Muharram is the Muslim’s first lunar month in the Islamic calendar.
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, on Friday, declared Monday, July 8, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic year.
Adeleke, in a statement released through the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Rasheed Aderibigbe, and published on the Ministry of Information bulletin on Friday, stated that the holiday is to allow Muslims in the state to celebrate the new Islamic year.
The statement added that Governor Ademola Adeleke would preside over a special parade/March session as part of the activities to celebrate the new year.
While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the governor charged them to use the period to pray for the unity and peaceful development of the state and Nigeria in general.
The statement reads, “The public holiday graciously approved by His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke is to allow Muslim faithful to celebrate and pray for peace, progress and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“Governor Adeleke wishes all Muslim faithful a happy celebration of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 AH.”
Other states that have declared Monday as a public holiday are, Kebbi, Oyo, Kwara
[NaijaNews]
Anambra State Local Government Service Commission has revealed that over 300 ghost workers have been drawing salaries from various local governments in the state without coming to work.
The chairman of the commission, Mr Vincent Ezeaka revealed this to DAILY POST on Friday during an interview in his office.
Ezeaka had recently come under attack from workers in the local government system who accused him of unduly victimizing them since his appointment.
Ezeaka, a legal practitioner was accused of working to impress his master, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, by trying to remove many people from the payroll, to ease the burden of the huge wage bill on the governor.
But, reacting to the accusations, he told DAILY POST that he was only doing his work, and that he would not be surprised if anyone accused him of working to impress Soludo, as the primary purpose of his appointment was to ensure that he did the work to the satisfaction of his master.
Speaking further, he explained, “The
governor gave us a mandate to clear the local government system of ghost workers, so we brought biometric attendance register and we used it for five months, then we made a printout of the first three months, and we got a printout with names of 320 workers in all the 21 local government who never attended work even one day in three months.
“They have zero attendance and never clocked in or out in the system.
“We brought out their names and wrote to JAAC to put them off salary. In the civil service rule, you don’t even need one month of zero attendance to get dismissed, but we didn’t dismiss them, but we put them off the payroll.
“Some reacted and said the machine was not working perfectly, so we gave another chance.
“The intention was not to reduce the wage bill, or victimize anyone, but for them to show that they are workers. To go to work and do the work they are paid for. Out of that 320, only 110 since February this year have been able to come out to prove themselves as workers and we have restored their pay and till today, 220 have not shown up.”
He said the Commission was still worried that the wage bill was high, compared to the number of people that were coming to work, so it did a physical audit of workers.
“We set up a committee to verify the workers. The heads of personnel management in all the local government brought in their workers list, they also attached their schedule of duty, and we went to JAAC and got the salary printout.
“Then we started verifying. Anyone whose name was on the salary printout and was not captured in the schedule of duty was fished out.
“After six weeks, the committee found out that some were retired, some have relocated abroad, some have found job elsewhere, some have also died, but were still eating salaries from this government.”
He added: “We found 59 dead workers, 40 retirees, 222 unidentified workers, some have relocated out of Nigeria but were still earning salaries, while some have found more lucrative jobs, yet their accounts were still being credited with monthly salaries.
“We found the case of a lady (name withheld) who retired from the local government system and got a job in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She was still receiving salaries, and also receiving pension at the same time, yet receiving salary as a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“We have written to the university, and they have confirmed that she is their staff. Another is in Nwafor Orizu College of Education, and she was still receiving salaries from this government. We have the case of people who absconded from work for years, and their salaries were still being paid. One was traced to be living abroad, yet collecting salary here.
“Some people are saying I’m doing this so as to curry favour from Governor Soludo, but I can only say yes. The essence of my being appointed, is it not for the governor to be happy with my performance?
“I cannot quantify how much we have saved the Soludo government in cash, because besides salaries, some of these people would have at some point put in retirement and also collected gratuity and gone ahead to be receiving pension.”
He said his interest is for the system to be sanitized, and that he would stop at nothing to achieve the objective.
Ezeaka added that the salaries of all the ghost workers and others have been stopped.
[DailyPost]
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has said that it is working with relevant stakeholders to set minimum guidelines for the conduct of convocations, special lecturers, and other ceremonies by universities in Nigeria.
Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, made this known in Abuja during a retreat organised by the Commission for the members of the governing councils in Abuja on Thursday.
The NUC boss lamented the decline in the quality of conduct of these ceremonies and special lectures, noting that this constituted the hallmark of a university and tertiary education.
He noted that the unique ceremonial occasions such as the Matriculation, Convocation, and the Lectures that traditionally preceded them as well as Inaugural lectures, University Lectures, Distinguished Lectures, Faculty Lectures, and Valedictory Lectures, have, not only declined in quality but have also lost the aura for which they were once known and cherished, because of the adoption of unsavoury local mismatches.
Maiyaki stated that to correct the anomaly, the Commission has resolved to work with relevant stakeholders to establish the minimum guidelines for the conduct of university ceremonies.
He noted that there was an urgent need to enthrone a legacy of good governance values, principles, standards and best practices in our respective institutions of higher education.
He called on the council members to demonstrate good leadership and stewardship towards the growth of their Institutions.
According to him, the members have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that the reputational capital of the nation’s universities is protected, adding that they must give all necessary assurance to stakeholders, emphasising that the university system places a high premium on quality.
He stated: “It is with this goal in mind that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has organised this Retreat, aimed at providing insights into the various instruments as well as relevant legal and regulatory requirements that define the functions of governing councils.
“Our hope is that the retreat will help you to understand the cross-cutting issues that are required to ensure that our Universities are positioned for greater effectiveness.
“Your appointment is, no doubt, a testament to the unwavering commitment you have demonstrated over the years to the development of the Nigerian enterprise. I am optimistic that you will bring this commitment and your wealth of experience to bear fully on the noble task of enabling our Universities to attain their full potential.
“Good governance is at the heart of the success of all organisations in the world over. It is, particularly, important in higher education because a university is, in many ways, a far more complicated organisation than an ordinary institution.
“Governance in higher education requires an appropriate framework for accommodating a diverse group of stakeholders. Indeed, good governance informs and facilitates decision-making which, in turn, enables a university to grow and prosper.”
He noted that it was only through accountability, transparency and innovative strategies that a university can be sustained in the long term.
Maiyaki said: “Our institutions have a proud tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity, nurturing talent, and contributing to society through knowledge and discovery. In their set-up, higher education institutions are meant to be highly democratic institutions.
“The committee system which serves as the basis of decision-making, exists from the level of Council, down to the level of academic departments. The system allows issues to be freely debated and democratically decided upon at scheduled meetings. It is therefore essential for Council members to acquire extensive knowledge about the issues faced by their various institutions.”
[TheNation]
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has broken his silence on the recent judgement recognising Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as the legitimate Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly. In a reassuring tone, Fubara declared that the worst is over and that God has prepared a table for him in the presence of his enemies, citing Psalm 23:5.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Zonal Hospital project in Bori Town, Khana Local Government Area, Fubara assured that his administration remains committed to providing critical infrastructure for the state's speedy development. He emphasized that healthcare, education, and agriculture are top priority areas that will receive utmost attention.
Fubara expressed satisfaction with the progress of the zonal hospital project, which will benefit not only Khana but also neighboring communities. He noted that his administration inherited non-functional zonal hospitals and has released funds for their reconstruction and expansion.
The governor reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his administration's promises, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy objectives. He expressed optimism that the completed facilities will meet the healthcare needs of the people and address key issues in the sector.
Armed robbers on Friday attacked an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, simply identified as Abu, who was returning from a bank and heading towards his house in the Zango area of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
Abu was dispossessed of a yet-to-be-ascertained sum of money after shots were fired at him.
Eyewitness accounts stated that the armed robbers trailed the officer, who was riding a motorcycle from the bank up to Phase I Lokongoma in front of Lokongoma market.
He was stopped by the armed robbers who started dragging the bag containing the money with him and, in the process, shot him three times in both legs and shoulder.
Father who loses daughter to suicide in UK points fingers at ex-wife, daughter’s ex-boyfriend
The Kogi State Police Command, while confirming the robbery, said N139,000 was recovered from the scene while the officer was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
“At exactly 1.30 pm, officers received a distress call and rushed to the scene at Lokongoma, Phase I in Lokoja, and met Abu, a eoad safety officer, in a pool of his own blood after being shot at both legs and shoulder.
“He was coming from the bank when a Toyota Camry Ash colour car accosted him and blocked him in front of Lokongoma Market, Phase 1 in Lokoja, and was dispossessed of an unspecified sum of money,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, said.
Aya added that the state Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, has drafted officers to the scene to ensure the safety of lives and property and trail the armed robbers to bring them to book.
[Punch]
- Farage is a long-standing ally of Trump
- Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party won the third largest vote haul
Former US president Donald Trump celebrated the election of fellow populist Nigel Farage to Britain’s parliament on Friday, neglecting to mention the new prime minister, Keir Starmer.
Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party won the third largest vote haul, but under Britain’s electoral system it took just four seats while Starmer’s Labour party swept into office with a landslide.
“Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament Seat Amid Reform UK Election Success. Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Farage is a long-standing ally of Trump, who has dubbed the divorced father-of-four “Mr Brexit” and previously said the British populist would have done a “great job” as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.
Farage is a champion of Brexit who was elected to parliament on his eighth attempt and has made no secret of his desire to take over the now-main opposition Conservative party, which was trounced at the polls by Labour.
“There is a massive gap on the center-right of British politics and my job is to fill it,” he said after a comfortable win in Clacton, eastern England.
The result bucks a rightward trend among Britain’s closest allies, with the far-right National Rally in France eyeing power and Trump looking set for a return in the United States.
Farage’s win will likely embolden the attention-grabbing populist figurehead in his long-term aim of staging a “takeover” of the Conservatives.
Millions of their voters appeared to have already switched their support to Reform, handing the Tories one of their worst-ever results.
An initial exit poll had caused a stir Thursday night after predicting Reform would secure 13 seats — far exceeding forecasts in the latter stages of the campaign that it would win just a handful of seats.
[Arab News]
![UK PM Keir Starmer appoints cabinet ministers [Full list]](/media/k2/items/cache/07cb11d7dec803f0e02bc865136ad151_S.jpg)
The newly-elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer has announced his first cabinet appointments following the Labour Party’s decisive victory in the general election.
This landmark win ends 14 years of Conservative governance.
After being invited by King Charles III to form a government during a meeting at Buckingham Palace on Friday, Starmer swiftly began shaping his administration.
I want people to remember the Emirate as a symbol of dignity and peace —Film maker, Zainab Bayero
Angela Rayner, 44, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and will also serve as the Minister for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.
This was Starmer’s first cabinet confirmation, with Downing Street making the announcement shortly after his assumption of office.
In a historic move, Rachel Reeves has been named the Chancellor of the Exchequer, making her the first woman in the UK to hold this critical finance minister position.
The full list of Starmer’s initial cabinet appointments includes:
Angela Rayner – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities
Rachel Reeves – Chancellor of the Exchequer
David Lammy – Foreign Secretary
Yvette Cooper – Home Secretary
John Healey – Defence Secretary
Pat McFadden – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Ed Miliband – Energy Secretary
Bridget Phillipson – Education Secretary
Wes Streeting – Health Secretary
Shabana Mahmood – Justice Secretary
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Congratulates UK Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, on Election Victory
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Congratulates UK Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, on Election Victory](/media/k2/items/cache/45ba906564903ba8d10e67ae38b0340c_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, on the victory of his party in the United Kingdom general election.
As a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, President Tinubu specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.
The President states that the party's ability to reform, mobilize, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Sir Starmer.
President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria's long-standing partner.
The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest and in strengthening democratic institutions, as well as in building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has urged members of the party to put away their differences and work together in harmony.
The former Anambra governor made the call via his X account on Friday.
He stated that the party would emerge stronger if they were more united.
He stressed the need to move forward with a shared sense of purpose and vision.
Obi expressed confidence that the party would overcome the current crisis through open communication, empathy, and willingness to listen.
According to him, “We will successfully resolve our differences and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Our strength lies in greater unity for our common national good.
“I reiterate my earlier appeal for us to put aside our differences and work together in a spirit of harmony and mutual understanding.”
Petrol stations across Nigeria are experiencing lengthy queues, reflecting concerns about fuel shortages due to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited‘s $6 billion backlog in petrol payments.
BusinessDay’s investigation revealed that NNPC owes around $6 billion to international traders for imported petrol, with payments now delayed beyond the typical 90 days.
Reuters reported that overdue payments of $4 billion to $5 billion for January imports alone have led international petrol suppliers to withdraw from recent tenders.
An industry insider disclosed to Reuters, “The only reason traders are putting up with it is the $250,000 a month (per cargo) for late payment compensation.”
These payment delays point to the return of fuel subsidies, which were scrapped in May 2023. The subsidies drain NNPC’s cash reserves, affecting its ability to import petrol and finance President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Two suppliers have already stopped participating in tenders after reaching their debt exposure limits to Nigeria. They will not send more gasoline until they receive payments.
NNPC’s suppliers, including international traders like Vitol, Mercuria, and Gunvor, as well as Nigeria-based trading houses, declined to comment as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
BusinessDay found that traders, while thriving in risky environments, limit their credit exposure to avoid excessive risk with one borrower. Consequently, Nigeria’s tenders for petrol in June and July were smaller.
NNPC will import about 850,000 tonnes in July, down from the usual 1 million tonnes in previous months, according to sources.
As a result, Nigerians are facing renewed petrol scarcity and long queues in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.
More...
Rishi Sunak, outgoing prime minister of the UK, has apologised to the Conservative Party after Labour won the general election by a landslide.
Sunak conceded defeat as the networks called the election for Keir Starmer of the Labour Party — who had reached the required 326 parliamentary seats.
The Conservative Party candidate retained his seat in Richmond & Northallerton however.
“Britain has delivered a sobering verdict. On this difficult night, I’d like to express my gratitude to the people of Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support,” Sunak said.
“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.
“There is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.”
The outcome of the election ends 14 years of Conservative government, in which time five different prime ministers ran the country.
Sunak was appointed prime minister on October 25, 2022, becoming the first British Asian and the first Hindu to assume the office.
At 42, Sunak became the youngest prime minister since Robert Jenkinson.
Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Industries Limited, says Nigeria’s economy can be turned around in a few months.
Dangogte addressed journalists in Abuja after the inauguration of the presidential economic coordination council (PECC) on Thursday.
“What I keep saying is that our own issues are not that bad, this economy can be turned around within few months and I think we are on that way,” he said.
The billionaire also pledged the support of the private sector in investing in job creation for Nigerians.
“The private sector will support the government to invest heavily and create jobs,” the business tycoon said.
“Government does not create jobs but they give us the right policies, you can see the interventions in gas sector, getting the OB3 to work will give the country additional $2 billion.”
On July 4, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the PECC and announced a N2 trillion economic stabilisation plan in a move to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Established in March, the PECC is chaired by the president and includes key government officials such as the vice-president, the senate president, and the chairman of the governors’ forum.
Prominent private sector leaders, including Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and Bismarck Rewane will serve on the council for one year.
On July 2, Dangote had warned that the increase of interest rate to almost 30 percent by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would stifle growth.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the nation’s security will improve if traditional rulers are given constitutional roles.
The bill seeking to give traditional rulers constitutional roles did not scale through during the last assembly.
Speaking at an event to mark the one year anniversary of the 10th house, Abbas said through the ongoing constitutional amendment process, parliament will grant constitutionally recognised roles to traditional institutions.
“The 10th house, under my leadership, will do its best to give recognition to the traditional rulers during our constitution amendment exercise,” Abbas said.
“Many amendments were made in the past to grant constitutional recognition to traditional rulers, but they never saw the light of day.
“Because most of us in the house honestly believe that traditional institutions are the backbones of our society. We believe that the welfare of our people will be more enhanced with a legal role for the traditional institutions.”
Abbas said he constituted two special standing committees when he assumed office, to drive the process of actualising constitutional roles for traditional institutions, and achieving autonomy for local governments.
“We also believe the security of our country will be more enhanced if the traditional institutions are given better roles. That is the reason from the onset, we decided to create committees — two different ones — actually,” he added.
“One of them is the committee on traditional institutions to drive the process of giving legal recognition to the traditional institutions in this coming constitutional amendment.
“The second one is the committee on states and local governments.
“If we must make headway with the ongoing constitution amendment, state governments, state houses of assembly, local government councils and their councillors must be considered.
“That is the reason we decided that another committee dealing with issues of states and local governments should come on board.
“These two committees, we believe, will drive the process of reaching out to critical stakeholders in the states to ensure that the goal of local government autonomy is realised.”
Recall that there have been reports in the media that the refinery has being experiencing difficulties in securing crude oil in the country and has had to resort to importing from countries like the United States of America.
Speaking on the situation at the maiden edition of Prof Emeka Umerah’s public lecture, with the theme, ‘Nigeria Yesterday, Today and a Prosperous Future’ in Abuja, Oshiomhole lamented those who were complaining about the fuel hike are those importing low quality diesel into the country.
Oshiomhole emphasised that it shouldn’t come to anybody as a surprise that many of those holding the country to ransom are Nigerians, who are domiciled in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
According to him, “It is the product of his work that Dangote Refinery now located in Lagos can satisfy the Nigerian market. Yet, some Nigerians who joined us in lamenting (the fuel hike) are the ones importing low-quality diesel prohibited in Europe. They are bringing in diesel that will pollute our environment, destroy our engines, and use our scarce foreign exchange to pay for it. Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery in Lagos is in a position to produce diesel and even announced a reduction of the price.
“But these Nigerians who put themselves first before the country are not interested. They live here in Abuja, unknown to ballot and not scrutinized by the Nigerian electorates. Their names don’t appear in any newspaper. You (Nigerians) will abuse the president, yet he has no knowledge about what is going on because he has saddled people with the responsibility. And when you ask them, they will say ‘Look at the PIB Act.”
[NaijaNews]