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Category: Politics

  • Oshiomhole chairs 256-member Edo APC guber campaign council

    Oshiomhole chairs 256-member Edo APC guber campaign council

    Campaign

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 5, 2024(NAN) Ahead of the Edo governorship poll, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has released a 256-member State Campaign Council with former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as Chairman.

    Acting Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, announced Sen. Matthew Urhoghide as the Campaign Council Director-General (DG), and Mr Joe Ugheoke as Campaign Council Secretary.

    Other notable members included Peter Akpatason, who is Deputy Director-General (DDG), Operations, and Mike Onolememen, Deputy Director-General (DDG), Administration.

    “Chief Lucky Imasuen, Odi Okogie and Abu Lawani are Coordinators for Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North, respectively.

    “The Campaign Council also has Ms Bisi Idaomi as Director of Administration, John Osakue as Director of Operations, while Samson Osagie is director of contacts,” Tenebe said.

    According to the statement, Dr Ernest Umakhihe will oversee financial matters as Director of Finance, Orobosa Omo-Ojo is Director, Publicity, while Kazeem Afegbua will function as Director, Media Relations.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    NY/KOO

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  • Ondo 2024: Edema emerges as NNPP governorship candidate

    Ondo 2024: Edema emerges as NNPP governorship candidate
    Poll
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olugbenga Edema, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, on Wednesday, was announced as the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the Nov. 16 governorship poll.
    The News  Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Israel Ayeni, who won the party’s primary on April 26, voluntarily withdrew, paving way for his substitution with Edema.
    At the substitution primary held on Wednesday, Edema, the sole candidate of the election, was affirmed by a voice vote by the 180 delegates across the 18 local government areas of the state.
    The Chairman of the 2024 NNPP  Electoral Committee, Mr Ayeni Aladelusi, who announced Edema as the party’s candidate, said that there was a constitutional provision for substitution within a stipulated period.
    Aladelusi explained that following the withdrawal of Isreal Ayeni, the members resolved to substitute him with Edema, a tested politician and administrator, to fly the party’s flag.
    Also speaking, Ayeni said that he withdrew his interest in the governorship race in the interest of the party.
    In his acceptance speech, Edema thanked the  God for giving him the opportunity to present himself  to serve the people of the state.
    He also appreciated the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, State Working Committee of NNPP and delegates for their support and confidence reposed in him.
    “ I offer myself as your candidate and standard bearer for the Ondo State gubernatorial election coming up on the 16th November 2024.
    “I accept the challenge, I accept the mandate freely and willingly granted to me today, and I promise not to ever look back,” he said.
    Edema further said that the manifesto of the party aligned with his vision as encapsulated in the ‘Igbega Ondo’ manifesto.
    The governorship candidate, who was one of the 16 aspirants that jostled for the April 20 governorship primary of the APC, stated that his vision was set on the “consolidation and sustainability lane for total development of the state.”
    Edema, who decried the conduct and process of the APC primary poll in April, said that internal democracy was well rooted in the NNPP.
    According to him, the purported primary election conducted by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 20 lacked internal democracy.
    “This act of impunity should not be supported and be allowed to continue in our polity. It is trite that you cannot give what you do not have.
    “ And as the saying goes “a house built with spittle will certainly collapse under the early morning dew”.
    “The demise of APC is just around the corner like its sister, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from which it took over the reign of power.
    “It is on this note that I hereby formally announce my resignation from APC forthwith.
    “I hereby pitch my tent with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), a truly progressive and people-oriented party,” Edema said.
    He subsequently nominated Dr Rotimi Adeyemi as his running mate in the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OKEO/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • No merger talks with any party – PDP

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    PDP not in  merger talks with any party – Ologunagba

    Merger

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is not in  merger or amalgamation talks with any  political party or interest.

     

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary,Mr  Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this in a statement issued after the party’s NWC 587th meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

     

    Olugunagba said that while PDP was open to  all Nigerians ,including its former members who left for other parties, the party remained strong and formidable.

     

    According to him, the party is capable of winning elections in a free, fair and transparent electoral process in Nigeria.

     

    “The NWC acknowledges the influx of millions of Nigerians into our party in the on-going party membership drive in all the electoral wards across the country.

     

    “This further confirms that the PDP remains the party of choice for majority of Nigerians.

     

    “The public, teeming members of PDP and of course, the international community should therefore, disregard any report suggesting any form of merger between the PDP and any other political party, as such is not in the contemplation of our great party,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OBE/FON/BHB
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Buhari Bolaji

  • Senate steps down 2024 FCT Supplementary Budget

     

    Budget

    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja, June 5,2024(NAN) The Senate on Wednesday stood down the 2024 FCT Supplementary Budget of ₦98.5 billion, over lack of details on  projected revenue and expenditure in  the budget document presented to lawmakers.

    Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) had presented the proposed estimate without a detailed break down of the expected revenue and expenditure.

    Opeyemi in his presentation,  said the bill was read for the first time on May 15.

    He said the FCT 2024 supplementary budget was to consolidate on the magnitude and scope of ongoing projects simultaneously within the city center  and across six area councils.

    This, he said, was to ensure the Renewed Hope Mantra for a befitting capital city for Nigeria and Nigerians was achieved accordingly.

    Contributing, Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC- Delta) and Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger) raised concerns over lack of details on the budget document presented to the lawmakers.

    Musa specially said the budget document did not indicate how revenue was generated and utilised in the previous budget.

    He said details of budget performance of previous budget was not also captured in the supplementary budget.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio acknowledged non inclusion of the budget details.

    However,when the budget was put to a voice vote, the “nays” were loudest but Akpabio did not hit the gravel.

    Opeyemi, thereafter,  explained that Chairman of Senate Committee on FCT Sen.Ibrahim Bomai had  details of the budget but the details was not part of the lead debate that was given to him to present at plenary.

    Following his explanation, the budget was stood down to allow for provision of details going forward (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KC/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • Reps demand living wage for workers, differ on strike approach

     

    Wage

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 5, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives has demanded a living wage for Nigerian workers rather than the Federal Government’s proposed minimum wage.

    The lawmakers,  however,  differed on the approach adopted by organised labour during the two-day strike by shutting down the national grid and closing the nation’s airports and  health sector.

    Rep. Ali Jesi (APC-Gombe) had moved a motion in Abuja on Tuesday on the urgent  need to consider the  imperatives of fixing a living wage for Nigerian workers to ameliorate current economic hardship.

    Presenting his motion, the lawmaker commended the labour unions for their commitment toward negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers at such critical period and resolved to call off the strike in the interim.

    He said that in line with the provisions of Section 3(4) of the Act, the extant minimum wage which commenced on April 18, 2019 has expired after five years on April 18, 2024.

    He, however, called for a further review of the existing Act.

    Contributing to the debate, Rep Aliu Madaki (NNPP-Kano),  noted that what the Nigerian workers needed was a living wage and not a minimum wage.

    He added that the Federal Government should be able to pay the living wage,  considering the economic situation in the country.

    Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the house said: “Can we say as  leaders,  we have carried out the purpose of governance which is hinged on security and the welfare of the people.

    “Have we provided these basic needs which is our primary purpose of being elected, can someone who is earning N50, 000 depend on such with the high cost of house rent,?”

    According to him, we must be realistic by providing living wage for workers, it is sad that the government is proposing a minimum wage.

    He, however, cautioned the labour unions against   overstepping boundaries, adding that switching off national grid was not in the interest of the people they are fighting for.

    “Some people are on life support at the hospital; some were at the airport to board flight but could not make it due to the strike.”

    He urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the yet to be proposed minimum wage amendment bill once it was brought before it.

    “Let us pass the minimum wage bill with the speed at which we pass the national anthem, the bill should be recalled and passed  with the speed of light.”

    Rep. Stanley Adedeji (APC-Oyo) said that  following the shutting down of the national grid as a result of the strike, there was need to criminalise such act.

    According to him, you cannot go on industrials action and kill people.

    Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the house, who presided over plenary,  said that people who were on essential services should not go on strike.

    He said  it was against the law for electricity workers, hospitals, airports among others to go on strike.

    He added that embarking on strike by those mentioned could have  negative effects and disrupted activities.

    Adopting the motion, the house urged government to redirect the focus of the negotiations from fixing a new minimum wage to fixing a realistic living wage for Nigerians,

    The house further urged the government to consider the downward review of electricity tariff, to reduce the suffering of Nigerians.

    The house also  referred the matter to the its Committee on Labour and Employment, to get back to it in one week.(NAN)www.nannewsmng

    ODF/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • Senate passes bill to prescribe salaries, allowances of judicial officers

    Senate passes bill to prescribe salaries, allowances of judicial officers

    Bill
    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to prescribe improved salaries, allowances and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria.

    This followed the adoption of a report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters at plenary.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) said that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill were unanimous in their support for its passage.

    Monguno said that the purposes of the bill were sacrosanct to the justice sector reform initiative of the present administration.

    He said that the bill was in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the standing rules of the senate.

    According to him, the proposed legislation is apt and timely, as the increase in remuneration of judicial office holders is long overdue, in light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country.

    He said that the bill was quite innovative, as aside the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognisance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.

    “Generally, the bill, if passed will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity.

    “No doubt, adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint.

    “Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision making skills, and fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.

    “When Judges are adequately compensated, it demonstrates a commitment by society towards the important role they play in upholding justice,” Monguno said.

    He said that the increase in remuneration for judicial office holders was essential to attract and retain highly qualified and experienced professionals, who possessed the necessary skills, knowledge and integrity to serve on the bench.

    “Certainly, the bill, if passed will give financial security to retired judicial officers, after years of dedication in the profession and allowing them to remain comfortable during their retirement,” the chairman said.

    He said that the increment under consideration, had been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KC/FON/SH

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Kaduna assembly c’ttee on finances of ex-Gov. El-Rufai submits report

    Kaduna assembly c’ttee on finances of ex-Gov. El-Rufai submits report

    Probe
    By Aisha Gambo
    Kaduna, June 5,2024(NAN) The ad- hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all the finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai has submitted its report to the house.
    The Chairman of the committee,Mr Magaji Danjuma, while reading  the report on Wednesday stated that the committee had discovered evidence of several cases of alleged corruption in the running of the state from  May 2015 to May 2023.
    He said that the committee had also discovered some alleged improper  awards of contracts without due process with some loans collected without the approval of the state assembly.
    While reading the report summary , the Speaker, Dahiru Liman, said that the El-Rufai administration had a total income of N1.49 trillion in the years under review, adding that some of these monies were allegedly misappropriated.
    He added that the Ministry of Finance,  in collaboration with the Kaduna State Inland Revenue Service (KADIRS) reportedly withdrew the sum of N 721.67 million  through the use of ‘unauthorized debit card by a third party’.
    Lima n explained that another N30 billion was siphoned from the state’s internally generated revenue by the ministry of finance with some  officials of  KADIRS, following other questionable transactions found by the committee.
    The speaker explained that the then administration awarded  a contract worth N 510.47 billion and left behind contractor’s, public and consultants’ liabilities.
    Therefore, the committee recommended that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service to withdraw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account domiciled at Zenith Bank as Security for N20 billion guaranteed in 2023 forthwith.the
    ” And to request the bank to refund all monies deducted on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof.
    ” That, all the Commissioners of Finance of the State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023 be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation”,he said.
    The committee also recommended that
    all the Accountant Generals of the State that served during the years be referred to the appropriate law enforcement Agencies for investigation including KADIRS chairmen.
    Others to be referred to the law enforcement agencies include Ms. Dolapo Popoola, the immediate past Managing Director of AlL KAPSCO and Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, for Special Adviser
    to the governor on Media and Communication.
    Other recommendations were for the current Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the current Executive Secretary,State Pension Bureau to step aside for proper investigation.
    The committee stated that all loans obtained by the Kaduna State Government between 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 obtained without due process were not binding on the state.
     He added that the state government should henceforth stop honouring all obligations arising from them.
    Also some the contractors who have not worked or were overpaid should refund to the state government a total sum of N36.35 billion being monies paid for contracts .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AMG/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Address workers’ demands within 7-day window, LP urges FG

     

    Address workers’ demands within 7-day window, LP urges FG

    Workers
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party (LP) has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite actions to address the request of Nigerian workers within the seven-day window for renegotiation on new minimum wage.

    The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs Olubunmi Odesanya, made this plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Odesanya said: “Basically, the request of the workers should be addressed.

    “We are not saying the Federal Government should pay N494,000 as minimum wage, but they should seriously look at their request.

    “Both Government and the Labour Union should come to a midpoint to reflect today’s realities.

    “Nigerian workers deserve more than they are getting currently because of the country’s inflation rate, which is over 33.3 per cent.”

    According to her, the cost of living for workers and Nigerians generally has increased so much that many are struggling to survive under the current economic crisis.

    She said that government across levels must do more in reducing the cost of governance to get more funds to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    “A paltry minimum wage of N30,000 for Nigerian workers, or should we say the N60,000 being proposed is far far too low to survive in this country.

    “A bag of rice is about N80,000 now. Nigerians cannot even touch pepper and tomatoes now,” she said.

    Odesanya urged Nigeria’s elected and appointed leaders to do more in sacrificing for masses.

    The impasse between the organised labour and the Federal Government on the new minimum wage for workers led to the strike declared by labour unions on Monday, which grounded the nation’s economy.

    However, with the Federal Government’s expression of commitment to raising the proposed minimum wage of N60,000 at a meeting with labour leaders on Monday evening, the organised labour on Tuesday afternoon announced suspension of the industrial action for a week.

    Recalled that the government and the Organised Private Sector had initially proposed N48,000, then N54,000 and N57,000, which were all rejected by labour.

    The organised labour had also proposed N615,000 as new minimum wage, but later reduced it to N497,000 and then to N494,000, to reflect the current rising cost of living.
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/COF
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Ondo NNPP governorship candidate withdraws from race

    Ondo NNPP governorship candidate withdraws from race

    Withdrawal

    By Alaba Olusola Oke

    Akure, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Israel Ayeni, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in the Nov. 16 election in Ondo State, has withdrawn from the race.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayeni got the party’s ticket by polling 100 votes to defeat his sole rival, Prof. Ibrahim Ajagunna, at the party’s primary on April 26.

    Ayeni, in his letter of withdrawal made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Akure, said that his withdrawal was in the interest of the party.

    “ I, Ayeni, Oluwatosin Israel, a governorship candidate of NNPP for the November 16, 2024 election in Ondo State, hereby voluntarily withdraw my candidacy from the contest.

    “My withdrawal is in the best interest of our great party, NNPP,” the letter read.

    Also, Mr Peter Olagookun, the NNPP State Chairman, who confirmed the withdrawal of the candidate, said that Ayeni willingly withdrew his candidacy to give way for better candidacy of the party.

    Olagookun, who spoke to NAN on telephone, said that there would be a substitution governorship primary of the party on Wednesday.

    He said that the change of the party’s candidacy would further strengthen the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OKEO/AYO/IKU
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

  • A’Ibom proposes Oct. 26 for LG poll

    Poll
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government has proposed Oct. 26 for the conduct local government elections in the state.
    Gov. Umo Eno disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) in Uyo.
    Represented by Mr Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Eno said that the meeting was in preparation for the council polls.
    He said that council chairmen that would emerge from the exercise would be sworn in on Dec. 7, in compliance with the state’s electoral plan.
    Eno who also presented the election plan to political party representatives at the meeting, urged them to prepare for elections.
    “This engagement is a precursor to all of the electoral activities that will ultimately lead to the 2024 local government elections.
    “The council poll could not hold in 2023 because of shortness of time, remember that we assumed office in May 29.
    “That is the reason we still have caretaker committees at the local governments. I see nothing stoping us from having the elections this year,” he said.
    Earlier, the Chairman of AKISIEC, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, said that the meeting was to brief stakeholders on the preparations for council polls in the state.
    “So this meeting gives stakeholders the opportunity to interrogate the electoral process as planned,” he said.
    He said that the commission would ensure adequate deployment of electoral and security personnel during the exercise.
    Ikoiwak told political parties to conduct their primaries between July 22 and Aug. 26.
    He said that from the timetable, campaigns would commence on Aug. 26. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh