Minimum Wage : Senate Deny Plan To Seize States, LGs Funds

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, has categorically denied recent speculations suggesting that the National Assembly’s Upper Chamber is considering a clause to seize funds from states and local councils in the forthcoming New Minimum Wage Bill proposed by the Executive. The controversy began after a report by a national daily, claimed that federal lawmakers were contemplating the inclusion of a controversial clause that would allow for the seizure of funds when the bill is introduced in the Senate. This report has since sparked widespread discussions and concerns among stakeholders. In response to these claims, Yemi Adaramodu issued a formal statement from Abuja on Saturday, dismissing the allegations as entirely unfounded. Adaramodu said, “Mr. President in his national broadcast on Democracy Day only informed Nigerians that he would soon send the New Minimum Wage Bill to us. “No one among us, not even the Senate President, knows the content of the Bill. How can we take a position on a document that we haven’t even sighted? “During my interface with some journalists, who approached me for an interview as part of activities to mark the one year anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, I did not at any point, state that the allocations belonging to States and Local Governments will be seized. “Nigeria is a federation, with sub-national governments that are autonomous. The misleading headline by The Punch Newspaper that allocations belonging to States and local councils will be seized is false and should be disregarded. “We are still awaiting the Executive Bill and once we have it, it will go through all Legislative stages and once this is done and it receives Presidential assent, it becomes law. And it is law that can specify sanction, not the National Assembly. “My interview was well reported today in the national dailies. It was not exclusive to The Punch. Other newspapers reflected adequately what I said. Why did Punch choose to misrepresent me?”

Why Political Office Holders Should Be Put On Minimum Wage – Soludo

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has advocated a drastic reduction in the cost of governance in Nigeria. The Governor lamented that the nation is broke but government and elected officials continue to live in denial and show off flamboyant lifestyles at the detriment of the masses. As a way to curb the developing crisis from escalating further, Soludo said political officeholders should be placed on the national minimum wage. The Anambra State Governor made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the special edition of The Platform, an event organised by The Covenant Nation to mark democracy day in Nigeria. Soludo expressed that Nigerians are hungry, broke and poor, but the ruling class continue to live extravagantly at the expense of the common people. “Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,” Soludo said. “The poor are hungry and impatient, let’s not annoy them more with our insensitivity. “In this case, I agree with reverend father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well. “In Anambra, I have not received a kobo as salary since I assumed office. I have donated my salary to the state. “It is symbolic. It is not much. I think generally, the system is in denial. There must be some signalling, it is just the symbolism of this.” Soludo called for an end to wasteful spending in governance, stressing that elected officials must always remember they are in office based on public trust. “That is why I proposed reinventing the new code of conduct for public officers,” he said. “For the federal government, the actual projecting revenue comes to about N6,160 per Nigerian, per month. “For the states, except Lagos and a few states, most states have revenues amounting to less than N3,000 per resident, per month. “It is from this shares per citizen that we are expected to provide all the infrastructure, debt service, pay salaries and pensions, build schools and provide everything. “For each of our wasteful spending, let’s be conscious about the fact how many citizen share we are squandering. Once we lose this consciousness about the public trust we bear, the society dies irredeemably.”

‘Tinubu kept campaign promises to Nigerians’ – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has kept his campaign promises to Nigerians. Obi stated this during a Democratic Day chat on Arise TV. In those days of electioneering, Tinubu had promised to build a Nigeria, especially for the youth, where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life. He said Nigeria would manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services it require, adding that the country shall be known as a nation of creators, not just of consumers. Tinubu also said that Nigeria would export more and import less, thereby strengthening both the naira and citizen’s way of life. But in all, Tinubu had maintained that, “I will continue from where Buhari stopped.” And Peter Obi, who contested against Tinubu in the election and came third, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said that among all his promises, the President has kept the part he vowed to walk in the footsteps of his predecessor. “I think President Tinubu has performed exceptionally well in his first year in office. I’ll say that President Tinubu has kept his campaign promises,” Obi said. “Throughout his campaign, he consistently maintained that he would continue from where Buhari stopped and that he’s done very well.  “I’ll give him excellent passes. Dollar was N450, it’s now N1500. Fuel was about N238, it’s now about N700; diesel was N844, it’s now N1415; a bag of rice was N30000-N35000, it’s now about N80,000; a bag of beans was similar, N30,000-35000, it’s now about N90,000; a tuber of yam was about N2000-N3000, but now it’s about N10,000; tomatoe basket was about N40,000 and now it’s about N150,000; electricity was N66 per kilowatt but now it’s about N200, you can go on and on. “Even bread, which is a basic thing other countries are subsidizing, small-medium bread was about N450 but is now N900. The big one is about N1500.” Other promises made by Tinubu include, but not limited to, “assisting our ever-toiling farmers, through enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and assures decent incomes, so that farmers can support their families and feed the nation; modernising and expanding public infrastructure; emboldening and supporting our young people and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment and culture, tourism, train and give economic opportunity to the poorest and most vulnerable among us; generate, transmit and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity; make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all; and most importantly, establish a bold and assertive policy that will create a strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry, and all other forms of violent extremism from the face of our nation.”

My fall was prostration for democracy— Tinubu defends Eagle Square fall 

President Bola Tinubu has made a light weather of his fall at the Eagle Square during the Democracy Day celebration, stating it was part of the festivities.  At a subsequent Democracy Day dinner in the Presidential Villa, Tinubu humorously referred to his fall as a “Yoruba boy’s prostration,” generating laughter from attendees.  He playfully remarked on social media reactions, joking about confusion between “Buga” and “Babaringa.” Embracing the spirit of June 12, Tinubu described it as a day to celebrate democracy while paying homage in his traditional Yoruba manner.  Despite earlier dismissals by his aides of the incident as a minor misstep, reactions from Nigerians, including political rivals, varied from expressions of concern to playful jabs.

“I hope all is well with him” – Atiku sympathizes with Tinubu over slip 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sympathised with President Bola Tinubu after the President slipped at the Eagle Square during the 2024 Democracy Day celebration. Recall on Wednesday, Tinubu slipped at the Eagle Square while boarding the parade vehicle. The President, however, quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings without further issues. Reacting, Atiku expressed his empathy over the incident, hoping that all is well with the President. He wrote on X, “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him. -AA.”

Presidency Reacts As Tinubu slips during Democracy Day Celebration 

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has played down concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s brief slip while boarding a parade vehicle at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja. The aide, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said, “Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues.” The aide’s statement comes after videos circulated showing the President momentarily losing his footing while stepping into the vehicle. Despite the slip, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings. The ceremony at Eagles Square was a flagship event in a roster of festivities held across the nation to commemorate the country’s annual Democracy Day celebration.

Off-cycle Elections: INEC Adds 269,992 new Voters to Preliminary Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the release of the preliminary register of new voters for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. In a press statement signed by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission outlined the next steps in the electoral process. According to the release, the register will be displayed for claims and objections by citizens for a period of seven days starting from Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The display will take place in all 395 wards across both states and will also be available on the INEC website. Citizens are encouraged to identify any ineligible persons on the register and file objections using Forms EC2 and EC3, which can be obtained from INEC officials or downloaded from the INEC website. Additionally, individuals who have recently registered, applied for transfer, correction of personal details, or replacement of lost or damaged PVCs are urged to draw the Commission’s attention to any errors or wrong entries for further action. The commission also provided statistics from the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process, indicating a total of 269,992 new voters in the two states following the suspension of registration on June 9, 2024. The majority of registered voters are youths aged 18-34, with students comprising the largest occupational group. Requests for replacement of PVCs, voter transfer, and information updates were also noted. The commission emphasized that these figures are preliminary and subject to further verification, as final figures will be published on a state-by-state basis after the claims and objections period and the use of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to clean up the register. The date for the commencement of collection of new PVCs will be announced thereafter. The Commission urged the public to take advantage of the register display period to assist in cleaning up the register as required by law. The commission reiterated the importance of public participation in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the voter register for the upcoming elections.

Controversial Portrait for Democracy Day

It may seem too weird to be true, but it turned out that the main event to commemorate this year’s democracy day was the commissioning of his own portrait by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu. Claimed to be the largest painted portrait of an individual in the world, the work of art was painted by a group of 37 artists, purportedly drawn from all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and unveiled at the Eagle Square, Abuja to Commemorate 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria. Upon commissioning, it was announced at the event, the portrait shall be taken for display at a public gallery at the nation’s capital, Abuja. Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy underwent several fits and starts in its journey to civil rule due to frequent interruptions via military coups d’etat that topple such civilian governments. The current effort at democratic governance is the longest in the country, having started in 1999 and running till date, uninterrupted. Many however wonder why unveiling a large portrait of the president by the current government should be considered as the appropriate symbolism for this occasion. Notable journalist and reknown columnist, Dr. Ruben Abati, and his colleague, Rufai Oseni, both anchors of the Morning Show on Arise TV could not help but wonder aloud whether Nigeria was still a democracy or a civilian dictatorship.

First year of the 10th Senate: Mixed Bag of Achievements and Challenges – Sen. Imasuen

Neda Imasuen, Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, has offered an assessment of the performance of the 10th Senate, one year after inuguaration, highlighting a blend of accomplishments and obstacles. Making his views known to journalists in Abuja, Senator Imasuen acknowledged some landmark achievements within the first year while underscoring the necessity for introspection regarding missed opportunities. He noted some distractions faced by the Senate, primarily stemming from electoral litigations that engulfed numerous members, including the President. These legal battles, he lamented, diverted attention from legislative responsibilities and impeded the swift implementation of the proposed lefislative agenda for the senate. Nevertheless, Senator Imasuen expressed unwavering optimism about the Senate’s capacity to positively impact Nigerian society. He stressed the Senate’s dedication to effective lawmaking, rigorous oversight functions, and responsive representation of the populace. While highlighting the rigorous nature of the budget process, Senator Imasuen shed light on the Senate’s tireless efforts, including late-night sessions and even working on Sundays to ensure the budget’s scrutiny and approval. Despite the arduous journey, he expressed pride in the Senate’s resilience and determination to deliver on its mandate. Moreover, Senator Imasuen also said that in his constituency, he brought initiatives aimed at empowering youths, demonstrating his commitment to fostering socio-economic development at the grassroots level. As the 10th Senate progresses, Senator Imasuen conveyed confidence in its ability to overcome obstacles and fulfil its obligations to the Nigerian people. With each passing day, he noted, the Senate is settling into its role more effectively, paving the way for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

Rivers crisis: Court affirms 27 defected legislators as PDP Members 

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has affirmed that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.  Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt stated on Monday that the claimants were unable to demonstrate that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other legislators had switched to the APC. Justice Gbasam emphasized that party membership is established through being on the party’s register or possessing a membership card, stating that televised events or verbal declarations were insufficient proof. The PDP had requested to be part of the case and was included as the fourth defendant. Additionally, Justice Gbasam emphasized that the Rivers State government must adhere to all laws enacted by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP, and their inclusion in the party’s membership register is the determining factor. He also mentioned that the state government must follow the laws created by the Assembly since the members are still part of the PDP and have not forfeited their positions.