MINIMUM WAGE UPDATE: STATES PAYING N70, OOO AND ABOVE
Dons Eze
- October 18, 2024
EFCC DRAGS BUHARI’S EX-MINISTER, DAUGHTER TO COURT OVER FRAUDULENT CONTRACTS
EFCC DRAGS BUHARI’S EX-MINISTER, DAUGHTER TO COURT OVER FRAUDULENT CONTRACTS Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, is set to face trial on Thursday before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, over allegations of abuse of office and fraudulent contracts awarded during his tenure. Sirika, who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, will be arraigned on a six-count amended charge alongside three others, including his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Hamma; and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been investigating Sirika over alleged contract malfeasance and fraudulent activities while he was in office. According to sources, the former minister was invited by the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC on April 23 for questioning and was subsequently detained at the commission’s Formella Street, Wuse 2 zonal office. “The former minister (Sirika) was invited for questioning by investigators handling the alleged contract frauds under his watch in the ministry. He honoured the invitation and has been detained as I am talking with you,” a source in the EFCC who pleaded anonymity told NAN. The EFCC has been probing the alleged contract frauds under Sirika’s watch, and he had met with investigators before his detention. The arraignment was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was rescheduled due to the EFCC’s request to amend the charges. Sirika and the other defendants are accused of abusing their office and conspiring to commit fraud to the tune of N2.7 billion.The trial is expected to shed light on the alleged fraudulent activities and contracts awarded during Sirika’s tenure as Aviation Minister.
TONGUES WAGGING AS PRESIDENCY FAILS TO RELEASE TINUBU’S PICTURES AFTER OVERSEAS TRIP
TONGUES WAGGING AS PRESIDENCY FAILS TO RELEASE TINUBU’S PICTURES AFTER OVERSEAS’ TRIP In a rare and unusual circumstance, the presidency did not release any picture of President Bola Tinubu’s return trip to Nigeria after two weeks abroad. Since Tinubu took charge of the country a year ago, his aides and presidency officials have consistently released pictures and videos of his arrival and departure from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Nigeria’s capital city. During such moments, top government officials such as Chief of Staff to the president, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, Governors, among others bid farewell and welcome the president. However, Tinubu’s return on Wednesday was announced in a news flash by NTA. “President Bola Tinubu returns to Abuja after his trips to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia,” the government-owned media outlet posted on social media, without a single picture or video, triggering reactions. Like NTA, none of the accounts of the presidential aides or supporters posted multimedia content of Tinubu’s return trip. Although the APC UK posted a video on its X handle while welcoming Tinubu back to the country, checks by Daily Trust showed that it is an old video. Welcome back, Mr. President. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, returns to Nigeria after a successful trip abroad. He embarked on the trip two weeks ago, initially meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. From there, he travelled to Saudi Arabia to participate in a… pic.twitter.com/23OWQae9vd — APC United Kingdom (@APCUKingdom) May 8, 2024 Daily Trust can confirm that the video is that of February 6, 2024, when the president returned to the country after a private visit to France. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s return without videos or pictures has set tongues wagging among Nigerians on X. Commenting on the issue, an X user who tweeted via @SnipesLyon wrote: “Show videos.” @WAghwarito98347 wrote: “No videos just news…..omoh our president never come back….make he address is as before na abi there’s more to it?” @MaziEzike_Nedu: “Audio return trip. Show us the president. He is usually welcomed by his cabinet 🗄” @mr_richjoel: “We don’t want these pictures… We need videos of him stepping down the jet with the governor’s welcoming him.” @alakowee: “Na lie una dey like, make una show us video. Tinubu that likes to show off. He will return and his video won’t be on Twitter NG. Una dey whine?” @agent_freedom: “Where is the video that he returns.” @prolific4ØØ: “show us the video or pictures.” @Ansersonjean: “Oga drop the video 📹 this one is for audio playback.” The president had, on April 23, left Abuja for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on an official visit. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had, in a statement, said the visit was on the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. From The Netherlands, he had proceeded to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, after the event ended, the president’s next destination was shrouded in secrecy, fuelling speculations that he had gone on a medical trip to France. Two credible sources had independently told Daily Trust that the president proceeded to London from the Saudi capital of Riyadh. One of our two sources, a highly placed official at the Presidency, told one of our reporters that the president “is at the moment in London on a private visit.” The official, who asked not to be mentioned, declined further comments on the reason for the president’s visit in London. Special Adviser to the President on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, later confirmed that Tinubu headed for Europe from Saudi Arabia, although he was not precise about the European country. In a post on his X handle, on Tuesday, Onanuga…
FG DIRECTS IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY
FG DIRECTS IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY The Federal Government has directed that processes for the resumption of academic activities at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, should commence immediately. Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe who disclosed this during a chat with Vanguard in his office on Monday, said that the processes would commence on Tuesday May 7, and terminate on May 19 when students are expected to return on campus. He said that the Federal Government after studying the report of the investigative panel on the riot, directed that each student should pay a reparation fee of N25,000 before being re-admitted to the institution. The VC further said that students would write a letter of undertaking with an affidavit endorsed by a High Court, and scan same to their respective Heads of Departments ahead of the resumption date when they would return with the hard copy of the letter. Recall that after a violent protest by students on February 6 during which some buildings in the university were set on fire and property worth millions of Naira destroyed, the Management announced a closure of academic activities. ” If any person destroys Government property, that person will answer for it. The students rioted on February 6, 2024, and to rescue lives and remaining property, the university after receiving approval from Government, announced a closure. ” Government gave us mandate to investigate and we went for investigation which lasted for four to five weeks. After the investigation, we submitted the report to Senate on 28th of March, and by April 2nd the report got to Government. ” Government released the report on May 3 and directed that processes towards reopening the institution should commence. I delivered the message to the Senate today (May 6), and Senate has accepted it. ” So, the processes will commence tomorrow, May 7 and terminate on May 19 when our students are expected back on campus. Before their return, they will go through a number of processes articulated in the report “. When prodded further, the VC reeled out the processes to include:”Those still owing the university their charges for 2023/2024 session will pay. The regulation of the university has no room for split payments. But in public interest, students are going to be allowed to pay 70% now, and complete the balance of 30% by the first four to six weeks of the second semester. “Secondly, they have to register for their courses because many of the people that stopped the exam didn’t register their courses. They also have to write a letter of undertaking to be of good behaviour because they have contravened their matriculation oath by rioting. The letter has to be endorsed by a High Court after swearing an affidavit. ” Government has kindly allowed that they pay N25,000 each. The payment has to be done online through an account details that would be posted on the university website tonight. ” We don’t expect students to come back here until May 19. Those who have not done their biometric capturing will be given from May 20 to 23 to do that in their various colleges and get ready for exams that will restart on Monday, May 27.” The Vice Chancellor advised students to shun bad characters, and get ready to face their studies upon return, assuring that the institution is prepared to give them the best of training.” They should line up quietly and do their academic work. We are prepared to give them the best of training. We believe in the best and currency of training so that our students can compete favourably anywhere in the world”.
CYBERSECURITY LEVY: TINUBU GOVT ONLY INTERESTED IN MILKING A DYING ECONOMY – PETER OBI
CYBERSECURITY LEVY: TINUBU GOVT ONLY INTERESTED IN MILKING A DYING ECONOMY – PETER OBI Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s government for the imposition of the cybersecurity levy on Nigerians. He said the government was interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth. Obi accused the government of coming up with policies that not only impoverish the citizens but also make the country’s economic environment less competitive. According to him, the imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on Nigerians will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital after the impact of the Naira devaluation and high inflation rate. In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi questioned when the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, has become a revenue collecting centre. The former Anambra State governor said it was unthinkable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. He said: “The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth. “This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties but negates the Government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system. “The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation and high inflation rate. “It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive. “At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue collecting centre? “And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?”
CYBERSECURITY LEVY: TINUBU GOVT ONLY INTERESTED IN MILKING A DYING ECONOMY – PETER OBI
CYBERSECURITY LEVY: TINUBU GOVT ONLY INTERESTED IN MILKING A DYING ECONOMY – PETER OBI Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s government for the imposition of the cybersecurity levy on Nigerians. He said the government was interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth. Obi accused the government of coming up with policies that not only impoverish the citizens but also make the country’s economic environment less competitive. According to him, the imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on Nigerians will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital after the impact of the Naira devaluation and high inflation rate. In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi questioned when the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, has become a revenue collecting centre. The former Anambra State governor said it was unthinkable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. He said: “The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth. “This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties but negates the Government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system. “The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation and high inflation rate. “It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive. “At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue collecting centre? “And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?”
GROUP DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM UMAHI OVER ATTACK ON PETER OBI
GROUP DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM UMAHI OVER ATTACK ON PETER OBI The Igboezue International Association Nigeria and the Diaspora (IIAND), has called on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to tender a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi, over his recent outbursts against the former Anambra State Governor, asserting that Umshi’s comments not only unjustly targeted Obi, but also disrespected the entire Igbo community. Speaking at a press conference in Onitsha, IIAND’s National President, Pius Okoye, said Obi’s criticism of Lagos-Calabar Costal highway project, neither concerned Tinubu nor Ndigbo, and “we wonder why a man of such calibre, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, should bring Ndigbo into such a matter that does not concern them, if not for trying to retain his job. The association condemned the actions of Igbo politicians who drag the Igbo community into personal disputes, fueled by political rivalry, labeling it disrespectful to the Igbo nation. They urged that political discourse should be conducted with civility and respect, devoid of attempts to divide or undermine the unity of the Igbo people. “We think that Ndigbo deserve an apology from Umahi. If he had stopped at just attacking Obi and accusing him of incitement, we would not worry, but bringing Ndigbo in his comment is lack of respect for the Igbo nation. We demand an apology from him,” they said.The group told Ndigbo not to succumb to panic amidst current challenges in Nigeria, but to maintain their renowned work ethic and resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing their belief that God stands with them.
ENUGU ASSEMBLY PASSES PUBLIC RANCH MANAGEMENT AGENCY BILL
ENUGU ASSEMBLY PASSES PUBLIC RANCH MANAGEMENT AGENCY BILL The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed the Public Ranch Management Agency bill. The bill, which was passed on Tuesday in Enugu by the lawmakers, authorised the state government to establish an agency to manage both government and privately owned ranches in the state. Speaking before the passage of the bill, the member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency II, Clifford Obe, argued that the legislation would end the farmers/herders crisis in the state. Obe said the farmer/herder crisis was responsible for the low agricultural output in the market. According to him, many farmers have been driven out of their farms, which has increased crime and rural-to-urban migration. “The bill will help people not be afraid. It will make it a must for herders to register whenever they enter any community. It will reduce crime and how cattle mess up our city and rural communities because there would be an agency on ground to guide the herders. “Above all, the state government will be able to collect tax from the herders, who before now did not pay tax,” Obe added. Also contributing, Okechukwu Aneke, representing Udi South Constituency, noted that there was no need for people to be afraid of the bill, adding that herders were not only Fulanis. Aneke stressed that herders had come to stay, urging the people to learn to co-exist with them. The lawmaker reiterated that the bill was intended to control the herders, adding that those invading and attacking communities in the state were not real herders. “This agency, when established, will have designated areas where the cattle and their herders will be stationed. “Any herder who is found in our bushes and not in the designated places should be treated as an intruder and a kidnapper,” Aneke said. Another lawmaker, Mr Chima Obieze, regretted that people condemning the bill were arguing about what they do not know, stating that there was nothing on the bill for people to shout about. Obieze asked the public not to discourage people from other parts of the country from coming to Enugu to do business. He said that should the mostly nomadic herders come to the state, however, they must operate under existing laws. Mr Harrison Ogara, representing Igbo-Eze South, noted that the bill would guarantee peace between farmers and herders and asked the executive arm of government to be strategic in its implementation. In his remark, the Speaker, Chief Uche Ugwu, assured the people of the state that the Assembly would not pass a bill capable of truncating peace in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a similar bill on “Open Grazing Prohibition” was passed by the last state assembly in 2021. The passage came in line with the deadline issued by the Southern Governors for an end to the open rearing of cattle.The bill sought to “prevent the destruction of farms, farm crops, community ponds, settlements and property by open rearing and grazing of livestock.
NORTHERN GROUPS ASK COURT TO REMOVE GANDUJE, APC CHAIRMAN
NORTHERN GROUPS ASK COURT TO REMOVE GANDUJE, APC CHAIRMAN Two different groups from the North Central have filed suits seeking to nullify the position of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The groups are the Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders and the North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum. The first group, under the aegis of the Concerned North Central APC Stakeholders, had, in a letter to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party dated April 30, 2024, sought the restoration of the zoning arrangement of the party, which put the party’s chairmanship in the zone. The letter was signed by Muhammed Saidu Etsu, Gbenga Lubem, AbdulGaniyu Lukman, Bagu Bung Jung, Isa Abubakar Imam, and Mohammed Kabiru Idris. However, in an originating summons filed by Etsu, through their counsel, Joshua Oka Obono Obla Esq before an FCT high court on Friday, the group contended that Ganduje’s continued chairmanship of the party contravened the provisions of Article 7(vii) and (ix) of the APC Constitution and the consensus reached at the 2022 National Convention held in Abuja, that the national chairman of the APC from 2022 to 2026 must be someone from the North Central geopolitical zone of the country. They are asking the court to make an order setting aside the appointment of Ganduje by the APC as the National Chairman of the APC on August 3, 2023 on the ground that the APC “failed, refused and or neglected to comply with the procedure laid down by Article 31.5 of the APC Constitution.” Those joined as the defendants in the suit include Ganduje, the APC, the NEC of the APC and the NWC of the APC. Similarly, the North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum in a suit filed on Monday before a federal high court in Abuja by their counsel, Ayuba Abdul Esq, is challenging the breach of the party’s constitution by the nomination of Ganduje to replace ex-chairman Abdullahi Adamu in 2023. The suit joined Ganduje, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suits.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 8, 2024
- 70 views
OBAMA’S WIFE MAY REPLACE BIDEN AS DEMOCRATS CANDIDATE IN US ELECTION
OBAMA’S WIFE MAY REPLACE BIDEN AS DEMOCRATS CANDIDATE IN US ELECTION Speculation is swirling within the Democratic Party that President Joe Biden may announce his decision not to seek re-election at the party’s convention in Chicago in August 2024, instead proposing Michelle Obama, the wife of former President Barack Obama, as his preferred candidate. The German publication Der Spiegel has reported on these discussions, which have gained traction amid concerns about the age and popularity of both Biden and his likely Republican opponent, Donald Trump. According to Der Spiegel, the Democratic Party has already included Michelle Obama in its polls of potential candidates, signaling serious consideration of her as a possible nominee. The publication notes that “many Americans dream of a female president,” suggesting that Obama’s candidacy could tap into a strong desire for change and representation within the electorate. The speculation surrounding Biden’s potential withdrawal is fueled in part by the president’s age. At 82 years old, Biden is the oldest person to ever hold the office, and two-thirds of Americans believe he is too old to lead the country for another four years. This sentiment is not limited to Biden, however, as many voters also express reluctance to see Trump, who is only a few years younger, return to the White House. Trump’s legal troubles, including allegations of paying hush money to a porn actress and possible financial fraud, have also raised concerns among voters. Der Spiegel suggests that these factors, combined with the advanced age of both candidates, have led to “deep disappointment” among the American public, with the publication stating, “Never before in the history of the United States have two candidates faced each other who would be so unpopular.” While Michelle Obama has been floated as a potential candidate, she has previously expressed little interest in pursuing a political career. In her memoirs, the former first lady admitted that her experiences over the past decade have not changed her views on entering politics. This stance could potentially impact her popularity among voters, should she decide to run, according to Der Spiegel. The publication also notes that the speculation surrounding Obama’s potential candidacy is a product of the current political climate, with voters seeking fresh faces and new perspectives in the wake of the tumultuous Trump years and the challenges faced by the Biden administration. The Times cannot independently verify this claim. However, Michelle Obama’s office has clarified earlier this year that she has no intention of running for president in 2024, putting an end to rumors circulating in both parties. Former President Barack Obama’s vocal support for President Joe Biden’s re-election has fueled questions about Michelle Obama’s potential involvement in the campaign. While some Democrats expressed a desire to see her play a larger role, Republicans entertained fantasies of her replacing Biden on the 2024 ticket to undermine the president’s political standing. Crystal Carson, director of communications for Michelle Obama’s office, reiterated the former first lady’s stance on the matter, stating, “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president.” Carson emphasized Mrs. Obama’s support for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ re-election campaign.Sources familiar with discussions surrounding Michelle Obama’s involvement in the Biden campaign indicate that while she intends to assist, her engagement will likely be limited, reflecting her other commitments and longstanding reluctance to re-enter full-time politics.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 8, 2024
- 55 views
NO MORE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN TOGO, PARLIAMENT TO CHOOSE PRESIDENT
NO MORE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN TOGO, PARLIAMENT TO CHOOSE PRESIDENT Togo’s President, Faure Gnassingbe, has signed a new constitution eliminating presidential elections, his office said late Monday, a move that opponents say will allow him to extend his family’s six-decade rule. Civil society groups in the West African nation have called for protests. Parliament will now choose the president. The new constitution comes days after the election commission on Saturday announced that President Faure Gnassingbe’s ruling party had won a majority of parliament seats. There was a crackdown on civic and media freedoms ahead of the vote. The government banned protests against the proposed new constitution and arrested opposition figures. The electoral commission banned the Catholic Church from deploying election observers. Togo’s media regulator suspended the accreditation process for foreign journalists. The new constitution also increases presidential terms from five to six years and introduces a single-term limit. But the nearly 20 years that Gnassingbe has served in office would not count, and the political opposition, religious leaders and civil society say it’s likely that Gnassingbe will stay in power when his mandate expires in 2025. Togo has been ruled by the same family for 57 years, first by Eyadema Gnassingbe and then by his son. Faure Gnassingbe took office after elections that the opposition described as a sham. The new constitution also creates a figure similar to a prime minister, to be selected by the ruling party. Critics fear that could become another way for Gnassingbe to extend his grip on power. A group of about 20 civil society organisations in Togo have called for protests to reinstate the previous constitution.”We will never accept this new constitution, even after its promulgation,” David Dosseh, a spokesperson for the civil society groups, told The Associated Press, calling the 2025 election ”absolutely necessary for the people to choose a new president and finally achieve a democratic transition in Togo”.