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Minimum Wage: Fayemi Backs Govs

June 15, 2024

Amidst the conversation over the new minimum wage, a former Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi says state government can only pay what they can afford to their workers.

Fayemi, the immediate past governor of the state made the remark on Friday on Channels Television.

He made the comment amidst expectation from the federal government which is expected to make a final decision on the matter.

The state governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, said earlier this week that they can not afford to pay the N62,000 minimum wage recommended by the tripartite committee set up by the federal government to recommend the new wage for Nigerian workers.

The Organised Labour represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, has however rejected the N62,000 offer. The workers are demanding N250, 000 as minimum wage.

Reacting yesterday to the controversy, Fayemi said state governors should be allowed to negotiate with their respective workers.

He said the minimum wage issue must be decentralized in such a way that the two levels of government are allowed to negotiate with their workforce on what their monthly pay should be.

He said, “This should be decentralised and each state should define in conjunction with their labour unions, with transparency with all the records provided to the labor unions;

“What we’re dealing with now is dogma. Labour does not want to hear anything about decentralized national minimum wage and decentralised national minimum wage does not mean that what is paid at the level of the state will be lower than the federal.

“In the ’60s and the ’50s, civil servants in the western regions used to earn more than federal civil servants.”

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has promised to ensure the swift passage of the minimum wage bill when sent to the Assembly by the president.

Recall that President Tinubu said during the week that the federal government will only pay what it “can afford” to workers as minimum wage.

“We Will Continue Disruptions Of Criminal Networks – Comptroller General, NCS, As Tin Can Port Seizes N4.1 Billion Hard Drugs

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed concern over the disturbing trend wherein some criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competence of agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of illicit substances in the country.

Adeniyi who spoke on Friday June 14 at a Media briefing at the Tin Can Island Port informed that the Service has intercepted about N4.1 billion worth of hard drugs and unwholesome pharmaceutical products imported into the country from India and Canada.

The CGC ,noted that the seizure which was carried out by NCS operatives at the Tin Can Port represents a very worrisome trend and the evolving tactics of criminality and insecurity in Nigeria.

He noted that of recent, the NCS has reported several cases of interception and seizures of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations across the country.

“These interceptions have brought to light a concerning trend wherein criminal networks engage in collaborative attempts to subvert the competency of the agencies tasked with mitigating the trafficking of such illicit substances.

“The misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly, Cannabis Indica and codeine pose severe dangers to our society. Codeine, a restricted drug in Nigeria, has been widely abused, leading to devastating effects on our youths.

“This substance not only impairs the health, and wellbeing of individuals ,but also contributes to the rise in criminal activities.

“Cannabis Indica similarly has become a significant concern ,with its abuse leading to mental health issues ,addiction ,and social problems .Unchecked activities involving restricted items serve multiple purposes for criminal elements.

“These drugs, for instance, are used as stimulants by criminals ,further fuelling societal unrest and instability. Additionally, the proceeds from the illicit drug trade are often used to finance disruptions by non- state actors ,posing a significant threat to our national security and economic stability.

“The Nigerian Government under President Bola Tinubu is determined to stabilize the economy and create an environment where all citizens can thrive and prosper .

“As part of these efforts ,the NCS plays a crucial role not only in revenue collection from legitimate trade ,but also in the protection of our society .Our mandate includes ensuring that harmful and illegal substances do not find their way into our communities .

“It is against this background that NCS is pleased to provide an update on yet another seizure of two containers of unwholesome importations comprising 1×40 ft container of regulated unregistered pharmaceutical products and another 1x40kj container of illicit psychotropic substances seized by Tin Can Command of the service,” CGC Adeniyi stated .

While bemoaning the growing tendency for the importation of these destructive drugs, by some criminal networks,CGC Adeniyi however described the seizure and others across the country as evident of the resolve of NCS to remain vigilant.

“The NCS will continue to work closely with relevant national and international agencies to conduct operations that lead to the interception of illegal goods and the disruptions of criminal networks.

“We urge all Nigerians to continue their legitimate business activities ,assured that the NCS is actively working with stakeholders to ease the challenges faced by businesses and the general public”, the CGC further noted.

Ebiseni, Defeated Ondo PDP Gov Aspirant, Set To Dump Party

Ayodele Oni

June 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

One of the defeated governorship aspirants of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Sola Ebiseni, is set to decamp.

Ebiseni, a former Commissioner, has promised the people of the State particularly his supporters that his name will be on the ballot come November 16th Governorship election.

Popularly called ONE by the acronym of his name, Ebiseni revealed his intention to contest on the banner of another major Political Party during a Thank-You-Get Together party for Campaign Coordinators and supporters across the State at his Alagbaka-Akure residence.

According to Ebiseni, “politics is an art of the possible, the goal of which is acquisition of power for the development of humanity and society” adding I am not done with the aspiration to serve the people of Ondo State.

Speaking further on his political trajectory, Chief Ebiseni who was elected Chairman Ilaje-Ese-Odo local government in 1991 said he was during the period the Coordinator for the Presidential campaign of Chief Olu Falae in the Local Government which was inherited by Chief MKO Abiola as part of his Hope ’93 campaign structure anchored on the “Farewell To Poverty Programme.”

On the recent gubernatorial primaries of the PDP where he was a leading aspirant, Ebiseni said he bore no grudges about the roles played by any political actor.

Ebiseni said “I have a right to vote and to be voted, but not a right to the obligation of anyone to vote for me. Because of this I appreciate all that voted for me and those that did not vote for me are not my enemies.

“Therefore, I plead with my supporters not to make an enemy of anyone that chose not to vote for me because what binds most of us together is more than politics.

“I may be surprised but did not feel betrayed because I have always known that everyone’s action is dictated by his interest. Therefore, unlike Julius Ceaser, I have no reason to say etu Brute.”

Ebiseni who may soon be unveiling a new platform for his gubernatorial project said he is well prepared for the task and have the political experience and requisite capacities to deliver.

According to him, “in the last primaries, we were motivated by our experience in the governance of the state, the knowledge of its territory and people. God gave us enough resources as we set on this journey.”

He has promised to lead and abandon us, even at the Red Sea, He has given us the staff to divide it and move to the promised land”

Emir Bayero vs Emir Sanusi: Court Awards N10 Million Damages Against Kano Govt, Quashes Gov Yusuf Arrest Order

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2024

Aminu Bayero and Sanusi Lamido — Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Mohammad Sanusi II

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government- dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, on Friday June 14, 2024, recorded yet another judicial victory, following an order by a Federal High Court sitting in Kano for the state authorities to pay him the sum of ten million Naira.

According to the presiding Judge, Simon Amobeda, the sum represents damages to the deposed Emir as a result of the violations of his fundamental human rights .

Only on Thursday June 13 ,Justice Mohammed Liman of another Federal High Court Kano had ruled to assume jurisdiction in another case instituted by Emir Bayero challenging the constitutionality of his purported dethronement by the kano state Government .

The Source reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had on May 23, 2024, while brushing aside a restraining order proceeded to dethrone Emir Bayero and four others, as well as reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi who was in 2020, deposed by the immediate past Governor ,Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Governor Yusuf had also given Emir Bayero and those of Gaya ,Karaye,Rano and Bichi ,a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate their various Palaces and hand over all the paraphernalia of the positions to the State Deputy Governor, Abdulsalami Gwarzo.

But irked by the development, deposed Emir Bayero approached the court seeking an enforcement and protection of his fundamental human rights, in addition to the declaration of his purported dethronement as null and void .

Justice Amobeda aside the award of N10 million damages against the Kano State Government, also assumed jurisdiction to entertain the application by Emir Bayero for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

The Court similarly ordered that the movements of Emir Bayero and personal liberty should not, in any way, be impeded by the Kano State Government which had earlier directed the arrest of Emir Bayero following his return to kano on May 25 two days after his dethronement.

Further in his ruling, Justice Amobeda insisted that he is duty-bound to first establish the issue of jurisdiction, ahead of hearing of the substantive suit,noting that without jurisdiction, all proceedings will amount to a nullity.

The presiding Judge said that relevant sections of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, have conferred on the Court the powers to assume jurisdiction because the issues under consideration border on abuse of fundamental human rights of the applicant.

Part of the reliefs being sought by Emir Bayero according to Justice Amobeda are payment of N5 billion,as damages from the kano state Government, for the breach of his fundamental human rights, and enforcement of his Rights to free movement and personal liberty.

“It is the duty of the court to protect the rights of every citizen ,but that protection can not be done in a vacuum. A person crying over violation of his fundamental human rights must provide cogent and vital evidence to that effect to which the applicant has successfully provided .

The applicant noted that in 2019, the then Government of Kano State used the Kingmakers to select a new Emir, but surprisingly, on Thursday May 23, 2024, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf insisted that he had deposed the applicant, ( Bayero), and ordered the police to arrest him after giving him 48 hours to vacate the palace.

“To this end, I so hold that without any lawful jurisdiction, the applicant was threatened and his fundamental rights to liberty as guaranteed in sections 35 (1) of the 1999 constitution was breached .

“Similarly, the action of the Government which has forced the applicant into a house arrest preventing him from going about his lawful business ,constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights to freedom of movement as guaranteed under section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.” Justice Amobeda ruled .

The Court, also, restrained the Police, DSS and other Security Agencies, either by themselves, their agents servants, privies or any other persons or authority from arresting, detaining or harassing Emir Bayero.

How Police Corporal Redeployed From Cross Rivers To Kaduna Absconded, Promoted Himself, Continued To Receive Salaries Since 2015

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Police authorities in Cross River State on Thursday, June 13, 2024, vowed that they will stop at nothing to rebuild the image of the service, and as such, will not condone any acts capable of undermining their credibility.

The Command’s tough stand comes on the heels of the arrest of a run-away personnel, Corporal Buba Adamu, over a series of unprofessional conducts .

Corporal Adamu, reportedly, since 2015, absconded from the Service,after being posted to Kaduna State from Cross Rivers state Police Command .

Corporal Adamu, now cooling his heels in detention, allegedly, after refusing to report to his new Command, promoted himself to the rank of a Superintendent of Police SP .

With his self acquired top rank, Corporal Adamu, allegedly, engaged in numerous unprofessional conducts, including extortion, intimidation and harassment of members of the unsuspecting,but vulnerable public.

Since 2015,Corporal Adamu, a general duty personnel, has largely operated as a mobile Police officer together with his self decorated SP rank.

Curiously enough, Adamu continued to receive his salaries from the Nigeria Police, despite not reporting to both his new and old Command’s.

However, he reportedly met his waterloo in the hands of the Hausa/Fulani Community in the Nasarawa area of Calabar,who were said to be his major victims .

Fed up with his alleged extortionist and fraudulent escapades ,the Hausa/Fulani residents raised the alarm, which ultimately attracted the Cross Rivers Police Command, leading to his arrest .

Irene Ugbo, SP, the Command’s spokesperson, while confirming the arrest, noted that Corporal Adamu will remain detained, until investigations into the matter is exhausted.

“It is true that the said Officer was transferred from Cross River to Kaduna State since 2015 and never reported at his new station.

“There are allegations that he has been involved in criminal activities around Bacoco Nasarawa area of Calabar .All that will be investigated” Ugbo stated

Appeal Court Asks Pro-Wike Law Makers, Others To Maintain Status Quo

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Parties in the Rivers House of Assembly crisis have been asked by an Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital to maintain the status quo, pending the determination of the substantive suit before it.

A three-man panel of justices gave the ruling on Friday June 14, 2024 in an appeal brought before it by the 27 pro-Wike Lawmakers seeking to reverse an earlier judgement that declared their legislative seats vacant following their defections from the Peoples Democratic Patty PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC.

Justice Dagogo Jack of a Rivers State High Court had earlier ruled to declare the seats of Speaker Martins Amaewfule and 26 other law makers vacant, restraining them from further parading themselves as members of the state House of Assembly having lost their legislative seats by virtue of their resignation from the PDP ,the party that sponsored them for the elections.

In the same vein, the court had ruled that Victor Oko -Jumbo remains the authentic Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The Appeal Court Panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, however, advised all parties against any moves that would affect the substantive suit.

The Court also ordered that the notice of appeal should be served on all the defendants in the suit ,before the next adjourned date.

OPINION: Chimamanda Adichie On Peter Obi – By Val Obienyem

The Source

June 14, 2024

When Prof. Wole Soyinka emitted that caustic lava on Mr. Peter Obi, a lot of people sprang up against him. I told a story where we wanted to set a deadly trap for Prof. Soyinka, and it was Peter Obi himself who lectured us on the virtues of respect for elders as a reason not to accept his invitation to cross swords with him. During his interview on Arise, Obi demonstrated what he meant when questions were asked of him about the Nobel Laureate’s caustic outbursts.

When the controversy was raging, I asked a question: Where is Chimamanda? I went on to write: “Our literary queen is also very intelligent—not just creatively intelligent, but also insightful. She is filling the gap Prof. Chinua Achebe left. I have long predicted that she would one day win the Nobel Prize. When unnecessary controversy arose, her balanced voice went a long way. I think she spoke to the BBC. We are eager to hear from her now.”

I understood enough of Newton’s Laws of Motion to know that even literary engagements obey that law. A Soyinka in motion would have needed an equal or greater force to stop. In terms of logic for logic, we have the likes of Prof. Okey Ikechukwu and Dele Farotimi who match him. However, tackling a Soyinka requires more than that. This is where we miss Prof. Chinua Achebe. However, we have his children who can give a good account of themselves by providing equal, if not greater, force. This was why I asked that question: where is Chimamanda?

Thank God she has finally answered me in prose both fluid and sensible. Read her! The summary of her submission is that, contrary to Soyinka’s insistence that Obi is not fit to become the president of Nigeria, Obi is actually the man any nation should crave for as its president. In fact, we need him in a crisis situation, which Nigeria has become under “Agbado.”

Chimamanda Speaks:

“Peter Obi is comfortable in his skin. His air is of a person who is who he has always been, genial and genuine, transparent and level-headed, effortlessly himself.

He has that rare quality of supreme self-confidence unmarred by a fragile ego; he takes criticism in stride, has no use for pompousness, and can laugh at himself. He is uncommonly principled, especially so for a Nigerian politician, and while he never shies away from highlighting this, his sense of humour saves him from falling into the dingy pit of self-righteousness.

When his humour isn’t self-deprecating, it is sometimes sly, sometimes cutting, and almost always edifying. You find yourself laughing, but the laughter is a pathway to revelation. It makes you think or rethink ideas, and puts your mind to work.

His ease with data and numbers inspires confidence and suggests an intellectual curiosity, a keenness to learn; a man who does his homework because he wants to and not because he has to.

It is obvious how intimately he knows—and loves—Nigeria, how pained he is by the tarnish and the rot. He is too clear-eyed to be sentimental and too realistic to be ideological, and it is easy to imagine him creating an eclectic toolbox of political solutions. His worldview is shaped by the shrewdness of a self-made businessman, the steadfastness of a striver, and the soul of a dreamer.

Here is a wealthy man who is both quiet and unapologetic about his (clean and legitimate) wealth, who is contemptuous of the excesses of the privileged class, and who is completely at ease with ordinary people. This perhaps is why he is so effective at bridging the divisions of class and culture: his folksy wisdom is easily digestible and accessible to every kind of Nigerian.

His vision is aspirational but in a practical, achievable way. To hear him speak of expanding agriculture in the North, or of reducing corruption by starting at the top, is to re-imagine Nigeria in bold familiar fonts, a much better country yet recognizable still.

Above all else, he comes across as wonderfully human. He shows compassion without being false, and he speaks of the poor not as props but as people. He knows how much garri and fuel and bread cost today, and he knows what they cost last year, and he knows how unacceptable the difference is.

In the midst of such stark hardship in the fcountry, it is heartening to see in Peter Obi a sign of inspirational leadership—the ability to leave people with a sense of attainable hope.”

Obienyem, a Lawyer, writes from Awka

How Three Abducted Abia Siblings Were Finally Rescued

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The three siblings reportedly abducted and whisked away by an unknown person in Amaoba-Ime, Oboro Ikwuano local council of Abia state have been rescued.

Their rescue came in batches ,with the last and youngest of them breathing the air of freedom on Thursday, June 13, 2024, over two weeks after two others were rescued .

The Source reports that the trio of Gideon Osinachi 8, Divine Osinachi 6 ,and Israel Osinachi 4 years old, were on Friday, May 10, 2024, abducted by a motorcyclist on their way back from school.

Their grandmother had enlisted the services of the motorcycle rider to take her grandchildren back to their parents house. But the motorcyclist had a different idea.

The motorcyclist took them away and for over two weeks, no body had an inkling about their where about.

However, following concerted and intense recovery efforts mounted by the Abia state Government, the authorities of the Ikwuano Local Council ,Security Agencies and other stakeholder, luck smiled on two of the missing children first.

Precisely on May 21, the second in line of the missing children Divine was found and rescued in Ekwulobia, Anambra state .

Instructively, he was rescued from a supposedly ” humanitarian home” being operated by a Reverend Sister.

On May 23 , the eldest of the siblings, Gideon was located and rescued also in Anambra state ,from the hands of yet another human trafficking cartel masquerading as orphanage home.

The waiting game for the location and rescue of the last and youngest of the missing children Israel continued until Thursday, June 13, 2024.

He was, however, found in Warri, Delta state. As at late Thursday night ,the rescue team was on their way to Abia State with him.

Mayor of Ikwuano Local Council, Comrade Osinachi Nwaka who confirmed the location and rescue of the last of the missing children expressed deep appreciation to God, the Abia state Governor Dr Alex Otti, security agencies and other well meaning individuals that contributed to the rescue efforts.

The Local Council boss, also, acknowledged the fervent prayers from individuals and groups during the trying moments.

FCT Foils Bank Robbery: Policeman Dies, Two Suspects Killed, Three Others Arrested

Ayodele Oni

June 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command on Friday announced that its officers and men, in a joint operation with the military foiled a bank robbery incident.

It stated that the police team was led by the FCT commissioner of police, Benneth Igweh, during which some suspects were shot dead while others sustained injuries, with arrests made.

A statement by Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the command explained that “In swift response to an armed robbery incident at first bank PLC in Abaji on June 13, 2024, at about 5:00 PM, the FCT police, led by the commissioner of police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, himself, in a combined operation with the military, mobilized to scene and repelled the attack.

“The attack was simultaneously carried out on both Abaji Divisional Police headquarters and first bank PLC in Abaji by a group of fifteen armed men who attacked with dynamites in attempt to rob the bank.

“The security forces engaged the armed robbers in an intense gun duel, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet wounds.

“The security forces succeeded in apprehending three suspects, namely, Usman (surname yet unknown), who was reported to be the gang leader, Nuhu Musa, 41 ‘m’ of Kogi State; and Muhammed Aminu, 25 ‘m’ of Abaji, with grave degrees of bullet injuries, while a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralized by the security forces.

“One police operative and the gang leader hit by bullet during the gun duel, were rushed to the hospital, and the doctor on duty confirmed them dead, while others are still receiving treatment.

“While search operation is ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects with bullet injuries, the commissioner of police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, lauds the effectiveness of the combined operation and reaffirms the command’s unflinching commitment to ensuring that FCT remains inhabitable for criminals, noting that the safety of the residents of FCT is non-negotiable.”

Ondo Governorship Poll: INEC Releases Names Of 17 Candidates, Date For Commencement Of Campaigns

Ayodele Oni

June 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday published names of governorship candidates and their deputies for November poll.

The commission explained in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, that one of the fielded candidates is a disable person.

Olumekun’s statement clarified that “Overall, 17 political parties are fielding candidates for the election. No political party has nominated a female candidate while one candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with disability (a paraplegic).

“The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.”

It stated that “The Commission is pleased to announce the publication of the final list of candidates for the Ondo State Governorship Election.

“Following the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal particulars of the Governorship candidates and their running mates in the State and Local Government offices.

“In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and their running mates by the deadline of 10th June 2024.

“The parties are the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) while five parties replaced their running mates only.

“They are the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

“The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.

“The list has been published at our office in Akure and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

On time frame for commencement of campaigns by candidates and political parties, it said “With the publication of the final list of candidates, the next activity is electionering campaign.

“As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaign by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

“Therefore, Political Parties are now permitted to start campaign in public from Wednesday 19th June 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday 14th November 2024 as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission once again reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity.

“For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022.”

The Ondo State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday 16th November 2024.

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