The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi has announced an indefinite strike to emphasize its call for improved working conditions from the university administration.

In a statement to the press following an emergency congress convened at the Yuli Campus in Bauchi, the ASUU Chairperson for the SAZU branch, Comrade Awwal Hussain Nuhu, indicated that the congress had determined it had exhausted all available avenues, with previous efforts to engage the authorities proving unsuccessful.

The chairperson highlighted that the congress recognized a lack of willingness and commitment from both the university administration and the government to address its concerns, despite numerous attempts made to facilitate dialogue.

“Therefore, a member of the union moved for a motion for the branch to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action which was seconded by another member.

“Consequently, the congress passed a resolution for the branch to embark on comprehensive and indefinite strike action until further notice.

“The strike action has to commence immediately at 12:00pm on Friday the 29th of November 2024. With this, all members of ASUU in SAZU are directed to comply as no academic activity of whatever form or meetings will take place while it lasted.

“Members are directed to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action until further notice. This implies that activities such as teaching, marking, meetings, accreditation and any other activities related to academic staff are suspended indefinitely,” the statement reads.

The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed workers in 14 states to begin an indefinite strike on Monday over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage and the continued payment of outdated salaries.

President Bola Tinubu in July signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law to increase the minimum monthly salary in the country from N30,000 to N70,000.

This was after the government, the organised labour and the private sector concluded months-long negotiations on the minimum wage when Tinubu haggled down labour’s N250,000/month demand to N70,000/month.

Since the enactment of the new law barely six months ago, only 23 states, excluding Federal Capital Territory(Abuja), have domesticated the law. 

In a press statement issued on Friday, NLC said: “Recall that the NEC of 8th November 2024 in Portharcourt directed that industrial action to compel implementation of the new national minimum wage should commence in any state that has not complied by the end of November 2024. This position was reinforced by the CWC in Kano on the 27th of November 2024.

“Flowing from the above it is our information that some states have not commenced the said implementation as workers are still being paid on the old structure and there is no subsisting agreement to show a date of commencement of implementations They are as follows: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.

“We therefore request that you direct your state councils in the following states to proceed on the said needed actions to compel the implementation as resolved by the NEC & CWC.

“Please do oblige us with copies of your letters to your state councils in this regard for effective mobilisation.”

Nigerian investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, has expressed concern over the kind of security cover available for oil bunkers in the country.

Naija News reports that the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in an interview with Arise TV morning show, said he was conducting an undercover investigation when the Nigerian Army arrested him.

Soyombo stated that there are innocent military men, but there is a need to sanitise the saboteurs who enable oil bunkers to thrive.

According to the journalist, it is not only oil bunkers that are thieves but also those who are meant to supervise the sector, adding that “What we would need is an overhaul of the system.”

He said, “It would shock you the kind of people who escort illegal oil bunkers out of Port-Harcourt.

“The army spokesman already compromised my security by going online to say that they found illegal bunkers.

“There are clean men in the military but we need to clean up the saboteurs who enable oil bunkerers to thrive.

“This is a new level for me that I need to do it. Rather than change approach, I will rather stop, maybe I have one, two, three under-cover investigations and I will stop.

“It is not the fun of it but the situations we found ourselves. Imagine the story I did on smugglers. People have to know that in their country they can be safe, and we need to expose these wrongdoings.

“The figure being put out in terms of Crude oil theft are an underestimation of what’s happening. The Crude we were to move was for 50,000 barrel, if the man who got annoyed that he wasn’t bribed didn’t talk, we would have had two trucks move out. There is no institution that can say for a fact the barrels are being lifted daily.”

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has appealed to Nigerians to shelve any plan of leaving the country because of economic hardship.

Yemi Cardoso said the current economic hardship in the country required the collective effort of all Nigerians to fix it.

He stated that the government through its policies is building an economy that would sustain and help businesses thrive.

The CBN Governor made the appeal in a keynote address at the 59th annual Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, in Lagos.

“It is not a good idea to japa at this stage. Two reasons. One, those who may decide they are going to do that, they will sell and get rid of their assets.

“You’ll be doing it for cheap. Predators, who are outside looking for bargains, will come and take it and pocket it, put it in their pocket and wait for the turnaround and sell it away.

“Number two, you want to be part of the solution. You want to be part of the solution, and this is time that we need all hands on them,” Daily Post quoted him.

While acknowledging the hardship Nigerians face because of the government’s economic reforms, he said “the reforms were focused on tackling challenges of today and on securing the opportunities of tomorrow with the aim of building an economy where everybody thrives”.

Abuja-based herbalist identified as Ismail Usman has sustained a severe injury while testing a self-made bulletproof charm.

Naija News learnt that the incident occurred on November 23 at the Kuchibuyi village in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, the FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said Usman picked a locally fabricated gun after fortifying himself with the charm he had prepared.

Usman reportedly shot himself in the stomach, and the charm failed to protect him, leaving him severely injured.

Adeh said the police received a distress call from a resident at the incident, stressing that officers from the Byazhin Division arrived at the scene and rushed Usman to Kubwa General Hospital.

The police spokesperson further stated that due to the severity of his injuries, the herbalist was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where doctors are working tirelessly to save his life.

She said Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, which violates Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

The statement read, “A distress call from Shandam Michael reported a shocking event involving Ismail Usman, a local herbalist known for his unconventional methods. In a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm, Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun.

“Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Officers from the Byazhin Division responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find Usman in critical condition. He was quickly transported to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.

“In the aftermath, police conducted a thorough search of Usman’s home, recovering the homemade gun and an array of charms used in his reckless experiment. 

“Investigations are ongoing, and Usman is expected to face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

“Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal firearms.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the disbursement of a 13-month salary to Edo State employees.

Additionally, the Governor has instituted a policy that guarantees automatic employment for first-class graduates of Edo origin from any university, whether within Nigeria or abroad, in the state civil service.

This initiative aims to enhance the quality of human resources within the system and to motivate workers, encouraging them to give their utmost effort, says Dr Anthony Okungbowa, the Head of Service.

He further stated that the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is designed to attract high-quality personnel into the system, ensuring effective and efficient service delivery to foster growth and development.

“Mr Governor has approved the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) that brings together First Class graduates and high-grade degrees into the service with a view to developing and ensuring quality manpower in the system.

“Mr Governor has approved it. He approved the policy of bringing in First Class graduates into the Edo State Civil and Public Service be approved. He believes that the policy will help the state bring top-quality talents into the system.

“It is not just bringing them in but also retaining them because retaining them is one of the major challenges facing the programme.

“Mr. Governor is intentional about bringing them in and retaining these top-level talents in the service. The Governor is using this medium to urge all first-class graduates from Edo extraction across all universities in Nigeria and abroad to come over as they will have automatic employment. We are looking at the younger graduates from 2020, but Mr. Governor may extend that.

“We are happy about this and appreciate the Governor because through this, the service will have quality talents in the system.

“For everyone in that programme, they are moved round various Ministries, Departments and Agencies and plans are also on to move them to the private sector to gather more experiences after which they bring will such experiences to bear, to improve the system, to contribute to the development of the State.

“Sustainability depends on you and me since the political will is there and I am happy because it is the direction of government. We are partnering with Edo Innovate to ensure improvement in the programme,” a press release Date November 28, signed and made available to Naija News from the office of Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, reads.

With 30 months left in his tenure, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State remains firmly in office.

However, the political stage is already brimming with activity as ambitious contenders begin their campaigns for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Both ruling and opposition parties are setting the groundwork, and key players are positioning themselves for the Alausa Round House.

APC’s Frontline Aspirants

In the All Progressives Congress (APC), heavyweights are lining up for a chance to lead Lagos. The list of rumored aspirants includes Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; and Senator Tokunbo Abiru.

The decision on the APC candidate is expected to be influenced by factors such as religion, zoning, indigeneship, and endorsements from influential stakeholders like the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and President Tinubu himself.

Seyi Tinubu, a rising political figure, has received endorsements from various groups, while Speaker Obasa has declared his capability to govern the state, citing his extensive legislative experience. Former Governor Ambode is also in the spotlight, with some party members advocating for his return to balance the 16-year religious leadership cycle between Christians and Muslims.

Opposition Gearing Up

On the other side, opposition parties are not left behind. Abdulaziz Olajide Adediran (Jandor) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) are reportedly preparing to renew their ambitions.

Both figures made notable impacts during the 2023 elections and are now working to realign with their party structures to increase their chances in 2027.

Jandor, who spearheads the Lagos4Lagos movement, continues to rally support among PDP founding members, while Rhodes-Vivour remains a popular figure among Lagos’ younger electorate, particularly in urban centers.

Religious Dynamics in Focus

Religion is poised to play a significant role in determining the next Lagos governor. Sanwo-Olu, a Christian, succeeded Akinwunmi Ambode, also a Christian, bringing the total duration of Christian leadership to 12 years by 2027. Some stakeholders argue that this is a time to maintain the balance by returning power to a Muslim candidate, while others insist on completing a 16-year Christian leadership cycle to match the tenure of Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, both Muslims.

Sanwo-Olu’s Journey and Power Dynamics

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emergence in 2019 marked a turning point in Lagos politics. The incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode, was ousted by the APC power bloc led by Bola Tinubu, paving the way for Sanwo-Olu’s candidacy as a consensus choice.

His second-term ambition faced initial challenges, with rumors suggesting other candidates such as Femi Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to the President, and Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Lagos Head of Service, were being considered.

However, public endorsements by Gbajabiamila and Muri-Okunola, coupled with widespread support from party members, solidified Sanwo-Olu’s position, enabling him to secure re-election.

Some APC chieftains were of the opinion that Tinubu is a master planner and can spring surprises at any given time.

Lagos Deputy Governor, Babafemi Hamzat also came into the picture as having plans to succeed Sanwo-Olu but a source told Vanguard that the inner caucus has plans for him to relocate to Epe in order to make a case for the Lagos East Senatorial slot and complete what ought to be Akinwumi Ambode’s card.

Obasa’s Resilience and Ambition

Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the longest-serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is another key figure to watch. During the 2025 budget presentation, Obasa addressed speculation about his governorship ambitions. While emphasizing his commitment to strengthening the APC, he did not rule out the possibility of running.

“Becoming governor is secondary,” Obasa said. “However, I am not too young or inexperienced to lead. My focus remains on building our party and ensuring that our state’s governance continues to thrive.”

Obasa’s grassroots connections and influence within the Mandate Group, an influential faction in Lagos APC politics, make him a formidable contender.

Opposition Realignment

In the PDP, Jandor is strengthening his ties with party stalwarts and aligning his Lagos4Lagos movement with broader PDP interests. Similarly, Rhodes-Vivour, who gained significant traction in the 2023 elections, is leveraging his popularity to position himself as a strong contender.

The Road Ahead

As the race for the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial election heats up, all eyes are on the APC’s eventual candidate. The decision will likely come down to internal party dynamics, religious considerations, and endorsements from key figures, including President Tinubu. For the opposition, unity and strategic alliances will be crucial in challenging the APC’s dominance.

The Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in the United Kingdom and Europe, has stated that the "no pain, no gain" philosophy of President Bola Tinubu's administration has reached its limit nationwide.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Secretary, Engineer Anthony Ajayi, in London, United Kingdom, the group acknowledged that while the current economic struggles were inherited from the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari, some policies introduced by the Tinubu’s government have exacerbated the situation and require urgent review to alleviate the hardship.

Afenifere warned that if the situation worsens, many Nigerians could face even greater difficulties in their daily lives.

The group called on President Tinubu to use the remaining days of 2024 to prioritise the review of his policies and governance style in order to provide relief to the people by 2025.

It also urged both federal and state governments to introduce palliative measures to ease the suffering of Nigerians, especially during the holiday season.

“The time to get serious about good governance is now. Nigerians have suffered enough, and the situation cannot become any worse than it already is.

“This hardship is not just limited to those within Nigeria; Nigerians abroad are also feeling the impact. We urge President Tinubu to demonstrate leadership, put aside political agendas, and position himself positively in history.

“While he inherited many of these challenges from Buhari, he must show the capacity and resolve to lead,” the statement read.

On the President’s proposal to borrow an additional N1.77 trillion to cover the N9.7 trillion budget deficit for 2024, Afenifere expressed strong opposition, warning that continued borrowing would further devalue the Naira and damage the national economy.

The group stressed that borrowing is not a viable solution, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports.

“We are not against borrowing in principle, but the question remains: what has the borrowing achieved? If the money borrowed only leads to more suffering for the masses, then the purpose of borrowing is defeated.

“Borrowing would be more justifiable if it were used prudently to improve infrastructure, foster industrial growth, and strengthen the economy.

“President Tinubu should consider bringing in creative and innovative economic technocrats into his cabinet, similar to the approach taken by the UK, to curb further borrowing.

“The UK government no longer needs to borrow; it can create money at will through the Bank of England.

“This model of economic management should be studied and adapted by Nigeria to break the cycle of borrowing.”

Afenifere also highlighted Nigeria's potential, urging the government to create an enabling environment for the industrious and hardworking population to contribute more effectively to the national economy.

The group expressed optimism about the progress made with the Port-Harcourt refinery, noting that it was nearing 70% completion and could soon begin operations.

They however commended President Tinubu for achieving this milestone, which was previously unattainable by past administrations.

“If all nine of Nigeria’s refineries were fully operational, there would be a significant improvement in the Naira’s value and the overall economy.

“The federal government must continue to foster the right conditions for such progress,” the statement added.

Afenifere called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to hold their state governors accountable for how they are utilizing the funds allocated to them.

“State governments are closer to the people, and it is important that we not only pressure the federal government but also hold our state governors to the same standard. We must ensure that the resources sent to the states are used effectively for the welfare of the citizens,” the group concluded.

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, has threatened to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the four tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Ndume spoke on Thursday night when he appeared on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme – hours after the senate passed the bills for second reading.

In October, Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Nigeria Tax Administration bill, and the Nigeria tax bill.

The Borno senator has been vocal against the bills. The governors in the northern part of the country are also against the legislations.

While appearing on the television programme, the lawmaker said he is “close” to Tinubu and does not want to see him fail.

“If not, look, I can leave the party,” Ndume said.

“When you say those earning N800,000 below do not pay VAT – on what? Do you exclude him from paying VAT from the goods that he will buy in the market? And then the corporate tax goes up.

“Now they transfer the cost or the taxes over to the consumer. So, are you helping him?

“Even today, the price of cement goes up and that means consumers will have to pay more. If you tax Dangote for his refined products, it means he will add that cost to the cost per litre.

“So, if you are saying if you’re earning below N800,000 you will not pay tax, what of those people that are below that level.”

The senate is expected to hold a public hearing on the bills in the coming weeks.