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The UK economy saw no growth in April, according to early official figures from the Office for National Statistics.
This comes after a 0.4 per cent increase in March.
A Reuters poll of economists had anticipated this stagnation, attributing it to wet weather negatively impacting retail sales and construction output.
The ONS report, the last GDP update before the election, revealed that April’s rainfall was 155 per cent above the long-term average.
Details later...
[Punch]
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the National Coordinator of the Disciples of Jagaban, Comrade AbdulHakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a chance to build the country, saying it takes time to build a broken nation
This was contained in a press statement signed by his media aide, Elder Yinka Salaam, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday.
Alawuje congratulates Nigerians and the President in particular for witnessing another Democracy Day in a peaceful atmosphere.
“We must congratulate ourselves for witnessing another Democracy Day in peace, devoid of war, enmity, or rancour, and for having an outstanding democrat like Tinubu as our leader at a critical time like this.
“Tinubu’s only offence is that he volunteered to undertake the onerous job of returning life to a comatose nation. But as Nigerians, we must realise that no president can be successful, no matter how sincere, unless he enjoins the support of the state government, local government, corporate bodies, as well as the citizens.
“Tinubu has only chosen to clear the Augean stable of over 16 years of bad leadership. We should thank God for giving us Tinubu at this time, just as we should pray for him and give him the necessary support as citizens.
“Tinubu never campaigned to attain perfection. He can even attain perfection, but he needs to be put on his toes with constructive criticism, where necessary, as he strives to rescue Nigerians.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, Nigerians must not allow the hardship and frustration written all over their faces to make them deny the truth. We must always say the truth, support the truth, propagate the truth, defend the truth and be ready to end on the path of the truth.
“Tinubu’s plan and aspiration are to rescue Nigerians who are already struggling to survive. And with our support, he will surely win against all the rapacious politicians whose intent is just to milk Nigerians dry.
“As patriotic citizens, we must be concerned about Tinubu’s success.
if he fails, whoever comes after him will have to start afresh, and that does not augur well for us as a people. It can only draw us backwards.
“The truth be told, organised labour, for instance, has every right to fight for their needs, but if the strike will set our developing economy backwards, they also need to explore another approach to push for their rights. At this delicate and critical period, Nigerians do not need anything that will further stress the already stressed system.
“One of the reasons Nigerians must support Tinubu is because we need to disappoint the Western powers that have already predicted the end of Nigeria as an entity. We must never allow their prediction to come true. Their progress and economic survival are closely linked to our failure. Nigeria must survive because the entire continent is also looking up to us. Our survival is their survival. They are all looking towards the Big Brother to lean upon to grow.
“As we celebrate yet another Democracy Day, we pray God bless Nigeria with and surround the president with sincere and progressive minds who are ready to sacrifice all their endowments for our country.
“As already said in my previous messages, the ministers and other political appointees are urged not to betray Tinubu and Nigerians. Permanent secretaries as well as civil servants must know that they are the backbone of any government. They, too, cannot afford to betray the nation. They should endeavour to guide the ministers rather than lead them astray with wicked guidance.
“Governors and the local government chairmen, the National Assembly members, the ministers and the judiciary are essential part of government. They are critical components to achieving good governance. Mr. President cannot do it alone; it is a collective responsibility.
“Nigeria’s lost glory will surely be restored by the Tinubu administration, but it will take time and a lot of endurance. Let’s be patient and supportive.
Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has proposed a new minimum wage of ₦100,000 for Nigerian workers, saying anything below that would be an insult to workers.
The lawmaker asserted that with the current economic situation in Nigeria, it would be difficult for workers to survive and live a normal life with a minimum wage of less than ₦100,000.
He argued that in determining the eventual minimum wage, the government must be realistic in its evaluation of the economic situation in the country.
Speaking at an award event in Abuja, Nwoko said: “There are so many problems in Nigeria, from the economy to security issues, minimum wage and all of that. If you ask me about minimum wage, I will say that at least, everybody deserves a raise. Even if we say N100,000, I will think it is the ideal thing. But look, what can N100,000 do for anybody? Tell me, how many bags of rice can that buy? How many fuel tanks can that fill? So, we have to be realistic about our economy.
“Government is meant to provide an environment for those who are doing business to do well or create jobs where possible. But we must have a minimum wage. It is not very good, to put it mildly, when people are paid minimum wage that is abysmal and they are not able to achieve the basic needs of life.
“So, I think that a minimum wage of N100,000 is not out of place. That should be the beginning. That kind of amount should be what we should be looking at. Anything less than that is an insult to the civil servant.”
Speaking further, the federal lawmaker expressed support for the proposed ban on open grazing.
He submitted that it is a welcome development which is in the interest of everyone including the farmers and herders.
“It is in the interest of Nigerians, especially the cattle owners, herders and farmers. Everyday, we hear stories of famers/headers clashes. It is either the farmers are killed by armed herdsmen or the herders suffer one casualty or the other. So, with the ban, there won’t be any losses. Everybody deserves to live and move freely as good citizens. Again, owners of cows and herders will benefit a lot. I was discussing with an armed herder on why he was carrying AK 47. He said it was to protect himself and his cows from thieves and cattle rustlers. You can see that while the ban will save farmers, it can also save the herders from being attacked. Second, this movement of cows from one state to another makes our cows look emaciated. If a cow is feeding in one place, it will be well fed and look good. Look at the cows from Morocco and other countries that practice ranching, their cows look well fed, healthier and big. Let’s leave sentiment alone and move this country forward. There is more to gain than to lose with a complete ban on open grazing,” Nwoko submitted.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing critique against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of foisting hardship on Nigerians and desecrating the democratic principles established by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
The opposition party asserts that the current socio-economic challenges faced by the populace are a direct result of the policies implemented by the APC.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the PDP spokesperson lamented that the situation in the country had deteriorated under the APC’s governance, leading to widespread discontent and anger among the citizens.
The party highlighted that the economic strategies and governance failures of the APC have not only stifled economic growth but have also significantly eroded the democratic gains made in past decades.
Furthermore, the PDP claims that the APC has failed to uphold the democratic legacies of Chief MKO Abiola, whose struggle for democracy remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history.
According to the PDP, the APC’s actions have betrayed the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity that Abiola championed until his death.
PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, charged Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day to “speak against the anti-democratic tendencies of the APC which is asphyxiating, inflicting hardship, trampling on the Will and rights of the citizens and seeking to foist a totalitarian system on our nation”.
“It is distressing that our nation is observing the Democracy Day under a system that relishes in brazen violation of the Constitution, election rigging, stifling and manipulation of opposition, muzzling of dissenting voices; undermining the judicial system and other democracy institutions in desperation to turn Nigeria into a one-Party State.
“More disquieting is that all the progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in entrenching democratic practice in Nigeria have been reversed by the APC administrations.”
The main opposition party said the recent opening of the N21 billion luxury mansion for Vice President Kashim Shettima by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “in a country of collapsing infrastructure; with over 40% unemployment rate; where millions of citizens are literally starving; and where our schools and hospitals lack the basic operation equipment and tools is only a glimpse into the insensitivity, arrogance, impunity and reckless misdirection of resources that pervade the APC administrations.
“Our Party urges President Tinubu to use the occasion of Democracy Day to have a deep reflection on the state of the nation under his watch, especially given the growing public agitation over hunger and high cost of living in the country.
“The PDP again reminds President Tinubu that there is destitution in the land and that the reaction of a hungry people is better imagined. Mr. President should, in keeping with democratic tenets, listen to Nigerians and review policies that are suffocating life in the country.”
PDP said democracy is about the supremacy of the Will of the people, the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the security and wellbeing of citizens, but such ideals have “been completely violated by the APC administrations which leaders have no respect for public opinion but delight in burdening the people through multiple taxes and looting of treasury to finance their luxury appetite while subjecting other Nigerians to a life of fear, uncertainty, despondency and abject poverty.
“It is saddening that instead of celebrating freedom and good governance; the very of essence of democracy which Chief MKO Abiola stood for; Nigerians are in anguish over the exploitive, ill-implemented anti-people policies and programmes of the APC which has weaponized poverty in the country.
“The increase in fuel price and hike in electricity tariff with no corresponding tangible policy or programme directed towards the welfare of the people further show the anti-people stance of the APC administrations.” the statement said.
Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has officially confirmed the date of his wedding with his wife, Chioma.
Naija News reported that celebrity blogger, Stella Dimokokorkus, in a post via her Instagram page on Tuesday, said Davido picked June 25, 2024, for the conduct of their official traditional wedding ceremony.
The news of the traditional wedding between the couple, who recently welcomed twin children together, generated excitement among the family members from both sides.
According to Dimokokorkus, “The News you have been waiting for is here!!! Singer Davido is set to wed Chioma, the mother of his twins in a proper traditional wedding ceremony set to hold at the Eko Hotel in Lagos in 2 weeks time.
“Stella Dimoko Korkus sources say that there is excitement in both families as it would be an event that would bind them in love and strengthen family ties….. The Traditional wedding according to sources will hold on June Twenty fifth twenty twenty four.
“The sources responded to questions on why it has been fixed for this date with ”Only Chioma and Davido know why they picked this date but it is something everyone has been looking forward to happening. CONGRATULATIONS!!!”
Confirming the news, Davido, during his visit to London-based celebrity pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, was heard in a video shared online, telling people about the upcoming wedding.
Watch the video below:
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to go after attackers of citizens at Dutsin-Ma and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State, and ensure that they were brought to justice.
The President, who strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks in the areas, described the latest attacks as grisly and sinister.
Tinubu, in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday, emphasised that more will be done to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country.
He condoled with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
LEADERSHIP recalls that bandits stormed the Yargoje and Kankara areas of Kankara local government area of Katsina State late June 9 and early June 10, killing about 25 residents in the sad incidents.
Residents said an unspecified number of people, including children, remained unaccounted.
The attacks followed a similar incident in the Dutsin-Ma and Safana LGAs of the state between June 4 and 6, during which at least 30 civilians were killed by yet-to-be-identified armed gangs.
[Leadership]
A former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Director of Currency Operations, Ahmed Umar, has disclosed that the immediate past governor, Godwin Emefiele, printed his own design of the naira.
Umar disclosed this while giving evidence at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Maitama.
The former CBN director said the features in the design approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari was different from the one Emefiele ordered to be printed.
Umar said, “The design approved by the President had a QR code, which the currency in circulation does not. The positioning of the portrait was on the right side, that printed by the CBN was on the left and the number scheme approved by the President is different from what the CBN produced.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on May 15, arraigned Emefiele on a four count charge before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court.
Emefiele however denied the charge and was admitted to bail in the sum of N300 million.
[DailyPost]
Diageo, the foreign majority shareholder in Guinness Nigeria Plc, has agreed to sell its controlling equity stake of 58.02 per cent to Tolaram, a Singaporean multinational.
Under the terms of an agreement signed on Tuesday, Tolaram will acquire Diageo’s 58.02 per cent shareholding in Guinness Nigeria and enter into long-term license and royalty agreements for the continued production of the Guinness brand and its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits
brands.
By acquiring 58.02 per cent, Tolaram will also undertake a mandatory tender offer to seek to acquire shares held by minority shareholders, in a transaction that could increase the new core investor’s controlling stake.
In a regulatory filing at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the board of Guinness Nigeria indicated that the transaction is expected to be completed in 2025, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals in Nigeria.
“Diageo remains deeply committed to Nigeria and will retain ownership of the Guinness brand, which will be licensed to Guinness Nigeria for the long-term, enabling the next phase of growth and development of Guinness
Nigeria under the stewardship of Tolaram,” Guinness Nigeria stated.
With a five-decade presence in Africa, Tolaram is one of the largest consumer packaged goods companies on the continent and has forged joint venture partnerships with several leading consumer multinational companies.
Guinness Nigeria noted that in partnership with Tolaram, Diageo will continue to drive the brand and marketing strategy for Guinness in Nigeria, to ensure Diageo’s exceptional capabilities in brand building and innovation
continue to drive long-term growth for Guinness in Nigeria.
According to the plan, following completion of the transaction, Guinness Nigeria will remain listed on the NGX. However, recent acquisitions have led to full takeover and delisted of companies.
Chairman, Guinness Nigeria, Omobola Johnson said the acquisition announcement represents a significant opportunity for the next phase of growth for Guinness Nigeria.
“This partnership brings together Tolaram’s deep expertise in manufacturing and distribution, and Diageo’s exceptional capabilities in brand building and
innovation. I believe this is a winning combination which leaves Guinness Nigeria extremely well placed to drive
further growth in this market,” Johnson said.
Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, described the announcement as an exciting moment for Guinness Nigeria, its employees and customers.
“I look forward to working alongside Tolaram, which is one of the largest and most respected consumer goods companies in Africa, and I am pleased to note Tolaram’s alignment with Guinness Nigeria’s values and its strong commitment to build an enduring and sustainable business,” Alli said.
Managing Director, Tolaram Africa, Haresh Aswani said the group was thrilled to welcome Guinness Nigeria, a company with such a rich legacy and strong consumer loyalty.
“This strategic move will expand our significant
footprint in the Nigerian market and presents an opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to foster innovation and deliver immense value to our customers and shareholders across the nation,” Aswani said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has formally lodged a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation regarding allegations of sexual harassment levelled against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa.
In a letter addressed to the HOCSF dated May 27, 2024, and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegation levelled against the permanent secretary by Mrs Simisola Ajayi.
He emphasised the importance of addressing the matter urgently and thoroughly.
The letter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”
It read, “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment.
“Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly,”
The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF his full cooperation in the investigation.
“May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities,” he added.
The spokesperson for the Ministry, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the development in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday.
“Yes. The complaint is true,” Abu-Ode said when asked to confirm the authenticity of the letter.
When contacted on the phone for his reaction, Lawuwa declined comment.
“I am in a meeting. Sorry, I cannot talk, please,” he simply said after our correspondent introduced herself and issue she wanted him to react to.
He has also yet to respond to a message sent to his WhatsApp on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
Also, when contacted, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, simply said, “No comment. The matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities.”
Ajayi, had a petition dated May 29, 2024, addressed to Tuggar, accused the permanent secretary of serial sexual harrasment.
Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), called for a thorough investigation into the actions of Amb. Lamuwa.
The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”
According to the petition, Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, which have created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment.
She claimed for instance that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.
He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat.
She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.
[Punch]
The Naira yesterday depreciated in the parallel market to N1,490 per dollar from N1,470 per dollar last week.
However, the Naira appreciated to N1,483.62 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.
Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,483.62 per dollar from N1,483.99 per dollar last weekend, indicating 37 kobo appreciation for the naira.
The volume of dollars traded in NAFEM fell by 40 percent to $161.69 million from $269.27 million traded Friday last week.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates narrowed to N6.38 per dollar from N185.67 per dollar last week Friday.
More...
If You Can Spend ₦17 Trillion On A Project, Then Any Amount Can Be Paid As Minimum Wage – Lamido To FG
AFOLABI
The former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has stated that the Nigeria Government is rich enough to afford any amount as the new national minimum wage.
Recall that Organised Labour, which initially demanded ₦494,000, later reduced its demand to ₦250,000, while the government offered ₦62,000.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, state governors had declared that they couldn’t pay the ₦62,000 proposed by the government.
Reacting to the development on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television, Lamido argued that if the government could spend ₦17 trillion for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway without passing through the National Assembly, then it can afford to pay any amount as minimum wage.
He said, “Nigeria is very rich with resources and can overcome any problem and pay any amount we feel is responsible for Nigerians.
“If the government can embark on an N17 trillion project that is not in the budget, not advertised, not tendered for, or did not go through due process, it means that Nigeria got the money.
“How can a government execute a budget of N17 trillion without a budget or passing through the National Assembly, it means the money is there; there is money in Nigeria.
“If they can carry out such a project then they can pay any minimum wage.”
Some passengers travelling along the Maiduguri/Kano highway have been kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Reports obtained by Naija News on Tuesday morning revealed that the insurgents carried out the abduction between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, which is located along the Damaturu highway, at approximately 5:50 pm on Monday.
Daily Trust quoted a source to have disclosed that the terrorists barricaded the highway and forcibly took away several passengers.
As a result of this incident, numerous travellers and commuters found themselves stranded on both ends of the usually bustling road.
Consequently, many of the commuters were left with no choice but to return to Benishek and Auno, respectively.
“There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles and some passengers were abducted.
“We are not sure of the number as we speak but certainly there was an abduction on Monday evening,” the source noted.
Some residents who spoke to journalists on the development narrated how many commercial drivers took refuge in their community momentarily when the insurgents were operating between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari villages.
“They came out with three wheelbarrow and I believe they were looking for food stuff. We don’t know how many people abducted but some commercial drivers came back and later returned to Maiduguri before reinforcement of military arrived,” the residents noted.
A passenger, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters that he, alongside others were stranded for hours.
“We were heading for Kano from Maiduguri when the driver got hinted about the attack and took a detour.
“We have been waiting for the military to clear the road but we don’t know when. We are stranded here,” he said.
Children Of Politicians Spraying Dollars In Parties Is Anti-Democratic – Ex-President Jonathan
AFOLABI
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has said the continuous spraying of foreign currencies like the US dollar during parties is anti-democratic and sends wrong signals in the direction the country’s democracy is headed.
Jonathan stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 25th Anniversary Democracy Day Public Lecture in Abuja.
Jonathan advised actors to stick to the rule of the game noting that citizens cherish and prefer civilian rule to military rule.
He advised that Nigerian democracy must be protected at all costs and commended the country for 25 years of unbroken democracy.
Details later…
Police Begin Investigation Into Death Of Self-Styled Businessman Ochekwo Wanted In UK, Accused Of Luring Married Woman With N1m
AFOLABI
The Nigeria Police Force said it has commenced a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of self-styled British/Nigerian businessman, Andrew Ochekwo accused of luring a married woman and a young girl with N1m, whose whereabouts have been unknown for the past 45 days.
The official reaction from the police on Monday night followed the controversies and varying narratives surrounding the disappearance of the ladies who left their base in Port Harcourt to visit Ochelwo in Aba, Abia State for the weekend on the condition of paying the said sum.
Since April 27, when the duo left for Aba, their whereabouts have been unknown even as the major suspect was allegedly killed while being transferred in the company of police operatives to Abuja.
The police said, “In light of the public interest and the gravity of the allegations, the IGP has deemed it necessary to institute a meticulous investigation into the roles played by the team which carried out the initial investigation in Abia State, and the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT), to unravel the veritable facts of the matter.”
“The Monitoring Unit has been given a two-week timeframe to complete its investigation and present a comprehensive report.”
Despite the call to investigate the death of Ochekwo and the disappearances of the ladies, the suspect was reportedly declared wanted by the United Kingdom government in June 2019 over sexual assault on a woman.
He, however, returned to Nigeria and settled in Aba city where he conveniently flaunted his wealth on social media with claims to run a company that recruits people.
Meanwhile, when the said ladies appeared to have been missing, the case was reported to the police in Aba, where Ochekwe was arrested and detained for the possession of the missing ladies’ belongings.
While in detention, the suspect was said to remain mum on the whereabouts of the ladies but had allegedly functioned freely.
He was then transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Aba, then to Umuahia, and then to Abuja following a petition to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun requesting the suspect’s transfer to Abuja.
Sadly, Ochekwo was allegedly gunned down for attempting to escape while en route to Abuja in the company of police officers. Those who allegedly killed him are said to be in police custody.
While many Nigerians have called for a thorough investigation of all parties including the police in Abia State on the matter, his death has also raised eyebrows on the possibility of a syndicate who may have wanted him dead.
Reports revealed that he attempted to escape in Benue State where he was killed, and his body was later deposited in a mortuary.
Residents in the suspect’s vicinity told security operatives during a search operation that a dismembered human was disposed of in a deserted area and covered with a curtain which was later discovered to match the design of curtains at Ochekwo’s apartment.
However, the Nigeria Police has assured that the case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and integrity, urging Nigerians to remain calm and allow the investigation process to proceed without interference.
“Similarly, all persons/groups with relevant information regarding this case are encouraged to come forward and assist with the investigation, and all such information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, reach us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and our social media accounts.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation and support of the public and hereby reassures that timely updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the police said.