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Organised Labour Calls Out Workers, Begins Strike Monday

By
Ayodele Oni
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NLC Protest

By Ayodele Oni

For failure to commence implementation of the wage increase, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have ordered all workers to embark on strike from Monday.

Organised Labour stated that the federal government has refused to implement new minimum wage for all workers in the country.

It was also learnt that the strike action is not unconnected with the N35,000 palliative stipend that the Federal government has stopped paying to the federal workers.

Report stated that the federal workers were only paid once for the month of September.

A circular sent by the secretaries of the unions,  Emmanuel Igboaja and Nuhu Toro, for NLC  and TUC respectively, which was released on Saturday, indicated that all workers are to embark on the strike action with immediate effects commencing from the midnight of Monday.

The organized labour has been holding serial meetings with federal government representatives on the new minimum wage and the subsidy palliatives with no concrete decision reached.

Monday’s strike will be the third since the inception of the administration in May.

Jonathan Felicitates Buhari At 81

By
The Source
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Buhari and Jonathan working secretly with APC

Former President Dr. Ebel Jonathan has felicitated ex-President Muhammed Buhari on the occasion of his 81st birthday wishing him long life in good health.

In a goodwill message he personally signed Dr. Jonathan commended Buhari for his service and commitment to the progress of the nation.

The message said: “I am pleased to join your family, friends, well-wishers and other Nigerians to congratulate you on the occasion of your 81st birthday.

“You are a determined leader who has been resolute in

national service and commitment to the progress of our country.

“As you celebrate, I salute you for your faithful stewardship to Nigeria. On behalf of my family, I wish you sound health, peace and joy.”

Ikechukwu Eze

Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

At 81, Tinubu Eulogizes Fmr President Buhari, Says He’s Paradigm Of Sacrifice, Devotion

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tinubu and Buhari

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has described his immediate predecessor, Mohammadu Buhari as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism on his 81st birthday.

In a statement, Tinubu extols the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former President, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

Tinubu pointed out that former President Buhari’s unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, cut across all sectors of the economy.

These include several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges.

“This is in addition to establishing Nigeria’s first ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats.”

President Tinubu recalls the former President’s “aggressive push to modernize Nigeria’s defence architecture, while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security in the country.”

The President described Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.

“President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland.

“The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay.”

President Tinubu appreciates former President Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration.

While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, President Tinubu assures the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed.

Fmr INEC Chairman, Jega Cautions Against Creation Of More States, LGs, Insists On Restructuring Before 2027

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Former chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Prof Mahmoud Jega, has advised that no additional states and local governments should be created in the country for now.

He made the suggestion while  speaking at the maiden (merged) convocation of the Bauchi State University, Gadau.

Prof Jega who was a guest lecturer, spoke on the theme: “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Future: Prioritizing Citizen’s Welfare and Security Amidst Challenges”.

According to him “The additional resources current states would get from the de-concentration of power and resources  would make all the 37 states and FCT financially viable and facilitative of grassroots development.

“The cost of governance at both the federal, state and local tiers of governance need to be drastically cut, and measures introduced to entrench transparency,  accountability and effective anti-corruption oversight.

Prof Jega, also stressed  the need for Nigeria to be restructured before 2027.

Some restructuring of the Nigerian federation, he added should be embarked upon through evidence-based constitutional reforms, the objectives of which should be to de concentrate powers and resources from the federal tier and to spread them to those of the state and local governments.

He argued that he didn’t believe Nigeria is a failed state but “a failing state”.

Jega urged the Nigerian leaders to learn from the “best practices” model federations, such as India, Canada and the USA in the areas of revenue generation and sharing and adapted to our local context and circumstances.

“Just like the structure of the Nigerian federation, the structure of the Nigerian economy has a colonial origin, primary designed to meet up with, and satisfy, the economic interests of the colonial powers.

Long after colonial rule has ended, the structure has embedded and integrated the Nigerian economy into the global capitalist system, such that it continues to promote primary commodity production, and export primarily to Europe, and import of finished products from all parts of the world.

“This is rather than commodity production through industrial production and manufacturing for both the home market and export.

“Serious reform measures need to be introduced to diversify Nigeria’s earnings from dependence of export of crude oil, to expand investment in agricultural production and Agro-allied processing both for the home market and for export.

“Revive, expand and reposition our industries and manufacturing enterprises, for production, both for the home-market and for export.”

Heightened Insecurity In Zamfara: Foreign Medical Team Withdraws Services

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Heightened insecurity in Zamfara State has forced some foreign medical team to the State to suspend services.

One of the affected medical team, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) announced a partial withdrawal of its medical mission from Zurmi town, with evacuation of personnel.

It explained that the decision followed ongoing armed confrontations that have displaced thousands of people in the state.

MSF communications officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu,    confirmed this withdrawal in a statement, citing incidents dangerously close to an MSF-supported hospital since December 10.

The statement reads: “These armed clashes have provoked the displacement of thousands of people in need of security, shelter and access to basic services. Humanitarian support is needed to help those in dire need of assistance.

“Faced with important security risks, MSF medical teams on the ground had to evacuate part of its staff and are unable to function optimally, having to suspend the provision of health care to communities outside the town.

“In this context, our team is concerned about patients in need of medical treatment as they are unable to reach the hospital in a safe manner.

“Some of the patients refuse to leave the hospital out of fear,” explained Adjide Hermann, MSF deputy field coordinator in Zurmi.

“We had no choice but to reduce part of our team, and the staff who are still working at the hospital are afraid of what is going to happen next.”

Dr Simba Tirima, MSF country representative, while expressing his deep concern, also said, “This situation is untenable; we urgently appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to cease their hostilities to protect the population.

“This is also crucial to safeguard the medical mission and to maintain the safety of patients and medical staff.

“Our teams are committed to provide medical support to the Nigerian population in Zamfara State; we will do our best to maintain the operations, but we wish to see improvements in the security situation to be able to provide the appropriate medical care.”

Uzodimma: Nigeria Loses An Asset In Ezeife

By
The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has bemoaned the death of one of Nigeria’s erudite statesmen, consistent voice for good governance and progressive politician, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, saying that in his passing the country has lost an asset.

Dr. Ezeife, popularly referred to as Okwadike of Igbo Ukwu was the first democratically elected Governor of Anambra State (1992-1993) and reportedly died at 85 on Thursday  at the National Hospital, Abuja, according to his family.

In sympathising with the family of the deceased, the people of Igbo Ukwu, the government of Anambra State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the federal government of Nigeria, Governor Uzodimma said that Dr. Ezeife will be missed sorely by all who came in contact with him.

According to Governor Uzodimma, Dr. Ezeife’s commitment to the good of all – both the common man as well as the high and mighty marked him out as a man who came to serve God and humanity.

Governor Uzodimma said that Dr. Ezeife’s legacies as former Governor, former Permanent Secretary and former Political Adviser will remain indelible in the minds of people, describing his death as painful and regrettable.

The Governor noted that Dr. Ezeife’s vocal voice and contributions on issues that border on good governance in his State, Nigeria, and the society at large cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

He, therefore, prayed God Almighty to grant Dr. Ezeife’s soul a peaceful repose and to his family, the grace to bear the loss.

Appeal Court Victory: Ogene Says Grace of God His Greatest Advocate

By
James Orji
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The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the appeal brought before it by the House of Representatives candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, against the victory of the Labour Party candidate, Afam Victor Ogene, whose victory had earlier been affirmed by the Election Petition Tribunal, in Awka, Anambra state.

Justice M.I.Sirajo,who delivered the judgment, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, said that the appeal by Hon. Onyema, lacked merit and therefore affirmed the earlier judgement of the Tribunal, which was delivered on Friday, October 20, 2023.

Speaking after the judgment, Ogene attributed the victory to the grace and favour of God, which he said have paved the way for him right from the day he decided to participate in the election.

Ogene, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, said further, “Just as I said after the tribunal verdict, which also declared me victorious, the grace of God is my greatest advocate. And my judicial victories are true validation of the will of the people and the undeniable grace of God.

“The journey has been both emotionally and physically draining, but God sustained me and has also, once again, proven that only Him determines who should lead a people at any given time. And I promise never to misuse this grace and opportunity to serve.

“I will continue to serve with dignity, honour and utmost responsibility.

“This victory is particularly for the good people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency, who willingly and overwhelmingly gave me their mandate to represent them.

“I give all glory to God for these resounding victories – at the first and second polls. And also at both the Election Petition Tribunal and now the Appeal Court.

“Now is the time to roll up my sleeves and get to work in the service of my people and Nigeria in general. By the grace of God, Ogbaru Federal Constituency will never regret trusting me with their votes.”

The Tribunal sitting in Awka, Anambra state, had on Friday, October 20, affirmed the victory of the Labour Party candidate, Ogene, against the petition of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) candidate, Hon.Chukwuka Onyema, who was defeated at the polls by Ogene according to the results of the election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on April 15, 2023, after a supplementary election in the constituency.

INEC records indicated that the LP candidate scored 10,851 votes of the total votes cast, followed by the candidate of the PDP who polled 10,619 votes, while the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Arinze Awogu, came third with 10,155 votes.

The election in Ogbaru Federal Constituency was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, after the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

As a result, a rerun election was held in the constituency on April 15, but unsatisfied with the result, Hon. Onyema, who had held three tenures of office, proceeded to the tribunal to challenge Ogene’s victory.

With this appeal court verdict, Hon. Ogene is now the authentic representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency till the next four years

Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway: Oyo, Ogun Step Up Joint Security Against Kidnappers

By
James Orji
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The governments of Oyo and Ogun states are collaborating to ensure security on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state disclosed this to the Nigerian Tribune on Friday.

The security collaboration between the two states comes on the back of the kidnap of some passegers on the busy highway earlier this week.

No fewer than 12 members of the same family were said to have been kidnapped while traveling on the road in a bus. A woman was also said to have been shot dead while trying to escape from the criminals.

The incident has frightened many road users who believe the road could become an abductors-trap  ahead of the yuletide.

Speaking, Owoseni said the two contiguous state governments have set up a joint technical committee on security to strengthen security in the expressway during and after the festivities.  and other roads for the protection of the people.

The former Lagos state Commissioner of Police also stated that motorized patrols have been increased along the Ibafo and Mowe axis to reinforce security in those areas considers as black spots for criminals.

Meanwhile, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force  Public Relations Officer, PRO, said security men are in hot chase of the kidnappers, noting that tracking them down through a search and rescue operation is not an easy task.

He said, “It is important we know that rescue operation is tedious and must be tactical for many reasons and to make sure that the victim is rescued unhurt and safe.

“We are on these cases and making progress. We can only urge victims and their relations to relate and work with the police and security operatives. We need their understanding and support in our operations, especially on rescue operations. We also urge Nigerians to adhere to our rolled-out security tips and make use of our ICT platforms and distress call lines for help when the needs arise.”

Anambra Police Rescue Four Abducted Children From Kidnappers

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The joy of parents of four children allegedly abducted by suspected herdsmen in Anambra State knew no bound as they reunited with them.

The four children were kidnapped by herdsmen in Achalla village, Enugwu Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State.

According to spokesman of the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement, a rescue team assembled by the command freed the children from their abductors.

The Police spokesman said the abductors took advantage of the absence of the parents to kidnap the children between ages of 13 and 21 who were fast asleep around 10pm, last Thursday.

He confirmed that the victims have been reunited with their parents while efforts were on to apprehend the abductors.

“On 15th December, 2023 at about 2300 the Police at Abagana received information via Police hot line that suspected herdsmen had abducted four children from a family at Achalla Village, Enugwu Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“The caller, who is mother of the children disclosed that the family was watching Television at about 2200 hrs (10p.m.) when the light suddenly went out.

“The man of the house went out to find out what was amiss and the wife followed him. They observed three gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and fled for dear lives.

“The abductors took advantage of the absence to the parents and whisked away the four kids to an unknown hideout, where they were later rescued.”

Uzodimma Mourns Ezeife, Condoles Tinubu, Soludo

By
The Source
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Chukwuemeka Ezeife

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of elder statesman Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

In a personally signed statement in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma described Ezeife as a leading economist, bureaucrat, and nationalist, whose departure will be keenly felt by all Nigerians.

According to Uzodimma, the former Anambra State Governor and ex-Federal Permanent Secretary will be remembered as a bold advocate of justice and equity in a united federal republic of Nigeria.

Uzodimma characterized Ezeife as a progressive symbol of selfless service to the fatherland, highlighting his consistent efforts in championing the mutual coexistence of all Nigerians, ensuring a level playing field for every citizen to realize their potential without hindrance.

Although Ezeife left office as the first democratically elected governor of Anambra state in 1993, Uzodimma emphasized that he remained relevant in the country’s political sphere due to his incisive, intelligent, patriotic, and dispassionate contributions to national issues. These contributions, while at times radical, were consistently focused on preserving the Federal project.

Uzodimma also acknowledged Ezeife as a foremost Igbo leader, underscoring his unparalleled passion for the growth and progress of the Igbo race. He expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians, Gov Charles Soludo, the government and people of Anambra state, and the Ezeife family over the statesman’s demise.

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