In a thought-provoking keynote address at the 3rd annual national public lecture hosted by First News, Bishop Matthew Kukah, the esteemed leader of the Catholic Church in the Sokoto Diocese, offered a candid perspective on Nigeria’s ongoing challenges. The event, titled “The Nigerian Question: Survival of the Federation in The Throes of Increasing Economic Challenges,” took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and drew attention to the pressing issues facing the nation.
Bishop Kukah emphasized that those responsible for Nigeria’s problems are not immune to the consequences of their actions. He acknowledged that while every country faces its share of difficulties, it falls upon the citizens and purposeful leaders to address these issues collectively.
Kukah remarked, “The good thing about Nigeria is that everybody knows the problems, and the individuals responsible for them are not exempt; they too do not know peace.”
He highlighted the limited opportunities for many Nigerians to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings due to various troubles. While recognizing that every nation has its unique challenges, Bishop Kukah pondered the essential question: What does Nigeria truly aspire to become? He alluded to the fact that the current global order is the result of over two centuries of exploiting Africa to build prosperous nations. Nigeria, like other nations, must find its own development path.
Addressing the potential of democracy in Nigeria, Bishop Kukah underlined the need for certain fundamental prerequisites to be in place for democracy to thrive. He drew attention to the critical issue of addressing the “bread and butter mentality” currently prevailing in the nation, asserting that democracy may seem like a mere lottery without addressing this fundamental concern.
Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the publisher of First News, stressed the importance of the lecture in the context of Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape. He expressed concern that the nation’s economic problems persist, seemingly defying conventional solutions. The lecture aimed to foster discussions and explore potential remedies for these pressing economic challenges.
Representing Bayelsa State, Governor Senator Douye Diri, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Gideon Ekeuwei, urged Bayelsa’s residents to focus on self-development as a means of adapting to the ongoing economic situation. This call for personal growth reflects the urgency of the economic challenges that Nigeria faces.
In the midst of these concerns, Bishop Kukah’s insights provide a fresh perspective on Nigeria’s journey toward a prosperous and harmonious future. As the nation grapples with economic hardships and multifaceted issues, his message resonates with the need for collective action, purposeful leadership, and a reimagining of Nigeria’s path to development.
As its candidate for the Kogi State governorship election on November 11, the Labour Party has endorsed Senator Dino Melaye of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Melaye announced the news on his X (formerly Twitter) profile on Friday. He stated that the partnership aimed to free Kogi State from the oppressive regime of Governor Yahaya Bello, which was run by the APC.
“After a wide consultation and in the interest of our dear State, the Labour Party on this day has resolved to adopt the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Dino Melaye as its candidate for the November 11th Kogi State Governorship Election,” Melaye said.
Melaye will face off against other candidates, including Ahmed Ododo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has stated that his administration has delivered more housing units in its first four years in office than all of his predecessors combined.
Speaking during a meeting with the UNDP country representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, in Abuja, Governor Abiodun highlighted his government’s achievements, including success in the Women Empowerment program, laying of over 5,000 KM of fiber optic for high-speed internet access across the state, the launch of a job portal with over 150,000 registrations in the first week, and the construction of the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport with a 4KM runway, which is the longest in Nigeria. He also mentioned a planned investment of over $400 million for a special agricultural processing zone (SAPZ) near the airport.
Governor Abiodun called for cooperation between the state and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in sectors such as housing, energy transition, ICT, women empowerment, job creation, and employment. These sectors are the major focus of his administration under the ISEYA Developmental Pillars.
The UNDP representative, Mohamed Yahya, outlined the organization’s objectives, including poverty alleviation, SDG implementation, democratic governance, and impact measurement. He mentioned the UNDP’s Jubilee Program, which aims to place 20,000 Nigerians in the public and private sectors while the organization pays their salaries for one year, with 5,000 companies participating and 4,000 placements already recorded.
Governor Abiodun expressed the intent to collaborate with UNDP in various areas, including baseline data development, arts and creative economy, expansion of the Ogun State for Women Project, climate change, TVET training, mini-grid power solutions, and sustainable housing projects, among others.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called for the perpetrators behind the attack on Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to be brought to book.
The President of PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo and Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, in a statement released on Friday, described the attack on Ajaero as an existential threat to the trade union movement in Nigeria.
PENGASSAN further stated that the attack on Ajaero was a blatant violation of human rights and an assault on the principles of democracy, freedom of expression and association.
Recall that Ajaero was arrested in Owerri, the capital of Imo State on Wednesday, during a protest by workers in Imo State.
Workers in the state had protested over an alleged “serial and habitual abuse and violation” of their rights by the state government.
Police said Ajeoro was taken into custody for his protection, but the NLC said he was brutalised after his arrest.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, in his reaction to the development, accused the NLC leader of mixing politics with unionism.
PENGASSAN in reaction to the development wrote, “Violence against union leaders or any individuals fighting for the rights of workers is not only an attack on them but also undermines the fundamentals of social dialogue and activism. These acts of violence seek to silence the voices of those who speak up for the vulnerable and marginalized, and they must be vehemently condemned by society as a whole.
“PENGASSAN demands that the authorities conduct a thorough investigation into this cowardly attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. We call on law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all workers, activists and union leaders, providing them with the necessary protection to carry out their essential duties without fear of reprisal.
“We also urge civil society organizations, trade unions, and citizens to stand in solidarity with NLC and Comrade Joe Ajaero and to denounce this act of violence. It is crucial that we collectively reject any attempts to suppress voices that advocate for the rights and well-being of workers and fight for a more equitable society.
“Our noble Association stands in solidarity with our ally in the struggle, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and expresses deep concern for his well-being and recovery. We will continue to work tirelessly to support the rights of workers, advocate for social justice, and combat any form of violence or repression that seeks to curtail the progress we have made thus far.
“All PENGASSAN members are hereby put on red alert as the days ahead will be stormy and tumultuous. We urge all trade unions and the two labour centres to respond to this ugly act in a very drastic way because injury to one is truly an injury to all.”
The first container freight train of the Lagos-Ibadan railway has taken off from the Apapa port.
The rail project was constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement published on its website on Thursday, the construction firm said the container freight train carried thirty 40-foot containers to Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
According to the company, the container train departed Apapa and arrived Ibadan in two and half hours, adding it is the first container freight train after the cement freight train started operating on July 4th.
The statement reads: “The first container freight train of the Lagos-Ibadan railway, built by CCECC, has set off from Apapa Port in Lagos, Nigeria.
“This train is the first container freight train after the cement freight train started operating on July 4th.
“It departed from Apapa Port and carried a total of 30 40-foot containers, arriving at Ibadan station in just two and a half hours.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation plans to operate one pair of container trains daily and gradually increase the number of trains as the demand grows, improving the railway transportation system behind Lagos Port.”
In September, the federal government inaugurated cargo movement on the Single-Gauge Rail (SGR) from the Apapa port to Ibadan.
During the inauguration, the train moved from the Ebute Metta station before proceeding to Apapa for the launch, and then to Ibadan over the 157-kilometer rail track.
The Kano State Government has disclosed that the former governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje left office with a debt of over N500 billion.
The State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, stated this in Kaduna State while chairing the North-West Zonal meeting of the New Nigerian People Party (NNPP)
He said the debt owed by the past administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be more than N500 billion at the end of the ongoing verification process.
The deputy governor said the huge debt impeded the smooth take-off of the NNPP government in Kano, insisting the total debt will be announced to Nigerians after verification.
He noted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is managing the available state resources judiciously to ensure payment of salaries and outstanding issues.
While pointing out the remarkable achievements accomplished by the government within the short period of assumption of office, Abdussalam revealed there are plans to commence the disbursement of retirement gratuities.
He also assured party chieftains and members at the meeting that the NNPP-led government would not disappoint the people of Kano.
He said, “We came into office inheriting a government that left us with nothing but debt. Initially, it was N300 billion, but now it is approaching N500 billion, and we are still counting. Once we complete the assessment, we will inform Nigerians, especially our fellow Kano residents, about the total debt left behind.
“Governor Yusuf ensured full payment of salaries to state workers and resolved outstanding issues, and upon assuming office, he ordered the full payment of salaries which was not the case prior to our administration.
“Furthermore, due to Governor Kabir Yusuf’s compassion, starting this month, the state will be disbursing retirement gratuities, especially the death benefits to families of deceased retirees. The first beneficiaries will be those from levels one to six, as they are junior staff who have suffered the most. We have allocated N6 billion for this purpose. The screening process is underway, and by the end of this month, many people will receive their death benefits and gratuities. This initiative will continue, and our goal is to clear all outstanding gratuities within the next two years.”
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, has said his rift with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State was purely politics.
Wike said it is politics if he demands N20 billion monthly and is allowed to award all the contracts to himself.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State wondered where Fubara was when he was fighting.
The minister vowed to remain politically relevant and maintain his structure.
According to Wike: “If I Demand N20 billion every month and even award all the contracts to myself, that’s politics. Where was he when I was fighting?
“I have to be politically relevant and I must maintain my political structure. I can’t allow anybody to cut me out immediately.
“If you like accuse me all you like, I won’t have a sleepless night because the right thing must be done.”
The rift between Wike and Fubara led to attempts by some members of the state assembly to impeach the governor.
The governor, however, resisted the attempts.
Buhari Didn't Ask About How His Ministers Worked or What They Did For 4 years Unless They Go And Meet Him – Adebayo Shittu
AdminA former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu has made a shocking revelation about former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Shittu, Buhari did not ask his ministers to explain how they run their ministries, something he feels is going to be different under President Bola Tinubu.
Adebayo Shittu was reacting to the current retreat Tinubu’s ministers are attending.
“Buhari did not give anybody any threat. As I said, Buhari is not Tinubu and Tinubu is not Buhari. What I know of Buhari with all due respect to him, he is a more reserved person. When he gives a job to somebody, he will never ask how they go about it." He said during an interview on Channels TV.
“I have to say this for national interest so that the government who comes after him should do something about it. In the Buhari government, if you don’t go and meet him, probably in the next four years, he will not ask about you.
“People bring their memos, but in terms of supervision we really did not have such things. Tinubu is trying to do things differently.
“In his statement today, Tinubu shows commitment that he is trying to do things differently. What I think he needs to add to it is to lead a transparent and quantifiable supervision of each ministry.”
A fresh strike notice has been issued to the Tinubu-led Federal government by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
This is coming a few hours after the recent attacks, abduction, and assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other members of the unions.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday (today), the leaders of NLC and TUC presented the Federal Government with a six-point demand.
This includes the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, the Area Commander, and other officials who are believed to be involved in the mistreatment and degradation of Comrade Ajaero and fellow workers.
The labour unions, thereby, issued November 8 as the new date for a nationwide strike should the government fail to meet its demands.
Some persons suspected to be agents of the state and security operatives had earlier descended on Ajaero alongside other Labour leaders, smashing their vehicles, inflicting injuries on them and dispossessing handsets, money, and ATM cards, among other valuables from the Labour leaders and others who had gathered at the NLC State secretariat to begin a scheduled protest over pending labour issues.
The NLC President, other national leaders of NLC and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart were at the state Secretariat in Owerri to protest, among other grievances, the backlog of unpaid salaries and allowances, pensions, gratuities, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act.
There has been outrage and condemnation of the attack, brutalisation, and battering of Ajaero. Naija News understands that on Tuesday next week, the leaders of NLC and TUC will convene to determine the suitable course of action in response to this incident.
Nigeria Can’t Have Credible Elections With Card-carrying Party Members As INEC Commissioners, RECs – Falana Tells Tinubu
AdminHuman Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that there are credible elections in 2027.
Speaking on Friday during an appearance on Channels TV, Falana told Tinubu that the shame of bad elections in Nigeria must stop and the buck for the responsibility lies on the President’s table.
The human rights lawyer lamented the situation where card-carrying members of a political party or a loyalist of a party are appointed to be Resident Electoral Commissioners or National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, there is no way INEC can conduct free and fair elections with such appointments.
He further charged Tinubu to help INEC in conducting credible elections by ensuring the recommendations of electoral reform committees are considered and implemented.
“As a matter of fact, since 2007, successive regimes in Nigeria, Yar’Adua regime, Jonathan regime and Buhari regime have all set up electoral reform committees or panels to make recommendations that will assist the government to have credible elections.
“In the case of President Tinubu, as a leader of ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu set up a committee to campaign for the implementation of the recommendations of the Uwais Panel and one of them is that we must have independent umpires.
“You can’t have a card-carrying member of a political party or a loyalist of a party to be a Resident Electoral Commissioner or a National Commissioner, you complicate for INEC to have credible elections,” Falana submitted.
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The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) UK Chapter has voiced its opposition to a planned protest in London against President Bola Tinubu, stating that such a move would be ill-advised.
In a statement released on Friday in Lagos, Mr Tunde Doherty, Chairman of the UK chapter of the ruling party and also the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, responded to recent allegations and statements made by a group led by Aisha Yesufu, an activist and supporter of the Labour Party.
According to Doherty, the group intends to stage the protest in London to assert their claims about the president’s educational credentials.
“We have become aware that this group is organizing a protest in London to promote baseless claims about President Bola Tinubu’s educational credentials,” he said.
“We firmly believe it is our duty to address this matter and emphasize the importance of relying on verified facts rather than premature and unsubstantiated allegations.
“President Bola Tinubu, a seasoned and distinguished statesman, has a long and impressive track record of serving our great nation.
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving Nigeria and its people.
“The allegations of forged certificates not only lack solid evidence but also undermine the spirit of democracy and fair political discourse that we value,” Doherty added.
In a statement of optimism, Bode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his belief that the party will recover from recent setbacks.
George pledged his commitment to restoring the PDP to its former glory and urged members to remain unwavering in their loyalty.
Cracks within the PDP surfaced when Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, announced Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor of Delta State, as his running mate for the upcoming 2023 presidential election.
Atiku’s decision prompted immediate calls from Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, along with the G-5 governors and other party leaders, for the resignation of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the former national chairman of the party.
Their demand for Ayu’s removal was based on the desire for “regional balance,” as both Ayu and Atiku hail from the northern part of the country.
Nevertheless, George assured that efforts would be made to propel the PDP forward.
While addressing the PDP general assembly in Lagos, George assured members that despite the challenges faced in the previous general elections, the party would not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
He stated, “I urge all of you who have remained faithful to stay steadfast; we will ensure the party recovers its lost glory.”
He further pledged that the party’s national leadership would conduct a comprehensive analysis of the issues that affected the party, in due course.
The last victim of the Bethel High School pupil kidnapped in Kaduna, Treasure Ayuba, has been released.
On July 5, gunmen invaded the school in Damishi, Kaduna and abducted 121 students.
While others were released, Ayuba was the last victim to regain his freedom.
The Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC) confirmed Ayuba’s release on Thursday night.
The NBC President, Rev Israel Akanji, confirmed his release in a statement.
He said, “Glory be to God! Glory be to God!! Glory be to God!!! Treasure Ayuba, the last boy who was still with the bandits who kidnapped the 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, on July 5, 2021, has just returned home today, November 2, 2023.
“Thanks be to our unfailing God. Thank you also very much for your prayers and numerous support.”
[DailyPost]
The Nigeria Labour Congress has said that the health condition of its President, Joe Ajaero, is very critical and may be flown abroad for a full medical examination.
This followed his brutalisation on Wednesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during a pre-strike meeting.
Speaking on the state of health of Ajaero, who was said to require comprehensive check after discharge from the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, the Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, Chris Onyeka, lamented that his situation had worsened and could hardly talk.
According to Onyeka, the Chief of Staff to the NLC president: “The Congress President is in a very critical condition.
“He is so weak and can hardly talk. He almost passed out last night.
“The Congress is considering flying him abroad for a full medical examination.
“There is high apprehension and fear that he might have been injected with a substance.
“Like you may have seen, he was brutally beaten, brutalised and battered in addition to confiscating his phones, monies and other personal belongings.
“We have suspended the action in Imo State because besides the President, other Labour leaders suffered similar fate.
“They need to take care of themselves and recover from the injuries inflicted on them by agents of the state government including operatives of the Imo State Police Command.”
[EagleOnline]