Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Ondo moves to ratify minimum wage payment

    Ondo moves to ratify minimum wage payment

    Currently at the cusp of a critical governorship election, the Ondo State government is escalating efforts fix a date to commence  payment of the N70,000 minimum wage.

    Towards this end, the State Government and organised labour have commenced further engagement with the aim to find a middle ground.
    Last month, a meeting of the Ondo Joint Negotiation Council presided by Comrade Olapade Ademola Adeniji, constituted a nine-man Technical Committee on Minimum Wage.
    A statement by JNC Secretary, Comrade Esther Foluke Akinleye, said: “The primary mandate of this committee is to work on the pressing issues of New Minimum Wage. Their task will be to carefully review, analyze, and come up with different salary tables after comparison with other States.
    “This committee which comprises representatives from various sectors, is to ensure that every worker’s perspective is taken into consideration.”
    It named Comrade Esther Foluke Akinleye as Chairman while Comrade Adewale Sanusi served as Secretary.
    Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu said talks between labour and the state government were still on.
    Akinlosotu said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has agreed to pay the N70,000 minimum wage.
    He stated that payment would commence have an agreement has been reached with labour.
  • RFK Jr. Ends Campaign, Endorses Trump

    RFK Jr. Ends Campaign, Endorses Trump

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., environmental activist and vaccine sceptic, has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidency, ending his own independent bid.
    Kennedy’s campaign filed to have his name removed from the Pennsylvania ballot, according to the Associated Press.
    While the filing didn’t explicitly confirm a campaign suspension, Kennedy is expected to make an announcement in Phoenix, just hours before a scheduled Trump campaign event where Kennedy is the anticipated “special guest.”
    Kennedy, a member of the illustrious Kennedy political dynasty, made a big change of direction with this move. Last October, he launched an independent effort in place of his initial pursuit of the Democratic nomination.
    Kennedy’s campaign had recently faltered, with dwindling poll numbers and fundraising. His endorsement of Trump follows months of warming relations, culminating in a meeting after the recent assassination attempt against the former president.
    “If he endorsed me, I would be honoured by it. I would be very honoured by it. He really has his heart in the right place,” Trump stated on “Fox & Friends.”
  • Tinubu Set To Return To France Less Than 24 Hours After Arriving in Nigeria

    Tinubu Set To Return To France Less Than 24 Hours After Arriving in Nigeria

    Barring any last minute change in plans, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart for France today, Friday, August 23, 2024, barely 24 hours after arriving from Paris to swear in the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

     

    Tinubu had returned to the country this morning to swear-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

     

    Tinubu swore-in Justice Kekere-Ekun at about 11:38 am at the State House in Abuja, making her the second Nigerian female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria between July 2012 and November, 2014.

     

    She will operate in an acting capacity until confirmation by the Senate.

     

    Justice Kekere-Ekun takes over the new role following her recommendation for the position by the National Judicial Council and the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

     

    Among the dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in event were other Justices of the Supreme Court; the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by Prof Julius Ihonbvere; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu; and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

     

    Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

     

    Recall that President Tinubu had cut short his trip to France, returning to the country early this morning to swear-in the new CJN.

     

    The decision of the President to return to France has made some to wonder about the reason for Mr. Tinubu’s predilection for Paris, France at this critical time of national socioeconomic ad security challenges.

  • No New Projects In 2025 – Works & Housing Minister , Umahi 

    No New Projects In 2025 – Works & Housing Minister , Umahi 

    Apparently drained by the cost implication of the controversial Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway, Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that the Ministry, under his leadership, would not propose any new project for execution in the year 2025.
    Umahi said instead of new projects, the Ministry would focus on completing several ongoing and abandoned projects.
    He added that the only reason that can make the Ministry recommend any new project is if it comes from President Bola Tinubu.
    Umahi made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing to mark his first year in office.
    The minister said, “We will not propose new projects for the 2025 fiscal year unless otherwise dictated by Mr. President.
    “I’m going to tell the Ministry of Finance to provide funds for us to complete ongoing projects.
    “Right now, we have over 4,000 ongoing projects and a funding gap of N16tn, most of them were inherited by this administration.
    “Some of these projects were awarded when the naira was exchanged for N150 to $1USD.”
    The minister further explained that inflation has contributed significantly to the rising cost of most of these projects, and it would be in the nation’s best interest for them to be completed.
    Details later
  • Tinubu ‘Recreating’ Nigeria in the Image of Lagos – Atiku

    Tinubu ‘Recreating’ Nigeria in the Image of Lagos – Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of creating a government that prioritizes his personal interests and those of his family and associates over the welfare of Nigerians.
     Atiku, who ran as the Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, revealed this in a statesmen signed by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe.
    He revealed that Tinubu’s influence is deeply embedded in both Lagos and federal public enterprises.
    Atiku drew parallels between Tinubu’s influence in Lagos through firms like Alpha Beta and Primero and his increasing federal influence.
     “Just as these firms manage critical sectors in Lagos, Tinubu is extending this control to the federal level,” Atiku claimed.
    He expressed concern over recent developments with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), particularly the controversial acquisition of OVH, a company partly owned by Wale Tinubu’s Oando.
    “NNPC Retail’s acquisition of OVH, under opaque terms, is indicative of the ongoing misuse of public resources for personal gain,” Atiku said.
    The former Vice President criticized the handling of NNPCL’s management, including the retention of Mele Kyari as GMD and the appointment of Pius Akinyelure as Chairman, both of whom are closely tied to Tinubu.
    He described the situation as an example of “illogical business transactions and abuse of office.”
    Atiku also cast doubt on the impartiality of legislative investigations into the NNPCL’s dealings, pointing to the potential conflict of interest involving Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who heads the panel and has close ties to Tinubu.
    Additionally, Atiku highlighted concerns over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which is now under litigation.
     The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has reported on the close ties between Tinubu’s son, Seyi, and Gilbert Chagoury, who was awarded the contract without competitive bidding.
    Atiku described this as a conflict of interest that underscores a troubling pattern of favoritism and corruption.
    “This situation exemplifies how Tinubu’s influence permeates key national projects, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness in government dealings,” Atiku concluded.
  • FG Announces Another Rate Hike 

    FG Announces Another Rate Hike 

    Hoping to tax itself out of the present financial challenge, the Nigerian Government has announced a massive rate hike in the cost of procuring a Nigerian passport, a mandatory document required for international travels.
    Announcing the new rates, officials at the Ministry of Interior explained that the higher cost was inevitable if Nigerian passports must uphold their quality and integrity.
    The ministry said that the new fee for the 32-page Passport booklet, which has a validity of five years, Previously priced at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000.00), it will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only.
    The fee for the 64-page Passport booklet with a validity of 10 years has been raised from Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00) to One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00).
    The ministry announced that the fees for those in the Diaspora will however, remain the same.
  • I will not resign – Damagum, PDP Chairman  

    I will not resign – Damagum, PDP Chairman  

    Reacting to the outcry from concerned party members, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb Umar Damagum, has confidently stated that no one can pressure him into stepping down from his position.

     

    It is important to note that the PDP has been dealing with internal disputes both before and after the 2023 elections.

     

    Damagum has been repeatedly blamed by party members for contributing to the ongoing crisis.

     

    He said ” Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that – I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become.”

     

    He mentioned that the criticisms only enhanced his popularity, and he is even considering running for the presidency due to this increased recognition.

     

    While speaking at the ongoing inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, chaired by Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Tom Ikimi respectively, Damagum expressed frustration with individuals who lack knowledge of the National Working Committee operations yet spread misinformation to the public.

     

  • Terrorism Financing: ‘Stop Ajaero’s Invite,

    Terrorism Financing: ‘Stop Ajaero’s Invite,

    …Don’t Create Confusion For Tinubu – Reps Tells Police

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero

    The member representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to withdraw its invitation to the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero.

     

    The invitation letter, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mu’azu, indicated that Ajaero is expected at the intelligence response team (IRT) complex in Abuja.

     

    Ajaero was invited for questioning over “a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime”.

     

    Reacting, Ugochinyere, the spokesperson of the opposition coalition lawmakers, stated that “it’s clear to everyone that the NLC President didn’t commit any terrorism or murder”.

     

    He told the police to withdraw the invitation and avoid creating confusion for President Bola Tinubu, stressing that any move by the security operatives to detain Ajaero might lead to another nationwide protest.

     

    While recalling that he had been through similar situations, Ugochinyere urged the Police to channel their energy to curb the country’s worsening insecurity.

     

    He said: “Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President didn’t commit any terrorism or murder challenge, drop it, so you don’t bring people back on the street and create confusion for the President. If you want to help President Tinubu go and chase out these bandits in the forest. Find out why crude oil is still being stolen.

     

    “You don’t help the President by inviting the NLC President and accusing him of murder and treason. Stop it!!!!! The President needs help, there’s insecurity, that’s why there’s economic hardship, that’s why food products are high. That’s the real terror that you need to deal with, not Comrade Ajaero.

     

    “I have to advise the Nigerian police, there’s no basis for this now, what Nigerians need now is more enhanced security, more involvement of security agencies in quelling security challenges across all parts of the country instead of inviting the President of Nigerian Labour Congress for a chat over his involvement in terrorism.

     

    “These are old strategies that people can decode, from someone that has been through it, this same police force invited me multiple times and charged me multiple times. Based on my personal experience, I think this invitation should be withdrawn, the country is at a difficult moment now.

     

    “I know Comrade Ajaero and I know he’s not involved in any terrorism. We are trying to find a way to maintain stability and navigate these economic challenges, the Nigerian police should Channel their energy on oil production, what the oil thieves are doing etc. they should focus on wiping out the bandits and criminal elements. I’m urging the Inspector General of Police, don’t let your era be known with what you used to have, don’t get involved in that. The biggest thing I know you can do for the President that I know you love is to find a way to energize the police force to go after all these criminal elements in different parts of the country.”

     

  • Digital Bridge Institute, NigComsat get new CEO, Executive Directors

    Digital Bridge Institute, NigComsat get new CEO, Executive Directors

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Daser David as the new President/Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).

     

    Mr. David is an academic and industry expert with a deep understanding of digital technologies and educational leadership.

     

    The President has also approved the appointment of Mr. Reuben Oshomah as Executive Director, Marketing, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), and Mr. Adama Kure, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, (NIGCOMSAT).

     

    Mr. Oshomah has extensive experience in communications satellite marketing and strategic business development, while Mr. Kure is a seasoned finance professional with a strong record in financial management and corporate governance.

     

    The President expects the newly appointed officers to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in driving the strategic vision for these institutions.

     

     

     

  • COP29: FG orders creation of portal to limit attendance

    COP29: FG orders creation of portal to limit attendance

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the establishment of a new portal aimed at reducing the number of government-sponsored delegates attending the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Azerbaijan, scheduled for November 11 to 22.
    The announcement was made on Tuesday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, during a briefing at the State House.
    Ngelale explained that the newly launched platform, called the Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal, is expected to save Nigeria over ₦10 billion during the 11-day conference. The portal will ensure that only delegates directly involved in climate-related activities are sponsored by the government.
    “This initiative is in direct response to public criticism over the excessive number of delegates sent to the previous climate conference in Dubai, many of whom had no substantive role in the proceedings,” Ngelale said.
    The portal will be developed in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), headed by Director-General Nkiruka Maduekwe. It will serve as a transparent platform, listing all government-sponsored attendees from various ministries, departments, agencies, and the legislative branch.
    “The Climate Accountability and Transparency Portal will provide Nigerians with full, real-time access to the list of government-sponsored delegates attending COP 29. This ensures that every delegate has a legitimate economic reason to be at the conference, engaging with companies, multilateral partners, and stakeholders to attract finance and opportunities into the country for the benefit of our people,” Ngelale stated.
    He further emphasized that the platform represents a significant step towards restoring public confidence in the government’s climate-related activities, highlighting that COP 29 is just the beginning of a broader effort to audit and rectify past inefficiencies.
    “We are poised to save over ₦10 billion during this 11-day event in November. The President remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians trust the government’s actions as we move forward. COP 29 is just the start,” Ngelale concluded.