MINIMUM WAGE UPDATE: STATES PAYING N70, OOO AND ABOVE
Dons Eze
- October 18, 2024
DSS SPOKESMAN, AFUNANYA, REMOVED
DSS SPOKESMAN, AFUNANYA, REMOVED The Department of State Services (DSS) has redeployed Peter Afunanya, its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. Afunanya, who revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, did not disclose his next duty post, saying the redeployment was a normal routine exercise in the service to the nation. Afunanya, who had been in the media section of the secret police for more than 10 years, came on board at a time the agency was suffering from image credibility about six years ago. The agency was without a spokesperson for some years after Marilyn Ogar was compulsorily retired from service in 2015. Ogar’s forceful retirement came following investigations into allegations of bribery and professional misconduct against her. She was alleged to have collected several trucks of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene) as bribe, being partisan, among other breaches of service codes, but she denied all the allegations while maintaining innocence. Speaking after announcing his redeployment, Afunanya expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country as the spokesman of the covert security outfit. He expressed his commitment to the Service and the country as he pledged to always do his best in whatever capacity he is chosen to serve. He said he would continue to carry out his duty in service to the country with “love, loyalty, honour, and glory.” The newly appointed Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, assumed office last Thursday, with a pledge to refocus the Service towards covertness and study silence. Ajayi, who until his appointment was Kogi State director, also pledged commitment to surmounting challenges confronting Nigeria’s economic, political and security environments.
LABOUR PARTY GETS INTERIM NATIONAL CHAIRMAN… ABURE GROUP KICKS
LABOUR PARTY GETS INTERIM NATIONAL CHAIRMAN… ABURE GROUP KICKS The Labour Party (LP) has appointed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the Chairman of its Caretaker Committee. Usman’s appointment was announced during a stakeholders meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State capital, on Wednesday. The new leadership is saddled with rescuing the party from its current leadership crisis. Senator Usman, a former Minister of Finance and representative of Kaduna South senatorial district from 2011 to 2015, will lead the 29-member committee tasked with reorganizing the party and setting it on a path to electoral success. The committee has 90 days to complete its assignment, which includes organizing a convention to elect new leadership from the ward to the national stage. Immediate-past Senate Minority Deputy Leader, Senator Darlington Nwokocha from Abia Central, will serve as the Secretary of the committee. The meeting was hosted by Gov. Alex Otti. It was attended by top party officials, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Datti Ahmed, Senator Victor Umeh, and Lagos State governorship candidate Rhodes-Vivour. Meanwhile, a faction of the party lef by Julius Anure, has officially distanced itself from the outcome of the stakeholders meeting held in Umuahia, which was summoned by Abia State Governor Alex Otti. In a press release, the party denounced the meeting as both illegal and unconstitutional. It stated that the gathering was not sanctioned by the party and therefore does not reflect its position or interests. The party urged its members and the general public to disregard any resolutions or statements that emerged from the meeting, reaffirming its commitment to upholding due process and constitutional governance. “The Labour Party disowns the outcome of the Umuahia stakeholders meeting convened by Governor Alex Otti. The meeting is illegal and unconstitutional, and we urge our members to disregard any resolutions from this gathering,” the statement read. The party reiterated its stance on following established legal and party procedures for any official decisions or actions, distancing itself from any activities that do not align with these principles.
FUEL PRICE HIKE: WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE REVERSAL – NLC
FUEL PRICE HIKE: WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE REVERSAL — NLC The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has demanded an “immediate reversal” of the pump price of petrol across the country. NLC made this known in a post on its X page on Tuesday night. The post reads: “We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump of PMS across the country.” Earlier in the day, the union claimed they felt betrayed by President Bola Tinubu after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, increased the official price of fuel from N617 to N897 per litre. NLC president, Joe Ajaero, claimed that why they accepted the N70,000 minimum wage was an understanding that there would be no further increase in the price of fuel. Ajaero threatened that in the coming days, the appropriate organs of Congress will be meeting to make appropriate decisions which will be made public.
NDUME’S REINSTATEMENT AS CHIEF WHIP NO LONGER IN OUR HANDS – APC
NDUME’S REINSTATEMENT AS CHIEF WHIP NO LONGER IN OUR HANDS – APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the National Assembly may decide on the proposed reinstatement of Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip after its ongoing recess.Both the Senate and House of Representatives have embarked on their annual recess and won’t resume until September 17. Following the criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the lawmaker was relieved of his position as Chief Whip of the Senate and replaced by his colleague, Tahir Monguno. But weeks later, Ndume visited the National Working Committee of the ruling APC in Abuja to tender an apology. In response, the APC national chairman, who described the matter as a family affair, said Ndume had been forgiven and the party would write to the Senate to restore his position Speaking on the matter during an interviiew, National Deputy Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, said the party had communicated with the Senate. He explained that the matter is out of their hands, and the senate would decide the outcome of the situation. According to him, “I think it is now down to the senators to do what is considered to be the right decision. “I don’t think it is in our hands anymore. There is already an engagement with the leadership of the Senate.”
TINUBU DIDN’T PROMISE LABOUR HE WON’T INCREASE FUEL PRICE – PRESIDENCY
TINUBU DIDN’T PROMISE LABOUR HE WON’T INCREASE FUEL PRICE – PRESIDENCY The Presidency has said at no time did President Bola Tinubu promise the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that his administration would not increase the pump price of fuel. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, said this on Tuesday, in reaction to organized labour’s outcry that workers have been betrayed. The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, demanded an immediate reversal of the adjusted fuel price increase by Tinubu’s government. Ajaero said Labour accepted the ₦70,000 minimum wage because the President promised there would not be an increase in fuel price. Labour had in the build-up to the minimum wage negotiation, held onto ₦250,000 to be the minimum wage. “We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of PMS. One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased even as we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient. “We recall vividly when Mr President gave us the devil’s alternatives to choose from: either N250,000 as minimum wage (subject to the rise of the pump price between N1,500 and N2,000) and N70,000 (at old pms rates), we opted for the latter because we could not bring ourselves to accept further punishment on Nigerians,” Labour said, in a statement, on Tuesday. Abdulaziz, in response, accused Ajaero and Labour of playing dirty politics and deceiving Nigerians. He stated that the two meetings Tinubu had with Labour had no discussion concerning fuel price increases in exchange for minimum wage. “I sat through the two meetings President Bola Tinubu had with Labour leaders on minimum wage. At neither of the meetings was an offer made in exchange of fuel price hike. Ajaero is once again playing his dirty politics with the emotions of Nigerians,” Abdulaziz wrote on his X handle.
WHY NIGERIA RECEIVES MORE FUND FROM OUR FOUNDATION – BILL GATES
EHY NIGERIA RECEIVES MORE FUND FROM OUR FOUNDATION -; BILL GATES Bill Gates, the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has explained why Nigeria receives the largest share of intervention funds allocated by the foundation in Africa. Gates made this statement during an interview with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue on Tuesday in Abuja. He said, “We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most i Bill Gates, the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has explained why Nigeria receives the largest share of intervention funds allocated by the foundation in Africa. Gates made this statement during an interview with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue on Tuesday in Abuja. He said, “We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria.That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here. That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria. “I’m glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better.” Gates emphasised that reducing global health inequality and eradicating measles, malaria, and polio are top priorities for the foundation. He also mentioned that the foundation plans to increase its spending in the future, with a focus on improving primary healthcare. “Our work is almost entirely focused on primary healthcare because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” he said. Gates noted that the foundation also invests heavily in the agricultural sector, recognising that boosting agricultural productivity is crucial to Nigeria’s economic development. He highlighted that this goal could be achieved through access to high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilisers, improved and timely information, and better weather predictions for farmers. According to him, these measures will significantly boost agricultural output and reduce food costs. The philanthropist also stated that the foundation supports partners in implementing food fortification for staple foods, which enhances the nutritional quality of the food supply and provides public health benefits. He stressed that access to a variety of low-cost foods, particularly milk and eggs, is crucial for reducing malnutrition. Gates noted that the time is right to utilise innovative ideas and tools in the health and agricultural sectors to substantially reduce malnutrition. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries.Bill Gates, the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has explained why Nigeria receives the largest share of intervention funds allocated by the foundation in Africa. Gates made this statement during an interview with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue on Tuesday in Abuja. He said, “We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria. “That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here. That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria. “I’m glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better.” Gates emphasised that reducing global health inequality and eradicating measles, malaria, and polio are top priorities for the foundation. He also mentioned that the foundation plans to increase its spending in the future, with a focus on improving primary healthcare. “Our work is almost entirely focused on primary healthcare because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” he said. Beyond health, Gates noted that the foundation also invests heavily in the agricultural sector, recognising that boosting agricultural productivity is crucial to Nigeria’s economic…
POLICE NAME HUNDEYIN, ALADE AS PIDOMNIGERIA ACCOMPLICES, DECLARE THEM WANTED
POLICE NAME HUNDEYIN, ALADE AS PIDOMNIGERIA’S ACCOMPLICES, DECLARE THEM WANTED The Nigeria Police Force has linked investigative journalist, David Hundeyin and Michael Alade to Isaac Bristol, identified by the authorities as PIDOMNigeria, in an alleged cybercrime case. PIDOMNigeria is accused of leaking classified documents, fraud, sedition, and tax evasion. During a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed SaharaReporters’ report that PIDOMNigeria’s arrest followed a petition from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Accroding to Adejobi, when National Cybercrime Centre operatives raided a hotel where Bristol was staying, he resisted arrest. Adejobi also accused Bristol destroying his phone and flushing it down the toilet. “The operatives of the Nigerian Police National Cybercrime Center have apprehended an anonymous hacker in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy, offences against the Official Secret Act, leakage of classified and restricted documents, acts likely to cause a breach of the public peace, sedition, fraud, and tax evasion,” Adejobi stated. He further explained, “The discreet investigation was initiated to identify those responsible for the leakage, which led to the identification of Bristol Isaac, Michael Temidayo Alade, and David Hundeyin who are suspects in connection with the alleged crimes.” Adejobi elaborated on the arrest, noting that Bristol had attempted to evade capture by locking himself in his hotel room, smashing his phone, and flushing it to destroy evidence. He accused Isaac Bristol of also refusing to divulge his phone’s password, thus obstructing the investigation. The police spokesperson claimed that Isaac Bristol was found to have raised funds anonymously to support cyber terrorism and related offences, as demonstrated by forensic analysis of his crypto wallet transactions. “The Inspector General of Police, IG Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the force to maintaining peace and also reiterated that the Nigerian police force remains vigilant to take strict and severe action against any individual or group threatening the country’s stability, ensuring they face the full force of the law,” Adejobi added. According to him, investigations also uncovered that Isaac had illegally accessed and leaked sensitive police documents, including directives from the Office of the Inspector General of Police. “The complaints filed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation alleged that an anonymous blogger using the Twitter handle at PIDOM Nigeria published and distributed a restricted document on a sensitive matter of national security,” Adejobi said. According to him, the arrest of Bristol is aimed at safeguarding national security and upholding public order. Adejobi confirmed that efforts were ongoing to trace Hundeyin and Alade. “I’m sure they are working assiduously to see how they can get them. Perhaps they must have sent an invitation letter to them. Or they must have contacted them one way or the other. I don’t know the plan the team has,” Adejobi noted.
PETER OBI NAMES TANKO YINUSA INTERIM NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF OBIDIENT MOVEMENT
PETER OBI NAMES TANKO YINUSA INTERIM NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF OBIDIENT MOVEMENT The 2023 Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi has announced one of his former spokesman, Tanko Yunusa, as the Interim National Coordinator of Obidient Movement worldwide. Obi said Yunusa was chosen to occupy the position after a consensus agreement that it should be zoned to the North. Speaking during an X Space engagement, the former Anambra State governor said Yunusa’s appointment was part of efforts to lay a foundation that would include members of the movement in the Labour Party structure at all levels. Obi said: “Last week, I held an X space to announce the start of a series of engagements that will help establish this structure. To drive this process, I set up a team to manage these conversations. This team was tasked with holding a series of consultations and engagements. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who showed up at the engagement meeting they recently held. I also want to thank the team for how fast they moved the conversation and the consultation process. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that every member of this movement is heard and included as we build our structure. There will be more consultations at the regional level, and I encourage everyone to participate when called upon. “Moving forward, it is crucial to have leadership in place to support this building process. After extensive consultations within the movement and reviewing feedback from Obidients through the ideas submitted, there is a consensus that the position of National Coordinator should go to the North. “From the nominations submitted by key stakeholders in the movement and shared with the engagement team, Dr Tanko Yunusa emerged as the most nominated candidate for this role. Given his track record, leadership qualities, and commitment to the movement, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Tanko Yunusa will serve as the Interim National Coordinator as we continue laying the foundation for our movement. “I want to clarify that all positions filled at this stage are on an interim basis until our structure is fully developed. “As we move forward, we will need your nominations for the best minds in our community to take on key positions in this structure. “Remember, we have over 1 million leadership positions to fill as we work to build a Nigeria that works for everyone. Please be thoughtful in your nominations to help us onboard people with the competence, character, and capacity to lead.”
ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST: COURT ISSUES ARREST WARRANT AGAINST BRITISH WHYNNE, TWO OTHERS
ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST: COURT ISSUES ARREST WARRANT AGAINST BRITISH WHYNNE, TWO OTHERS A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday issued a warrant of arrest against a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, and other Nigerians over allegations bordering on treason and terrorism. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order in an ex parte motion filed by Audu Garba on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police. The IGP had accused the 10 detained Nigerian protesters, among others, of conniving with Mr Wynne to plot the removal of President Bola Tinubu through unconstitutional means, among other allegations. Upon resumed hearing of the motion, Audu Garba informed that an ex-parte application seeking an order for issuing of a warrant of arrest against some persons was before the court. The lawyer listed the individuals, including Andrew Martin Wynne, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, and Comrade Abdullahi Musa. He said the fleeing defendants were involved in the cases of conspiracy, treason, inciting to mutiny, inciting disaffection to government and terrorism, among others, contrary to sections 97, 410, 413, 416 and 412 of the Penal Code, Northern States Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004. He equally sought an order declaring them wanted over the allegations. The affidavit in support of the motion said the investigation so far revealed that the fleeing defendants were allegedly responsible for planning and coordination of the invasion and burning down of the High Court Complex, NCC office and printing press in Kano. It further alleged that the defendants were also responsible for the attack on Government House Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency’s office, NURTW office and several other buildings in August 2024. Garba said others who are now at large are being tracked, hence the need for the application. He said if the application is granted, it would enable all police officers in the country and other security agencies to use their mechanisms to secure the lawful arrest of the fleeing defendants. The lawyer urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice. Justice Nwite, who granted the motion, described it as “meritorious.” NAN reports that the judge had, on Monday, ordered the remand of 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kuje and Suleija correctional centres after they were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on treason, among others.
$150M PRESIDENTIAL JET: YOU’RE INCOMPETENT, IGNORANT – US ECONOMIST BLASTS TINUBU
$150M PRESIDENTIAL JET: YOU’RE INCOMPETENT, IGNORANT – US ECONOMIST BLASTS TINUBU American Economist, Steve Hanke has critisised President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing luxury travel amid ongoing economic struggles in Nigeria, following Tinubu’s purchase of a $150 million Airbus A330 private jet. Hanke, a professor at Johns Hopkins University who labeled Tinubu as “arrogant, ignorant, and incompetent”, expressed disapproval over the aircraft’s purchase at a time Nigeria’s inflation rates are reportedly as high as 114% annually, far exceeding official figures. Hanke’s comments were made following Tinubu’s trip to France, where he utilized the newly acquired jet. In a post on X, Hanke expressed his disapproval through a cartoon, emphasizing the stark contrast between Tinubu’s lavish spending and the economic suffering faced by the populace. He wrote, “#NGAWatch🇳🇬: Pres. Tinubu flaunted his new $100M A330 private jet en route to France. “Meanwhile, I accurately measure Nigeria’s inflation at a SHOCKING 114%/yr. “TINUBU = ARROGANT, IGNORANT, & INCOMPETENT” Osun Defender reports that the purchase of a $150 million private jet has sparked significant conversation about the state of Nigeria’s economy, with many critics including the opposition parties condemning the government action. This acquisition comes at a time when many Nigerians are experiencing severe financial hardships, raising questions about the government’s priorities. Hanke’s critique highlights a growing frustration among economists and citizens alike regarding the government’s handling of economic issues, particularly in light of the rising cost of living and inflation that continues to impact daily life for many Nigerians. Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.