Toni Kroos has insisted that he is happy with his decision to leave Real Madrid.
Kroos spoke as Real Madrid players celebrated during the Champions League trophy parade at the Cibeles square in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday.
The German midfielder played his match for Real Madrid in the Champions League final victory against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Kroos had recently announced his decision to retire from professional football after this summer’s Euro 2024.
“I am going to miss you [Real Madrid fans] a lot,” Kroos was quoted by Madrid Zone as saying.
“I am happy with my decision. I enjoyed every single minute of these 10 years.
“I will miss a lot of things, no doubt. I am happy with my decision. The Bernabeu is my home. Real Madrid fans are the best in the world.”
The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, is significantly decreasing, providing much-needed relief to consumers in several states, including Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo.
Recent interactions with consumers revealed to Punch that the current average cost of 1 kilogram of cooking gas is around N1,000 or below, depending on the location and seller.
This decrease is a stark contrast to the prices observed between February and March when the cost of LPG had soared to around ₦1,300 per kilogram in some areas.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas had increased by 46.88% over one year, reaching ₦15,060.38 in February 2024 compared to ₦10,253.39 in February 2023.
The NBS further noted that the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG rose by 28.33% within just one month — from ₦11,735.72 in January 2024 to ₦15,060.38 in February 2024.
Among the states, Ogun recorded the highest average retail price at ₦16,375, closely followed by Delta at ₦16,333, and Edo at ₦16,321.
However, recent checks indicate that prices are gradually decreasing nationwide, which some attribute to the rebound of the naira in April from about ₦1,900 per dollar to about ₦1,500 currently.
While the Federal Government has committed to taking further measures to reduce the domestic price of LPG, industry operators express concerns that prices may rise again.
Speaking to Punch, Adedokun Ojo, a resident of Abule Egba in Lagos, reported purchasing 1kg of LPG at ₦940 at a local Mobil station.
“LPG is now ₦940 per kg. I still bought it yesterday evening at Mobil in Abule Egba,” Ojo said.
Also, a resident of Enugu, Uzor Nneka, disclosed that she got a kilogramme of the gas for ₦1,000 at the Romchi plant in Enugu.
“1kg of cooking gas used to be ₦1,300 before, but now it is ₦1,050. The price is coming down,” Jonathan Igbowu, a resident of the Idiroko border community of Ogun State, revealed
It was observed that the prices are different in Idiroko based on the seller. Nojim Ajani stated that 1kg of LPG was ₦750 in the Aferiku area of the town lately.
One Mr Ibrahim Ogunleye mentioned that the product sold for ₦1,200 in Offa, Kwara State, saying it used to be ₦1,400 some weeks ago.
Similarly, Mr Quadri Yusuf, who lives at Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, said the price of cooking gas is now ₦800/kg, down ₦1,200 in April.
However, Muraina Akintunde in Ayetoro regretted that LPG sellers now charge ₦1,200/kg in the area, stating that it used to be ₦1,400 until the last week of May.
In Ilaro, Folake Ogunwemimo said a kilogramme of LPG costs ₦1,100, while Kazim Ajose bought it for N970 at Sango-Ota, Ogun State.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the reduction in the price of LPG was a result of the efforts being made by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) with the full support of relevant regulatory agencies in the sector and even operators to increase the volume of domestically produced cooking gas coming into the local market.
Ekpo, who spoke through his media aide, Louis Ibah, said the domestication of LPG export has reduced the dependence on imported LPG, and of course, its attendant added costs due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
He said, “You will recall that the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, some months back had ordered the domestication of all LPG produced within the country with the target of stabilising the price of cooking gas in the domestic market for consumers.
“So, the reduction in the price of LPG being witnessed is as a result of the efforts being made by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) with the full support of relevant regulatory agencies in the sector and even Operators to increase the volume of domestically produced LPG/cooking gas coming into the local market.
“This has reduced the dependence on imported LPG, and of course, its attendant added costs due to FOREX fluctuations.
“And you also must recall and note the positive impact that the federal government’s decision to waive VAT and Customs duties on gas and gas equipment must have had on the price of LPG.”
He stressed that the minister has “assured that prices will go down further in the months ahead as more volumes of LPG domestically produced is released into the domestic market,” saying he is working round the clock with his team to achieve this.
However, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers expressed concerns that the price of LPG may surge again in the coming weeks.
The Executive Secretary of NALPGAM, Bassey Essien, revealed that the reduction occasioned by the naira rebound was being eroded because gas is priced in dollars.
According to Essien, even if the Federal Government boosts local LPG production, the price will not be stable because gas producers sell in foreign currency.
“I won’t say it has come down, because it is going up again. And it is an interplay of the foreign exchange. Everything is priced in foreign exchange, very soon even the air we breathe will be priced in foreign exchange.
“Even the LNG that a domestic gas, how do they price it? It is still being priced at the international price, and the international price is dependent on the dollar. Whether you have it in abundance or not, it is still being sold at the international price. The bottom line is everything is priced in forex,” Essien said, asking the government to look into local pricing of gas.”
British heavyweight boxer, Daniel Dubois, has called out Anthony Joshua for a fight after beating Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.
Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic participated in the 5 v 5 tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, June 1, with the IBF interim world title on the line.
After a very shaken start from the British heavyweight boxer, the 26-year-old star bounced back to give Hrgovic a fight to remember. Dubois grew so strong into the bout that he landed some punches that left Hrgovic bleeding.
The British boxer continued to inflict pain on the Croatian boxer, especially in the seventh round to the extent that referee John Latham had to halt the bout for Hrgovic to receive medical attention.
Following the medical examination, the bout officials concluded that the Croatian boxer couldn’t continue with the game and Daniel Dubois was declared the holder of the IBF interim world heavyweight title.
After the bout, Dubois stressed that he is looking forward to fighting Anthony Joshua who is looking forward to fighting the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury.
But Joshua might have to face Dubois in September at the Wembley Stadium this year before he can face Usyk or Fury.
Dubois said, “I hope the next opponent will be AJ so bring it on. This is my era and this is my time.”
He added, “I have full respect for the guy, to come through that was a learning experience. I’m glad I got the belt and on to the next. I was a bit cold to start with, I had the corner advice, Frank Warren and my dad.
“I ate some shots but it was only to wake me up. The first few shots stung but they woke me up. I’m so proud of myself. It is all a learning experience. We are back on top. It has felt like a rollercoaster.”
After several years of being involved in one of the most twisted transfer saga in football history, former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi said he had been forgiven by legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, PUNCH reports.
Back in 2005, Mikel was a highly-rated youngster at Norwegian side Lyn Oslo with United tracking him.
The Nigerian starlet was seemingly snapped up by the Devils from the Norwegian club with a deal subsequently announced.
Mikel was pictured in a United shirt and they even went as far as to hold a press conference. But the move sensationally broke down after Chelsea waded in and Mikel said he felt pressured into the move.
“I signed a contract with Manchester United and I didn’t do that of my own free will,” Mikel told Sky Sports News in 2006.
“I was put under a lot of pressure to do that. I was denied advice from my agent and people I trust and I didn’t get much time to think about that.
“I did something I did not want to do. Because of the pressure from Mr Morgan (Andersen, Lyn’s sporting director) and a representative of United it became too much.
“I was pushed and I had nobody on my side so I had to do it.
“I was denied a chance to have a week to think about it and get some independent advice from people so the pressure was too much.
According to several reports, Ferguson was due to fly to Norway for crisis talks but had to cancel his trip after he was told that the Nigerian had gone missing from training in Norway, and was thought to be heading to London for talks with Chelsea.
Eventually, he became a Blues’ player and would spend 11 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge.
Years later, on his podcast, Mikel revealed that when Chelsea played Manchester United, he was afraid of meeting Ferguson on the touchline. And when they eventually met each other, the retired Scottish manager had a dreadful look on his face.
Nineteen years later, the retired footballer met with Ferguson on the night of the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley where both parties had a nice time.
On his Instagram post, Mikel shared a picture of himself with Ferguson with the caption, “He has forgiven me.”
Coming off the 2005 Under-17 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria, Mikel was one of the best young football prospects in the World.
During his time with Chelsea Mikel won two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, one Europa League title, four FA Cup, two League Cup and one Community Shield title.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has declared that Nigeria’s economy is experiencing an appreciable growth that may see the high inflation in the country come down in few months.
Edun spoke on Sunday when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The National Bureau of Statistics had reported in its April’s consumer price index that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 33.20 per cent in March 2024 — up from 31.70 per cent in February
According to the bureau, food inflation also surged to 40.01 per cent in the month under review.
Meet Samuel Odugbesan who lost his arms working with an electricity company0:00 / 1:01
But the minister said on Sunday that the situation was under control, saying the reforms and economic policies of President Bola Tinubu were gradually paying off.
He said, “Mr President has achieved relative growth and stability in his first year in office. The necessary fallout of the measures that had to be taken were higher interest rates to fight inflation and attract foreign currencies, which was successful. In terms of inflation, it is coming down. It is expected and projected to come down over the next few months.
“On the other indices, the important thing is that the economy is actually growing. It is very rare to have a situation where authorities, particularly the monetary authority set their target fighting to bring down inflation and prices generally and at the same time striving to keep the economy growing. We do have that.
“Quarter by quarter when compared to the first quarter of last year, the growth is up by virtually three per cent per annum above population growth compared to about the two per cent achieved by this time last year. So, we do have the economy going the right direction. We just need to stay that course. In staying the course, help and amelioration must be given across the board.
“I have talked about help that should be given to farmers and consumers. There is also help for small and medium scale businesses. By Monday, the economy stabilisation plan that deals with the factors affecting big businesses and industry will be on Mr President’s table so that they too can stabilise, begin investment again, create jobs and grow the economy.”
The Government of Germany has launched what it terms as ‘Opportunity Card‘ for skilled individuals outside the European Union (EU) to search for work opportunities in Germany.
The portal where applicants were asked to apply showed Nigeria as one of the countries of residence of intending applicants.
This was announced on Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal on June 1, 2024.
The Opportunity Card is a residence permit that allows workers from third countries to enter Germany to seek employment.
Third countries are nations that are not part of the European Union.
About Opportunity Card
The Opportunity Card is issued for a period of up to one year but if one finds qualified employment during one’s stay, such a person can obtain a subsequent residence permit for the purpose of further searching (follow-up Opportunity Card) or taking up gainful employment from the local foreigners’ authority in Germany.
The Government stated that when applying, one will need proof that his or her professional qualification is recognised by the state either in Germany or in the country in which it was obtained.
“Proof that you will be able to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Germany can be provided in the form of a blocked account or a declaration of commitment, for example. At least 1,027 euros per month (as of 2024) are generally required.
“During your stay for the purpose of finding a job, you have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours a week in a part-time job. In addition, you can take up trial jobs for up to two weeks at a time to familiarise yourself with potential jobs,” it added.
Eligibility
The following basic requirements must be fulfilled for the Opportunity Card on a points basis among others,
“Completion of a degree or at least two years of training that is recognised by the state in which it was obtained,
“German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR),
“Sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.”
A Guide for Nigerians
For Nigerian applicants, the German government advised they follow up on Germany’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria for a visa.
“You can only apply for your visa at the German mission responsible for you. The responsibility depends on the district in which you reside. If the online application is not available at your competent German mission, please apply for your visa on-site. You will find further information on the website of your German mission,” it stated.
The call by Germany is the latest among foreign countries’ search for expertise around the world.
Reports indicate a substantial increase in the number of Nigerian healthcare workers migrating to countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Oru, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Chukwunenye has raised the alarm that “Nigeria is gradually sliding into a total collapse and the government appears to have lost every idea on how to stop the slide.”
The alarm was part of the 77-page presidential address he delivered, weekend, during the first session of the sixth synod of the diocese, held at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Nempi, Oru West local council area of Imo State.
His words: “The nation, Nigeria, is gradually sliding into a total collapse. The present government seems to have lost every idea on how to stop this downward slide and revamp the economy.
“Everything now looks like trial and error, or if you like, a case of try your luck. All the policies that are being churned out by the policymakers seem to be aimed at harming the people more.
“They all smear wickedness in content and outlook. A very good example is the increase in the electricity tariff to whatever percentage, they have pushed down our throats.
“From our experience in this part of the country, it is purely an increase in the darkness tariff. We have been here for the past 16 years as a diocese but in all these years, we have never enjoyed electricity for 20 minutes.
“All these times, we have only run on diesel and fuel. Now, the diocese has been sent a bill based on the increased tariff.
“The distribution company is insisting that the diocese must pay with or without supplying electricity or face the unsavoury consequence of disconnection.
“The question I have not ceased to ask the distribution company and government, which they have not answered is: Is it fair to the citizens to pay for darkness instead of light?
“I think that the proper thing for this government and its distribution and generating companies should have done first is to ensure a steady supply of electricity before the increase in tariff. What they have done now is simply anti-people.
“Because the leaders of this country called Nigeria have never cared for the masses, they will always put the cart before the horse.
“If they have achieved what Geometrics and Professor Barth Nnaji achieved in Aba, and increased the tariff, no sane person will ever complain, rather Nigerians will gladly pay any amount they are asked to pay.
“Let this government listen to the cries of Nigerians and always seek to do the right things for the benefit of the people. We passionately and graciously plead with this government not to kill this nation with taxes.
“As it is said, no nation on earth grows its economy through taxation. Economies are grown through production. This is where the government must focus its policies and energy production.
“A word is enough for the wise; a good and caring government. The government should realize that it is in power for the good and protection of the lives and properties of the citizens.”
Addressing the seeming tension and insecurity in the South East geo-political zone, the bishop said: “We thank some of our brothers for seeing reasons to give up on their anger.
“No matter how genuine and justified their anger is, I believe it is now time for them to calm down completely. This will enable us to rebuild the land and the economy that is almost in ruins.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting on Monday, June 3, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.
Despite the government’s final offer of N60,000, which included a recent increase from an initial N57,000, the labour unions found the proposal insufficient, setting a new proposal at N494,000.
The Evolution of Nigeria’s Minimum Wage
The concept of a minimum wage in Nigeria dates back to the 1950s. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as Premier of the Western Region, implemented the first minimum wage policy in 1954. Western Nigerian workers received a minimum wage that was double the amount paid to their counterparts in other regions. This initial wage policy set a precedent and sparked ongoing discussions about fair labor compensation in the country.
Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the push for a national minimum wage continued. In 1959, Awolowo, then the President of the Action Group, campaigned vigorously for a five-pound minimum wage for federal workers. Although he lost the 1959 elections to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the issue of a national minimum wage remained a significant political agenda.
The First National Minimum Wage Law
The first National Minimum Wage Law was enacted by President Shehu Shagari in September 1981, spurred by the advocacy of the Nigerian Labour Congress led by Hassan Sunmonu. The law set a minimum wage of 125 naira per month, equivalent to approximately US$204 at the time.
Subsequent Revisions
Over the years, the minimum wage has undergone several revisions:
2000: Increased to N5,500.
2011: Under President Goodluck Jonathan, it was raised to N18,000.
2019: The National Minimum Wage Act signed by President Muhammadu Buhari established a new wage of N30,000 per month.
The Current Debate
In January 2024, the federal government formed a 37-member tripartite committee to review the National Minimum Wage. However, the committee has not yet reached an agreement. The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have set a deadline of May 31 for the government to establish a new wage policy. The unions are demanding a minimum wage of at least N60,000.
Some states have unilaterally announced new minimum wages. For example, Edo State approved a new wage of N70,000 effective May 1, 2024, while Lagos State has been paying a wage award of N35,000 since January 2024.
The discussions about the minimum wage are fraught with tension, particularly between state and federal governments. State governments often argue they cannot afford higher wages, while the federal government usually proposes higher rates. This discord reflects a long-standing issue in Nigeria’s wage policy, where economic realities and political promises often clash.
Power Minister’s Office, Army Barracks, Ministries, Other Govt Offices That May Be Disconnected For Owing Electricity Bills (Full List)
AFOLABI
A host of government offices, buildings, and institutions risk being thrown into darkness if they fail to settle their electricity bills before the deadline issued by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
According to the AEDC, the affected buildings are owing huge electricity debts which have accumulated over time.
Power House building, located in the Maitama District of Abuja, which houses the office of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is part of the building listed in a notice of disconnection issued by the AEDC.
More than 20 other government institutions risk disconnection, according to the ultimatum issued by the distribution company in a statement addressed to its customers on Friday, 31st May.
The acting Managing Director of AEDC, Victor Ojelabi, in a statement, said the deadline for all outstanding payments is Monday, June 3, 2024.
Below is the full list of customers owing AEDC as released by the Disco:
1. Nigeria Army
2. Nigeria Airforce
3. Defence Headquarters (HQ)
4. Federal Capital Development Authority
5. Kogi state government
6. Niger state government
7. Nigeria Police Force HQ
8. Nigerian Army Barracks
9. Federal Ministry of Industry
10. Nigeria Police Force HQ
11. Nigerian Army Barracks
12. Power House
13. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) House 1
14. Head of Service
15. Ministry of Education
16. Ministry of Women Affairs
17. Ministry of Industry
18. Ministry of Trade
19. Ministry of Interior
20. Ministry of Water Resources
21. National Stadium
22. Goodluck Jonathan Athletics Hall
23. Ministry of Finance
24. Ministry of education
25. Ministry of Trade
26. National Planning Commission (budget)
27. Ministry of Works
28. Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Abuja.
The former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal has urged President Bola Tinubu to desist from disassociating himself from the tenure of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Tambuwal insisted that Tinubu must stop his ministers and aides from castigating Buhari’s administration.
The former governor stated this during the stakeholders meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State on Sunday.
He argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no plans to secure the country and are more interested in grabbing power.
He said, “The same Tinubu government that has failed to secure Nigerians, and bring development is now lamenting and disassociating themselves from Buhari’s administrative failure.
“There’s no reason for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow his aides or ministers to be castigating and attacking past APC government under Muhammadu Buhari which he has tremendously benefitted from as a member of APC.
“President Tinubu should face the governing of Nigeria with serious minded attention and not allow certain myopic tendencies in his government to destroy his good plan on securing of our nation and bringing cohesion and development to our country if at all he is ready.”
Speaking further, Tambuwal advised PDP supporters in the state not to be discouraged about the happening in the country, instead to unite and ensure political understanding amongst themselves.
“Nobody can change our country like determination and commitment to good cause as we are all known for, our party supporters should be united in bringing such to the party progress
“You have been in the vanguard of change and political unity, this will be your guiding principles of peace and political unity with discipline and respect to everybody in the party” he added.
More...
Some Nigerian women have narrated the huge economic challenges confronting them in sustaining homes.
The women expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
A Mother of four, Mrs Abiola Dipeolu, said that presently, the family spent a lot of money to keep the home going.
People Talk: On sale of new Naira notes at Nigerian parties0:00 / 1:00
Dipeolu said that when she newly got married, she usually saved some money from the monthly allowance she received from her husband.
She said that the reverse was the case now, saying that what she received as feeding allowance hardly sustained the family for two weeks.
“I have to wake up as early as 4.00 a.m. to begin the hustle for the day and close by 6.00 p.m.
“Marriage is boring and uninteresting because the time for husband and wife to be together has been put into hustling” she said.
A Mother of three, Mrs Ronke Adu, said that she could not remember the last time she got financial support from her husband.
Adu said that the financial responsibilities had been shared and each of them took up his or her responsibilities.
She said that the present economic challenges had rendered some husbands mere figure heads in spite of the energy they put up on daily basis to make ends meet.
She noted that she had to do menial jobs like sweeping of compounds, cooking soup for the elderly and home cleaning on daily basis to make ends meet.
Expressing her views, a Mother of two, Mrs Busayo Adamolekun, said that she was a fashion designer by profession but when the reality dawned on her, she dropped her working tools and ventured into food selling.
Adamolekun said that food was one of the businesses now thriving.
She said her husband had to join the food business and closed his business centre because he no longer received patronage.
She said that some women took up the main financial expenses at homes, while their husbands only rendered support.
A Civil Servant and a Mother of three, Mrs China Okeke, said that it was a pity that the economy turned this way.
Okeke suggested that managing the home financially needed prudence.
“As a civil servant, I had to obtain loans to keep the home going,’’ she said.
She explained that the take-home pay was not enough.
A Grandmother and Pastor, Mrs Adefunke Clement, said that many women came to the church for financial help.
Clement said that there was no day a woman would not come to the church soliciting for meal.
She said that before now, the church used to have philanthropists who donated voluntarily, saying that now the church authorities had to announce before getting few donations.
“Women are going through a lot to put food on the table.
“Some go into four or five menial works on daily basis to keep the home going,’’ she said.
It appears taking a girl on date without any string attached has gone with the wind. At least, this is the view of a depression and mental health coach, Evelyn Motiga aka Evesoal, who slammed young Nigerian girls for making all sorts of demands before going on a date with a guy.
In a video posted on her page, she said it now causes a guy an arm and a leg just to take a girl out on a date as he would have to be responsible for almost everything the girl wears to honour the date.
She noted that the situation has driven some guys to depression and mental health issues.
“What’s wrong with our Nigerian girls these days? Why are you putting our men under pressure? Why are you making dating as if it is a transaction. This morning, I saw somebody on Facebook saying if a man wants to take her out on a date he must buy her clothes and he must pay her first.
Hey, are these girls aware that there are young men in Nigeria that are very hard working and putting them under pressure for me is not the way to go,” she says in the video.
She counsels that the act would not add any value to them but rather belittle them.
“You are bringing down your value. As if that is not enough, you are stressing our men. These men are going through a lot of mental issues and depression because they feel they are not good enough. Stop this nonsense,” she said.
Nigerian Police Personnel Fighting Boko Haram Terrorists Cry Out Over 6-Month Unpaid Allowances
AFOLABI
Police officers engaged in counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the non-payment of their allowances for the past six months.
The officers were selected from various states and taken to the region for security operations in collaboration with other security forces to fight Boko Haram insurgents and other criminalities in the region.
The affected officers complained that the non-payment of their allowances has placed them in a challenging predicament.
One of the soldiers said, “We are mobile policemen working with the Nigerian Army under the special forces (SF) joint task force in Maiduguri. We are working day and night tirelessly in the rain and the sun.
“Some of us were deployed to various locations here in Maiduguri after two weeks of training in the Nigerian Army special forces training ground, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, but we have not received our allowances for a period of six months now.
“We have been sending complaints to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai (OHK) Maimalari Army Barrack through our unit commanders but all efforts made to get paid our six months' operational allowances have failed.”
“The police authorities should please look into the matter. We are all men with families; we left them at home for a good six months to come here to the Borno State for peacekeeping but look at how we are suffering without our allowances for God's sake. Even now as I’m talking to you, I’m in the bush. We need help, please,” another policeman told SaharaReporters.
Efforts made by SaharaReporters to reach the spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, on his mobile phone to find out why the allowances had not been paid were unsuccessful.
Nigeria has been battling with insurgency in the North-East region for over one decade.
Islamic terrorists have killed thousands of people and displaced millions of individuals mainly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
Fire razes an electronic shop in Port Harcourt as residents struggle to put out the inferno.
THE WHISTLER gathered that the storey building which is used by LG as a showroom and warehouse at Rumuosi Junction along Rumuokoro- Choba axis of the East-West Road went up in flames after a power surge.
The incident happened at about 12:30 pm on Sunday afternoon and residents at the time of filing this report are still fighting to put out the raving fire.
The building is sandwiched in between a church and another storey which residents feared would be a chain effect if help did not come soon.
A few minutes past 1 pm there is still no presence of firefighters nor security agencies to guard against loot.