ASUU begs Nigerians to urge FG to meet union’s demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged Nigerians to intervene with the federal government (FG) to fulfill its requests for improved welfare and administrative conditions in public universities. This plea was made during a press conference held at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, on Friday. Happiness Uduk, the zonal coordinator for ASUU Calabar zone, emphasized that unless the state and federal governments meet the union’s demands, a nationwide strike is likely unavoidable. ASUU has given a two-week ultimatum for these demands to be addressed, warning of impending industrial action if not met. Uduk expressed disappointment over the FG’s failure to honor commitments made under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, citing stagnant salary scales and overall welfare deficiencies as ongoing concerns. She said: “Government had an agreement with ASUU in 2009, which tells us that for 15 years running, ASUU members have been on the same salary scale, nothing has changed. “We are requesting that government should complete negotiations it started with us more than 13 years ago, first with the Babalakin-led team, then the Munzali-led team, finally the Briggs-led team. “These people had completed the negotiations, and if the negotiations had been completed and Mr President had the document, we don’t know why, for a year now, he has not called us to talk to us about it. “So, the government should, as a matter of urgency, address our renegotiation and take into account current realities, including inflation rate, exchange rate and whatever needs to go into that,” Ms Uduk said. She called on the federal and state governments to address issues bordering on revitalisation funds for public universities, payment of earned  academic allowances and withheld salaries, high taxation and victimisation of ASUU members She also said that ASUU strongly insisted on the removal of its members in federal universities from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS). Ms Uduk further said that the high rate of taxation experienced by ASUU members was a result of “the introduction of an obnoxious platform” for salary payment. “Whatever government has in mind with regards to that, it should use our University Transparency and Accountability Solution or any other platform that would originate from universities rather than the IPPIS,” she said. She advised that the FG’s students loan scheme be replaced with grants which, she said, would alleviate financial stress on students and improve their academic pursuit. Ms Uduk called on the FG to stop the proliferation of universities and focus on better funding for the existing ones to improve overall standards within the existing institutions. She also advocated for the quick resolution of the minimum wage debacle and the introduction of a living wage that was obtained in saner climes. On Abia, the ASUU zonal coordinator called on the Abia government to pay the 11 months salary arrears owed to lecturers in ABSU. “We are not negotiating any part of that salary for anything because we have worked, taught students and examined them, and some of them have graduated,” Ms Uduk said. She urged the Abia government to discontinue the use of Treasury Single Account in the payment of ABSU lecturers’ salaries and address the recent inconsistency in the payment of salaries. According to her, the government is owing April, May and June salaries. “Let the Abia Government leave payment in the hands of the university administrators and a platform that is consistent with the institution’s

Motorcycle Riders Union Cautions Nigerians Against Activities Of Impostors

The motorcycle riders union has called on Nigerians to be mindful of the activities of some impostors in their midst, while warning the Federal Government and even the general public to desist from dealing with them in whatever capacity. The National President of the union,  Comrade Julius Ogenewevgba Bobi, FCPAN who stated this in a press statement made available to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, however stated that all those involved in trying to destabilize the union through their illegal action have all been suspended. He therefore pleaded with the Nigerian Government and the general public to desist from dealing with them in whatever ways that relate to the motorcycle riders union. He declared that all those involved in the palace coup are considered as impersonators, and have all been notified of their suspension from the union.  He appealed to those concerned to desist from parading themselves as officials of the union, while threatening that failure to harcken to the appeal the union would be forced to take legal action against them.   Throwing more light on the issue, Comrade Bobi maintained that having previously given approval to the Special National Delegates Conference to be held, his attention was drawn to the fact that such was in clear violation of the constitution of their Union.  “In resorting to the constitution of the union to which I swore an oath of allegiance under penalty of perjury as was insisted by some members who wrote to draw my attention to it, I discovered that the supposedly fixed Special National Delegates Conference is in clear deviance to our constitution hence we do not have any provision for the appellation “Special Delegates Congress” as was tagged; in clear terms of which I wrote a letter suspending it until further notice pursuant to the power vested on me as the National President with reference to Rule 8 subsection 1 of our constitution which states that “a Special National Delegates Conference shall be held at such time and venue as the National Executive Council may decide on the receipt of a request from the National President or a resolution adopted by a two-third (2/3) majority of the State Councils calling for such a conference. The resolution shall be forwarded to the General Secretary and National President of the Union”. “To my greatest surprise, the “Special National Delegates Congress” still held with the firm support of the Assistant General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Denja Yaqub who, prior to the meeting and receipt of the notification for the cancellation of the meeting, staged an unwarranted argument with me, vehemently opposing its cancellation on grounds of late notification,” MOUN national President explained the effort he made to manage the situation but maintained that from everything that happened it was obvious that the situation was premeditated. “I must of necessity state very poignantly that I made all necessary efforts to settle the differences between us to no avail. Relentlessly too, I sent people who are aware of the feud to mediate between us, but they bluntly refused to grant them audience nor were available to meet with them; all because they have a clearly premeditated agenda of truncating the newly birthed union so they might be able to have their way as rebels,” he concluded.

Certificate Saga: Clarify Your Academic Credentials To Nigerians, Obi Tells Tinubu

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reintroduce himself to the Nigerian public and throw more light on his academic qualifications. This call comes in light of recent developments, where a US court ordered the release of President Tinubu’s academic records from the Chicago State University (CSU) at the request of the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. During a press conference in Abuja, Obi requested that President Tinubu provide clarification regarding the schools he attended, whether he participated in the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, and if he ever changed his name. This, he believes, will help prevent what he described as an international embarrassment related to identity crisis. Former Anambra State Governor emphasized that having held the highest political office in the country, President Tinubu no longer has a right to personal privacy regarding his identity. Atiku, the former Vice President, had initially requested the release of President Tinubu’s academic certificate from Chicago State University due to concerns about the authenticity of the certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the former Lagos State governor. Following the release of the academic records, Atiku called on Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other concerned Nigerians to join his pursuit of “justice” on the matter and vowed to continue seeking justice.

Housing Deficit: Developer Promises 1,000 Homes For Nigerians In 10 years

In celebration of the 2023 World Habitat Day, a real estate agency, Roomeo Construction Company, has said it has set an audacious goal of providing 1,000 homes for Nigerians within 10 years, starting in 2024, in order to eliminate barriers to attaining gainful and sustainable returns on real estate. Speaking Monday in Abuja, during the launch of a debut 12-unit, 2-bedroom serviced apartment building in Kaura District of Abuja, known as Sequence 1, the founder/CEO of Roomeo Construct Limited, Mr. Doyin Adewola, said the intervention of the company is to encourage affordable and sustainable urban housing in Abuja. He said: “Our world is facing unprecedented challenges regarding sustainability and it’s up to every one of us to take action to make a difference. Let’s consider what we can do to ensure our habitats remain vibrant and healthy for generations. The Theme to mark World Habitat Day this year is Resilient Urban Economies, and we will look at how cities can drive growth and recovery. “Our cities in Nigeria can be a powerful driver of growth and recovery by investing in infrastructure, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive business environment. Cities can also attract new businesses and talent by offering a high quality of life, access to education and healthcare, and a diverse and inclusive community. “We at Roomeo have set an audacious 10-year goal to provide 1,000 homes for Nigerians starting in 2024. We will continue to eliminate the barriers to attaining gainful and sustainable returns on real estate. We ask that you join us as we make our dream a reality.” Also speaking, Director, Department of Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima Usman, advised real estate firms to always adhere to approved building plans, lamenting that many realtors have been in the habit of cutting corners, hence the prevalent building collapse. Similarly, a construction engineer, Engr. Dr. Otunba Victor Omo-Raydon, said the government must identify and prosecute landowners, investors, consultants, architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, and project managers involved in cutting corners to curb the menace of building collapse, lamenting government was not doing much in this aspect.

FG launches initiative to provide 5m eye glasses to visually impaired Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has thrown his full support behind a groundbreaking collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation. This partnership seeks to deliver over five million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with vision impairments. Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, issued a statement on Friday confirming President Tinubu’s commitment to the initiative after a courtesy visit by Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund. President Tinubu shared a personal connection to the cause, recounting how his mother’s eye health issue inspired his dedication to mass provision of eye care services. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians, especially those who may not have someone to advocate for them, have access to proper eye care. The President reminisced about the positive impact of free eye screenings and surgeries in Lagos during his tenure as Governor and pledged his support to expanding such efforts nationwide. He further expressed concern for the more than 24 million Nigerians facing varying degrees of vision impairments, emphasizing the critical role of sight in economic development, whilst citing his visionary “Jigi Bola” program initiated during his governorship tenure, which set the standard for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa. “My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognise me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses. The next question she asked me was: ‘I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them? “So, I made a promise to her that I will pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed. “We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses,” the President fondly recalled. Prof. Bastawrous, sharing his own transformative experience with vision care, stressed that good vision unlocks human potential and improves earning, learning, and overall wellness. He highlighted the chronic underfunding of eye care in many countries, including Nigeria, where a mere 0.0002 percent of the health budget is allocated to eye health. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to President Tinubu. He praised the President’s dedicated team in the health sector and welcomed Peek Vision’s methodology and platform to unlock resources for eye health in Nigeria. Prof. Bastawrous mentioned that similar initiatives had unlocked substantial funds in other countries. The initiative aims to provide five million eyeglasses to Nigerians with vision impairments, representing a significant step toward improved eye health and enhanced opportunities for individuals and communities across Nigeria.

What Nigerians expect from Tinubu’s new cabinet

In a momentous ceremony that marked a significant transition for Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated a new cohort of ministers to consolidate his presidency. With the swearing-in of these individuals into their respective offices, Nigerians are now looking ahead with a mixture of hope and anticipation, more so that, this time, like his predecessor, he did not wait for almost a year to form his cabinet. No doubt, the responsibilities bestowed upon these new ministers are immense, and the citizens’ expectations on them are equally high. Even though Tinubu had inherited a myriad of challenges, ranging from a lame economy to security concerns, Nigerians are fervently hoping that this new cabinet will rise to the occasion and lead the country towards a brighter future. One of the most pressing issues on the minds of Nigerians is the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the global economy with Nigeria getting its fair share and this has exacerbated existing challenges such as high unemployment rates and inflation. As the new ministers assume their roles, citizens are yearning for innovative economic policies that will stimulate growth and provide much-needed jobs. They expect these ministers to engage in strategic partnerships, attract foreign investments, and diversify the economy beyond oil dependency. A clear roadmap for infrastructural development, with a focus on power generation, transportation, and technological advancement, is eagerly awaited. Nigerians are hopeful that the new cabinet will foster an environment that supports small and medium-sized businesses, driving entrepreneurship and creating a sustainable economic ecosystem. Another paramount concern is security. In recent years, Nigeria has faced an upsurge in security challenges, from insurgency and banditry to kidnapping and communal conflicts. The citizens’ security and safety are non-negotiable, and they look to the new ministers to demonstrate unwavering commitment to restoring stability. Nigerians anticipate comprehensive reforms within the security sector, including equipping and adequately training law enforcement agencies, intelligence sharing, and collaboration with international partners to tackle transnational crimes. A holistic approach that addresses the root causes of these security issues, such as poverty and lack of education, is eagerly awaited. The state of healthcare in Nigeria has also been a cause for concern. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of the healthcare system, shedding light on the inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality medical care, and the brain drain of healthcare professionals. The citizens expect the newly inaugurated Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to prioritize healthcare reform, ensuring that adequate funding is allocated to build and upgrade healthcare facilities, procure essential medical equipment, and provide training and incentives to healthcare workers. A robust healthcare system not only safeguards the population’s health but also bolsters the nation’s overall productivity and development. Education is another arena where Nigerians are looking for transformative changes. Despite being blessed with a young and vibrant population, the education sector has suffered from inadequate funding, outdated curriculum, and a lack of access to quality education in many regions. The new ministers are being entrusted with the responsibility of revamping the education system, from primary to tertiary levels. Citizens hope for the implementation of policies that prioritize teacher training, curriculum modernization, and the integration of technology in education. Additionally, special attention needs to be given to regions where educational disparities are most pronounced, ensuring that every Nigerian child has equal access to quality education. Corruption remains a significant impediment to Nigeria’s progress. Nigerians are looking to the new cabinet to not only maintain the anti-corruption drive but to intensify efforts in ensuring transparency and accountability in public office. Effective utilization of resources, strict adherence to due process, and the swift prosecution of corrupt individuals are the expectations of the citizens. Furthermore, they anticipate the implementation of policies that promote ethical governance and discourage corrupt practices at all levels of government. Infrastructural development, particularly in the areas of power generation, transportation, and information technology, is crucial for Nigeria’s growth. Citizens eagerly await the unveiling of comprehensive plans that will address the longstanding issues of inadequate power supply, inadequate road networks, and poor internet connectivity. These are fundamental elements that underpin economic development and enhance the quality of life for the population. In the realm of foreign policy, Nigerians hope for a government that will foster strong diplomatic relationships with other nations while advancing the country’s interests on the global stage. Economic partnerships, trade agreements, and international collaborations are seen as critical for Nigeria’s growth and development. The citizens look to the new ministers to represent the nation effectively in international forums and negotiations, projecting a positive image of Nigeria to the world. In conclusion, as President Bola Tinubu’s new ministers assume their respective offices, they should understand that they’re stepping into roles of immense responsibility and great expectation. Nigerians envision a future marked by economic prosperity, enhanced security, improved healthcare and education systems, eradication of corruption, and infrastructural development. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the citizens’ hope and optimism are unwavering. It is incumbent upon Tinubu and his cabinet to translate these hopes into concrete actions, demonstrating their commitment to serving the best interests of Nigeria and its people. As the nation watches, their decisions and actions will determine the course of Nigeria’s journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

No fuel price hike in the pipeline, Tinubu reassures Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has moved to allay fears of a potential increase in the pump price of petrol in Nigeria. The market has already been deregulated, and according to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, it will continue to remain so. He said that the government aims to address inefficiencies in the midstream and downstream petroleum subsectors without reverting to a policy reversal. This declaration follows the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) statement that it has no plans to raise petrol prices, countering speculations and responding to warnings from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Previous price hikes have sparked outrage and nationwide protests, especially the last increase from N197 to N617.

Give Tinubu benefit of doubt, Uwaleke appeals to Nigerians

Professor of Finance and the Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Uche Uwaleke, has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the benefit of the doubt. The President had in a nationwide broadcast on Monday in Abuja, reeled out a number of measures meant to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy. In his inauguration speech, the President said fuel subsidy was gone forever. According to him, his administration would rather channel the savings from the subsidy removal into other critical sectors of the economy. In his broadcast, the President said his administration has proposed the sum of N75 billion to fund enterprises at 9% interest per annum; N125 billion to energize MSME; release 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains; 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer,  seedlings, and other inputs to farmers; and N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize. Also, the federal government will also make available N50 billion each to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava, N100 billion to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses and review the minimum wage. Uwaleke said: “The President’s address to the nation is quite soothing. “He spoke in clear terms and I think Nigerians should allow him the benefit of the doubt.” The first Professor of the Capital Market in Nigeria was however concerned that President Tinubu failed to tell Nigerians how the executive will also make sacrifices. “But it was short on how the three arms of government will share in the pains of the governed, especially with respect to affecting a significant cut in the cost of running government,” he asked.

Bear the temporary pains, have faith in us, Tinubu tells Nigerians

*Promises to review civil servants salaries *Says he’ll acquire 3000 CNG-fuelled buses for mass transit *To fund 75 manufacturers companies with N75bn President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the challenges that Nigerians are facing due to the economic policies implemented by his government. However, he called upon them to have faith in the government’s ability to turn things around. Speaking via a nationwide broadcast on Monday night, Tinubu assured the citizens that he has devised palliative measures to alleviate the impact of removing fuel subsidies. He said that while he recognizes the immediate difficulties caused by the subsidy removal, Nigerians must focus on the bigger picture and the positive plans that are currently in progress. Tinubu admitted that there was a gap between the removal of subsidies and the implementation of these plans but assures the public that the government is actively working to close this gap. According to him, his genuine concern for the well-being of the people is evident in his appeal for their trust in the government’s capacity to deliver. Among the initiatives, Tinubu pledged to acquire 3000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-fuelled buses for mass transit across the states and local governments. This move aims to make public transportation more accessible and affordable. To fund this project, the government has allocated N100 billion, earmarked for investment between now and March 2024. The CNG buses will be shared with major transportation companies, and these companies will have access to credit at 9% per annum with a 60-month repayment period. In addition to public transport improvements, Tinubu said he is actively collaborating with Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. He assured workers that their salary review is on the horizon, and once an agreement is reached, budget provisions will be made for immediate implementation. The President further commended private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already taken the step to implement salary reviews for their employees. Furthermore, Tinubu said he aims to boost the manufacturing sector by allocating N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. The funds will support a minimum of 75 enterprises with great potential to stimulate sustainable economic growth, structural transformation, and improved productivity. Each of these manufacturing enterprises will have access to N1 billion credits at a maximum of nine per cent per annum for long-term loans and 12 months for working capital. The President emphasized that these actions align with the executive orders he signed earlier in the month, which aimed to address friendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that have been stifling the business environment. By suspending and deferring certain taxes, the government aims to create a conducive environment for businesses to flourish and expand. In conclusion, President Bola Tinubu’s message to Nigerians is one of hope and perseverance. Despite the temporary pains caused by economic adjustments, he implored the nation to look ahead and trust in the government’s commitment to improving the overall welfare of its citizens. The plans to improve public transport, review civil servants’ salaries, and support the manufacturing sector demonstrate the government’s determination to create a brighter future for Nigeria. Full text of President Tinubu’s address to Nigerians My fellow citizens, I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced. I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country. For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals. This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance.  To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign. The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year. Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair. It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy. Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call

Fuel Subsidy: Senate urges NLC to shelve planned strike

The Nigerian Senate has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its impending strike on fuel subsidy removal and continue negotiation with the Federal Government. Senate resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Monday. The motion titled: ”Urgent Need to Avert the Intending Strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress”, was sponsored by Sen. Kawu Suleiman (NNPP-Kano). Suleiman in his lead debate said the NLC has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse what the union termed as “anti-poor policies” or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2nd. He said the NLC had directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies for a long-lasting strike and mass protests. Suleiman said the labour, in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, alleged that the Federal Government had failed to meet up with the demands it presented to it following subsidy removal on petrol. Not meeting the demand as stated in the statement could cause an astronomical rise in price of the commodity. He expressed worry that the strike would cripple the country as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down. According to him, the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, saying that gains from the strike were far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict. The senator said the strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, and frustration. Suleiman said more hardship would lead to unquantifiable financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said the NLC proposed strike was a bad reputation for Nigerian economy and the educational system, saying that it portrayed the country in a bad light to the external world  According to him, it discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria. The senator said that the society always bears the brunt of strikes, adding that an idle mind was the devil’s workshop. He said there was a tendency for an increase in crime rate, social vices like armed robbery, oil bunkering, prostitution, cyber scams, among others, if the strike was allowed to hold. Following support of senators on the motion, Senate accordingly resolved to mandate its leadership to interface between the NLC and the Federal Government to avert the intending strike.