Nigeria is undergoing a series of economic reforms designed to revitalize its economy for long-term stability and growth. These reforms have introduced shocks to the system, resulting in temporary financial hardships while, Nigerians remain hopeful, anticipating that these reforms will ultimately lead to improved economic conditions. Analysts have scrutinized the current government's performance over the past year using various indices such as GDP, GDP per capita, inflation, exchange rates, and external reserves. These metrics do not give a complete insight into the country’s socio-economic well-being.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country over a specified period. GDP per capita, which divides GDP by the population, offers an average economic output per person. However, GDP as an indicator is increasingly viewed as limited in its ability to reflect true economic wellness as it does not consider critical factors such as income distribution, unemployment, and economic sustainability. Consequently, a higher GDP or GDP growth rate does not necessarily signify superior economic performance or wealth. In some cases, a high GDP growth rate may be driven by unsustainable practices or a disproportionate focus on expanding specific sectors, rather than fostering holistic and inclusive economic development.  

A country's external reserves are crucial for managing economic shocks and maintaining foreign exchange stability. Large external reserves act as a safety net, increasing foreign investor confidence and potentially attracting more foreign direct investment. However, concentrating solely on building foreign reserves can have drawbacks. For instance, a country might prioritize reserves over investments in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are essential for long-term development. Balancing the accumulation of external reserves with necessary domestic investments is vital to ensure sustainable economic growth and overall national well-being.

The value of a country's currency is influenced by various factors including the value of external reserves, interest rates, economic and political stability, balance of trade, and economic policy. Some countries allow their currency to float, determined by market forces, while others peg it. There is a common misconception that a stronger currency signifies a stronger economy. Japan and China, despite having large and robust economies, do not have the world's strongest currencies. High-export countries may prefer a weaker currency to make their goods more competitive internationally. Thus, currency value alone is not a definitive measure of economic wellness.

Inflation is the rise in prices for goods and services. While high inflation can erode purchasing power, moderate inflation can signal economic growth and increased consumer spending. However, uncontrolled inflation can lead to economic instability. Nigeria's current high inflation rates are concerning, but the government's efforts to control inflation and increase the national minimum wage could help mitigate its negative impacts. Therefore, while inflation is an important metric, it must be understood within its broader economic context.

Fiscal deficit occurs when government expenditure surpasses revenue which often evokes concerns about economic stability. However, it is crucial to recognize that a higher fiscal deficit does not inherently signify economic challenges. It can result from prudent investments in essential sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and responses to emergencies or economic downturns. Deficit financing is a strategic tool for stimulating growth, supporting job creation, and bolstering economic resilience.

Looking beyond traditional economic indicators is imperative for assessing a country's wellness. The Human Development Index (HDI), which incorporates life expectancy, education, and per capita income, offers a more holistic perspective on well-being. Similarly, the Gini coefficient provides insights into income inequality, with lower values indicating a fairer distribution of wealth. Additionally, the poverty rate highlights the proportion of the population living below the poverty line, while the unemployment rate reflects job availability. These indices, alongside others, such as environmental sustainability measures and social progress indicators, contribute to a more nuanced understanding of a nation's overall welfare.

While Nigeria may exhibit higher inflation rates and fiscal deficits to GDP ratio than Ghana, alongside lower GDP growth and GDP per capita figures, these metrics alone do not signify Ghana's socio-economic superiority. A holistic evaluation encompassing a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators is imperative to ascertain the true state of each nation's wellness. Thus, any declarations regarding Ghana's superiority over Nigeria should be approached cautiously, recognizing the multifaceted nature of the factors influencing overall prosperity.

Author: Kenechukwu Aguolu FCA, PMP, CBAP

Business Analyst | Project Manager | Chartered Accountant | Public Affairs Analyst

Abuja, Nigeria         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Escapades Of Abisogun is a mesmerizing historical fiction novel that whisks readers away on an unforgettable journey through the life and times of Abisogun, a legendary African warrior from Yoruba culture. This epic tale masterfully chronicles Abisogun's odyssey from his humble beginnings to his rise as a formidable force on the battlefield, and ultimately, to his poignant legacy as a champion of justice, a symbol of hope, freedom advocate, emblem of resistance, and bravery at its peak.

Abisogun is not a visionless leader and not a warrior who fights just to oppress others; rather he is self-sacrificing and always eager to fight, though altruistic and public-spirited. Protection, safety and welfare of his people has always been the prime goals.

Abisogun's story is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human nature, as he embodies both the fierce bravery of a warrior and the vulnerable sensitivity of a poet. His extraordinary combat talent and fearless approach make him a legendary figure in his time, yet his contradictions also lead him down a path of self-discovery and growth. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of war, politics, leadership, and personal relationships, Abisogun grapples with profound questions about the nature of justice, the cost of heroism, and the enduring power of love and friendship.

Through Abisogun's escapades, readers will delve into the rich cultural heritage of Africa, particularly the Yoruba culture and traditions. They will discover the intricacies of pedigree and panegyric poetry, chants, and songs, which reveal the depth of Yoruba culture and its significance in Abisogun's life. They will explore the art of warfare, which Abisogun masters with precision and skill, yet also struggles with the moral implications of violence. They will witness Abisogun grappling with the honor of bravery and the shame of cowardice as he confronts his own fears and doubts.

Readers will also encounter ancient African wisdom and proverbs, which offer timeless insights into the human condition and Abisogun's journey. They will experience the beauty of true love and friendship, which bring joy and meaning to Abisogun's life, yet also pose challenges and heartbreak. They will see Abisogun confront betrayal, justice, and heroism head-on as he fights for his people and his beliefs, embodying the epitome of resistance, pride in valor, and the supremacy of wisdom above welfare.

As we embark on this unforgettable journey through the chronicles and adventures of Abisogun, this captivating novel is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a richly detailed and vibrant world that will leave them inspired, transformed, and forever changed.

Abisogun's legacy of upholding justice and equitability, emancipation and self-sacrificing serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world. His story is a proof of the human spirit's capacity for courage, resilience, and growth, and a validation that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to shape our own destiny.

Join Abisogun on his epic journey and discover the triumphs and tribulations of a legendary warrior, the convolution of human nature. Get ready for the beauty of African culture and the perennial wisdom of  African axioms. Let us be inspired by his story, and let us remember the transformative power of storytelling to captivate, inspire, and transform us.

The author, Dr. Samuel Olanrewaju Bill, is a multifaceted professional with expertise in writing. A novelist, poet, and author. Published by Spectrum Books Limited, a reputable publisher who has published books of great authors like Professor Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and many more. The book was officially unveiled at Transcorp Hilton Abuja on May 11, 2024. So far, the book has received positive reviews from many scholars across the country.

The Escapades Of Abisogun is available at many leading bookstores in the country both physical store and online. Such as Rovingheigths, Sunshine bookseller and Bookseller limited. It is also available on Amazon. Get your copy today as  the author eagerly awaits readers' reviews.

If you can’t take a joke or see the funny side of every situation no matter how stultifying, your Nigerian-ness is suspect. This is the land of the happiest people on the planet. One day, one wonder. Every frown eventually creases into a smile. A Nigerian will tell you that,“I can’t come and go and kill myself because of any problem”. He deploys humour to neutralise latent tension, making lemonade out of the lemon of his circumstances.

Nobody outside the inner sanctum of power saw the change of the Nigerian national anthem coming. The issue was not even trending at the time the government decided to spring it out like a jack-in-the-box. The speed of the passage of the bill to revert to the old colonial anthem must rank among the fastest in the history of the legislature in Nigeria. And the president signed it into law immediately to press it into service without further delay.

OLD ANTHEM RESURRECTS

And the old anthem written by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams with music composed by Frances Berda, became the new — just like that?
Arguments are still raging on both sides of the divide as always. Senator Shehu Sani argues that,

“Tampering with or changing the National Anthem or National Pledge of Nigeria should be done after wider public consultation and should be factored in the process of constitutional amendments.” In the same vein, the Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria (AAN), Mr. Andrew Mamedu, in an interview with Daily Trust on Sunday, said the bill to revert to the old National Anthem “is an absolute misplacement of priorities and an abuse of legislative privilege”.

On the other hand, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Oninlu, supports the change because the colonial anthem was more action oriented than the one introduced by the military government in 1978. “it’s important that you have an anthem that connects with your sentiment; that calls you to action so that when carrying out those actions, the impact of the anthem will now reflect in our lives”, he told Trust TV’s Daily Politics.
To remove the ‘bite’ from the acidic comments of those against the move, local musicians have bombarded the internet with their own hip-hop, juju, Fuji and afrofunk versions, complete with titillating dance steps. It is amazing how an anthem that had been consigned to its colonial grave as one of the relics of our past, has suddenly risen to supplant its post-independent successor.
Some people say they don’t particularly mind the return of the colonial relic because of its evocative words:

“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand…”
And, “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed…”
Every attempt by legislators to make even the minutest change to the old anthem was rebuffed by the assembly leadership. For example, when senator Oshiomhole complained about the psychological association of the word, “Native” in the anthem, his complaint fell flat. But a cursory look at the Webster’s Dictionary confirms the following about the usage of the word, native:

PEJORATIVE WORDS

“In contexts such as a native of Boston or New York in “the summer was too hot even for the natives”, the noun ‘native’ is quite acceptable. But when it is used to mean ‘a non-white original inhabitant of a country’, as in “this dance is a favourite with the natives”, it is more problematic. This meaning has an old-fashioned feel and, because of its associations with a colonial European outlook, it may cause offence.” Bluntly put, the word ‘native’ has derogatory connotations which may have been acceptable in the 1950s but certainly not so in 2024.

The other word that has set computer keyboards pounding on account of its possible connotations is ”tribe”. In the popular imagination, tribes reflect a primordial social structure from which all subsequent civilisations and states developed. Anthropologist Elman Service presented a system of classification for societies which contains four categories: (a) Hunter-gatherer bands that are generally egalitarian; (b) Tribal societies with some limited instances of social rank and prestige; (c ) Stratified tribal societies led by chieftains (see Chiefdom); (d) Civilisations, with complex social hierarchies and organized, institutional governments.

This means that a ‘tribe’ is a more ‘primitive’ grouping of human beings than, for example, an ethnic nationality. You may say, what’s in a word? Well, words are the vehicles through which human feelings (including racism) are conveyed. Have you noticed that the word ‘Tribe’ is hardly ever used with regard to European groupings.

Writing in 2013, scholar Matthew Ortoleva noted that, “Like the word Indian, tribe is a word that has connotations of colonialism.” Survival International says, “It is important to make the distinction between tribal and indigenous because tribal peoples have a special status acknowledged in international law as well as problems in addition to those faced by the wider category of indigenous peoples.”

I admit to being sensitive to the continued use by our people of derogatory words inherited from colonialists. I flinch when I hear a governor talking about the stool of an Oba in his domain. In my books, our traditional institutions don’t have stools; they have thrones!

Away from all that, some Nigerians are grateful to the national assembly for saving them from what they saw as the tyranny of the former anthem as they recalled how they struggled in their formative years to learn its lyrics.

One “Donfaray” confessed that as a child, he didn’t even know that the Nigerian national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots”, was in English language. He flaunted his childhood doggerel as follows:
Araiz oh companshon
Najuria skolobey
Tusa awa fadaslaaaa
witlo an anfre anfre
Dale shofo awahirosfa
Shaleba be invey
Tusa tusa amaachi
Wande shaban in frido
Pisan yuniti”

Well, to each generation its foibles. The children of today who have to learn the “Nigeria we hail thee” are luckier because of technological advancements, especially the contemporary developments in technology and mass communication.
As the passage of the bill for the recall of the old anthem was unanimous in both chambers of the national assembly, all serving legislators across political party lines ought to take ownership of the resort to the old anthem. For a change, for good or for ill, this issue is trans-party.

DUALISM

But that has not stopped the general public from noting that there is a spirit of dualism or ambivalence in the air, reminiscent of musician Sikiru Ayinde Barrister’s coinage: “Gbabí má gbabè, gbabè má gbabí” (Come hither, not thither; go thither, not hither.)

These fun-pokers on the internet claim that they are confused because the old Democracy Day of May 29 was the day President Tinubu chose to sign the bill on the new national anthem into law while the new Democracy Day of June 12 is less than two weeks away. According to them,

“The new democracy day is the old democracy day and the old democracy day is the new democracy day; and now we would have to explain to our children that we have two democracy days in Nigeria.”

They also note that the signing of the bill into law means that ,“The new National Anthem is the old National Anthem and the old National Anthem is the new National Anthem”. They say it is the social flu of the times we are living in for, if you just cast your glance towards Kano, “The old Emir is the new Emir and the new Emir is the old Emir”.

They also seize the opportunity to throw a jibe at the Buhari/CBN legacy of having two streams of legal currencies at the same time: “We are the only country in the world having two different types of banknotes for a single denomination”.
Now talking about the old and the new, if anthems were like humans, can anyone beat Nnamdi Azikiwe’s insistence on a careful distinction between a young old man and an old young man? Sing, Native, sing!

Fenerbahce have “started negotiations” with Jose Mourinho over their head coach role.
Mourinho, 61, has been out of work since being sacked by Roma in January.

Negotiations were revealed by the Istanbul-based club on public disclosure platform KAP, as part of a legal process to alert investors.

Fenerbahce parted company with previous boss Ismail Kartal on Friday, whose side amassed 99 points in the league last season but ended three points behind city rivals Galatasaray.
“Our company has started negotiations with Jose Mario Dos Santos Mourinho Felix for the post of Football A team coach,” the Fenerbahce post read.

“It is announced with respect to our investors.”

Should negotiations be completed, Mourinho’s task will be to help Fenerbahce to a first Super Lig title since the 2013-14 season.

The Portuguese manager has eight league trophies on his CV across four countries, England, Italy, Portugal and Spain – three with Chelsea, two with Inter Milan, two with Porto and one with Real Madrid.
He has also won five major European trophies, including the Champions League with Inter and Porto and Europa League with Manchester United.

Mourinho’s last piece of silverware came with Roma in 2022, when he led them to the Europa Conference League – the club’s first European trophy – and helped them reach the Europa League final the following season, which they lost to Sevilla on penalties.

He was replaced by Daniele de Rossi as Roma boss in January with the club ninth in Serie A – they eventually went on to finish sixth.

Mourinho is due to appear on TNT Sports as a pundit during the broadcaster’s coverage of the Champions League final on Saturday.

Fenerbahce, who have been Turkish champions a record 28 times, have finished runners-up in the past three seasons, with Kartal’s side losing just once and drawing six matches as they failed to stop Galatasaray claiming back-to-back titles.

• Vows tough action against violent non-state actors

• Directs security agencies to go after Aba killings’ masterminds

President Bola Tinubu talked tough yesterday on the sit-at-home action in the South East, labeling it treasonable.

He warned that decisive sanctions now await violent non-state actors like the gunmen who killed five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State last Thursday.

The soldiers were attacked by people the Defence Headquarters said were members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during the sit-at-home called by IPOB to mark this year’s Biafra Day.

President Tinubu directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds and executors of the killings as well as those calling for sit-at-home.

The President said the exercise of restraint by security forces in dealing with violent attacks on its personnel should not be mistaken for weakness, pointing out that the federal government would not hesitate to take appropriate action when the lives of its security officers and men are wantonly wasted.

The President who put his thoughts on the constant abuse and attacks on state’s agents by the citizens they have sworn to protect, in a statement he personally authored last night, lamented the recent developments and expressed  his condolences to the bereaved families  and colleagues of the deceased, as well as the nation‘s security forces.

He said: “The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta State.

“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country.

“I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.

“I urge security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those calling on people to stay at home. Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence.

“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness.

“We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.

“While my condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues and the leadership of our armed forces, I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba.”

 He noted that soldiers and policemen of the country have continued to make sacrifices for the safety of all Nigerians, adding that they do not deserve the sort of attacks on them in some recent isolated cases.

“Our soldiers and the police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and non-state actors. Hundreds of them have paid the ultimate price in fulfillment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect.

“They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.

“The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.

“On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.”

Killers of soldiers can’t escape, Abia Police boss vows

Abia State Police Commissioner Kenechukwu Onwuemelie pledged yesterday that  the law would definitely  take its course in the killing of the soldiers.

Briefing newsmen after an expanded meeting of the state security council and the newly inaugurated members of the State Advisory Council, CP Onwuemelie described the killing as unfortunate and condemnable.

“The point is that it is a very unfortunate incident and it is highly condemnable and, indeed, it is cowardly.

“All I can tell you is that the security agencies, the government of Abia State and all well meaning Nigerians feel very bad about what happened, and everything that needs to be done will be done to ensure that it does not happen again.

“And even if it happens, the law will take its course.”

He called on the citizens and residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation and to be forthcoming in their relationship with security agencies.

He said: “Every now and then, there is no society that is completely immune from security breaches, even the most developed climes.

“So no matter what happens, we must go about our business and we must also continue to improve on what we have put in place to ensure that things don’t get out of hand.”

CP Onwuemelie said the council would continue to engage with the stakeholders and to fashion out measures that would enhance the capacity of various security agencies to deliver on their mandates.

The Defence Headquarters had, on Friday, vowed a fierce and overwhelming response to the killing of the five soldiers.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, said in Abuja that “it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.

“The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” he said.

The State government placed a N25 million bounty on the perpetrators and described the killing as a serious affront to its resolve to ensure security of life and property.

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahmad Jalam, is dead.

Jalam died in an accident that occurred along Bauchi-Jalam expressway in Bauchi on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed shock over the death of his longtime confidant who was popularly known as Me Kankana.

In a statement signed by Lawal Muazu, his New Media Aide, the governor said the death left a profound emptiness and cast a pall of mourning over the state.

Mohammed said the deceased was known for his tireless work, dedication and commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) growth in Bauchi.

He extended his condolences to the members of the late commissioner’s family and the people of the state.

He also prayed that the “Almighty Allah forgive Jalam’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest”.

The governor added that the late commissioner is survived by wives and many children.

The statement said the burial (Janaza) will take place at the deceased’s hometown in Jalam, Dambam Local Government Area by 11am, on Sunday.

[DailyTrust]

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has shared her opinion about the agenda of most men when it comes to relationships.

According to her, a lot of men approach relationships with no agenda other than sex.

The Oscar-nominated diva stated this in the teaser of the upcoming episode of ‘Flow with Korty.’

The host, Korty EO asked, “Have you been in love before?”

Tems replied, “A lot of guys, they are very obvious… There is no agenda but to penetrate.”

The ‘Essence’ crooner also opened up about being constantly misunderstood and bullied because of her reserved nature and how she handled it.

“Everything I did seemed to annoy everybody. They would say, ‘Why are you so slow? Why are you talking so slow? Talk like you are alive.’ And I would say, ‘You are very stupid. Are you crazy?’ I was upset all the time,” she said.

Tems added that she found solace in her musical talent.

[DailyPost]

WILL spousal violence ever go away?  Two readers sent in their views recently.  One is a married mother of three and the other is a bewildered husband who’s been physically and mentally abused by his wife.  “My husband and I were together for nearly ten years,” wrote Ibi, “and he was a violent man who also used cannabis, aka Indian hemp!  He would attack me, and the next morning would act shocked and disgusted, claiming he couldn’t remember the incident.  He’d promised it would never happen again and swore he’d stop the drink and drugs.  He never did.

“But I loved him and chose to believe him every time, though eventually, the truth dawned on me.  The abuse was never going to end because he was the only one who could stop it and he didn’t want to.  Breaking off the marriage was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.  My ex tried every trick in the book from emotional blackmail to more violence to try to get me back.  But I knew if I stayed I’d have to face the mood swings and violence for the rest of my days, and I wanted more from life than that.  The first time a man hits a woman is the hardest, but when they see that you haven’t left them, it becomes as much of a habit as cannabis.  Every time they feel angry or frustrated, the answer is to lash out and believe me, it only gets worse.

“I know deep down that my husband loves me and our children, but he loves cannabis more.  At first I was terrified and didn’t think I’d cope on my own but thanks to friends and family who witnessed a bit of the violence, I’ve been able to pick up the pieces of my life.  I’ve since retrained and have a better job.  My husband (we’re not divorced yet) lives with another woman but I feel nothing but relief at getting him off my back.  I now know that there is a better life out there but you have to go and get it, it won’t come and find you.  This is a fact abused people, male or female, have to face.”

Nuru’s text to me was disturbing.  “I don’t know who I really got married to – a saint or the devil?”  Intuitively, I picked him as the few readers of this column to have a chat with.  “What happened to your marriage?”  I asked him.  “My wife, who I’d been married to for almost 20 years suddenly, turned into a monster”, he said.  “It started at the beginning of 2012.  She suddenly grew snappy.  If I were late home she’d sulk or even swear at me.  When I asked her what the matter was, she would swat my hand away.  I didn’t have a clue as to why she suddenly became abusive.  After some miscarriages we’d gone on to have two beautiful sons.  Even after I lost my mother, she was a pillar of strength.

“So what got into her?  There was a time I was in our bedroom watching TV when she barged inside.  ‘I’m sick of your hiding in the bedroom watching football’, she roared.  ‘But you always watch your favourite programmes in the sitting room’, I stammered, shaken.  I tried to talk to her in her sober moments and it was then I learnt she’d been losing weight and feared she might have cancer.  I took her to the doctors and thankfully, she didn’t have cancer only the onset of menopause.  I was warned her behaviour could be erratic as a result, so I made a point of spoiling her, she was alright for a while until a few weeks after when she yelled at me, saying she couldn’t stand the sight of me.  She said she wanted opt out of the marriage.  I was shocked.

“Then she changed and started being nice all over again – cooking my best meals and was having an improved love life.  But it didn’t last.  The next time we had a row, she went into the kitchen and came at me with a knife!  Blood was oozing from a wound on my arm, soaking my shirt as I scrambled to get away from her, ‘I hate you, I’m going to kill you,’ she howled.  She attacked me again and I managed to get out of the house and sped off to the hospital.  After I was stitched up, I couldn’t go home.  Visions of my wife’s hate-filled face flashed through my mind.  Our two boys were bewildered by it all and went to stay with their uncle a few streets away.  In the end I went home, bracing myself for the worst, but she’d already left with some of her things.

“I immediately changed the locks in the house and told the night guard not to let her in.  I also informed the men guarding the street gates she was no longer living with me – I didn’t want a situation where I would be stabbed to death in my own house!  My family insisted I divorce her and since we had a traditional marriage, I took her to the customary court.  I was sure she wouldn’t attend the hearing, but she was there, her hair well groomed and she was wearing a well tailored dress.  She looked like a saint.  ‘Who was this stranger?’  I thought?  She admitted wounding me but regretted her action.  Her defence was that she had been through a string of traumatic experiences – her cancer scare and the death of my mother, Shuo!  The health scare was quickly resolved and it was my mother who died – not hers!  But she claimed it was these factors that made her depressed.  She then told the customary court judge, with tears in her eyes, that she felt such remorse after attacking me, she’d wanted to kill herself.  Speaking passionately, she told the judge: “I’m not a dangerous woman, nor a wicked one.  I am a good mother who’s been deprived of any access to my children,’ I fumed.  What children?  Our two sons are adults and were free to see her if they so wished, but she’d been nasty towards them too and they confessed they couldn’t cope with who their mother had now turned into.  The judge wanted to know if there was any chance of reconciliation and I shook my head.  The woman in the dock wasn’t the one I married and it would be suicidal to take her back!”

“So how are you now?”  I asked Nuru.  “Do you miss your wife in any way?”  “I missed the woman I was married to,” he said, a bit confused.  “What I need answers to is, what made her change all of a sudden?  It’s the not knowing that hurts.  Will she be the first woman to go through the menopause, to lose a mother-in-law or to get cancer scare?  For years she was a perfect wife but it was the same perfect wife who plunged a knife into me, and I will never understand why…”

So what makes a seemingly perfect wife go round the bend without any apparent reasons?  Nuru believed his ex wife had a Jekyll and Hyde personality, with the scale tipping dangerously towards the “Hyde” attitude as she grows older.  She obviously knew a wrong force had controlled her life, or she wouldn’t have made efforts to look presentable before the judge.  If only she sought help.  There are drugs and hormonal treatments to curb mood changes.  They’re temporary measures until victims are confident enough to take control of their lives once again.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that the House is deliberating on a bill aimed at reserving special seats for women in parliament.

Kalu made this announcement at the 2nd Women of Divine Destiny Initiative Inspiring Women Summit (2024) in Owerri, Imo State.

The summit, themed “Illuminating the Power of an Inspired Woman,” focused on empowering women to achieve their dreams.

WODDI, a non-profit organisation, was founded by the wife of former Imo State Governor, Dr. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted that the bill, titled the “Seat Reservation Bill,” was recently introduced in parliament and is co-sponsored by himself and several colleagues.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allocate special seats for women in the legislature. Kalu emphasized that, if passed, the bill would significantly advance women’s representation in politics.

“We must acknowledge, however, that in a society striving for equitable development, addressing fundamental issues like gender equality and inclusiveness is imperative.

“In Nigeria, where women and girls constitute 49.32% of our population, representation in institutions and governance needs urgent attention. Presently, the House of Representatives is considering a bill to improve the representation of women in our legislative institutions, sponsored by myself and other colleagues,”  Kalu stated.

He also highlighted the efforts of the Peace In South East Project, a social development initiative prioritizing gender issues.

He praised Dr. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha for organising the summit and urged participants to fully unleash their potential, now that they have been rightly motivated.

[Punch]

•Says action won’t end until Minimum Wage agreement is signed

•Oil, electricity, maritime, financial, and other critical sector unions warm up 

Less than 24 hours after to start of the nationwide strike over a new national minimum wage and hike in electricity tariff, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed its state councils across the country to ensure total compliance.

This came to light on a day unions in the oil, electricity, financial and other critical sectors pledged total support for the indefinite strike declared by NLC and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC.

Recall that the two labour centres, last Friday, announced an indefinite nationwide strike from tomorrow (Monday) over the government’s failure to agree on a new national minimum wage and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariff.

NLC and TUC leaders had, on Workers Day, celebrations given the Federal Government a May 31 deadline to conclude the negotiations on a new national minimum wage or risk nationwide industrial unrest.

The tripartite committee on a new National Minimum Wage set up by the government failed to make a decision on a new national minimum wage after about four meetings.

Labour leaders had walked out of the meetings three times after rejecting government and the Organised Private Sector, OPS, offers.

Incidentally, the last walkout on Friday happened on a day the deadline labour gave the government to conclude a new minimum wage lapsed, as the old minimum wage of N30,000 that was signed into law by former President Muhammad Buhari on April 18, 2019, expired on April 18, 2024.

Earlier on May 31, organised labour negotiators had walked out of the meeting for a third time, over the refusal by government to make a new offer beyond the N60,000 it put forward.

It was gathered that the negotiations hit a brick wall when the government and the organised private sector, OPS, remained adamant on the N60,000 offers they made earlier on Tuesday.

Recall that organised labour’s negotiating team had, Tuesday May 28, for the second time in two weeks, walked out of the committee meeting after the federal government increased its offer to N60,000 from the N57,000 it offered on May 22.

Labour’s negotiating team had, on May 15, walked out of the tripartite committee meeting after the government offered N48,000 and Organised Private Sector, OPS, offered N54,000, against the N615,000.

Directive to state councils

NLC, in a circular by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, to all its state councils, among others, said “This is to inform you of the commencement of the proposed indefinite nationwide strike beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024, as a result of the failure of the Nigerian state to agree on a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of this month as they were notified; Reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law to N225/kwh back to N66/kwh and Stop the apartheid categorisation of Nigerian electricity consumers into Bands.

“We kindly request all State Councils to mobilise all their affiliates and members across the state to stay away from work commencing Midnight, this Sunday to ensure a comprehensive closure of all workplaces.

“Do please, set up joint Action Committees with the Trade Union Congress in your state for effective coordination of the strike action. We would be glad to receive continuous updates of your effort. Do remember that the success of this action is dependent on our collective determination and resolve.”

No agreement, no end

Also speaking on whether organised labour will call off action should government call and offer a higher amount, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero said: “Government can only call for a continuation of the negotiation not by an award. They can’t say come, we are giving you this. We have to sit down and negotiate from where we are today. It is like calling us tomorrow to say let us continue with the negotiation. Now we will negotiate from there, but not to call us to say we are giving you N10 or N20, that will be out of the concept of negotiation.

“Calling us does not mean agreement. Until we sign an agreement on what is mutually agreeable by the parties, action will be on. But action is not such that we will not equally negotiate, because the two parties are now going to negotiate under duress. We are under pressure. That is the meaning of this. So the earlier we resolve it, the better for us.”

On mobilisation at the state level, Ajaero said: “When you hear the National Executive Council, NEC, of any labour centre, it comprises all the states and all the unions. That is the situation, and that is where we got this mandate.

“You equally witnessed it on May Day when all workers gathered nationwide, and this pronouncement was made. In fact, it was a public one. it is not like there were two or three people. It was mass based.

“As of today, there is no minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Technically, the minimum wage had expired on the 18th of April. As of now, we are operating without any law backing up the minimum wage. They were talking about a 100 per cent increase. That is what they have offered, but the 100 per cent increase amounts to one loaf of bread per day for 30 days .They are not looking at the quality or the value of what they are offering to us.
“Those are the issues that we are looking at and all of us must address it because it is tight. There is nobody that can move on with this arrangement being done with inflation and devaluation. Everything is open.

“If we take even the N600,000 we are proposing today, by next week, it will not make any impact. So, we have to look at them holistically and see what we can do to save the working class in Nigeria. We are not doing a strike that will be one month without a bite. I’m not sure where you have labour centres in a country embarking on a strike for one month and you don’t listen to them.

“What we will be praying for is for the people who are suffering so much because they are some of our people. That was why we were reluctant. That was why we were virtually telling them to let us find a solution.
“When we were in the meeting today (yesterday) we told them we have to be here and allow you to go and get a mandate. We are ready to sleep here to allow you to get a mandate to come back to this meeting. They said no, we should just allow them whenever they get a mandate. That it is difficult to see even the President and that they do not have access and all that. Then they did not come out with anything. We found ourselves in a helpless situation. So, that is where we are now. Everybody should be patient with us.”

Critical sector workers

Meanwhile, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, and other critical sector unions have already written to their members to ensure total compliance.

NUPENG

In a circular to all levels of the union leaders, NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, said: “We bring you fraternal greetings from the National Secretariat of our great union.

“This is to notify all our members and branches in all oil and gas installations, operations and services including distribution and marketing of petroleum products, that our great union is fully committed to ensuring total compliance with the directive of the Nigerian Labour Congress issued on Friday, May 31, 2024, for an indefinite nationwide strike commencing from Monday, June 3, 2024. “As a union, we are deeply concerned and disturbed with the insensitive and irresponsive attitude of the federal government to the very critical issue of negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers in view of the various social economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.

“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, Zones and Branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive Our solidarity remains constant because the union makes us strong. The struggle continues. And we shall overcome.”

NUBIFIE

Similarly, NUBIFIE, in a directive by its President and General Secretary, Abakpa Sheikh, said: “This is to inform all NUBIFIE organs that NLC has directed all its affiliates to commence an indefinite strike beginning from Monday, June 3, 2024. The import of the strike is to compel the federal government to agree on a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of this month as they were notified, reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law to N225/kwh back to N66/kwh and Stop the apartheid categorization of Nigerian electricity into Bands.

“In total compliance with the directives from the NLC, you are hereby directed to mobilize for effective participation in your respective Zonal Councils/Domestic Committee and ensure total compliance.

Electricity workers

Also, a notice by the President and Acting General of NUEE, Adebiyi Adeyeye and Dominic Igwebike, said “With reference to the circular from NLC dated May 31, 2024, we are to mobilise and embark on an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024, by 0.00hour due to the following failure of the Nigerian government to implement and sign into law the new national minimum wage on or before 31st May 2024, Non-reversal of the electricity tariff which was hiked from N65/kwh to N225/kwh without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law and Apartheid categorization of Nigeria electricity consumers into bands.

“Given the above, all National, State, and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive to ensure the Government does the right thing as stated above.
“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils (SEC) of the Congress in your various states to have a successful action. The withdrawal of services becomes effective Sunday 2nd June by 12.00 midnight.”

Maritime workers

In the same vein, the President-General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, in a statement through the union’s head of Media, John Ikemefuna, directed members in the nation’s ports “to comply with the directive of both NLC and TUC to join in the indefinite total lockdown of the country commencing from Monday, June 3, 2024.
“The indefinite nationwide strike has become very imperative, given the failure of the federal government on the logjam and the inconclusive national minimum wage negotiation and refusal to reverse the hard biting hike in electricity tariff.

“Given the foregoing, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has directed its members in all ports nationwide, jetties, terminals, oil & gas platforms to effectively ensure the total compliance of the strike as directed by the NLC and TUC. This is also to serve as notice to all our concerned stakeholders in the Maritime sector.”

[Vanguard]