Labour Party’s triumph in UK, sign that LP will win Nigeria’s 2027 election – Rep
The Leader of the Labour Party Caucus of the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has said the victory of opposition Labour Party in the United Kingdom, UK, is a sign that its Nigerian version would triumph in the 2027 general elections. In a statement made available to journalists in Awka, Friday, Ogene said the election told vivid tales of hope for the opposition, and competence and integrity of the electoral umpires in the UK, in a manner that elicits public confidence and trust in the electoral process. “Unlike what was witnessed in Nigeria in the last general elections, the process in UK was free of glitches, as about 40 million voters took part. Polls closed around 10 pm Thursday and by daybreak, the results were out. “There was no judicial ambush, as immediate transition took place to the admiration of all lovers of democracy and free and fair elections. “If we must practice democracy, we must also love, copy and abide by the transparency and accountability of democratic institutions in nations of the world that allow the rule of law and democratic principles to thrive. “In deed, one of the potent lessons of the British elections is the fact that, the concept of ‘snatch it, grab it, and run away with it,’ has no place in modern democratic practice,” he said. Relating the development in the UK to the 2027 election in Nigeria, Ogene said: “I urge the Nigerian Labour Party to draw inspiration from its British counterparts, close ranks, rally the people, and prepare to take the reins of power in 2027. “Let us work together to build a better future for our nation, guided by the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability.” Ogene congratulated Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party in Britain, for his party’s victory over the outgoing UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party, in what has been described as the most emphatic election victory by any British political party this century. The opposition Labour Party won a huge parliamentary majority in the UK general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years. While the Labour Party got 412 seats, the incumbent Conservatives got just 121.
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.”
Tinubu, Peter Obi Congratulate UK Prime Minister- Elect
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, on their triumph in the United Kingdom general election. Starmer’s Labour Party secured the required 326 parliamentary seats, ensuring their victory and his appointment as the next Prime Minister. Following the election, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the Conservative Party’s loss and resigned, submitting his resignation to the King. In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu commended Starmer for his resilience and leadership as the opposition leader. He praised the Labour Party’s ability to reform and mobilize, attributing their success to Starmer’s leadership. Tinubu also emphasized the strong democratic model of the UK and its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral relations and enhance democratic institutions. Additionally, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria, reacted to the Labour Party’s victory in the UK. Through a statement on his X account, Obi congratulated Starmer and the Labour Party, expressing hope that the win would herald a new and better chapter for UK residents. He also called for stronger ties between the new UK government and Nigeria, highlighting the various challenges Nigeria faces, including insecurity, education, healthcare, and poverty. Obi stressed the potential benefits of UK support in addressing these issues and wished Starmer a successful tenure.
Senate passes North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Establishment Bill into law
The senate, on Thursday passed into law the bill seeking the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The bill was sponsored by Senator Abba Patrick Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader. The bill, which passed First and Second Readings on the 5th of October, 2023, and 21st of February, 2024 respectively, was first sponsored in the 9th Senate by Senator Moro where it passed first and second readings but could not get presidential assent before the expiration of the 9th Senate. Senator Moro had argued in his lead debate that the commission, when established would be saddled with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the federal government and donors for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of flood and farmers/herders clashes, communal clashes, construction of large format drainage systems, dredging of rivers Niger and Benue to control flood and incidental matters, as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy and other related environmental or developmental challenges facing the North Central Nigeria. The passage of the bill followed adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Special Duties submitted during plenary. The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary congratulated Senator Moro and all those who contributed to the success of the bill. He expressed optimism that President Tinubu would assent to the bill for the overall development of North Central Nigeria, which comprises Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Lagos State Clears N100 Billion Pension Liability, Plans Medical University
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State announced at the third annual Lagos State Employment Summit that the state has successfully cleared nearly N100 billion in pension liabilities. Speaking at the event themed ‘Job Creation Uniting for Impact: Create, Collaborate, Change’, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment in Lagos. “We have cleared almost a hundred billion of pension liability,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, emphasizing that the final Pension arrears would be signed off on Thursday, making Lagos the first state in Nigeria to achieve this milestone. Earlier commitments included disbursing N3.20 billion to the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of 1,013 retirees for February, with additional payments of N4 billion in March and N3 billion in April to address the accrued pension debt. “While acknowledging the backlog in accrued rights payment, our focus remains on systematically eliminating this backlog,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed. He expressed confidence that Lagos would achieve a “Pay As You Go” pension model by the end of his tenure. Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed plans to establish a medical university in Lagos before his term concludes, highlighting healthcare advancements as a priority for the state. “In addressing recent health challenges such as cholera outbreaks, the state has taken proactive measures,” Sanwo-Olu noted. He emphasized the need for systemic corrections and additional investments, proposing approximately N100 billion for urban water infrastructure to prevent future health crises. The governor’s remarks underscored Lagos State’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, aiming to enhance public welfare through strategic investments and policy initiatives.
Christian Association of Nigeria Condemns Gwoza Suicide Attacks
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed profound concern over the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 30 lives and left numerous others injured. The attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected female suicide bombers, targeted a wedding ceremony, a hospital, and a funeral in Gwoza, a town near the border with Cameroon. In response to these devastating incidents, CAN’s President, Daniel Okoh, issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the resurgence of suicide bombings in Nigeria. “The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply worried by the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, which have claimed numerous lives and injured many others,” Okoh stated. “We are concerned about the resurgence of suicide bombing in our country and the threat it poses to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the evil that terrorism represents, and the need for collective action to defeat it.” Okoh commended the efforts of security agents who have been tirelessly working to contain the threat of terrorism. He urged them not to relent in their efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent further tragedies. “We commend the security agents who have been working tirelessly to contain the threat of terrorism in our country,” Okoh affirmed. “We encourage them not to relent in their efforts, as every necessary intervention is welcome to prevent a relapse into the dark days of suicide attacks.” CAN called upon the government to intensify its efforts to ensure the security and safety of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions. The association also urged religious leaders and all Nigerians to unite against terrorism and violence, promoting peace, love, and harmony across the nation. “We call on the government to intensify efforts to ensure the security and safety of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions,” the statement added. “We also urge religious leaders and Nigerians to unite against terrorism and violence, promoting peace, love, and harmony.” The attacks in Gwoza serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect communities and prevent further loss of life.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Not Discussed in South-East Governors Meeting- Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo clarified that the issue of releasing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was not part of his discussions with the South-East governors in Enugu, Enugu State, on Tuesday. Obasanjo, accompanied by former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, met with the governors primarily to discuss regional development issues. These included security, infrastructure, economic cooperation, and collaboration aimed at complementing the national economic development agenda. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo emphasized that the agenda did not include Nnamdi Kanu’s release. The meeting was convened at his invitation before the governors’ summit began. The South-East Governors Forum, comprising Peter Mbah (Enugu), Alex Otti (Abia), Prof Charles Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo), had resolved during the six-hour meeting to visit President Bola Tinubu and engage with the Federal Government to secure Kanu’s release. Additionally, the forum expressed condolences over the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, a former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation and the first civilian governor of Abia State.
WHO gives first-ever guideline for quitting tobacco
The World Health Organisation has recommended a comprehensive set of tobacco cessation interventions, including behavioural support delivered by healthcare providers, digital cessation interventions, and pharmacological treatments in its first guideline on tobacco cessation. The guideline released on Wednesday focuses on helping the more than 750 million tobacco users who want to quit all forms of tobacco. The recommendations are relevant for all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and Heated Tobacco Products. “This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products,” said the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. “It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.” Over 60 per cent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users – more than 750 million people – wish to quit, yet 70 per cent lack access to effective cessation services. This gap exists due to challenges faced by health systems, including resource limitations. “The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction,” said the Director of Health Promotion at WHO, Dr Rüdiger Krech. “These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.” The global health body noted that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions significantly increases quitting success rates. Countries are encouraged to provide these treatments at no or reduced cost to improve accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, bupropion, and cytisine as effective treatments for tobacco cessation. In 2023, WHO initiated a prequalification procedure for medicinal products against disorders caused by tobacco use to improve global access to recommended tobacco cessation medications. In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT product. WHO recommends behavioural interventions, including brief health worker counselling (30 seconds to three minutes) offered routinely in health-care settings, alongside more intensive behavioural support (individual, group, or phone counselling) for interested users. “Additionally, digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programmes can be used as adjuncts or self-management tools. “WHO encourages healthcare providers, policy-makers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement this guideline to promote tobacco cessation and improve the health of millions of people in need worldwide,” it added.
UNIBEN Students Block Benin-Ore Highway Over Power Outage
On Wednesday, University of Benin (UNIBEN) students took to the streets, blocking the busy Benin-Ore highway to protest an ongoing power outage on campus. The students, who are just two weeks away from their first semester exams, said the lack of electricity has severely impacted their ability to study. The power outage is the result of a dispute between the university and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over a significant increase in the electricity bill. The university administration expressed frustration after the BEDC increased the monthly charges from approximately N80 million to between N200 million and N280 million. As a result, the university has been forced to rely on power generators, providing only limited electricity to the campuses and hostels. “We’ve had only one hour of electricity each day since this started. We’re tired of studying in the dark. We need electricity to prepare for our exams, and the university management needs to resolve this issue,” said John Afolabi, one of the protesting students. The protest began early in the morning, with students carrying placards and chanting slogans as they blocked the highway. “We won’t leave until something is done. We can’t afford to fail our exams because of the university’s negligence,” said Sarah Osaigbovo, a 300-level student. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, leaving many passengers stranded. “I’m supposed to be at work right now, but I’ve been stuck here for hours. I understand the students’ plight, but they need to find a better way to protest,” said a frustrated commuter who wished to remain anonymous. Despite the rain, the students remained resolute in their protest. UNIBEN spokeswoman Benedicta Ehanire confirmed that the university Senate was in a meeting to find a solution to the issue.
Reps to investigate civil service promotion stagnation
Following a motion moved by Rep. Salman Idris, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions in Abuja, the House of Representatives has resolved to investigate promotion stagnation in the Federal Civil Service from 2013 to 2023. According to Idris, promotion remained the progression of civil servants, as well as a motivational incentive for productivity, decrying the incessant stagnation in promotions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government. He said this had resulted in loss of service delivery, decline in highly specialized skills, low levels of productivity and performance, employee unrest, corruption and dampened morale. “The menace of promotion stagnation in the civil service calls for urgent attention and intervention of this hallowed chamber if the policies and programmes of government must be achieved,” he said. He said that the civil service remained the engine room of government, adding that it required a holistic reform that could promote global best practices. He added that the issues of promotions and recommendations as and when due was imperative and should not be overlooked. Idis said some civil servants who eventually got promoted after mandatory examination as required by civil service rules were promoted notionally but not financially. He added that MDAs often made provision for such recurrent expenditure in the yearly appropriation. He said that every promotion stagnation would have an effect on the career of the officer. He added that every civil servant was expected to rise to the pinnacle of their career within 35 years in active service or by the retirement age of 60 year. The house ruled that the committee on public sector and institutional reforms should investigate promotion stagnation in the Federal Civil Service from 2013 –2023.