June 12: Our economic reforms’ll ensure opportunity for all —President Tinubu
My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society. Six years of struggle Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator. We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives. They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one. Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm. Sacrifices of heroes, heroines The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile. While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun. The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten. We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties. Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer. The power of an idea, the power of the people proved more potent than all the guns and munitions, and the threats of the strongmen. The nation exited the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world. This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment. We’ve steadied democracy Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy. We have steadied the course. Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another. While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic.
Resident Doctors to down tools Over Non-Payment Of Allowances
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a fresh industrial action over non-payment of accoutrement allowances owed their members. This was disclosed in a communique issued after its general meeting held in Kaduna State, while informing all its chapters to give a two-week ultimatum to the chief medical directors and managing directors (CMDs/ MDs) to immediately pay the owed allowance. The communique was signed by Dr Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, President; Dr Anaduaka Christopher Obinna, Secretary General; and Dr Egbe John Jonah, Public and Special Secretary. The resident doctors also warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in nationwide industrial actions. During the discussion, the group also urged for the abolition of doctor casualisation in order to ensure equitable and stable employment standards throughout the country. They also urged healthcare providers to speed up their transition to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which would streamline payroll procedures. The doctors emphasised that any assault on medical staff would result in an immediate suspension of services until the area’s safety was secured for practice. They urged the National Assembly to approve legislation criminalising assaults on healthcare workers. They also suggested that the examination fees for the West African Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians be reduced in order to enable resident doctor registration. The doctors’ threat to embark on strike is coming shortly after the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) resolved to relax the nationwide strike they embarked upon since Monday. The Labour leaders mentioned this after they convened a joint extraordinary National Executive Council in Abuja on Tuesday, top officials confirmed to newsmen. “The NLC and TUC are going to relax the strike and see what happens in the next one week with negotiations with FG,” one of the sources noted. “We’re just doing communique but it will be released after the meeting with the government team,” another senior official had confirmed.
Breaking: NDIC commences payment to Heritage Bank’s depositors
Depositors of Heritage Bank (in liquidation) will be paid their insured deposits as from this week. The Managing Director (MD) of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Bello Hassan, disclosed this at an on-going press conference, in Abuja. Accord to him, over 99 percent of the 2.3 million depositors have N5 million and less in their accounts and will therefore be paid in full. He explained that only about 4000 depositors have above N5 million in their accounts. For such customers, they will receive an initial N5 million along with others and later be paid more as the NDIC recovers assets of the bank and loans from debtors. Details later…
BREAKING NEWS: The Strike is Over!
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called off the nationwide strike. Mr. Festus Osifo, President of Trade Union Congress, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja following a joint extraordinary national executive council meeting of the unions. He mentioned that a communiqué would be issued shortly. Recall that both unions (TUC and NLC) on Monday commenced an indefinite nationwide strike to express their grievances over the hike in electricity tariffs and the lack of consensus on a new minimum wage. This action halted activities in critical sectors of the economy, leading to the closure of schools, businesses, hospitals, and airports. The national grid was shut down, plunging the nation into darkness.
IGP Speaks On Creation Of State Police
The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to adhering to the federal government’s stance on state police. This statement was made during the visit of the Coordinating Deputy Inspector General of Police, South-West, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, who represented the IGP in Lagos on Monday. This is a modal window.The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. Egbetokun’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the suitability of state police in Nigeria. Previously, on April 22, 2024, he had expressed reservations about the country’s readiness for state-controlled police forces, citing maturity concerns. During the press briefing, DIG Alabi, on behalf of IGP Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism within the force. He urged police officers to adhere strictly to the constitutional guidelines that dictate their operations, focusing on human rights and the responsible use of firearms. “The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to performing its duties responsibly. We must ensure our actions are always within the bounds of the law and respect for human rights,” Alabi stated. In addition to operational directives, IGP Egbetokun highlighted the welfare of the police officers, announcing initiatives aimed at improving their living conditions. This includes partnerships with consultants to facilitate housing for police personnel, enabling them to access their own homes shortly. The IGP also addressed the mental and physical health of the officers, instructing the officer in charge of Police Medical to conduct comprehensive mental and psychological evaluations for the personnel of the Lagos State command. On the topic of inter-agency cooperation, Egbetokun warned against any rivalries with other security bodies, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is essential for national security. He also called on officers to proactively engage with the youth to educate them on the dangers of cultism, as part of broader efforts to combat this pervasive issue. The meeting concluded with remarks from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who noted the success of recent collaborative crime prevention strategies that have led to a significant reduction in crime rates across Lagos.
RCCG suspends pastor whose wife threw an extravagant birthday party shortly after Herbert Wigwe’s death
The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, following the extravagant birthday party of his wife shortly after the d£ath of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc. According to ChurchTimes, a top pastor of the church who did not want his name mentioned said the decision to suspend Iluyomade was in response to the public outcry against the party. “It was not Pastor Adeboye that suspended him. The governing council decided to suspend him. I think it’s a decision in the right direction. Though some believe it is coming late. They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church,” the source said. His suspension according to sources in the church was done via a letter over the weekend. He has since been replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 of the church. Wigwe, who died on board a chopper in February, was a member of the Parish. The late banker died alongside his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo. After his death, wife of the Parish Pastor, Dr Siju Iluyomade, held a lavish birthday that left tongues wagging. Distinguished personalities rejoiced with the pastor’s wife at the party, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. Some persons expressed displeasure that Iluyomade held such party weeks after the tragic deaths of a prominent member of the church alongside his wife and son. However, signs that the family of Wigwe disapproved of Ilumoyade wife’s action became public when The City of David Parish was skipped in Wigwe’s funeral programmes. Usually, churches where deceased persons attended in their lifetime play key roles at their funeral ceremonies. But the Wigwe family replaced City of David with another RCCG Parish in Lagos for the funeral service.
BREAKING: ASUU Joins Nationwide Strike Over Minimum Wage Dispute
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the ongoing strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). This action comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demands for a minimum wage increase. In a statement issued on Monday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke directed branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators to ensure that university lecturers nationwide participate in the strike as members of the congress. The statement read, “The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June, 2024, as a result of the failure of Government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff. “Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of Congress. “Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action. Yours in the struggle.” Details later…
Nationwide Strike: kneejerk Reaction to a Serious Governance Challenge
As you read this Nigeria is now under total lockdown, whereby major economic activities in the organized public and private sectors have been completely crippled. Labour has made good its threat to commence an indefinite nationwide strike to protest government insensitivity to its plight and clamour for wage review. This moment has been long coming, taking into account recent federal government economic policies which impacts have been skewed againts the suffering mass of Nigerians. From the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, liberalization of the foreign exchange to the recent hike in electricity tariff and and aborted cybersecurity levy. Most of these reforms are mass focused and have had acute impact on the social and economic wellbeing of poor Nigerians. This has pitched labour unions against the government as organized labour agitate for wage increases and better welfare for their members. But I am one of a few who do not think that the labour is going about its agitations correctly. The protests and strikes so far have been kneejerk reactions that have been largely ineffectual. Put simply, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS CALL FOR NATIONWIDE INDEFINITE STRIKE. My reasons are simple. 1. As already stated, this strike and others before it are largely kneejerk reactions to a fundamental error of policy choice, planning and implementation by government. 2. The strikes are one too many and have a tendency of seeming like one repeating a process and expecting a different outcome. 3. Some are of the opinion that most of the recent strike actions have been about bread and butter issues and nothing about the very important subject of better governance of the society. Here are a few alternatives that labour may want to contemplate if they are desirous of thinking outside the box. 1. Formulate proper critical engagement with the government on sincere cost cutting measures that affect the highest echelons of the public service and governmental agencies. 2. Collaborate with the executive to instigate a downward review of the cost of governance. 3. Encourage the president to prune the size of the cabinet or you partner with the mass public to achieve the same purpose. 4. Let you labour strike not be always about your interests but the wellbeing of the Nigerian masses. These strategies shall assist to endear the labour movement to the Nigerian public and win their confidence and trust. Labour can leverage on such goodwill to escalate activities to achieve desired changes in the political arena.
Blackout As Electricity Workers Shut Down National Grid
In compliance with the joint directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to down tools on Monday over the new minimum wage, electricity workers have shut down the National Grid, resulting in nationwide blackout. This was disclosed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday morning. TCN said workers were driven away from their duty posts while others were beaten and wounded at some power facilities. It added that all its efforts at grid recovery were being frustrated by the unionists. “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide. The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024. “At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero. “Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union. “On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am. “At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide. “We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” TCN stated.
Indefinite Strike: NASS Makes last Ditch Effort to Avert Strike
In a bid to forestall the impending nationwide indefinite strike by labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly is by now meeting with organized labour in Abuja to avert the strike The meeting, attended by key government officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Minister of National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Labour, and the Head of Civil Service, aims to address the deadlock between the Federal Government and labour unions over the issue of a new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs. Notable figures present at the meeting include President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, among others. A statement jointly signed by the spokespersons of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., highlighted the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the announcement by organized labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024. The National Assembly leadership, represented by President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, recognizing the potential severe repercussions on the populace and economy.