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Uzodimma, Afrexim Bank Unveil Imo’s Africa Quality Assurance Centre

June 3, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma has recorded another feat in his administration’s determination to boost commerce and industry in Imo State as he was joined Monday by officials of the Africa Import-Export (Afrexim) Bank to unveil the second Africa Quality Assurance Centres (AQAC) in the State.

The unveiling ceremony took place at Umuowa in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the State amid pomp and circumstance from the host community and attracted the high and mighty in Imo State.

Also in attendance were foreign investors who are Afrexim Bank’s partners such as representatives of Hassan Allam, Elsewedy Electric and Bureau Veritas. Afrexim Bank local partner, Fidelity Bank was also represented.

Before unveiling the Centre along side Afrexim Bank officials and other critical stakeholders, an excited Governor Uzodimma said, in his remarks, that the project will catalyse inter and intra trade businesses that will facilitate industry and job creation in Imo State, boost her economy and that of the adjoining States, in line with his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.

The Governor thanked the President, Management and Board Members of Afreximbank for the choice of Imo State and expressed delight to participate in the unveiling just as he sincerely welcomed the delegation of Afrexim Bank partners from Egypt.

He described the Centre as a world class facility that will certify export of goods for Imo State and other States within the area and reduce the losses incurred in the past by exporters.

Also, the Governor said that the investment is in alliance with the Shared Prosperity plan of his administration anchored on job creation and reduction of unemployment, and assured that the decision to cite the multi-billion naira facility in Imo State will be justified.

He acknowledged that Imo State is central to other States surrounding her and that Imo people will give the investors all the necessary support they need to succeed having themselves “helped to include Imo State in the World map of trade and business.”

Governor Uzodimma also promised to provide the conducive environment for the Investors businesses, noting that “Igbo people at the end of the day will be the first beneficiary.”

He called on the Ngor Okpala Community, the traditional institutions and the entire Imo citizens to take ownership of the project.

Governor Uzodimma highlighted that Imo State is prepared for international business, engaging in the dredging of Orashi to the Atlantic Ocean, creating Orashi Free Trade Zone, working hard to harness the abundant gas deposit in the State that has necessitated the signing of Orashi Electricity Company Limited pact with an Egyptian Company, Madkour Group.

The Governor said all the efforts are aimed at encouraging the oil and non-oil products and trade in Imo State.

On behalf of the people and government of Imo State he asked the investors to take the State’s assurance to the Bank and have confidence we must work hard to justify the reason for setting up this Centre.

His words: “I am very delighted to participate in this ceremony. What the bank has done and still doing is to provide homegrown solution. I recall how our people were subjected to untold scrutiny just to export the African products. Now the Afrexim Bank has risen to the occasion and is bringing solution.

“From what I have seen, any certification derived from here cannot be subjected to another scrutiny. I am happy Imo is the second to have this Centre in Nigeria. The Nigeria National Development Plan is in line with this.

“My administration in Imo is centred on prosperity for all which is to activate opportunity for economic growth. Afrexim Bank decision to cite this project here will not be regretted. I have no doubt we will have a win win situation. We will give you every support you need to achieve results. It will create jobs for our people. The economic gains coming out of this project, surely, we will be the ultimate beneficiary. We will support it to encourage foreign direct investment in Imo.”

Earlier in his remark, the President and Chairman of the Board of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof. Benedict Oramah, said the Centre would end the era of African products being rejected at the international level.

Prof. Oramah was represented by the Executive Vice President, intra-African trade, Afrexim Bank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani.

In her address, Mrs. Awani said that it takes strong political will and leadership backed by capital from Africa, “as the best force of our people, to achieve economic growth and transformation.”

She noted that Africa Quality Assurance Centre is aimed at protecting African exporters businesses that have suffered huge losses in the past and that Afrexim Bank has committed $100million in the project to protect African businesses.

She highlighted that the target is to assure quality and standards in agricultural products and other such goods bound for exports from Africa.

Mrs. Awani emphasised that Imo State was chosen because of her central location and as a State that has abundant agricultural and food produce, cash crops and lots of natural endowment. Besides, she added that Imo State provides industrial policy where the administration has decided to support investments and projects.

She concluded that when AQAC is completed in Owerri, Imo State will be rebranded as “investors destination and will soon be a major player in International trade.”

Mrs. Awani words: “With the unveiling of the Africa Quality Assurance Centre, what it means is that products made in Africa, Nigeria and Imo will meet international standard and safety as well as ensure that products meet regulations and quality so as to meet the technical and certification of products that it requires.

“Imo is ideal location for this project because of its centrality. And Imo is known for agriculture and food production. Again, what attracted us to Imo was because we looked at the industrial policies of the State and we found an alignment and that is why we are here to construct on the five hectares of land provided to us.”

Mrs Awani noted that it was a big feat Governor Uzodimma achieved by attracting the facility to Imo State after Ogun State that houses the maiden Centre in Nigeria and used the opportunity of her remarks to appreciate Governor Uzodimma for his foresight and commitment to programmes that will enhance the economic wellbeing of the people.

She further used the occasion to advice foreign investors to take advantage of the abundant commerce and industry products as well as human capital in Imo State to advance their business interests.

Earlier while adding her voice, the Afrexim Bank Director of Export Development, Mrs. Oluranti Doherty, said: “This is the second Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Nigeria. One of the key challenges to our various African exporters in accessing regional and international trade is lack of compliance with quality standard regulations. So to resolve this, we set up this African Quality Assurance Centre to assist grow African economy.”

She reiterated that Imo State was chosen for its strategic location, the Imo International Airport and her central position in the Eastern Heartland.

Furthermore, Mrs. Doherty said that the Bank had assessed and discovered investment opportunities in the State, hence they decided to allow Imo take her pride of place through the location of the facility on trade and export.

She also thanked, on behalf of her Bank, Governor Uzodimma, the Government and people of Imo State for providing them the five hectares of land for the citing of the facility which she noted, “will very much improve the economy of Imo State, the South East and Nigeria in general.”

The Deputy Governor, Lady (Dr.) Chinyere Ekomaru, the Senator representing Okigwe Zone, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, APC State Chairman, Sir MacDonald Ebere, members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council, traditional rulers, captains of industries, among others.

How Suspëctëd Fuläni Hërdsmën Gäng-räpëd 13-Yeär Old Girl, Killëd One In Enugu Community

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Leaders of Aku Community in Igbo Etiti Local Council of Enugu State have called for an urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities to save the people from the criminal activities being visited on them by some suspected Fulani herders.

Their outcry is coming on the heels of an alleged gang ra*ing of a 13-year old girl and the subsequent gruesome killing of a locale who tried to rescue the victim from her two attackers at the weekend in Ugwu -Uvuru a farm settlement in Uzo Uwani local council of the state.

In a statement made available to the media on Monday June 3, 2024, Chief Agu Chineme, one of the Community leaders alleged that the teenage girl who just recently finished her primary education was severely ra*ed by two armed Fulani herders while working on her parents farm at the farm settlement.

According to him, an attempt by one Emma Nnadi to rescue the hapless girl from the se*ual assault, resulted in his murder by the two Fulani herders.

Chief Chineme stated that the entire community is outraged and greatly pained by the ugly and inhuman development.

“Although the incident happened at Ugwu -Uvuru ,a Community in Uzo-Uwani in Local Council, both the victim and the deceased are from Aku in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.

The girl, a13 year-old and a primary school graduate was mercilessly ra*ed by two armed Fulani men ,while working on her family’s farm.

The teenage girl recounted the horrific incident ,with her voice trembling and body shaking in fear ,and the scars of the attack written all over her.

The gruesome attack also claimed the life of Emma Nnadi ,a brave farmer who attempted to rescue the young girl from the clutches of the ruthless herders

Even as the body of Emma lay down dead ,the Fulani men showed no remorse as they continued to gang ra*e the girl” Chief Chineme stated .

The Community leader further noted that ,as it is,the traumatized people of the area are demanding for justice from all relevant authorities against the heinous crime .

He noted that for some time now, the people of his community have been subjected to constant harassment, killings and ra*ing of their women, warning, that they will no longer tolerate the situation.

“With the tension escalating, we, leaders, are calling for an urgent action to address the growing menace of Fulani herders .

“We are demanding an increased presence of security in the area both in personnel and equipment, “Chineme noted

The Source reports that in the past few years, some parts of Enugu State particularly, Enugu North Senatorial District, have become epicentres of herders/farmer clashes .

The clashes have led to the loss of many lives, and property, especially farm produce, which many have also adduced as one of the causative factors of the scarcity of food items in the country.

Only last month, the Enugu State House of Assembly worried about incessant cases of farmers/herders conflicts in the state passed a bill, seeking to establish an Agency by the state Government to regulate the activities of herders in the State.

But the bill which the State Lawmakers said when operational, will go a long way to halting farmers/ herders clashes has continued to receive wide spread condemnation and rejection by not a few Enugu citizens.

Full text Of The Response Of The Tripärtite Committee To The Unreäsonäble Demänd By NLC/TUC – Bayo Onanuga

The Source

June 3, 2024

At the last meeting on Tuesday 28 May, 2024, all tripartite partners were invited to make their offers. Employers made up of Government side and Organised Private Sector made offers of N60,000.00 per month which is 100% increase on the existing National Minimum Wage of 2019.

On their part, the Organised Labour made an offer of N494,000 per month, which is an increase of 1,547% on the existing National Minimum Wage of 2019.

During the course of the meeting, organised labour left the meeting to continue further consultations before they shifted grounds again. These decisions were arrived at at the meeting with full attendance including the personal attendance of the Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Hon. Minister of Budget and National Planning as well as Hon. Minister of Labour & Employment.

The meeting was later adjourned till Monday, 3rd June 2024.

However, after the Chairman reached out to Organised Labour, they agreed to hold the meeting on Friday, 31st June 2024. Notices were sent to all members.

At the meeting, Organised Labour, when called upon to make their concession, or new offers outside of the last N494,000 per month, insisted on the employers to first shift grounds.

Both sides stated that their offers of N60,000.00 per month, which is 100% increase on the existing National Minimum Wage of 2019, were based on prevailing economic considerations and government’s non-monetary incentives.

Thereafter organised labour walked out of the meeting. During the continuation of the meeting the Government further defended their offer of N60,000.00 per month, was based on economic considerations and non-monetary incentives which include the following:

N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid Federal workers.

100 billion naira for the procurement of CNG-fuelled busses and CNG conversion kits.

125-billion-naira conditional grant and financial inclusion to MSMEs.

N25,000 each to be shared to 15 million households for 3 months.

185 billion palliatives (loans to States) to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land to boost food production.

75 billion naira to strengthen the manufacturing sector.

1 trillion naira for student loans for higher education.

Release of 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves.

Purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tons of Rice from the rice millers association.

Recent salary increase of 25-35 per cent on all consolidated Salary structures for federal workers.

90% subsidy on health costs for Federal Civil Servants registered on NHIS.

Light rail commissioned in Abuja to relieve transportation cost till the end of the year. Lagos State had already commence same initiative with their Blue and Red lines.

In addition to the freedom of Civil Servants to engage in agriculture, Federal Government has approved the inclusion of ICT services for alternate sources of income.

In conclusion, the meeting agreed that even where major and small businesses are closing down with consequent loss of jobs, the outcome of a new National Minimum Wage should be such that it will not trigger further massive job losses. It further noted that linking the strike to electricity hikes with the NMW determination was not fair to the negotiating parties.

This Statement is released by members of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage

Signed Secretariat TCNMW

“Stop Thrëatëning Gov Nwifuru With Second Term, Concëntratë On Cement Technology Roads” – Diaspora Ebonyians Caution Umahi

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In Ebonyi State, all appears not to be going well anymore for godfather and godson, as Dave Umahi the Minister for Works and former Ebonyi helmsman and his protege, Governor Francis Nwifuru may have opted to walk parallel paths in the political landscape of the State.

Insinuations concerning a strained relationships between the two had, for a while, been tucked away from the public glare.

But strong indications have, in the last few days, tended to push their differences harder into the public dormain.

Only last Thursday May 30 , the former Governor threw an innuendo to wit- “Most of the people that I assisted during the elections have been avoiding me. It is only Onyekachi Nwebonyi who will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss. The others feel that by doing so, the State Governor will be angry with them .”

However, many Ebonyians appear not to be persuaded by the rhetorics and, therefore, have concluded that there is more to the Umahi outbust than meets the eye.

For his statement, Umahi received knocks from Ebonyi indigenes in the Diaspora on Monday, June 3, 2024, with an admonition to avoid any attempt to meddle in the governance of the state.

In a statement issued by its President General, Paschal Oluchukwu Omaka, the group alleged that there are subtle moves by the Minister for Works to use the second term bid of Governor Nwifuru as a weapon to manipulate and control the administration.

They have, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in Umahi, direct him to concentrate on his Abuja job and allow the State Governor to serve the good people of Ebonyi state.

“Knowing the character of Umahi, we, at AEISCID, wish to raise a red flag on his claims and inform the whole world that despite being a Minister of the Federal Republic, he still directly and indirectly controls and pilots the affairs of Ebonyi State, thus making it difficult for his successor to take firm decisions and govern the people of Ebonyi like his counterparts in other parts of the country.

“We have studied and known Umahi over the years. His recent media voyage is only symptomatic of his larger plans while crying wolf in public to continue to lord it over Ebonyians and their young and inexperienced Governor, whom we have since learnt he keeps in palpable check with discreet threats of withdrawing support for his second term in office.

“This group, therefore, cautions Umahi to stop threatening his successor,Nwifuru ,with second tenure and allow him to make decisions he considers best for the people.

“The Minister should concentrate on the monumental task of building his cement technology roads across the country, which we are certain will soon fail the same way the concrete roads he built in Ebonyi have done, even while he was still in office..

According to them, Nwifuru’s control by Umahi may not have become public knowledge, yet the signs are all over Ebonyi state, They cited the forthcoming July 20, Local Council Elections as an example of how strong Umahi’s grip is on the Nwifuru administration.”

The group alleged that the former Governor singlehandedly. imposed his acolytes as chairmanship candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, a development which they fear greatly demeans the authority of the Governor.

They blamed the seemingly slow start of the Governor Nwifuru’s administration in attending to the needs of the people, to the ongoing subtle manipulations by Umahi.

They alleged that contrary to his public posturing and pontifications, Umahi still determines and decides projects to be executed.

Prötëstërs Lay Siëgë On Ondo INEC Office, Cönfrönts Electoral Chairman Mahmoud With Challënges

The Source

June 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Electorate in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state took advantage of the presence of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in the State to protest inadequate CVR machines for continuous voters’ registration.

The protesters, on Monday stormed the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commissionl, INEC office at Alagbaka in Akure to complain about inadequate Continuous Voters Registration, (CVR), Machines to capture eligible voters in the local government ahead of the November governorship election.

They were led by the former Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly Ogundeji Iroju to meet the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who was in the state to monitor the ongoing CVR Exercise and meet with major stakeholders ahead of the governorship election.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Ogundeji Iroju told the INEC chairman that the development would lead to disenfranchisement of voters in the local government as they were unable to register.

He said, “ Sometimes last week, I led some community leaders to come and meet the INEC Electoral Commissioner, about the CVR that is ongoing in preparation for November governorship election in Ondo State. Ore happens to be the largest electoral ward in Ondo State comprising 80 polling units and it is just one electoral ward.

“INEC deployed only one registration machine to Ore, likewise other wards that have 12 polling units. Millions of our people in Ore are deprived of registration and it means they would be disenfranchised on the day of election.

“Fortunately, we were told that Prof Mahmood Yakubu was in Akure yesterday. We then decided to meet with him and tell him our challenges so that he can assist us to deploy more machines for Ore.

“Secondly, we want the INEC chairman to know that Ore deserves to be eight wards or more because of the population and because of the number of polling units that are currently there. We want him to help us during delineation of wards and Constituencies and create more wards in Ore so that our people would feel the dividends of democracy.

“Thirdly, Ore community alone being a heterogenous and cosmopolitan community deserves to be a state Constituency that would produce one representative to the house of assembly so that our yearnings and aspirations could be taken to the government.”

Responding, Prof. Yakubu assured the community leaders that more machines would be deployed to Ore community.

The INEC Chairman assured that now that he is Ondo State, the grievances of the protesters would be addressed before leaving the state.

Hëritagë Bank’s Liquidätion: Reps Assures Dëpositors Of Transparent Process

Ayodele Oni

June 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Depositors of Heritage Bank, whose licence was revoked on Monday received a relief as the House of Representatives assured them that the impact of the revocation will not be too hard.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi Jnr, in a statement promised that the House is committed to carrying out its constitutional oversight functions to ensure that this development does not negatively impact Nigerians.

Quoting Chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations, Rep. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, he stated, “The House of Representatives is aware of the recent revocation of the license of Heritage Bank, under liquidation, by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the appointment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the liquidators, in accordance with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA).

“We assure the public, particularly depositors, and stakeholders of Heritage Bank, that the House is committed to carrying out its constitutional oversight functions to ensure that this development does not negatively impact Nigerians.

“The relevant House Committees on Banking Regulations; and Insurance will be up to their duty, thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding this decision and the subsequent steps taken by the NDIC.

“Our priority is to safeguard the interests of all depositors and maintain the stability of the financial system.

“We will engage with the CBN, NDIC, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent and orderly resolution process, providing necessary support to mitigate any potential negative impact on the public.

“Furthermore, we urge the CBN and NDIC to establish clear channels of communication to allay the fears of the public and prevent any loss of trust in our financial system.

“Effective public engagement is crucial to maintaining confidence during this period.

“The Committee on Banking Regulations will closely monitor the liquidation process to ensure that the rights of depositors are protected and that the process adheres to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters, Rep. Ahmed Usman Jaha, emphasized, that “We will work diligently to oversee that the NDIC executes its mandate effectively, ensuring the protection of depositors’ funds and maintaining confidence in the financial sector.

“The NDIC Act and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) are clear in their provisions that depositors’ funds are insured and protected.”

We urge all depositors and stakeholders to remain calm and be assured of our dedication to protecting their interests.

ÜNILORIN Ëxpëls, Rusticatës Two Studënts For Indïscïplinë

Ayodele Oni

June 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For being an accomplice in a case of kidnapping, the Management of the University of Ilorin has expelled a 100-level student and another 400 level student for assault.

The 100 level student was alleged to have demanded a ransom from parents of a missing colleague.

This was contained in the weekly bulletin of the University, signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, released on Monday.

The student was identified as Olanrewaju Abdulkabir Abdulkadri with matriculation number 22/52HL004, from Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences.

Also, the university rusticated a 400-level student, Segun Micheal Oyewole, for allegedly beating a fellow female student.

Oyewole, who was rusticated for one academic session, was from the department of Counselling, Education, Faculty of Education of the university.

In April, the University rusticated 19 students for various offences ranging from misconduct, theft, examination malpractice, hostel bed-space racketeering, extortion, assault and admission racketeering.

The expulsion/rustication of the affected students followed the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee at its 220th/221st meeting.

Wigwe: RCCG Süspends Pastor Idowu Iluyomade

Akinwale Kasali

June 3, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, RCCG, has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Senior Pastor of the City of David, COD, Parish of the Church for a period of three months.

Pastor Iluyomade who is, also, the Head of the Apapa Family of the RCCG, was replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 of the Church.

The reason for the suspension of the Pastor is, allegedly, connected to the very extravagant birthday party thrown by his Wife, Siji Iluyomade, a few weeks after the tragic death of Access Bank Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe. He died in a Helicopter Crash alongside his Wife, his Son and an associate in the United States of America.

Wigwe was one the major financiers of the Church and played an unprecedented role in the building of the Church. He also gave the Church loans from Access Bank on liberal terms.

Mrs Iluyomade’s celeberation generated mixed feelings among Nigerians, Christian faithfuls and RCCG Worshippers over what they termed the insensitivity of the Pastor and his wife.

For that celeberation, the Wigwe family totally blanked the Parish out of all activities connected to the funeral of the Wigwes, and made sure it avoided mentioning the names of the Iluyomades in their appreciation message which was widely advertised.

On the arrival of Pastor Kpandei to the COD Parish on Sunday, June 2, he was given a cold welcome by the congregation.

It was gathered from sources within the Church that, “Those in the City of David had been expecting Pastor Kpandei. Some top RCCG officials had to meet with some top people in the parish and confided in them that Pastor Illuyomade would have to be removed from the parish.

“They needed to get the confidence of these top people because of the great influence of Pastor Iluyomade in the parish. The RCCG was not sure of the outcome of its move, so it had to be discreet. He may not be returned to the parish after the suspension.

“We have just three months to the convention. It may be a way of taking him away from the place permanently. He has spent many years in that parish. He needed to be moved. ”

According to sources, Iluyomade was suspended for three months by the Governing Council of the Church. A panel has also been set up to investigate some of the allegations against him and the parish.

A top Pastor in the Church who prefers to be anonymous said that the decision to suspend Iluyomade is a response to the public outcry against the extravagant birthday party of his wife shortly after Wigwe’s Wigwe.

“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.”

Fondly called PID, Pastor Iluyomade has been in the eyes of the storm following the 60th birthday of his wife, Siji Iluyomade.

Many people believed the birthday which was celebrated just about a week after the unfortunate death of Wigwe in that helicopter crash in the US was in bad taste. Wigwe had been of immense blessing to the Church before his transition. But the birthday party suggested the church had no emotional attachment to him.

Apart from being in charge of the City of David, Iluyomade is the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility through His Love Foundation. It’s not clear yet if this responsibility has been taken from him too.

Iluyomade is a lawyer of close to 40 years with interests in Advocacy and commercial practice especially in the areas of International Trade Finance, Mergers and acquisitions, international Joint Ventures, Energy Law, and a host of other engagements.

MURIC Appeals To Labour To Shelve Strike Until After Eld-el-Adha Celebration

Akinwale Kasali

June 3, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Organized Labour began its nationwide strike today, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has pleaded with the leadership of Labour to shelve the strike and put into consideration Muslims who are part of Workers who they are agitating for, due to the fact that Sallah is fast approaching.

MURIC said the strike will make life unbearable for Muslims preparing for Eid-el-Adha (Salah) which is just a few days away.

The Group, therefore, advised NLC to postpone its strike until after the Muslim festival.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, it urged the Labour Leadership to be considerate, and not make life unbearable for Muslims and Nigerians as a whole.

The full statement reads:

“The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is set to begin its industrial action today Monday, 3rd June, 2024. But there is no scintilla of doubt that the strike will make life unbearable for Muslims preparing for Id al-kabiir (Salah) which is just a few days away.

“As expected, the workers unions of other service providing sectors like petroleum and electricity have offered to join. This means the lives of Nigerians are likely to be thrown into a state of higgledy-piggledy in the next few days.

”But what does NLC think will happen to Muslims whose festival of Id al-kabiir is already knocking on the door? Transport fare to and fro their various destinations will skyrocket. Movements will be so adversely affected that the whole Salah period will become a horrendous experience. Is that what NLC wants?

“ The notice of strike was too short. It was given from the negotiation table and it was 48 hours or less. The approach of the current crop of NLC leaders is aggressive, arrogant, fascist and partisan. The body language is unmistakable. It is directed at bringing government down. This NLC has no respect for the rule of law, not even an iota of decorum for democratic practices.

“If we cannot speak for government, what about Nigerian Muslims whose lives your strike could turn into sheer nightmare? Is this a deliberate attempt to make life uncomfortable for Muslims? Will NLC declare strike one week to Christmas? Or is this about bringing down our Muslim-Muslim ticket? Is this part of the ‘religious war’ of ‘Yes Daddy’?

“Are Muslim workers not part of your union? If we are, shouldn’t NLC consider our interest, particularly our fast-approaching festival before embarking on a strike? What happened to strategic planning? What happened to timing and logistics? What happened to psychological preparation of people’s minds?

“By the way, every civilized group checks the calendar when planning an event and every calendar shows festivals of the year, is there no calendar on the walls of NLC office or was it deliberately ignored because NLC leadership is more interested in inflicting pains on Nigerian Muslims?

“Who did NLC leadership consult before declaring strike and what did they advice? Are there no Muslims among members of NLC executive? Are there no Muslims among NLC’s advisers or are they all ‘Yes Daddy’? If there are, are they conscious Muslims or just Muslims by name? Are they not aware that Salah is next week?

”This strike is ill-timed. It is a recipe for a topsy-turvy Salah. We advise NLC to postpone it till after the Salah. If NLC rejects our advice and goes ahead with its satanic strike, we will ask all Muslim workers who know that they will meet Allah yaom al-Qiyaamah (The Last Day) not to cooperate with NLC. They should reject the strike because it is an assault on the religion of Islam.

“We call on all Muslim leaders and Islamic organisations in Nigeria to speak up now before it is too late. We must reject the tyranny of Muslim-haters thinly veiled in unionism. We say ‘No To Strike in Salah”.

CBN Sàcks Hëritagë Bank, Rëvokës Licence, Appoints Liquidator

Ayodele Oni

June 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has rëvoked the licence of Hëritagë Bank with immediate effect.

The apex bank in a statement on Monday, explained that the rëvocation became necessary as a result of a continued decline in the Bank’s financial performance.

The statement, signed by Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications, stated that: “The Central Bank of Nigeria, in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020, hereby revokes the licence of Heritage Bank Plc

with immediate effect.

“This action has become necessary due to the bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020. The Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the

bank’s financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability.

“This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline.

“Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby making the revocation of the license the next necessary step.

“Consequently, the CBN has taken this action to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and ensure that the soundness of our financial system is not impaired.

“The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is hereby appointed as the Liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing.

“The action we are taking today reflects our continued commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system.”

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