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Acquisition Of Land: Oyo Government Begins Payment Of Compensation For Ajia Property Owners

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Seyi Makinde - Governor of Oyo State

By Akinwale Kasali

Bringing to fulfilment its promise on compensating residents of Ajia Inukan Local Council Development Area, Ona Ara Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has ordered the commencement of payment to owners of the affected properties along the aforementioned area in the State.

The Government recently acquired an expanse of land for developmental projects of construction of Air Force Base, General Hospital and ICT centre projects sited at the area.

Disclosing the approval of the payment of compensation which has commenced, Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development,  Williams Akin-Funmilayo met with the claimants, relaying the message of the Governor to them and swung into action.

The Governor has, however, earmarked the sum of five hundred and thirteen million, four hundred and sixty -two thousand, four hundred and forty-six Naira fifty kobo (N513, 462, 446. 50k) as compensation to the affected claimants.

The compensation, according to Akin-Funmilayo, is a crucial step towards fostering good relationship between the government and the residents.

It will be recalled that the Oyo State Government had earlier conducted identification and verification exercise for the property owners along the corridor of the project, after which their properties were valued in preparation for payment of compensation by the State Government.

Adedokun Olalekan, who spoke of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the State Governor, for his empathy towards the people of Oyo State, and for fulfilling his promise.

Ezekwesili Lashes President Tinubu Over Acquisition Of Presidential Jet, Says It’s Fiscal Rascality

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Obiageli Ezekwesili

By Akinwale Kasali

Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Education Minister and a strong critic of the President Bola  Tinubu administration has again hit the Tinubu led-Federal Government. He slammed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and State Governors for indulging in the worst display of fiscal rascacity when the country is highly overburdened with all kinds of debts.

Ezekwesili joined the conversation on the alleged misplaced priority of the Federal Government in the acquisition of a Presidential Jet when the economy of the country is experiencing a downturn, coupled with hunger and suffering of  citizens.

In a statement via her X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Ezekwesili accused Tinubu, NASS, and State Governors of spending scarce public funds on projects and luxuries while asking the poor masses to “sacrifice for the future”.

She noted that the level of unjust governance is not sustainable, adding that the President, NASS, and State Governors are insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

The statement reads: “The Obscene Indulgence of our Political and Public Officials in a Season of Famine.

“What a big shame on the @NigeriaGov of @NGRPresident @officialABAT and the lawmakers @nassnigeria !

“The worst display of Fiscal Rascality is when political and public leaders of a country that is highly overburdened with Debts of all kinds, choose to spend scarce public resources on prestige projects and luxuries.

“Imagine the @NGRPresident and his Vice, @NGRSenate and @HouseNGR of @nassnigeria and the Governors of mostly unviable 36 States enjoying obscene luxuries while asking the Poor “to sacrifice for the future”.

“Something will have to give someday soon, because this level of unjust governance is frankly not sustainable. The Class War that members of the Nigerian political class are asking for by their insensitivity to the plight of the people will for sure end their fiscal rascality.

“Again, this level of unjust governance is frankly not sustainable. For one, the current Citizens’ restiveness will remain with us no matter how much the folks in @NigeriaGov pretend that it is not hunger that drove citizens into the massive #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.

“Having been following the raging controversy on the “Salaries of Lawmakers @nassnigeria” the deja vu is uncanny; recalling a similar uproar that followed a Keynote Speech I delivered on Cost of Governance on August 19, 2013 @cislacnigeria conference. Yesterday was exactly eleven years ago of that saga.”

OPINION: NASS N21m Running Cost Is Illegal, Contemptuous 

By
James Orji
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Femi Falana - SAN

By Femi Falana

Sometime in March 2018, Senator Shehu Sani, from Kaduna State and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, blew the whistle over the jumbo salaries and allowances of federal legislators in Nigeria. Senator Shehu Sani had, in an interview with the News Magazine, on the 8th of March 2018 revealed that “each senator receives N13.5 million monthly as running cost in addition to over N750,000.00 monthly consolidated salary and allowances”.

The disclosure led to the institution of Suit No FHC/L/CS/790/2018- Monday Ubani v The Senate & Ors at the Federal High Court where the plaintiff challenged the constitutional validity of the humongous salaries and allowances of the legislators. Two NGOS, the Socioeconomic and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Enough is Enough (EIE) filed similar suits in the same court where they prayed for the annulment of the total package of N14 million per month for a Nigerian Senator. Both Chambers of the National Assembly mounted a vigorous defence of the salaries and allowances fixed for the legislators by themselves.

In a landmark judgment delivered on June 4, 2021 in the consolidated suits, the trial judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor declared that the the Senate, the House of Representatives and the National Assembly service Commission “have no power, close or semblance of power and cannot determine, direct, command and/or instruct the 2nd defendant (RMAFC)) or any person howsoever, to make, determine and/or fix the salaries, wages, remuneration, running cost or allowances of the 3rd and 4th defendants.”

Having ruled that the RMAFC (2nd defendant) is the only body responsible for determining the salaries, remuneration and/or allowances of the National assembly or political office holders, the court held that “In line with Section 32 (b)(d) of part 1 of third schedule of the Constitutional of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the 2nd defendant should forthwith downward review and fix the salaries, remuneration or allowances of the 3rd and 4th defendants to reflect the economic realities in the country.

In utter contempt of the orders of the Federal High Court, the current leadership of the National Assembly increased the salaries and allowances of a Senator from N14 million to N21 million per month. This was confirmed last week by a member of the 10th Senate and Senator representing Kano South senatorial district of Kano State on the platform of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila who revealed that he earns approximately N21million monthly in salary and allowances. The lawmaker made this revelation while speaking to BBC Hausa Service.

Apparently embarrassed by Senator Sumaila’s disclosure, the National Assembly leadership has said that the N21 million is the “running cost” of each Senator per month. The defence is a careless attempt to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians. It is pertinent to point out that the running cost of parliament is the total money spent regularly to make the organization working.

In the 2024 Appropriation Act, the National Assembly appropriated N370 billion on running costs and contingency for the Senate and House of Representatives in the 2024 Appropriation Act. The breakdown of the running costs, contingency, etc are as follows:

i. N36.7 billion for the National Assembly Office;

ii. N49 billion for the Senate;

iii. N79 billion for the House of Representatives;

iv. N12.3billion for the National Assembly Service Commission and

v N20.3 billion for Legislative Aides.

In addition, the sum of N70 billion was approved for the “working conditions” while N57 billion was spent on buying SUVs for the members of the National Assembly at N160 million per member. The constituency projects of each senatorial district will gulp N500 million while those of the Senate President will attract N4 billion.

However, there is no provision whatsoever for monthly payment of N21 million running costs to every Senator in the 2024 Appropriation Act. To that extent, the payment is illegal. Furthermore, since the running cost was not fixed by the Revenue, Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, it is unconstitutional and contemptuous of the valid and subsisting order of the Federal High Court.

The lawmakers should comply with the law of the land. Otherwise, we shall soon embark on contempt proceedings

as the legislators are not above the law of the land.

Having just enacted the Minimum Wage Act that stipulates N70,000

for workers, the jumbo emolument of N21 million for federal legislators will compound the crisis of inequality in the country.

Falana, a rights activist is Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

Edo 2024: “We Shall Deny Governor Obaseki  Use Of Federal Roads, Airports – Oshiomhole

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki

By Akinwale Kasali

The momentum for the Edo 2024 Governorship Election is soaring with the two leading Political Parties in the State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress,  APC,  firing shots at each other.

At the APC Campaign in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area in the State, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole stirred up the electorates by strongly criticizing the current administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, saying it has failed beyond measures.

Oshiomhole didn’t hold back, as he fired warning shots at his former ‘godson’ Obaseki. He accused him of betraying the people’s trust and blocking the opposition from using public facilities that were funded by tax payers.

Oshiomhole, known for his fiery rhetoric, didn’t mince words as he warned Obaseki to change course or face the consequences.

His words, “If Obaseki continues on this path of pettiness, we will deny him the right to use Federal infrastructure like roads and airports,” Oshiomhole thundered, as he drew cheers from the crowd.

The former Edo State Governor reminded the gathering that during his tenure as governor, he  allowed PDP to use public facilities, a courtesy that Obaseki has refused to extend to the APC.

With the stakes high in the upcoming elections, Oshiomhole urged the people of Uromi to rally behind the APC and reject Obaseki, whom he accused of failing to deliver on key campaign promises, including the creation of 200,000 jobs, the construction of a mini-stadium, and the development of the Gelegele seaport.

In the same vein,  APC’s Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, echoed Oshiomhole’s sentiments, declaring this election a “must-win” for the party.

The crowd roared in agreement as Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC Governorship candidate, took the stage to outline his five-point agenda for Uromi.

He promised to tackle insecurity, revamp the education system, improve infrastructure, enhance healthcare, and boost agricultural development.

The rally in Uromi was more than just a political gathering, it was also a clarion call for change, as Oshiomhole led the charge and Okpebholo promising to be a “governor of the people,” the APC is poised to make a powerful push in the battle for Edo State’s future.

INEC: Ogun REC Slumps, Dies After Meeting With Chairman

By
James Orji
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Niyi Ijalaye - Ogun INEC Rec

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC,  the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Ogun State, ‘Niyi Ijalaye, is dead, The Punch reports.

It was reliably gathered that the Ogun REC slumped and died in Abuja on Monday evening after a meeting of RECs at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A source at the Ogun State INEC headquarters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Barrister Ijalaye had returned to his hotel room after the meeting before the incident happened.

The source further revealed that the Ondo-born administrator, who was lively throughout the commission’s meeting, retired to a hotel in the Federal Capital Territory, where the incident happened.

The meeting, according to the remarks of the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, which was posted on the verified timeline of the Commission on Facebook, focused on two off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, and seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies.

During the meeting, Ijalaye dressed in blue striped Kaftan with a red cap, was seen in one of the pictures posted by the Commission on its timeline.

Ijalaye was posted to Ogun State in March 2022, to replace Olusegun Agbaje who had been transferred to Lagos State.

NLC, Police Standoff: Congress Summons Emergency Meeting Over Ajaero’s Invitation

By
James Orji
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Joe Ajaero and Kayode Egbetokun -IGP

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has summoned an emergency  meeting of its National Executive Council, NEC, in view of the invitation of Joe Ajaero, its president  by the Nigerian Police.

The NEC meeting, the NLC said, in a notice to the NEC will be held by 8am on Tuesday with all heads of affiliates and state chapters of NLC expected to be present.

The magazine reported that Ajaero was summoned by the NPF for questioning today on terrorism financing related allegation.

Recall also that operatives of the NPF had two weeks ago raided the NLC secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital where they carted away documents.

The NPF later said in a statement by its spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi that the raid was conducted to arrest a foreign national linked to subversion and terrorism in the country.

The invasion of the NLC Secretariat had caused furore between the Police and NLC, even as the umbrella body of workers in Nigeria demanded apology from the Kayode Egbetokun-led NPF.

According to the notice of the NLC meeting titled, “Notice of emergency National Executive Council meeting,”, signed by the NLC’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress said the ‘hybrid’ meeting was summoned to discuss the invitation of Ajaero by the Police.

“You are invited to the emergency National Executive Council Hybrid meeting scheduled as follows:Tuesday, August 20, 2024; 8am Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House,” part of the notice said.

In the letter of invitation sent to the NLC, the police had threatened to use force if Ajaero failed to make himself available for questioning today.

The invitation is contained in a letter dated 19th August 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team.

The letter reads: “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated.

“You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader on telephone no 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation.

“Be informed that if you fail to honour this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”

Adamawa Begins Payment Of N70k Minimum Wage This Month

By
James Orji
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Ahmadu Fintiri - Governor of Adamawa State

The Adamawa state government has become one of the few states in the country ready to pay the N70,000 minimum wage.

On Monday, the state governor Umaru Fintiri approved the payment of the new wage to the state workers, amidst doubts on whether other state governments will pay.

Some state governments have giving an indication that they are not ppepared the new wage as approved by the federal government in July.

The magazine reported that states like Bauchi, Yobe, Abia, amongst others have expressed reservations on the approval of the new wage, saying they have no funds to pay workers the approved wage.

There are indications that some state governments may renegotiate with their workers on what to pay as minimum wage.

But speaking with journalists on Monday, after a closed door meeting with Governor Fintiri, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, in the state, Emmanuel Fashe said the governor has approved the new wage to be paid to state workers from August.

Their counterparts in the local government would be paid the new wage from September, the NLC chief said, adding that the template to be used is the consequential adjustment table that was used in 2019, pending the release of the table from the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission.

Fashe said, “Whatever the worker was getting as present national minimum wage of N32,000 as it applies to Adamawa State, that same will be applied in terms of percentages in implementation of the new minimum wage.”

On July 29, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law, amidst jubilations among the nation’s labour force thus ushering in a new wage system for the Nigerian workers.

Shock, Disbelief, As Police Accuse NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Of Terrorism, Treasonable Felony, Invite Him For Interrogation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Joe Ajaero - NLC President

By Ayodele Oni

Threatens to issue a warrant of arrest against Ajaero if he fails to show up for questioning

In a shocking development, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has accused  Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) of terrorism and its financing. The NPF has, therefore, invited Ajaero for Interrogation. He will be  NPF’s guest on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Time, 10.00am.

He will be  questioned on  alleged connections to terrorism financing and other very serious charges, including treasonable felony and subversion.

The summon was detailed in a letter from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), within the Department of Force Intelligence.

The letter, signed by Adamu S. Muazu warns that non-compliance with the invitation could result in arrest.

The letter reads:

“This office is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime in which you have been implicated.

“You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 a.m. prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader at telephone number 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation.

“Be informed that if you fail to honor this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”

The IRT is currently investigating serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treason, subversion, and cybercrime.

The NLC had accused the Federal Government of launching an attack against the organization following a recent raid on its headquarters by security forces.

In a press conference held in Abuja last Thursday, NLC leaders criticized the Police explanation for the raid, demanding an apology, the return of confiscated items, and the release of those detained.

The NLC also denounced the Government’s attempts to meddle in its internal matters, such as a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders, which it argues contravenes labor laws and international standards.

The Police had stated that the raid was aimed at capturing an international terrorist suspect. However, the NLC rejected this justification. The NLC labeled it a cover-up and pointed out discrepancies in the Police’s account.

The serious allegations against Ajaero, and his invitation for questioning, and threat of arrest, is likely to worsen the relationship between the Organised Labour and the Government.

Media Group Urges Security Agencies To Intensify Efforts To Rescue Kidnapped Medical Students

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Akinwale Kasali

Days after the abduction of  20 Medical and Dental Students and a Medical Doctor of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, a Media Group, Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors, NASRE, has expressed deep concern over the sad and ugly incident. It described it as a worrisome and devastating event.

The sad incident occurred on Friday, August 16, 2024, when the students from the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos were traveling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, FECAMDS, annual convention in Enugu State.

The group was ambushed by gunmen around 5:30 pm in the Otukpo area of Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping, heightening fears for the safety of the abducted individuals.

The victims, who were on a journey to further their education and professional development, now find themselves in a life-threatening situation.

In response to this alarming development, NASRE has called on the Inspector General of Police and other relevant Security Agencies to take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe return of the kidnapped students.

The Association emphasized that the protection of lives and property is a fundamental duty of the Government and urged all security forces to mobilize every necessary resources to bring the students back to their families unharmed.

Comrade Femi Oyewale, the President of NASRE, stressed the importance of ensuring that such incidents do not reoccur.

Oyewale on behalf the Group called on all Arms of Government and Security Agencies to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and urged the implementation of comprehensive measures to guarantee the safety of every Nigerian, regardless of their status.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted students and the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students.

Oyewale stressed that: “It is imperative that the government acts swiftly and effectively, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice and safety for all.”

The names of the kidnapped students, as released by FECAMDS, includes; Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba, Monica Ejembi, Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka, Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara, and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu,a House Officer.

As the situation unfolds, NASRE’s call for urgent action highlights the ongoing challenges of insecurity in Nigeria and the pressing need for concerted efforts to protect the lives of citizens, especially students, who are the future of the nation.

Obasanjo Laments State Of The Nation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olusegun Obasanjo

By Akinwale Kasali

Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, has lamented the pathetic state of the nation. He said the country’s development has stagnated and plunged the nation to its present state.

The former President added that  “self-centred” leadership and lack relevant knowledge and understanding has made the nation to lose its position among the comity of nations.

Obasanjo said this while speaking as a Special Guest of Honour, at the Leadership Empowerment International Conference, LEIC, in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

He said leadership is a lasting virtue that endures until the end of one’s life, stressing that once the issue of poor leadership is resolved, “we will get all other things right.”

“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you take your last breath. You are never too old to be a leader and contribute to the development of your community, your state, your country, the continent, and the world.

“And if you ask me in one word what is the bane of Nigeria today, I will not hesitate. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, leadership that lacks knowledge and understanding, and leadership that does not view service as the core of what leadership is about.

“If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right. This is what LEIC is doing that is commendable and very good. We must encourage and instil good leadership at every level of our national life.”

He stressed that leadership must rise to its responsibilities to create a better world for all Nigerians.

“We have resources in Africa; we have 70 per cent of the world’s copper. Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse—no resources!

“But, whatever resources we have, if we lack leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is so crucial.

“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, free from oppression, and characterised by security, peace, and visionary leaders without effective leadership,” the former Military General said.

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