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Minimum Wage: NLC, TUC Settle For N500,000

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Organised Labour in the country has slashed its demand for a new minimum wage to N500, 000.

The nation’s s workforce had earlier demanded N615, 000 minimum wage, saying they arrived at the figure based on the current economic reality in the country.

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Political Commission, disclosed this to The Punch on Wednesday.

Both the NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, are currently involved in the tripartite minimum wage negotiation with the state, federal government and the Employer Consultative Forum representing the Private Sector.

The magazine reported that organized labour had earlier rejected both N48,000 and N54,000 offered by the federal government, describing the offer as insensitive to the current plight of the Nigerian workers.

“Yes, it is true we have reduced it to N500,000. But we are still not making progress at the moment,” Prof. Ndubuaku said as the negotiation between the parties continues.

The negotiation was resumed on Tuesday after it was deadlocked for almost a week. The NLC and TUC had left the negotiation in anger after the federal government proposed N48, 000 as the new wage.

Speaking on the fresh offer of N54, 000 by the federal government, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the offer is not “substantial” to sustain the Nigerian worker.

He said a good minimum wage with bridge the gap between the “bourgeoisie” and the workers.

The offer, he said, “is still not substantial compared to what we need to make a family moving.”

“The economy of the workers is totally destroyed. In fact, the workers doesn’t have any economy. I think there are two economies in the country; the economy of the bourgeoisie and the economy of the workers. I think we have to harmonise this so that we can have a meeting point.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians insist that the demand of N500, 000 as minimum wage by the NLC and TUC is not realistic, considering the situation of things in the country.

For instance, many state governments in the country are still struggling to pay the current N30, 000 minimum wage.

In fact, state governors who are supposed to be part of the ongoing negotiation have absented themselves, a pointer that some states would reject any agreement reached with Labour on the issue.

OPINION: Akwa Ibom Education: The Hardworking Prefect’s Touch

By
James Orji
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By Victor Umanah

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, amongst other things, in the years past, was a prefect at Victory High School in Ikeja, Lagos, where amidst his daily tour of duty as a hawker and shop minder for his enterprising mother, honed skills in street credibility, leadership, management and the worth of education

Today, as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, his growing up experiences seem to be the driving force behind his resolve to revive public education in the state and give students a feel of what was enjoyed in days of yore.

The strength of his vision and dreams for the sector, as revealed in this ARISE agenda, his all-encompassing blueprint, is not  just in words but actions. His vision is  a new Akwa Ibom where pupils and students are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to compete and excel with their peers anywhere in the world.

He started these interventions from an  unscheduled visit some months ago to Christ the King Primary School,(CKS) along Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo, a few metres away from the Government House, which led to his decision to not only renovate the school but birth the idea of building model public  primary schools across the state.

That  remodeled school has been completed, equipped with modern facilities like a welcome centre and reception hall, fully furnished six classrooms blocks, administrative block, Library, an ICT Centre, laboratories, staff quarters, and sick bay among others.

Some other models schools, including one completed at Ewet, in Uyo Local Government Area and ongoing in Ukanafun, are expressions of his commitment to this cause.

He also announced the distribution of free school uniforms and shoes (produced locally) and one million exercise books to primary school pupils.

In addition, the governor recently paid bursaries to students of the state origin in public tertiary institutions in the state. A total of over N127 million has been paid since the commencement of the exercise.

This is besides the N100 million educational trust fund for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) who are studying in the state. Additionally, Governor Eno approved the payment of N250,000 and N300,000 each to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as scholarship, respectively.

While also approving and releasing various sums to offset the fees of 13 medical students that were on the verge of dropping out of school.

Another N100 million scholarship was given to the winner of the 2023 Heirs Life National Essay Competition and N5 million law school grant to a physically challenged graduate of the University of Uyo.

Governor Eno has equally ended the lamentations of retired primary school teachers who have sacrificed 35 years to lay a solid foundation for elementary education in the state by the payment of gratuities. In addition, the free and compulsory education policy at primary and secondary school levels has been sustained.

He further released an initial N778.9 million for the payment of the 2023/2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 48,797 candidates participating in the sub regional examination in the state.

The payment will cover NIN registration fees, biometric registration, funds for administrative cost, as well as 50 per cent WASSCE fee. In fact, the increase in sundry charges for the examination has raised the yearly payment fee from N1 billion to N1.5 billion, an amount that has not discouraged the government’s commitment to the arrangement.

To ensure Akwa Ibom Children compete favourably with their counterparts all over the world, the governor initiated a United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme, to give foreign exposure to some bright but not-so-privileged Akwa Ibom children and encourage them to believe in hard work.

Over 271 students from public secondary schools across the state were  selected for the programme after their participation in a paper-based examination. Justifying the funding of the programme despite the cost, Eno said human capital development and the benefits for Akwa Ibom children outweigh the cost of such investment.

As part of the exchange programme, a  two-day capacity-building workshop on Education Skills Upscaling for principals of public secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state which was organised by the Ministry of Education had in attendance the Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, Michael Situ, and David Bromfield, senior education advisor of Southwark Council.

The UK Education Exchange Programme has been described as the fulfilment of the governor’s promise of creating an exchange programme where participants will experience, learn and adopt global best practices aimed at improving the state’s education system and giving exposure to intelligent students from the rural areas.

School heads, including the Chairman, All-Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS), Mr. Stephen Akpabio, affirmed that the value gained from the robust engagements and knowledge sharing sessions have propelled them to a new level of renewed commitment as direct implementers of government policies, noting that schools would perform better as a result of the engagement

Indeed, the training programme opened new vistas of development in the state’s education sector as more human resource programmes were introduced to equip principals and teachers to stay abreast with contemporary trends

Stakeholders say the Governor’s show of compassion is very commendable. A pensioner, Imaobong Udofia said, ” If nothing, the payment of gratuities and pensions promptly by the Governor has motivated teachers to do more in training children for the future.” A parent, Elder Archibong Umoh, says parents are happy that the burden of paying examination fees for WAEC and the bursary to students has been lifted of their neck.

Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, however, believes education, exposure, and experience have guided Governor Eno’s step in the sector.

“When you have a well-educated, exposed, and experienced man as Governor, there is no how the education sector will not thrive.”

That is not all, Governor Eno understands the nexus between education and entrepreneurship, which was why, in his first few months in office, he established the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre fondly called Ibom-LED.

This Centre, which was in fulfilment of a campaign promise, is equipped to provide essential business, leadership, and professional skills. Through its Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), it has so far trained 800 participants. The participants have all benefited from a N400 million grant from Governor Umo Eno. His goal is to equip 5000 budding entrepreneurs in four years and send them off with a total grant of N2.5 billion.

That was not all, in  spirit of continuity, he has now completed the state-of-the-art Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre  ( DASAC).

The Centre which has the University of Lagos as Consultants, is equipped to train people in agri-business, ICT, mechanical works, woodwork, plumbing, fashion design etc.

With its Governing Council, staff quarters, hostel  and other facilities in place, the Centre which is adjudged as first-of-its kind in Nigeria, would certainly reduce the unemployment gap in the state.

For Governor Eno, fighting educational inequality is very critical, and he believes he has a unique opportunity of achieving two key SDGs: 1 and 4 by effectively funding and enabling access to quality education.

Umannah, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Uyo

CBN: BDCs No Longer Required To Pay N200m Deposit, Says New Apex Bank Regulation

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has revised its regulatory guidelines for Bureau De Change in the country.

According to a circular issued by Haruna Mustafa, the apex bank’s Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department BDCs in the country would no longer be required to deposit caution fee with the CBN.

The magazine reported that the CBN updated its guidelines in February this year where it required Tier 1 and Tier 2 BDCs operators to deposit N200 million, and N50 million respectively with the apex bank as mandatory caution fees.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 BDCs were also required by the guidelines to pay N5 million, and N1 million for license renewal.

But these requirements are no longer necessary, according to the updated guidelines shared by the bank on Wednesday.

The apex bank stated that the decision was arrived at following various consultations with stakeholders, adding that this is part of the ongoing reform in the foreign exchange market by the Cardoso-led CBN.

The apex bank  said, “As part of reforms to re-position the Bureau De Change (BDC) sub-sector to play its envisioned role in the foreign exchange market in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued the Draft Operational Guidelines for BDC Operations in Nigeria in February 2024, for stakeholder comments/inputs.

“Following the conclusion of the stakeholder consultations and in the exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 56 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, the CBN hereby issues the attached Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureau De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024 for compliance by all operators and promoters of proposed BDCs in Nigeria.

“The guidelines, amongst others, introduce new licensing requirements and categories of BDCs as well as revise the permissible activities, financial requirements, corporate governance requirements and AML/CFT/CPF provisions for BDCs.

“All existing BDCs shall: Re-apply for a new license according to any of the Tiers or license categories of their choice as provided in the Guidelines.

“Meet the minimum capital requirements for the license category applied for within six (6) months from the effective date of the Guidelines.

“Applicants for New BDC License Applicants for a new BDC license are required to meet the conditions for the grant of license in accordance with the Tier or category of BDC chosen as stipulated in the Guidelines. Receipt and processing of applications for license shall commence from the effective date of the Guidelines.”

The new guidelines is effective from  June 3, 2024, the apex bank said.

Chidoka Sad About  Emirates Airlines Return, Says Airline, UAE Insulted, Treated Nigeria With Contempt

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Osita-Chidoka

By Adesina Soyooye

Osita Chidoka, Minister for Aviation under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, says it is shameful that Emirates Airlines is returning to Nigeria.

The Airline had suspended operations to Nigeria on the excuse that it was being owed while the Government of its country, United Arab Emirates, UAE, banned Nigerians from coming to their Country and banned the issuance of Visa to all categories of Nigerians

On May 16, Emirates Airlines announced  its return to Nigeria beginning from October 1, 2024.

But in a statement he issued on Wednesday, May 22, Chidoka slammed the Airline and the United Arab Emirates government for abandoning Nigeria as soon as the Nigeria began to battle with economic challenges. He said their behaviour showed how much in contempt they hold Nigeria and  a “direct affront on the pride and respect of Nigerians.”

According to Chidoka, the Visa ban by UAE, followed by the suspension of flights was a “blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.”

He said they owe Nigeria an explanation and apology and restitution, and should not be allowed to come back to Nigeria just like that.

The former Minister’s statement reads in part: “Emirates Airlines’ audacity to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation.

“The actions of the UAE Government and their Airline, Emirates, from the unwarranted visa ban on all Nigerians to the suspension of flights, have been nothing short of a blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.

“During my time as Aviation Minister, Emirates Airlines enjoyed an unprecedented two slots to Lagos and one slot to Abuja granted by my predecessor and sustained over the years. This gesture showed Nigeria’s desire to forge close relationships and build regional alliances in the Gulf.

Emirates
Emirates Airlines

“Yet, when Nigeria faced economic challenges, Emirates shamelessly abandoned us while other airlines stood by us. Emirates Airlines, arguably the wealthiest Airline in the World, was the only Airline that suspended operations.

“All the African and European Airlines, equally owed by the Nigerian Government, continued operating and weathered the storm with us as a people—a remarkable show of solidarity and a vote of confidence on a market they had enjoyed for decades.

“Emirates Airlines, like UAE’s Mubadala, the principal investor in Etisalat Nigeria, fled at the first sign of trouble, leaving Nigerians stranded and insulted by their mean behaviour. They did not just walk away, the UAE Government imposed an egregious visa ban on all Nigerians.

“The imposition of a Visa ban on all Nigerians is an unwarranted and vile display of aggression and dehumanisation of Nigerians.

“Nigerians must say no to the unjustified stigmatisation and degradation of Nigerians, almost akin to the ghettos of 20th-century Europe.

“A national visa ban suggests a desire to humiliate and cast a slur on a people as a group.

“The behaviour of the UAE Government and their Airline is an unprovoked attack, and Nigeria should insist on a wholesome redress.

“As we speak, there is no word yet on the visa ban and no apology to Nigerians.

“The Nigerian government must not allow Emirates Airlines to waltz back into our skies without being held accountable for their disrespectful and demeaning conduct. We demand a thorough investigation and restitution before even considering their return.

“Respect for our nation and people is non-negotiable and a minimum. We will not allow our pride to be trampled upon by arrogant corporations or foreign governments.

“This administration must reaffirm our priceless sovereignty at all times.

“Our sovereignty is not for sale.”

Emirates Airlines suspended flight operations to Nigeria  in October 2022 because of challenges in repatriating its funds trapped in Nigeria.

Abba Kyari Granted Two Weeks Bail By Court For Mother’s Funeral

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abba Kyari Granted Bail

By Akinwale Kasali

In a compassionate move, Abba Kyari, suspended and detained former Commander of Force Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police, has been granted a two week bail by the Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja,  to enable him attend his mother funeral.

Kyari is facing trial for drug-related charges filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The former IRT Boss had been in detention following his arrest on February 14, 2022, by the NDLEA.

The court said the two-week bail was to allow Kyari return home to conclude his mother’s burial rites.

The court subsequently set Friday, May 31 for determination of his bail application.

UK University Orders Nigerian Students To Leave Country, Stop Courses, Students Contemplate Suicidê

By
Akinwale Kasali
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UK Students Protest

By Akinwale Kasali

The decision by the Management of Teeside University in United Kingdom to throw off University Courses and Programmes of Nigerian Students as well as order them to leave the country has generated controversy and bad blood.

This development prompted Nigerian Students in the University to stage a Peaceful Protest in the School Campus.

Different Placards were displayed by the Students to show their grievances about the situation.

It would be recalled that the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, had reported this development, citing the devaluation of the Naira that has made the Students struggle to pay tuition fees on time.

It was gathered that some of the Nigerian Students are contemplating suicide, as this development has become unbearable for them.

The Students also accused the University of taking a “heartless” approach to those who fell into arrears as a consequence.

Teeside University Spokesperson said failure to pay was a breach of Visa sponsorship requirements, and that it had “no choice” but to alert the Home Office.

The Home Office said Visa sponsorship decisions rested with the institution.

It added that these young learners face difficulties as Nigeria is currently experiencing an unfavourable economic crisis, which is having a significant impact on Nigerian students at some UK universities.

Before beginning their studies at Teesside, affected students were told they had to present evidence of having enough funds to pay tuition fees and living expenses, but funds were significantly depleted as a result of the crisis in Nigeria.

This worsened financial problems already being experienced by students as a result of the university changing tuition fee payment plans from seven instalments to three.

Consequently, a group of students, 60 of whom shared their names with the BBC, began pressing the University for support after a number of people who defaulted on payments were frozen out of university accounts and involuntarily withdrawn from their courses.

While some were reportedly also contacted by debt collection agencies contracted by the University, some of them like Adenike Ibrahim who was close to graduation had her visa revoked.

Adenike Ibrahim was close to handing in her dissertation at the end of two years of study when she missed one payment and was then kicked off her course and reported to the Home Office.

She subsequently paid the outstanding fees, but said she had not been re-enrolled and was told she must leave the country, along with her young son.

“I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes.

“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.”

She said the experience was “horrendous” and she did not know what was happening with her qualification.

“It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him,” Ms Ibrahim added.

The Home Office told students, including Ms Ibrahim, that their permission to enter the UK had been cancelled because they stopped studying at the University.

The letters, seen by the BBC, offer a date by which the student must leave the country and say they do not have a “right of appeal or administrative review against the decision”.

Since receiving his letter, one masters degree student – who did not want to be named – said he had seriously considered suicide and was not eating or drinking.

The University said it had made “every effort” to support affected students, who had now been offered individual meetings with specialist staff and bespoke payment plans where requested.

“Another affected student, Esther Obigwe has refused to tell her family about what has happened to her as she is so embarrassed.

Esther Obigwe said she repeatedly tried to speak to the University about her financial struggles but received no response, until she too was blocked from her studies and received notice to leave the country.

“I attended all of my classes and seminars, I’m a hell of an active student,” she said.

“It is disheartening, I am now on antidepressants and being here alone, I have nobody to talk to.

“For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept and I don’t understand why this is being meted at us, we didn’t do anything wrong.”

“She added that most of the students had “spent a lot of money to be here”.

Also, Jude Salubri wanted Teesside University to reinstate affected students and engage more with them, adding that making agreements could solve the problems.

Jude Salubi, who was studying to be a social worker, was midway through a placement when he was told his access to the university was suspended and he would have to leave the country.

Prior to that, he travelled from Teesside to Liverpool each weekend to work 18 hours in an attempt to pay off the outstanding fees.

“As of now I have paid £14,000 and have a balance of £14,000,” he said.

“ I am willing to come to an agreement as to how I will make this payment, but I need guarantees that I will be re enrolled into school and my visa restored.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can find advice here.

Some affected students have managed to pay off outstanding fees, but the university is now unable to intervene in the Home Office process, the BBC understands.

A University spokesman said: “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.

“These strict external regulations ensure that the University fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the University ’s control.”

“ The spokesman added it was “aware of the challenging financial situation faced by some students” and had “actively offered bespoke payment plans where requested.

“This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans,” he said.

The Home Office said a decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship rested with the sponsoring institution.

A spokesman said wherever a visa was shortened or cancelled, individuals should “take steps to regularise their stay or make arrangements to leave the UK”.

FG, Ondo, Begin Process Of Restoring Light To Ondo South

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The implementation stage of the efforts to restore electricity supply to the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State began on Wednesday as the Federal Government commissioned the Power Substation at Ode Erinje in Okitipupa local government area of the State.

This is coming almost 15 years after the entire area, comprising of six Local Governments were cut off from national grid.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, commissioned the 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation, bringing hope to residents who have endured nearly 15 years without electricity.

The Ode Erinje Power Substation, which draws its supply from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities spanning five Local Government Areas in the Senatorial District.

The project which started about ten years ago, was funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with support from the Ondo State Government.

The President emphasized that the project’s completion aligned with the administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth, highlighting the crucial role of reliable power supply in driving economy and revitalizing communities.

In his address, Ondo State Governor,  Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, expressed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

The Governor said: “Without doubt, today’s event is a testament to our commitment to sustainable electricity supply and ensuring a permanent end to 15 years of darkness in the Southern Senatorial District of the State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted the support and leadership of President Tinubu in making the project possible.

He lauded the role of the NDDC and its management under the Chairmanship of Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their invaluable partnership and steadfast commitment to realizing the high-impact endeavour.

The Governor emphasized the transformative benefits of the project, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and overall socioeconomic development.

“Our administration is committed to promoting collaboration with organisations with expertise and knowledge that can complement its efforts in advancing the energy sector.

“To this end, our government has been engaging with power companies, technology providers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to generate innovative solutions towards enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the State.”

The Governor urged the community to protect the infrastructure, highlighting the collective duty to safeguard the substation and allied facilities from vandalism.

Earlier in his opening address, the Chairman, NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project is a key component of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, due to the critical role of electricity in achieving sustainable development in the state and in Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, noted that Ondo State is one of the few states where NDDC projects remain free from vandalism. He commended the governor for maintaining a crime-free state.

NBA Writes NERC, Wants The Electricity Regulatory Body To Compel DISCOs To Set Up Public Complaints Units

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Concerned about the absence of appropriate channels for the ventilation of complaints arising from poor service delivery, arbitrary estimated billing, and other unwholesome activities by power consumers, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Aba Branch, has called on the industry regulator, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC to set up a Forum within the Aba metropolis for the purpose of entertaining customers complaints.

The Forum to be sited to serve the nine Local Councils under the operational jurisdiction of the Aba Power Limited, the distribution arm of the Power Generating outfit,  Geometric  Power Plant, otherwise known as Aba Ring Fence, the NBA noted, is in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the industry.

The Aba NBA in the letter dated May 20, 2024, addressed to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of  NERC, and  made available to The Source on Wednesday May 22, argued that the establishment of a forum within the operational area of APL will minimize the risk of traveling to Umuahia, the State Capital by aggrieved customers, save man-hours for APL and its customers, as well as ensure that complaints are not escalated, but resolved amicably.

The NBA letter jointly signed by Innocent Egwu and K.C. Okoro, Chairman and Secretary respectively, also requested the regulatory agency to mandate APL to publish on its website, print and distribute free of charge to its customers the extant subsidiary regulations guiding the industry as made by the NERC so as to appraise them of their rights and obligations.

“We, as public interest and advocacy group, hereby bring to your notice the urgent need to establish a Forum in the Area of operations of Aba Power Limited which is the distribution licensee in charge of nine Local Governments of Abia State, inclusive of Aba, the Headquarters of APL, which is the commercial nerve centre of Abia state .

“It is instructive to note that the nine Local Governments of Abia State, inclusive Aba, which constitute the area of operation of APL, were hitheto under the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company EEDC and

and the Forum located in  Umuahia the state capital.

“As the nine Local Governments inclusive Aba are now within the area of operation of APL and outside the jurisdiction of EEDC, there is an urgent need to establish a Forum within the  area of operation of APL as required under your regulations namely, the customer complaint handling,standards and procedures,( see article 1 page 7) of the regulations which  requires that the Commission shall establish a Forum for hearing and resolving of customers  complaints in the  operational areas of any distribution licensee at a date set out in the order of the Commission.

“It is apposite to note that the above provision of  your regulations is mandatory and the importance of establishing a Forum within the area of operation of each distribution licensee can not be overemphasized.

“The establishment of a Forum within the APL  operational areas  will minimize the risk of traveling to Umuahia by aggrieved customers,save man-hours for APL and its customers and ensure that complaints are not escalated ,but resolved amicably and expeditiously which will in turn promote cordial  relationships between APL and its customers ” part of the NBA letter reads

Female Soldier Steals N35m Wristwatch, Paraded, Dismissed

By
The Source
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0
Jonah Comfort - Female Solider that stole Wristwatch

By Gideon Njoku

In a very sad, shameful incident, a female soldier, identified as Lance Cpl Jonah Comfort, 15NA/74/4422 has been dismissed from the Nigeria Army for stealing.

Dismissed Lance Cpl Jonah was said to have stolen a gold wristwatch which worth was put at N35million.

The gold wristwatch belong to the wife of an unnamed senior Army Officer who Jonah was attached to, and working for.

It is not known what pushed her, or if she knew the worth of the wristwatch, but she sold it to one of those “Mallams” who buy gold within, crush, and sell outside the Country. She sold it for the sum of N35million. The make of the wristwatch also remain unknown.

Her fate was sealed when, while looking for, and tracking how the wristwatch got missing, it was traced to the Mallam.

On arrest, the Mallam confessed that he bought the wristwatch for the sum of five million Naira from Jonah.

She was, thereafter, accosted,  arrested, tried and dismissed on 17th May 2024.

Her family, friends and  colleagues are still in shock that she could engage in such criminality. A couple of them insist that “something must have gone wrong somewhere.”

President Tinubu’s Loyalist Faults Appointments Of Governing Councils Members For Tertiary Institutions

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Dare Owotomobi

By Ayodele Oni

The Global Chairman Nigeria and Diaspora, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, (BATSV) Dare Owotomobi, has described as lopsided, appointments of members of Governing Councils for Universities and Polytechnics.

The Federal Government had, last week, named 555 persons as Governing Council Members for Universities, Colleges of education and Polytechnics.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Owotomobi stated that such appointments ought to have reflected national character.

He flayed a situation whereby some states like Ekiti, got just four nominees while others like Adamawa and Osun got as many as 32 slots.

“Ekiti State was relegated to the back burner in the allocation of slots into these Governing Councils, despite their contribution in the  2023  Presidential Elections.

“This is grossly inadequate and makes the reward system not encouraging at all. For instance, the slots given to other states like Adamawa and Osun, that worked against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during the election.

“32 Adamawa State indigenes were appointed by President Tinubu as Chairmen and Members of Governing Councils of different Polytechnics, Universities, Colleges of Education, etc.”

He pointed out that the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, SAN, ought to have gone through the list to ensure equity, fairplay and federal character were  considered in preparing the list.

According to him, Adamawa, a State that delivered PDP in 2023 presidential election got many appointees while states  like Niger where APC got the highest votes in the 2023 Presidential election from North Central has only four members on the list.

“Kwara State has five and Osun State 22. In Cross River State only six people were  considered for the appointment.”

He, also, observed that most of these schools have no representation from the host communities, as stipulated by law, which is a gross violation of the extant laws establishing them.

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