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Nigeria Civil Service Union Foresees Social Unrest, Advises FG To Address Economic Problems

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sunday Oluwole- NCSU National President

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Civil Service Union, (NCSU) ended its 111 celebration in Abuja on Saturday with a call on the Federal Government to urgently address the various economic crisis in the country to avoid social unrest.

NCSU National President, Sunday  Oluwole, and General Secretary, Ibraheem Bomoi, who spoke at the event pointed out that “Federal Government should see wisdom in some solutions proffered by the Organized Labour in Nigeria towards moving the nation forward.”

In a communique at the end of the celebration, with the theme, “NCSU @ 111 years in the place of history: The progenitor of nationalists and trade union movements in Nigeria,”  the Union warned that the present situation in the country might snowball into spontaneous social unrest if not quickly addressed by the Federal Government.

The Union listed issues which required urgent attention to include: “bringing back to life the four monumental refineries, reversal of tuition fees increment, wage award to workers to address present economic hardship, upward review of living wage and rolling out sustainable impactful palliatives to mitigate the present economic hardship.”

The NCSU lamented that recent independent research showed that “critical issues affecting the country, ranging from fuel subsidy removal and its attendants effects on the entire populace had further increased the number of multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians to 187 million (out of over 200 million Nigeria population).

“The economic hardship has dehumanized the entire populace; there is high transportation cost, high cost of living, Nigerians are presently traumatized psychologically.

“The meeting hereby calls on Federal Government to address the issue squarely by fixing the four Nigeria refineries, rejig the economy with sound economic policy and review the living wage for workers.

“The meeting passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and entire Organized Labour in Nigeria in consonance with their positions on the present state of the nation.

“The meeting expressed its reservation over the new trend of abuse of roles by the Nigeria Police and the Judiciary as manifested in their activities in recent time, gradually rendering Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment inactive in carrying out its statutory functions.

“The meeting also called on the office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation to desist from meddling with the right of unions to organize its members within the framework of their respective constitutional provisions especially as far as the tenure of its elected members are concerned.

“Consequent upon the above, the meeting advocated for the state of emergency to be declared to enable stakeholders in Trade Union movements arrest this ugly trend in industrial relations practices in Nigeria.

“The meeting discussed the genesis of crisis bedeviling the Union in the Federal Inland Revenue Services and called on FIRS management to extend its olive branch by obeying the court order that directed the management of FIRS to allow NCSU to operate in FIRS to allow fair weather industrial relations practices in line with international best practices.

“The meeting expressed the commitment of the national leadership of the Union, more than ever before, to begin empowerment programme that will guarantee self reliance of members to engage in trade work that can bring income to the family aside from monthly salaries.

“To this end, the union will focus on gender equity and equality while women empowerment will be used as a template to kickstart the programme.”

Actor Nkem Owoh, Buries Daughter  24th August

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Celebrated and accomplished veteran Actor, Chief Nkem Owoh, popular as Osuofiasn,  is presently, a heartbroken man. Fate has given him a raw deal.

As you read this, Owoh is putting finishing touches to the funeral arrangements of his lovely daughter, Miss Kosisochukwu Nkem Owoh.

Aged 24 years, the beautiful Kosisochukwu died on 28th June, 2023, after what her father said was a brief illness. His heartbroken family will bury her on 24th August, 2023.

Her body, deposited at the mortuary of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, mortuary, would be transported to his father’s compound, Umunevo Owonta, Umungwu Clan in Amagu Village, Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, where she would be laid to rest.

In an obituary announcement which he signed, titled Painful Exit, Owoh said surviving Kosisochukwu are: “Father, Mother, Brother, Sisters, Aunts, Uncles and numerous relations.

States Confirm Receipt Of Subsidy Palliatives As Kwara Gives Account

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Kwara State Government has given a breakdown of the amount received from the Federal Government to the cushion hardship occasioned by subsidy withdrawal on petrol.

Governor AbdulRahman Abdurazaq, who is, also, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF), in a tweet, explained that “We have received N2bn out of the N4bn relief funds that the Federal Government released to states for the purchase of rice.

“This will be distributed en masse to vulnerable members of the public to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

“We await a balance of N2bn of the funds as well as N1bn worth of maize (40,000 bags) which the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each state from the national strategic reserve.

“It is however important to mention that 48% (N1,920,000,000.00) of the N4bn is a non interest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120,000,000.00 monthly.

“Consequently, I have ordered the immediate purchase of rice in the value of the amount.

“For transparency and fairness to all, distribution of the palliatives will be overseen exclusively by a Committee headed by the Kwara State Police Commissioner Ebun Oluwarotimi Adelesi, who will be supported by the Emir of Shonga Dr. Haliru Yahya, religious leaders, civil society leaders, and other important stakeholders in the state.

“We also confirm receipt of the remaining three trucks of the bags of rice donated to our state by the Federal Government.

“The distribution has commenced through various channels of reaching out to the public, including lawmakers who represent the 24 state constituencies and other stakeholders in the state.

“I urge those we have saddled with the responsibility of distributing these palliatives to do so in the spirit of fairness to all, particularly to the most vulnerable persons, because it is simply impractical for everyone to get at the same time.

“Similarly, I appeal to members of the public to remain patient and calm as multi-layered steps are being taken in phases.

“These include huge interventions to support massive food production, local production of gas-powered vehicles, support for small and medium scale enterprises, manufacturing and other businesses, to boost the economy and ease the difficulties arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.

“I commend His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the several initiatives of the Federal Government to bring ease to the people. I reassure all Kwarans of our commitments to their welfare at this time and always.”

At the end of a meeting by the National Economic Council, (NEC) early this week, it was announced that each state including the federal capital territory, has been given N5 billion each as palliative to enable Nigerians absorb the effects of subsidy withdrawal.

Earlier, states had confirmed receipt of 3,000 bags of rice, as first consignment from the package put in place by the federal government.

Investigation revealed that distribution has commenced in various states with committee’s set up to handle allocation.

Fueless Vehicles On Way To Nigeria As Tinubu Approves Initiative Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Fueless vehicles are on their way to the country as President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

This is in furtherance of his commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs.

As a first step, the country is targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles, while simultaneously bolstering in-country manufacturing, local assembly and expansive job creation in line with the presidential directive.

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, in a statement, explained that the landmark initiative, comprises of a Comprehensive Adoption Strategy.

“These  include Empowering Workshops Programme, Nationwide Network of Workshops, Local Assembly and Job Creation as key points of emphasis with an initial focus on mass transit systems and student hubs in order to significantly reduce transit costs for the general populace in the immediate term.

“In line with the PCNGI’s determination to ensure a seamless integration of CNG utility within the current midstream and downstream energy, the PCNGI will facilitate the provision of workshops across all geopolitical zones and states with essential kits and comprehensive training for newly employed staff, to create opportunities for technical skill development and employment for Nigerians.

“The new nationwide network of workshops, to be established through the initiative, would ensure widespread access and demand side utilization of CNG technology and CNG-related expertise, to facilitate smoother transitions for vehicle owners at the wider benefit of the Nigerian economy.

“Under the aegis of the PCNGI, the following strategic objectives will be achieved:

“The development of new stakeholder-operated Intrastate Mass Transit systems built on CNG.

“Support for states to onboard new CNG buses as part of their Intrastate Mass Transit network (wholesale conversion, retro-fitting and new purchase).

“The deployment of CNG buses through existing Private Mass Transit operators, including new financing programmes for operators through an innovative asset finance programme.

“Incentivize investors to invest in CNG processing, distribution and utilization by providing incentives for enhanced investment and partnership.

“Deliver training and technology transfer to support the After-Sales Services and maintenance sub-industry to create sustainable jobs.”

The statement added that President Tinubu’s focus on assembling CNG-enabled vehicles within the country will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster the nation’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.

The launch of this initiative also underscores this administration’s commitment to fostering a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security through the utilization of domestic natural gas resources.

“I Was Warned Not To Marry Demola, That He Wanted My Money” – Socialite Farida After Failed Sui$ide Bid

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Farida Sobowale

By Adesina Soyooye

Owner of House Of Phreeda,  a luxurious Beauty Palour in Surulere, Lagos, Farida Abdulkabir, has regretted her attempt to jump into the Lagos Lagoon in a bid to end her life.

She has, also, apologized to her children for putting them through  trauma, and said she wouldn’t have forgiven herself if she had killed herself and abandoned her children. She had three children from a previous marriage.

Nigerians had woken up Friday morning to the disturbing video of the beautiful entrepreneur and socialite being restrained by good Samaritans from taking her own life by jumping into the Lagos lagoon.

She was, apparently, pushed into such satanic attempt by a heartbreak sparked off by the crash of her marriage to fellow socialite, Demola Okulaja. The lavish wedding, which according to reports quoting Farida, cost a whopping N100m, crashed after 41days. Demola, reportedly, walked out on her.

In her first reaction after being saved from a painful, shameful, sudden death, she apologized to her children for her action and said she wouldn’t have forgiven herself if she had succeeded in committing suicide. She disclosed she was pushed into the satanic attempt by her frustration when Demola walked out on  their marriage. She revealed that she was warned by friends and family not to marry Demola as they felt he was after her money, but that she was blinded by love.

She reportedly said: “Friends and families warned me not to go into the marriage. They told me that the man only wanted my money but I was recalcitrant.

“It was love that pushed me into this. He told me that he was going to be with me, make me bore (sic) children for him.

“I am so sorry for putting my children into such a position. I would not have forgiven myself if I had abandoned them after committing sui$ide.

“I have forgiven my ex-husband. May God provide him with another wife.”

Farida and Demola had a messy separation, revealing ugly things about each other with some unprintable choice words to boot.

Possible Impeachment Of Deputy Governor Of Edo State, Shuaibu, Is A Rumour – Assembly Speaker

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shuaibu - Edo Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve seems to be coming to the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaibu as the State House of Assembly made clear its stand on his much talked possible impeachment.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku,  clarified that there is no plan whatsoever to impeach Shaibu, urging Edo people to disregard rumours of the purported impeachment by the State Assembly.

Agbebaku disclosed this on Friday when the 24 members of the Assembly visited the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City.

The speaker stated that “We are here to clear the air on the insinuation of the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State. I want to let the people of Edo State know that there was nothing of such in the State House of Assembly.

“There was no time that the governor called me and instructed me that there must be an impeachment against the Deputy Governor.

“The rumour of impeachment is from the pit of hell. I want to let Edo people know today that till tomorrow, and the governor has not called to say the deputy governor should be impeached, next tomorrow is coming and I don’t think the governor will say that to us.

“When I approached the governor, he asked if there’s anything of such? He asked what the impeachment is for?  I told him there is no such plan.

“Nothing of such is going on. On my own, I called the Deputy Governor to tell him that there is nothing like an impeachment plan by the Assembly and what he heard was rumour.

“Today, I want to let Edo people know that the story about the impeachment of the Deputy Governor is just mere rumour as the governor has no such plans today, tomorrow, and forever; the governor doesn’t have such plans.

“This will be our second courtesy call to you. We are here to remind you that what we came to tell you in our first courtesy call, we are standing by it.

“We are resolute to follow in your footsteps and ensure you finish well. It is our responsibility as members of our various constituencies to give you the backing to finish well and strong.

“I also want to thank you for your resilience and for the rumours making you address the press as we don’t need that now, but what we need is to make Edo people happy. We are here to support you and ensure you finish strong.

“The 24 members of the EDHA are all here to let you know that we will join you to finish strong as Edo people must live a good life and you are already setting the pace.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki, in his response, said the focus of his administration is to continue with its developmental strides in the State as he would not be distracted on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State.

“We have done so much in Edo. What the world should be hearing about us now should be the positive things going on in the State, not news about trouble or crisis.

“I want to thank the Speaker and members of the Assembly for this courtesy and solidarity visit. We have so much work to be done and I will try as much as possible not to allow any distraction.

“There is no crisis in Edo. No crisis in government. No crisis in EDHA and those who benefit from crisis, creating crisis, reporting crisis should not be given the opportunity here.

“What should be of concern to us today is the failure of federal roads in the State which have almost incapacitated the State as the people are unable to move.

“That should be a crucial concern to us as Edo people. Crisis situation is like a war situation where we can’t move within our State. We have extensive federal roads and they lack the capacity of maintaining it and we in Edo and in the Country are almost cut off.

“We must speak about this and our citizens must know this and the efforts we have put in and that we are trying our best to build our own internal roads to get out of this situation and grow the economy of our State.”

Jonathan Leave For Harare To Lead AU, COMESA Election Mission To Zimbabwe

By
The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is billed to leave for Harare on Saturday  where he would be leading a joint observer mission of the Africa Union (AU) and Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) to observe Zimbabwe’s general elections scheduled to take place on August 23.

According to a statement by the AU Commission chairperson Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, the joint AU-COMESA team is composed of 73 short-term observers and three core teams of electoral experts, who would be involved in the election observation activities from 16 to 29 August 2023 in Zimbabwe.

He explained that the objective of AU and COMESA election observer mission is to provide accurate and impartial reporting or assessment of the quality of the harmonised elections which includes observing the degree to which the conduct of the elections meets regional, continental, and international standards for democratic elections.

It will be the fourth time Dr. Jonathan would be leading an AU election observation mission since 2016, having led the continental body’s missions to Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia.

The AU Chairperson’s statement said: “The joint mission will be led by His Excellency, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in collaboration with Rt Hon Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda.”

It said further: “The observer team is expected to offer recommendations for improvement of future elections based on the findings; and demonstrate AU’s solidarity and support towards Zimbabwe’s election and democratisation process to ensure that the conduct of democratic, credible and peaceful elections contributes to the consolidation of democratic governance, peace and stability in the country.”

The AU chairperson also said the joint AU-COMESA EOM would engage with several stakeholders and observe the final preparations and polling process, adding that the observer mission would issue its preliminary statement after the election date.

Mr Mahamat said the mission would be guided by AU and COMESA statutes governing the holding of elections whose aim is to promote good governance among other democratic tenets.

“The joint AU-COMESA EOM draws its mandate from various AU and COMESA instruments, most importantly: the African Union Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions (2002); the OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002); African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (1981); the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007); and the COMESA Elections Observation Guidelines among others,” he said.

“It is also in line with Aspiration Number 3 of the AU Agenda 2063, which aims to ensure good governance, democracy, and respect for human rights, justice, and rule of law.”
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and Government recently invited local and international observers to observe the country’s polls. Other international observer missions including the European Union and Carter center have already deployed its team to observe the country’s elections.

PANDEF Query President Tinubu Over Move To Scrap Niger Delta Affairs Ministry

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Foremost South South Group, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has queried President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his failure to name a Minister to pilot the affairs of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

The Group, on Friday, cautioned President Tinubu against the alleged plan to either scrap or merge the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs with another Ministry.

PANDEF, an umbrella body of ethnic nationalities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, also called on President Tinubu to urgently address the non-appointment of a Minister to man the Ministry.

In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Committee, PANDEF warned against tampering with institutions created to foster peace and development in the Region.

Part of the communique reads:

“PANDEF expresses great surprise that in the published assignment of Ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to “focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region”, which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.

“That the Ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.

“Therefore, calls on Mr. President to urgently address the omission.

“Cautions that any misguided step toward scrapping or submerging the Ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.

“Further cautions the Federal Government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

“We are hopeful that the Federal Government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of the country.”

Recall that President Tinubu,  a couple of days ago, assigned portfolios to 45 Minister-designate. None was assigned to man the Niger Delta Ministry. The appointees will be sworn-in on Monday, August 21, 2023, by the Minister.

My Wedding Cost N100m – Farida, Lagos Socialite Stopped From Committing Sui$ide

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Farida Sobowale

By Adesina Soyooye

The owner of a Beauty Palour, House of Phreeda, Farida Abdulkabir, also known as Farida Sobowale, who was stopped from committing sui$ide on Thursday, left a voice note to explain why she decided to end her life.

In the voice note, she cited the crash of her marriage to another Lagos socialite, Demola Okulaja, which lasted for only 41 days as one of her reasons. She disclosed that the extravagant wedding cost about N100m. She did not, however, disclose if she was the sole sponsor of the wedding. But she, also, added frustration and depression as the other reasons why she wanted to end it all.

Farida was prevented on Thursday, August 18, 2023, by shocked good Samaritans from jumping into the Lagos lagoon.

Dressed in an all black dress and a black headwear, she drove her black-coloured SUV Lexus to The Third Mainland Bridge, stopped, stepped down, and was seconds away from jumping into the Lagos lagoon when good Samaritans grabbed her, dragged her out of danger, and thus stopped her what could have been a painful, shameful death.

Groups Tackle Senate Over Non Confirmation Of El-Rufai As Minister, Says It’s Conspiracy

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Former political office holders in the administration of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-El-Rufai, under the aegis of a group of Like Minds Forum of Nigeria and Zazzau Emirate have taken up the Senate over its non-clearance of the former Governor for a Ministerial position.

They criticized the Senate for withholding the confirmation of  El-Rufai, as a Minister,  and described it as procedurally wrong and politically defective.

El-Rufai’s name was among those sent to the Senate by the Presidency as a Ministerial nominee, but his clearance had to be deferred, with the Senate citing some security issues.

The former Governor had, reportedly claimed that President Bola Tinubu had earlier given him an assurance and even assigned a portfolio to him.

He reportedly  lost interest in the position when he was not cleared alongside others,  and had even nominated his replacement while he proceeded for further studies overseas.

The former political office holders maintained that they sensed conspiracy by the senators against  El-Rufai after being nominated by President Bola Tinubu. .

Their spokesman, a former Commissioner for Education in the State, Prof Shehu Muhammad, wondered why security agencies had not arrested or charged El-Rufai to Court based on the so-called petitions against him.

He also expressed worry over the refusal of the Senate to make the petitions against the former Governor public if indeed there was nothing fishy about the entire process.

The Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State Government are planning to send a strong delegation to the Presidency to prevail on it to give back El-Rufai the Ministerial slot, because he was not fairly treated.

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