The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Saturday vowed to revoke the titles of owners of licensed land that are being used for illegal mining operations.
The government said this in response to development at a mining site located in Shirley Niger State which had swallowed over 50 miners during the collapse.
Weeks after the Shiroro incident was reported, another site Bazakwoi, Adunu Community, in the Paikoro Local Government Area in Niger state was reported to have collapsed on Thursday, June 13, 2024, resulting in the death of three men.
Responding to the frequent occurrences in the state, the Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said preliminary investigations showed that the collapsed mine was in the area under Exploration Licence 43113 of Jurassic Mines Limited in Adunu Village, Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State.
He said, “At the time of the visit, work had stopped at the site, and only onlookers were seen. The coordinates of the site were taken, and officials returned to Minna at about 8.30 pm.
“The owners of the company were contacted by phone, but they claimed ignorance of happenings on the site. They were then summoned to the office in the state capital.
“Owners of licenced units of land mined by illegal miners will lose their titles”.
The statement noted that the men killed in the accident had since been buried.
The minister further warned land title owners with mining licenses to desist from illegal operations, as those caught or found guilty would face the law.
The Nigeria Labour Congress said the government must accede to its demands on minimum wage based on practical realities in the country.
The NLC also faulted a statement by President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with some governors and members of the National Assembly on the occasion of the nation’s 25th Democracy Day anniversary.
Tinubu had said that the government would only be able to pay its workers what the country can afford.
“Senate president, deputy senate president, you will get a notice from me if I have changed my mind on minimum wage. We are going to do it — what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size if you have size at all,” Tinubu had said.
But in his reaction, the spokesperson of the NLC, Benson Upah, in an interview with our correspondent, described the president’s statement as a contradiction of his promise to pay a living wage.
“This will be in breach of his promise to pay a living wage which is superior to a minimum wage. Moreover, there is unanimity of opinion that government accede to the demand of Labour based on practical realities,” he stated.
Disagreements between the government, Labour, and the Organised Private Sector have continued to brew over the new minimum wage.
During his nationwide broadcast to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s democracy on Wednesday, June 12, Tinubu announced that a consensus had been reached on the long-debated new minimum wage between the Federal Government and the Organised Labour.
In the national broadcast, the President revealed that an executive bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly to formalise the new minimum wage agreement.
He stated, “In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with Organised Labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.”
However, in a swift reaction, the Organised Labour stated that it had not reached any agreement with the Federal Government Tripartite Committee on the new minimum wage as claimed by the President.
In a statement on Wednesday, the acting President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Adewale Adeyanju, said there was no agreement reached by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage when negotiations ended on Friday, June 7, 2024.
Adeyanju stated that at the last meetings, the demand remained N250,000 from the Organised Labour and that anything to the contrary won’t be accepted. He said, “Our demand remains N250,000 only, and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.
“We are, therefore, surprised at the submission of Mr President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none and we must let the President, Nigerians, and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix-up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage.”
However, the state governors have vehemently opposed the offers and demands so far made by the Federal Government, OPS, and Organised Labour on the new minimum wage.
Speaking under their umbrella forum, the governors had maintained that compelling them to pay the minimum wage proposed by both the Federal Government and Labour would have adverse consequences on their delivery of critical infrastructural projects for their states.
Nigeria's inflation rate increased to 33.95% in May, driven primarily by surging prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released on Saturday. This marks a slight rise from April's inflation rate of 33.69%.
"Comparing month-over-month data, the headline inflation rate in May 2024 increased by 0.26 percentage points from April 2024," stated the NBS. "Year-over-year, the headline inflation rate was 11.54 percentage points higher than the 22.41% recorded in May 2023."
The report further highlighted that on a month-to-month basis, May's headline inflation rate was 2.14%, a slight decrease from April's 2.29%. This indicates that while prices are still rising, the pace of increase slowed compared to the previous month.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages were the top contributors to headline inflation, accounting for 17.59%. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels followed with 5.68%, while clothing and footwear (2.60%), transport (2.21%), and furnishings, household equipment, and maintenance (1.71%) rounded out the top five contributors.
The NBS reported that urban inflation rose to 36.34% in May, up 12.61 percentage points from 23.74% in May 2023. Month-to-month, urban inflation was 2.35% in May, down 0.32 percentage points from April’s 2.67%.
Rural inflation was reported at 31.82% year-over-year in May, an increase of 10.63 percentage points from the 21.19% recorded in May 2023.
Food inflation specifically soared to 40.66% in May, up from 24.82% in the same month last year—a rise of 15.84 percentage points. The NBS attributed this increase to higher prices of staple foods such as semovita, oatflake, yam flour, garri, beans, Irish potatoes, yam, water yam, palm oil, vegetable oil, stockfish, mudfish, crayfish, beef head, live chicken, pork head, and bush meat.
On a month-to-month basis, food inflation was 2.28% in May, down from 2.50% in April.
The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-cultural Association and the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, have disagreed on the bill on ranching, which just passed the second reading in the National Assembly.
The Senate, on Thursday, passed for a Second Reading ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation, and Control of Ranches throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024’.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, generated contentious debates among the lawmakers.
Zam argued that the bill when passed, would help resolve the farmer-herder crisis across the country. Some lawmakers also argued that the farmer-herder crisis was responsible for food scarcity across the nation.
Some northern senators, including the Deputy Senate President, argued that the bill would infringe on the rights of certain individuals, making it unconstitutional.
Responding to the survival of the bill, the Senate spokesperson said that no single senator or group of senators could unilaterally ensure that a bill was passed or not.
He said, “Every bill in the Senate is passed through a vote after it has been thoroughly considered and debated based on its merits and demerits.
“The ‘Bill for an Act to Establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation, and Control of Ranches throughout Nigeria; and for Connected Purposes, 2024’ is no exception to this legislative process.
“The passage of a bill involves multiple stages and the participation of various individuals and bodies, ensuring a democratic and thorough evaluation. No single senator can unilaterally decide the success of a bill due to the structured and collaborative nature of this process.”
Adaramodu added, “This particular bill has already passed through the second reading and has been referred to the committees on agriculture, trade and investment, and judiciary and legal matters.
“These committees will examine its details thoroughly, potentially holding public hearings and inviting experts, stakeholders, and the public to provide input. All those interest groups will come and make their presentations. The committee will, thereafter, adopt all the contributions.”
The Senate spokesperson explained further that the committee could propose amendments to the bill, considering each clause and making necessary modifications.
He stated, “After its examination, the committee reports to the Senate with its findings and recommendations. The Senate will then consider the committee’s report. If there are proposed amendments, they will be debated, and members may accept, reject, or further amend them.
“During the third reading, the bill will be debated for the last time. This discussion is usually brief and focuses on the final content of the bill. A vote is then taken on the bill in its entirety. If it passes, it moves to concurrence, and is transmitted for the President’s assent, after which it becomes law.”
“As you can see, no aspect of this process is left in the hands of a few individuals. The passage of law involves the collaborative effort of all 109 senators,” Adaramodu noted.
‘Herders will resist bill’
Miyetti Allah said its members would resist the bill to abolish open grazing and promote ranching.
Its National Secretary-General, Saleh Alhassan, speaking to our correspondent, said the bill, if passed into law, may lead to rebellion from herders.
He said, “Laws are meant to promote love, peace, harmony and development. The law will not work. No one will respect such a law because you can’t come overnight and destroy our economy through a pronouncement.
“How many laws have they enacted, and how many are working in this country? They want to create a crisis. They want to push us, herders, into rebellion, and we are saying they will fail.”
NEF backs Miyetti Allah
![[Photos] Her Dress At The Oscars Will Be Spoken About For Centuries](https://images.outbrainimg.com/transform/v3/eyJpdSI6IjdjNjQzNzA1ZDYwNjE5MDIzNTNlMmJiY2U4YTc1OTQyNzYwOTFhMTYxZmUzOGE3ZTliYmVlNzU4YzZmMGI2MWQiLCJ3Ijo0NTAsImgiOjMwMCwiZCI6MS4wLCJjcyI6MCwiZiI6NH0.webp "[Photos] Her Dress At The Oscars Will Be Spoken About For Centuries")
Meanwhile, the Northern Elders Forum has asked the Federal Government to initiate policies and programmes that will successfully transition open grazing into ranching in a way that will safeguard the interests of the herdsmen and address security challenges associated with their activities.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, NEF spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the forum wants the Federal Government to identify suitable lands across the country and create grazing reserves and cattle routes for pastoral activities.
He said, “NEF had declared an earlier position on the ongoing debate in the National Assembly over the proposed law to end open grazing in the country and establish ranching agencies, which has brought to light differing views among legislators.
“NEF recognises the importance of addressing the challenges posed by open grazing and the need for a more sustainable and modern approach to livestock management. However, the forum is aware of the concerns raised by some northern senators regarding the potential impact of the proposed law on the livelihoods of pastoralists in the region.”
Afenifere supports bill
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, said Afenifere strongly advocates modernising cattle rearing practices across the country, noting the obsolescence of open grazing.
He said, “Afenifere’s position is that in the modern-day, livestock do not graze in the open, roam on the streets, or go to people’s farms to destroy crops.
“Today, open grazing has become anachronistic and obsolete. Ranching is the vehicle whereby whoever wants to go into cattle rearing, just like a person who wants to rear fowls would build a poultry.
“The same thing should be done for those who want to rear cattle. There must be ranching, which will be maintained in a manner that will not be detrimental or create problems for other people. That’s how we feel.”
![[PRESS RELEASE] Oyo Gov't Issues Health Alert Over Suspected Cholera Cases](/media/k2/items/cache/cd40192fa66fc4ebd644a1302690401b_M.jpg)
The Oyo State Government has issued a call for more vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi gave the charge during her visit to a private hospital in Ibadan where two suspected cholera cases were receiving treatment.
Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi noted that Cholera is a bacterial infection spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by the faeces (poop) of an infected person.
She explained that cholera is highly infectious and can cause severe acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration, adding that It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.
The Commissioner described the two suspected cases in Ibadan, which had been tracked down to a private facility in the state as male workers at a construction site in Lekki Peninsula from Lagos State
She noted that there is no cause for alarm as the Ministry and other partners are on top of the situation.
Dr. Oluwaserimi therefore reiterated the response efforts of the State Government through the Ministry at ensuring that the State does not record casualties from the cholera outbreak from Lagos State.
According to her, the response efforts include; the deployment of LGA DSNO, promotional jingles in English and Yoruba running in different media houses, Immediate inauguration of the Cholera Technical Working Group, putting IDC Olodo into active mode for isolation and management, reaching out to all our surveillance rangers at the LGA level to intensify surveillance activities, re-posting of cholera case definition on the platform of community informants for updates, awareness, and sensitization of the gatekeepers and other well-established community structures.
The Commissioner therefore appealed to all to be safety conscious and always drink water only from clean sources, practice good personal hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water.
She maintained that anyone with the symptoms mentioned above should not partake in self-medication but present themselves at the nearest healthcare facility immediately.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
[PRESS RELEASE] Eid-el-Kabir: Atiku celebrates with Nigerian Muslims, preaches sacrifice, love and peace
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Eid-el-Kabir: Atiku celebrates with Nigerian Muslims, preaches sacrifice, love and peace](/media/k2/items/cache/6a7647055c4765d98ca05ba26e1ee924_M.jpg)
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, congratulates fellow Muslim faithful on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, calling it, “a celebration of God’s love and mercy to mankind.”
The former Vice President, who is also the Waziri Adamawa sent his goodwill message to Muslims through a press statement on Saturday from his media office.
Atiku noted that the celebration of Eid, as stated in the scriptures, is not merely a fanfare but an admonition to the people to have forbearance and show compassion in every situation.
“The message of Eid al-Adha is to remind ourselves about the commandment of God to show love to one another and uphold peaceful interpersonal relationships.
“The essential purpose of that message is that we must put our trust in God almighty at all times.
“Even in the face of current hard times that many Nigerians are passing through, we must never fail to put trust in God and, more importantly, extend compassion and safety to the vulnerable people around us.
“What this means is that as we go about celebrating today, we must ensure that we extend good tidings of support and charity to one another, especially those in difficulties.”
The former Vice President equally sizes the opportunity of the Eid celebration to call on governments at all levels to be deliberate in initiating measures that will ease the hardship that confronts Nigerians on a basis.
“As we know that the essence of the celebration today is about a restoration of God’s mercy, it is thus incumbent on government at all levels to take a cue from the divine instruction and make sure that the hardships of the people are minimised,” Atiku said.
He also reminds Muslims in Nigeria and across the world to remember their responsibility of being good ambassadors of the religion by living their lives according to the practices and teachings of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“The festivities that we are undertaking today is borne out of the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and as also exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is thus our responsibility as Muslims to reflect on their examples in our lives by upholding the threshold of peace at all times, "Atiku also added.
He wishes every Muslim family a happy Eid celebration and prays for God’s protection and safety for everyone during and after the celebration.
Signed:
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Directs Reorganizations of the Bureau of Public Procurement
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Directs Reorganizations of the Bureau of Public Procurement](/media/k2/items/cache/0f78a0cbe9858c43ef0c14f2f887556a_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu has directed the resignation of Mr. Mamman Ahmadu from office as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
This is part of a larger reorganization effort in the public procurement system to reposition the agency for greater efficiency and transparency.
The Director-General is to hand over to the most senior officer in the Bureau, pending the appointment of a new Director-General.
The President thanks Mr. Ahmadu for his services and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Rivers State has sparked confusion and differing interpretations from supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The ruling, which ordered the maintenance of the “status quo” on two motions filed by Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers lawmakers in case number CA/PH/198/2024, has been claimed as a victory by both sides.
The pro-Wike camp argues that the ruling recognizes Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, while Fubara’s loyalists claim it acknowledges Oko Jumbo as the leader of the three-man Assembly.
The state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed the Court of Appeal’s ruling and clarified that the status quo refers to the current situation, which recognizes Oko Jumbo as the leader of the Assembly.
“Court of Appeal refused to grant the prayer to set aside the various actions of Rt. Hon Victor Oko-jumbo as their presumption of correctness of an order of a Court. It held that granting same would be tantamount to determining the appeal at this stage. The Court went on to order that the present status quo should be maintained pending the hearing of the Appeal.
“Ruling on the 2nd Motion which was brought to set aside the Order of interlocutory injunction of the Lower Court, the Court of Appeal refused and dismissed the motion on notice to set aside the Order of Interlocutory Injunction by Honourable Justice C.N Wali decreed on the 29th day of May 2024 and reiterated that the ‘present’ status quo should be maintained contrary to the status quo before the filing of the Suit that was sought by the Appellants.
“The Respondents are to file their Briefs within 72 hours of being served. The case has been adjourned to 20/6/24 for Hearing of the Appeal,” the Commissioner for Information said.
However, Oraye St Franklyn, a lawyer and supporter of Nyesom Wike, countered that status quo means the position of things before the crisis, which was Amaewhule’s speakership.
“Status quo means the position prevailing when the defendant embarked upon the activity sought to be restrained,” Franklyn said citing Fellowes v. Fisher (1976) Q.B.122. at 141B per Sir John Pennycuick, per ANTHONY IKECHUKWU IGUH, JSC (Pp 21 – 21 Paras F – G) Ayorinde v AG of Oyo State SC 1996 to back his claim.
He added: “The Court of Appeal today said Status Quo should remain, meaning the position of things before Amaewhule was taken to court should remain as is.
“Oko Jumbo cannot therefore be seen in public to be presenting himself as Speaker as that immediately amounts to contempt of court.
“He cannot be recognized at State functions and not in brochures. It also means the illegal withholding of salaries of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly ceases forthwith.
“This is what Status Quo means. If they do not comply, they would be in contempt.”
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the case until June 20, 2024, for the hearing of the appeal, and ordered the respondents to file their briefs within 72 hours.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Eid-el-Kabir: President Tinubu Celebrates with Nigerians, Calls For Reflection on Sacrifice, Duty, And Unity
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Eid-el-Kabir: President Tinubu Celebrates with Nigerians, Calls For Reflection on Sacrifice, Duty, And Unity](/media/k2/items/cache/e181e942b6cd3ff88068d56a4404d5ac_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu celebrates with the Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty.
The President congratulates the Muslim faithful and prays that Allah accepts their supplications and acts of obedience.
President Tinubu enjoins Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.
The President emphasizes that sacrifice and duty are essential ingredients to nation-building, noting that it takes collective purpose, will, and action to bring about great change.
President Tinubu calls on citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace, and progress.
The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.
President Tinubu affirms that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors.
The President reassures Nigerians that his administration is prioritizing their physical, social, and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour.
President Tinubu wishes Nigerians happy Sallah celebrations.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
- Senate will give Tinubu’s proposed Bill swift passage – Spokesman
Organised labour appears to have backed down on its demand for N250,000 as minimum wage.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo said yesterday that there was nothing sacrosanct about the N250,000, adding that labour was receptive to adjustments.
There was no immediate response from the federal government last night on the latest stance of organised labour, although the Senate yesterday pledged to grant accelerated consideration and passage of the new minimum wage bill from President Bola Tinubu.
Only last Wednesday, the acting President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, said labour’s demand “remains N250,000, and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position, which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.”
Adeyanju was responding to the Democracy Day broadcast of President Bola Tinubu in which he said an agreement had been reached on the new national minimum wage.
Osifo himself in his first reaction to the FG and OPS agreement on N62,000 as minimum wage penultimate Friday had said “for us (labour), we felt that with the current economic hardship and the difficulty in the land, the sum of N250,000 should be what will be okay as the minimum wage.
But speaking yesterday on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, The Morning Brief, he said there was “no figure that is sacrosanct; there is no figure that is cast in stone that both parties will be fixated on it.”
He added: “What we said is that for us, when we give figures, there is always a room to meander; there is always a room for us to do some adjustment here and there.
“One of the reasons that we went on industrial action the last time was because when it got to N60,000, they told us that a kobo could not even join the N60,000; that they could not even add one naira to it.
“So that was one of the reasons that led to that industrial action beyond the fact that there were also delays.”
President Tinubu is expected to send an executive bill to the National Assembly on the new minimum wage for legislative action.
The TUC President said that they are not going to pre-empt the President, but they are making all efforts to justify why Tinubu should tilt towards the figure presented by the labour instead of the one by the organised private sector and the government.
He said that if the President sends a figure that is not favourable to the labour to the National Assembly, they will still approach the lawmakers and push them to do much more.
Osifo vowed that the work of the labour leaders will not end until the Minimum Wage Act 2024 becomes law. He said it is premature to predict what labour will do if what is passed is not acceptable to them at the end of the day.
The FG and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) had on Friday, May 31 reached an agreement to pay N62,000 to their least paid worker; an increase of N2,000 on the N60,000 rejected two weeks ago by labour.
The 36 states, which were represented on the Tripartite Committee on the minimum wage, said on the same day that they could not afford to pay even N60,000 while the NLC and the TUC disagreed with government and the OPS.
They said the minimum they would accept was N250,000, which is N244,000 less than the N494,000 they initially demanded.
The Tripartite Committee has already submitted its report and recommendation to the President, who is expected to take a decision on the final figure to be sent by way of an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for consideration.
The TUC President said while labour was not disposed to pre-empting the President on his decision, the unions were keen on ensuring that Tinubu tilts toward the figure presented by labour instead of the N62,000 by government and OPS.
He said should the President decide on a figure labour finds unfavourable, it will take its struggle to the lawmakers to convince them for an increase.
He said it was premature to predict labour’s reaction if the action of the executive and the legislature turns out to be unfavourable.
Tinubu, at a state dinner to mark Democracy Day on Wednesday had declared that his planned minimum wage is “what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford and what I can afford.”
He added: “Cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all.”
Apart from the state governments which have expressed their inability to pay even the N60,000 which labour had rejected prior to the June 3 and 4 strike, signals from the local governments also suggest that they cannot pay N62,000.
National President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Aminu Muazu-Maifata, said on Thursday that the LGs could not pay that amount.
Muazu-Maifata said some local governments have not even been paying their workers the ₦30,000 approved as minimum wage in 2019.
He said an affordable minimum wage should be set and not something unsustainable.
Senate will give Tinubu’s proposed Bill expeditious passage, says spokesman
Speaking yesterday ahead of the expected arrival of the executive bill on the new minimum wage, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, promised that it would be given accelerated consideration and passage.
But he said it would be subjected to accepted legislative processes.
He spoke to reporters in Abuja.
Adaramodu said the Senate would pass the Bill without compromising on standard legislative procedures in lawmaking.
Asked if the Senate would pass the minimum wage bill like it passed the New National Anthem Bill within a few days, Adaramodu said: “Yes, if immediately after Sallah the Bill is brought by Mr. President to the National Assembly, it’s going to be dealt with at the speed of lightning.
[TheNation]
“We are going to pass it because it is for the benefit of Nigerian workers. Even if it is possible within 30 minutes, we will do that.
“But it depends on the content of the Bill because the bill will go through the crucibles of the passage of a bill.
“We are not going to sit down and just say that the Bill has been passed. We will go through the crucibles. So within the time, if there is no opposition from outside, if there is no opposition from within, there can never be opposition from within because it’s going to be a kind of agreement between Labour, government and organised private sector.
“So once that one is there and then it comes to us, we will go through the processes without delay and make sure that Nigerian workers get their deal.”
On whether the Senate would take into consideration the position of the State Governments that they cannot afford to pay the N62,000 proposed by the Federal Government, Adaramodu said: “Since they are all meeting, we know that at the end of the day, all of them will agree on the figure, because when it’s an executive bill, an executive bill means state executive, federal executive and even local government executive.
“So definitely there is going to be an agreement. So once there’s an agreement, the bill will come and I don’t think any of the components of the negotiating bodies will oppose the agreed figure at the end of the day.
“So we don’t have any fear about that. You know when you are negotiating, you negotiate from various parameters and parallels. So at the end of the day, all the lines will converge and meet at a concentric point.
So that’s where we now come in. We come in at the end of the tunnel and then we’ll pick it from there and make it into law so that we can have a better deal for Nigerian workers.”
More...
Many Nigerians have declared their support for the proposed bills by 35 members of the House of Representatives seeking a single term of six years for the president and state governors as well rotation of the presidency among the country’s six geopolitical zones and rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial districts in the state.
A spokesperson for the lawmakers under the auspices of the Reformed-minded Legislators, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said the proposal would reduce cost of governance, unite the country, and ensure a seamless transition and unprecedented development. Throwing their weight behind the bill, Nigerians argued that if passed into law, the bills would end agitations, redefine the country’s democracy and bring peace and equity.
Some citizens however dismissed the proposal saying a single six-year tenure was not the way out for many problems besetting the country and would not change anything.
Rotational presidency ‘ll end agitations —Mazi Ohuabunwa
Former Chairman, National Economic Summit, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, said a single six-year term for the President will arrest the unnecessary fight and desperation associated with second term bid. According to him, “This idea is fantastic. I think the proponents are the most patriotic Nigeria lawmakers I have ever seen or heard in recent times. I’m so impressed that they have looked at all the issues causing trouble in Nigeria. They have just given solutions to Nigeria’s problems.
They have given a very simple solution. A single-term presidency will put a stop to all the trouble that we have been going through in this country. Somebody who is fighting to succeed because of a second term will stop. This is the time you see the fiercest fight because the incumbent uses government resources to impose himself/herself on the people unlike in the first term where one depends on one’s personal resources. Second term bid is when the country is shaking and wants to break but this single term presidency will solve it.”
On rotation of presidency, he said, “Rotation of presidency will bring peace and equity. It will minimize friction because everybody will have to wait for their turn. It will also bring healthy competition among the six geopolitical zones. So, I support it and want all the lawmakers to support it. I also want all the elections to be held in one day. Let’s also adopt electronic transmission of election results. I just wish that other National Assembly members would wake up and stop being anti-Nigeria or thinking of how it will benefit them first.
The fate of the bill would however be decided by the disposition of the Government in power. If the government in power agrees with the proposition, it will pass easily but if the government is lackadaisical over it, then we are in trouble. The President used to talk of reforms but he has stopped. But if he believes in reforms and works towards it, the bill will pass”.
A single-term will reduce corruption, cost of elections — Emiaso, a retired judge
Also supporting the bill, an ex-president of the Delta State Area Customary Court, Miakpor Emiaso, said, “A single-term system is good for this country, given our experiences with conducting elections for a second term. The second tenure arrangement encourages massive corruption on the part of governors and presidents who want to return for a second term.
They loot public money and reserve it for elections. If there is no second tenure, he will do his best in the six years that he has to be there. A single-term arrangement will reduce corruption and the cost of elections.
It is very advantageous to our political system and it should be encouraged. It is not as if it does not have its disadvantages, but I think the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. With the second term arrangement, you hear arguments that we started projects that we want to complete, but with a six-year single tenure system, you start a project, and any time you leave, the incoming administration will continue from where you stopped. We should have an arrangement under our laws that would bind incoming administrations to continue whatever projects the previous administrations have invested public funds into.”
On rotational presidency, he said, “It should be rotational to reflect the federal character of this country to make sure that no part of this country is treated as second class and not capable of producing the president. When you talk of rotation at the federal level; you must also talk of rotation at the state level. It should cut across the entire spectrum of the country and of the states. It creates balance and encourages everyone to be part of the system without any part feeling that they are being marginalized or treated as second-rate citizens.”
The bills will solve our inability to manage our diversity—Adima
A political activist, Mr Blessing Adima said: “For the single term, I give the House of Representatives, kudos, and thumbs up. They are trying to implement a section of the 2014 National Confab, which recommended a single-term tenure for the President. When those who are elected know that they have one tenure, they cannot afford to fail because when they fail, they know that they will have a bad record. The politicians are lazy because they think they have a second term and by the time they get it, they are already used to the bad system of governance.
I think the members of the House of Representatives are on the right track for single tenure. I am in support of it. On rotational presidency, it is a welcome development. For me, with the complex nature of Nigeria and our inability to manage our diversity, the issue of rotation is crucial to us so that nobody will be crying of marginalization.”
Let it be five-year single tenure—Idi, Isoko youth leader
National Secretary of the Ndokwa National Youth Movement, NNYM, Comrade Presley Idi said: “For us as a people, we support the call for a single term, but we think instead of six years, it should be made five. Six years is almost the same as two terms of four years each.
One of the reasons we support a single term is that the majority of Nigerian leaders, especially the governors, once elected, immediately start channeling all resources to their re-election bid, thereby sacrificing governance. On the need for rotation amongst the six geo-political zones in the country, yes, it is a welcome development but we do not think it would solve Nigeria’s problem.
Instead of a rotational presidency, let us practice true federalism and elect into power those we know who can lead us in the right direction instead of zoning.”
Power rotation will give people sense of hope, belonging — Oyiborhoro, UHS president
On his part, the president of Urhobo Historical Society, UHS, Chief Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, said, “We have no option since they invariably force a second term on the electorate, whether they win or lose.
Sadly, elections are still a sham since the people’s revered votes do not count. What they want to do is shave off two years from periods of their unwanted hold on to power. Power rotation will give the people a sense of hope and belonging. Therefore, it is good.”
Yes to single six-year tenure—HRM Ararile, Delta monarch
The (Ovie) traditional ruler of Umiagwa-Abraka Kingdom, Delta State, HRM Ochuko Ararile, Awaeke I, said, “the single six-year tenure tallies with my thought, but with parliamentary instead of a presidential system.”
Some citizens however expressed their opposition to the bill on the ground that it is not the solution to the many problems confronting us as a nation.
A single six-year tenure is not the solution – Ekerefe, ex-IYC spokesperson
Ex-spokesman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide/national leader, New Era Movement, Ebilade Ekerefe, stated; “I do not believe that a single term of six years for presidents and governors is the solution to the problems of Nigeria. What is important is the character, competence, and capacity of the individual occupying the office. What is more important is if the people can feel the impact of your government.
Therefore, it is not about power rotation but the capacity to deliver. We expect the lawmakers to focus more on proposing a constitutional amendment that will entrench true fiscal federalism in the country. Under the existing arrangement, power is too concentrated at the center, which has made most states ineffective and unproductive. If we must get it right, there should be amendments that will give more power to states to deal with their peculiar socioeconomic challenges.”
It will change nothing — Gbemre, activist
The coordinator, Niger Delta Peace Coalition, Zik Gbemre asserted, “Adopting six years will not change anything. It will not reduce inflation or the high exchange rate. The same set of politicians ruling the nation and diverting our commonwealth into their private vaults will hold sway and keep the populace in bondage. We need to respect the rule of law and sound economic policies with the political will to implement them to bring about good governance.
It won’t address our problem — Morris, activist
Environmentalist and former secr etary of the Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Alagoa Morris, said, “As attractive as it could be, I just wonder how it will address the greed of Nigerians. For me, making social institutions stronger and more effective may be of help. The independence of the three arms of government would help where check and balance work.”
We don’t need a single six-year tenure – Lloyd, ex-Rivers lawmaker
The former majority leader of the Rivers state House of Assembly, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, said in Port-Harcourt, “Rotational presidency or six-year single term is not the problem of the country at the moment. The constitution is very clear on how the country should be governed. Whether we have majority ethnic groups and minorities among the six zones, the constitution does not make any provision for dominance. Every zone has equal opportunity before the constitution and the law.”
No to six-year single tenure — Chigozie, public opinion analyst
A public opinion analyst, Mr. Ngozi Chigozie said in Warri, Delta state, “I oppose a single term of six years because it will be an invitation to come and plunder public resources. The country will achieve nothing meaningful in such a setting. The desire to be reelected for a second term explains why some of them strive to make an impact in their first terms.”
Why we’re sponsoring the bill — 35 Reps
35 members of the House of Representatives behind the bill have given reasons for introducing bill seeking to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) to limit the period which any individual can serve as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Governor of State from two terms of 4 years each to a single 6-year tenure, rotational Presidency and Governorship, conduct of all elections in one day, the conclusion of all pre-election matters before election, resolutions of all post-election matters before swearing in, and mandatory transmission of results, among others.
A spokesperson for the lawmakers, Ikenga Ugochinyere said, “We are lawmakers of like minds and committed to the 10th House Agenda of building a democracy that works for all using legislative instrument.
“We are a group of over 30 reform-minded lawmakers from different political parties who have come together and are committed to ensuring a working Nigeria using legislative instruments within our power to ensure the reduction of cost of governance and campaigns, unite our country, ensure a seamless transition, continuity, uninterrupted development, justice, equity, independence of INEC, efficient use of state resources, tackle nepotism, state capture, and corruption in electoral processes, etc.
“There is no doubt that our country is in desperate need of a long-lasting solution to our poor economic situation, insecurity, disunity, weak institutions, weak health and education sector, corruption in public sectors, and waste of state resources.
“We have now reached a critical phase where what is at stake is the very survival of Nigeria as one political and economic unit. We must rise to the challenge, and what we do with this opportunity given to us by our people matters a lot”.
According to him, “These bills which are 50 in number will touch on every aspect of development in all sectors of our economy and well-being as a nation. The purpose of the bill is to reduce government spending and wastage, promote efficiency in governance, and engender national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors.
The amendment to create the office of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria is aimed at making the 1st vice president to be a succession Vice president, while the 2nd Vice president will be a Minister in charge of the Economy. To get the electoral process right, the proposed bills will address, capture and eradicate corruption in the electoral processes”.
FULL LIST: Bisi Akande, Wole Olanipekun… Tinubu appoints governing councils for tertiary institutions
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President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of governing councils and boards for federal tertiary institutions in the country.
A statement released by Nnamdi Mbaeri, the permanent secretary in the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) on Friday, said 255 individuals have been appointed to the governing bodies.
In the statement, Tinubu appointed Bisi Akande, former interim national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to chair the University of Ibadan’s governing council, and Wole Olanipekun, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the chairman of the University of Lagos council.
Others are Isa Yuguda, a former governor of Bauchi, who will chair the National Open University’s governing council; Siyan Oyeweso as chairman of the Obafemi Awolowo University’s council; Adebayo Shittu for David Umahi University of Medicine in Ebonyi State; and Muiz Banire and Florence Ita Giwa, who have been appointed to lead the councils of the Federal University of Transportation in Katsina state and the Federal Polytechnic in Ugep, Cross River state, respectively. Click here to download full list.
[TheCable]
In a bid to curb the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Ogun State, government has joined forces with community leaders in Ogun East Senatorial District to raise awareness and promote advocacy on the issue.
Speaking at a sensitisation programme, organised by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Social Development for community gatekeepers (Olorituns) in Ijebu-Ode, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Chief Mrs. Ayotunde Lawal, reiterated government's commitment to supporting initiatives that align with the agenda of building a safer future for all citizens.
Mrs. Lawal, who underscored the need to strengthen ties with community leaders, in order to curtail violence against women, girl and boy child, assured of state government's concerted efforts at improving the lives of its citizens.
"As Government, we will continue to give encouragement and support to all our gatekeepers within each community, whose mission tallies with our agenda of 'Building Our Future Together' and making life more meaningful for citizens, irrespective of their geographical location, gender, religious or political affiliation”, she said.
Earlier, Director, Women Empowerment Services, Mrs. Wonuola Kassim, emphasised that community leaders play a vital role in reaching and impacting their people, just as their partnership was crucial in reducing GBV cases.
In his goodwill message, Chairman Olorituns, Ijebu-Ode Council, Chief Adeola Alausa, lauded the state government for organising the programme, which was timely and essential in combating GBV, calling for collective efforts and government support to end social vices in the society.
In her lecture titled, "Understanding Gender-Based Violence and Response", the Ministry's Gender Vocal Officer, Mrs. Mariam Afolabi, highlighted different forms of violence, including, physical, mental and psychological, adding that sexual assaults could have devastating effects on survivors' emotions, resulting in anger, fear, sadness, while encouraging both community leaders and survivors to speak up.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Oyo Restates Commitment To End HIV/AIDS By 2030](/media/k2/items/cache/8887f6d2a60ad47c717d530a08bec781_XS.jpg)
The Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) has reiterated its commitment to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, through collaboration with development partners, and other stakeholders.
This assertion was made by the Chairman of the Agency, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, in a meeting recently held at the Agency's Conference Room with Partners, Line-Ministries and other Stakeholders across the State.
Dr. Adetunji said the government is focused on its targets aimed at ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
The Chairman implored the Stakeholders to work together with the Agency in preventing the spread of HIV in the State.
"We have to continue to ensure that we promote prevention, also work on detecting new cases and immediately put them on treatment" he said.
Dr. Gbola Adetunji stated that the meeting is aimed at developing strategic ways to sustain the momentum of controlling HIV and also the treatment coverages of the infected individuals in the State.
He noted that "very soon Oyo State along with all the Local Partners will take complete control of HIV/AIDS programming in the State in which we are to deliberate on the way forward in this meeting".
Adetunji admonished the Stakeholders to support the Agency with advice and experience sharing in order to avert the spread of the Virus in Oyo State.
While urging all to work as a team to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS in the State and also to ensure that the year 2030 target of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic becomes a reality, Dr. Adetunji pledged that he will try his best to ensure the Agency lives up to expectation.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Waheed Lanre Abass hinted that the Agency is seriously working to assess HIV response in the State and set to align and harmonize support for the response.
Dr. Lanre Abass mentioned that at the end of the meeting, Technical Working groups (TWG) for HIV response in the State are to be set up among the participants and relevant stakeholders to guide and lead the State in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.
"We are trying to align what we are really doing, now that we have different players, how we replicate what we do with or without external support and what we can improve upon in terms of coverage of this particular plan." Abass said.
"We are going to kick start a process of setting up technical working groups and move forward from that" he added.
The highlights of the Meeting were presentations of papers from the Line-Ministries and the Implementing Partners working in the State.
The meeting was attended by the Project Manager of OYSACA, Dr. Kayode Ogunkunle, representative of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Damien Foundation Belgium (DFB), NEPWHAN as well as ASHWAN and Community Based Organisations implementing HIV programs in the State.
Others are the Ministries of Health, Justice, Women Affairs, Education, Primary Health Care Board, Youth Agency and some other Line-Ministries.
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E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.