Governors from Nigeria’s 36 states have rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N60,000 minimum wage, deeming it unrealistic and unsustainable. This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). The governors argued that the proposed wage, if implemented, would compel some states to borrow funds to pay workers’ salaries. “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathizes with labor unions in their push for higher wages. However, the Forum urges all parties to consider…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called for the adoption of a regional system of government in Nigeria, where each region can manage its needs using its natural resources, educational quality, political prowess, and agricultural strength. This call is in response to the perceived marginalization of the North Central region. Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, Chairman of the APC Forum, made this appeal while addressing journalists in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, highlighting what he termed “Issues of urgent national importance.” Zazzaga emphasized that the North Central region has made significant contributions to Nigeria in agriculture, education, natural resources, and…
The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) has announced plans to conduct fresh local council elections on August 10, 2024. This development comes after the dissolution of the previously elected councils by State Governor Bala Mohammed a year ago. During a press briefing on Friday, BASIEC Chairman Ahmed Makama revealed that the commission has issued a 60-day notice for the local government council elections in accordance with relevant laws. “If you calculate 60 days from today, it will be the 6th of August, which is not a Saturday, and elections are usually conducted on Saturdays. We have therefore moved the…
The chief spokesman of the Obi-Datti organization, Tanko Yunusa, has declared that the Obidient Movement is larger than the Labour Party. Yunusa made this declaration during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, which was monitored by the media. “It’s bigger than the Labour Party. It is so because it is a movement of its own that has a life of its own. What they are interested in is good governance,” Yunusa stated. He emphasized that the movement’s focus on good governance allows it to challenge any wrongdoing, even within the Labour Party or by Peter Obi himself. “Even His…
Members of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected the caretaker committee constituted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. In a statement signed by 71 members and stakeholders, they threatened to resign en masse if the committee is not replaced with a list agreed upon by state stakeholders. The statement, made available to media outlets in Abakiliki on Friday, indicated that the NWC had mandated PDP stakeholders to nominate a candidate from each of the 13 local government areas to serve on a new caretaker committee. The NWC reserved the right to…
The Ondo State Government has formally contested a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation at the Supreme Court, which seeks autonomy for the 774 local governments across Nigeria. The state government has urged the Apex Court to dismiss the suit in its entirety. Like other state governments, Ondo State argues that the federal government lacks the legal standing to file a suit on behalf of local governments. In a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the federal government is described…
The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has announced plans to take legal action against Ifeanyi Ogba over his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ogba, who won the 2023 general election under the Labour Party, represents Onicha East state constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Chief Innocent Igiri, the publicity secretary of the Ebonyi State Labour Party, made this announcement during an enlarged stakeholders meeting held at the San Diego Hotel in Abakaliki on Thursday. Igiri emphasized that the Labour Party owns the platform on which Ogba contested and won the election and vowed to…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun to expedite efforts to arrest and prosecute Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa. At a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, PDP’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized the need to comply with a court order for Yunusa-Ari’s arrest. Yunusa-Ari was suspended for attempting to usurp the powers of the state returning officer by declaring Aishatu Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the April 15, 2023, Adamawa governorship election while the compilation of results was still incomplete. Ologunagba…
Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded President Bola Tinubu on Thursday for his steadfast support of northerners in their political pursuits, describing him as “a man who has shown commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.” Speaking at the 3rd Expanded National MSMEs Clinics in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Shettima highlighted Tinubu’s dedication to improving governance and his extensive support for political figures, including victims of political persecution. “The road that led us to Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu did not happen by chance,” Shettima remarked. “This is a man who has shown profound commitment to improving the quality of governance in this nation. He…
The Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISEC) has announced the postponement of the local government elections from June 2024 to June 14, 2025. This decision was disclosed by the Chairman of the Commission, Auwal Muhammad Harbo, during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday. Harbo explained that the postponement follows the amendment of the 2012 Jigawa electoral law by the Jigawa State House of Assembly to align with the 2022 Electoral Act, which stipulates a 360-day preparation period for political parties. “Due to the higher demand from political parties to postpone the election, the commission forwarded the request to the Jigawa State…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced an extension of the tenure for its Caretaker Committee in Rivers State. This decision was made during the 151st meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the NWC resolved to extend the tenure of the seven-member Caretaker Committee for an additional six months. “The membership of the Caretaker Committee remains as originally constituted: Chief Tony C. Okocha – Chairman, Chief Eric Nwibani – Secretary, Hon.…
In response to ongoing controversy surrounding the naming and composition of the “Obidient Directorate,” the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) has announced a new name for the directorate. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, on Thursday. According to Ifoh, the directorate will now be known as the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration. “Following the controversies arising from the creation of the Directorate of Obidient Affairs in the party, the directorate is hereby renamed the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration,” Ifoh stated. He also announced…
Less than four months before the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has suspended its candidate, Pastor Azemhe Azena. InfoStride News reports that the suspension was enacted by the ward executives in Etsako East Local Government Area. The notice, dated June 3, 2024, was signed by Ward 10 Chairman Kadiri Eshimokha, Woman Leader Stella Afebua, Youth Leader Eshiobu Johnson, and Secretary Imonikho Abdul. The signatories cited alleged gross misconduct, disregard for party directives, and anti-party activities as reasons for Azena’s suspension. The suspension letter was also sent to the National Chairman of…
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the party amidst rumors suggesting otherwise. During an encounter with a journalist at the Abuja airport, Obi addressed speculations stemming from his recent statements about the ‘Obidient Movement’. Some interpreted his comments as an indication of his intention to leave the Labour Party. Obi clarified his position in a statement on Thursday: “For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a committed, loyal Labour Party member. That is my definitive response to all Nigerians who may be in doubt about my…
Policymakers across Federal Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs), as well as in the National Assembly (NASS), have received a clarion call to consistently integrate evidence synthesis reports into their policy and programmatic decisions. Professor Jesse Uneke, Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, and founder of the African Institute for Health Policy & Health Systems at Ebonyi State University, emphasized the imperative of utilizing context-specific evidence to inform policy-making during the Second National Stakeholders’ Engagement Event at Rockview Classic Hotel in Abuja. Uneke stressed the necessity of enhancing the technical capacity of middle and senior-level…
During the 2024 World Environmental Day celebration held in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, urged residents to prioritize their health by refraining from dumping waste in rivers and drainages, which contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera. Coker emphasized the intrinsic connection between the environment and human health, underscoring that improper waste disposal adversely impacts public health. In her address, Coker stated, “We can’t address environmental issues without considering their impact on health. Improper waste disposal leads to health hazards, including diarrheal diseases.” Highlighting the dire consequences of indiscriminate waste disposal, Coker warned, “Dumping…
In a significant development, the Nigerian government has announced the resumption of freight services on the old narrow gauge rail line from Lagos to Kano, scheduled for Thursday, following its successful rehabilitation. The statement was issued on Thursday by Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation, who highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s role in officially launching the reopening of the corridor for freight. The Ministry of Transportation conducted a trial run, moving import containers from Apapa Port in Lagos to Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano, and successfully transported numerous 40 ft containers from Lagos to Kano within a few days.…
In anticipation of the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its 256-member State Campaign Council, appointing former governor Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman. Acting Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, made the announcement in a statement released on Wednesday in Benin. Sen. Matthew Urhoghide was named as the Campaign Council Director-General (DG), while Mr. Joe Ugheoke was appointed as Campaign Council Secretary. Among the notable members are Peter Akpatason, designated as Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Operations, and Mike Onolememen, named Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Administration. Tenebe also disclosed the appointment of Chief Lucky Imasuen, Odi Okogie, and Abu…
In a recent development, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has rebuffed the party’s endeavor to establish a directorate for the ‘Obidient Movement.’ Obi adamantly declared that the ‘Obidient Movement’ does not align with any specific political entity. The Labour Party had recently appointed eight individuals to spearhead the activities of the ‘Obidient’ Directorate. This move was framed as part of the party’s strategic efforts to assimilate millions of Nigerian youths, particularly those affiliated with the ‘Obidient’ family, into the broader party fold. However, Mr. Peter Obi, via a statement released on Wednesday through his official…
The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage has resumed discussions regarding a new minimum wage for workers across Nigeria. The committee is currently convening at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja. Representatives from the Federal Government include Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance; Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Labour; along with representatives from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service of the Federation. Leading the organized labour delegation are Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union…