Minimum Wage struggle not dead – TUC President, Osifo

  President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo has written off criticisms that the struggle for a new national minimum wage may have waned. While reacting to the insinuations, Osifo said the Federal Government is still having conversations with all relevant stakeholders cutting across the Nigerian Governors Forum, Local Government Administrators as well as the Organised Private Sector and Labour Unions. Osifo noted that both Unions still insist on the N250,000 demand it made to the government which was part of the recommendations submitted to the President by the Presidential Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage. He made reference to the existing minimum wage of N30,000 which took two years to be negotiated, assuring that the Tripartite Committee has made appreciable progress since January 2024 when negotiations started. His words, “minimum wage negotiations cannot be dead, you know when we started this conversation you asked us that in 2017 if you remember we started the minimum wage that was signed in 2019, it took about two years to see the light of day. We promised you when we started in January that we will ensure this one is fast-tracked for us not to be in the conundrum that we were as at 2019 which took two years. “So where we are today, we submitted the divergent position in June, when we did that you know clearly that Mr President came out to say that he wanted to consult across board which is the governors, local government chairmen, organised private sector and labour, so we are doing some level of reach out and conversations. “So that what will be submitted to the National Assembly will actually be a minimum wage that will cater for the poorest of the poor, so for the fact that in the media we are not shouting, we are doing some level of internal work so that this bill will be submitted in earnest soon. Of course, we still insist on the N250,000 benchmark as the ideal minimum wage”.

Tinubu Creates New Ministry 

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The President announced while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. But President Tinubu did not mention the name of the Minister for the new ministry as it is expected that he has to forward the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation if it’s a new nominee. Present at the Inauguration were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila amongst cabinet members. Recall that President Tinubu on 15th September 2023, approved the establishment of the Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

Breaking: NUPENG, PENGASSAN write Tinubu, seek probe of alleged IOCs against Dangote Refinery

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and its Petroleum and Natural and Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN, have written to President Bola Tinubu, demanding a high powered investigation into the allegation that the International Oil Companies, IOCs, are plotting to undermine and destabilize the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a written through the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, 2024, the oil workers demanded among others, that the findings of such investigation must be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. The letter signed by the NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale and his PENGASSAN’s counterpart, Lumumba Okugbawa, read “The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation and we are also fuly mobilized and committed to supporting al your laudable thoughts and hard decisions towards these lofty goals. “Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence. “These sabotaging actions reportedly include denying the Refinery crude oil supply and artificially inflating market prices of the crude oil to the Company, thereby forcing Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company to source crude oil from other countries, even as far as the United States of America with attendant high operating costs and logistics. “The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical National asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a Local Refinery with such capacity as the Dangote’s to Nigeria, can never be overstated. “This is why for several decades now, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have campaigned vigorously that Nigeria should make ti a pre-requisite condition that Companies that want to benefit from JVC arrangements with Nigeria, to set up a Refinery/Petrochemical Company ni Nigeria. “Unfortunately, no sucessive Governments summoned enough political and patriotic courage to take that logical and pragmatic policy direction. The survival of companies that have braved ti up and invested hugely ni refining crude ni Nigeria thus saving our Nation from wasteful product importations that profit other countries and cost us forex, should be of great interest to us as a Nation because of the enormous economic benefits involved. “Our demands are as follows: Immediate Investigation: The Federal Government should set up an independent panel ot investigate the claims of sabotage by some International Oli Companies. This investigation should be compreensive and transparent, ensuring that al parties involved are held accountable. “Public Disclosure: The findings of this investigation must be made public ot ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the actions of these International Oil Companies and the impact on our National interests. “Legal Action: Should the allegations be substantiated, we expect the Government to take decisive legal action against the entities involved. This must include sanctions, penalties, and any other measures necessary to deter future acts of economic sabotage. “Support for Dangote Refinery: The Government should provide al necessary support to ensure the uninterrupted commencement and operation of the Dangote Refinery. This includes ensuring security and stability around the Refinery’s operations. “Your Excellency Sir, we trust your courage and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project and we believe that the Presidency wil take decisive action to safeguard the Dangote Refinery and ensure its successful operation for the benefit of our Nation.

What I told Tinubu about Wike, Fubara fight – Edwin Clark

Elder statesman Edwin Clark said he has advised President Bola Tinubu to give Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State a free hand to run his state’s affairs. The Ijaw national leader said this while weighing in on the crisis between Fubara and Tinubu’s appointee, Nyesom Wike, which has engulfed the oil-rich state in the past few months. The crisis has polarised the Rivers State House of Assembly, while many members of Wike’s camp previously appointed by Fubara have quit. “I have advised Mr President (Tinubu) again that he should leave Fubara alone to run his government, Wike should concentrate on his job in Abuja. “Once that is done, there will be peace and stability in the state. But if they do anything contrary and there is no peace, it will affect the economy of the country,” Clark told The Punch. The 97-year-old said elder statesmen like himself have been unable to mediate between Wike and Fubara because of the former’s insistence on controlling the political structure of the state. “How do you bring them together? One man says I have divorced. But you are my house help. There is no way. You are my son. There is no way any outsider can accept him. “This is because Wike does not see anything wrong with him. He believes that he is still controlling the structures in Rivers State whereas those structures have been there from governor to governor. “They don’t belong to one person. Wike was not yet born when Rivers was created,” he said. Clark castigated the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha for calling on the president to declare a state of emergency in the state over the crisis. “Concerning the call for a declaration of a state emergency, I can tell you that (Tony)nOkocha doesn’t know what he is doing. Who is he to call for that? He was only fortunate to be put there because the existing Rivers APC executives were dissolved in the first place. He knows me very well. “Was he not the chief of staff to (Rotimi) Amaechi when he was governor? They were in the APC together. Wike later took seven of them to see (Dr Abdullahi) Ganduje in Abuja. They formed a (caretaker) committee, and today, he is the chairman of Rivers State APC. So, it was obvious from the start that Okocha didn’t want to be with Amaechi again. “These are the people scattering Rivers State,” he said.

Tinubu Inherited Nigeria’s Worst Government – Edwin Clark

Elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Pa Edwin Clark, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu inherited the worst government in Nigeria’s history. In an interview with the Daily Sun newspaper, Clark shared his views on Tinubu’s performance, stating that one year in office is too early for a proper assessment. He emphasized that Tinubu took over from a government that left significant challenges. Clark remarked, “I think one year is too early. He met the worst government in Nigeria; that is what he inherited. I told him during the June 12 commemoration that there’s nothing to celebrate. What did Buhari’s government ever produce? Continuing with his programs and policies will be difficult.” He expressed confidence that Tinubu could address some of the previous administration’s numerous mistakes and mismanagement issues. “For me, I won’t assess him. He has a lot he is doing now,” Clark added. The 97-year-old Ijaw leader also urged the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, questioning the fairness of his continued detention. “Kanu should be released unless you are holding him because he belongs to the Igbo tribe. The war has been over for about 50 years now; why detain Kanu? It’s unfair. He should be free,” he stated.

I Don’t Need Tinubu’s Permission To Embark On Projects – Wike Replies Kinigbe

By Our Correspondent  The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted his independence in initiating projects, stating that apart from the President, Bola Tinubu, he does not require authorization from anyone to commence developments. Wike made these remarks during the commencement ceremony of the Kwaita-Yebu Road project in Kwali Area Council, estimated at ₦7 billion. This statement comes amidst a disagreement with FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, who criticized Wike for undertaking infrastructure projects deemed irrelevant to FCT residents. Addressing critics at the event, Wike clarified, “For those unaware and without constructive criticism, suggesting we only focus on road construction, we are indeed making significant impacts. I do not need external approval to decide on project priorities.” He emphasized, “I am only accountable to the President, who appointed me. Therefore, no one else can dictate our development agenda or misinform the public about our educational initiatives.”

Senators beg Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu for peace in South East

A total of 15 Senators from the South East region of Nigeria, Wednesday, pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to order the release of the detained Biafran Nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu has since being in the custody of the DSS on the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The Senators made the plea during a closed door meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) where a letter begging Tinubu to release Kanu was delivered for onward passage to the presidency. Led by a former Abia state deputy Governor, Senator Eyinanya Abaribe, the lawmakers claimed that unless Kanu is released, the social and economic activities in the South East region will continue to be stagnant. Speaking shortly after the meeting, Abaribe who spoke on behalf of his colleagues lamented that the economy and social life in the South East had suffered enough due to the continued incarceration of the Biafra Nation Agitator. Abaribe noted with grave concern that the peaceful demand of the detained IPOB leader had been hijacked by hoodlums and criminals leading to wanton killings of innocent people, including security operatives. The former Abia state deputy Governor told newsmen that he had already met with Kanu at the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja and had agreed to abide by any conditional release. Senator Abaribe expressed optimism that once Kanu is released, the tension and acrimonious engulfing the South East region since 2021 when he clamped into DSS custody would became event of the past. The Senators therefore pleaded with the AGF to convey their message to President Tinubu and for the AGF to use his position to terminate all the charges brought against the IPOB leader by the Federal Government. Besides the Senators, Abaribe said that virtually all political leaders, religious leaders and stakeholders have unanimously agreed that Kanu be released for peace to bounce back to the region. It would be recalled that Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 by the Federal Government and brought to the country for trial on terrorism charges. Although, he pleaded not guilty to the charges, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to admit him to bail on the ground that he jumped the earlier one in which Senator Abaribe was his surety.

Provide Emergency Relief to Flood Victims: Senate Urges Federal Government

Respite may soon come the way of victims of recent flood disasters in parts of the country as the Nigerian Senate has called upon the federal government to swiftly enact emergency provisions to ease the pain of victims of recent floods in several communities within Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State. The Senate resolution follows a motion calling on the Federal Government to urgently make Emergency Provisions for victims of flooding in some communities in Abia North Senatorial district of Abia State. The motion was sponsored by Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, representing Abia North who made an impassioned plea, saying that heavy rainstorms accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms had ravaged the region, resulting in tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to property. Support for the motion was resoundingly echoed by Senators Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, and Osita Izunaso of Imo North, who joined in urging the Federal Government to intervene urgently and provide relief to the affected communities. Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin commended Senator Kalu for bringing the motion forward, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of the federal government in infrastructure development and pledging thorough consideration of the motion’s demands. The Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of those who perished in the disaster. The Senate further mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance and Environment to ensure swift implementation of the emergency provisions and to report back to the Senate within four weeks.

FG Clears $850 Million Debt to EU Airlines

The Federal Government of Nigeria has cleared a backlog of debts amounting to $850 million owed to European airlines. This development was announced by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, during the 9th edition of the Nigeria – EU Business Forum held in Abuja. Ambassador Isopi lauded the Nigerian government’s efforts not only in settling the airline debts but also in lifting foreign exchange restrictions on the import of forty-three items. These measures are seen as pivotal steps towards smoothing trade relations between Nigeria and the European Union. During her address, Isopi highlighted the robust trade partnership between Nigeria and the EU, noting that Nigeria remains the EU’s largest trading partner with trade volumes reaching approximately 35 billion Euros last year. “Nigeria is also the EU’s biggest foreign investor, with investments estimated at 26 billion Euros, which accounts for one-third of Nigeria’s foreign direct investment,” Isopi added. The presence of over 230 European companies in Nigeria has been instrumental in job creation, particularly for the youth and women, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic development. The forum, themed ‘Investing in Jobs and Sustainable Future’, saw notable attendees, including Myriam Ferran, Director General at the EU, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, and Ambassador Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Breaking: FG Shuns ASUU, Announces Date For Inauguration Of Universities Governing Councils

The Federal Government has announced that the Governing Councils of Federal universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions will be inaugurated on July 4, 2024. This comes amidst the rejection from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) regarding the composition of the newly constituted governing councils for federal universities across Nigeria. According to Prof Osodeke, the new list of council members is dominated by retired politicians rather than experts in academia or relevant fields. ASUU’s national President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed concerns last week in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, highlighting a worrying trend in the appointment process. Recall that President Bola Tinubu approved the reconstitution of the Governing Councils and Boards of federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. In an earlier statement, the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nnamdi Mbaeri, noted that the approval was given for the effective management of Nigerian tertiary institutions across the country. According to Punch, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, announced the inauguration date during her acceptance speech on Monday, while assuming the institution’s affairs. A total of 560 individuals were appointed to the governing councils and boards of Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions. For the University of Ibadan, the President appointed Chief Bisi Akande as the Chairman of the governing council. The board members are Alexander Ajipe, Nelson Alapa, Ifeoma Nwankwo, and Prof. Emmanuel Alo. Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) was appointed as the Chairman of the governing council of the University of Lagos. The council members are Bello Kumo, Prof. Idowu Mark, Niyi Akande, and Bola Njoku. Isa Yuguda chairs the board of the National Open University. The council members are Goddy Etta, Yomi Balogun, Deborah Apah, and Hingah Biem. Siyan Oyeweso was appointed to head the governing council of Obafemi Awolowo University, while Edward Sarki, Joseph Abaagu, Wahaab Owokoniran, and Abubakar Kachaalla are members of the council. Adebayo Shittu, Muiz Banire, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa were appointed as the chairpersons of the governing boards for David Umahi University of Medicine in Ebonyi State, Federal University of Transportation in Katsina State, and Federal Polytechnic in Ugep, Cross River State, respectively among others.