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The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants met on Friday as regards the new minimum wage template and agreed that the effective date for implementation of new minimum wage be set at July 29,2024.
This is according to a Memorandum of Understanding issued at the end of the meeting which was sighted by our correspondent in Abuja on Friday.
The Committee also recommended that the wage award which was discontinued by the government should also be paid up till July 28,2024.
The Committee headed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack noted that the government took note of the economic situation in the country before it took its decisions.
“The Committee held four meetings and considered all presentations by the Federal Government and Trade Union Sides. It also considered the economic situation and ability of Federal Government to pay and sustain any consequential adjustment in salaries arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024 as well as the effect on other employers.”
The MOU further recommended that, “The NSIWC will generate the appropriate salary templates for other consolidated salary structures for implementation: that the effective date of the implementation should be 29th July 2024, that the payment of the wage award issued vide NS/WC Circular SWC.04/T/33 dated 19th October 2023 should continue to be paid until 28th July 2024.
“That the Federal Government should take appropriate measures to alleviate the plight of Federal workers as a result of the recent increase in PMS, including the consideration of tax waivers and other incentives; and that the NSIWC in collaboration with other stakeholders should commence monitoring of the implementation in line with the provisions of the Act.”
But reacting in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the Head of Information of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Benson Upah, faulted the decision of the government, describing it as unacceptable.
“The backdating to July is not fair. It is not acceptable,” he said.
Also, the National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress, Timmy Etim, criticised the government’s move.
He said since the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had told workers on May Day that the new minimum wage would take effect in May, it was unfair for the government to renege on the promise.
“The Minister of State for Labour, during the May Day, said that the payment of the new national minimum wage would take effect from May 1st. I am surprised if they have changed and I don’t know the parameter they used for the change. But it will be unfair for the government to do that taking cognizance of the socio economic challenges.
“I think the government should walk the talk. If they say that the effective day is May, I believe that should have been effected. Even when they had deviated from May, it should have been from the date of which the Act was signed into law. But be that as it may, even the N35,000 should be applied till the effective date. If that is considered, I think it is reasonable,” Etim stated.
In the meantime, some civil servants have lamented the delay in the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
Some of them, who spoke to our correspondent in Ogun State on Friday, said that the delay underscored the insensitivity and the long term “I don’t care attitude” of the government to the suffering of the people.
A single mother of three and teacher in one the public schools in the state, who identified herself as Ms Oladele, said that her family had been surviving the increasing economic hardship miraculously.
“It’s height of wickedness on the part of the government to have refused to do something meaningful since last year when it removed subsidy from petrol and also floated the naira which comes with the attendant increase in prices of everything,” she stated.
Another worker identified simply as Adesola also berated the government for looking the other way while many Nigerians battled with the economic hardship.
Adesola said, “It is just so sad that the government has continued to foot-drag on the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage which is generally considered too meagre for the inflation ridden economy.”
A civil servant, who works with the Ministry of Water Resources in Osun State, said the new wage implementation delay amounts to shortchanging the workers.
The staff, who pleaded anonymity to avoid being punished by the ministry, said the delayed implementation had made the poor poorer.
He said, “Federal Government caused this problem. It has kept increasing prices of fuel while nothing serious is being done regarding implementation of the new minimum wage.”
A staff of the National Identity Management Commission, who gave his name as Oyas in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said life is no longer what it used to be especially with the high cost of fuel.
He said, “The salary is nothing to write home about because of the price of fuel. As I talk with you now I have packed my vehicle for sometimes to be using public transport. The announcement of the minimum wage have increased price of commodities.”
Most filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory have implemented the Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) third pump price hike under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
DAILY POST gathered on Friday that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company retail outlets and independent marketers such as AA Rano, Shema, Ranoil, Total and others have commenced implementation of the third fuel price adjustment.
Analysis by DAILY POST showed that the price had moved from N238 in May 2023 to between N950 and N1,100 per litre in September 2024.
Many Nigerians and motorists now buy petrol between N950 and N1,100 per litre in Abuja, according to a DAILY POST survey on Friday.
This represents an increase of N862 or 362 per cent compared to the N238 per litre of petrol sold in May 2023 when Tinubu was elected.
A resident, Benjamin Njoku, said the latest hike in pump price is the new normal for Nigerians under Tinubu.
“In September only we had two hikes. On September 3, 2024, and this recent one. It is painful. Hike in transportation will jump astronomically,” he said.
Abdul Abubakar, a resident of Niger State, expressed the same frustration.
The price may be higher in states such as Borno, Enugu and Benue states.
This comes as NNPCL on Monday announced a fresh price list across its retail outlet after lifting PMS from Dangote Refinery.
NNPCL had lifted petrol from Dangote Refinery upon its inaugural distribution.
However, the state-owned firm had engaged in a battle with Dangote Refinery over price.
While NNPCL insisted it bought, Dangote Refinery Petrol at N898, the 650,000 per day Lagos-based refinery disagreed. The development created confusion in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
This situation has led to petroleum marketers looking to import, ignoring Dangote Refinery’s product.
But refiners had kicked against the marketers’ move to import.
Earlier in May 2024, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had said that the kickoff of petrol in his refinery meant an end to the product imports in Nigeria.
The National Bureau of Statistics data showed that petrol pump price stood at N238 per litre in May 2023.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is under fire after being linked with terrorism in the country.
Matawalle is alleged to have procured vehicles for bandit leaders, including a notorious kingpin, Bello Turji, and others while serving as Zamfara State Governor.
The current state governor, Dauda Lawal, who appeared on TVC, a national television station, on Wednesday, urged the minister to resign.
He said, “If I were him (Matawalle), I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry.”
According to Lawal, the former governor kept terrorists at the government house, and ransom was paid to terrorists through the government.
“In May 2023, there was this allegation of misappropriation of N70bn. We realised that the N70bn was a child’s play compared to what we have. This information is before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and I wonder how this guy was cleared by the security operatives to become a minister.
“We are still waiting to hear from the EFCC; the case has been on for a year now. This is people’s money; we need the money in Zamfara to address the challenges we are facing.”
A presidential aide contacted to speak on the matter declined comment.
“You will get the answer to your question when the President announces the new cabinet list soon,” the source said.
Previous accusations
It is not the first time Matawalle will face accusation of sponsoring banditry.
In January 2022, while serving as state governor under the All Progressives Congress, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party had called for Matawalle’s resignation over alleged banditry sponsorship.
The APC had countered the allegation, insisting it was because he defected from the PDP to the party at the time.
An Islamic cleric, Bello Asada, also accused him of sponsoring bandits.
In a video seen by Saturday PUNCH, Asada, who spoke in Hausa, alleged that Matawalle procured vehicles for Turji and other bandits.
He said, “You didn’t love especially because of God. Murtala Bello said your godfather has bought vehicles for terrorists, among them is this Halilu Subububu. The defence (state) minister has bought a brand new car and given it to him (is he not the one who’s called ‘Wankin Dan Kanoma’). There is also Ada Aleru.
“I know that he has purchased about 34 vehicles and distributed them to leaders of terrorists. He (Halilu) who I was accused of purchasing a car; was the Zamfara State governor who gave him a brand new 2019 model Hilux, not a second-hand car. People like Ado Aleru were given. I was with the police; Bello Turji was given.
“Decent people like the police, military, and civil defence who are looking for Hilux were not given, only for them to use our money to buy brand new Hiluxes for terrorists.”
Asada further questioned why Turji, despite being a notorious criminal with a visible presence on social media, had not been captured.
Turji has terrorised Zamfara State by killing, kidnapping, and extorting residents for nearly nine years.
His activities gained public attention after a series of videos surfaced on social media, where he also accused Matawalle of sponsoring banditry in the state.
Matawalle’s amnesty
The minister had between 2019 and 2023 initiated amnesty for terrorists in Zamfara State while serving as governor.
But Turji, in a video in July 2024, claimed that the scheme only empowered some of his colleagues.
Premium Times reported that Turji said he killed one of the bandit leaders in his Shinkafi LGA for peace to reign, but the governor later allegedly sabotaged his efforts.
He said, “Any person living in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa (Sokoto State) cannot deny this claim. There is a particular group of bandits whom the former governor pampered. I chased the group from Shinkafi, I killed their leader, Dudu, for peace to reign in Shinkafi. The group had 200 arms, but the governor later hosted them (Dudu’s boys) at the Government House.
“But the government failed to ask the group to surrender their weapons. Another group led by Bashari Maniya has over 300 guns. I seized 30 from them. Where are the remaining? And they never surrendered their weapons to the government.”
He alleged that some of the bandit leaders involved in the peace truce moved to the Sokoto metropolis after giving their arms to their boys kidnapping for ransom. He said the boys were making returns to their leaders living in Sokoto town.
He named some of them as Bashari Maniya, Kabiru, and Buhari.
Matawalle’s dealings with bandits – aide
But an aide to the minister, Dr Suleiman Shuaib, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, described the allegations as baseless, stating that Governor Lawal was out to witch-hunt his boss and smear his image.
According to Shuaib, Matawalle had never sponsored banditry or terrorism either as governor or minister, adding that he was committed to securing the lives and property of the people of Zamfara State and Nigerians at large.
Shuaib explained that Matawalle only engaged in dialogue with bandits during his early days as governor, in a desperate move to restore peace and security to the state.
He added that Matawalle waged war against some of the bandits when they reneged on their promises, noting that it was wrong for anyone to use his efforts against him for political gain.
He said, “I want to call on Nigerians, including Governor Dauda Lawal, to desist from witch-hunting their predecessors. This is a mere allegation and an act of witch-hunting. This sends a very bad message to the younger generation. It is uncalled for; I am advising Governor Lawal to stop witch-hunting his predecessor.
“The main objective of Governor Lawal and Matawalle is to secure and protect the lives and property of the people of Zamfara. The Governor should focus on the promises he made during his campaign instead of chasing shadows. His duty is to provide security in the state, and the major challenge we have is banditry.
“Zamfara State is on the brink of being swallowed by insecurity, and I want the governor to focus on that. He should work hand-in-hand with Matawalle to bring an end to the insecurity in Zamfara.
“When Matawalle became the governor of the state, the most important issue to address was insecurity. People advised him to call the bandit leaders for dialogue, and he accepted. That was when he met the bandits in Government House; he didn’t know them before.
“The dialogue worked for nine months before some bad actors influenced certain bandits to make outrageous demands, which Matawalle, as the governor, couldn’t meet. Those bandits took up arms again, and the Governor confronted them. He was, and is, never involved in banditry.”
Analyst react
The Managing Director of a security firm, Beacon Consulting Limited, Kabir Adamu, said the accusations against Matawelle were indications of the weaponisation of insecurity in the country.
He stated that the Federal Government and the Zanfara State Government were pursuing very different policies on security.
“The state government has indicated clearly that it is not negotiating with bandits. However, there is evidence and facts that show that at least some officials at the federal level are negotiating are in contact with the bandits, and have even exchanged funding in some instances with them”, he added.
The spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Ladipo Johnson, said the inclusion of Matawalle in Tinubu’s cabinet spoke volumes about the President’s respect for Nigerians and integrity.
“One wonders what the thought process of Mr President and his inner team was for putting a person like Matawalle in the cabinet to man the Ministry of Defence”, said Johnson.
He noted that there had been many questions about Matawalle, which were enough for Tinubu to ask the minister to clarify the allegations against him.
However, Johnson said he was not expecting the minister to resign or talk about the allegations against him because Tinubu did not also speak on his certificate saga.
He said, “It is indicting that the Governor of Zamfara State came out to accuse Matawalle openly. You will recall that this matter has been around for a long time. With such rumours, how would you put that person in the Ministry of Defence?
“There are many questions about him (Matawalle), especially now that the governor and Islamic cleric have come out to accuse him. It is enough for Mr President to ask him to address the allegations. That is what a proper government should do. But this government don’t care about what we think or say as a people. Matawalle should come out to address the allegations and set the record straight.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a defection suit instituted against the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The suit seeking to replace the 27 lawmakers on account of their alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was on Friday thrown out on various grounds.
Among others, Justice Peter Lifu who delivered the judgment held that the suit instituted by the Action People’s Party APP was statute-barred, having not been filed within the 14 days allowed by law.
While the defection was said to have been carried out in December last year, the APP filed the case on July 12, a period of 8 months after the cause of action emanated.
Besides, Justice Lifu held that the case was a gross abuse of court processes on the ground that several suits on the alleged defection of the same 27 lawmakers had been adjudicated upon by the federal high court.
The Judge who quoted the previous judgments of the federal high court said the request for replacement of the lawmakers had earlier been rejected due to lack of sufficient evidence to establish the defection of the legislators.
He specifically recalled the judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the federal high court in Abuja delivered in July this year where the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC was restrained from declaring the seats of the lawmakers vacant and from conducting any fresh election to replace them.
Justice Lifu said that since the judgment has not been set aside and not appealed against, it remains binding with the force of law as far as the issue of defection is concerned for the 27 legislators.
He said that it would amount to a display of judicial rascality for him to sit as an appeal court in the judgment of the same court.
The Judge subsequently dismissed the suit on the three major grounds.
President Bola Tinubu has insisted that he did not contest for the position in order to enrich himself.
According to Tinubu, he came to “work” after Nigerians “gave” him their votes.
The president stated this on Friday, during a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.
Tinubu assured that his administration was determined to deliver tangible results and make a positive difference in various sectors including education and long-term economic stability.
”I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work.
“I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me,” Tinubu said.
In attendance were 16 former presiding officers, including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.
![Borno govt receives over N12bn support for flood victims [SEE LIST]](/media/k2/items/cache/e6d4dc3a18c247e6fd41553bc12d3077_M.jpg)
The Borno State Government says it has realized over N12billion cash and material donations for victims of Alau Dam flood disaster in Maiduguri.
Abdurrahman Bundi, the Senior Special Adviser on New Media to Borno Governor, gave the update on the donations for the Maiduguri Relief Fund on Thursday in Maiduguri.
Mr Bundi said the donations came from corporate entities, state governments, State and National Assembly members, individuals, and Non-Governmental Organisations.
List of donors showed that the North East Development Commission, NEDC, donated N3b and food stuff, Aliko Dangote N2b, Aminu Dantata N1.5b, and Mohammed Indimi N1b.
Other donors were Borno LGAs; N1.2b, Oluremi Tinubu; N500m, Bauchi and Niger states; N250m each while the people of Southern Borno donated N200m.
Dahiru Mangal, Atiku Abubakar, Rep. Mukhtar Betara, Ali Modu Sheriff, House of Representatives, Abdulsalam Kachala, and JAIZ Bank states comprising Kebbi, Yobe, Kano, Taraba, katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara gave N100 each.
The Director General of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Buba Marwa and Matrix Energy donated 10 trucks of fertiliser and foodstuff worth over N120m each.
Those who gave N50m include Adamawa state, Peter Obi, Rabiu kwakwanso, Ahmed Lawan, Mohammad Maifata, Ibrahim Umar, Mohammad Imam, Ali Dalori, Bauchi APC chapter, Sen. Tahir Monguno, and Sen. Kaka Kaka Shehu and I8th Engineering Company, while the State Assembly donated N60m.
The Nasarawa Government also presented six trucks of rice, spaghetti and sugar.
Many other people donated between N1m and N30m respectively.
NAN
Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, says within the last 24 hours, the commission has recovered about four billion Naira stolen by public office holders.
Mr Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, on the sideline of the One-Day National Anti-Corruption Coalition, NACC, Members Hybrid Interactive Forum.
He said that ICPC would deploy technological measures, especially AI to unravel corrupt practices easily.
”Today, I want to underscore the potential of technological solutions in promoting accountability and good governance.
”Technology can work wonders because it is not biased like humans. It can help us tackle challenges if we use it properly and effectively.
”This technology, as I have mentioned, has the capability to address numerous issues.
”We know there are digital platforms that sometimes, unfortunately, contribute to corruption
”However, I can tell you that in the last 24 hours, we have been able to recover four billion Naira of public funds, which were diverted into private accounts,” he said.
According to him, it is alarming to see how much money is being misappropriated, and some individuals have billions of naira in their possession for personal gain.
”It is a shocking reality that people are hoarding public funds, instead of using them for the benefit of the nation.
”As a commission, we are utilising technology and management systems to restore confidence in the fight against corruption.
”We are committed to ensuring transparency in this endeavour,” he said.
Mr Aliyu said that there were systemic flaws in the country, especially regarding public spending.
He said that there was the need to invest in technology that could help minimise the challenges of corruption, particularly in public procurement.
”By implementing tech-driven processes, we can reduce practices like contract inflation.
”Using technologies like blockchain can help eliminate manipulation and ensure the integrity of public procurement.
”Data analytics are also crucial. The data we rely on is often outdated or inaccurate, which causes inefficiency.
”By embracing AI, we can easily convert certain processes to be more transparent and effective,” Mr Aliyu said.
He underscored the importance of implementing preventive strategies to combat corruption.
”This is why social integrity and capacity building are essential. Civic engagement and public education are key to ensuring that people understand their rights and responsibilities.
”When citizens are aware, they can hold public officers accountable. We must empower our people. Four or five years ago, we could have seen this transformation if we had started then.
”There is the need to ensure that the systems we build today withstand the test of time and foster respect for human rights and dignity.
”We need to build a culture that discourages corruption and promotes ethical governance,” he said.
He also called on the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the Whistle Blowing Act, adding that to fight corruption, there was the need to protect whistle blowers.
Muhuyi Magaji, the Chairman Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, said that fighting corruption was a collective responsibility.
Mr Magaji said that when citizens joined hands against corruption, the monster would be easily defeated.
”When people own the fight against corruption, that is when it will always be strengthened. It is not for us at the government level to fight corruption alone.
”It needs the involvement of all, it is a collective fight so the occasion itself is a very important,” he said.
Demola Bakare, Acting Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, ICPC, urged the participants at the forum to fight corruption without sentiment.
Mr Bakare advised them to also have a deep knowledge of the Act that established the commission to enable them discharge their responsibility effectively.
He said that fighting corruption was like a marathon race that needed perseverance and endurance to win.
Mr Bakare pledged the support of the anti-graft agency to all the stakeholders, in winning the war against corruption in the country.
NAN
Abuja, Sept. 20, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly.
The President implores the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will, in the election scheduled for Sept. 21.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, the President said he believed in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders.
“President Tinubu emphasises that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game.
“He notes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process,” said the statement.
The President commended the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which he said had focused on issues that mattered most to the people of Edo.
He noted that the candidates pledged to improve livelihoods, promote economic growth and contribute to national development.
He urged all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process, and encouraged them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.
“In addition, President Tinubu expresses unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials.
“He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process,” said the statement.
NAN
The Minister of State, Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has denied allegations levelled against him by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State that he is behind banditry in the state.
Reacting to the governor’s allegations, Bello Matawalle’s office said the Governor has repeatedly towed the same line of action of accusing the Minister of sponsoring banditry which the Minister has consistently denied.
Matawalle’s office referred Vanguard to a statement by his media consultants, denying his involvement in banditry or terrorist activities, following a similar allegation in a video by wanted Bandit’s kingpin, Bello Turji, describing the claims as baseless and mere attempts to distract and discredit him (Matawalle’s).
The statement, signed by Dayemi Saka, Lead Partner at Lambert and Curtis, read in parts: “Our attention has been drawn to a video shared on the X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook page in which baseless, malicious, unfounded, mischievous and deliberate concocted lies were told against the Honourable Minister of State for Defense, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
“We are not unmindful of the sustained attacks on the person, integrity, and patriotic sense of duty of our client.
“What we find disheartening and despicable is the brazen disregard for public safety and national security.
“While the video speaks to its discredibility, it is pertinent to address the outlandish allegations made by Bello Turji, a wanted kingpin of banditry.
“It is noteworthy that the efforts of the honourable minister of state, while as Governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023, saw banditry and all other sundry of criminality tackled head-on.
“His demonstration of the strength of Character by insisting he was not going to negotiate with Bandits after the closure of the amnesty window for them to lay down their arms, and strong insistence of Bello Turji doing such is enough motivation for the hatchet man job is he doing.”
The statement added, “All arms seized, recovered, and received from bandits were submitted at Government House Gusau, and there is a record for it.
“The Government House does not have armoury, and it is also on record that the cache of arms was handed over to relevant security agencies of government.
“Anyone with basic knowledge of psychoanalysis of a terrorist and deranged mind like Turji will know that he is engaging in ‘victim mentality.’”
Turji linked the escalation of banditry in Zamfara and other states in the northwestern part of the country to the policies rolled out by the administration of Matawalle when he was governor.
I recall that in the video, the bandit kingpin had said, “Any person living in Shinkafi, Zurmi (Zamfara State) and Isa (Sokoto State) cannot deny this claim.
“There is a particular group of bandits whom the former governor pampered. I chased the group from Shinkafi, I killed their leader, Dudu, for peace to reign in Shinkafi. The group had 200 arms, but the governor later hosted them (Dudu’s boys) at the Government House.
“But the government failed to ask the group to surrender their weapons. Another group led by Bashari Maniya has over 300 guns” he said.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Two Nigerian Airports Win Airport Council International Awards](/media/k2/items/cache/ac622f04151fda16064817098d832e6d_S.jpg)
The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria have been recognized by the Airport Council International (ACI Africa) for their exceptional dedication to AIRPORT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESILIENCE. During the Gala Night at the 33rd Annual General Assembly of ACI Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, both airports were honoured with plaques.
The awards were presented by the ACI Africa Secretary-General, Ali Tounsi, and President, ACI Africa, Emmanuel Chaves.
These prestigious awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of everyone involved in ensuring excellence in airport emergency management and resilience, especially the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN. Nigeria's aviation sector can take pride in this achievement, which underscores the dedication to providing secure and efficient travel experiences.
Tunde Moshood
SA Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
More...
A Yola Magistrate Court has directed the Acting Registrar of the College for Legal Studies, Yola, Musa Chiroma, to pay ₦1 million in damages to a female lecturer, Mrs. Fadimatu Musa, whom he assaulted.
The court’s decision came after Chiroma slapped the lecturer, leading to his arraignment on charges of assault, criminal force to deter a public servant from performing her duties, and voluntarily causing harm, under sections 244 and 219 of the Penal Law 2018.
Mrs. Musa, who serves as the Chairman of the Task Force Committee for the Enforcement of Payment of School Fees, was assaulted by Chiroma on April 15, 2024, after she stopped a student from taking an examination due to unpaid fees. This led to Chiroma’s violent outburst.
As part of the ruling, Chiroma not only paid ₦1 million as compensation but was also ordered to cover ₦80,000 for the prosecution’s costs.
Furthermore, he had to submit a written apology and commit in writing not to victimize or assault the lecturer again.
Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi, who presided over the case, discharged the registrar after confirming that he had met all the court’s directives.
The incident, which drew significant attention, also saw the involvement of prominent legal figures such as Mrs. Fatima Bello Raji from the Nigeria Bar Association Women Forum, who ensured the case received proper justice.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed the restriction of movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The police boss said this is to ensure adequate measures are put in place for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
The PUNCH reports that at least 17 political parties will be participating in the election, with the major parties being the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
In a statement on Friday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said the IG ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day.
He added that those on essential duties, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempted from the order.
Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
“In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.”
Adejobi also said the IG directed that special attention should be accorded to People With Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and old people, among others.
He said, “Furthermore, the IG has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all,” adding that the IG sternly warned residents against pranking the emergency lines released by the police to report cases of emergencies during the election.
Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.
“The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”
Adejobi said Egbetokun urged the residents to report suspicious and other activities that could affect the integrity of the poll.
He said, “Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.
“The Inspector-General of Police underscores the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law.
“The IGP reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.”
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has made a stark assertion that Nigeria is technically bankrupt, criticizing the Federal Government for being “stuck in the past” and emphasizing the urgent need for restructuring to facilitate progress.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening, Obaseki elaborated on his concerns regarding the nation’s financial health.
He pointed out that Nigeria neither possesses sufficient resources nor generates enough revenue to meet its expenditures, asserting that government spending continues to rise without corresponding revenue increases.
Obaseki argued that the current approach hampers states’ ability to thrive economically and innovate.
He said, “Nigeria is technically bankrupt. And I mean it. When you are bankrupt anywhere in the world, like in the United States, you file for what they call Chapter Eleven. You restructure your affairs so that you can reorganise and meet your obligations. Nigeria is not restructuring in that sense; it still behaves as if it had money like it used to.
“It (Nigeria) has been in trouble for a while. I won’t say insolvent, but technically so, in the sense that we don’t have enough to cover our expenditure, we are not reducing our expenditure, and we are not earning more.
“First, the Federal Government does not have the capacity to manage the economy at the scale and in the way it is currently doing. You’re producing 1.3 million barrels of oil, right? Because you are trying to do it centrally. We have 147 oil wells in Edo, and only 53 or fewer are producing.
“Unless you create a new design that allows the individual states to take advantage of the economic opportunities they have, stressing the assets of this country and paying what they need to pay to the central government, the federal government cannot sit and try to micromanage the country and its assets. It has shown that it cannot. It doesn’t have the capacity to do so.
“I think for me, it’s like this federal government is stuck, and stuck in the past. Because you cannot resolve a malignant problem using the same tools you have used over the years.
“It’s not that the people there are not smart; it’s not that they’re stupid. It’s more that they just don’t have the courage to make the decisions they need to make.
“The problem with Nigeria today is structural. The structure we have is expired; it’s outdated. We need a new structure to run the economy of the state. If it doesn’t happen, we are not going anywhere.”
Domestic crude oil refiners and officials at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery have kicked against the commencement of the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, by major oil marketers in Nigeria.
Oil refiners alleged that some imported fuels were of low quality when compared with the ones produced by the Dangote refinery, a position that was reiterated by officials of the $20bn Lekki-based plant.
The PUNCH exclusively reported on Wednesday that three major oil marketers were expecting vessels of imported petrol this week barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Dealers said about 141 million litres of PMS are being conveyed to Nigeria by oil vessels following the full deregulation of the downstream oil sector by the Federal Government.
They also noted that the recent hike in the pump prices of petrol produced by the Dangote refinery and released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday had allowed room for PMS imports.
Reacting to this on Thursday, officials at the Dangote refinery and the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria tackled the marketers, stressing that aside from the fact that the situation would increase the demand for United States dollars, the imported fuels were of low quality.
“These people (marketers) are importing dirty fuels that are toxic,” an impeccable source at the Dangote refinery who spoke to one of our correspondents in confidence, declared.
The source added. “They are importing substandard fuels and if allowed they will not stop importing such. We have more than enough, but these guys don’t want it. They want the game to continue, but the game will not continue.”
Another official at the plant stated that Nigerians should be concerned about the importation of substandard petroleum products into the country.
“You have to be concerned about the quality of the products they import. These are toxic fuels when you consider their blending process. All this is just to maximise profit,” the official stated.
Their positions were corroborated by the Publicity Secretary of CORAN, Eche Idoko, who alleged that some of the substandard fuels were blended in Malta or Togo.
He called for backward integration, saying some were afraid that Dangote would become a monopoly.
“The fear marketers are having is that Dangote will become a monopoly, but that has been taken care of by Dangote subscribing to our association. With the Petroleum Industry Act in place and all the agencies in play, there is no way that Dangote can become a monopoly.
“But for people who are used to a particular way, the fear of what the unknown holds keeps them back. I think that’s where a lot of marketers are now. They don’t know what to expect in this new regime and they are trying to struggle.
“So I would assure you this regime will pay them way better than the regime of importing petroleum products, where they sell to us, substandard products blended in Malta or Togo and imported into our country,” Idoko stated.
The domestic refiners’ association spokesperson condemned the continuous importation of fuel by marketers despite the coming on board of the Dangote refinery.
He said the focus at this time should be on how to export refined products instead of bringing substandard fuel into the country.
Idoko, however, recalled that some marketers who tried to import petroleum products could not do so after the removal of subsidies due to the foreign exchange crisis.
“For some people who are doing this import, at the end of the day, you import, and then you go back to CBN to give you ‘Form M’ to be able to access dollars. So, by importing, you are still not solving the problem because you still have to rely on dollars within Nigeria or use your naira to buy dollars from anywhere. And it will reduce the value of the naira. So you have not solved the problem.
“What enables the power of the currency is the level of its demand by other corresponding currencies. So, if you have dollars, francs, cefa, and other currencies chasing the naira because you want to buy a refined product of Nigeria, invariably, the value of the naira will appreciate,“ he explained.
Responding to concerns about the quality of imported fuels, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority declared that all imported PMS would be subjected to at least three major tests by the agency before being allowed for sale across the country.
Its spokesperson, George Ene-Ita, earlier said marketers with approved import licenses were free to import PMS, but stressed that the products must be subjected to three major tests by the agency.
“The products must be subjected to our testing protocols at the ports. The products must conform to stipulated standards before we authorise them to move the fuels to their terminals.
“Also, before the smaller vessels bring it further inland to Nigeria our people will fly to the place to see the product and carry out some tests to ensure the right specification is upheld.
“Tests are also done at the products’ origins. And when the products come in, before they are released to the market, further tests would be conducted to ensure that they meet the specifications,” he stated.