Falana, the Chair, Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond (ASCAB), stated, “No doubt, the tragedy would have been averted if the University management had distributed the 7 kg bags of rice to the students through their departments. Indeed, there was no justification to have assembled thousands of students without a standby ambulance.
“As if that was not enough, the university health centre was not equipped to attend to the injured students. Hence, they were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi where two female students were certified dead.”
Falana, however, said, having regard to the facts and circumstances of the tragic incident, the Nassarawa State police command should be directed to investigate the allegations of criminal negligence which led to the unfortunate death of the two students.
He said, “The culprits should be prosecuted without delay. In view of the official statement that hoodlums hijacked the distribution exercise the state government and the university management are required by law to compensate the bereaved families of the two students.”
[OpinionNigeria]
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Zamfara default payment of N30,000
Many of the 36 states are in a quandary on how to cope with payment of the new minimum wage according to reports from some of the states.
Negotiation is already intensifying between the federal government and labour over the new minimum wage with investigation showing that six states
Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Nasarawa and Zamfara- are yet to implement the current minimum wage of N30,000,almost six years after its introduction.
Four other states –Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Osun – are only paying the minimum wage to workers on levels one to six and in the case of Osun, beneficiaries are those from level 7 and below.
Many of the states have also not done well in the payment of wage award to workers to cushion the effect of the current rise in the cost of living, according to a report prepared for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
In the NLC report sighted by The Nation states confirmed as paying the current minimum wage are: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Borno, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba and Yobe.
The excuse often given by the states that have not been paying the minimum wage is paucity of funds.
Although the monthly allocations to the three tiers of government have increased substantially in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy withdrawal, the defaulting states are still foot dragging on effecting payment of the minimum wage.
The situation appears even worse in respect of payment of wage award by the states.
Only Ondo and Lagos states are recorded as having paid anything close to the N30,000 per month for a half year as initiated by the federal government.
Ondo paid N35,000 and Lagos N31,000.
Some other states pay amounts ranging between N10,000 and N25,000 while some have not even paid anything yet.
States yet to pay the wage award are: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Edo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Taraba and Zamfara.
Akwa Ibom is said to have paid palliative allowance for Christmas only while Anambra paid only N12,000 and Niger State N20,000 also in December.
Delta paid N10,000 for September, October and November.
Reports from the states said the governors were not amused by the high figures demanded by labour activists during the recent zonal public hearing on the minimum wage organized by the 37-member committee set up on the issue by the federal government.
The figures range between N447,000 and N850,000 per month.
The committee which is headed by a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, has six governors among its members: Mohammed Bago (Niger State, representing the North Central); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State, representing the North-East); Dikko Radda ( Katsina State, representing the North-West);Charles Soludo (Anambra State, representing the South-East); Ademola Adeleke (Osun State, representing the South-West); and Otu Bassey (Cross River State, representing the South-South).
Also on the panel are Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Esan.
The governors, who said unrealistic demands from Labour would not do anyone any good, urged the Minimum Wage Committee to consider the capacity of the states to pay the new minimum wage.
The committee is scheduled to meet again later this week.
Experts: How governors can cope with new minimum wage
A former Director-General at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf, believes that the states can pay a reasonable minimum wage if they have the right policies in place.
“Well, the point is that the states are getting more revenue now and so, their capacity to pay has increased,” he told The Nation by phone yesterday.
He added: “There is no doubt about that. But the major thing I think they can do to meet up with the minimum wage obligation is to take a cue from what the federal government is doing.
“Many of them (states) have over-bloated workforce, whether at the state or local government levels. Some of them do not need more than half or two thirds of the current workforce that they are carrying.
“There are so many idle hands in the state bureaucracies. There are too many political appointments and too many people on their payrolls. So, they have to also prune down that.
“Because if you must engage people, you must give them a wage that makes sense. You don’t just engage people for the sake of engaging them. What is worth doing at all is worth doing well. “So, let them just retain the size of the workforce that they can give a wage that is a bit reasonable, especially given the realities of inflation that all of us are facing now. I think those are the things I think they should do first and foremost.
“Then of course, they should also be more creative in getting more revenue internally. Many of them are too dependent on the federal allocation. So, they need to be a lot more creative.”
On whether the state governments need to consider raising taxes in order to jack up their revenue base, Yusuf spurned the idea, but would rather they get more ingenious with the tax administration.
“Asking the states to boost their revenue profile is not about raising taxes at all. It’s about efficiency in tax administration. In many of the states, their tax administration system is so very loose. People are doing business in those places and it is their responsibility to pay tax. We are not talking about increasing the taxes regime. We are talking about efficiency, we are talking about using technology to ensure that the citizens’ taxes, especially the corporate citizens also live up to their statutory obligations to the government.“
According to him, “Some people are doing businesses across the states and some of those businesses are doing well and some of them are not paying any taxes at all. If you go to some of those states, you have some big properties that people have built there; it’s not poor people that built them there. In many of those places, many of them are not paying any form of taxes. So, the point to make is about efficiency in tax administration.”
Pascal Efe, a public affairs analyst, shares the same sentiments with Yusuf. “I agree that a new minimum wage is indeed inevitable given the current state of affairs. What the state governors can do is to ensure proper management of their resources by cutting down on many wasteful expenditures. That way they can pay the minimum wage and still be able to carry our critical infrastructure in their respective states.”
Abia declines hosting party’s national convention
The Julius Abure led National Executive Committee has shifted the March 27,2024 national convention of the party from Abia State to Anambra State after an alleged cold shoulder from the party’s only state governor,Alex Otti.
Abure had earlier moved the convention from Edo to Abia.
Abure and his team are currently embroiled in a crisis of legitimacy with some stakeholders in the party.
The Lagos State chapter of the party joined the fray yesterday, asking Abure to quit.
Chairman of the party in the state, Rasheed Bamishe asked the embattled National Chairman to quit now.
Abure,he said should prioritise the party’s interest by giving way for a Caretaker National Chairman to organise state congresses ahead of the National Convention.
Speaking at the party secretariat in Lagos, Bamishe said all stakeholders owe it a duty to stop Abure from proceeding with the March 27 convention.
“The Labour Party which was formed by the founding fathers to be a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians is gradually being destroyed by Barrister Abure and this should not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Bamishe added that Abure was free to create his political party and manage its business, but the Labour Party as a democratic organisation cannot function as a one-man show.
Read Also; NLC, LP battle for supremacy
He claimed that allegations of dishonesty, forgery, and fabrication of signatures have brought public shame and embarrassment to the Labour Party’s National Chairman.
“In a civilized clime, Barrister Abure should have exited office since the flurry of fraud cases against him became public knowledge but because of the culture of impunity in Nigeria, he is still clinging to power.
“Barrister Abure should tell the world where the National Convention of Labour Party in which he emerged as National Chairman was held.
“Barrister Abure is plotting to install himself again as the National Chairman of Labour Party through another illegal Convention and this should not be allowed to happen.”
National convention moved to Anambra
In a letter to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the change in the venue of the convention, Abure and the LP National Secretary Labour Party, Umar Ibrahim said: “We write to kindly refer you to our letter on the above subject matter in which our National Convention rescheduled for 27th of March 2024 at the International Conference Center Umuahia, Abia State..
“We are however constrained to change the venue as a result of non-availability of the proposed venue on the scheduled date.
“We hereby inform you of the new venue for the convention as follows;
“Venue: GRAND SEASONS HOTEL NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE.
Date: 27th of March 2024,
Time: 10 am prompt.
“We kindly request you to be present and monitor the Convention.
“Kindly accept the assurances of our esteem high regards as always.”
The Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ayo Olorunfemi, who confirmed the letter, said the change in venue was one of the issues discussed at the recent National Executive Committee meeting in Asaba, Delta State where the party ratified the programme for the convention.
He said both the NEC and state chairmen of the party endorsed the programme for the convention.
Olorunfemi said with that, the party was going ahead with the convention despite oppositions from the Nigeria Labour Congress, the House of Representatives caucus of the party and some supporters of the former Presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi.
He said: “We have changed the venue because of security reasons. We need a place that is accessible and secure. Nnewi is a stone thrown from Onitsha and it is secure. We don’t want people who will be travelling from all over the country to pass through those dangerous zones.
“We have decided on this convention and we are going ahead with it. All the state chairmen and secretaries have taken a position.”
Sources however said Abia State Governor Otti’s refusal to host the convention necessitated the shift of venue.
The Lagos State chapter of the Labour Party, LP, has asked the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, to resign to sustain the party’s integrity.
Rasheed Bamishe, the LP chairman in Lagos State, made the call at the party’s secretariat in Lagos on Saturday.
He urged the National Working Committee, members of the party Board of Trustees and other relevant stakeholders to prevent Abure from holding his proposed National Convention on March 27, 2024.
According to him, Abure should prioritize the party interest while a Caretaker National Chairman should be appointed to organize State Congresses before convening the National Convention.
“We urge Barrister Abure to leave the Party now because the litany of corrupt cases against him has done collateral damage to the image of the Labour Party.
“The Labour Party which was formed by the founding fathers to be a beckon of hope for millions of Nigerians is gradually being destroyed by Barrister Abure and this should not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Bamishe further stated that Abure was free to create his political party and manage its business but declared that the Labour Party, as a democratic organisation, cannot function as a one-man show.
He said that allegations of dishonesty, forgery, and fabrication of signatures have brought public shame and embarrassment to the Labour Party.
“Even if all these allegations are not true, the reasonable option open to the embattled Labour Party National Chairman is to step aside to pave the way for thorough investigations into the cases of alleged fraud against him.
“In a civilized clime, Barrister Abure should have exited office since the flurry of fraud cases against him became public knowledge but because of the culture of impunity in Nigeria, he is still clinging to power.
“Barrister Abure should tell the world where the National Convention of Labour Party in which he emerged as National Chairman was held.
“Barrister Abure is plotting to install himself again as the National Chairman of Labour Party through another illegal Convention and this should not be allowed to happen,” he stressed.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to unite to seek legitimate options including litigation to make sure Abure is removed from office to restore credibility, dignity, and integrity to the party.
[DailyPost]
The Kaduna State Government has announced the release of the 287 schoolchildren kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Sunday.
The statement partly read, “I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritising the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed. While the school children were in captivity, I spoke with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us, and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children.”
“I Cannot Call My Forefathers Unwise Because I’m A Christian” -Says A Herbalist Who Is Also A Pastor
The governor also appreciated the courage of the officers of the Nigerian Army for seeing to the successful release of the schoolchildren.
He said, “The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities.
“We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is indeed a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
On March 7, 2024, the schoolchildren from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, were abducted by the hoodlums who took them into the forest.
The abductors demanded N1bn for their release while giving a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment of the ransom.
[Punch]
More...
As the crisis in the Labour Party continues to fester, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party to desist from validating the “illegal Labour Party National Convention” scheduled for March 27, 2024.
In separate letters dated March 22, 2024, addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the LP National Legal Adviser, NLC warned that if the party did not desist and stop the Convention, it would sue the LP for contempt in view of the two valid judgements of the Federal High Court.
Recall on Wednesday, that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress picketed the offices of Labour Party nationwide, over alleged financial mismanagement by the Julius Abure-led national leadership of the party.
Also on March 20, that the Political Commission of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) directed state chapters of NLC to mobilise members to picket all Labour Party offices nationwide over the lingering political crisis in the party.
NLC had accused the embattled National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure of unilateral decision to hold a national convention of the party, amid financial rascality and contempt for the leadership of the NLC.
Meanwhile, NLC in the letter cited that the proposed National Convention of the Labour Party is in violation of the valid orders of court in suit “Nos; (1) FHC/ABJ/CS/491/2021;
(2) FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014
Between; (1) Labour Party & 9 Ors Vs Barrister Julius Abure & 2 Ors;
(2) Labour Party & 3 Ors. Vs Com. Salisu Muhammed & 8 Ors.”
In the letter signed by Marshal Abubakar, LP of the Falana and Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, the union specifically warned the National Legal Officer of LP that if the convention holds in violation of the orders of the court, it would not only institute contempt proceedings against him being party to the two judgements of the court, but will report him to the disciplinary committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The organised labour also appealed to INEC chairman to restrain officials of the Commission from undermining the due administration of justice and respect for rule of law by attending the illegal convention.
Titled: “Request To Desist From Validating The Illegal Labour Party National Convention Scheduled For March 27, 2024,” the letter addressed to Legal Adviser to LP partly read: “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress on whose behalf we write this letter.
“It has come to our notice that Mr. Julius Abure, the Chairman of the Labour Party and a handful of his supporters are planning to hold a National Convention of the Labour Party on 27th March, 2024 at Abia, Abia State with the active connivance of some officials of the Commission under your able leadership.
“As you are no doubt aware, a National Convention conducted by the Abure faction will be violative of the judgement of the Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014 between Labour Party & 3 Ors. Vs Com. Salisu Muhammed, where the court had declared the Labour Party as “an institutional political party founded, promoted and registered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on behalf of the Nigerian Workers.” and thus ordered the factions to “convene an expansive and inclusive National Convention of the party.”
“Similarly, the plaintiffs in Suit no; FHC/ABJ/CS/ 491/2021 between Labour Party & 9 Ors. Vs Barrister Julius Abure & 2 Ors. had approached the Federal High Court seeking inter alia; an order of injunction in favour of the plainiffs restraining the 1st (Barrister Julius Abure), 2nd (Umar Farouk) 3rd (Barr. Akingbade Samuel Oyelakin) defendants or any and/or all of the national officers appointed in any manner violative of the orders of the federal high court in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014 between Labour Party & 3 Ors. Vs Com. Salisu Muhammed & Ors.
“In a well-considered ruling, the Federal High Court on Friday July, 23, 2021 ruled, “An order is hereby made for the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum in other not to disturb the res of the matter pending further order of this Court.” Attached is a CTC of the Order.
“Worthy of note is the fact that you were the counsel on record and indeed represented the 1st to 3rd Respondents in the foregoing suit.
“In view of the foregoing, we are compelled to urge you to refrain yourself and properly advise your clients to desist from proceeding with the illegal national convention of the labour party scheduled for March 27, 2024.
“Upon failing, we shall institute contempt proceedings against you and the other defendants and report you to the disciplinary committee of the NBA.
“Whilst anticipating your cooperation and understanding, please, accept as usual, our professional regards.”
Ex-spokesperson for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, Daniel Bwala, has alleged an ongoing plot by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi, to dump LP and join immediate past Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a post on his X handle on Friday, Bwala alleged that Obi was perfecting plans to take leave of the LP as a result of the seemingly intractable conflict between the party leadership and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Recall that Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party to join the LP in May 2023 ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Bwala, in a post on his X handle. wrote, “Peter Obi @PeterObi allegedly planning to unite with El-rufai @elrufai in Social Democratic Party as Nigerian Labour Congress set to take ownership and custody of their political party, the @NgLabour.
BREAKING-PETER OBI @PETEROBI ALLEGEDLY PLANNING TO UNITE WITH EL-RUFAI @ELRUFAI IN SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY AS NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS SET TO TAKE OWNERSHIP AND CUSTODY OF THEIR POLITICAL PARTY, THE @NGLABOUR. RECALL THAT THERE WAS A JUDGMENT OF COURT THAT STATES THAT NIGERIA…
— D. H BWALA (@BWALADANIEL) MARCH 22, 2024
“Recall that there was a judgment of court that states that Nigeria Labour Congress owns Labour Party. NLC is now prepared to take custody of that party.
“Twist and turns in the coming days. But all that will not give sleepless night to @officialABAT who himself has his magic wands to wield.”
When contacted, Chief Spokesman for the Obi/ Datti Presidential Campaign, Dr. Yunusa Tanko dismissed Bwala’s assertion as “a figment of his immagination.”
He said, “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t respond to this fiction. he (Bwala) is a politician who wants to remain relevant in the scheme of things. We’ve responded to the false narrative of our leader leaving the Labour Party in the past, this position has not changed.”
El-Rufai was sighted at the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The Ex-Kaduna State Governor and APC chieftain was sighted in a viral video on social media during his consultation visit to the national chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam.
Not much was heard from El-Rufai after the Senate refused to confirm his ministerial nomination in 2023.
After the screening of the 49 ministerial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu, the Senate also declined to confirm the appointment of former Deputy Governor of Taraba State and another ministerial nominee from the state, Senator Abubakar Danladi.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, explained the Senate did not clear the nominees because of adverse security reports against them.
Barely ten days after 17 officers and men of the Nigerian Army were killed by gunmen in an ambush in Okuama, Ughelli Local Government Area of Delta State, the police announced, yesterday, that they lost six of their officers in another ambush carried out by suspected kidnappers in Delta.
Six other officers are missing.
The slain officers were said to be on a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in Ohoro Forest when they came under attack.
Meanwhile, the police said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
The murder of two other police officers in Imo State brings to eight the number of officers killed at the weekend.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the bodies of the slain officers had been recovered after fierce search by a combined team of policemen and other security outfits while the focus is on the search for the missing ones.
The families of the deceased men, according to Adejobi, had been notified.
He gave the names of the deceased officers as Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT) enlisted on 1st August, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on 1st January, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011.
“The officers currently missing in action include Inspector Onoja Daniel enlisted 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix enlisted on 1st January 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor enlisted 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu enlisted 1st June 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted 17th October, 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT) enlisted 17th October 2011”, the statement said.
Deployment
The FPRO said that following the sad development, the Inspector General of Police “mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers”.
“This has led to the arrest of five suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators”.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian Police force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six (6) courageous officers in Delta State, who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity.
“These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six (6) others are currently missing-in-action.
“Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow.
“We stand in solidarity with them, offering our deepest condolences and earnestly praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.
“Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
“By this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024 in Abuja.
“In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has taken decisive actions as expected.
“Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time. “Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice.
“The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers.
Decisive response
“It is paramount to underscore that contrary to perceived notions in some quarters, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to responding decisively to the loss of its officers and men as a result of the many unforeseen hazards associated with our job due to the dynamics of crimes and criminality globally.
“Recent incidents, such as the murder of SP Angbashim in Rivers State, where the perpetrators have been painstakingly traced to their hideout and decimated during the exchange of gunfire with gallant operatives of the Force is a vital pointer.
“Notable also is the swift and robust response to the attack on the Police Command Headquarters in Adamawa State where one Inspector Jacob Daniel was gruesomely murdered, which was followed by a visit to Adamawa State by the IGP, and timeous response by Mr. President upon being briefed.
“Equally, efforts were intensified in that regard to seek redress and ensure sanctions for the attackers.
“The Nigeria Police Force unequivocally condemns any further assaults on Police Officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens.
“He reiterated the NPF’s dedication to upholding law and order, and urged officers to remain resolute in the discharge of their lawful duties, undeterred by such cowardly acts.
”Similarly, individuals and groups peddling unnecessary and insensitive publications being circulated in the media space are urged not to make light of this loss to the NPF but to sympathize with the police in these sorrowful times.
“The Inspector General of Police assured police officers and men, as well as the public that no effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice as the killers have murdered sleep and will be tracked down to account for their reprehensible acts.
“He called upon well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force by providing any pertinent information that may aid in the apprehension of the perpetrators.
“Together, we will ensure that justice is served and peace and security prevail throughout the country”.
Imo incident
In the Imo incident, gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, yesterday, killed two police officers along old Gariki Road, Okigwe council.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident in a statement in Owerri, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has tasked operatives to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Narrating how it happened, Okoye said the gunmen threw dynamite at the officers while on security patrol, killing two of the officers and injuring four.
The statement read: “On receipt of the ugly incident, the CP alongside Commander Mopol 18 and 64, immediately led operatives of the Command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for on-the-spot assessment and tasked the operatives to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack.
“More so, Danjuma has mandated the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Okigwe, the DPO, and other Tactical units deployed in the area to embark on visibility patrol, intelligence-led raids of criminal hideouts, and place watertight security to forestall any future occurrence.
“The CP calls on the general public particularly the residents of Okigwe who may have any useful information that may assist the Police in the investigation to kindly do so by reporting at the nearest police station or via 08034773600, 08103341610.
“While empathizing with the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased officers, the commissioner reiterates that the Command under his watch would not condone any form of attack on security personnel in the state.”
[Vanguard]
Nigeria’s minimum wage, the benchmark for money receivable by workers in Africa’s biggest economy at N30, 000, is the lowest among seven selected countries across Africa, a BusinessDay’s findings have shown.
Using an average N1,500 to a dollar exchange rate, a Nigerian worker goes home at the end of 30 working days with a meagre $20, an amount not enough to afford a half bag of rice in the present economy.
Meanwhile, as at 2023, workers in Seychelles, Libya, Morocco, Gabon, South Africa, Mauritius and Equatorial Guinea have $456, $325, $315, $256, $242, $240 and $224 respectively as their minimum “take home” at the end of the month.
Nigeria’s national minimum wage has been N18,000 for seven years until it was increased to N30,000 in 2018, an amount it has remained for the past six years.
Even as the country battles with record levels inflation at 31.70 percent in February, and cost of food which gulps a chunk of Nigerians’ income on a race at 37.92 percent, Nigerian workers are at the mercy of the economic headwinds.
The labour had said the current pay receivable by workers was not realistic, citing the stifling economic crisis which has seen the headline inflation of the country hit a 27-year record.
Given that the naira is strengthening against the bullish dollar, the country’s local currency still exchanges at about N1,300/$. However, in 2018 when the minimum wage was announced, naira sold at an average of N400 to a dollar at the parallel market.
Nigerian workers’ longstanding yearnings may see an end soon as there are growing indications that President Bola Tinubu may announce a new minimum wage during his inaugural Workers’ Day address on May 1.
In January, the Federal Government inaugurated the tripartite committee responsible for deliberating on the national minimum wage which was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A 37-member panel was constituted at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, comprising representatives of the federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour. The committee’s mandate is to propose a revised national minimum wage for the nation.
During zonal public hearings in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Abuja, workers in the North-West requested N485,000; North-East, N560,000; North-Central, N709,000 (NLC) and N447,000 (TUC); South-West, N794,000; South-South, N850,000; and South-East, N540,000 by the NLC and N447,000 by the TUC.
However, the Adamawa and Bauchi state governments suggested N45,000 as the new minimum wage.
The NLC had on Friday said governors who fail to implement the new minimum wage when it becomes a law would be breaking the law, warning that it was working towards ensuring that tougher sanctions would be meted on such governors.
[Businessday]