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2027: LP Sets Up Electoral Reforms Committee

November 19, 2024

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Julius Abure says a holistic electoral reforms is urgently needed in the country to prevent future election malpractice.

The LP boss said the party is prepared to lead the reform after what it experienced in the 2023 General Election, particularly the presidential election which its candidate, Peter Obi lost.

Recall that the party had blamed Obi’s loss, to incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on elections theft and other malpractices. Obi came third in the election.

But speaking during the party’s virtual National Executive Council, Abure announced the establishment of various committee to champion electoral reform in the country.

According to the LP Chairman, “We note that the Labour Party is a major victim in the 2023 general election and will therefore pursue electoral reform in Nigeria.

“For us to have credible, proactive leaders that will work in the interest of the people, the processes leading to the selection of candidates must be credible, fair and transparent.

“To this extent, Labour Party is poised to pursue holistic electoral reforms in Nigeria. The Committee must take cognizance of all our laws and institutions and therefore make recommendations to the party.

“The recommendations will form the basis of our future engagement with the electorate and all institutions in Nigeria, having roles to play in election matters.

“This committee will be chaired by Honourable Benedict Etanabene while Honourable Okey Joe will be the co-chair. Dudu Manuga will act as secretary. The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.”

Thus following the crisis rocking the LP, Abure recently warned Obi that the party’s 2027 Presidential ticket is no longer automatic for him, even though close watchers of the main opposition party insist that the former Anambra state governor is still extremely popular among LP supporters and Nigerians generally.

Unity Bank CEO To Students: Financial Literacy Is Foundation For Secured Future

James Orji

November 19, 2024

In a bid to promote a savings culture and enhance financial literacy among young Nigerians, Unity Bank Plc has announced plans to launch a new app for children and teenagers designed to empower users to achieve their financial goals.

The announcement was made during the World Savings Day training held at Emerald Fields School, Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the Bank’s nationwide initiative to mark the global event.

World Savings Day is observed in Nigeria as an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bankers Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria to drive financial inclusion with the vehicle of Financial Literacy Training which is held in secondary schools across the country.

Speaking at the event, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/ chief executive, Mrs Tomi Somefun, represented by the Chief Compliance Officer, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, emphasized the importance of instilling good financial habits early in life. She explained that the upcoming app would equip students with tools to set SMART financial goals, understand the power of compound interest, and build financial safety nets through savings and prudent money management.

“Financial literacy is the foundation of a secure future. By teaching students to distinguish between needs and wants, budgeting, and embracing delayed gratification, we empower them to take charge of their financial journeys. The new app will serve as a practical tool to support these lessons and help young Nigerians build a culture of savings,” Somefun stated.

The training session in Calabar, one of 16 held simultaneously across secondary schools in Nigeria, aimed to instill essential money management skills. Participants were exposed to simulations on earning, budgeting, spending wisely, and understanding the principles of borrowing and saving. Unity Bank’s representatives guided the students through interactive discussions, encouraging them to set financial goals and cultivate habits that support long-term financial stability.

World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, aims to promote the importance of savings and financial awareness globally. In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Banker’s Committee, Deposit Money Banks, and Junior Achievement Nigeria, coordinated activities to engage students nationwide.

Unity Bank’s initiative aligns with the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy by encouraging young Nigerians to embrace financial literacy early. The Bank’s upcoming app, designed specifically for children and teenagers, will complement this effort by providing an engaging platform for setting savings goals, tracking progress, and building healthy financial habits.

With financial literacy training held in six geopolitical zones, Unity Bank reinforces its commitment to youth development and capacity building.

Nigeria Back in Business, Road To Industrialization- Edun

James Orji

November 19, 2024

Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and coordinator of the Economy says with the removal of fuel subsidy Nigeria is on its way to fully industrialise.

The minister made this remark on Monday In Bauchi state at the opening conference of the National Council on Finance and Economic Development, NACOFED, stressing that Nigeria now produce fuel locally through private sector initiative.

The situation, he said, has generated employment opportunities, stability in the macro economic environment as well as created an opportunity for locally produced fuel to be exported to generate hard currency.

The administration of Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy last year despite strong opposition from not a few Nigerians.

Critics of the adminsitration insist that the removal has plunged the country to the unimaginable economic sufferings currently ebing witnessed across the country.

The Minister however stated that the removal of petrol subsidy by President Tinubu is a blessing rather than curse.

He explained that the removal has spurred investors’ interest in the nation’s oil and gas sector, and industrialisation is no longer far-fetched, apart from the fact that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, which was bleeding to the tune of five percent has now stopped.

Speaking on the theme, “Hosting Economic Growth At Challenging Times, Strategies, Effective Policies and Partnership Physical Sustainability And Growth” Edun stated that the removal though hard was a blessing in disguise.

“We are now back in business on the road to industrialisation” following the fuel subsidy removal, Edun declared yesterday.

He stressed that the removal has freed up more resources at the local government, states and federal government levels, so much so that they now have more funds to spend on critical projects that lead to development.

He said, “We should be encouraged that we are now having a more stable and sustainable microeconomic environment that is friendly to investors that makes it possible not only for them to produce competitively for the domestic markets, but also to export.”

“Our understanding of each other’s situation, of each other’s financial and economic needs and even the resources and potential they possess and available, the skills, specialisation that is on ground.

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited the assets and the liabilities and there was no looking back but it’s a question of charting a way of looking forward and making plans in order to first of all stabilise the economy.

“Then get investments through private sector investors both domestically and foreign direct investors to increase the productivity of Nigeria, grow the economy, create jobs and of course move a large number of people out of poverty.

“The road is clear for private sector investors and as we know, we are now back in business on the road to industrialisation based on what is happening in the petroleum refining sector.”

Rivers 2027: “Fubara Will Be Betrayed, But Battle Not About Him, It’s For Soul, Resources Of State” – Obio-Akpor LGA Chair

Adesina Soyooye

November 19, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

The Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijoke Ihunwo, has said that the battle for who governs Rivers State in 2027 will be tough.

Ordinarily, the Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara who installed all, but one of the State’s Executive Council Members at the Local Government level ought to have a free ride, but Ihunwo sees a betrayal of Fubara ahead of 2027.

But Ihunwo forsees a tough battle not because or for Fubara, but for two other things – the soul of Rivers State, and flowing from that, its resources. Rivers State is an oil and gas rich State, and along with a couple of other Niger Delta States, the bedrock of Nigeria’s fragile economy.

The Chairman said in the months leading to 2027, the year of Nigeria’s General Elections, Governor Fubara will be betrayed by some of those who stand by him now. But he urged that others stand firm behind the Governor because the fight ahead is for the soul and resources of Rivers State. He asked all residents and those who mean well and wish growth for the State, to rally round the Governor ahead 2027.

Ihunwo spoke when he received in audience

a socio- political group in Obio-Akpor Local Government, Akpor Unity Forum.

The obstacles notwithstanding, the Chairman told the group that with God on the side of the people, Fubara will surmount all challenges and come out victorious.

Said the Chairman:

“I know that some of the people currently supporting His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will ditch us before the next general elections in 2027, maybe for some personal and selfish reasons. But I urge you all to remain firm and loyal to my leader (Fubara) because his priority is Rivers State and her people.

“I plead with you to take the message of His Excellency to the nooks and crannies of Akpor kingdom.”

As the Chairman of the LGA, Ihunwo promised to carry everybody along in an environment of peace and unity.

His words: “You can take it for granted that we will, as an administration, carry you along in what we do in the Council. It can come in any shape, be it appointment as aides or as members of Committees all geared towards enhancing development in our LGA.”

The leader of Akpor Unity Forum, Chikordi Dike, in his speech congratulated Ihunwo on his election victory, and said it was the people’s mandate.

Dike, a former CTC chairman of Obio/Akpor local government passed a vote of confidence in Ihunwo’s leadership of the LGA.

“You have already done a lot for our persons but like Oliver Twist, we ask for more in terms of appointments. As a group we are happy to work with you and our dear Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and will always standing firm on his ideals.”

Fubara has been having a running battle with his estranged political godfather and immediate past Governor of the State, now Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The sour relationship has plunged the State into a bitter political crisis.

“Senator Ndume Having Troubled Times, Needs Prayers” – Bwala

Adesina Soyooye

November 19, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

Daniel Bwala, the just appointed Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication has said that Senator Ali Ndume needs help and prayers to overcome his troubles.

Bwala assumed office on Monday, November 18, after he was appointed by President Tinubu to replace Ajuru Ngelale who resigned from that office, according to him, over family health issues which he needed to concentrate on.

But Bwala’s appointment has drawn strong criticisms from across board based on the insults he heaped on President Tinubu when he dramatically decamped from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and was appointed the Spokesperson to the PDP Presidential campaign Committee.

The reason Bwala, particularly, cited for dumping the APC was the choice, by Tinubu, of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate. He said it was a doomed ticket meant to destabilize Nigeria because both candidates are Muslims. Bwala rebelled against a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

As the Spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Committee, Bwala pulled no punches. In that position, he called then Candidate Tinubu unpritable names, including a drug baron, drug dealer, certificate forger and more. And, even after Tinubu became President, Bwala gave him no breathing space. In one of his outings Bwala said the President was so clueless that even if he stays 30 years in office as President, he still would not know what to do.

It is based on those Bwala- outings that many were shocked when he suddenly began to suckle to the President, and it is why many still hardly understand the President’s magnanimity in appointing Bwala his Spokesperson.

One of those who expressed surprise but lauded the President for his forgiving heart is Senator Ndume.

Reacting to the appointment, Ndume said:

“This gesture deserves serious applause. It shows the President’s forgiving heart.”

But the Senator had a word of advice for Bwala. He asked Bwala to seek the forgiveness of the Vice President by apologizing to him. That stung.

So, on Bwala’s first day at work, he responded to Senator Ndume when he addressed the State House Press Corp. He also responded to the Senator later in the evening when he appeared on Channel Television’s ‘Politics Today’ anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

Following is what he said on Ndume’s advice to him:

“Ordinarily I would not have responded to this issue because when I was referred to what he (Ndume) said, I immediately contacted the Vice President. We all cracked jokes about that.

“I have a very fantastic relationship with the Vice President which even started before the judgement of the Court was delivered regarding the matter.

“The relationship started, or rather became stronger in the build-up to the emergence of leadership of the NASS. And since then, we’ve been having a very good relationship.

“But I know that the Senator in question is having some troubled times. All I can say is that we need to pray for him, for God to guide and help but we are focused on the work of the President. It’s not about Bwala it’s about the Predident.”

Bwala has, however, not responded to a viral video of a very angry President Tinubu’s supporter, Barrister Jesutuga Onokpasa, who called him a serpent, and said the President, by Bwala’s appointment has humiliated and stabbed those who cleaned him up as Bwala painted him with tar on the back.

Alleged Colonization Of North: “You Are Selfish”, Yakassai Lashes Kwankwaso

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 18, 2024

Salisu Yakassai and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,of harbouring neocolonialistic tendencies against the North, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Monday November 18, 2024 came under heavy attack in Kano.

Writing on his official site Salisu Yakassai, Media aide to former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, described the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP in the 2023 general elections as patently selfish.

This is even as the newly appointed Minister of Housing (State), Abdullahi Yusuf Atta, cautioned Senator Kwankwaso against commenting on a matter already in Court.

The Source reports that Senator Kwankwaso,on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the convocation ceremony of SkyLight University, alleged plans by the President Tinubu administration to recolonize Kano and the North through the instrumentalities of his meddlesomeness in the selection of Emir of Kano, and his recent tax reforms bill.

Senator Kwankwaso accused the President of interfering with the selection process of the Emir of Kano, insisting that such interference is akin to recolonizing the people of Kano.

The Source reports that the coveted Royal Stool of Kano has been a subject of intense struggle between the Kano State Government- backed Emir Muhammad Sanusi and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero who is believed to have the sympathy of the Federal Government.

The NNPP leader, also, berated the tax reforms bill recently introduced to the National Assembly for debate and approval as completely anti-North.

However, Alhaji Yakassai, a scion of the Special Adviser to former President Shehu Shagari on National Assembly Matters, Tanko Yakassai, noted that Kwankwaso is now railing at the President because his present policies are at variance with his selfish interests .

According to him, the NNPP leader never complained when President Tinubu and the Lagos boys rallied to support him to produce an unpopular Emir for the people in 2014

“It is funny how we quickly forget history. In 2014 when Emir Ado Bayero died, this same “Lagos Axis” flew into Kano, met with you as the then Governor of Kano and lobbied for SLS to be made Emir against the wishes of the majority of Kanawa just to spite Jonathan (SLS wasn’t even part of the 3 contenders nominated by the Kingmakers then).

“You agreed to it after “the Lagos Axis” promised to support your Presidential ambition in 2019″, Yakassai stated.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development expressed concern that Senator Kwankwaso is freely commenting on a matter which is under Court examination.

He called on the NNPP leader to refrain from committing contempt of tge Court, as well as inflammatory comments capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the country.

Falana Demands Return Of Baruwa As NURTW National President, Says MC Oluomo’s Inauguration Illegal

Akinwale Kasali

November 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Femi Falana, SAN, has labeled the inauguration of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, as illegal. He has, therefore, called for the immediate reinstatement of ousted Tajudeen Baruwa as the National President of the body.

It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal, last week, removed MC Oluomo from the position, identifying Baruwa as the NURTW National President.

Following the Appeal Court ruling which reinstated Baruwa as the National President of the Union, Falana has called on the Federal Government to promptly reinstate Tajudeen Baruwa as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

In a statement issued on Monday, the senior Lawyer urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to enforce the decisions of the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.

Falana recounted the violent events of August 2023 when armed assailants stormed the NURTW National Secretariat, which resulted in the death of a security guard and the unlawful removal of Baruwa from office. Despite the illegal takeover, Baruwa pursued legal action and won recognition as the legitimate President of the NURTW through the Courts.

He further explained that after Baruwa’s legal challenge, the National Industrial Court ruled in his favor on March 11, 2024, affirming Baruwa and his executive as the duly elected leaders of the Union.

When Baruwa’s opponents appealed the decision, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on November 8, 2024, and upheld the Industrial Court’s ruling.

In light of these judicial decisions, Falana has called for the immediate action to restore Baruwa to his position as President in full compliance with the Court’s judgments. He specifically appealed to AGF Fagbemi and IGP Egbetokun to ensure the lawful execution of the Court orders.

AFCON 2025: Shame As Rwanda Defeats Woeful Super Eagles To Claim Historic Victory

Akinwale Kasali

November 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Amavubis of Rwanda has made history. The Eastern African Country recorded their first ever victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Though, the Super Eagles have booked a place at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, prompting Coach Augustine Eguavoen to make Seven Changes in the Starting Line Up, with Maduka Okoye, Bright Samuel-Osayi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon and Victor Boniface Okoh.

This, however, didn’t metamorphose into anything tangible as the Super Eagles were woeful in the first half, recording just one shot on target.

In the second half, Eguavoen Introduced Samuel Chukwueze and Frank Onyeka into the game and this paid off in the second as an individual effort from Chukwueze gave the Super Eagles the lead.

Few minutes later, Ange Mutsinzi equalized with a beautiful header, before Innocent Nshuti made it 2-1 three minutes to condemn the Super Eagles into a home defeat.

With the defeat, Nigeria still remain top of the table with 11 Points, with Benin Republic finishing with Eight Points, with Rwanda, but the Cheetahs of Benin Republic qualify for the continental showpiece on superior goal difference, with Libya finishing last on the Group.

New Minimum Wage: Zamfara NLC Gives State Govt. Ultimatum

Ayodele Oni

November 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Zamfara State Council, has demanded for the implementation of the new minimum wage by the end of November.

Rising from the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Labour House, Gada Biyu, Gusau,the union maintained that resolution was in conformity with the decision of the national leadership of the union.

The national leadership at its last meeting in Port Harcourt in a communique condemned the refusal of some state governments, including Zamfara, to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, describing it as a betrayal of workers’ rights amidst rising economic challenges.

The Zamfara NLC unanimously, in a communique signed by the chairperson

Sani Halliru, resolved to demand the immediate implementation of the National Minimum Wage of N70,000 by the State Government.

The State Executive Council, (SEC) resolved that: “All affiliate unions in Zamfara State have endorsed the ultimatum given to the state government to implement the minimum wage by the end of November 2024.

“Failure to implement the wage will compel the NLC and its affiliates to embark on an indefinite industrial action, effectively shutting down the state from December 1, 2024.

“The NLC Zamfara State Council stands firmly in solidarity with Nigerian workers in their fight for justice and dignity.

“The failure to implement the minimum wage is a blatant disregard for the law, morality, and the well-being of workers who continue to endure immense hardship.

“We call on all workers in Zamfara State to prepare for this industrial action, as it is a necessary step to secure their rights and improve their livelihoods.

“The NLC Zamfara State Council remains committed to advocating for the welfare of workers and ensuring that the government fulfills its obligations.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Nigerian workers deserve their rightful wages, and we will not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented in Zamfara State.”

Kano Sharia Court Frees Jigawa Commissioner Accused Of Illicit Affair With Married Woman

Ayodele Oni

November 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Judge scolds Hisbah for doing a shabby job before slandering the Commissioner’s name

Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Danladi Sankara, who was accused of illicit affair with a married woman inside an uncompleted building in Kano is not guilty of the offence after all.

The Kano State Upper Shari’a Court has dismissed the case against Sankara, for lack of evidence.

Sankara was immediately suspended by the Jigawa state Governor after local security personnel, Hisbah allegedly caught him with a married woman, Tasleem Baba Nabegu, inside an uncompleted building in Kano.

Presiding Judge Ibrahim Sarki Yola terminated the case due to lack of evidence, as reported by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, (AIG) Zone 1, Kano, and Kano State Attorney General.

In his ruling, Mallam Yola upheld that the decision to terminate the case follows a thorough examination by the AIG’s office and Kano Attorney General, which found no evidence to support the allegations of illicit affairs between Sankara and Nabegu.

He added that the police report as well as the Kano State Attorney General submission revealed that the allegations against the duo were not substantiated and proven.

He accordingly terminated the case.

He relied on section 211 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and 364 sub 5 of ACJL 2019.

Nasir Buba was neither represented nor attended the court session.

The Judge added, “there is no need for me to hear a response from the complainant since my action to terminate this case is based on the report of the AIG investigation and Kano AG tendered before the court.”

He accordingly cautioned Hisbah Officials and other law enforcement agencies to be professional while discharging their Constitutional mandate. He called on them to avoid action tend to defame public character.

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