The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero has said Labour would disown 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi if he adopts policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank if elected President of Nigeria.
 
Ajaero stated this when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast programme on Tuesday.
 
 
He described the position of the NLC on the removal of petrol subsidy and electricity subsidy as “fixated”, adding that the labour union would have it tough with any LP President who implements the policies of Bretton Woods institutions which support the removal of subsidies on electricity tariff and petrol.
 
The NLC President said, “He (Obi) is the presidential candidate of Labour Party but does he own NLC or the Labour Party? Why can’t you separate them? Whosoever is the presidential candidate or official of the Labour Party must buy into our projects. If he says he was going to undertake those policies, let him be elected and try such policies.
 
“Whether a presidential candidate of a party that Labour forms would dictate for Labour? The answer is known to everybody. The policies of Labour, the ideologies of Labour are clear and we are going to pursue it. If anybody is coming with another ideology, he is going to have it tough with us because that is not what we stand for.
 
“It (our approach) would have been worst for anybody flying the flag of Labour Party to come and implement these policies, to come and adopt the policies of the IMF and the World Bank. It would have been worst for the person. In fact, we would disown the person, he would be on his own. We have to make this distinction clear.”
 
Meanwhile, Ajaero said electricity tariff hike pushes up inflation, insisting that the recent increase by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies in the country must be immediately reversed.
 
“Unknown to people, this issue of tariff increase is determined by inflation and the value of the currency,” NLC President Joe Ajaero said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show on Tuesday.
 
“NERC takes these two major variables to determine tariff increase. Unknown to the same NERC, each time you increase tariff, it leads to another inflation which within few months, they would see demand for another tariff increase. And this is happening on and on and there is no control over it.”
 
On April 3, 2024, NERC raised electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily. Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification. The increase saw the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66, a development that has been heavily criticised by many Nigerians, considering the immediacy of the tariff hike and the current hardship in the land.
 
Following the outrage, NERC asked discos to cut down electricity tariff rate by 8.1% for customers under Band A category. The outrage, however, persisted with many Nigerians rejecting the reduction and demanding a total reversal of the tariff hike. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) subsequently picketed NERC offices and discos on Monday to press home their demands.
 
Ajaero, on Channels Television’s programme on Tuesday morning, kicked against the “politics of reduction” embarked upon by NERC in recent times. He said reduction after tariff increase won’t stand, insisting that NERC and discos must first reverse the tariff to the old rates and come to the negotiation table with labour unions and other stakeholders on an agreeable way forward.

Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa better known as Charly Boy, has taken a swipe at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

He referred to the immediate past governor of Rivers state as the ‘mistake maker’ of the century.

The statement came after Wike told the people of Rivers State that he made a mistake and he is ready to correct the mistake at the appropriate time.

Wike and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have been embroiled in a face-off that has polarised the state House of Assembly into two camps.

“I want to say this clearly, in life we have made a mistake. I have made a mistake. I own it up and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time,” Wike declared.

Responding to the statement, Charly Boy, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, said Wike will very soon claim he made another mistake for supporting President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

He wrote: “I made a mistake in 2016 by supporting Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as PDP National Chairman. I made another mistake in 2017 by supporting Prince Uche Secondus as PDP National Chairman. I made another mistake for supporting Tambuwal for PDP ticket in 2019. I made yet another mistake in 2021 by supporting Senator Iyorchia Ayu as PDP National Chairman. And, most recently, I made a mistake in 2023 by supporting Sir Sim Fubara as my successor. I know very soon he will make another mistake for supporting Tinubu in 2023. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the mistake maker of the century.”

Two members of an armed robbery gang usually referred to as One Chance identified as Chibuieze Orji and Jibrin Mohammed have been arrested by the Nasarawa State Police Command.

The suspects operate along Akwanga-Keffi-Abuja expressway, where they dispossess their victims of their valuables.

According to a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, the suspects were apprehended by police operatives attached to Anguwan Lambu Division, Keffi.

According to the statement, with Ref: AZ:5250/NAS/PRD/VOL.2/70, those arrested were Chibuieze Orji ‘M’ 52 years and Jibrin Mohammed ‘M’ 45 years.

Nansel further stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects usually pose as taxi drivers to pick unsuspecting passengers, drive away to unknown destinations, and dispossess them of money and other belongings, after which the victims are abandoned while they take flight.

“The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime and said they have been operating for over 10 years and robbed a lot of people.

“They further stated that they were recently released from Shendam prison, Plateau State, for a similar offence after serving their prison term,”
 the statement reads in part.


Items recovered include a Toyota Carina II vehicle with registration number Abuja CO 212 ABC, one axe and hammer.

Nansel added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada, has ordered that, the suspects be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion of investigation.

The CP assured members of the public that the command would be relentless in its fight against crime in the state and solicit their collaboration.

operational vehicle

Chibuieze Orji, Jibrin Mohammed

The Labour Party, LP has reacted to the meeting between its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his counterpart from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki and Sule Lamido.
 
The party said the meeting has to do with plans on how to rescue Nigerians from their current suffering.
 
LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said there would be more of such meetings aimed at brainstorming over the sufferings of Nigerians.
 
On Monday, Obi met with Atiku and the PDP chieftains in Abuja.
 
However, Ifoh said the party was in support of the meeting, adding that the meeting was that of like-minded individuals.
 
The LP spokesman also disclosed that additional meetings had been scheduled to occur ahead of the 2027 general election.
 
A statement by Ifoh said: “Yes, it was a meeting of like-minded individuals who believe there is a need for better leadership in our nation. They are people who see that Nigerians are suffering, not receiving what they bargained for, and observe corruption persisting in high places while Nigeria’s resources are mismanaged.
 
“They believe it’s the right time to unite and take action to address the challenges facing Nigeria today. Despite the government being barely a year old, Nigeria is facing difficult times under the APC administration, which seems directionless.
 
“This meeting is just the beginning; there will be further interactions and gatherings with other individuals. Together, they will brainstorm on how to rescue the nation. The party is fully aware of the meeting and is committed to working hard to achieve something significant for our country.”

Sat in a circle on the nursery floor, a group of Swiss three-year-olds ask a robot called Nao questions about giraffes and broccoli.

By the time these children become adults, interacting with robots may well be as commonplace as using a smartphone, experts believe.

So one Lausanne creche has decided to give them a head start.

Nao has been a regular visitor at the Nanosphere nursery on the campus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology University since the New Year. He is what is called an “interactive learning companion” rather than a substitute teacher.

As the children were dropped off, Nao — who is only 58 centimetres (less than two feet) tall — stood on a bench to greet them at eye level.

“Hello, my name is Nao. I’m happy to be at the Nanosphere today,” he said, in a child-like high-pitched voice.

“I left my planet some time ago to come and meet you. I look forward to getting to know you and being able to talk with you in the weeks ahead.”

Some children walked straight past, some waved, pointed, touched his hand or simply gazed at him transfixed.

– ‘No squabbling!’ –

“What will the children’s future be like? Will they have to work with robots? Very probably yes,” Olivier Delamadeleine, director-general of the Educalis group of nurseries and primary schools in Lausanne, told AFP.

“So as we are in a place of learning it is important to get them familiarised early so that they’re used to working with robots,” he added.

Back in the class, teacher Eve L’Eplattenier and the 14 children sat in a circle on the floor with Nao in the middle.

“He’s going to come and explain things to you,” she said.

“Do you like broccoli? It’s very good for your health,” the robot said.

L’Eplattenier picked him up and put him on a table. She said Nao would not grow any taller as children do.

The children gathered excitedly around, some jockeying for space.

“No squabbling!” Nao told them.

Prompted by their teacher, the children tried to catch him out with questions such as, “I am an animal with a trunk. What am I?” When he got it right, they giggled.

– ‘Little know-it-all’ –

Gabriel Paffi, a masters student in robotics, sat in the corner feeding Nao his answers.

He programmed the robot and is working on how to adapt it for a nursery’s needs.

“The goal is to make it automated so that he no longer needs me to move around and respond to the children,” Paffi said.

The first Nao robots hit the market in 2008. Now on generation six, the brand is owned by the Germany-based United Robotics Group and more than 15,000 units have been sold.

The plan is for this Nao to spend several years in the Educalis nurseries as his capacities expand.

L’Eplattenier said the children are thrilled when Nao turns up, and have bonded with their diminutive friend.

“They are curious to see what he will say, what he will do,” she said.

“He’s a companion with little tips and bits of advice.

“I think he will quickly position himself as the little know-it-all of the group.”

As for the parents, they too are keen to see how Nao will settle in.

“I think it’s a good way to help the children progress with new technologies,” said Guillaume Quentin.

When it was time for Nao to “fly back into space”, each child in turn shuffled towards him to say goodbye and give him a wave. He replied to each by name.

“I love you. I will come back soon,” he told them.

[Vanguard]

Wigwe University founded by the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, is set to officially launch operational activities by August 2024.

The university which is situated in Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges, including the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.

In early January 2024, the private university appointed Prof. Miles Davis from the United States as its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.

Davis holds a Doctorate in Human and Organisational Sciences from The George Washington University, USA.

Sitting on the Board of Trustees is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Founding Partner of Kenna Partners, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu. Others include Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, and Mrs. Mosunmola Belo-Olusoga, among others.

A check on the school’s website revealed that all its programmes are “delivered to an international standard, in collaboration with key international partners. Our approach puts us in touch with world-leading curricula, joint research and international exchanges and internship programmes.

“Wigwe University, with its innovative approach to higher education and strong commitment to research, community engagement, and academic excellence, is poised to shape Africa’s future as a leader in global education. The institution’s blend of home-based and foreign faculty members promises to instill a sense of purpose, foster creativity, and inspire a new generation of well-rounded fearless leaders who will make a significant impact on the world.”


Further checks showed that the cheapest college is Arts with a total fee of N9,600,00. Students taking courses in the College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing will pay a total fee of ₦11,998,800 each.

The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, and health insurance, among others.

The late founder, Wigwe, died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Chizoba, and son Chizzy in California on February 9, 2024.

In his message found on the school’s website page, Wigwe stated, “I cannot change the world overnight. But if I can empower even one youth today, tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world.”

A Chief Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Abdulwahab Magaji, has committed suicide in Kano State.

Magaji, who, until his death, was serving in the Abuja headquarters of the Service, reportedly shot himself with a pump action gun at his Farm Centre Quarters in Kano, a few days ago. The reason for his action was unknown at press time.

While confirming the tragic incident, Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the Command has flagged off full scale investigation into the reported case of suicide of the Customs officer.

In another development, the police have arrested one Mohamed Barde, alongside two others, over a gang-fight that led to the death of two people in the metropolis. The deceased, the police confirmed, included Sadiq Abdulkadir of Darmanawa Quarters and Muhammad Sani of Sallari Quarters.

Muhammad Barde had organised a Gangi event for the upcoming wedding of his children. During the event, a group of thugs engaged in supremacy fights that resulted in the death of two people, injury to three others and damages to some innocent passerby’s motor vehicles, the PPRO held.

The Federal Government is contemplating a supplementary budget to accommodate a proposed increase in the minimum wage, as ongoing negotiations are likely to exceed the allocations in the 2024 fiscal plan, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In its latest staff country report on Nigeria, the IMF mentioned, “The authorities noted that a supplementary budget may be needed to accommodate the outcome of the ongoing wage structure negotiations, which may exceed what they had included in the 2024 budget.”

Naija News reports that the adjustment is crucial as the government is also considering raising domestic and external borrowing ceilings to avoid new borrowings from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Ways and Means facility.

Negotiations for the new minimum wage have been central to discussions between Organized Labour and the government.

These discussions aim to ease the economic burdens faced by workers due to recent policy changes, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange markets, which have pushed the cost of living higher.

Labour leaders have demanded a substantial increase in the minimum wage for the lowest-ranked workers from N30,000 to N615,000, although there are indications that the tripartite committee might settle for N70,000.

In the 2024 budget, the government initially allocated N6.48 trillion for personnel costs. However, this figure may fall short of the requirements due to the new wage structure.

The IMF warns that Nigeria’s budget deficit for 2024 is expected to exceed initial estimates, driven by implicit subsidies and rising debt interest expenses.

“The drivers are lower oil/gas revenue projections, reflecting IMF oil price forecasts but incorporating recent production gains; higher implicit fuel and electricity subsidies; continued suspension of excise measures included in the MTEF; and higher interest costs,” the report elaborates.

Finance Minister, Wale Edun, had aimed to reduce the budget deficit from 6.1% in 2023 to 3.8% in 2024. Nonetheless, the IMF projects a larger deficit, advising, “Based on staff’s projections, the authorities must raise the domestic and external borrowing ceilings to prevent renewed recourse to CBN financing.”

The report also supports an “opportunistic issuance” of Eurobonds and possible official financing as integral parts of the 2024 financing mix, amidst the financial adjustments required to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and address the extensive social needs of its population.

Nigerian-American singer and dancer, Korra Obidi has faced a backlash from Nigerians on social media after she announced a trip to Hawaii immediately after reaching a $50,000 milestone in her GoFundMe campaign.

Naija News reports that Obidi launched the fundraiser on Friday with the aim of securing $100,000 to afford a competent lawyer to challenge her ex-husband, Justin Dean, for the custody of their children.

 

Over 950 donors contributed to the cause, enabling Obidi to raise half of her target within days.

On her GoFundMe page, she declared, “As a mother, it’s time to fight for myself and my kids,” urging her followers to assist her financially.

However, the narrative took a swift turn when Obidi revealed during a live session on Facebook that she was planning a vacation in Hawaii.

This revelation has sparked considerable outrage among her fans and donors, many of whom are accusing her of misusing the funds meant for legal battles.

Wanda Johnson, a Facebook user, criticized Obidi, saying, “She got y’all’s money, now she’s at the airport. Some of you are so weak to believe her foolishness. She is always begging, scamming, and manipulating.”

Chigoziri Ohochukwu also expressed disappointment, commenting, “You are gradually becoming a professional beggar on social media.”

The situation has led to calls for reporting the GoFundMe for a refund.

Jennifer Lynn Russell stated, “People need to report the GoFundMe, everybody needs to get their money back.”

In contrast, a few voiced support for Obidi.

Mary Monique Napont defended her, stating, “It’s none of your business lady. She is an influencer, performer, student, and most importantly a great mother. Leave her be. You are a part of the problem. If you don’t like her, don’t follow her. It’s that simple.”

The controversy comes amid an ongoing and highly publicized divorce and custody battle with her ex-husband, which has previously seen Justin Dean gaining the right to keep their children off Obidi’s online platforms.

Obidi has accused Dean of abuse and “gaslighting,” both during their marriage and towards their daughters.

In response to the recent electricity tariff hike and the surging cost of fuel, Nigeria’s premium electricity consumers, known as Band A customers, are increasingly turning to solar power as a sustainable alternative.

Naija News reports that the shift comes after a significant increase in electricity costs, which have reportedly risen by over 300 per cent since April due to the government’s cessation of subsidies for electricity in Band A feeders.


The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) adjusted the tariff for Band A consumers to N225 per kilowatt-hour in April from the previous rate of N68, although a slight reduction to N206.80/kWh was implemented in May.

Despite this reduction, calls from organized labour and other stakeholders to revert the tariff to the initial N68/kWh have continued, fueled by widespread discontent among consumers.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, maintains that reversing the tariff is no longer feasible, as it would plunge the nation into “perpetual darkness.” Adelabu argues that the tariff adjustment is necessary to attract investors and bring liquidity to the power sector, a stance not universally accepted.

Critics point out that the tariff increase disproportionately affects not only the affluent but also many low-income earners living within Band A feeder locations, including pensioners, civil servants, and small business owners.

The increased costs have forced some consumers to drastically reduce their electricity usage, which has impacted their overall quality of life.

Oduro Oladunni, a resident affected by the hike, shared his predicament, stating, “Before the increase, my household’s monthly electricity expense was around N60,000, but now we’ve had to pay N129,000 in April alone. We now limit our electricity use to late at night to manage costs, which has forced us to cut back on essentials like food.”

Similarly, Adesayo Sulaimon lamented the reduction in electricity affordability, stating, “What previously cost N12,000 now requires N40,000, significantly shortening the duration our units last.”

The tariff hike has not only affected individual consumers but has also led to broader dissatisfaction among various economic sectors.

In response, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, led a protest at the NERC head office in Abuja, demanding transparency about the power plants to be developed and calling for the abolition of taxes that exacerbate the financial strain on citizens.

In the face of these challenges, many Band A customers are reconsidering their reliance on grid electricity.

The move towards solar energy is seen not just as a cost-effective measure but as a necessity to maintain stable and affordable power.

Social media commentator Morris Monye highlighted this trend, stating, “I don leave una. Solar is the best way to go. No more Band A.

“N65,000 now gives me access to 288 kWh instead of 812 kWh. I have opted for solar and invested in 20 panels and eight batteries for about N6m.”

The surge in solar adoption reflects a critical pivot in how Nigerians are dealing with energy costs.

Angel Thomas, another convert to solar, shared that a N2m investment in solar panels significantly improved the power supply for his mother’s household essentials.