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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, called for a halt to Israeli hostilities in Gaza, emphasizing that the long-standing conflict has caused “immeasurable suffering” to Palestinians.
Speaking on Monday at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tinubu urged an immediate cessation of violence in the region, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Addressing leaders gathered to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East, President Tinubu expressed his concern over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, describing them as a humanitarian disaster requiring urgent attention.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid increased international calls for peace and negotiations, with mounting casualties and widespread destruction reported in Gaza.
Read the full speech of the president below:
“1. Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to His Majesty, King Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for convening this significant Summit.
“2. It is with a profound sense of duty that I stand before you today as we work to end the Palestinian conflict and realise the two-state solution. This aim is as essential as it is urgent.
“3. The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives. As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict.
“4. It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long. No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.
“5. In a rules-based international order, States have the right of self- defence. But self defence must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic – and moral – frameworks. An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral.
“6. Humanitarian aid is not a privilege — it is a basic human right. No individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, should be denied access to the aid in times of crisis. We must also ensure that humanitarian workers on the frontlines are safe to carry out their mission in Gaza.
“Excellencies,
“7. The two-state solution stands as a beacon of hope, representing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace. It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition.
“8. Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7th 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context.
“9. This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay.
“10. Nigeria has always championed the cause of peace and cooperation among nations. Our own experiences, domestically and regionally, have taught us that identity politics are no substitute for respecting the nuances of diversity.
“11. The path to reconciliation may be fraught with challenges, but it is through honest conversation that we can foster understanding. The international community has the opportunity to bring to bear new thinking on this most relentless challenge. It is our duty to engage in this dialogue with sincerity and resolve, recognising the complexities that each side faces.
“Your Highness,
“12. Let us not forget the human cost of this conflict. We must prioritise the voices of the families torn apart, the children who grow up in fear, and the communities that long for stability. It is our responsibility to advocate for their rights and build a future where their dreams are no longer stifled by nightmares.
“13. I call upon all of us to come together in solidarity, to stand firm in our resolve, and to work towards peaceful coexistence, free from fear and violence. Together, we can turn the vision of a two-state solution into reality, one that embodies the promise of a better tomorrow for all.
“14. Finally, Nigeria calls for the creation of a dedicated Secretariat comprised of selected Heads of Government (or their senior representatives) to travel globally, canvass support, oversee the implementation of the Summit’s resolutions and provide regular reports to the joint OIC-Arab leadership until permanent peace is achieved.
“15. I thank you all.”
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President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, acknowledged the hardship in the country but promised that it would only be for a while.
The President assured that the policies and programmes of his administration are on track, but Nigerians should not expect instant results.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke at the 70th birthday of the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos.
He appealed for patience and understanding from Nigerians, assuring that there would be light at the end.
Akume, in his speech, said: “The President acknowledges that times are hard, but at the end of it all, there is always light. And solutions to complex problems can never be as instant as coffee, but we are on the right track.”
Speaking about the celebrant, President Tinubu described Pastor Bakare as a precious human being who has served with dedication, principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness in many aspects of life.
The President acknowledged Bakare’s zeal for a better Nigeria and his dedication to humanity.
He said: “We are here to celebrate a true man of God, a most precious human being. It gives me great joy to honour a man whose life has been an embodiment of passion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. PTB has been a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless in our society.
“His decades of service and dedication, principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness have been in the respect and admiration of many across this nation. His life journey reflects our commitment not just to spiritual growth, but also to the social and political development of our country.
“I acknowledge your relentless passion for better Nigeria, a country where equal justice and good government prevails. This celebration is a testament to a life of strength and courage, of powerful messages and fearless advocacy, deep volumes of your dedication to lifting humanity.
“It is these values that allow you to make such a difference. As you unveil your token of growth, the vast but definitely not the least, we look forward to gaining insights into the endless experiences that have shaped you into the formidable figure we see today.”
![Donald Trump’s Major Appointments So Far [Full List]](/media/k2/items/cache/806da4df4475055f30b039271d884bfa_M.jpg)
US President-elect Donald Trump is swiftly assembling his administration, appointing key allies to central positions in a bid to kickstart his policy agenda even before inauguration day.
Within days of his election win, Trump has moved to fill crucial roles, appointing well-known loyalists and signaling his intention to circumvent Senate confirmations for some positions.
Among the prominent appointments, Trump has chosen Tom Homan, a hardline advocate for strict immigration enforcement, as “border czar,” entrusting him with overseeing immigration and deportation policies.
Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is well-known for his tough stance on immigration, aligning with Trump’s campaign promise to aggressively combat illegal immigration.
Additionally, New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a close Trump ally and vocal supporter of Israel, has been picked by Trump for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik’s nomination, if confirmed by the Senate, comes as the U.N. faces challenges from ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, where she is expected to play a critical role in representing U.S. interests and supporting allies.
Stephen Miller, a former senior advisor known for his staunch anti-immigration views, is also expected to return as Deputy Chief of Staff. His reappointment suggests a continuity of Trump’s strict immigration policies and signals an emphasis on border security and deportations.
Trump, a former US President, had on Sunday named his co-campaign manager, Susie Wiles as his New Chief of Staff.
Trump’s selection process has drawn intense scrutiny, with the president-elect reportedly encouraging Senate Republicans to support recess appointments to bypass the traditional confirmation process.
With inauguration set for January 20, Trump has begun laying the groundwork for a swift implementation of his agenda.
The leader of the world’s Anglican communion faced growing pressure on Monday to resign after a damning report which concluded the Church of England had covered up a serial abuse case.
Three members of the General Synod, the Church’s national assembly, have started a petition demanding that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby quit in the wake of the revelations.
It found the Church had repeatedly failed to act over “abhorrent” abuse carried out by John Smyth, a lawyer who organised evangelical summer camps in the 1970s and 1980s.
He is believed to have attacked as many as 130 boys and young men at his home in southern England after grooming them at the camps, which would make Smyth the most prolific known serial abuser associated with the Church.
The findings of the long-awaited independent review into the case found that Welby “could and should” have formally reported the abuse to authorities in 2013, when he claimed to have first learned of it.
Smyth died aged 75 in South Africa in 2018 while under investigation by British police and never faced any criminal charges.
Welby, the Church of England’s highest-ranking cleric, said last week he was “deeply sorry that this abuse happened” and that he “had no idea or suspicion of this abuse before 2013” when he became archbishop.
He told Britain’s Channel 4 News that he had considered resigning but decided not to.
“If I’d known before 2013 or had grounds for suspicion, that would be a resigning matter then and now. But I didn’t,” he told the broadcaster.
However, the petition by three members of the General Synod — which comprises 483 lay members and clergy — urges Welby to step down.
It argues that Welby “held a personal and moral responsibility to pursue this further… which he failed to fulfil”.
“Given his role in allowing abuse to continue, we believe that his continuing as the Archbishop of Canterbury is no longer tenable,” it adds.
By Monday morning, it had garnered more than 1,600 signatures, while a growing number of priests were speaking out against him.
Giles Fraser, the vicar of St Anne’s Church in southwest London, told BBC radio on Monday it was “a terrible situation”.
“I’m afraid he’s really lost the confidence of his clergy,” he said.
“He’s lost the confidence of many of his bishops, and his position is completely untenable.”
A United States man, Anthony Nephew, shot himself, his wife, ex-partner, and two children after the November 5 election that brought President-elect Donald Trump into office.
According to authorities who spoke to the New York Post on Sunday, the 46-year-old Minnesota father had expressed anger over Trump’s election.
The shooter, aged 46, had a “pattern of mental health issues,” Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa said on Friday — one day after authorities found five people dead inside two homes in the city.
Authorities found Anthony Nephew’s ex-partner, Erin Abramson, 47, and their son, Jacob Nephew, 15, dead from apparent gunshot wounds inside their home on Thursday afternoon, police said.
After identifying Anthony Nephew as a suspect, police found his 45-year-old wife, Kathryn Nephew, and their 7-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, dead from gunshot wounds inside their family home nearby.
Before the tragedy, Anthony Nephew had been sharing left-wing and anti-Trump posts on his Facebook account.
“My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion,” Anthony Nephew wrote in July.
“I am terrified of religious zealots inflicting their misguided beliefs on me and my family. I have intrusive thoughts of being burned at the stake as a witch or crucified on a burning cross.
“Having people actually believe that I or my child are Satan, or the anti-Christ, or whatever their favourite boogeyman they are afraid of this week.”
In another post, he accused Republicans of “making it harder for women to leave” abusive relationships.
“Gilead here we come,” he wrote, referencing The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel turned Hulu series in which women, stripped of their rights, are forced to reproduce for the ruling class.
Anthony Nephew also shared other political posts, including an image of former President Barack Obama, Trump, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris. The word “hate” was under Trump’s face, while the words “hope,” “heal,” and “grow” corresponded with the Democratic politicians.
“Not that anyone cares, but as an Independent voter, I would really like to see both the political parties in our country pick better candidates,” he wrote in July. “We can do better than a binary choice between fascism and not fascism.”
Anthony Nephew had previously issued a chilling warning about his struggles with mental health, writing in an op-ed for the Duluth News Tribune in 2021, “For millions of Americans, a breakdown leads to suicide — or homicide before suicide.”
“Mental health in this country is stigmatised, ignored, or treated as a burden for the individual to bear alone, with little help and even less understanding,” he wrote.
“Americans deny they have mental health struggles — because they have to, because they’re told to, or because they don’t realise their mind is broken.”
Police in Duluth, a city of nearly 90,000 residents about 135 miles north of Minneapolis, have not yet determined a motive for the shootings.
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has cautioned members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to move away from personal ambition and focus on the party amid the current leadership crisis.
Addressing a gathering of PDP members in Abuja, Saraki said the PDP has come a long way and should not be sacrificed for individual aspirations.
Saraki’s caution comes amid the bickering within the former ruling party, which dates back to the build-up of the 2023 presidential election.
Chieftains like Nyesom Wike, Governor Seyi Makinde, and some other former governors had worked against PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023.
Since the last presidential election, the PDP has continued to witness a leadership crisis.
However, Saraki said: “The party was built on ideas, philosophies, and policies. Let us move away from building ideas on personal ambition. We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts.
“Let us stop talking about who is running for councillor, governor, or president in 2027. Let us focus on what the PDP represents. What are the issues and policies that we must address? This is what Nigerians want to know.
“The message we send to Nigerians is that this is a serious party. We are leaders. Let PDP lead in that way.”
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has explained why the Value Added Tax, VAT, distribution proposal before the National Assembly is generating so much controversy.
Oyedele stated that the current VAT system is fractured, with the major issues centred on disputes over VAT administration between some states and the Federal Government, among others.
He gave the explanation on Monday via a post on his X handle, titled, “10 most frequently asked questions about the Tax Reform Bills”.
DAILY POST reported that President Bola Tinubu had on September 3 transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.
The reforms stemmed from the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele, for the review of existing tax laws.
At the heart of the debate is the proposed shift to a derivation-based model for Value Added Tax distribution.
The Bills had generated mixed reactions across the country.
Giving further explanations on the gains of the proposed tax bills, Oyedele said his committee’s analysis showed that a central collection system is more efficient and benefits all states in the country.
He also stated that the reform seeks the discontinuation of all consumption taxes other than VAT.
Oyedele said: “Why is the VAT proposal generating so much controversy? Are we trying to fix what is not broken?
“The current VAT system is fractured. The major issues include:
“(i) disputes over VAT administration between some states and the federal government resulting in some landmark judgements and pending court cases. This is compounded by the fact that VAT is not stated in the 1999 Constitution thereby creating a lacuna. Our analysis shows that a central collection system is more efficient and benefits all. Once the contentious issues have been resolved, then VAT can be properly included in the constitution. The current sharing formula of FG 15%, States 50% and LGs 35% is proposed to become FG 10%, States 55% and LGs 35%.
“(ii) imposition of parallel consumption taxes in some states along with VAT which increases the tax burden on the people and contributes to multiple taxation. The reform seeks the discontinuation of all consumption taxes other than VAT.
“(iii) basis of distribution – the current formula for sharing VAT among states is based on 20% derivation, 50% equality and 30% population. The tax reform proposes a different model of derivation which will attribute VAT to the place of supply and consumption rather than the current model which attributes VAT to the state where it is remitted thereby favouring states with companies headquarters. Further, derivation under the new model will account for 60% of VAT distribution for better equity and to discourage any state from seeking to administer VAT as a state tax, which will not only result in much lower revenue for all tiers of government but will impose a higher burden on businesses.
“The proposed derivation model is contained under S.22(12) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which states that “For the purpose of attribution, any return under this section shall provide details of derivation of taxable supplies by location.
“The controversy has arisen from the perception that the proposed formula would lead to lower revenue for some states. However, the 5% to be ceded by the FG can be set aside for equalisation transfers to cater for any shortfall to a state under the new model. This ensures that no state is worse off in the short term while significantly enhancing economic activities and revenue for all states in the medium to long term.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja not to grant the reliefs sought by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his fundamental right enforcement suit.
The EFCC, in its counter affidavit in opposition to Sanwo-Olu’s originating summons, told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the governor’s action in the instant suit is a mere conjecture.
Recall that Sanwo-Olu, through his counsel, Darlington Ozurumba, had sued the anti-graft agency as sole defendant over alleged threat to arrest, detain and prosecute him after his tenure as governor.
In the originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024, dated June 6 and filed on the same date, the governor raised seven questions and sought 11 reliefs.
Sanwo-Olu sought a declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, “the plaintiff, as a citizen of Nigeria, is entitled to right to private and family life as a minimum guarantee encapsulated under the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria, 1999 before, during and after occupation of public office created by the Constitution.”
He also wants the court to declare that upon community reading of the provisions of Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the constitution, the threat of his investigation, arrest and detention by the EFCC during his tenure of office as governor is illegal.
The governor prayed the court to declare that the incessant harassment, threat of arrest and detention, against him upon the EFCC’s instigation by his political adversaries based on false and politically motivated allegation of corruption is a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.
He, therefore, sought an order restraining the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, interrogating or prosecuting him in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos State, among others.
However, the anti-corruption agency, in its counter affidavit dated Oct. 30 but filed Oct. 31 by its lawyer, Hadiza Afegbua, said contrary to the governor’s claims, the EFCC neither threatened, invited or took any step at all to encroach on his right to freedom of movement nor violated his right to private and family life and personal liberty.
The EFCC’s objection was sighted on Monday in Abuja.
In the application, Ufuoma Ezire, a Superintendent and a Litigation Secretary in the Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, who deposed to the counter affidavit, averred that he was conversant with the facts of the case.
According to him, that I have the authority, consent and permission of the defendant to depose to this counter affidavit.
“That I have read and understood the plaintiff’s affidavit in support of the originating summons and I hereby state that the depositions in Paragraph 4, 5, 6, 7 and even 8 are not true and are calculated attempt to mislead the honourable court.
“That the depositions in paragraph 4 sub 4(iv), 4(v), 4(vi), 4(vii), 4(viii), 4(ix), 4(x), 4(xi), 4(xii), 4(xiv), 4(xvi), 4(vii), 4(xviii), 4(xix), 4(xx), 4(xxi) ,4(xxii), 4(xxiv) and 4(xxv) of the plaintiff’s affidavit are unfounded, untrue and unknown to the defendant and are hereby denied,” Ezire said.
The official said the commission was not investigating the governor and had never invited him or threatened to arrest any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise.
“That I know as a fact that the defendant invites members of the public for interview, interrogation or any engagement vide a written invitation, phone calls or text messages by any of its officers who shall introduce himself or herself by name, rank, designation, and Section to enable the invitee trace the officer easily.
“That no officer of the defendant could have invited the plaintiff or his aides without furnishing them with such detailed particulars of himself.
“That contrary to the depositions in paragraphs 5 of the plaintiff affidavit, the defendant did not intimidate, harass or threatened the plaintiff or subjected him to any trauma,” he said.
He said the agency was unaware of any threat to arrest Sanwo-Olu’s “aides, accusation of maladministration or diversion of Lagos State’s funds nor is it aware of any likelihood of a breach of the applicant’s right to liberty or right to own movable and immovable properties in this case.
“That the action of the plaintiff in this case is mere conjecture and speculations as there is no petition or any intel gathered before the defendant to warrant the men and officers of same to invite, threaten to arrest the plaintiff at the moment.
“That the entirety of the dispositions contained in the plaintiffs’ affidavit are not true, as the application is misconceived and brought in bad faith to mislead this honourable court.
“That the defendant is not in a position to deny or confirm the depositions in paragraphs 4 and 4(iii) as the defendant is not a party to the conversation between deponent and the plaintiff.
“That it will be in the interest of justice to refuse the reliefs sought by the plaintiff,” Ezire added.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA has made an allegation against President Bola Tinubu and Dangote Refinery.
According to the group, the incessant hikes in the pump price of fuel was simply President Bola Tinubu’s selfish agenda to empower his cronies.
“The truth and nothing but the truth is that the policy of incessantly hiking the pump price of fuel and petroleum products were never meant to benefit the commoners of Nigeria,” a statement signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA ‘s national coordinator, said.
“The primary goal is to financially reward friends of those holding sway in the current administration, their cronies or business affiliates.
“The hikes in the costs of fuel have only brought instability in the prices of essential food items and the inability of millions of absolutely poor households in Nigeria to buy their essential food items, has resulted in malnutrition of hundreds of thousands of children, mass hunger, increasing number of out-of-school children, and starvation and untimely deaths.
“Whereas most poor Nigerians perish in unmitigated poverty and unpredictable high costs of living, only very few people running businesses in the oil and gas sector are making a kill by way of profits as data and statistics made available at the weekend have shown this irrefutable fact.”
The rights association appealed to oil and gas companies to roll out corporate social responsibility initiatives to economically empower millions of increasingly impoverished Nigerians.
The group said that failure to do this, the business climate of Nigeria will become perilous and dangerous because “if the poor can’t sleep because they are hungry, the rich can’t sleep inevitably because the poor, angry people are awake”.
HURIWA further endorsed the claim by the Nigerian labour Congress, NLC, that marketers, including Dangote Refinery, have colluded to inflate the costs of fuel. It called on Nigerians to increase public pressure on the National Assembly to investigate the allegation of collusion and inflating of cost of fuel.
DAILY POST reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had at the weekend accused Dangote Group and oil marketers of ganging up to rip Nigerians off in the pricing of PMS.
NLC disclosed this in a communiqué on Sunday after its National Executive Council meeting held on Friday.
The union called on the Nigerian government to immediately activate the Port Harcourt Refinery and other government-owned refineries.
HURIWA which cited publicly available data, stated that as a consequence of the incessant increase in price of fuel and other products, a total of six oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) generated N2.97 trillion revenue in nine months of 2024.
This represents an increase of 115 per cent increase from N1.39 trillion generated in corresponding period of 2023.
Profit before tax stood at N626.3billion, about 384 per cent increase from N129.43 billion reported in nine months of 2023.
“The Federal Government must stop implementing crude measures that unleash hardships on Nigerians whilst at the same time making very few people and companies too rich and prosperous from the hunger, starvation and untimely deaths of Nigerians,” HURIWA added.
“Government must restore the dignity and the respectable value of the Naira to stop the downward collapse of the value of the National currency.”
A prophet has revealed that God showed him that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will return like Donald Trump.
The Ebonyi State-based prophet, His Holiness, Spirit Emmanuel Chukwudi revealed the prophecy after Trump won the US Presidential election last week.
He stated that former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will eventually become the president of Nigeria.
He stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vanished from the spiritual realm.
Chukwudi, the General Overseer of King of Kings Deliverance Ministries Worldwide, located in Gbonum Ulepa Ntezi, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, shared this prophecy during an interview shortly after Donald Trump emerged victorious over Kamala Harris in the recent elections.
This prediction is particularly intriguing, given the current political climate and the ongoing discussions about leadership in the country.
He said Atiku will become president, as God has directed him to announce it again to Nigerians.
He stated “Today, the Lord has said it again, that just as Donald Trump was elevated to lead Americans on November 5, so shall it come to pass in Nigeria regarding His word on Atiku Abubakar.
“I prophesied in 2019 and 2023, that Uzodinma will win, and he won.
“In 2011, I told Buhari that Goodluck Jonathan will be president.
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Former Kaduna State senator, Shehu Sani has written a letter to future generations.
In an emotional letter on Monday, the former lawmaker stated that the present generation is a time of war and hardship.
Sani, who took to his Facebook page, wrote: “Hello, the people of 2099, this is me writing in 2024. I will not be here when you will be reading this.
“You will read about me and others, but we can never know who you will be. Just to let you know that our time is a time of war and hardships. We don’t know whether our time will be better than yours or yours will be better. In case you are passing by our graves.
“Kindly spare a minute, remove the grasses, and pray for us. But I don’t know if your generation will even have time to remember us.
“You will find everything about us through our postings.
With much love from the peace of Heaven.
Bye.”
Demola Olarenwaju, the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has slammed President Bola Tinubu.
He accused Tinubu and his Lagos boys of living large at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while Nigerians suffer.
Olarenwaju said Tinubu and his Lagos boys in Aso Rock wrongly believe that Nigerians can forever tolerate his living large on public expense while the average citizen suffers.
Posting on X, Atiku’s aide said the president and his cronies are out of touch with reality.
He wrote: “If you judge the effect of T-pain with the attitude and coping mechanisms of Lagosians, you’ll wrongly conclude ‘it isn’t that deep.’ Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria, but it is not a true reflection of the average Nigerian. To govern Nigeria as Lagos is a mistake in political leadership, and to draw conclusions about Nigeria from Lagos is poor judgment.
“The average Lagos resident came to Lagos from all over Nigeria, Africa, and the world with a mindset to hustle and succeed. Lagosians are resilient and will rather ‘double their hustle’ than wear their disappointment around the place.
“Tinubu and his Lagos Boys group in Aso Rock are out of touch with the reality of many Nigerians — another reason why diversity is important. Tinubu wrongly believes that Nigerians can forever tolerate his living large on public expense while the average Nigerian suffers.
“Were Tinubu a true Lagosian though, he would understand how to decode the hidden signs of hunger, pain, and frustration that the hustling Lagosians always try to mask.
“The danfo driver last week who didn’t mind setting himself on fire along with the LASTMA guy: people are frustrated, and they will not need Sowore to call for revolution when they’re ready.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed plans to probe the complaints filed against members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State.
Recall that the electoral commission declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election on September 21, 2014, in Edo State.
However, during a recent conversation with journalists, the spokesperson for the anti-corruption body, Demola Bakare, revealed that several complaints have been received against some INEC officials.
Reports had emerged earlier speculating how election observers who were present during the state’s recent election stormed the ICPC’s headquarters to lodge complaints against the INEC.
These observers, primarily legal professionals, had gathered under the umbrella of Tap Initiative, specifically calling for the arrest and prosecution of the commission’s officials for allegedly producing two sets of result sheets (EC8A).
The Executive Director of Tap Initiative, Martin Obono, had indicated that the commission’s actions had escalated to a point where they should be reported to USAID, EU, UK, and other international organizations.
However, the ICPC spokesman told Daily Trust yesterday, “When we are addressing a petition, we do not disclose the details.
“You can be sure that the petition was received, it was acknowledged. Definitely, if there is substance in it, we will do something about it.
“But it is not our tradition to tell anybody about what we are doing. We received the petition and it was acknowledged. Be sure that something will be done.”
Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced that state employees will receive double salary payments in December.
According to Eno, the introduction of the 13th month salary, referred to as ‘Eno-Mber,’ is intended to enhance the festive season for civil servants, particularly in light of the delays surrounding the implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage.
According to Vanguard, the harmonization committee, led by the Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, may not meet the one-month deadline set by the State government for the submission of its report, with the completion of the task now projected for the first quarter of 2025.
In an effort to allay the concerns of the workforce, the Governor announced the double salary payment during a church service at the Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo on Sunday, serving as a temporary relief prior to the rollout of the new minimum wage.
“I am aware that quite a number of our civil servants have relocated within Nigeria while others have gone abroad. We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real civil servants. My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables and we have to ensure that we carry this through this verification exercise, which would soon be completed,” he noted.
The Akwa Ibom governor also warned those constantly working to disrupt the smooth relationship between the state government and the organized labour to have a rethink.
“Since we came in, we have paid critical attention to the needs and the welfare of civil servants in this state. To date, we have paid N35 billion in gratuities to retired state, local government workers and primary school teachers in the state,” he recalled.
Other interventions which the Governor said should encourage the workers to imbibe good work ethics included the institution and payment of a bonus regime of N1.1billion naira to all public servants, prompt payment of salary, pension and gratuities.
The governor had also released funds, and ensured prompt payment of wage award to the State workers for three months to cushion the effect of high cost of living occasioned by the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal as well as free 150 homes at the Grace Estate for civil servants of grade levels one to eight.