Rhodes-Vivour Says Sanwo Olu’s N85,000 Minimum Wage Unrealistic

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October 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party’s Lagos State 2023 Governorship Candidate has stated that the N85,000 Minimum Wage announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu as against the Federal Government proposed N70,000 is commendable but unrealistic.

Rhodes-Vivour recommended the sum of N100,000 as minimum wage for workers in Lagos State, putting into cognizance the pathetic state of the nation’s economy.

In a statement Rhodes-Vivour, said: “While the recent increase in the minimum wage to N85,000 is commendable, it is significantly short of addressing the unique cost-of-living challenges faced by Lagos workers.

“Lagos has the highest intra-city public transportation costs in Nigeria, the second most expensive city in the country to feed and has the highest rental costs in the country, with meagre investments in social housing programs”.

He challenged Governor Sanwo Olu, and advised him to invest more in the things that matter to Lagosians. He noted that higher budgets has not translated to improved living conditions for Lagos residents.

He said: “It’s crucial to note that over 70% of Lagos State’s operating revenue comes from taxes, with PAYE (Pay As You Earn) contributing 45%.

“This means the State’s wealth, which the Governor seems to take all the credit for, is primarily generated by citizens’ hard work.

“What tangible benefits do Lagosians receive in return for this significant contribution? Do their children have access to quality public education?

“Is there an efficient and affordable public transportation system? Are the roads well-maintained? Is social housing readily available? Can residents easily access capital for entrepreneurship?”

He further concluded that: “while it is fair to commend opening the blue rail, albeit after 16 years, the question is, what kind of city are we building?

“Who are we building for, and what opportunities do we seek to tap into?

“Comparing Lagos with Bauchi or Ekiti is juvenile and visionless, when the city lags far behind its contemporaries around Africa.”

Insecurity: Kaduna Gov Sani Advocates Collaboration Among Northern States

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Ayodele Oni

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October 18, 2024

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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to rid the Northern part of the Country of banditry, the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to launch another security operation in the region.

To this end, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, visited Kaduna to update the State Government about the planned launch.

Receiving the Minister, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, called for a unified Military effort to combat the escalating insecurity in the North-West region, particularly banditry and terrorism.

Governor Sani emphasized the need for a collaborative framework among Northern States to tackle insecurity.

He praised the Federal Government’s establishment of the Joint Military Command and Operation Fansan Yamma, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to tackling insecurity.

The Defence Minister’s visit was aimed to finalize preparations for Operation Fansan Yamma’s launch, targeting insecurity in the region.

Governor Sani stressed the importance of addressing root causes through investment, agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and citizen engagement.

He also advocated for a people-driven, inclusive Marshall Plan for regional development and transparent leadership for the North-West Development Commission.

The Governor requested the Defence Minister to consider bringing Operation Safe Haven under 1 Division, Kaduna, to enhance security coordination.

The Minister pledged federal government’s support and thanked troops for their patriotic services during visits to 1 Division Nigerian Army, Air Training Command, and frontline local governments.

He commended Kaduna State’s administration for supporting security agencies and constructing roads to enhance access to hard-to-reach areas.

Bauchi Police Command Arrests Two Underaged Robbers

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Ayodele Oni

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October 18, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Two underaged suspected robbers have been nabbed by Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command.

The suspects, who are Junior Secondary School Student of Bakari Dukku Comprehensive Secondary, Bauchi, are Hamza Sadiq and Adamu Ahmadu, both of whom are 15 years old each.

Following an investigation, operatives from the Operation Restore Peace (ORP) unit arrested the two suspects in connection with a robbery incident at a mobile phone shop in Wunti Market, Bauchi.

A statement signed by the Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil revealed that the two suspects, had, during interrogation confessed to their crimes.

He added that they will however be taken to a remand home for rehabilitation after the completion of the investigation and recovery of the remaining stolen items.

Wakil stated that proceeds of the crime were used to purchase clothes, food, and a smartphone, which was later stolen from one of the suspects as well, other recovered items such as 21 mobile phones; five MP4 players; One mobile phone charger; and a metal key.

The PPRO recalled that On October 1, 2024, a mobile shop owner reported the theft of the some items from his shop at Wunti Market, Bauchi that included 100 mobile phones; 75 MP4 players; 30 cell phone batteries; 50 external memory cards; and a Bluetooth headset.

“Relocate From River Banks”, FG Warns Nigerians For Fear Of Huge Floods

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 18, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has, for the umpteenth time, warned Nigerians residing close to the River Banks to relocate as flooding persists in several States across the country.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, has further advised Nigerians living around river banks along the River Benue Basin to quickly move to safer grounds, to avoid been swept off by the flood wreaking havoc across the country.

Umar Mohammed, NIHSA’s Director-General, gave the warning, saying that water on the River Benue has reached the flooding level due to increased rainfall.

Mohamned also urged those along the River Niger to move to a safe location, saying the management of Kainji and Jebba Dams is working to control the flood water.

The NIHSA boss urged Nigerians to cooperate with the emergency management agencies and work together to build resilience against flooding in Nigeria and minimise its effects.

It would be recalled that the FG warned Nigerians to relocate to safe grounds after the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

This followed the release of water from the overflowing Alau Dam which killed over 30 persons and swept away thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.

Defiant, Unruly College Of Health Technology Students Sent Home

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Ayodele Oni

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October 18, 2024

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Kebbi State College of Health Science and Technology Jega

By Ayodele Oni

Following escalating protest embarked upon by students of Kebbi state College of Health Technology, Jega, the state government has announced the closure of the institution.

The Ministry for Higher Education which announced the decision, explained that the action was in consultation with the Chairman of the college’s Governing Board to prevent further disturbances and restore normalcy.

According to the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, the school will reopen after an intensive investigation to forestall recurrence.

On Thursday evening, Tunga informed journalists in Birnin Kebbi that the students’ unrest began when those pursuing two diploma programmes refused to sit for examinations scheduled for the next Tuesday.

The students claimed that the courses had not been accredited, and they would receive Ordinary Diplomas instead of National Diplomas upon graduation.

The students also alleged that employers rejected certificates of students who graduated with OND, and those who secured appointments were later dismissed.

This led to the students burning down the Provost’s house and damaging his car. The DPO had to intervene to protect the Provost from being lynched by the students.

In addition to the accreditation issue, the students complained about hike in registration fees, other subsidiary issues such as lack of water and electricity supply, and non-provision of toilet facilities.

The Commissioner stated that he headed a team to Jega to assess the situation and decided to close the college for about a month.

Before the team’s arrival, the traditional ruler of Jega, Sarkin Kabin Jega, had attempted to pacify the students, but they were uncooperative.

The Commissioner tried to dialogue with the students but was met with rowdiness. A meeting was held with the traditional ruler, DPO, DSS, and Chairman Governing Board to address the situation.

The Commissioner warned that the college will remain shut, and upon reopening, every student will be required to sign a bond for good conduct with their father.

“Any further misbehavior will result in instant dismissal. A committee will be set up to investigate the incident, and those involved will face punishment according to the law.”

Security operatives have taken over the school premises, and all students have been directed to vacate immediately. The students had breached the wall fencing the female students’ hostel and threatened any woman remaining in the building.

Military Arrests Taraba Couple For Converting Residence To Armoury For Bandits, Terrorists

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 18, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Three persons have been arrested by the Nigerian Army in Taraba State for collaborating with bandits and terrorists.

The 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in a statement on Friday, October, 18, 2024 said it has apprehended the trio of Ahijo Sulaiman ,Abdulraham Isah and Aisha Mohammed for their suspected roles in aiding and abetting terrorists activities.

According to the Brigade spokesperson, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the suspects were arrested on October 15, in Landey Jessy Village, Lau Local Council of Taraba State.

Their arrest, he stated, followed actionable intelligence- driven operation which was carried out sequel to reports of escalating banditry activities on the Kona Mountain range covering Jalingo, the State Capital and Lau Local Government.

“During questioning, Aisha Mohammed, the wife of Ahijo Suleiman, revealed that their residence is used to hide weapons after terrorist operations .

Abdultaham Isah was also identified by a victim he, allegedly, attempted to kidnap in September 2024 in Iware Ardo-Kola Local Government” the army statement stated.

The Brigade further informed that all arrested suspects are currently being detained, while investigations are ongoing to unravel details of their links with terrorist elements.

The Brigade’s arrest of the suspected comes on the heels of National Security Adviser, NSA? Nuhu Ribadu’s claim yesterday October 17 that a sizable quantity of the arms and ammunition being used by bandits, kidnappers , terrorists and other criminal elements are Government weapons.

He regretted that some unscrupulous personnel of the Police, Army and other Security Agencies have been discovered to be the major suppliers of weapons to hoodlums in the country.

Not a few observers believe that such unpatriotic acts, including logical assistance advanced by some persons from the security challenged states, have greatly served to embolden the operations of the bandits, and other criminal minds.

It is believed to be largely accountable for the seemingly intractable nature of banditry and terrorist activities in the country.

Obi Reaffirms ‘Consumption to Production’ Mantra as Nigeria Ranks Among Top 20 Most Hungry Nations

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The Source

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October 18, 2024

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“82 Million Nigerians at Risk of Hunger”

The Labour Party leader and 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his core campaign message amid alarming reports that Nigeria now ranks among the top 20 most food-insecure countries globally.

In a statement marking World Food Day, Obi expressed deep concern over the Global Hunger Index, which places Nigeria among the 20 nations facing the worst hunger crises. He pointed out that by August 2024, more than 31.8 million Nigerians were experiencing severe food shortages due to escalating security issues and the removal of fuel subsidies.

“It was also reported that 15.6 million Nigerian children are grappling with hunger,” Obi said. “Furthermore, the United Nations has warned that 82 million Nigerians could face hunger by 2030 if urgent steps are not taken to address food insecurity.”

Obi highlighted that Nigeria’s domestic food inflation is among the highest worldwide, with food prices increasing by 37.5% year-on-year as of August 2024.

As the world observes World Food Day, Obi stressed that this global event serves to raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity, urging a renewed commitment to tackling the issue head-on.

“This global observance is especially significant to us in Nigeria, where food prices are soaring daily, making even basic necessities unaffordable for the majority,” Obi stated. “Severe hunger has now tragically become a member of many Nigerian households. This is a nation that was once considered the giant of Africa, with the most arable land on the continent.”

Obi lamented Nigeria’s current struggle with hunger, given the country’s vast agricultural potential. “It is disheartening that despite our richly blessed, fertile lands, Nigeria is suffering from a deepening food crisis,” he added.

“In the past, I was concerned that many Nigerian households spent most of their income on food, leaving little to no room for savings or other essentials. Today, it is even more painful to see that many households can no longer afford even the most basic sustenance,” Obi remarked.

He noted that the food crisis has worsened significantly, with prices continuing to climb and hunger escalating into a national emergency. Citing a recent Food Security Update from the World Bank, Obi warned that Nigeria’s food crisis has been likened to that of war-torn countries like Yemen, where acute food shortages and widespread hunger prevail.

“These distressing reports are just a glimpse of the harsh reality,” Obi said. “For years, I have consistently argued that moving our country from consumption to production is the only viable solution to tackling food insecurity and lifting the nation out of this crisis.”

Obi emphasized the immense potential of Nigeria’s uncultivated lands, particularly in the North, coupled with the nation’s large population. “We must invest deliberately in agriculture,” he stated. “Take Niger State, for example, which is twice the size of the Netherlands in land area (excluding water), yet it struggles to feed itself, while the Netherlands exports over $100 billion worth of agricultural products annually.”

To combat hunger, Obi called for targeted investment in agriculture, focusing on improving security to allow farmers to return to their lands and adopting modern mechanised farming techniques.

“A nation brimming with productivity, free from hunger, and abundant in food supply is the vision of the new, more prosperous Nigeria we are committed to building. It is possible!” Obi concluded.

Fubara Reports Legal Luminaries To God, Says “He Will Judge You”

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The Source

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October 18, 2024

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By Gideon Njoku

Some of you, you say you are Legal Luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your pay masters to turn the law upside down. God will judge you.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented the roles being played by some senior Lawyers which negatively affect the dispensation of justice in the country, and so present Nigeria in very bad light. The Governor said the legal Luminaries would know the truth but deliberately, just to please their pay masters, turn truth upside down.

Governor Fubara spoke at the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-dedication Service. He said Nigeria is a Country where individuals are stronger than institutions. This, he said is one of the reasons why investors do not come to Nigeria.

Said Fubara: “What we are praying for in this country is institutional strength and not individual strength. Institutional strength is the only thing that will bring development in this country.

“If I am a businessman, and I am coming into Nigeria to invest, why will I invest when what I am seeing today is that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than institutions.”

Fubara urged Judges to remain impartial and fearless in their sacred duty of dispensing justice.

He told Judges: “Let me say it here so that you will understand. Judges, you are the God that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us. Your position is to look at whoever and tell the person the truth.

“Because if you don’t do it here, you will have a big question to answer. The Preacher said it. Every evil done in the course of administrating justice, you will pay for it dearly.”

The Governor reserved the most stinging rebuke for some Senior Lawyers. “Some of you, you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on air just to pacify your pay masters to turn the law upside down.

“We all know the law when it comes to issues that have to do with the administration of governance in the State. It is within the jurisdiction of the State High Court.

“It doesn’t matter whether you joined INEC or Police. It is a State matter! I am not a lawyer, but I know that one. And you stand and say you are doing the right thing? God will judge you”, the Governor said.

Fubara, however, had words of praises and consolation for the Rivers State Judiciary. He said: I want to thank the Rivers State Judiciary, more especially, the High Court of Rivers State, for your support, for keeping this administration afloat up until this hour.

“We know quite well that a good number of you have been threatened by way of phone calls and even physical assaults. We are also aware that some of you have been threatened professionally through petitions that are fake and frivolous.

“But one thing that you need to understand is that you must be persecuted when you are doing the right thing. And those of you who are doing the right thing that are being fought from all sides, be courageous. Very soon, this whole thing will be over. Nothing lasts forever.

“If I am a businessman, and I am coming into Nigeria to invest, why will I invest when what I am seeing today is that institutions are weak and individuals are stronger than institutions?”

Speaking specifically on the state of things in Rivers State, the Governor said:

“This State belongs to all of us. It is not about Fubara today. If this institution is destroyed, when another person comes in tomorrow, it is the same thing that will happen.

“We need to stand and defend it, and you are the right people to do it. I am here today to assure you that even if I have my last breath, I will defend the cause of justice in this State.”

Rivers State has been in crisis since the political fallout between Governor Siminalayi and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Suspend UNISTAR Meters Phase Out For Now, NERC Orders Discos

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 18, 2024

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Amidst tension among electricity consumers on the plan by the power distribution companies, Discos to phase out Unistar meters, the NERC says the plan must be put on hold for now.

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, recently announced to customers that UNISTAR meters will be phased out by November 14, 2024, urging customers to apply for new meters to avoid being switched to postpaid billing.

The NERC however said the discos must wait for further directive from the government, saying the commission wants to ensure that the interests of Nigerians are well protected.

According to The Punch, the NERC chairman Musiliu Oseni said there is no official directive yet on the plan by the discos to phase out the Unistar meters, saying the power to do so rests with the discos, but that the government has the responsibility to make sure that the interests of Nigerians are well served.

For instance, the NERC vice chairman said electricity consumers will not be made to pay for new meters when the old ones are eventually phased out, saying the cost of replacement should be borne by the discos.

This, Oseni said, can be done by the discos through special arrangement with consumers, including the pay-and-be reimbursed-later.

He said the government wants to ensure that the meter replacement process did to lead to power disruptions for consumers, stressing that discos must not customers are not placed on estimated billings during the transition period.

“Operationally, if they say those meters are not upgradable, they can decide to phase them out. But as they remove the meters, based on the rule, they must replace them. It is the responsibility of the Discos to replace them,” he said.

He emphasised that during the phase-out process, no customer should be placed on estimated billing or be denied access to electricity.

He pointed out that if customers were asked to purchase meters under the MAP framework, Discos must provide a clear mechanism for refunds, as they are obligated to refund the customers.

“It’s a win-win for both sides because customers will be frustrated if it gets to a point that they want to vend and the meter is rejected. For Discos to remove the meter, they must make sure a mechanism for replacement happens, either vendor financing, Disco financing, or if it is MAP (Meter Asset Provider) to be funded by the customer; but the customer must be aware that they would be refunded,” he emphasised.

EKEDC had urged customers to promptly change their Unistar meters to prevent any disruption in their billing system and to enjoy the continued benefits of prepaid metering.

“UNISTAR meters are not compatible with the new STS 2.0 system.

Kindly apply for a new meter to avoid being moved to postpaid,” the dicsco said in a message to customers.

You Are Your Own Problem – Ondo APC Tells Opposition

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Ayodele Oni

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October 18, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo State Chapter, has maintained that internal wrangling in opposition parties is as a result of their lust to grab power through the back door.

The APC stated that allegations made by the National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ajuri Ahmed, accusing the APC of engineering crisis within opposition parties to retain power in 2027 was misplaced.

Ahmed had said in Akure on Thursday that “APC is doing everything it can in order to win the 2027 general elections. Certainly, there is evidence everywhere that they are interfering in other parties.

“But it is left to the other political parties to maintain their integrity and ensure they remain one and viable opposition to the APC before and after the 2027 election.”

In a statement signed by the APC’s Ondo State Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, the party dismissed Ahmed’s claims as baseless and careless.

Otaloro pointed out that the APC, under President Bola Tinubu, is currently focused on economic reforms, rather than politicking, unlike opposition parties that are struggling with internal cohesion.

He advised opposition parties to resolve their internal issues before considering mergers, as a divided house cannot sustain such discussions.

The statement further criticised Ahmed’s assertion that the NNPP could “capture” Ondo State, labelling it a misguided belief.

It pointed out that Gbenga Edema, the NNPP’s governorship candidate, was previously a member of the APC before defecting after losing the party’s primary.

The APC emphasized that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s accomplishments will be key in securing his re-election in the upcoming 16 November governorship race, urging the NNPP to focus on policy differences instead of relying on attacks and surprises.