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Fmr Finance Minister, Onaolapo Soleye, Dies, Few Days After Celebrating 90th Birthday

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

After celebrating his 90th birthday last Saturday, a former Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, died.

According to a statement released by his family on Wednesday, the former minister died in the early hours of the day, at the age of 90.

Soleye, was the finance minister during the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Family statement reads “With heavy heart but with gratitude to God Almighty for a long, impactful and positively eventful life, the family announce the passing of Pa Dr Onaolapo Soleye, the father of our late brother, Maj Gen OO Soleye (retd.). He turned 90 years only last Saturday.

“Papa served the country and humanity in various capacities rising to the position of an Associate Professor in the University of Ibadan, Commissioner for Works in Ogun State and Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among others.

“He was a true lover of God and humanity and this translated into his unwavering commitment to church activities as well as ready support and assistance to all who came across him, in any way that he could.

“The loss of Dr Soleye is surely not that of the Soleye family alone. It’s our father that has just passed and we must all prepare to be part of his rites of passage.

“Burial details will be announced by the family in due course. Until then, please pray for the repose of Papa’s soul and God’s comfort upon his family and other loved ones.”

He was alleged to have been the person who recommended late Professor Dora Akunyili to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for appointment as Director General, NAFDAC.

Labour Strike: Attackers Of Ajaero Arrested- NSA

By
James Orji
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The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu  has joined other Nigerians appealing to the organised Labour to shelve the ongoing nationwide strike.
Apart from Ribadu, some human rights bodies and civil society groups have called on the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, to call their members of the strike, caused by the physical assault on Joe Ajaero, NLC president in Imo state on November 1.
According to those monitoring the strike across the country, it’s fast spreading to other states where the strike was marked with divided compliance on Tuesday when it started.
Bank workers, electricity, ports unions, ASUU,  amongst others have joined the strike.
 In a statement on Wednesday, by Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari U Mijinyawa, the NSA condemned the assault on the NLC President, saying those involved have been arrested.
The arrest of those complicit on the matter, is one of the eight demands by the unions to call of the strike.
Ribadu condemned the attack on Ajearo, stressing that what happened was against the rule of law, that’s not acceptable under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The NSA said “the Federal Government will never condone such an act,” on union leaders in the country.
NSA said, “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised Labour led by the NLC and TUC.
“The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.
“As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.
“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act.
“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits. Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
“The Federal Government, through the Office of the NSA, therefore, appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.”
Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians insist that the unions and federal government should meet to resolve the crisis, as it’s already having a serious toll on the economy.

Organised Labour Blocks National Assembly Gate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The ongoing nationwide strike by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and their affiliates has continued to have a toll, even at the Federal Capital Territory.

Wednesday morning, the gates leading to the National Assembly Complex were under lock and key. No one was allowed to have access to the National Assembly.

As early as 7.30 am,  the main gates including those leading to the Office of the  Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Villa were padlocked, leaving staff members, journalists, and visitors stranded.

There were speculations that there will be Plenary Sessions at the Senate and  the House of Representatives by the Lawmakers, but as at the time of filing this report, no one was allowed into the Complex  Security Operatives mounted a barricade at the entrances.

There were skeletal activities in the Federal Capital Territory, as some commercial banks in Areas 3 and 8 remained open.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, some schools were open and lessons were taught.

Also, some workers who spoke with NAN said the strike was uncalled for. They added that people were suffering, and that the strike would only increase the hardship and burden on the masses.

In Kano, however, the strike paralysed services in schools, clinics, banks and other financial institutions. NLC chairman in the state, Kabiru Inuwa, said they were working to ensure full compliance. “We are monitoring compliance as our officials are at the state secretariat to ensure workers do not resume in their offices,” he said

Flight activities went on as scheduled at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, had shut down economic activities at Nigeria’s premier seaports, Apapa and Tin-Can Island, in Lagos, as Port workers prevented users from accessing their offices.

Trucks were seen stranded on the access roads as they were not allowed into the port.

At the Lagos State secretariat in Alausa, there was partial compliance as workers were seen in  offices, while some decided to comply with NLC’s directives.

Agnes Sessi, the NLC Chairman in Lagos,  said it was compulsory for all workers to adhere to the NLC directives, stressing that members who do not comply would be reported to the National body. “Injury to one is an injury to all”, she said, and added that the congress could not fold its hands and watch while its National President was humiliated and brutalised because he was fighting for workers.

Her TUC counterpart, Gbenga Ekundayo, said every worker must comply with the joint directive. He said it was an avenue for Government to address the plight of workers.

Akwa Ibom: Army Not Complicit In Lt. Bazza’s Suicide

By
James Orji
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The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the death of an officer, Lt. Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza who died last week.
Reports had claimed that the officer took his own life by committing suicide in Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza, in Essien Udim Local Government, Akw Akwa Ibom state, using mosquito net.
Some reports were also suggestive of complicity by the Army over the death of the officer.
Reacting in a statement, the Army said it would be wrong to jump  into conclusion over the real cause of death of the soldier, absolving the Army of involvement in his death.
An investigation has been instituted by the Nigerian Army authority, according to a statement by Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations.
The statement: “The late officer died while deployed at the 2 Brigade Step-Up Headquarters for Exercise STILL WATERS III at Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.
“For the records, on 11 November 2023, the officer was not seen at the Step-up Headquarters; all efforts to reach him proved abortive. Hence, a search was launched in the general area, and his lifeless body was discovered.
“The Division sympathizes with the deceased officer’s family over his unfortunate demise and wishes to call on the media to refrain from publishing narratives suggestive of complicity in his unfortunate demise.
“The NA remains a professional organization that places a high premium on the welfare of its troops and would not take the demise of any of its personnel in any controversial circumstance for granted.
“While not joining issues with the media houses propagating this misinformation, it is important to state that there are regimental precepts through which such occurrences are handled in the NA”.

Kogi Monarchs Rejoice Over Peaceful Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Traditional Rulers in Kogi State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, Security Agencies and other stakeholders for the peaceful and credible conduct of the governorship election, which held in the state last Saturday.

They congratulated the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo and affirmed the traditional institution’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Kogi State Government to enhance the unity and development achieved under the current administration.

A statement by Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Wednesday, stated that the monarchs spoke when they paid a congratulatory visit to the Governor of Kogi State,  Yahaya Bello, at his GRA residence, in Okene.

The Atta Igala and serving President of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs,  Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, said the purpose of their visit was to celebrate with the Governor, his administration, and the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo, for the peaceful and successful governorship polls held on November 11, 2023.governorship polls held on November 11, 2023.

The monarchs recalled their peace accord meeting with relevant stakeholders before the election, where they were advised to be cautious of information on social media, and where they were assured that the government and security agencies had implemented mechanisms for a peaceful election.

On the election in Okunland, Oba Ogwuche-Akpa, stressed that the people were united in acknowledging and rewarding the governor for the positive impact of his administration.

He expressed the confidence that if they had to do this again, the people of Okunland would not only deliver the entire Okunland but would also widen the margin of lead.

Oba  Ogwuche-Akpa, appealed to Governor Bello to continue in his efforts at strengthening the bond among the people of Kogi State, advocating for a united identity as Kogites rather than being identified based on ethnic divisions.

He commended the achievements of the current administration in fostering peace and unity over the past seven and a half years.

Governor Bello, accompanied by Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their prayers and the pivotal roles they played in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the November 11 election.

He commended His Royal Majesty, Williams Keke, the Aguma of Bassa, and His Royal Highness Bukar-Khalid, the Ohiogba of Mozum, for their contributions to the peaceful election and the overwhelming victory for the APC in Bassa land.

The governor emphasized the need for collaboration among senatorial districts for the overall interest of the state, emphasizing that politics ends after elections, while development and good governance would continue.

He stressed the importance of every part of the state feeling the impact of governance, regardless of political affiliations.

Popular Nigerian Rapper, Oladips Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Music and Entertainment Industry  has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, known as Oladips.

Oladips died Tuesday at about 10:14pm, according to an information posted on his official instagram page.

He had, according to reports, collapsed on Tuesday morning and was rushed to the hospital.

His Personal Assistant, also,  stated Tuesday that the Musician ’s mother requested that he brings him home instead of the hospital.

Oladips was signed to Reminisce’s record label before they fell out. He has since then released several songs and worked with top artistes in the industry.

The family has released a Statement announcing his passing.

“We are saddened to inform the general public that Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji aka Oladips has passed away yesterday November 14th, Tuesday evening at exactly 10:14pm. We are still in shock as we speak!

“For over Two Years, he has kept his battles within himself, his body is now with family and funeral services will be announced as soon as it is concluded.

“The family asks that we respect their privacy in this trying time. May God give us the fortitude to bear this great loss (Amen)”.

Tributes have been pouring in on various social media platforms for Oladips, as his fans and loved ones are yet to come to terms with his sudden departure.

Abuja: Labour Minister Speaks On Gender-based Violence Friday

By
James Orji
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To commemorate the ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, an annual international campaign, dedicated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Gender Agenda AIT TownHall, would be hosting a gender based town hall parley, in Abuja.

The Town Hall meeting, with the theme, “5 Gender Bills, Review, Policy implementation and The Way forward, would take place from Friday, November 17 – December 1, 2023.

Some of the expected participants include, Dr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA, Barrister Ebere Ifendu, President, Women in Politics, Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative, Cynthia Mbamalu, Co-founder, Yiaga Africa, among many others.

According to the host and anchor of Gender Agenda, Dr. Adaora Sidney -Jack, “The Gender Agenda Townhall Series is designed to bring issues that concern women to the fore and also bridge the gap between policy makers and the people.

“It focuses on the accountability of government and its institutions towards creating the enabling policies, laws and enabling environment as it concerns Women in Nigeria and across Africa.”

One of the main objectives of this programme, according to the theme, is to bring back the issue of the five gender Bills that were rejected by the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives.

Those rejected five gender bills included, the Bill on Citizenship, which seeks to amend Section 26 of the constitution, to grant citizenship to foreign husbands of Nigerian women as is currently guaranteed in section 26(2)(a) for foreign wives of Nigerian men; The indigeneship Bill, which among other issues, addresses Section 31 and 318(1) to allow women to claim their husbands’ state of origin after at least five years of marriage and the Affirmative Action Bill which seeks to specifically amend Section 223 to ensure women occupy at least 35 per cent in political party administration and appointive positions.

Others are the Bill on Ministerial or Commissioner Nomination, which among others seeks to amend Sections 147 and 192 so that at least 35 per cent of the nominees are women; and Reserved Seat Bill, is to among others, amend Sections 48, 49 and 91 to create additional 37, 74, and 108 seats for women at the Senate, House of Representatives, and the State Assemblies, respectively.

But the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has promised that the House under his leadership would revisit the rejected Bills.

He said in a recent public engagement on the issue, “The 10th House will be revisiting the Bill as part of our legislative agenda, and we believe that working together with the women and stakeholders, we should be able to have a law that will benefit the women and all Nigerians and improve governance in Nigeria.

“What this means is that men must lead the drive for women’s inclusion in governance, after all, it is men who shut the door. They have to open it and allow the women to enter.

“This is the import of the growing awareness across the globe of the need for men to lead the charge for the expansion of the governance, political and development space for the greater accommodation of women.

“On our part as members of the legislature, the 10th House of representatives set up a legislative agenda committee, which has captured the issue of women prominently.”

NIMASA: No Pirates’ Attack On Nigerian Waters In 2yrs

By
James Orji
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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA  Bashir Jamoh  says collaboration with the Nigerian Navy has played a key role in the achievements of his Administration in terms of maritime security in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The NIMASA DG stated this today when he received the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hasssan and a delegation of senior Naval officers in Lagos, Nigeria.

Jamoh noted that the Nigerian model is now being adopted in other countries, adding that the change in narratives about security in Nigerian waters from the era of over 26 Piracy incidents and negative media exposure, to no single piracy incident in Nigerian waters for almost two years now, is a direct product of effective collaboration of the Maritime Administration with the Nigerian Navy, a relationship he hopes to deepen.

In his words “Collaboration with the Nigerian Navy is largely responsible for the confidence of stakeholders in the current Management of the Agency. I was in Brazil last week, the South Americans and even our neighbors like Ghana are eager to learn how we arrived at this MARAD-NAVY collaboration yielding successes. Just imagine that the negative media exposure in 2019-2020 about prevalent piracy and criminal activities in Nigerian waters had continued, you can only imagine where Nigeria would have been by now. I am glad we sought and got collaboration with the Navy.

The NIMASA Helmsman noted that the NIMASA is eager to ensure policy to ensure Nigerians enjoy benefits accruable from the Blue Economy. “The time has come for us to implement our Crude to Blue campaign since 2021. Maritime stakeholders in Nigeria should be ready to repay President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCRF for creating the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry. If we must make headway in Tourism and fishing, security is priority. We will make a case for the designation of Marine Protected Areas particularly for fishing and the Nigerian Navy definitely will play a major role.

The constitution of an eight-man committee, comprising four each from the Navy and NIMASA was also announced to serve as catalyst for Shift from Crude to Blue, now that Nigeria has a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The FOC West, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, noted the need to sustain information sharing between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy. He commended NIMASA Management for the non-kinetic support to the Western Naval Command.

He also requested NIMASA to support ‘Operation Water Guard’ to combat smuggling around the Badagry channel.

The FOC West, who had the Commander Deep Blue Commodore OA Akinbami on his entourage, noted that the Deep Blue assets are fully functional and requested for further deepening of information sharing between the Western Naval Command and the NIMASA C4i center.

He also urged NIMASA to bring to the notice of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the need for Nigeria to take possession of a border island in Badagry, the oil rich Tongeji Island between Nigeria and Benin Republic for maritime tourism in particular. Dr Jamoh described the oil rich island as a low hanging fruit for the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with an assurance that the Agency will relate with the supervising Ministry for further actions, particularly as regards maritime tourism.

The closest village to the Tongeji Island in Nigeria is Badagry and it is about 55 minutes by water, while just 5 minutes from Porto Novo. The residents speak French and English and they do their daily shopping from Porto Novo.

CBN: Against Supreme Court’s Order  Apex Bank Extends Validity of Old Naira Notes

By
James Orji
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0
Amidst the biting scarcity of the naira notes, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has extended the validity of the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes indefinitely.
The apex bank stated this on Tuesday in a statement signed by the bank’s Director, Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin, stressing that it took the action to forestall fresh naira scarcity similar to the one experienced early this year due to the naira swap policy.
The extension comes on the crest of the naira scarcity being experienced in some parts of the country since the beginning of the month.
The magazine had reported that the naira  scarcity, which began early this month had taken a serious toll on businesses in some states in the northern part of the country, and is now spreading fast into the south.
The latest CBN’s action, analysts insist, contravenes  the judgment of the Supreme Court in March this year which said the old naira notes must stop being legal tender by the end of the year.
The  Yemi Cardoso-led apex bank said it’s working to vacate the order.
The CBN said in the statement: “Without prejudice, the Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public of its desire to extend the legal tender status deadline of the old design of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations; ad infinitum.
“This is in line with international best practices and to forestall a repeat of earlier experiences.
“Thus, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act 2007, will continue to remain legal tender, ad infinitum. even beyond the initial December 31, 2023, deadline.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria is working with the relevant authorities to vacate the subsisting court ruling on the same subject.
“Accordingly, all CBN branches across the country will continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and redesigned, to and from deposit money banks.
“The general public is enjoined to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or redesigned) for day-to-day transactions and handle these banknotes with utmost care, to safeguard and protect the lifecycle of the banknotes.
“Also, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, e-channels, for day-to-day transactions.”
The latest move  by the CBN, is therefore, believed to be a bold step to address the problem of scarcity, particularly following suggestions that the old banknotes would seize to be legal tender by December 31 this year.
This is the fourth time the apex bank had refuted the claim within two weeks.

Presidency Dismayed By NLC/TUC Strike Action

By
The Source
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By Bayo Onanuga

We notice with dismay the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to call out workers to commence a strike action from midnight, despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.

This decision by the NLC and TUC other than being an ego tripping move is clearly unwarranted. It is an attempt to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.

We are still at a loss as to why the NLC and TUC decided to punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, whose error of judgment led to assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.

While the Federal government does not condone any form of  violence and assault on any citizen of Nigeria regardless of his or her social and economic status, it is on record that the Inspector General of Police has ordered investigation into what happened to Mr. Ajaero while the Commissioner of Police in Imo State under whose watch the incident happened has been transferred out of the state.

Calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an  abuse of privilege. Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather, it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.

Our national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.

This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary should not be what the organised Labour would champion.

The labour movement has always been a champion of rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court order.

We reiterate that this strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible. What the strike notice issued Monday night after official hours suggests is it’s designed for a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in our country. This is unacceptable.

Onanuga is the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

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