Senate Sacks Ndume As Senate Chief Whip

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July 17, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio-led Senate has removed Senator Ali Ndume as its Chief Whip. He was, immediately, replaced by Senator Tahir Mungono.

Senator Ndume was removed was for openly criticising, strongly, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government.

Ndume had stated, in an interview, among other things, that President Tinubu was not in the picture of what is happening outside the Villa, alleging that the President has been fenced off and caged.

His words: “Nigerians are getting very angry. The Government is not doing anything about the food scarcity and it needs to do something urgently. We don’t have food reserve. There is unavailability of food. Food crisis is the worst crisis that any nation can encounter. If we add that to security crisis, it will be severe,” he said

It would be recalled that Daily Trust Newspapers in one of its reports alleged that Senators loyal to President Tinubu were planning to remove Senator Ndume from office for hie constant criticism of the policies of President Tinubu and his Government.

Fed Govt College Of Education, Abia, Takes Off September As Gov Otti, Pledges Total Support

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 17, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Alex Otti, has assured that all necessary support will be given to the Federal Government to ensure that the newly established Federal College of Education in Abia state meets its September 2024 takes off dateline.

This is even as he expressed the optimism that the Federal institution will assist the State in producing the needed man power to service its requirements, particularly in this era of digital technology, broad band, soft ware engineering, artificial intelligence and others.

The Abia State Governor noted that even though the State has an existing College of Education in Arochukwu, it is not enough in producing the number of teachers needed for the State to meet the challenges of the digital era.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, by his Chief Press Secretary Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti who spoke at the occasion of formal handover of the land documents donated to the Federal Government for the proposed permanent site of the College, noted that his administration is irrevocably committed to improving the education sector in Abia state .

“”We consider the Federal College of Education a great asset to the state, when you have twenty percent of your budget dedicated to education ,we believe that we will probably get up to %25 very soon .

“For us we are very resolute and unrepentant about our commitment to education . Even if you complete your education and you don’t have a job,it is not a problem .

“That you don’t have a job today does not mean you will not have a job tomorrow.

“We have a College of Education here that has been abandoned over the years. We are working very hard to retrieve it- the State College of Education in Arochukwu.

“But we strongly believe that one college of education is not enough to train the number and kinds of teachers that we require”

To ensure that the September proposed date for the commencement of the College is realized, the Government , according to the statement has set up a steering Committee to effectively liaise with the Federal Ministry of Education.

The four-man committee is headed by the Secretary to the state Government SSG Prof. Kenneth Kalu.

Governor Otti directed the Committee which membership include the Commissioners for Education ,Prof Eme Uche Eme , Lands and Housing Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Special Adviser on Education Kenechukwu Nwosu, to be briefing him on the progress made fortnightly.

Further Speaking, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of the establishment of the Federal College in the face of recent development within the global stage .

” Everywhere today ,we are talking about digital technology, broadband, Science and Technology.We are talking about engineering and mathematics, soft wares, artificial intelligence, robotics and electronic vehicles.

“I have mentioned all these just to tell us where the world is today headed for. Those are the kinds of things ,we can work with you,particularly the provost and the Chairman of the Governing Council to sort out.

“We need to sit down and look at the curriculum ,so that you teach people what will be useful to them..

“We don’t have the resources,but we will support you to get the resources from outside” the Governor pledged .

In his remarks, representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Uchenna Ubah, while appreciating Governor Otti for his unwavering support, also, recalled that much futile efforts were made to realize the dream before now.

“Your Excellency, I want to really thank you for taking the bull by the horn to establish this College Of Education because when you came in, you took charge, and sent some of your Commissioners .That was when I met Chukumerije, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing.

“He came to Abuja and made us to start processing the establishment of the college again because at a stage we had to really take it off and took it to another state .

“He came and showed passion that you sent him and we started again .We are here to take over the documents of the land and also to access the place that you have given us to see if by September students can come in”, Ubah noted.

Gov Yusuf Creates Additional Emirate Councils In Kano

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 17, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, signed into law, the Kano State Emirate Council Establishment Bill 2024 .

The bill makes provision for the creation of three new Second class Emirates in the State.

This is coming at a time the dust raised by the deposition of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and four others, and the subsequent enthronement of Muhammad Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano on the strength of the 2024 Emirates bill passed by the House of Assembly and signed in to law by Governor Yusuf is yet to settle .

The three second class Emirates are for Gaya, Rano, and Karaye, among which their First Class Emirs were dethroned on May 23, together with Emir Bayero of Kano.

Instructively, the bill was passed same Tuesday July 16 2024 by the state House of Assembly.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Yusuf lauded the Lawmakers for performing yet another constitutional duty in the service of Kano State.

“The creation of these Emirates would indeed revive the cultural heritage and development in the areas and by extension in the State.

“Government believes in the major role of Traditional Institutions in fostering peace and development .” the Governor stated.

He appreciated the efforts of the House led by Speaker Ismail Falgore for being sensitive and responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the teeming kano populace .

The Kano State Governor assured that in less than no time Emirs will be appointed for the designated Emirates, while also enjoining the would-be Emirs to create an enabling environment for peace and development to thrive.

The Speaker in his remarks noted that the creation of the three new Emirates is in the overall interests of the people .

He insisted that the development will serve to bring Government closer to the people.

NPF Kogi Command Confirms Arrest Of Police Inspector For Armed Robbery

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Ayodele Oni

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July 17, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Kogi State Police Command has busted an armed robbery gang with the arrest of a serving Police Inspector.

It was gathered that nemesis caught up with the officer, Aminu Mohammed, following the robbery at the residence of those around his duty station, ‘C’ Division in Lokoja, the State Capital.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, told Journalists in Lokoja that ”luck ran out of the officer, following the activities of a notorious gang of armed robbers who specializes in robbing private residence of household items and cars.

”A car was found in the workshop of the Inspector’s panel beater, Arome Moses, who was already working on changing the car’s colour at Ochadamu near Anyigba in the Eastern part of the state.

“Those who knew the vehicle and were aware of the robbery incident that occurred at the owner’s house on 14th June 2024, quickly raised alarm upon sighting the car.

“The car’s plate number had already been changed to an Abuja number just as a car dealer’s receipt, backdated to 2020, was presented by the officer as his evidence of purchasing it.

“His panel beater had primed the car preparatory to changing its colour before the alarm was raised.”

He added that after raising the alarm, the policemen of the Quick Response Unit attached to the Police Area Command were quickly invited, and the panel beater was apprehended.

One of the members of the gang of armed robbers, who had also been on police wanted list for other crimes, confessed to the crime and named the Police Officer as the mastermind.

He confessed that they were contracted to rob the house of the owner of the car for the sole aim of getting the car for the Police Inspector.

Breaking: Victory For Shaibu As Court Orders His Return As Deputy Governor

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 17, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

The Court voided his impeachment on the grounds that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in Shaibu’s purported impeachment

During the pronouncement by the Justice Omotosho, Shaibu, who was in court, shed tears of joy upon hearing the Judge’s pronouncements.

The Court stated that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and does not constitute a gross misconduct.

The Judge ordered his immediate reinstatement and, also, ordered the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to provide him with needed security to enable him resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.

It would be recalled that Governor Godwin Obaseki had replaced Shaibu with Omobayo Godwin as the Deputy Governor of the State after he gave a nod to Shaibu’s impeachment.

Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa Directs LG Caretaker Members To Resume, Despite Supreme Court Order

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Ayodele Oni

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July 17, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed the 357 members of the Transition Committees for the 18 Council Areas, and 33 Local Council Development Areas, (LCDAs) in the State to resume office.

This is despite the Supreme Court ruling which directed the Federal Government to stop allocations to local councils which are yet to democratize or recognizing them.

The Governor, who gave the order after a meeting with Committee Members in Akure, directed them to resume duties with immediate effect, insisting that the judgement by the Apex Court would take time to come to effect.

Aiyedatiwa was represented at the meeting by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Amidu Takuro.

The Caretaker Members were picked last week just as the Supreme Court delivered judgement in the case instituted by the federal government to stop state governors from tampering with Local Councils’ funds.

Justifying the government action, Mr Takuro pointed out that Ondo was not the only state affected by the apex court’s verdict.

Takuro said: “No fewer than 21 states are affected and this is not peculiar to Ondo State alone. The governors will be meeting in Abuja during the week and there is still room for negotiations and there’s no need for rush.

“Judgement does not take immediate effect, even at that, we cannot conduct local government election immediately. There are procedures for election, so, we will study the judgement.

“Again, the Federal Government will not want to punish the local government workers by withholding their salaries or getting their allocation to them, though we have no option than to concur with the judgement, it cannot be immediately.”

The State Independent Electoral Commission (ODSIEC) had last week postponed Indefinitely the conduct of the local government government election in the state as no political parties showed interest.

The the non recognition of the newly created 33 LCDAs in the state is another issue confronting the administration.

In view of the governorship election coming up in November, the Administration is likely to be more pre occupied by the poll, since Governor Aiyedatiwa is among the contestants.

LGA Autonomy: Ondo Undecided, Awaits Certified True Copy Of Supreme Court Judgement

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Ayodele Oni

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July 17, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has maintained that decision on Local Government administration in the State will be based on understanding the intricacies of the Supreme Court judgment and determining the appropriate course of action for its implementation.

In the course of doing this, Government assured that the administrative apparatus of Local Government is appropriately manned with suitable personnel.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had last week announced setting up of caretaker committees in the 18 local councils, an action which has generated criticism from opposition parties.

Attorney-General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo SAN revealed that the state is yet to obtain the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and the enrolled Order from the apex court.

Ajulo, in a statement on Wednesday, said his ministry is making efforts to secure the documents despite the challenges being faced in obtaining them.

He noted that the Supreme Court’s decision in the local government autonomy case was not unanimous with a split judgment of five against two.

According to him, the majority of the Justices even disagreed on the reliefs sought by the Federal Government, adding that “this complexity underscores the need for a careful and comprehensive analysis of the judgment.

“This judgment, which has garnered significant public interest, is indeed a matter of great importance to our legal system and the country as a whole.

“It is with utmost diligence and dedication that we have been actively pursuing the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the enrolled Order from the Supreme Court.

“Despite the challenges faced in obtaining these documents, I wish to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to secure the necessary materials.

“We must have access to a complete and accurate record of the judgment to thoroughly study its contents and implications.

“As we await the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the enrolled Order, we remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.

“Our efforts are focused on understanding the intricacies of the judgment and determining the appropriate course of action for its implementation, while also ensuring that the administrative apparatus of our Local Government is appropriately manned with suitable personnel throughout the transitional phase.

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the steadfast and industrious Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Attorneys General of the 36 States of the Federation for their dedication and professionalism in handling this complex matter.

“Their commitment to justice and the rule of law is commendable and sets a high standard for the entire legal community.

“I urge the public to remain patient as we navigate through this process with diligence and transparency.

“Rest assured that the Government of Ondo State, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is dedicated to upholding the principles of justice and will carefully examine the judgment and promptly set the necessary mechanisms in motion, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to fully implementing the rule of law in all our endeavours.”

Hardship: Oba Akiolu Pleads For Patience; Says Nigerian Youths Are “Incurably Lazy”

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 17, 2024

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Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The Lagos monarch made the plea during a visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in his palace on Tuesday.

Akiolu’s remark comes on the heels of the planned protest by some angry Nigerians over the current economic hardship in the country.

The protest organisers have picked August 1-10 for the nationwide protest to force the government to intervene over the prevailing hardship in the country.

Recall that the president’s wife had once declared that her husband is not a magician in response to Nigerians criticism that Tinubu’s government has brought untold hardship to the country due to his various policies.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady’s spokesperson, Oba Akiolu said President Tinubu has good intensions on how to move the country forward, urging Nigerians to be patient with him.

He said, “All that I am saying and appealing is that we should pray for Nigeria and the President. We should be patient. Everything good needs prayers.”

Oba Akiolu who urged the youths to be more hardworking instead of expecting handsout from the government, said Nigerian youths are “incurably lazy.”

The statement nevertheless, quoted Akiolu as saying “I assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will excel for this country. He loves Nigeria, he loves Nigerians and will do his utmost for them.”

Speaking last year in Abuja during an interdenominational church service the Frist Lady said her husband is not a magician but is working “brick-by-brick” to fix the country, noting that President Tinubu inherited a very bad economic situation he’s now trying to salvage.

She said, “All we inherited are things that had happened many years ago; we are not here to put blame on any administration but to fix what has been damaged.

“My husband is not a magician; he is going to work and I believe and hope that we will have peace in this country; the best is yet to come to us.”

Not a few Nigerians have reburfed her saying the current hardship in the country is as result of President Tinubu’s economic policies which were not well thought from the beginning, and are not hurting them badly.

Nationwide Protest Will Not Favour Ndigbo, Ohanaeze Declares

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 17, 2024

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Emmanuel-Iwuanyanwu - Ohanaeze President

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the social cultural Igbo organisation has declared the south unsafe for the nationwide protest declared by some Nigerians over the worsening economic situation in the country.

The group said any protest at this time will only escalates the security situation in the region, and has warned its people not to take part in the August 1-10 planned nationwide protests by some Nigerians.

The magazine reported that the organisers of the protest are planning to do so, to force government’s intervention over the current hardship in the country.

The organisers are also demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB who is currently being tried by the government over issues related to terrorism.

Recall that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imi state, and other well meaning Igbo leaders have cautioned people of the region not to protest against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his government has tried for the region in the area of development.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group said the aftermath of the protest will not end well for Ndigbo.

He explained that similar protests in the past has not favoured the people of the south east, which he said have been marginalised in the country.

For instance, Isiguzoro said past protests in the country including the 1978 “ALI MUST GO”, the 1989 anti-SAP riots, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, and the 2020 END SARS protests, did not portend well for Ndigbo.

He said significant protests in the country had ended up with Igbo being made the “sacrificial lambs of the turmoil.”

The statement said, “First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots. In recognition of this reality, any Nationwide Protest scheduled within the Southeast is hereby revoked, with a clear directive that Igbos will not partake.

“Enforcing such protests risks exacerbating the existing security dilemmas in the Southeast, creating opportunities for criminal elements and external Igbo detractors to exploit the situation and instigate further chaos. Thus, it is in the best interest of all concerned parties to refrain from organizing any protests within the region.

“Secondly, the fear of Igbos once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming nationwide protests is a legitimate concern. In this regard, OHANAEZE NDIGBO calls upon Igbo residents in the 19 northern states and Southwest regions to boycott the looming protests for their safety and security.”

“We Will Not Allow Govs Determine Minimum Wage”- Ajaero

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 17, 2024

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Amidst Nigerians expectations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to announce the new minimum wage, the Organised Labour in the country has threatened to shut down the country for one month.

The threats comes amidst suggestion that the National Assembly is planning to deregulate the minimum wage so that states and federal government can chose what they can pay to their workers.

The magazine reported that the negotiation over the new minimum wage between the Organises Labour, federal and state government and the representatives of the private sector broke down last month after the state governments said they cannot pay the N62, 000 recommended by the federal government.

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, are demanding N250,000 new wage for Nigerian workers.

President Tinubu after meeting with the leadership of the union in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa last week promised to announce the new wage this week.

Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos, on the sideline of the NLC 67th Annual General Meeting, AGM, Ajaero said the union will resist any move to deregulate the minimum wage, saying the issue is a national problem.

As the nation waits for a new National Minimum Wage, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has threatened to shut down the country for a month over plans by the National Assembly to deregulate the Minimum Wage.

President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, who spoke on the sideline of the 67th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, insisted that minimum wage is a national issue.

He said the union will not allow a situation where state governors were allowed to determine what to pay to the workers.

“We cannot accept” such situation, the NLC President said.

According to him, “As we are here, a Joint Committee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Judiciary are meeting.

“They have decided to remove section 34 from the Exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list so that the state governors can determine what to pay you and so that there will be no minimum wage again. You cannot decide what you should earn.

“The very moment the House of Representatives and the Senate come up with such a law that will not benefit Nigerian workers, they will be their drivers and gatemen, and there will be no movement for one month.

“We cannot accept any situation where the governors and the National Assembly members will foist a slave wage on workers and force poverty on the citizens. Organised Labour will not accept it.”

Meanwhile, the magazine learned that President Tinubu is currently discussing with relevant aides in the Presidency on what should be announced as the minimum wage.