Dons EzeWE’LL NOT PAY MORE THAN N57,000 – GOVS REJECT N62,000 FG’S NEW MINIMUM WAGE
WE’LL NOT PAY MORE THAN ₦57,000 – GOVS REJECT FG’S ₦62,000 NEW MINIMUM WAGE State governors and the private sector have reportedly rejected the ₦62,000 new national minimum wage proposed by the federal government. The Federal Government had increased its new national minimum wage offer from ₦60,000 to ₦62,000, while organised labour has also reduced its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000. However, findings have indicated that while the Federal Government may be ready to accept ₦65,000 as the new minimum wage, governors and the organised private sector insist that any figure above ₦57,000 may not be sustainable. According to insiders, the governors’ major argument is that the states would be left with nothing for developmental projects if they accepted a minimum wage above ₦57,000, as they would have to pay a large chunk of their resources as wages to workers. However, the negotiation for a new minimum wage is far from over as Organised Labour and the Federal Government continue to make offers and counter-offers. A governor from the South lamented how he would use huge amounts to pay less than 200,000 civil servants in the state, who did not constitute more than five percent of the population. Organised Private Sector also accused the federal government of making decisions without consulting them. “The FG has literally shaved our heads in our absence. Though we had nominal representations, they were not allowed to come back to us for proper consultation,” said a manufacturer in Lagos who craved anonymity Also, documents seen with one of the governors who is a member of the negotiation team show the states’ precarious financial status and their inability to pay anything above the ₦57,000 they proposed alongside the private sector. One of the documents, which was released by the secretariat of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and titled, ‘Comparative Analysis of States Gross Allocation Between Subsidy and Non-Subsidy Regimes (January – December 2023)’, showed the gross income received by states from the Federation Account.
WHY NIGERIA DOES NOT NEED REGIONALISM, BY DR. AKALI
WHY NIGERIA DOES NOT NEED REGIONAL GOVT, BY DR. AKALI Barely 48 hours after the reintroduction of the old colonial national anthem by President Tinubu in cahoots with the Akpabio-led National Assembly, a so-called ‘bill’ for an act to replace the 1999 Presidential constitution with a regional government has surfaced online. The social media was awash with the controversial proposal. The sponsors of the regional arrangement have their plans mapped out already as the distasteful ‘draft bill’ although written by a previously unknown individual, one Dr Akin Fapohunda went viral. The sequence of events to ramp-up sentiments and pump the regional agenda into the mentality of Nigerians was followed by a high-pitch debate on both social and mainstream media. These sequences of events are meant to test the waters towards a final daring move to present the bill on the floor of the National Assembly and possibly foist a regional system on Nigeria. We must bear in mind that a change to a regional government is not possible under a civilian administration because a civilian government cannot suspend the 1999 constitution. If the politicians do so, they have lost their seats because it is the 1999 constitution that brought them to office in the first place. Only a military government can return the country to regions by suspending Nigeria’s constitution as they do when they take over, and replacing it with a constitutional model of their choice. The Nigerian military actually created the presidential system to heal wounds and unify the country after the Civil War in 1967, so anyone trying to change the current presidential system back to a regional government is in effect, fighting the military. The current presidential system was applied by the military during the Second Republic in 1979 because the regional arrangement had failed and had balkanised Nigeria into mini-states and created a culture of hate amongst the peoples in the regions. If Nigeria couldn’t survive the regional arrangement in the First Republic, it is extremely doubtful if it can today. A regional government in Nigeria will always promote war because of the deep mistrust between the constituent units. The issue really is not about the regional model but the consequences of such models on most importantly, the unity, sovereignty and corporate existence of Nigeria. Remember, even those who know the terrain very well including former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar have advised President Tinubu to learn from past mistakes that led to the Civil War in order to promote the unity of the country and avoid a potential military takeover. This advice given by the highly experienced former Head of State in reference to Tinubu’s regional agenda is something to ponder about. I feel and strongly too, that our dear country Nigeria is too fragile to survive a regional or parliamentary system. Currently, there is an unconventional ideological dismemberment of Nigeria. This is evidenced by the existence of major renegade secessionist cum terrorist groups such as IPOB, Boko haram and Yoruba nation agitators, who will take advantage of any regional arrangement to declare their own country and by implication, spur a civil war in Nigeria. The clear red signals in the event of President Tinubu forcing a regional system on Nigeria are unmistakable as follows: The so-called Indigeneous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East geopolitical zone, a terrorist and secessionist group is calling for an end to Nigeria and a so-called presumptive state of Biafra. They are running riot in the South East, killing innocent people including our gallant soldiers. The Boko Haram terrorists have been waging a war to cut off three states out of Nigeria namely, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa since 2009. If not for the commendable efforts of our gallant soldiers in…
HOUSE OF REPS TURNS DOWN BILL ON REGIONALISM
HOUSE OF REPS TURNS DOWN BILL ON REGIONALISM The House of Representatives in Nigeria has taken a firm stance on the contentious bill seeking to reinstate regional governments in the country. Following extensive deliberations and consultations, the House has officially rejected the bill, citing concerns over its potential implications on the nation’s unity, governance structure, and socio-political dynamics. In a session characterized by impassioned debates, lawmakers from various political divides voiced their reservations about the proposed legislation. Many argued that reverting to regional governments could exacerbate ethnic tensions, undermine national cohesion, and roll back the progress made in promoting inclusivity and equal representation. Additionally, proponents of the rejection highlighted the need to focus on strengthening existing governmental structures, enhancing decentralization efforts, and addressing the root causes of socio-economic disparities across the nation. They emphasized the importance of fostering unity in diversity and promoting a sense of belonging among all Nigerians, regardless of their regional or ethnic backgrounds. The decision by the House of Representatives reflects a broader consensus among lawmakers and stakeholders who view the bill as a potential threat to Nigeria’s stability and democratic development. While acknowledging the historical context and grievances that underpin the call for regional governments, the majority of legislators believe that pursuing such a course would be counterproductive and risk further polarizing the country. Moving forward, the rejection of the bill signals a commitment by the House of Representatives to uphold the principles of federalism, inclusivity, and national unity.Lawmakers pledged to explore alternative avenues for addressing the concerns raised by proponents of regional governments while safeguarding the integrity and unity of the Nigerian state.
COWS NOT NIGERIAN CITIZENS – AKPABIO AS NORTHERN SENATORS OPPOSE MOVE TO BAN OPEN GRAZING
COWS NOT NIGERIAN CITIZENS – AKPABIO AS NORTHERN SENATORS OPPOSE MOVE TO BAN OPEN GRAZING Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has argued firmly that cows are not citizens of Nigeria as senators from the northern region opposed moves to ban open grazing in the country. In a viral video, the legislative session on Wednesday was marked by a heated debate and strong emotions in the Red Chamber. If passed into law, the bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West, will prohibit open grazing nationwide. This is aimed at resolving longstanding conflicts between herders and farmers. The proposed law outlines specific regulations for the establishment and management of ranches, promoting best practices and mitigating disputes between herders and farmers. The bill, however, met stiff opposition from Senator Danjuma Goje from Gombe and his counterpart from Kebbi, Adamu Aliero. According to the video, the northern senators described the bill as an attempt to contravene the fundamental rights of the citizens of the country by banning the free movement of herders and their cattle. The lawmakers argued that cattle rearing and ranching activities are done more in northern Nigeria than in other parts of the country, reasoning that lawmaking should be for the entire country and not for a section. Aliero argued that cattle routes start from the far north and end in Lokoja and that the splitting of the northern region into 19 states has hampered the process. However, the Senate President, in his opinion, maintained that cows should not be viewed as citizens of the country and thus do not enjoy any proportion in the Nigerian constitution. He said, “Cows are not citizens of Nigeria, Senator Aliero, are you arguing with me? The section you are referring to is talking about citizens of Nigeria. “And cows are not citizens of Nigeria. Cows can come from Niger, Chad or anywhere.” Other senators who supported the bill contended that the proposed Commission would manage the farmers/herders crisis, hence, it should be passed. The bill was passed after it was put to voice vote by Akpabio. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary and Legal Matters to be reverted in four weeks.The legislative measure is designed to address the challenges and conflicts associated with cattle rearing, ensuring a more structured and sustainable approach to the industry.
JOURNALISTS BARRED AS TINUBU INAUGURATES VP’S N21B OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
JOURNALISTS BARRED AS TINUBU INAUGURATES N21B VP’S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE The federal government has blocked journalists from covering the inauguration of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s official residence. The edifice, valued at N21 billion, has been subject to criticism. Eugenia Abu, the moderator of the inauguration ceremony stated on Friday that the Vice President’s official residence is a private space and coverage is not permitted. According to Abu, only selected guests, including serving national assembly members, federal executive council members, and top-ranking officials, will be allowed to accompany President Bola Tinubu on a guided tour of the residence. She said, “These are the persons that are going to be accompanying Mr. President into this residence. There will be no press; there will be no coverage. This is the official residence of His Excellency, the Vice President; it is a private space.” “Those who are going to be given the privilege to come along with him are those who have been so carefully chosen. I’d like to advise that we have no press, no coverage, no media,” she added. At the inauguration ceremony on Friday, Nyseom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed that the federal government spent N21 billion on the renovation and completion of the Vice President’s residence.The project, awarded in 2010, was initially valued at N7 billion but was abandoned in 2015. A revised budget of N21 billion was approved in January this year, adding N14 billion to the initial cost.
UNN GETS ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR
UNN GETS ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the incumbent Deputy Vice-chancellor, Administration at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has been elected as the Acting Vice-chancellor of the university. Chief Okwun Omeaku, the Public Relations Officer of the university, made the disclosure in a statement issued at the end of the 422nd session of the Senate in Nsukka on Friday He said that Ezeokonkwo won by 200 votes in the election conducted by the senate at its session on Friday. According to him, Ezeokonkwo defeated Prof Johnson Urama, Deputy Vice-chancellor Academic UNN, and Prof Daniel Nwachukwu, Deputy Vice-chancellor, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC). “Ezeokonkwo scored 200 votes to defeat Urama and Nwachukwu, who scored 180 and 25 votes, respectively,” he said. The PRO noted that the position of vice chancellor became vacant following the end of the tenure of Prof. Charles Igwe, whose five-year tenure would end on June 10. Prof Ezeokonkwo was born at Nkpologwu, Aguata LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria on August 7, 1965, and holds the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a Fellow of the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria (FCVSN). He was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the United States of America (USA) during the 2001/2002 academic session. Prof Ezeokonkwo had held various positions in the Church and his Community. He was the worthy Grand Knight, Knights of St Mulumba, Nigeria, St. Peter`s Sub Council, Nsukka, Vice Chairman, St Peter`s Chaplaincy Council and presently, President General, Nkpologwu Progressive Union (NPU), a post he holds since 2014.Prof. Romanus C. Ezeokonkwo is happily married with four children.
MINIMUM WAGE: NEGOTIATIONS HIT ANOTHER BRICK WALL
MINIMUM WAGE: NEGOTIATIONS HIT ANOTHER BRICK WALL After two days of waiting, the negotiations over the national minimum wage hit another brick wall yesterday. At the end of yesterday’s meeting, the Federal Government negotiating team raised its offer by N2,000 bringing its total minimum wage offer to N62,000 while the Organised Labour reduced its demand to N250,000 from N494,000. The state governors on their part had earlier yesterday, while negotiations were still going on declared that they could not even pay the N60,000 minimum wage which had been proposed by the Federal Government before the government later increased it by N2,000. It was gathered that the Organised Private Sector, OPS, was backing the government’s offer. Following the disagreement the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage, NNMW, has adjourned. According to the source “there was disagreement on the amount. The government offered N62,000, but Labour is now demanding N250,000. The report is to be communicated to the President for further deliberation”. Before the Federal Government raised its offer to N62,000 yesterday, the state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF said that they could not pay the N60,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government and which the organised labour had even rejected. The governors came up with this position as the Tripartite Committee set up by the government was meeting to finalise negotiations on minimum wage. The governors said the N60,000 minimum wage proposal by the Federal Government was not sustainable arguing that if they try it, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month as they do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers. According to the Governors, if they sustain the proposed N60 minimum wage by the Federal Government, it would result in many states spending all their Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the NGF acting Director of Media and Public Affairs, Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed titled, “The forum’s stand on the: N60,000 minimum wage not sustainable: NGF” The statement read, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) agrees that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages. “However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners. The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic. “All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes. In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers. “We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have a legitimate claim to public resources.” Recall that members of the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress had on Tuesday, suspended their strike for five days. The strike which commenced on Monday was called to protest the failure of the Federal Government to approve new minimum wage by May 31 as well as its failure to reverse the hike in electricity tariff. Also recall that after a six-hour meeting with the leadership…
BREAKING: GOVERNORS REJECT N60,000 MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSAL, ‘IT CAN’T FLY’
BREAKING: GOVERNORS REJECT N60,000 MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSAL, ‘IT CAN’T FLY’ The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has rejected the N60,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government. This contradicts the federal government’s commitment to a minimum wage exceeding N60,000. According to the governors, N60,000 as minimum wage is not sustainable and can not fly. Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went on strike on Monday, protesting the federal government’s proposal of N60,000 as the minimum wage, which they deemed unacceptable. Reacting, in a statement released on Friday, the NGF said there is need for a realistic and sustainable minimum wage that considers the broader socioeconomic implications. The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages. “However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners. “The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic. “All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes. “In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers. “We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.” This decision comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the government and labour unions, who have also expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed wage.
REP MEMBER, UGOCHINYERE, FACES PROBE OVER VISIT TO RIVERS GOVERNOR, SIM FUBARA
REP MEMBER, UGOCHINYERE, FACES PROBE OVER VISIT TO RIVERS GOVERNOR, SIM FUBARA The House of Representatives has referred its member, Ikenga Ugochinyere, to the Committee on Ethics for probe over his solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmaker is facing the probe after leading about 50 lawmakers to attend the first anniversary of the governor in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Mr Ugochinyere, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Imo State, is one of the vocal supporters of Mr Fubara in the House. Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, are in a supremacy battle, and the members of the PDP in the House are divided between the two warring sides. In the last couple of months, Mr Ugochinyere has been issuing statements in support of the governor and claimed to control a group of 60 lawmakers that he christened G60. The decision of the House to investigate Mr Ugochinyere followed a point of privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau). Mr Gagdi, citing Order Six Rule One, said his privilege as a member of the House was breached as the lawmaker misinterpreted the visit of some lawmakers to Mr Fubara. He stated that Mr Ugochinyere issued a statement to the press on the visit, giving the impression that the lawmakers represented the House. Mr Gagdi claimed that the lawmakers were members of the Local Content Committee and were in Rivers for an overnight assignment but used the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the governor. “One of our colleagues issued a press statement that the delegation was in River State for a solidarity visit to the governor. It is okay to do a solidarity visit but not for members to be misrepresented. I urge the House to look for this publication and interact with Ikenga,” he said. While Mr Gagdi was moving the motion, some of the lawmakers who attended the meeting tried to raise a point of order, but the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, who presided over the session, shut down the lawmakers. Mr Kalu insisted that points of privilege are not to be debated. His ruling generated loud murmurs from the floor. Later, Mark Esset (PDP, Akwa-Ibom), succeeded in speaking, stating that he attended the visit, adding that the lawmakers did not give the impression of representing the House. “In my opinion, I don’t see anything here. The same paper publication said some members of the House. There is nothing here. There is freedom of association,” he said. However, he was shut down by the deputy speaker, who scolded the lawmakers for turning the chamber into a marketplace.Mr Kalu, subsequently, referred Mr Ikenga to the Committee on Ethics for investigation.
MINIMUM WAGE: GOVS OPT FOR N70,000, REJECT N100,000
MINIMUM WAGE: GOVS OPT FOR N70,000, REJECT N100,000 Governors from across the 36 states in Nigeria have said that a minimum wage higher than N70,000 is not affordable or sustainable for the states. The governors made the remarks when they met under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), to discuss the economic situation and the ongoing debate around the minimum wage. They considered options ranging from N60,000, which was offered to Labour by the Federal Government before the strike, to N70,000, which is currently being paid by the Edo State Government. Despite their efforts, they were unable to reach a consensus on a uniform amount and have instead set up a committee headed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to review the options and make recommendations. According to sources at the meeting, the governors were in agreement that a minimum wage of N100,000 was not feasible, and some states were still struggling to pay the current minimum wage of N30,000, which came into effect in 2019. “Records available to us indicated that some states are still paying N18,000 because they are unable to afford N30,000 (which came into effect in 2019). Only a state has adopted a N70,000 wage,” the source said. The governors’ position is in line with a previous statement made by the Chairman of NGF and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who stated that states would only agree to a minimum wage that is “affordable and sustainable”. Meanwhile, the Presidency on Thursday denied reports that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, submitted a proposal for a new minimum wage of N105,000 to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the reports as false, stating that the minister had not proposed any such amount.