Akeredolu writes Jimoh Ibrahim over road maintenance request

…. says Senator’s dedication to serving the people of Ondo State, truly commendable

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has applauded and commended the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District atthe National Assembly, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR over the unprecedented landmark achievements in the Senate.

Akeredolu, while approving construction of four roads to be repaired by the Senator described him as an outstanding lawmaker in the history of the state, who has successfully proved his capacity for quality representation of his people at the Red Chamber within a short period of time, even with his personal resources and energy.

In a recommendation letter personally signed, to the billionaire businessman, Akeredolu said it gladdened his heart and very excited over the performance of the distingushed Senator and his strong commitment to developing the state and dedication to serving the people beyond personal interest and party partisanship.

Akeredolu who recently received the Senator, commended him for his desire to rehabilitate and repair of over 35 kilometres of township roads in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state as part of activities to mark his 100 days in office.

“I am pleased to inform you that your request for approval to carry out roads rehabilitation and maintenance project using your personal resources had been duly considered and approved. Your willingness to invest in the enhancement of our state’s infrastructure is a testament to your leadership and concern to the wellbeing of our constituents.

“In line with your proposal, I hereby grant you the authority to proceed with the rehabilitation and maintenance work on the designated roads.

“The projects outlined from Okitipupa to Igbotako, Igbotako Roundabout 1 to Big Soul hotel, Igbotako Roundabout 1 to General Bajowa house and the new road construction at Idogun are all essential endeavours that will undoubtedly contribute to the development of our state’s infrastructure. It is heartening to know that you are ready to undertake this responsibility for the betterment of our constituents,” the letter read in part.

While expressing his best wishes and deepest appreciation to the billionaire Senator, Akeredolu praised him for his unwavering support and collaboration, “in our shared goal of improving the lives of the people of Ondo South Senatorial District and the entire state.”

The rehabilitation and maintenance of the listed roads had already begun at the 25.9km Okitipupa to Igbotako Road for general maintenance, asphalt overlay of Igbotako Roundabout to Big Soul hotel, asphalt overlay and maintenance of 500m Igbotako Roundabout to Chief Paul Adeyekun House and construction and asphalt overlay of 365m at Idogun Community.

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR has committed about N500 million to the rehabilitation and maintenance of the 35km of township roads within Okitipupa council area, in addition to the empowerment of more than 100 beneficiaries of N300,000 per person in the Community Development Assistance, CDA project, across the 66 wards in the six LGA’s of Odigbo, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele and Ileoluji/Okeigbo, all in the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State.

Jimoh Ibrahim notifies Senate of invitation to World Bank/IMF anxiliary meetings in Morocco

By Aderemi Bamgbose

Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, will, from Oct. 9 to Oct.15, attend the ancillary meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Marrakech, Morocco.

Consequently, he has notified the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of his invitation to the meetings of the two world financial institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the notification letter, personally signed by Ibrahim and dated Oct. 6, was made available to newsmen on Friday in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

“I am notifying the National Assembly of my intention to attend the annual international World Bank meeting scheduled for Oct. 9 to Oct.15 in Marrakech, Morocco.

“I will travel out of Nigeria en route London on Oct. 8 to return to Nigeria on Oct. 16, a day after the closure of the international meetings,” he said.

According to the senator, his trip has no financial implications to the Federal Government or the senate.

The business mogul who bagged Doctor of Business degree from University of Cambridge, is expected to attend the meetings with all the attributes of a scholar from three prestigious universities in the world: Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge.

NAN reports that the invitation letter to the senator, dated Aug. 16, was jointly signed by Erin Whittaker and Thomas Bonaker, Registrations Officers of the World Bank and IMF respectively.

“Dear Jimoh Folorunso, we are pleased to inform you that you have been registered to attend the 2023 Annual Meetings and other related ancillary meetings of the World Bank Group and IMF Group, which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco from Oct. 9 to Oct.15, 2023” the letter reads (NAN)

FG re-opens Idiroko, three other land borders

The Federal Government on Friday approved the reopening of four additional land borders shut in August 2019 as part of efforts to curtail smuggling and boost local production of rice.

A circular released by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), signed by Deputy Comptroller-General E. I. Edorhe, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali.

He listed the borders as Idiroko border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State and Ikom border post in Cross River State.

The circular titled, ‘Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border posts’

“Sequel to the Presidential directive dated December 16, 2020, granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening.

“Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South Zone)

“Consequently, all Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.”

The circular, which copied all Assistant Comptrollers-General/Zonal Coordinators, Area Controllers, Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit and Marine Commands, Comptroller, Customs Intelligent Unit, JBPT Sector Coordinators, Strike Force Commanders and Heads of Units, added, “Above is forwarded for your information and compliance.”

Fayose’s favorite, Kolawole becomes Ekiti PDP Guber candidate

Bisi Kolawole has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti state.

Kolawole, a former chairman of the PDP in Ekiti, edged out Segun Oni, an ex-governor, and Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, a former deputy governor of the state.

The primary election took place in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

Kolawole had resigned his position as Ekiti PDP chairman to contest the governorship election and he was the preferred aspirant of Fayose, former governor of the state.

Kolawole was a former lawmaker representing Efon constituency in the state House of Assembly, as he also served as commissioner of environment between 2015 and 2018.

While endorsing Kolawole for the governorship election, Fayose had described him as a bridge-builder who would usher in a better future for Ekiti and the PDP.

“The man you have come to honour, Bisi Kolawole, is our collective project. I made him my preferred candidate in the overall interest of our party, but this does not foreclose due process of nomination in PDP,” Fayose said.

“PDP is what we are supporting; it is what we are marketing. And all we want is a winner. We have started consultations and I know that victory is sure for us.”

Biodun Olujimi, Senator representing Ekiti South, had earlier in the day pulled out of the race, accusing the party of disenfranchising her.

The delegates first converged at the Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti to get accredited, after which they moved to Great Eagle Hall for the voting exercise.

Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, was the chairman of the primary election committee.

Newspred247 reports that Kolawole pulled 671 votes, followed by Oni who pulled 330 votes as Olusola-Eleka came tnird with 96 votes.

Others are: Adewale Aribisala, 56 votes, Kayode Adaramodu 10,
Kazeem Ayodeji 6, Olujimi 2,
Deborah Alo 1, Olukemi Ojo 1, Lateef Ajijola 1 and
Aderemi Adewumi 1.

FG’s planned fuel subsidy removal, election strategy says NBA.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says the All Progressives Congress (APC) ed Federal Government suspended the planned petrol subsidy removal because of the forthcoming 2023 elections.

The President of NBA, Olumide Akpata, made this known on Monday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme

It was earlier reported that a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.); a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana; and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), strongly warned the government against removing the subsidy, saying it would worsen poverty in the country.

But the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Monday, said that the government had suspended the planned removal of subsidy on petrol which was expected to kick off by June this year.

Reacting to the suspension of the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products, the NBA president said, “I will have love to think that the decision to suspend, I will have wanted to believe that it is because the government cares so much about the people and it is a government that is listening to the cries of the people because indeed as the Minister of Finance mentioned because it will be really tough if subsidy removal is implemented at this time with all of the other circumstances.

“However, something tells me that this has more to do with what is in the offing; an election is coming up and the strategies – they (government) must probably have sat down and think about it and told themselves that it will be suicidal at this point in time to take out subsidy going into an election which is around the corner.” Akpata said.

Breaking: Nigeria beat Sudan 3-1 to reach AFCON round of 16.

Nigeria defeated Sudan 3-1 in their AFCON 2021 encounter at the Stade Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, Cameroon, on Saturday.

The victory assures the Super Eagles of a place in the Round of 16.

With the victory, the Super Eagles won their opening two matches at an Africa Cup of Nations in consecutive tournaments for the very first time, according to the Confederation of Africa Football.
(CAF).

Walieldin Khedr of Sudan scored a penalty in the 70th minute to reduce Nigeria’s lead to 3-1.

Ola Aina had fouled a Sudanese player when VAR awarded a penalty to the Falcons. The Nigerian defender was shown a yellow card.

Samuel Chukwueze’s goal put Nigeria ahead three minutes into the game through an assist from Moses Simon.

At the 45th minute, Taiwo Awoniyi’s header gave the Super Eagles their second goal.

A skilful Moses Simon tripled Nigeria’s lead 35 seconds into the second half.

Before the commencement of the second half, Alex Iwobi replaced Samuel Chukwueze, who scored Nigeria’s first goal.

Nigeria and Sudan met for the third time at the Africa Cup of Nations, but it’s their first encounter at the tournament for 46 years.

Sudan won the first match 4-0 in the 1963 group phase whilst Nigeria won the second 1-0 in 1976.

Nigeria have won 10 of their last 12 Africa Cup of Nations games (L2), keeping six clean sheets.

Following a draw in their opening match against Guinea-Bissau (0-0), Sudan have managed just one win in their last 14 Africa Cup of Nations games (D6 L7), dating back to the 1972 edition.

Nigeria won their opening game (1-0 against Egypt) to an Africa Cup of Nations for the second tournament running, having failed to win their first match in four of their previous five appearances (W1 D1 L3).

APC Crisis: Twist as Tinubu, Fayemi agree to work together.

As the 2023 politicking gathers momentum, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, have resolved to work together to address the lingering crisis rocking the party.

The two top leaders of the party, who are nursing presidential ambition, made the resolution during a meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, it was gathered.

While Tinubu had declared for the presidential race, sources said Fayemi would do the same, barring last minutes change of calculation.

The Abuja meeting came to many stakeholders of the party as a surprise, observers said. It was reported that there were suggestion that the relationship between the duo had turned sour since 2018 when Fayemi was re-elected as governor.

At the meeting on Wednesday, it was gathered that the two APC leaders discussed the issue of the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election slated for June 18, this year.

The party primary has been fixed for January 27.

A source said, “While the two politicians have presidential ambition, they both face serious challenges outside the South West region.

“Therefore, the best thing for them to do is to cement their relationship at home, speak with one voice, and concretise their relationships in the other five geopolitical zones. Once they achieve this, any other thing can follow as we approach the 2023 presidential election.

“There are plans in some quarters outside the South West to undermine them and therefore, their coming together is a good omen.”

Another source said, “The Ekiti governorship election and how to keep the party united in the state was discussed during their meeting in Abuja. You know seven persons have indicated interest for the race in our party,” he said.

At the national level, it was gathered that Tinubu and Fayemi reviewed the delay in the conduct of the national convention of the party. The convention, where new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) would emerge, was fixed for February without a date.

Our correspondents report that since the ousting of the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC in June 2020, the ruling party has been under the firm grip of three governors; Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), who chairs the caretaker committee; Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Mohammad Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa). The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami is said to be part of the clique of the three governors.

Party sources said the delay in the conduct of the convention was part of the plots of the three governors to maintain their hold on the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

A source said the governors have gotten the backing of a section of the presidency to “Stop Tinubu” from picking the party’s presidential ticket. It was further gathered that Fayemi was not being considered by the clique.

There have been reports that some APC governors are mounting pressure on former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to join the APC.

“The plan was to pick one of the governors or a minister as the running mate of the former president,” he said.

It was gathered that the resolution by Tinubu and Fayemi was to deflate the plot of the three governors to edge them out of the race and by extension the South West geopolitical zone.

Meanwhile, controversy has been trailing the purported power shift agreement between Tinubu and Buhari before the 2015 general elections. It was further gathered that Tinubu is banking on the support of Kano State Governor, Abdullah Umar Ganduje, the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum and others to penetrate the North.

The declaration by Tinubu on Monday has signalled the commencement of the politicking for the 2023 presidential race. Across the country, the declaration has been dominating the political discourse, thus gingering other aspirants. Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi made his intention known 24 hours after Tinubu’s confirmation of interest.

They have a long standing relationship – Ekiti gov’s CPS

Tinubu’s media aide, Tunde Rahman did not respond to a text test message sent to him but Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the two leaders have a long standing relationship.

“I don’t know why the media is interested in the meeting; don’t forget that Asiwaju and the governor have a long-standing relationship. Forget what you read in the newspapers, they meet regularly. What happened on Wednesday was one of such meetings.

They met in Bauchi during the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu and they said okay, ‘Let us meet when we get to Abuja’ and they met. That is why till tomorrow, you will not see the pictures of the meeting; there was nobody else at the meeting. There was no camera; only two of them.

“Ignore whatever you read in the papers, honestly speaking, these people, they don’t do their thing for the camera. I am aware of the meeting, but I was not there. It is not an unusual thing for them to meet, they meet regularly, a relationship that has spanned 25 – 30 years don’t wish it away on the altar of politics,” he said.

Asked when Fayemi will declare for the presidency, the spokesman said, “He has not told me that he is nursing any presidential ambition. He only said he has works to do, and he is concentrating on it.”

Breaking: Ondo workers ll smile at Xmas – Akeredolu

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has promised to make workers of the state happy during the yuletide.

He made this promise on Tuesday in Akure contrary to the notion of the opposition that workers should be ready for hard time as there was no plan for salary.

Details later.

Breaking: NFF sacks Rohr, appoints Eguavoen as interim coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles Technical Adviser.

NFF confirmed the development on its website on Sunday night.

NFF, however, aappointed Augustine Eguavoen as the interim coach of the three-time African champions.

More details later

Prepare for delay in December salaries, FG warn civil servants.

The Federal Government has advised civil servants to exercise caution in spending their November salary because of the possible delay in the payment of their remuneration for December.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan issued the advisory circular on Wednesday in Abuja.

She said workers should make provisions for Christmas celebration from their November salary because of recurrent trends of shortfall in budgetary allocation and its attendant effect on payment of salary in recent times across various MDAs.

The circular was addressed to all staff, Heads of Departments/units and union leaders was titled:”Envisaged Delay in Payment of December 2021 Salary- a Cautionary Advice.”

The circular was signed by Dr. S.A. Adegoke on behalf of the Head of Service.

“It is noteworthy that while it is important to issue this advice, staff are here by assured that the centre is doing everything within its capability to forestall unnecessary delays.

“The contents of this circular should be treated with seriousness it deserves” the circular said.

Meanwhile, sequel to notification by the government, there was panic amongst federal workers and personnel of security agencies yesterday.

A memo issued by the Federal Medical Center, Keffi, Nasarawa State, warned staff of an impending delay in the payment of December salaries.

In the same vein, a similar memo by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Baba, also informed zonal and state commands of the force of an impending delay in the payment of November salaries.

Therefore, the situation has resulted to unease among federal staff and personnel of security agencies 14 days to Christmas.

But Police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police, said federal authorities gave assurances that the payment would be effected before the week runs out.

In a chat with THISDAY, Mba said police personnel were assured of payment within the week.

“We have been given assurances that the payment would be made before the end of the week.

“Relevant federal authorities gave us assurances that payment will be made this week”, he said.

Senator Melaye reacts to tribunals ruling against his election

Newspread247

Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West has reacted to the Kogi State National Assembly/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal’s nullification of his victory at the senatorial poll.
Newspread247 reports that the APC candidate, Sam Adeyemi challenged Melaye’s election on three grounds of irregularities, over voting and non compliance with the electoral act.

Reacting on Twitter, Melaye said he would get judgement at the Appeal court.
He wrote, ”On Tribunal judgement. No cause for alarm at all. Even if it went my way they will still go to the Appeal Court. Our mandate can not be taken. We will get judgment at the Appeal Court.
”There will be fresh election in Kogi West because I will be Governor. For my Senate mandate no shaking.”
Newspread 247 also reports that a three-man panel led by Justice A. O. Chijioke had on Friday in an unanimous judgment, accepted Adeyemi’s ground and ordered for a…

View original post 6 more words

FBI agents reportedly in Nigeria working with informants and interpol

A social media user has claimed that FBI Agents are currently in Nigeria and working with informants and Interpol extradition team.

A twitter user has made an announcement that will make all criminals especially the Yahoo boys in Nigeria to be on their toes as they fear being caught in the act.

Following the recent announcement by FBI that 80 people including 77 Nigerians based in Los Angeles have been arrested by the FBI for involvement in romance scams and wire fraud, they might have decided to follow up their leads to Nigeria to assist the government in making more arrests.

GospelJosiah had tweeted;

Do you know FBI Agents are already in Nigeria working with informants and Interpol extradition team in place. It’s going to be a freaky end of 2019.

Private Masseur@GospelJosiah

Do you know FBI Agents are already in Nigeria working with informants and Interpol extradition team in place. It’s going to be a freaky end of 2019.549:29 AM – Aug 23, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy27 people are talking about this

Recall that besides the 77 Nigerians recently arrested according to FBI, Obiwanne Okeke popularly known as Inviticus Obi was also arrested in the US for a $12 million wire scam. The agency released a detailed report of how the crime was traced to him.

Obiwanne Okeke was celebrated by Forbes  as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2018 which also included Davido, Falz, Ahmed Musa.

Former APC governor stole N1 trillion says Ihedioha

Gov. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has accused his predecessor, Mr Rochas Okorocha of stealing N1trillion while in power.
According to a statement on Friday issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Steve Osuji, available records show that in eight years, former Gov. Rocha Okorocha mismanaged about One Trillion Naira belonging to Imo State.
“We are taking our time in unveiling the numerous atrocities of the last administration and certainly, he must answer for all the evil he did against the people of Imo State,” he said.
Taking time to dismiss all the allegations Okorocha levelled at Ihedioha recently, Osuji said no amount of lies can discourage the PDP governor who displaced the ruling party in the last general election.
“The truth is that Okorocha wrecked Imo State. All he is doing is to attempt to divert the attention of Imo people. Unfortunately, Imo people are smarter than that. EFCC started probing the former governor’s eight-year rule months ago–though he insists it s the handiwork of his party chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

My First Blog Post

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

Ex ASUU Chairman hails Senate’s death penalty for drug offenders

By Aderemi Bamgbose

Dr Dipo Akomolafe, a former Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olusegun Agagu University of Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa chapter, has hailed the Senate for approving death penalty for drug offenders and traffickers in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate had, on May 9, approved death penalty for dealers and importers of hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, as against the hitherto capital punishment for the offence.

Akomolafe told NAN on Wednesday in Okitipupa, Ondo State, that the rate at which drugs were being abused by youths and others in the country was alarming, adding that it called for serious concern.

The don, who said that the death penalty was long overdue, noted that most of the youth who were supposed to contribute their quota to the growth and development of Nigeria, had suffered mental illnesses and death owing to drug abuse.

He added that while the culprits and drug dealers got lots of money from their drug deals, many youths and able- bodied people, who could have joined in proffering solutions to the country’s problems, were dying young due to drug intake.

According to him, the senate has not erred in any way by imposing death penalty on drug offenders because the number of drug-related offences was increasing every day.

“As the number is increasing, many youths with potentials to excel and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country are being affected by mental illnesses and death.

“Some reasonable number of our youths is now living with signs and symptoms of mental disorder because of drug.

“Taking drugs is so enticing to youths nowadays to the extent that even those in primary schools are being exposed to it.

“Majority of our able-bodied men and women are also embracing use of drugs for different reasons and the consequential effects of madness being displayed in our society.

“While drug traffickers, who are the major culprits, are smiling to the banks, the addicts are constituting nuisance to the society.
“So the best thing is to eliminate the traffickers and anybody seen with the prohibited drugs,” Akomolafe said. (NAN)

Second Republic Senator, MAE Onunkun dies at 98

By Aderemi Bamgbose

A Second Republic Senator in the old Ondo State, Michael Onunkun, popularly known as MAE Onunkun is dead at the age 98.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onunkun represented Ondo West Senatorial District, now Ondo South, in the old Ondo State from 1979 to 1983.

Onunkun’s daughter, Mrs Morenike Alaka, confirmed this to NAN on Thursday in Okitipupa.

Alaka, a former Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, said that the elder statesman died around 11:57 p.m on Wednesday at the West End Hospital, Okitipupa.

“My dad, a distinguished Senator in the Second Republic, no doubt has his flaws but he was a great statesman, a fantastic man, lover of children and education.

“He was a great politician who plays politics till he died because anytime we are together, he still discuss politics.

“We are preparing for his 99th birthday on Sept. 30, but unfortunately he died last night.

“His death is painful, all the children, family and Ikale people will miss him greatly,” she said.

NAN reports that Onunkun was blessed with two wives and 12 children – seven males and five females. (NAN)

Ondo 2024: Jimoh Ibrahim’s ward excos disowns alleged suspension

By Aderemi Bamgbose

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Igbotako Ward II in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, has disowned the purported suspension of Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South in the National Assembly being circulated on social media.

Chairman of APC in the ward, Mr Adetokunbo Omotola, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Okitipupa.

Omotola said that rather than the purported suspension, the party’s ward executives had passed a vote of confidence in Ibrahim.

He said that APC in the ward was also standing by the senator in his pursuit of justice on the last governorship primary.

“As the Chairman of APC in Igbotako ward II, Sen. Ibrahim is still a bona fide member of our party and we stand firm by him to get justice on the last governorship primary.

“No fewer than 25 ward executives have passed vote of confidence in Ibrahim. Therefore, any other letter being circulated as suspending Ibrahim is null and void,” Omotola said.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim’s aide, Mr Banji Okunomo while speaking with NAN, described the purported suspension as mere drama, laced with politics.

According to him, the purported suspension of the senator is a fluke.

“We are not aware of the suspension letter signed by unknown ward executives but only heard that a vote of confidence has passed in Ibrahim,” Okunomo said.

NAN reports that in the two documents circulating on the social media, the suspension letter was signed by 16 ward executives, while the vote of confidence letter was signed by 25 ward executives.

NAN also reports that the crisis within the party was not unconnected with the case filled by Ibrahim before an Abuja Federal High Court challenging the April 20 governorship primary which produced Gov.Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the candidate for the Nov. 16 governirship poll. (NAN)

Labour stages walk out over FG’s N48,000 minimum wage proposal

The Organised labour has rejected the N48,000 proposed by the Federal Government as minimum wage for public service workers.

The government’s position was presented to labour at the resumed tripartite committee meeting on Wednesday, May 15.

In protest, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) walked out of the meeting which was held virtually.

A labour leader, who was part of the meeting, said the Federal Government was not serious about giving workers a living wage.

“What the government has presented to us is wage reduction. This government is not serious about giving workers a living wage,” the labour leader said.

Tinubu had on May Day promised workers a living wage, assuring them that their days of waiting for a living wage were over.

NLC and TUC proposed N615,000 as minimum wage, citing the high cost of living as the yardstick for the proposal.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), which had earlier declared that the least worker in the private sector was paid N78,000, presented N54,000 as the new minimum wage.

As of the time of filing this report, the NLC and TUC have called for an emergency press briefing to present the Federal Government’s proposal at the meeting to pay workers the minimum wage, and their next line of action.

President Tinubu, through Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on January 30, inaugurated the 37-member tripartite committee to come up with a new minimum wage.

With its membership cutting across federal, and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, the panel is to recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.

Shettima, during the committee’s inauguration, urged the members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early.

“This timely submission is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Shettima said.

He also urged collective bargaining in good faith, emphasising contract adherence and encouraging consultations outside the committee.

The 37-man committee is chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji

Ondo Primary: File your defence, if any, Court orders Aiyedatiwa

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to file his defence to the charges being pressed against him and All Progressives Congress (APC) by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim over the purported April 20, governorship primary of the party.

The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to present it’s defence against the primary ahead of the the Nov. 16 governirship election in the state.

Ibrahim had approached the court praying that the purported governorship primary of the party in which Aiyedatiwa was declared winner be declared null and void.

The Senator has presented the written addresses of all the Electoral Officers sent to the 203 wards across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State by INEC to monitor the party’s governorship primary.

The reports of the INEC Electoral Officers had shown that election did not hold in more than 70 percent of the wards including the ward of the Aiyedatiwa who was declared winner of the primary election by the Governor Usman Ododo-led APC Governorship Primary Election Committee.

Aiyedatiwa is yet to file his response to the claims of applicant.

After issuing the order, Justice Ekwo fixed May 29 for hearing of the suit with a warning that all processes in respect of the suit must be filed and exchanged by parties.