Former Imo State Commissioner for Internally Generated Revenue and Pensions, Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of insensitivity for demanding a N250,000 minimum wage. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Ajumbe described the unions’ demands as unrealistic and unsustainable. He argued that labor unions should prioritize the revival of critical infrastructure, such as the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, to improve internally generated revenue, rather than pushing for an impractical wage increase. “The N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government was already a strain on many state budgets,” Ajumbe…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Danjuma Bello Sarki, a former Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and candidate for the State Party’s Chairmanship Seat, has vowed to lead the party to victory in the 2027 elections if elected. Sarki made this pledge during his campaign flag-off at the party’s offices in Zonkwa, the headquarters of Zangon Kataf Local Government, and in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Areas. He expressed confidence in his aspiration, emphasizing that it was backed by the people and party members. “I have heeded your call because you believe in my capability, vibrancy, connections, and wisdom to revamp…
Detectives from the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have arrested and detained His Royal Highness, Eze Cyprian Amadi-Worenwu, the Eze Risi Ohia-Emeri Abali of Rebisi. The arrest follows allegations that Eze Amadi-Worenwu threatened the lives of retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli and his family members. The royal figure is accused of making threats against retired Justice Enebeli after a judgment was delivered against him on March 28, 2023, in a case involving traditional chieftaincy. In a petition to the Commissioner of Police, retired Justice Enebeli claimed that Eze Amadi-Worenwu, angered by the ruling, threatened to kill him, his children, and…
Suspected bandits attacked the Abaji Divisional Police Headquarters and a nearby commercial bank in Abuja on Thursday evening. The assailants, numbering about 15, launched simultaneous assaults on both locations around 5:00 PM. During the incident, a police officer and two of the suspects were killed. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the attack to Journalists on Friday. She reported that operatives from the command, in collaboration with the military, engaged the gunmen in a shootout, resulting in the casualties. Three suspects, including a reported leader of the gang identified simply as Usman, were…
A 25-year-old woman, Temitope Adetanju, has been arrested for allegedly inserting a piece of firewood into the vagina of a 12-year-old girl in Isewo, Obada Oko, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. The incident reportedly occurred after the girl, whose name has been withheld, stole a biscuit worth ₦200, Milo worth ₦150, and Mr. Fruit worth ₦300. According to reports, the child was subjected to severe physical torture by her guardian, Adetanju, due to her stealing habit. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said it happened around 11:00 am on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Adetanju…
Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former House of Representatives member, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to develop effective economic policies to alleviate the suffering and hardships faced by the majority of Nigerians. In a statement released by his Special Assistant, Ibrahim Lawal, Dagogo described the current living standards in the country as “grim,” expressing concerns that all indicators suggest “further pains for the citizenry.” In his Eid-ul-Adha (Sallah) message to Muslims across the country, Dagogo expressed dismay over the continued misery experienced by the people despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. “Today, yesterday, and especially in the past year, the…
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, has refuted claims that the 10th Senate is considering a clause for the seizure of state and local government funds in the proposed new Minimum Wage Bill. In a statement issued on Saturday, Adaramodu emphasized that the new Minimum Wage Bill being proposed by the Executive does not include any provisions for the seizure of funds in the event of non-compliance by state governments. Reacting to reports suggesting that lawmakers plan to propose the seizure of statutory allocations for states and local governments defaulting on the new…
Governor Bassey Otu has acted on the resolution of the Cross River State House of Assembly, which urged the removal of HRM (Dr) Etim Okon Edet, the chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, citing alleged brutality and an eight-year overstay in office. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, the governor approved the immediate dissolution of the Cross River State Council of Chiefs, chaired by Dr. Edet, who is also the paramount ruler of Bakassi LGA. “The governor’s action is pursuant to Section 4 of the State Council of Chiefs law, Cap…
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to bolster its fleet with the delivery of 50 brand-new aircraft over the next two years. These planes will be stationed in NAF formations across the country, including Adamawa State, to enhance efforts in containing insecurity in the northeast region and beyond. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Hassan Bala, made this announcement on Friday during a courtesy call on Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as part of his visit to tour the operational units of the Nigerian Air Force in Adamawa State. He informed the governor that the state would soon experience…
No fewer than 197 personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces have been deployed to Gambia for peacekeeping missions. The deployment was announced on Friday by Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army, during a briefing in Jaji, Kaduna State. The 197 troops began their Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, 2024, at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji. Maj-Gen. Sinjen emphasized that the training aligns with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to deploying highly skilled peacekeepers in support of international peace and security efforts.…
As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns over alleged intimidation by Governor Godwin Obaseki and threats of arrest by the state’s Commissioner of Police. In a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, accused Governor Obaseki of using state security apparatus to suppress opposition. Tenebe stated that he had been summoned by the State Commissioner of Police, a move he believes is intended…
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of the Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress have criticized the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly for allegedly reneging on their defection to the party. This comes after the political crisis in the state saw some lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, announce their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2023. However, Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently declared their seats vacant, citing the illegal mode of their defection. Subsequently, reports indicate that the lawmakers have claimed they are still…
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has established over 200 mobile courts nationwide to prosecute traffic offenders during the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operations. FRSC Corps Marshal Malam Shehu Mohammed announced this during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, detailing the Corps’ preparations ahead of the Sallah celebration. Mohammed highlighted recent challenges to road safety, noting the increase in unsafe practices such as using trailers and trucks to transport people, night travel, driver fatigue, speed violations, driving under the influence, and vehicle overloading. “The Corps has intensified efforts to address these issues head-on,” Mohammed stated. He emphasized that the FRSC…
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed a viral social media video suggesting a change in the Corps Members’ uniform, confirming that all issued items remain unchanged. NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, clarified in a statement that the items provided to Corps members during registration at the Orientation Camps are consistent with previous distributions. He urged the public, especially prospective Corps members, to disregard the misleading TikTok video. “Members of the public, especially Prospective Corps members, are hereby advised to disregard the misleading and highly embarrassing TikTok video in its entirety. Efforts are ongoing on…
The Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) has lifted the suspension on Barr. Mathew Omonade, the member representing Ughelli North 1 Constituency. The decision followed the adoption of recommendations by an ad hoc committee chaired by the Majority Leader of the House, Emeka Nwaobi, which investigated allegations of gross misconduct against Omonade. Despite the reinstatement, Omonade was warned against actions that could undermine the integrity and sanctity of the offices of the State Governor and the Speaker of the House. Speaker Dennis Guwor announced the restoration of all Omonade’s rights and privileges as a member of the 8th Assembly. Presenting…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its approval of the federal government’s continued suspension of certificates issued by universities in Benin Republic and the Republic of Togo. The student body, however, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, noting that the future of thousands of Nigerian students in those countries is uncertain. In a statement issued on Friday by Comrade Joshua Olakunle, the Director of NANS – West Africa Affairs, the association emphasized that many prominent Nigerians have studied in these countries and have excelled among their peers. NANS urged the government to expedite the review…
Benjamin Obaseki, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oredo Local Government of Edo State, has announced his resignation from the party. InfoStride News reports that Obaseki submitted his resignation letter, dated June 12, 2024, to the local government chairman of the PDP. Until his resignation, Obaseki served as an ex-official of the Oredo Local Government chapter and was a member of Ward 10. In his resignation letter, Obaseki expressed his reasons for leaving the party. “I am writing to formally inform you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party. It has been incredible and a…
Chief Olu Falae, a prominent Yoruba leader and former Head of the Southwest Delegation to the Jonathan National Constitutional Conference, has articulated the true meaning and necessity of restructuring Nigeria. In a detailed statement, Falae explained that restructuring means reverting to the Independence Constitution negotiated between 1957 and 1959, which provided significant autonomy to the regions. This constitution was the foundation for Nigeria’s unity, agreed upon by the three regions at the time. “The Yoruba position is my position and it is the same position I canvassed in my book, ‘The Way Forward for Nigeria,’ launched in 2005,” Falae stated.…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the proposed bill seeking a single six-year term for the President and state governors, labeling it “anti-democracy and an attempt to stifle people’s choice.” On Monday, 35 members of the House of Representatives, under the banner of Reformed-minded Legislators, proposed the bill, which also advocates for rotating the presidency among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The legislators argue that this measure would reduce the cost of governance. In response, NANS held a press conference on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, calling on Nigerians, pro-democracy groups, organized labor, and trade…
Kogi state political activist Usman Okai Austin has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its delay in prosecuting former Governor Yahaya Bello. Okai emphasized the need for the EFCC to uphold its integrity, asserting that public trust is at stake. Okai accused Bello of using media manipulation to intimidate influential figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to discredit the anti-graft agency. He insisted that the public would not tolerate any leniency from the EFCC, which had previously shown determination to prosecute Bello. “The EFCC must not yield to political pressure or media campaigns, as doing so…