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Fubara Will Not Look For Peace With Knees On The Ground” – Ex LG Chair

May 2, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The immediate past Local Government Chairman of PortHarcourt, Rivers State, Ezebunwo Ichemati, has dismissed the report that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a few days ago, prostrated before his predecessor and Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held his legs, and called him “my oga” while begging for reconciliation.

The scene, the report said, played out at the Abuja residence of Wike when two APC State Governors – Ogun State’s Dapo Abiodun and Ebonyi State’s Francis Nwifuru – along with a former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, led Fubara to Wike.

According to the report, nobody needed to show Fubara the way as soon as they arrived Wike’s home. He was said to have walked straight into the living room, prostrated before Wike, held him on the legs, and hailed him as his “Oga.”

However, Ichemati, while neither denying nor confirming that such a peace meeting took place, emphasized that even though

Fubara stands for peace, and would work for peace, he will not kneel down for that peace; he would not go on his knees to have that peace.

Ichemati said: “He (Fubara) is in high spirits and committed to the peace and development of Rivers, but would not do so with his knees on the ground. The reports are fabricated to mislead the public.”

Recall, however, that, once, Fubara had confessed that there was nothing he had not done for peace in the State, including going down on his knees for it. He was rebuffed.

The Governor is on suspension from office due to the political crisis in the State which stemmed from his quarrel with his political godfather, Wike.

The crisis so affected the State that President Bola Tinubu declared a much condemned State of Emergency, and thus, suspended the Governor, his Deputy and Members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He appointed a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the State to the bewilderment of not a few people.

Gunmen Attack Police Checkpoint In Enugu, Kill Two, Cart Away Weapons

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 2, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Police Command was, as at Friday May 2, 2025, yet to react to the reported fatal attack on a Police Checkpoint at Agbogugu town, along the Enugu/Ozalla/Port Harcourt Road, in Awgu Local Council of the State by suspected armed hoodlums.

According to eye witness accounts, the attack, which occurred late Thursday evening, May 1, resulted in the killing of two Policemen. Their patrol van and a Sienna Toyota were also set ablaze by the armed men

The gunmen launched a surprise attack on the Police patrol team, disarmed them, and carted away away their service weapons before leaving the scene.

To forstall any possibility of being pursued by the police team, the gunmen razed the operational vehicles, after gunning down two of them.

The dead police officers were identified as the Divisional Crime Officer DCO of the Agbogugu Police formation, and another simply known as “Biggy’.

The Police, according to another witness, have retrieved the corpses of the slain officers, as well as the burnt operational vehicles.

As at the time of reporting the Enugu state Police Command was yet to react to the situation .

Controversy Trails Students Loan, NELFUND Says Fund Intact, ICPC, FG Summons Indicted Institutions

Ayodele Oni

May 2, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As controversy over students loan persists, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, (NELFUND) has denied the alleged mismanagement of no funds under the current student scheme.

NELFUND also said no amount of the funds has been mismanaged, stolen or unaccounted for.

Earlier on Thursday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission alleged that out of N100 billion the government released for the student loan, only N28.8 billion was disbursed while N71.2bn was diverted.

Already, the Federal Government has summoned Vice Chancellors of universities and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) implicated in the disturbing allegations of corruption, diversions and unauthorised deductions rocking the less than two – year – old student loans scheme introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The affected universities and NELFUND handlers were summoned to an emergency meeting scheduled for May 6, 2025.

The planned meeting seeks to thoroughly investigate the matter, ensure full accountability, and reaffirm the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy toward financial malpractice in the nation’s education sector.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the unauthorized activities around the loan scheme as extremely concerning, vowing that the government would spare nothing in its quest to uphold transparency, protect public funds, and ensure students receive the full benefits of the initiative meant for them

ICPC also clarified that it had invited NELFUND and some managements of universities for investigation.

But in a swift reaction, NELFUND, in a statement by its Director, Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said it was alarmed by the surge of “inaccurate, misleading, and dangerously speculative reports circulating in the public space” regarding the administration of the student loan scheme.

According to the statement, “These reports, which suggest misappropriation and mismanagement of funds, are entirely false, grossly irresponsible, and deeply damaging to the integrity of an institution established to deliver financial hope to millions of Nigerians.

“This is a coordinated distortion of facts that undermines public trust, weaponizes misinformation, and threatens the credibility of a national intervention still in its infancy.

“We wish to state the following, unequivocally: No funds have been mismanaged, stolen, or are unaccounted for under the current NELFUND student loan scheme.

“The scheme officially launched its student loan application portal in 2024. As of today, all institutional fees are paid directly to verified institutions, while upkeep allowances are disbursed to the verified bank accounts of eligible student applicants.

“The figures and funding amounts currently being misrepresented in the public are drawn from entirely different education financing interventions predating NELFUND’s operational commencement. They bear no relevance to the current student loan scheme and should not be falsely attributed to this institution.

“NELFUND operates a zero human interface, fully automated loan system that eliminates opportunities for financial misconduct. Every application and disbursement is digitally tracked, time stamped, and verifiable.

“Our commitment to transparency and cooperation with oversight agencies, including the ICPC, is total and unwavering. We have complied fully with every request for information and will continue to uphold the highest standards of public accountability.

“The circulation of unverified, context-free, and inflammatory claims at this critical stage of implementation is not only reckless, it is a deliberate sabotage of a nationally significant, people centered programme designed to expand access to tertiary education and economic mobility.”

Imo Catholic Clerics Decry Abduction Of Over 50 Priests, Call For Urgent Intervention

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 2, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Catholic family in Imo State, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, protested against the incessant and unresolved cases of abduction of Priests in the State.

The Protesting Clerics alleged that between 2015 and 2025, a total of over 50 priests have been kidnapped in Imo State with two of the victims unfortunately killed by their abductors.

Spokesperson for the aggrieved Catholic Clerics, Rev Father Anthony Njoku, in an interactive session with the media at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, however, regretted that in the face of the sad situation, they are not getting adequate protection

from Security Agencies.

The Priests noted that they are being forced to speak out and let the world be aware of their plights before it is too late.

“The situation is dire. It is important to speak out before it is too late about the alarming descent of Imo State into a state of insecurity and fear .

“Kidnappings for ransom, organ harvesting, and invasions of people’s lands and farms are now common place across Imo State and Igbo land.

“These horrors are no longer distant headlines, they are personal. Our Priests and faithful parishioners have suffered terribly ,and the pain continues to spread.

“While we have an innumerable number of people who have fallen victims ,in the past ten years ,between 2015 and 2025,there are more than fifty clergy and religious victims of this horrendous situation from Ahiara, Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri Dioceses, with Okigwe recording the highest priest victims ,and two deaths from Owerri and respectively ,all in Imo state alone.

“The perpetrators often identified as Fulani herdsmen,strike with increasing boldness ,and cruelty .This is a nightmare no one should endure ,let alone our people.

“Whether due to lack of equipment ,insufficient capacity ,or absence of political will, security operatives have failed to stem the tide of this evil.

“Their apparent paralysis in the face of widespread violence is deeply troubling”, the Rev Father stated.

The Catholic Clerics, therefore, appealed to security agencies and all relevant authorities to take urgent steps to arrest the ugly development before it gets out of hand.

At the media interactive session were the duo of Archbishop of the Ecclesiastic diocese dioceses Luscious Ugorji ,and his immediate predecessor Dr Anthony Obinna.

Gov Diri Sacks Appointees Linked To Pro-Wike Group

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 1, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Palpable tension and anxiety on Thursday May 1, 2025, trailed the sack of no fewer than 30 political appointees by the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The appointees, mostly Special Assistants, and members of the Governor’s Grassroots Mobilization Team, and the Conflict Resolution Committee, had their appointments terminated on April, 23, 2025.

AIthough no specific reasons have so far been adduced for the sweeping sack, speculations are, however, rife that most of the affected persons have been linked to George Turnah’s New Associates Group ,the organizers of the ill-fated Yenagoa Pro-Wike rally.

The Source reports that the New Associates, a pro-Wike group, headed by Turnah had last week held a rally in Yenagoa to drum support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nyesom Wike the FCT Minister against a subsisting order banning political rallies in the State.

Governor Diri had banned all forms of rallies in the State, citing the volatile situation in neighbouring Rivers State and the need to avoid a spill over into Bayelsa as major reasons.

The sacked political appointees are believed to be part of the Pro-Wike New Associate Group that organized the rally which held at the premises of the Church of God Mission International in the state capital.

The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Irorodamie Komonibo, in a letter to the Secretary to the State Government, directed the stoppage of the emoluments of the affected appointees ,as well as the recovery of all Government property in their possession.

Expectedly, the Pro-Wike Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Caretaker Committee in the State ,condemned the action of the Governor, describing it as “unjust and a demonstration of intolerance on the part of Governor Diri.”

“Sacking these political aides who believe in our vision as a party and worked diligently to promote inclusiveness and civic engagement represents a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation”, Derri Alasuote ,the Committee spokesperson noted.

May Day: Worst Times For Imo Workers Almost Over, Says Uzodimma

The Source

May 1, 2025

“The State will pay the second tranche of pensioners’ gratuities, and buy more buses for civil servants.”

Imo Workers, Thursday, May 1, 2025, joined their counterparts all over the world to celebrate the Workers Day at the Ndubuisi Kalu Square, Owerri.

They did with pomp and circumstance with dance, appearing in different colourful apparel and marched past to salute the number one man on their day.

Addressing the workers who came out in their numbers and in solidarity, Governor Hope Uzodimma commended them for the mood of the celebration which he likened to the healthy relationship that exists between their Labour Unions and the government and their collective resolve to deal with the welfare of the workers in Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma who congratulated the workers, and assured them that all issues relating to shortfalls in the payment of consequential adjustment in the new minimum wage and promotions will be resolved, however urged them to “always adopt dialogue rather than confrontation as means of resolving differences.”

He recalled and regretted that for many years before 2020, Imo workers suffered abandonment by previous administrations without promotions, suffered manipulated payroll system, irregular payment of pensions, and non payment of gratuities for well over 15 years.

Governor Uzodimma noted that 2025 May Day celebration calls for a reflection on the greater path that the Imo workers have trod until now they are enjoying the automated payroll system, regular payment of salaries and pensions as well as payment of gratuities to retired workers, and the promise to commence payment of the second tranche of gratuities to pensioners.

“You have every reason to smile today and be happy,” he stated.

The Governor disclosed that plans are underway for special salary scale for teachers and medical personnel.

“We insensitive to attract the best hands in these sectors because we understand the critical role they play in shaping our future,” he explained, and thanked the State House of Assembly for repealing the obsolete laws preventing reforms in the health sector, and making new laws to drive the health care in the State.

The new laws, he said, would allow Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the Health Management System, to steer and provide effective and quality health care to Imo people.

Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to encourage the civil servants to enroll in the Health Insurance Scheme initiated by his government as the benefits cannot be measured.

The Governor also promised to increase the number of buses in the fleet that takes civil servants to and fro office, but charged workers to strive to be civil in their conduct and actions as government will not tolerate indolence and corrupt practices.

Earlier, the Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Imo State Council, Comrade Chigemezu Nwigwe, on behalf of the leadership of the Labour Unions in the State, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his friendly disposition to workers and for the regular payment of salaries and pensions to verified workers and pensioners.

He further commended the Governor for giving Imo workers a sense of belonging through the provision of buses to transport them to and fro work as well, and making the State Secretariat a most conducive place to work.

Nwigwe further thanked the Governor for the commencement of the payment of the long abandoned gratuities of pensioners and appealed for the exercise to continue because of those who are yet to be paid.

He assured of the support and cooperation of Imo workers to the growth and development of the State.

Lagos Set To Host AFRIMA 2025

Akinwale Kasali

May 1, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Lagos State has been chosen to host the 2025 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

The State was chosen to host the awards following the Commitment given by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu of Lagos State to the Creative Industry.

The Governor has, therefore, thrown his weight behind the Awards to be hosted in the State, saying his administration will continue to give opportunity, hope and space for people in the creative industry to thrive.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement of AFRIMA amplifies the growing momentum around the highly anticipated event, which has already garnered backing from key stakeholders, institutions and corporate sponsors at national, continental and international levels.

He spoke during a courtesy visit by members of the International Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, and the representatives of the African Union Commission, AUC, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said his government will continuously create a clear business opportunity and environment for people in the creative industry to do well.

He stated that Lagos has given life to many people in entertainment, fashion and the arts by supporting them to actualise their dreams, adding that his government will continue to assist people in propagating whatever gifts and talents they have.

“It was not difficult for us to make entertainment, tourism and everything in the creative space one of our cardinal objectives. We are very intentional because we realise that the creative industry is a place where the youth with a dynamic population want to be. It is also the largest employer of labour in different ways and means. But more importantly, it also helps to tell the African story, a story that the entire world has not heard, to be able to take it up and work with it.

“As a government, what we set out to do is to continue to give opportunity, hope and space for the creative people. We will give them the space and create a clear business opportunity and environment for them to thrive and do well. Lagos has become a destination for good reasons.

“We know AFRIMA. It is indeed an honour that as strategic as we are, AFRIMA deemed it fit to hold its 2025 events in Lagos. It comes with responsibility and commitment. Lagos is able, and it is big enough to take on AFRIMA, and we will take it forward. We have the structures and infrastructures to be able to support AFRIMA.”

The leader of the delegation, Angela Martins, expressed her appreciation for past support from the Lagos State Government for AFRIMA, which aims at promoting the cultural and creative industry on the continent and providing recognition of talent in music in Africa.

Martins, who is the Head of the Culture Department and Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports of the African Union, said: “Lagos has hosted AFRIMA awards before, and we are really thankful for the support. We are looking forward to support from the Lagos State Government in order to host AFRIMA 2025 and beyond.”

President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, said the right of hosting for AFRIMA 2025 was ceded to Lagos State in recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu administration’s hard work, focus, love for creative industry and association with entertainment, which is one of the pillars of the THEMES+ agenda in Lagos State.

He therefore sought the support, blessings, endorsement and partnership of the Governor and the Lagos State Government for a successful AFRIMA 2025 in November.

“Lagos State is the mecca of entertainment, music and the film industry in the Middle East and Africa. We request the right partnership and support to make AFRIMA hosted in Lagos. We need institutional support and financial support to host over 1,500 artists and managers for the event, which we use to promote the cities of Africa and unite our people through music,” he said.

Edo Surpasses FG, Announces N75,000 New Minimum Wage

Ayodele Oni

May 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A new Minimum wage, which is higher than the Federal Government’s approved wage, comes into effect in Edo state as Governor Monday Okpebholo announced N75,000 for least paid workers.

His predecessor in office, Godwin Obaseki was the first to announce a new Minimum wage of N70,000 during last year’s celebration of Workers Day, while negotiations were ongoing at the federal level.

Governor Okpebholo increased the minimum wage from N70,000 to N75,000 per month. This announcement was made during the May Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Thursday.

Governor Okpebholo expressed his administration’s commitment to improving the standard of living for Edo workers, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the state’s growth and development.

He emphasized that the new minimum wage is a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

The Governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration to improve workers’ welfare, including converting over 1,000 casual workers to core civil servant, Recruiting 500 new teachers to ease classroom pressure.

Others are reviewing the casual positions of over 3,000 Edo State teachers for possible full employment, recruiting 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for state hospitals, clearing and outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo State polytechnic staff.

The acting chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Bernard Egwekhide, commended Governor Okpebholo for his laudable policies and programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering and hardships faced by Edo workers and pensioners.

According to him, the increase in minimum wage and other welfare initiatives demonstrate Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to the well-being of Edo State workers.

As the state celebrates May Day, the Governor’s gesture is seen as a significant step towards improving the lives of workers and their families.

On Workers Day, Gov Fubara, Reassures Of An End To The Prevailing Challenges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 1, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, once again, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, urged the people to keep hope alive.

In a message on Workers Day, Fubara reiterated his unflinching optimism about light, at the end of the tunnel.

He reassured the State workforce, citizens and residents alike that “justice, peace, and progress will take the front seat, at the end of the present travails.

The Source reports that Governor Fubara, his Deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended from office for an initial period of six months following the declaration of State of emergency by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,on March 18, 2025.

In a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi his media aide , Governor Fubara encouraged the people to remain calm ,united ,and hopeful, amidst the political challenges of the moment.

He commended the state workforce for their resilience, and commitment to duty and development of the State, noting that their sacrifices have been the backbone of the growth and development of Rivers State.

He applauded the Workers’ deep sense of patriotism, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty.

This is just as he lauded the President for engineering the labour reforms that heralded improvement in workers welfare ,and conducive working environment.

According to him, the theme of this years workers Day celebration–Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate” underscores the imperativeness of protecting the workers ,in the face of present environmental and political challenges in the system.

“This theme underscores the urgent need to protect workers amid escalating environmental threats ,and socio-political uncertainties.

It is a call to prioritize occupational safety and wellbeing of workers, as essential pillars for sustainable growth.

“The efforts of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,in promoting climate-conscious policies that support a healthier, safer working environment nationwide is commendable”, Fubara stated.

He reaffirmed his unflinching dedication to the promotion and protection of workers’ rights and Welfare,while also calling on employers of labour to always ensure the prioritization of enhancement of working conditions of their employees.

May Day: Kebbi Procures 200 Houses For Workers As Ondo Assures Hope On Career Growth

Ayodele Oni

May 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

It was time for celebration for workers as state governors used the May Day event to announce packages to cushion effects of biting economic hardship.

In Kebbi State, government announced that it has procured 200 houses for onward distribution to workers to ameliorate some of their housing needs.

His Ondo state counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured the workers of regular career growth and programmes which will make workers dignified.

Governor Nasir Idris disclosed this while addressing workers during the 2025 May Day celebration held in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

He said the purchase of the houses was meant to improve the welfare of workers for effective and efficient service delivery.

The governor noted with satisfaction that the state government under his leadership had settled all workers entitlements including, salaries, leave grant, pension and gratuity among others.

Idris appreciated the cordial working relationship existing between the state government and labour union and urged for its sustainance.

“As a demonstration of my commitment to workers’ plights, we have completed the Ultra Modern State Secretariat with a view to keeping the workers under one roof.”

Idris added that Mr President was expected to come and commission the project alongside others.

He explained that his administration had ensured that casualisation of workers was abolished in the state, adding that the administration had also invested heavily in education, agriculture as well as other sectors for the benefit of all.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, while addressing the workers in Akure, during the May Day rally, hailed them as the driving force behind the state’s development, saying their resilience, commitment, and integrity have been central to the successes recorded under his administration.

The Governor described civil servants as “the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that care,” emphasizing that no government achievement is possible without their sacrifice.

“Our modest gains in office have only been possible because of your hard work across all sectors. From schools and hospitals to ministries and agencies, you are the true engine of governance.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, rolling out a list of interventions, including the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage law.

Ondo, he said, was not only among the first states to adopt the N70,000 benchmark but went a step further by raising the state’s minimum wage to N73,000. He also noted that retirees now receive a monthly pension award of N30,000.

The Governor further highlighted the administration’s focus on career growth, with promotions up-to-date and the 2025 exercise already underway.

He also pointed to significant recruitments across education, health, and public administration including over 2,000 new teachers as part of efforts to strengthen critical sectors, as we all payment of three years backlog of gratuities for retired public servants and local government workers.

He said: “As we continue in the journey of our administration, I want our workers to be rest assured of the patronage and protection of the state government.

“We shall not sacrifice the welfare of our workers on the altar of politics. Our administration will always strive, within the limits of its resources, to ensure that workers welfare are given priority consideration.

“We will keep investing in education, health, and capacity building, ensuring that every worker enjoys dignity and fulfilment in and out of service.”

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