Home Blog Page 875

Peter Obi Leads LP Campaign In Ondo, Insists On Better Nigeria

November 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of Labour Party, (LP) in 2023 election, Peter Obi on Monday sensitized the people of Ondo state on the vision and mission of the party for Nigerians.

Obi, who was in the state to boost the campaign of the LP governorship candidate, Sola Ebiseni in Saturday’s election, emphasized the need for genuine democracy and an end to transitional politics.

He envisioned a Nigeria where everyone has equal opportunities, education, and healthcare.

The Labour Party’s achievements in Ondo State from 2009 to 2017, under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s government, are being highlighted as a testament to their capabilities.

Obi moved around Akure, the state capital, with Ebiseeni and his running mate, Mr Dayo Awude, and preached the gospel of the LP to the residents. He asked them to vote for the candidate of LP for the progress of the state.

Obi said it was time to rebuild Ondo State and bring on board those who would provide employment, education, and infrastructure to the citizens and not those who usually show up every four years to canvas for votes.

According to him ” Labour Party is the most popular political party in Ondo State. This is a party that the people of Ondo State voted for twice and was in power in this state between 2009 and 2017.

“Our programmes and policies and projects are everywhere and you know it. Everywhere you go in Ondo State, all the projects you see are in the colour of the dress I am wearing.

“I am deliberately wearing the orange colour, which is the colour of the Labour Party and the colour you will see in every project.

“We know democracy is suffering in Nigeria, we know they have turned democracy into transitional politics, but we still insist that we continue to campaign and telling Nigerians that this is time to start building a new Nigeria.

“A new Nigeria where a child of nobody is somebody, a Nigeria where there will be equal opportunity, a Nigeria where we put people out of poverty, a Nigeria where our children will be in school, where our hospitals will work.

“We don’t want people to give us money which they have stolen from us and thereafter, they continue to steal more. We want to stop the stealing and start the rebuilding.

“We want to stop the destroying and start the rebuilding; we want to move this country from consumption to production so we can create jobs. That is why we are here campaigning.

“Ondo electorate should shun vote buying and selling because it is money which they have stolen that they are using to buy them.”

Ebiseeni, in his remark, said the LP, being the most popular party in the state, would win the November 16 governorship election.

Our presidential candidate is here to give support and to let Nigerians know that the Labour Party is the party to vote for.”

Ebiseni urged the electorate to shun vote buying and selling, emphasizing that stolen money is being used to manipulate voters. Instead, he encourages them to support the Labour Party, which has a proven track record of delivering development project.

Bode George To Sanwo-Olu: “In Lagos, Traders Are Being Flogged Like Animals”

Akinwale Kasali

November 11, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Remember Arab Spring, He warns Governor

Olabode George, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, has urged Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu to wade into the ill treatment and extortion of Traders in Lagos State by the Security Agents and Officials.

He decried the escalating harassment, extortion, and physical abuse of traders by state officials and security agents, saying that this may metarmophose into a face off, if not addressed in earnest.

In an open letter to the Governor, George expressed grave concern over the plight of traders, highlighting that many face constant harassment and are subjected to heavy levies. He lamented that traders are “harassed and flogged like criminals” by Government agents, despite their contributions to the economy.

He wrote, “I bring to your attention the suffering of countless traders in Lagos State. Lagos is known as the Centre of Excellence, yet these traders face treatment that is anything but excellent. Beyond paying multiple levies, they endure daily extortion from local authorities and street thugs. It is appalling that these traders, who struggle daily just to survive, are treated worse than criminals.”

According to George, many traders are forced to sell on the streets due to the high cost of market shops, with some shops priced at over one million Naira. For many, this is beyond reach, leaving street trading as their only option.

“In the 21st century, it is inhumane for government officials to treat traders as though they were bandits or terrorists,” he continued. “Where is our sense of dignity? These traders are not criminals. They deserve respect as they try to make an honest living.”

George urged the Sanwo-Olu administration to adopt more constructive solutions to street trading, such as regulating their activities or establishing skill acquisition programs. He emphasized that harassing traders and confiscating their goods is not the answer.

“After paying their daily dues, these traders are hounded, their wares confiscated, and they are often locked up. This triple tragedy should be addressed with compassion, not punishment. Many of these traders support families, including children in tertiary institutions, and the loss of their livelihood only deepens their hardship,” George added.

He also referenced the “Arab Spring” as a cautionary reminder of what can happen when people’s frustrations boil over due to harsh treatment and economic challenges.

In a plea to the governor, George stated, “Street traders are respectable citizens who strive every day despite the tough times they face. It is unjust for them to be treated with disdain, while loiterers and miscreants roam freely. Arresting street traders en masse and shoving them into Black Maria trucks, which are meant for hardened criminals, is a disgraceful display of inhumanity in this century.”

George concluded by calling for an end to the abuse of State power against traders, urging officials to adopt a more compassionate and civil approach that aligns with global standards of human decency. He urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to take immediate steps to stop the harassment and find a humane solution that respects the traders’ dignity.

Adamawa: 30 Gold Miners Perish As CAPPA Laments Illegal Mining

Akinwale Kasali

November 11, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The recent collapse of an illegal Mining Pit located within a National Game Reserve spanning Gashaka Local Government Area in Taraba State and Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State has prompted the call by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, on the Federal Government and State Authorities to enforce strict monitoring and regulatory measures against illegal mining activities to prevent further avoidable tragedies across the country.

The accident in Taraba and Adamawa State which took place on Wednesday, November 6, left about 30 Gold miners presumed dead in the buffer zone of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

The organisation expressed deep concern over the incidents of illegal mine camps and the collapse of mines across the country, stating that these challenges now cast doubt on the operational effectiveness of the Mines Surveillance Task Team as well as other monitoring outfits designed to regulate such occurrences.

“Despite existing regulations, illegal mining continues to proliferate, revealing serious gaps in enforcement, often at the expense of local communities,” CAPPA said.

“Our field investigations have uncovered illegal and abandoned mining camps operated by local and foreign—often Chinese—interests in states like Nasarawa, Osun and Ekiti, among others. Artisanal miners, primarily, impoverished locals and vulnerable groups such as women and children, risk their lives digging as deep as 200 feet with nothing but shovels and minimal safety measures and equipment.

“This unregulated extraction not only facilitates the plunder of communal resources but also leads to severe environmental degradation, leaving behind hazardous open pits that endanger not only the miners but the broader community alike,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA.

The organisation also flagged the pressing need to address the socio-economic conditions that compel locals into unsafe mining practices, reflecting that poverty, created and sustained by systemic exclusion, forces many to engage in dangerous mining operations as a means of survival.

The organisation warned that as global capital now drives a frenzy for minerals to support a “green transition,” mineral-rich communities in Nigeria will remain locked in cycles of exploitation and danger unless they are allowed a rightful stake in the wealth extracted from their lands.

“Without structural changes that redistribute this economic power, illegal mining will continue as an imposed, desperate option for the impoverished. While we continue to sound the alarm about the dangers of illegal mining, we must also address the conditions that push individuals into these high-risk activities,” CAPPA stated.

It noted that though the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department (ASSMD) under the Ministry of Mines and Steel is tasked with helping small-scale and artisanal miners formalise their operations and access support, costs of obtaining a mining lease and other official requirements make this process difficult for many.

“For instance, recent revisions to the fees for obtaining a Small-Scale Mining Lease as announced by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in July, now stands at N300,000 for two Cadastre units as opposed to an initial N10,000. While this fee might seem modest for mining cooperatives and corporate interests, it is unrealisable for many impoverished individuals and communities who rely on artisanal mining for survival. In practice, this barrier allows big players and corporate profiteers to secure this lease and proceed to exploit the labour of artisanal miners, who work under harsh and unsafe conditions and reap profits for them.

“Beyond the financial burden, applicants are also required to submit a pre-feasibility study, proof of adequate working capital and technical competence, and precise coordinates for the proposed site. For many artisanal miners, whose level of education and economic standing limit their ability to meet these requirements, these demands are simply unattainable, excluding them from legal mining avenues and pushing them toward unsafe and exploitative options,” said CAPPA.

The statement urged the federal government to reform mining policy to make licensing processes accessible and affordable for local communities and small-scale miners. The organisation suggested reducing licensing fees, simplifying application processes, and providing technical and educational support to equip small-scale miners with safer, legal pathways.

In addition to overseeing regulatory reforms and robust enforcement against unauthorised mining camps, CAPPA demanded that corporations exploiting resource-rich areas across the country be held accountable for any human rights and environmental violations they cause.

The organisation called on state governments to exercise strict oversight of corporate mining operations, enforcing penalties, including license revocations and financial reparations, to deter corporations from bypassing safety and regulatory obligations.

CAPPA also stressed the need for a task force on mining that operates with responsibility, rather than force, when dealing with vulnerable communities.

“Using force on desperate communities only creates resistance and worsens tensions at mining sites,” CAPPA warned. “The government must protect lives and prioritise the rights of these communities, who are often left with the scars and costs of resource extraction that does not benefit them.”

Ondo 2024: Obasanjo Visits Aiyedatiwa, Tells Him “I Wish You All The Best”

Ayodele Oni

November 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Aiyedatiwa to Obasanjo: “You are a good recurring decimal

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday interacted with the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as he recounted his past political tour of the South West in a day.

Chief Obasanjo paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the former President was in the Ondo State capital for the commissioning of the Ojaja Park, an estate developed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

After being briefed by the Governor on his campaign activities ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, Obasanjo wished the Governor well in the election.

The forner President said: “I understand the challenges of this period for you. I remember my campaign for the 1999 election. I covered the entire six states of the South West in one day.

“I think we started in Akure, Ondo State here, then to Ekiti and we got to Lagos around 8pm. This is a crucial part of the process and I wish you all the best.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa who thanked the former President for the visit, acknowledged his contributions to the development of Nigeria, adding that his achievements as President remain indelible.

The Governor described Obasanjo as a good recurring decimal in the life of the nation, a remark the former President laughed at and suggested to be a newpaper headline.

Aiyedatiwa also shared his past personal experiences at multiple times with the former President, saying despite his high profile and military background, Obasanjo remains a very humble and humane leader.

Yobe To Power Public Schools By Solar Energy

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 11, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewchi

The Yobe State Government, on Monday November 11, 2024 announced plans to power all public secondary schools in the State through Solar Energy.

This is just as it said plans are ongoing to rejig the fortunes of public schools by rehabilitaing and re-equiping existing institutions

On an inspection tour of some public schools in parts of the State, Secretary to the State Government SSG, Baba Malam-Wali informed that the State ,will be jettisoning the use of fossil fuel in the powering of its public institutions particularly schools, in the next fiscal year.

He stated that the proposal has been adequately captured in the 2025 appropriation bill soon to be sent to the House of Assembly for approval.

The Source reports that Yobe, alongside States of the North East Region, including Bauchi, has been battling with epileptic power supply for a long time now, a development which has severely impacted on the economic growth of the state and Region.

Only recently, States of the North West, were hit by several days of power outage, resulting from the alleged vandalization of Shiroro-Kaduna power transmission line.

The incessant drop in power supply has forced many States in the North East and North West into mulling alternative source of power supply.

Malam-Wali who spoke with the Media during the tour that saw him visit Government Higher Islamic College Nguru, Government Day Secondary school Gashua, Nigeria Tulip International College, NTIC, Yobe Damturu Campus, and Government Girls Unity College also in Damturu, emphasized that the proposal is part of a wider plan aimed at improving the standard of education in the State.

Other measures to rejig the standard of education which he noted spanned from 2019, include the construction of several model schools for the purpose of easing over crowding in urban institutions.

According to the SSG, the State Government has in collaboration with traditional rulers and other community leaders been improving on the enrollment of pupils in schools, particularly, in the rural communities.

Part of the efforts to reposition the education,he noted, also include the payment of WAEC and NECO examination fees for the State’s candidates with a view to lessening financial burden on the parents.

Similarly, apart from establishing additional secondary schools for girls, the State Government Malam-Wali, informed, has been relentless in the rehabilitation, and equipment of existing educational institutions in the last few years ..

The SSG stated that an audacious school feeding programme which will cost the state about N500 million monthly is also underway.

Truck Rams Into Epe Market, Kills Three

Akinwale Kasali

November 11, 2024

Accident Scene in Lagos — File Copy: A Road Accident

By Akinwale Kasali

Three Persons have been confirmed died, after a Truck rammed into the popular Ayetoro Market in Epe, Lagos.

The Truck, allegedly, suffered a brake failure, veered off the road, and rammed into the market.

Eyewitnesses report that the truck lost control while descending from Ita-Opo, hit a commercial tricycle and a parked Toyota Camry before crashing into the bustling market area.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed the fatalities and is investigating the incident.

The statement reads: “A fatal accident occurred due to a brake failure of a truck descending from Ita-Opo. It hit a commercial tricycle and a parked Toyota Camry before ramming into the Ayetoro Market/Complex.

“Three lives were lost, and the bodies have been taken to the morgue at Epe General Hospital. A tow truck is on the ground to evacuate the affected vehicles.

“Traffic has been diverted for smooth vehicular movement”.

Two Judges, Magistrates Lose Job Over Bribery, Illegal Release Of Convict

Ayodele Oni

November 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) has ratified the sack of some Judicial officers, including Judges and Magistrates, over allegation of misconduct.

A statement signed by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, explained that the disciplinary actions were taken against eight judiciary staff members.

The statement added that “TheJudicial Service Commission, at its 76th meeting held on November 4, considered petitions against the Judiciary Staff and ordered two Court Registrars to go on compulsory retirement.

“Those sanctioned are Magistrates Nasir Ado, Alkali Yusuf Kawu, Sanusi Usman-Atana, and Finance Registrar Salisu Adamu-Nayola. Others are Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi, Court Messenger Shuaibu Bello, and Shamsu Abbas, Court Registrar.”

The statement quoted the Commission as saying that an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee regarding two petitions filed against Nasir Ado revealed that he conducted proceedings without record.

“When asked, he allegedly falsified and tampered with the record to show that there was a record of the proceeding.

“The Commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC that Mr Ado’s tampering with court records constituted gross misconduct and accordingly recalled him from judicial duties.

“There was a complaint filed against a Sharia Court Judge, Yusuf Kawu, by Association of Fighting Criminals, that he used his judicial position to release a convict who was sentenced to one-year imprisonment by another Judge without option of fine.

“The Commission found the actions of the Judge to be unlawful and his defence untenable. Consequently, he is recalled from Judicial functions indefinitely.”

It said the Commission also issued a warning to Magistrate Sanusi Atana, following two petitions against him, where he was found to have assumed the role of recovery of premises in a criminal trial and granted bail to a suspect before the date slated for ruling without notifying the prosecution.

“The Commission cautioned Atana to desist from exceeding his jurisdictional limit and uphold the principles of fairness.

“The JSC further directed the compulsory retirement of Salisu Adamu Nayola, Finance Registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, following a JPCC investigation that confirmed he accepted bribes to process inheritance entitlements.

“Mr Nayola was accused of collaborating with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, who has been recalled from judicial duties for two years and placed under the Chief Registrar’s supervision

“The JSC also strongly warned Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi of Takai Sharia Court Kano for handling Sabo Garba Housing Estate, Kabuga, and Dorayi Kwanar Makabarta distribution case outside his jurisdiction. The Commission advised him to strictly adhere to his territorial limits and avoid handling cases outside his jurisdiction.”

The statement added that after an investigation by the JPCC on the petition filed against a court messenger, Shuaibu Bello was found to have engaged in an act of corruption by collecting money above the official amount charged for opening a file.

“The Committee also found him to engage in conduct unbecoming, rude and disrespectful to a court user and deceiving the petitioner into signing a letter of withdrawal of the petition.

“The Commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation, suspending Bello for four months without pay.

“The JSC also imposed compulsory retirement on Shamsu Abbas, a court registrar, for releasing a suspect on bail without the case being officially assigned to any court, ordering the suspect to make financial restitution.

“The JSC remains dedicated to ensuring that all judiciary personnel perform their duties within the boundaries of the law and with the utmost respect for judicial processes.”

Farmers’ Group Canvasses For Return Of Cocoa Board

Ayodele Oni

November 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For enhanced production, a plea for the return of Cocoa Board has gone to the federal government.

Cocoa Roundtable Initiative (CORI) saddled with the responsibility of transforming life of Cocoa Farmers in the country, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, called for the provision of subsidized inputs to cocoa farmers to enhance their productivity that will translate into more income for them and revenue for Government at all levels in 2025.

The letter reads “Mr. President, it is interesting to note that the performance of the cocoa sector in the last one year in the generation of FX and top earnings in the non-crude oil sector cannot be taken for granted.

“According to the NBS report your Excellency, the cocoa exports rose by 304 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 due to higher demand and weak naira. The country’s cocoa exports, which accounted for 42.4 percent of the N1.04 trillion agricultural exports for the period, surged to N438.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024 from N108,6 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.

“And the good prospect of this development in the sector is in the stabilization of the price of cocoa which is not less than 10 million naira per metric tonne in the last one year.”

The letter signed by Adeola Adegoke, DG, Cocoa Roundtable Initiative (CORI) & National President, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) explained that the National Cocoa Management Committee, (NCMC) formed in August 2022 by the past administration was due to pressures mounted by the smallholder cocoa farmers of Nigeria under Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN).

The formation was as a result of total free market in the cocoa industry without regulation in consideration of the sector’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria.

“Cocoa Roundtable Initiative (CORI) appeals to your Excellency to passionately look into the funding of this critical sector in order not to reverse the present prosperity of our cocoa farmers through EU sanctioning of any unsustainable cocoa place on EU market after 2024 December but now to be extended by another 12 months.

“This EU policy might affect Nigeria cocoa sector if proper regulation, funding and legal framework to support NCMC and NTF operations to combat the industry challenges are not put in place.

“Mr. President should not forget that one of his promises during his campaign was to provide boards for some critical agricultural commodities, which will not be involved in buying, but developing and regulating such sector of which cocoa should takes preference as a leading FX provider and internal revenue generation in the country.

“Your Excellency, we believe the case of cocoa had been settled with the setting-up of the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC ), but has been so far hampered in operations in the last two years due to lack of funding to perform her statutory regulatory responsibilities and her legal status to transform into a board through the National Assembly legal backing.

“We urge Mr. President, Governors of the cocoa producing States and lovers of the Nigerian cocoa industry to look into the funding and legal framework support to NCMC through the National Assembly in order to save the industry from regulatory lapses that could undermine the present gains of high price of cocoa beans that is not less than 10million per MT that our cocoa farmers are currently enjoying and Nigeria determination to become the highest cocoa producing country in West Africa before 2027.”

Ondo Gov Election: Preparations, Anticipation, Expectations

Ayodele Oni

November 11, 2024

Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst 34,657 security personnel, the people of Ondo state are expected to troop out on Saturday to determine fate of 18 governorship candidates that have queue to become the landlord of the Alagbaka government house for the next four years.

For the political parties, members and the candidates, the last one month has been a rigorous one with everyone traversing the nook and crannies of the state to canvas for votes from 2,053,061 registered voters already cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to elect the new helmsman.

From the promise of free education, employment opportunities, incentives to Farmers and other enticing programmes, each of the candidates has put in the best to convince the electorate on why he should be voted for.

In the course of preparations by the candidates, there have been alignments and realignments among party members with some crossing the carpets to team up with their newly courted parties all in attempt for them to ensure victory for their candidates.

Elections in Ondo state especially the off circle governorship poll, have always been interesting ones with funfare everywhere, with the radio and television stations awash with campaign jingles from candidates and their supporters. The 2024 off circle election, which comes up on Saturday November 16 has not been an exception.

The incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that clinched the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) early in the year, will be slugging it out with 17 others. Aiyedatiwa will be almost a year in office as governor after succeeding late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who died last year.

Other Candidates such as Agboola Ajayi, who is flying the flag of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olusola Ebiseni from the Labour Party, (LP) Paul Adegoke of the YPP and others all have the pedigree to govern the state, as each of them has served one time or the other in the previous administration in the state.

Last few weeks have also witnessed adoption of candidates by various groups and bodies to further boost the chances of the candidates. The royal fathers in the state are not left in this adoption saga as their representatives announced where they belong to. Governors of neighbouring states of Osun, Kogi and Ekiti have come to rally their indigenes, resident in Ondo to vote for candidates of their choice. Osun campaigned for PDP Ajayi, Kogi and Ekiti for Aiyedatiwa.

On its part, the INEC had promised free, fair and hitch free poll with credible result announced. The chairman of the electoral body, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu has been a resident of the state for a week during which he took time to educate and meet various stakeholders on the need for a peaceful outing on Saturday.

On preparation for the election, Yakubu explained that “Let me reassure stakeholders that INEC is ready for the election. We are deploying the BVAS machines for voter accreditation at polling units and for the upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Only yesterday, we conducted mock accreditation in 12 polling units across six Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

“The purpose was to test-run our deployment of technology to safeguard the credibility of the election. I am glad to report that the mock was successful and the result can be viewed on the IReV portal. But let me also quickly add that the machines used for the mock accreditation and the training of officials will not be used on Election Day.

“We have sufficient machines for the election which have been configured for voter accreditation and the upload of result distinct from those used for mock accreditation and training.

“So, let me summarise what we have done so far to ensure the success of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election holding next week. We engaged several times with stakeholders at the national level and here in Ondo State. We have made every information about the election available to Nigerians.

“We have published the list of candidates, the number registered voters and the number of PVCs collected by polling units. We have made available the locations of voting and collation centres across the State. We have accredited observers and media organisations for the election. We have also accredited polling and collation agents and made the details public.

“We visited many of our Local Government offices to assess their readiness for the election. We have test-run our election technology in preparation for the Election Day. We are deploying enough technical support staff to address any challenges that may occur. We have made arrangements for land and maritime transportation of personnel and materials. We have arranged for the delivery of sensitive materials for the election to arrive as early as Tuesday.

“We will invite political parties and other stakeholders for the usual inspection of the materials at the Central Bank here in Akure and throughout the movement of sensitive materials to the Local Governments and the Ward centres. We have warned our staff that there will be consequences for dereliction of duty in any way or form. Tomorrow afternoon, I am going to address the staff, including the Electoral Officers from the 18 Local Government Areas.”

Chairman of the National Peace Committee, and former military Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar with other members of the committee too were in Akure to preach peace during the election. He told the people especially candidates not to accept results fraught with irregularities.

“I want to encourage the good people of Ondo state to exercise their civic duty by coming out en masse to vote for the candidates of their choice and desist from selling their votes, as it contradicts the very essence of democracy. It remains the duty of Nigerian citizens to elect their leaders free from any inducements or prejudice. Political actors must also discontinue this menace of vote trading.”

The Nigerian Police Force has also been in the forefront in the preparation for Saturday’s election. Officers have been monitoring campaigns by parties and their candidates and so far so good, no ugly incident has been recorded during the campaigns. For the D day, the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has promised that similar feat recorded during Edo Election will be achieved in Ondo.

Egbetokun has volunteered personnel for the election to ensure safety of electorate, officials and the materials. He has told those planning to forment trouble to steer clear.

The IGP, while presenting arrangement for the poll, stated that “A detailed Operation Order for the election has been prepared with adequate Police personnel to be deployed.

“The Nigeria Police will deploy a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.

“It is expected that Four Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.

“This will be complemented by the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Security Agencies and other sister Security Agencies.

“A total of Eight thousand, five hundred personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to augment the Police strength.

“This will be complemented by the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Security Agencies and other sister Security Agencies.”

From the foregoing, Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo state is a straight contest between Aiyedatiwa of APC and Ajayi of the PDP. Other political parties will be struggling for the distant third position. Apart from this, a victorious candidate will come from the South senatorial district, that is the riverine area of Ondo state.

The power of incumbency may not be totally ruled out of the outcome. The collapse of the political dynasty of former governor Olusegun Mimiko for the incumbent Governor may likely influence the outcome of the election. However the candidate of the PDP is coming out for the second time to take a shot at the governorship and this too may be an added advantage.

With the choice of Ajayi’s running mate coming from the central, PDP may have good outing from the district. Votes from the South are to be shared by the trio of Aiyedatiwa, Ebiseni and Ajayi. The north is the beautiful bride for the candidates, but the presence of a serving minister from the area, in person of Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo, may give APC winning stride.

In all, Saturday’s governorship poll in Ondo will produce a clear winner, that will be sworn in in February next year.

Minimum Wage: NLC Issues November Deadline To Governors

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 11, 2024

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has issued November Deadline to state governors for the payment of the new minimum wage.

NLC President l, Joe Ajaero gave the ultimatum on Sunday at the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting, held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The NLC leader said the workers would no longer accept the delay in the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in July this year signed the new Minimum wage into law with the approval of the National Assembly.

But five months after, many state governments have yet to implement the policy, even though some governors have indicated their interest to pay.

Ajaero however said the Congress is unsatisfied with the delay in paying the wage, citing for instance, that the workers are going through a lot due the economic situation in the country.

Paying the new wage will bring succour to them, the NLC President said in a communique issued by the Congress yesterday at the end of its NEC meeting.

According to him, NLC will take action against state governments that refused to pay the wage by the end of this month, including grounding activities in such states through picketing, adding that the workers consider the delay as a betrayal of trust.

Part of the communique reads, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.

“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

“The NEC therefore resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and campaign to educate citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of Nov., 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from Dec. 1,” Ajaero said.

1...874875876...2,956 Page 875 of 2,956