Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Labour Minister reveals what’ll happen if NLC strike continues

    Labour Minister reveals what’ll happen if NLC strike continues

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stated the obvious while disclosing that Nigerians will suffer if the Organised Labour continues its nationwide strike.

    Nkeiruka stated this during an interview on Monday.

    On Monday, the organized labour embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike after the union failed to reach an agreement with the federal government over minimum wage.

    The action crippled activities in various sectors, as schools, hospitals and offices were closed.

    Reacting to the development, the Minister said, “We know what the issues are and we hope they will be resolved, but going to strike will take the matter to the extreme with a lot of negative implications to both our economy and the welfare of the citizens.

    “If the strike continues, the citizens will suffer and they have started suffering.

    “Our students who were supposed to be taking exams have been affected because they can’t find means of transportation to exams centres.

    “There are people who can’t eat until they go to their places of work. Some people who work at the Secretariat live daily on what they get from the officers there.”

    She lamented the effect of the strike on hospitals, stating that the National grid shutdown will continue to affect a lot of medical procedures.

    She stressed that hospitals being inaccessible, and doctors not being able to perform their duties might lead to death of patients.

    “On production side, we know that when activities are shut down, it will affect our economy. Businesses will definitely be affected. Social life has also been affected too”, she said.

    It was reported that the NLC, despite reaching an agreement with the Federal Government after a meeting on Monday night, has insisted on continuing the nationwide strike.

  • Minimum wage: ‘We are still on strike’ – NLC insists

    Minimum wage: ‘We are still on strike’ – NLC insists

    Contrary to the nebulous claim about an “agreement to pay a new minimum wage above N60,000,” that is making the rounds on the social network and sections of the traditional media, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has insisted that it is still on strike.

    NLC said its organs will meet to decide on the outcome of the meeting with the federal government.

    Posting on X on Tuesday, NLC wrote: “Until we hear from Our Organs at our meeting scheduled for today, 4th June, we are still on strike.”

    On Monday, the federal government and the organised labour reached an agreement that might end the ongoing strike.

    The organized labour embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday to push for an improved pay package for workers.

    The strike led to a meeting between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, and labour leaders in Abuja.

    At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that “Further to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation, the Leadership of the National Assembly intervened on 2nd June, 2024. The Organised Labour declared a nationwide strike on Monday, 3rd June, 2024, to drive home its demands.

    “The Federal Government, in the National interest, convened a meeting with Labour held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday 3rd June, with a view to ending the strike action.

    “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000.”

  • RCCG suspends pastor whose wife threw an extravagant birthday party shortly after Herbert Wigwe’s death 

    RCCG suspends pastor whose wife threw an extravagant birthday party shortly after Herbert Wigwe’s death 

    The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, following the extravagant birthday party of his wife shortly after the d£ath of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.

    According to ChurchTimes, a top pastor of the church who did not want his name mentioned said the decision to suspend Iluyomade was in response to the public outcry against the party. “It was not Pastor Adeboye that suspended him.

     
    The governing council decided to suspend him. I think it’s a decision in the right direction. Though some believe it is coming late. They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church,” the source said.

    His suspension according to sources in the church was done via a letter over the weekend.

    He has since been replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 of the church.

    Wigwe, who died on board a chopper in February, was a member of the Parish.
    The late banker died alongside his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

    After his death, wife of the Parish Pastor, Dr Siju Iluyomade, held a lavish birthday that left tongues wagging.

    Distinguished personalities rejoiced with the pastor’s wife at the party, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

    Some persons expressed displeasure that Iluyomade held such party weeks after the tragic deaths of a prominent member of the church alongside his wife and son.

    However, signs that the family of Wigwe disapproved of Ilumoyade wife’s action became public when The City of David Parish was skipped in Wigwe’s funeral programmes. 

    Usually, churches where deceased persons attended in their lifetime play key roles at their funeral ceremonies. 

    But the Wigwe family replaced City of David with another RCCG Parish in Lagos for the funeral service.

  • Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

    Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

    The ongoing nationwide strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has impacted judicial proceedings, leading to a postponement of the much-anticipated hearing on the Kano emirate tussle at the Federal High Court in Kano.

    The court, which is presided over by Justice A. M. Liman, was scheduled to deliberate on an exparte motion concerning the Kano State Emirate Council’s recent upheaval.

    This legal action was initiated by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenging the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

    This law dissolving the five Kano Emirates reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

    Justice Liman had previously granted an order to maintain the status quo ante, effectively pausing any actions to implement the controversial law until a detailed review could be conducted on the Fundamental Rights application filed by the parties involved.

    However, the strike has put a temporary halt to this judicial review, affecting not just the parties directly involved but also the broader implications for governance and traditional authority structures within Kano State.

    As the court awaits the resolution of the labour strike to resume normal operations, the future of the Kano emirate remains uncertain. The legal and social communities eagerly anticipate the next steps in this high-stakes judicial process.

    The court order reads: “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

    “That in view of the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application, which is fixed for the 3 of June, 2024.

    “That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an interim injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the 5th 8th Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

    “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

    “That leave is granted to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.

    “That an Order of this Honourable Court marking the Plaintiff/Applicant’s Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes to be served on the 6″ Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court is granted,” the court order, however, reads.

    The court, however, adjourned the case until June 3, 2024, to hear the Fundamental Rights application.

    However, on the adjourned date of June 3rd, 2024, the court could not hold it as expected due to the strike, as a source at the court informed Vanguard that the matter had been postponed until further notice.

  • FG invites labour to meeting Tuesday

    FG invites labour to meeting Tuesday

    The Federal Government has through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, invited the organised labour to a meeting on Tuesday over the ongoing nationwide strike.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress had on Sunday said the strike would go ahead on Monday as scheduled despite an appeal by the leadership of the National Assembly which held a mediation meeting between the unions and representatives of the Federal Government.

    The two unions and their organs commenced the strike on Monday which paralysed economic and government activities in different states of the federation.

    Ministries, departments, agencies and offices in critical sectors like the courts, government secretariats, airports, and schools were grounded.

    Many bank branches did not open although some in Lagos did not shut down.

    Labour went on strike because it could not accept the N60,000 minimum wage offered by the Federal Government.

  • CBN Revokes Heritage Bank License 

    CBN Revokes Heritage Bank License 

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the revocation of Heritage Bank’s operating licence. 

    This decision was revealed in a statement by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali. 

    Ali stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria, in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and exercising its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, hereby revokes the licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.”

    She explained that the revocation was necessary due to the bank’s violation of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020. The bank’s management had failed to improve its financial performance, posing a threat to financial stability.

    “This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline. Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby making the revocation of the licence the next necessary step.”

    Ali assured the public that this action is aimed at maintaining confidence in the banking system and ensuring the overall soundness of Nigeria’s financial sector. The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has been appointed as the liquidator of the bank in line with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

    “We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing. The action we are taking today reflects our continued commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system,” Ali concluded.

  • BREAKING: ASUU Joins Nationwide Strike Over Minimum Wage Dispute

    BREAKING: ASUU Joins Nationwide Strike Over Minimum Wage Dispute

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the ongoing strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    This action comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to meet the unions’ demands for a minimum wage increase.

    In a statement issued on Monday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke directed branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators to ensure that university lecturers nationwide participate in the strike as members of the congress.

    The statement read, “The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June, 2024, as a result of the failure of Government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff.

    “Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of Congress.

    “Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action. Yours in the struggle.”

    Details later…

  • Blackout As Electricity Workers Shut Down National Grid

    Blackout As Electricity Workers Shut Down National Grid

    In compliance with the joint directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to down tools on Monday over the new minimum wage, electricity workers have shut down the National Grid, resulting in nationwide blackout.

    This was disclosed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday morning.

    TCN said workers were driven away from their duty posts while others were beaten and wounded at some power facilities. It added that all its efforts at grid recovery were being frustrated by the unionists.

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide. The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024.

    “At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero.

    “Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.

    “On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am.

    “At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.

    “We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” TCN stated.

  • NLC Strike: FG insists on N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    NLC Strike: FG insists on N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    That the organized labour has given Monday, June 3rd as commencement date for an indefinite strike to protest the failure of government to approve a new national minimum wage agreeable to them is no longer news. What is trending is that the FG has adduced 14 reasons why it can not approve the figure proposed by labour.

    Here are 14 reasons the FG gave for a N60,000 minimum wage:

    N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers.
    N100 billion for the procurement of CNG-fuelled buses and CNG conversion kits.
    N125 billion conditional grant and financial inclusion to MSMEs.

    N25,000 each to be shared to 15 million households for 3 months.
    N185 billion palliatives (loans to States) to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

    N200 billion to support the cultivation of hectares of land to boost food production.
    N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector.

    N1 trillion for student loans for higher education.
    Release of 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves.
    Purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tons of Rice from the rice millers association.
    Recent salary increase of 25-35 per cent on all consolidated salary structures for federal workers.
    90% subsidy on health costs for Federal Civil Servants registered on NHIS.

    Light rail commissioned in Abuja to relieve transportation cost until the end of the year. Lagos State had already commenced the same initiative with their blue and red lines.

    In addition to the freedom of civil servants to engage in agriculture, the federal government has approved the inclusion of ICT services as an alternate source of income.

    The government added N3, 000 to its initial offer of N57, 000 proposed last week, taking the total figure to N60, 000 while labour lowered its demand by removing N3, 000 from the N497, 000 it proposed last week.

    The tripartite committee has been locked in talks over a new minimum wage since the committee was inaugurated in January this year.

    To fast track the negotiation process, the NLC and TUC on May Day gave the committee until the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage.

    That ultimatum expired on Friday night without an agreement.

    During the meeting, the government defended their offer of N60,000.00 per month.

  • IBEDC Sacks Achife as Managing Director

    IBEDC Sacks Achife as Managing Director

    The Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has relieved Mr Kingsley Achife of his appointment as the company’s Managing Director.

    The board refused to renew Achife’s contract, naming Francis Agoha as the Acting Managing Director of the IBEDC effective from May 31.

    Achife’s sack was contained in an internal memo dated May 31, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent.

    “Dear colleagues, the Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company wishes to inform the staff that it has decided not to renew the contract of the current Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife.

    “The Board expresses its deepest gratitude to Engineer Kingsley Achife for his contributions to the company and for laying the foundation for the ongoing turnaround.

    “In light of this decision, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of the most senior executive, Engineer Francis Agoha as the Acting Managing Director of IBEDC. Engineer Francis Agoha will assume leadership responsibilities with immediate effect and will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition,” the memo read in part.