…..says that it’s a diverse and inclusive collective

Against the backdrop of a Political Party creating a directorate for the Obidient Movement, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections and the Principal mentor of the Obidient Movement In Nigeria, Peter Obi has said that the group is beyond a political party and cannot be cubbyhole into one.

Obi explained that membership of the Obidient Movement cut across a political party, sex, tribe, religion or geopolitical area pointing out that the driving force of the body is rescuing and building a new Nigeria that is POssible.

Explaining further the size, scope and nature of the Obidient Movement, the LP standards bearer wrote in his X platform on Wednesday “I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not a directorate in any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement.

“There may be a youth mobilization directorate in political parties but the Obidient movement is far beyond a particular political party. The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations.

“It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country. Its membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including rural communities, and public, private, and corporate entities, united by a shared vision for a New and better Nigeria. Guided by the principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values, the Obidient Movement advocates for fairness, equity, inclusivity, and justice.

“It is committed to a strictly accountable and responsible code of government. Our members are committed to contributing to the realization of a better future for Nigeria through the New Nigeria project, anchored on loyalty, integrity, and democratic values.

“The Obidient Movement seeks to foster positive change through a commitment to integrity, honesty, and accountability, rejecting deceitful behaviours.

“We serve as a beacon of hope for a reimagined Nigeria, where leadership is grounded in character, capacity, competence, compassion and the well-being of all citizens.

“Let this serve as a clarification that the Obidient Movement operates independently of any political party, and its membership is not limited to any particular affiliation.

“Our focus remains steadfast on driving positive change and promoting a New Nigeria for all. This is who we are and will remain for all time.

The Nigerian workforce eagerly awaits an increase in the national minimum wage, as they struggle to cope with the country's economic challenges. The Federal Government has taken a step in the right direction by approving a salary increase for civil servants while promising that a new minimum wage will soon follow. However, the current minimum wage of thirty thousand naira falls significantly short of meeting basic needs and has plunged many workers into a life of absolute poverty.

To put this into perspective, the World Bank sets the poverty threshold at individuals living below 1.9 dollars per day. With a minimum wage equivalent to roughly one thousand naira per day, Nigerian workers find themselves well below this line. Sustaining oneself, let alone supporting a family, on such meager income is a daunting task, making it nearly impossible to fulfill even the most basic needs and aspirations.

Fairness in Employment Practices

When evaluating the fairness of employers in Nigeria towards their workers, the situation reveals a nuanced landscape. In the private sector, compliance with the national minimum wage is relatively common, as most employers adhere to legal requirements. However, some exploit the low minimum wage by offering salaries just above this threshold, taking advantage of the high unemployment rates in the country. Consequently, highly qualified individuals often find themselves receiving inadequate compensation for their skills and contributions.

On the government's front, there is ample room for improvement. Recognizing workers as the backbone of society, the government should establish a reasonable national minimum wage. Inadequate compensation not only affects the welfare of workers but also carries widespread societal implications. Therefore, there is a clear expectation for the government to prioritize fair wages and working conditions for Nigerian workers, acknowledging their indispensable role in maintaining the nation's prosperity.

Consequences of Neglecting Worker Welfare

Before the current administration, instances were rampant where state governments failed to pay workers' salaries on time, with some only providing partial payments. Such neglect towards worker welfare has led to tragic consequences, including reports of workers resorting to suicide out of frustration and children dropping out of school due to financial strain. These outcomes underscore the severity of the situation, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

It is possible that research could uncover a connection between the neglect of worker welfare and the rise in levels of insecurity. While this is not meant to justify criminal behavior, it is important to note that financial pressure is a major factor in the "fraud triangle" and can significantly contribute to fraudulent activity. Addressing issues related to worker wages is crucial in reducing financial burdens and mitigating associated societal impacts, such as increased insecurity.

Determining a Fair Minimum Wage

While advocating for a minimum wage of four hundred and ninety four thousand naira by the Trade Union Congress and Nigerian Labour Congress might seem ideal, determining the appropriate minimum wage is a complex task. It involves considering factors such as the cost of living, inflation rates, and the financial capacity of employers, including governments at all levels.

Pushing for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage is appealing, but acknowledging economic realities and feasibility is crucial. State governments, often citing limited funds, must prioritize workers' welfare while maintaining fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Boosting internally generated revenue through initiatives like enhancing tax collection, investing in infrastructure, and promoting entrepreneurship could address this challenge.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Prosperous Nigeria

Achieving a fair and sustainable national minimum wage requires collaborative efforts among the government, businesses, and labour unions to establish an equitable and sustainable minimum wage for all stakeholders involved. It is essential to establish a robust mechanism for enforcing the national minimum wage to ensure that workers' rights are protected and upheld. As Nigeria navigates its economic challenges, prioritizing fair wages and worker welfare is not only a matter of social justice but also a crucial step towards building a prosperous and stable nation.

Author: Kenechukwu Aguolu   FCA, PMP, FCIA

The term "Japa,” is associated with Nigerians migrating to foreign countries in search of better opportunities, and has seen a significant increase in recent years. This trend, driven by the desire for economic empowerment and a safer living environment, has recently faced a slowdown. The depreciation of the naira has made emigration more expensive, and stricter immigration rules in popular destination countries have contributed to this deceleration.

The initial wave of Nigerian emigrants primarily sought economic empowerment and improved living standards for themselves and their families. However, in recent times, increasing insecurity within Nigeria has become a significant reason for people to leave. The growing levels of violence and instability have driven individuals to seek refuge in countries where the safety of lives and property is more guaranteed.

The decision to migrate is complex and comes with potential consequences. On one hand, successful emigration can lead to significant financial gains, better job opportunities, and superior educational prospects for children. On the other hand, it can result in cultural dislocation and initial difficulties in adapting to a new environment, among other challenges. Given these potential outcomes, it is essential to carefully weigh all variables before deciding to leave Nigeria. Factors such as age, educational background, skill set, family size, necessary documentation, financial requirements, and available migration routes must be thoroughly evaluated. The uncertainties inherent in the emigration process might make it less appealing for risk-averse people

With meticulous planning and execution, Japa can lead to the desired outcomes. The initial phase in a new country often presents challenges, requiring resilience, hard work, and appropriate skills to navigate successfully. Many find that their efforts eventually result in an enhanced quality of life and better opportunities for their children. Nonetheless, like any significant life venture, the outcomes of Japa can vary, with some individuals achieving success while others do not.

The increasing trend of emigration has significant implications for Nigeria, particularly in terms of brain drain. Skilled professionals such as doctors, project managers, engineers, and educators leaving the country puts pressure on critical sectors. For example, the healthcare system often faces shortages of qualified doctors due to this trend, which can greatly impact the nation's ability to provide adequate medical care. This loss of talent presents a major challenge to Nigeria's development and its ability to offer quality services to its citizens.

In response to these challenges, the role of the Nigerian government is crucial. To address the reasons driving citizens to emigrate, the government must prioritize improving welfare and security within the country. This involves creating more job opportunities, ensuring the safety of lives and properties, and enhancing the education and healthcare systems, among other measures. Additionally, improving the overall quality of life for Nigerians is essential. By tackling these fundamental issues, the government can reduce the incentives for emigration, encouraging citizens to invest their talents and efforts within Nigeria rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

The phenomenon of Japa is multifaceted, extending beyond the pursuit of economic empowerment to encompass a wide range of motivations, including the quest for safety and better living conditions. Although it seemingly offers the promise of a brighter future, it also brings substantial risks and challenges. Stressing the importance of careful planning and well-informed decision-making is essential for individuals contemplating this course of action. By understanding and addressing the underlying motivations behind Japa, the government can work towards fostering a more stable and prosperous Nigeria, ultimately reducing the drive for mass emigration.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate  in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, has told federal lawmakers that posterity will not be kind to them if they keep looking away from what he alleged is the “daylight robbery” surrounding the fuel subsidy regime of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Atiku also alleged that the Tinubu administration was diverting public funds through petrol subsidy, hence the refusal of the government to reveal how much is being spent on subsidy.

The former vice president was reacting to the Presidency’s debunking of claims that it is making provisions to pay the sum of N5.4trn for fuel subsidy in 2024.

Recalled the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, had, in an Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), revealed that the government would be spending up to N5.4 trillion on oil subsidies in 2024.

Meanwhile, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reacting also to the presidency’s claim, said the revelation confirmed its stand that the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is corrupt and deceitful.

The PDP, in a statement by its national publicity secretary Hon Debo Ologunagba, further demanded that the president immediately clear the air and come clean by “personally addressing Nigerians and ordering a public enquiry into the reported N5.4 trillion fuel subsidy under his watch.”

However, Atiku, in his own statement yesterday, said there is a need for the National Assembly to get to the bottom of the matter rather than focusing on frivolous issues.

“The National Assembly needs to be alive to its responsibilities, especially in the area of oversight. Posterity will not be kind to members of the National Assembly if they continue to look the other way while daylight robbery is taking place,” the former Vice President said.

He said the clandestine subsidy regime was one of the reasons investments in the oil sector had refused to come in.

Atiku added, “Tinubu has brought the shady nature of running  Lagos to the federal level. He claims subsidy is gone but his Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, says they are intervening from time to time while his Finance Minister, Wale Edun, described subsidy removal as an ‘ongoing process’. A document authored by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy revealing how much subsidy is being paid is now being disowned by the very authors of the document.

“Both the World Bank and the IMF have revealed in separate reports that Nigeria is still paying petrol subsidies, but the Tinubu government refuses to come clean. Even a senior member of the APC had revealed that subsidy was beyond paid.

“For a man who claims to be on a mission to attract foreign direct investment, it is ironic that he cannot see that his policy flip flops and lies are capable of dissuading investors. He must come clean on this subsidy issue since he doubles as petroleum minister. The Tinubu administration should be courageous enough to own their policies and outcome with their full chest and responsible enough to be accountable for their actions to Nigerians.”

Atiku said the denial lends credence that money meant for the Federation Account, which ought to be shared to states and local governments, is being diverted without any form of accountability whatsoever.

 [Leadership]

Airdrops are the fastest way to earn free crypto tokens in a crypto project and rewards from airdrops could range from $1 to $10,000 worth of crypto assets.

Airdrops offer investors and crypto users a chance to participate in a crypto project while standing a chance of earning free tokens for their efforts.  

Airdrops are used by Crypto project owners as a marketing gimmick to onboard new members, Grow the project’s user base, and create awareness.  

There are many promising Airdrop campaigns to watch out for this month of June.

We selected the 5 most promising Airdrop campaigns from Coindoo’s list happening this month to be mindful of and participate in. 

Arena Games Airdrop 

Arena Games is a Web 3 project that falls under the gaming category. The project combines traditional gaming with the Gamefi sector of the crypto space. The project provides game developers and players the opportunity to manage their digital assets, mint Non-fungible tokens and improve the overall user experience of gaming.  

The native token of the Arena games ecosystem is called the AGP and it is an important component of the project used for various activities.  

The Arena Airdrop campaign allows its participants to earn over 10 million free AGP tokens.  

Participants are only expected to complete specific tasks within the Arena ecosystem to be eligible to earn airdrops. 

The airdrop campaign is slated to end on the 7th of June.  

Starknet Airdrop  

Starknet is a secondary network on the Ethereum blockchain which is committed to massively scaling up Decentralized apps without affecting the security and compatibility of the Ethereum blockchain.  

The team behind the project is preparing to launch the inaugural phase of a very important program in the Starknet ecosystem so it is launching an airdrop campaign to promote it.  

The airdrop campaign will give participants the opportunity to earn from a pool of 700 million Starknet tokens. The Starknet tokens would be distributed to some 1.3 million addresses of eligible participants after the airdrop.  

Nexo Airdrop campaign

Nexo is the world’s largest lending platform and a huge player in the global fintech space.  

Nexo is organizing an airdrop campaign to promote its services and has set aside 10 million Nexo tokens for the campaign.  

Participants must complete various tasks like funding their account, swapping or borrowing to be eligible.  

Engagers of the campaign will earn according to the level of their engagement.  

Ouinex 

Ouinex aims to cut a niche for itself in the cryptocurrency market by blending conventional finance with cryptocurrency trading. The crypto project was designed by finance professionals to give traders an avenue to integrate their crypto assets into the traditional market.  

The team behind the project has set aside 30 OUIX tokens to reward participants who complete Simple tasks in the ecosystem. The campaign is ending on June 20.  

CAGA Airdrop campaign  

CAGA is a stand-alone layer 1 network designed to create a trusted environment for the execution of transactions. CAGA is promoting its services and users are encouraged to explore decentralized governance with developer-friendly tools.  

Caga is currently airdropping 1 billion Caga tokens to participants of its airdrop campaign.  

The airdrop campaign will end on the 12th of June.  

• There are two broad categories of Airdrops, and they are free airdrops and paid airdrops. Free Airdrops give participants the chance to earn free crypto tokens by completing tasks and engaging in the crypto project. Paid airdrop campaigns require users to stake some tokens to become eligible for rewards. 

• Nairametrics reported earlier on the basics of Airdrops and how to make money from them.  

 [Nairametrics]

A marketing expert, Adia Sowho, has quit her position as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for telecommunications giants – MTN Nigeria, in what sources believe was a controversial circumstance, Daily Trust can report.  

 Sowho became the first female CMO of MTN Nigeria in August 2021.

Her professional path began in 2001 after obtaining an engineering degree. She worked as a radio frequency engineer at US Cellular Corporation in Chicago before transitioning into management consulting at Deloitte Consulting LLP in 2007.

 A source said her exit was by mutual consent, though there was no official statement from MTN Nigeria as at press time, amidst allegations of corruption.

But Public Relations Manager for MTN, Lakinbofa Goodluck, said Ms Adia Sowho’s exit “was mutual disengagement from MTN.”  When told that the former CMO was alleged to have resigned because of allegations of corruption against her, the MTN spokesperson insisted, “It was a mutual disengagement.”

In a related development, Ugonwa Nwoye, a C-suite executive who leads the largest customer care operation in telecommunications in Africa and the Middle East, will take over from Sowho as acting Chief Marketing Officer, in addition to her current role as Chief Customer and Experience Officer (CCXO).

Nwoye is in charge of customer operations strategy, design and implementation of the contacting service, up-sell, and support experience for all customer segments served and targeted by MTN Nigeria.

[DailyTrust]

Arsenal legend, Gilberto Silva, has predicted the Gunners to win the Premier League title next season over Manchester City.

Arsenal finished second position behind leaders Man City in the recently-concluded season.

Mikel Arteta’s side went toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s side in the title race

The Premier League North London club finished the season with 89 points from 38 games, while City scored 91 points.

“It was so close [Arsenal’s Premier League title race with City]. I think, of course, at the end of the season for the players, the manager, everyone, it is a kind of disappointment for being so close and yet so far at points to get it,” Silva told Sky Sports.

“The confidence that you have done great and bounce back next season and do this what they need to do, I am very confident they can do it next season.”

[DailyPost]

A former senator, who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, yesterday urged the Kaduna State Government to recover all the funds allegedly diverted under the Nasir El-Rufai Administration.

The state House of Assembly accused El-Rufai and his aides of squandering N423 billion in eight years, an allegation the former governor denied.

The House received the report of the ad hoc committee set up to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded by the former governor.

The report indicted El-Rufai and many of his commissioners and aides.

Sani said the report vindicated his long-held opinion that there was massive mismanagement of funds by the last administration.

In a post on social media, the Senator stated: “The Kaduna Assembly has done a good job. I wish to congratulate them.

“The next step is to ensure the recovery of our stolen money…

 “For anyone who cared to go through that published report, I don’t know what ‘serving with integrity means’.

“Kaduna was a victim of two types of banditry; the one in our forests and the one in the Government House.

“They left behind estates and malls for their children and left behind a mountain of debt for the children of the poor.”

Sani said the House report vindicated his personal views.

“For eight years, I stood alone telling the people of Kaduna State and the country how our state was systematically looted…

“The people inside and outside the state were deceived with aesthetics and industrial-scale propaganda.

“They wrecked the economy of the state, … destroyed the lives and livelihoods of millions of people and used religion to divide our state.

 “Many politicians in the state were silenced out of fear of arrest, attacks by thugs or having their properties confiscated or demolished. I refused to be silenced.

“The Kaduna Assembly report is a vindication,” Sani said.

El-Rufai denied the allegations, describing the report that indicted him as “jaundiced.”

The House alleged that N423 billion of the state resources was siphoned under El-Rufa’i.

It mandated Governor Uba Sani to refer the former governor and others indicted aides to relevant security agencies for investigation.

Chairman of the ad-hoc committee and Deputy Speaker, Henry Magaji Danjuma, presented the report during plenary on Wednesday.

The report alleged that most of the loans obtained by the El-Rufai Administration were not used for the purpose for which they were secured, while due process was not followed in some cases.

The Speaker, Yusuf Liman, said the past administration’s financial activities left the state with huge liabilities.

The report was adopted and its recommendations were forwarded to the governor for immediate action.

The House alleged that the humongous withdrawals of cash in naira and dollars from the state’s coffers had no supporting records of utilisation.

It further alleged that El-Rufa’i connived with commissioners and heads of parastatals to defraud the state by issuing directives to the Kaduna Public Procurement Agency (KADPPA) to circumvent due process in  payment to contractors.

[TheNation]

The loss of majority in parliament by the African National Congress, ANC in the May 29, 2024 South African elections was a sunset for the continent. It means that the unrepentant Pan Africanist organisation with its vow to the mass of the people and unrepentant commitment to humanity as manifested in its unprecedented war against genocide in Palestine, might be compromised under a coalition.  

The uniqueness of the ANC in   South African and international politics is that it has never really been a political party. Rather, it is an all-comers  movement of people dedicated to freedom and social justice. It is built on a tripod: coalition of people with different ideologies and religions, the South African Communist Party which espouses socialism, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU.  The current President Cyril Ramaphosa is from COSATU.

South Africa is an African promise. It rose out of the horizon after one of the bloodiest pages in human history was written not just in the blood of the African people, but also in that of thousands of our Cuban brothers who laid down their lives on our soil. Its struggles for freedom and land and, insistence that all human beings are imbued with the same endowments irrespective of colour or creed, was itself, a    fight for humanity.

The war against Apartheid which pitched humanity against racists and super powers like the United States and United Kingdom, brought out the beast in some and the best in liberation fighters like Chris Hani, Joe Slovo, Ruth First, Solomon Mahlangu and the Mandelas.

Even in their hour of victory, the South African people, under the ANC flag, were never vengeful. What they promised essentially was “a democratic society based on equality, non-racialism and non-sexism (and) a nation built by developing our different cultures, beliefs and languages as a source of our common strength.” Those gave the ANC victory at the polls. What last week, reduced the ANC’s    percentage vote to 40.18 per cent and its majority in parliament to 159 of 400 seats, is its inability to fulfil the other half of its 1994 promise. It was to build “an economy which grows through providing jobs, housing and education (and) a peaceful and secure environment in which people can live without fear.”

The rainbow nation now has a narrow choice. A coalition in which the ANC will have to make quite difficult choices.    

On the inevitable coalition,  the ANC’s National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri    informed that:  “The ANC has taken the position that we must all act in the interest of our country and its people, and work on a national consensus on the form of government that is best suited to move South Africa forward at this moment in our history.”

But the practical reality is that this could be a nightmare. The most straight forward, is a coalition with the Democratic Alliance, DA, which polled 21.8 per cent of the votes with 87 seats in parliament. This possible coalition will have 246 seats which automatically, will form government.      But this, literally, will be going to dinner with the Devil. Where the ANC is pro-people with welfare principles, the DA is more like a resurrection of the old ruling class. Where the former is a grassroots movement , the latter is mainly for the middle and upper classes drawing its strength from the old Apartheid ruling mass of Afrikaans. The DA’s origins are in the 1959 Progressive Party    which warned the then    ruling class against continuing    the Apartheid policy.

The next possible alliance is with the new uMkhonto we Sizwe, MK, party  led by former President Jacob Zuma. It was formed just five months to the elections and has caused the greatest upset in the history of the country’s elections. It also drew its support from the normal ANC political base, and is a major reason why the ANC lost its parliamentary majority.    The party with 14.58 per cent    of the votes and 58 seats in parliament, would give the ANC alliance a comfortable 217 seats in the National Assembly. But going into alliance with it could be like the ANC eating the humble pie. The ANC was led by Zuma which forced him to resign as the country’s President in 2018. Zuma has been battered, bruised and imprisoned.  In fact, the Constitutional Court barred him from running for parliament    over a contempt of court    conviction, but he remained on the ballot. Now, he is a king maker and may be in a position to determine    the political future of Ramaphosa as President of the country.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the ANC would not compromise its principles just to hang on to power: “I think the ANC has many factors to consider in terms of how it forms a government – both the stability of the country at large but also for the sake of having a government that still holds to the values of the ANC that it has long said that it serves.”

If the party is to stick to this principle, then the MK is its best choice of a coalition partner. But then, Zuma might ask for his pound of flesh by making the removal of his arch rival, Ramaphosa, as a condition.

A third option, is like no option: an alliance with the Economic Freedom Fighters, EFF, led by Julius Malema. He was the former ANC Youth Leader who was expelled by the party. If the MK is a radical party, the EFF is left of the MK. The EFF wants the appropriation of lands from the current owners who historically, stole them. It also wants the nationalization of the mines and banks to give economic power to the masses. It garnered 9.52 per cent of the votes and has 37 seats in parliament. A coalition with the ANC will give the alliance 196 seats which would need a broader coalition with a smaller party like the Inkhatha Freedom Party with 17. The problem is that this is essentially an ethnic party of Zulus. The other small party, the    Patriotic Alliance, PA, with nine seats, is a far right, anti-immigration party. Far worse than going to bed with the DA.

The decline of the ANC is not unexpected. When it had the masses and most of the world solidly behind it, its leaders chose to have the political kingdom hoping that the economic kingdom would be added to it. The reality is that to have majority rule with minority control of the economy , is a doomed plan. To have the Black Majority Vote without Black Economic Power, was bound to maintain South Africa’s economic Apartheid system. By the way, Mother Africa, Winnie Mandela, warned us against this, but we never listened.