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LP Chieftain Faults Tinubu’s Delay In Replacing Lalong

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Former governorship candidate on the platform of Labour Party, LP, in Plateau State, Professor Patrick Dakum, has faulted the delay in the appointment of a new minister from the state by President Bola Tinubu.

Dakum, who addressed journalists yesterday in Abuja, expressed shock that more than six months after the resignation of Senator Simon Lalong as Minister representing Plateau in the Federal Executive Council, no action had been taken to replace him.

Describing the situation as a breach of the 1999 constitution and a disservice to the people of Plateau, Dakum, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, called on the president to appoint a minister from Plateau without further delay in the interest of democracy.

“Democracy entails carrying everyone along, following due process, observing the rule of law and dispensing justice to all without delay. There is no genuine reason for Plateau to be without a minister for this long which denies it participation in decision making for good governance in the country. There are capable and eligible hands in the state that can handle any ministry, so why delay the appointment,” Dakum said.

On the lingering crisis in the House of Assembly which has prevented seven members-elect from being sworn in by the speaker, Dakum said for democracy to thrive, court orders must be obeyed whether palatable or unpalatable.

He said, “There is absolutely no reason why the members-elect that the Court of Appeal declared winners should not be in the House working. It does not make sense. I don’t understand why and how because it is the same judiciary that said the governor is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the House is of the All Progressives Congress, APC, so, what is the rocket science in that? The court has already taken its decision and there is nothing anyone can do about it, but to obey its decisions. It is democratic to obey court order whether in our favour or not.”

The former commissioner of health and information insisted that it is an abuse of democracy not to swear in the members-elect, as it is nothing short of denying their constituents the right to be represented in the House, thereby making government incomplete.

He added that everyone should be carried along in the interest of democracy, good governance, progress and justice. 

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had earlier appointed Lalong as Minister of Labour and Employment.

However, in December 2023, he tendered his resignation and proceeded to the National Assembly as senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District after an Appeal Court ruling affirmed him winner of the seat.

Since then, the president has not appointed anyone as minister to represent Plateau in the federal executive council in line with the constitution.

Minimum Wage: NCPC Calls For Amicable Resolution

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has urged the federal government, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, to consider a reasonable pay to solve the minimum wage crisis.

Adegbite advised labour to shun a situation where many workers, especially those in the private sector would be sacked due to high salary which many employers of labour would not be able to sustain.

He gave the advice while briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja on the minimum wage saga and preparations by the commission for this year’s pilgrimage. 

The NCPC boss said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun will do a good job of carrying out the directive of President Bola Tinubu to work out a template for a new minimum wage figure and analyse the fiscal impact on the federal budget.

Adegbite said: “As you all know, we are in the middle of a minimum wage crisis which a few days ago, virtually grounded socio-economic activities across the country until good reason prevailed and a one-week suspension was worked out.

“I commend organised labour for heeding the call by well meaning Nigerians to suspend the nationwide strike and also appreciate the federal government for shifting ground from its earlier stance of N60,000 new national minimum wage.

“Now as all parties begin a fresh round of negotiations with N60,000 as ground zero, I have some advice for the leadership of NLC and TUC, as well as government negotiators.

“As much as the federal government has ruled out Labour’s previous demand of N494,000 minimum wage and committed itself to going over N60,000, the parties should spare a thought for private sector players who are the largest bloc of employers in the country.

“The Organised Private Sector had earlier in the minimum wage negotiation made an offer of N57,000 which it said is what it could offer when it considered other variables. We do not want a situation where some of these people will have to downsize or retrench workers en-masse in order to pay salaries that are above their limit.

“As for states, one of the national newspapers recently reported that over 15 states have been unable to pay the old N30,000 minimum wage which expired a few weeks ago. We wonder if Organised Labour is aware of this. And if so, what did they do about it? How are we to know that the sub-nationals are ready to pay above N60,000 for their least paid workers?

“But we are also aware that distributable revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, is now quite high to the extent that what was shared among the tiers of government in April was N1.2 trillion compared to N655 billion exactly one year ago.

“So in our view, the sub-nationals have more funds for developmental projects than ever before but will also keep their eyes on the ongoing national minimum wage negotiations. So our prayer is that both sides should reach an understanding on a minimum wage structure that will be acceptable to all the parties involved without causing more problems in the system”.

Adegbite said many Nigerians have been hard hit by the effect of fuel subsidy removal, as well as the unification of foreign exchange rates, but we also join the president in soliciting for understanding, while government continues to take steps to reduce the burden on the people. 

He said there cannot be quick fixes to the country’s economic problem, adding that: “we acknowledge that the federal government has worked out a number of initiatives but we want to use this opportunity to call on the authorities to speed up the process of ameliorating the hardship”.

The NCPC boss advised the sub-nationals to support the federal government with initiatives, especially now that many states are getting almost double what they were receiving from the federation account.

On the 2024 pilgrimage to Israel, he said NCPC recently convened a seven-day retreat/pre-visit for special pilgrimage leaders, managers and other stakeholders in Nazareth, Israel with the theme: “Enriching Christian Pilgrimage Experience for Satisfaction.” 

He assured of the safety of pilgrims while in Israel, adding that there is no more crisis.

CNPP Backs Labour On Living Wage

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has said that it stands resolute in its commitment to championing the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the oppressed citizens irrespective of political view or other affiliations. 

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country noted that “in light of the prevailing economic situation, we firmly insist that our hardworking citizens deserve a national living wage that reflects their contributions to the nation’s growth and the realities of our time.

Giving reasons for a national living wage, the CNPP said, “Nigeria faces significant economic challenges, including inflation, rising costs of living, and the removal of petrol subsidies. These factors disproportionately affect workers who struggle to make ends meet.

“We believe in the resilience and dedication of Nigerian workers and, as the backbone of our nation, their well-being directly impacts our collective progress.

“A national living wage ensures that workers can afford basic necessities, support their families, and contribute effectively to the economy. A poorly paid worker in view of the high cost of living in the country will most likely be a corrupt civil servant or employee”. 

The CNPP called on both parties in the ongoing negotiations to expedite action to reach a position quickly, saying “We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria and the labour unions to expedite negotiations on a new minimum wage threshold. Empty promises won’t suffice; concrete actions are needed to avoid another circle of industrial action over unpaid salaries and pensions. 

“We urge Nigerian workers to unite in their demands, trust in your collective strength, not just in the unions, to be architects of their destiny.

“While we recognize the economic challenges, we implore both parties to seek a middle ground that would be just and fair”.

Speaking on strategic reforms in reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria, the CNPP observed that “Cost of governance is a very pressing issue in Nigeria that requires urgent strategic reforms. 

“The Federal and state governments should not suffocate the civil service by denying it fair wage but continue increase the pay and remunerations of federal/state executives as well as that of the National and Assemblies.

“To reduce the cost of governance and save money for the salaries of Nigeria workers, the executives at all levels prioritise development-oriented policies and investments. This ensures that government spending directly contributes to growth and well-being”.

Tinubu Has Capacity To Fix Nigeria – Bode George

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief  Bode George yesterday said President Bola Tinubu used his first year in office to understudy the failures of the past administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

George, however, expressed hope that Tinubu’s administration will correct the lapses of Buhari’s administration and fix Nigeria in the next year.

The PDP chieftain spoke while appearing on Arise TV programme, The Morning Show.

George acknowledged that Tinubu’s lack of prior experience in the presidency warrants a grace period.

According to George, former President Olusegun Obasanjo needed time to adjust in his first year in office.

“Tinubu had never served at that level (presidency). Well… you will say he was part of the party, APC, that formed the government (of Muhammadu Buhari), but it’s a hell of a different thing taking over and now leading the team.

“To be fair to my conscience, he has had that one-year holiday of trying to study the failures of the past administration. I have given him that one year of grace because now he has seen it and lived there.

“I expect his ministers to have come back in one year with those areas of lapses. Even when Baba (Olusegun Obasanjo became president in 1999, he was still trying to figure out what happened there or vise-versa in his first year. Let’s give him more time”, he said.

Pensions: Governor Adeleke Beats 12 Years APC Records, Pays N12.7bn

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ALJAZIRAH
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From Richard Akintade, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday surpassed the entire records of 12 years of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in pension payment with N12.7bn within one and half years as against N11.100bn  of the entire Twelve years of the APC government.

Governor Adeleke made the disclosure amid cheering responses of senior citizens as the State Governor again released another N4bn  bond for retirees at state and local government levels.

Governor Adeleke further  said, 

“For my administration,  the amount of bonds released from December 2022 to date across State and LGAs is Twelve Billion, Seven Hundred and Nineteen Million, Two Hundred and Forty Five Naira ,N12, 719,245,528,00.

“I invite us all to note that the administration of my two predecessors for 12 years paid (N11,155,651,780.56) for gratuities at the State level. At the local level, the two previous governments for twelve years paid Six billion, Four Hundred and Eighty Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand,  Three Hundred and Twenty Four Naira (N6,488,876,324.58).

“On presentation of bond to retirees from December 2022 to date, our government has presented bond worth Six Billion, Fifty Three Million, Five Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand,  Six Hundred and Seventy Five Naira (N6,053,547,675.49)  for 930 Retirees. 

“From December 2022 to date, including that of today, the amount paid  is Six Billion , Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Two Naira (N6,665,697,852.87) for 1,355 retirees.

“Today, I am presenting a total of One Billion , Five Hundred and Eighty Eight Million, Four Hundred and Five Million and Four Naira (N1,588,405,004.85 ) for 247 retirees at state level. For local level, a total of Two Billion , Four Hundred and Twenty Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand,  Four Hundred and Twenty Six Naira (N2,420,953,426.71). The total I am presenting as bind today for both states and local retirees is Four Billion, Nine Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand (N4,009,358,431.00)

“I invite us to note as I did on the gratuities payment comparison that my two predecessor for 12 years released bond worth Eleven Billion, One Hundred and Fifty Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy One Naira ( N11,150,871,889.00)”, the Governor affirmed.

He narrated further that “From 2022 to date, our government has paid One Billion, Eight Hundred Million Naira (N1,800,000,000.00) as gratuities to civil servants, Tertiary Institutions, Parastatals and Secondary Schools at the state level. 

“Within the same period, our government has paid local government and primary school retirees a total of Two Billion , Five Hundred and Fifteen Million, Eighty Thousand and Fifty Six Naira (N2,519,080,056.62). The total for states and local governments from 2022 to date is Four Billion, Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Eighty Thousand and Fifty Six Naira (N4,319,080,056.62)”, Mr Governor disclosed.

Governor Adeleke provides further breakdown:

For my December 2022 to date   = N12,719,245,528.00 while  for my two predecessor,  the total is  N11,150,871,889.00.

“Permit me on this note to commend  the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina and his team for their effective and efficient management of the public service especially with respect to the handling of salaries, pensions and gratuities of workers and pensioners. I salute the HOS for his doggedness , dedication to duty and his demonstrated strength to resolve knotty issues. I am proud of you and your able team of bureaucrats.

“I also want to reaffirm our government’s commitment to upholding workers’ welfare as the Number One priority on our governance agenda. For Osun state, the nexus between formal and informal workforce justifies our focus on well treated public service. We will continue to devote our time to paying off the pension and half salary debt while also providing succor to the workforce”, the Governor noted.

Representatives of the pensioners, Gbenga Oyadare and Toyin Ayinde both commended Governor Adeleke , declaring that “ there is no vacancy in Abere come 2026”.

FG Offers N62,000 New Minimum Wage; Labour Rejects, Demands N250,000

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

After hours of meeting on Friday, the Federal Government and private sector stakeholders increased their proposed minimum wage to N62,000, a slight raise from their previous offer of N60,000. However, labor unions have scaled back their demand to N250,000, down from their initial request of N494,000.

This development marks the conclusion of the tripartite committee’s deliberations on the new minimum wage, bringing an end to months of negotiations between the Federal Government, organized private sector, and labour unions.

The proposed minimum wage will be presented to President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to send a bill to the National Assembly for ratification, paving the way for the new wage to become law.


With the work of the tripartite committee which was constituted in January this year coming to an end, the ball now shifts to the table of President Tinubu and subsequently that of the National Assembly.

Though both labour, the organised private sector and the Federal Government had agreed that the current minimum wage of N30,000 is no longer sustainable with the present economic reality of the country, agreeing a figure for the new minimum wage had for long proved difficult.

While the government and the organised private sector viewed labour’s proposed N494,000 as over the roof, labour felt the offer of N60,000 was not considerate.

At the expiration of an ultimatum issued by labour on May 31, the unions embarked on strike on June 3, shutting down businesses across the nation.


The action was however suspended on Tuesday after the Federal Government promised to increase the minimum wage to an amount bigger than N60,000 as they resumed negotiations.

The suspension of the strike gave room for the resumption of negotiations which continued until this night.

We won’t accept meagre addition to N60,000
With the government and the organised private sector just adding N2,000 to the earlier N60,000 rejected by labour, it is left to be seen if the new proposal will be accepted after the workers earlier vowed not to accept any lean addition by the government.

The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, hours after the Organised Labour comprising the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) suspended its industrial action which started at 12:01 am on Monday.


“At the meeting on Friday, they (the tripartite committee) said they would not add anything more to the ₦60,000 but in the meeting of yesterday (Monday), Mr President was able to commit to doing what is more than ₦60,000,” Osifo said.

When asked whether Labour would accept a few thousand naira additions to the last offer of the tripartite committee, the TUC boss said, “No, we also told them that it’s not that we’d get to the table and you start adding ₦1, ₦2, ₦3,000 as you were doing and we got some good guarantees here and there that they would do something good.”

Edo 2024: Edo Govt Condemns Bill Board Vandalism

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY

The Edo State Government has condemned the vandalism of campaign bill board in the political parties in the state, urged those involved to address issues through proper channels.

The Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, stated this yesterday in Benin City while reacting to the allegation made by Olumide Akpata, that some of his campaign Bill boards were vandalized by some suspect hoodlums in Benin City.

Nehikhare, said, “We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr. Olumide Akpata regarding the removal of his campaign bill board. The Edo State Government condemns any form of vandalism and urges all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.

“While we understand Mr. Akpata’s frustration, we encourage him to engage with the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.

“Threats of violence or disobedience have no place in our democratic process, and all parties should conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the law.

“It is essential that we focus on constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than resorting to tactics that may incite division or unrest”,he said.

The commissioner, noted that Edo State government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will address any disruptive behavior, regardless of one’s status or affiliation.

He, however, encouraged Akpata to address the internal challenges within his party and works towards fostering unity and stability.

“Let us all strive to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process for the benefit of all citizens”,he stated.

FGN To Enforce Insurance Of Miners

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ALJAZIRAH
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0
Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Devt, Dr Dele Alake, on a condolence visit to the government and people of Niger State over the losses suffered from mine collapse.

BY ABAH ADAH, Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing insurance policy for mine workers in Nigeria.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the assurance while
representing President Bola Tinubu on a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Bago, in Minna over the recent mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area the led to loss of a life and trapping of miners.

“I bring the condolences and sympathies of Mr President to the families of victims, those injured, the entire community, and the government and people of Niger state on the mine pit collapse.

“It is unfortunate and avoidable. Though we learned the disaster was due to heavy downpour, we are committed to intensifying the monitoring of mining operations to ensure conformity to environmental standards,” Alake said in a statement issued Friday evening.

The Minister commended the state government for swiftly mobilising emergency rescue operations in collaboration with federal agencies, stressing that all efforts must be made to rescue those still trapped.

To enhance safety measures and provide relief to miners and their families in the event of accidents, Dr Alake declared that insurance policies for miners across the country would be enforced.

He also reaffirmed the federal government’s stance that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications, adding that irresponsible mining operations posing threats to the environment and communities will no longer be tolerated.

“We must also put in place contingency plans to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on mining sites. For instance, making the installation of support pillars under shafts mandatory. This practice is common in other countries,” he said.

Governor Bago expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit and emphasized the need for a concerted effort between the federal government and subnationals to ensure mining companies comply with safety standards.

He advocated the strengthening of collaborative measures to enhance periodic monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of mining operations to minimize recurrence of the unfortunate incident.

Citing the preponderance of commercially viable critical minerals in the state, Gov. Bago appealed to the federal government to focus on making the state the pivot of developing the nation’s mining sector.

Governor Bago accompanied the minister to visit recuperating victims at the IBB Specialist Hospital where he announced on behalf of President Tinubu a donation of N50 million to assist affected patients and families.

AAU Protest: Our Decisions Are In The Best Interest Of Our Students – Management

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0
AAU Ekpoma

FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY

The Senate of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, has approved the extension of normal course registration on the portal for the 2023/2024 academic session by two weeks. also approved is the registration of courses for some students who paid school fees and participated in examinations in the 2022/2023 session but did not do so then.

Recall, Aljazirah Nigeria reported yesterday that the University protesting students as early as 6.00am of Thursday locked the main gate to the University against the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunnie Adagbonyin and other staff of the university.

The protesters who were dominated by students of the faculties of law and management science anchored their grudge on obnoxious policies of the Adagbonyin-led University Administration, which among others compelled majority of them to be transfered to other departments via introduction of proceeding list they said was unknown to the law, rules and regulations of the University.

The Senate called the emergency meeting following a peaceful protest at the University gate by some students requesting that they be allowed to register their courses which they failed to do in the 2022/2023 session, and some law students over a ‘Proceeding’ list released by the Faculty of Law.

According to a memo issued and signed by the University’s Acting Registrar, Comrade Ambrose E. Odiase, after the meeting, “the
Senate considered its extant rule that provides that only students with a CGPA of 3.0 and above in the Faculty of Law should proceed to the next level. This rule is to ensure that the University maintains its leading role of providing excellent and quality legal education for its students and to comply with the admission quota prescribed by the Council of Legal Education.

“Based on the response of students to the implementation of this rule and the appeals therefrom, Senate approved that a CGPA of 2.5 be used to determine those to proceed to 300 level in the Faculty for the 2022/2023 session only.

“Senate also considered the extension of normal course registration for the 2023/2024 session, and graciously approved that normal course registration in the University be extended for another two (2) weeks period, I.e from Thursday 6th June, 2024 to Thursday, 20th June 2024. Senate hoped that students would seize the opportunity of this extension to complete their course registration within the new window.”

The University also on the issue of non-registration of courses by some students who paid school fees and participated in examinations in the 2022/2023 session, approved that 1 (one) week be given for them to carry out the course registration formalities, through the ICT back end.”

Senate further approved that “all other students experiencing difficulties in course registration should write to the Chairman of Senate through their respective departmental board of studies and Faculty Boards. These would be considered based on their individual merits. These requests must be made within the next two (2) weeks from Thursday 6th June 2024, to Thursday, 20th June, 2024.”

Meanwhile, the Management of Ambrose Alli University has described as completely false reports making the rounds in some media that the students were protesting alleged Management’s “harsh policies.”

The University, through its Head of Corporate Communication and Protocol, Otunba Mike Aladenika, in a telephone interview with Aljazirah Nigeria said: “Issues canversed in the media are a far cry, overbloated and distant from the reality here and what the students were asking for.

“You can see from the resolutions of the Senate of the University that the University means well for its students. The protest was led by students who failed, through faults of theirs, to follow through with existing extant rules of the University which they are conversant with, and those who had issues with the ‘Proceeding List’.

On the course registration issue, while thousands of their mates in the University obeyed the deadlines, which were extended several times, and are not having issues, these ones didn’t. The University Management met with their leaders several times prior to this protest, but they remained adamant and kept insisting that the University must turn the hand of the clock backwards and open the portal for them to register for a session that had already passed, with all its technical consequences.”

He singled out some reports that were coming even while the Senate was still meeting, inflaming passions, reporting non-existent “crisis” in the University, and the video where an unidentified person was talking about the University being purportedly closed by Governor Obaseki to favour a University allegedly owned by an alleged brother of the PDP governorship aspirant, Barrister Asue Ighodalo.

Aladenika , advised that politicians should steer clear of our University and not use it as cannon fodder for their shenanigans and campaigns. This University is a peaceful place. Politicians should leave us alone,
and enjoined members of the University community and the general public to disregard the said reports in their entirety.

Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Dented After 1-1 Draw with Bafana Bafana

By
Joel
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0

Joel Ajayi

The Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes suffered a setback after a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana in Uyo on Friday night in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

This result marks the team’s third consecutive draw, leaving them winless in Group C and fifth place with just three points.South Africa took the lead through Zwane’s individual effort on the 29th minutes leaving Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili helpless.

Fisayo Dele Bashiru equalized for Nigeria in the 48th minute. Despite the draw, Lesotho leads Group C with five points, while the Super Eagles trail behind with three points from three matches.

This result is a significant blow to Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, and the team must regroup and refocus to revive their qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles face a crucial match against Benin Republic on June 10, 2024, at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

The team’s performance has been disappointing, and the coaching staff and players must take responsibility for the lackluster showings.

The fans are eagerly waiting for a turnaround in fortunes, and the players must rise to the occasion to restore hope in their World Cup dreams

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