Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • FG Reacts As Labour Rejects N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    FG Reacts As Labour Rejects N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    The Federal Government has appealed to the organised labour to be considerate and accept the proposed N60K minimum wage offer.

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The organized labour on Tuesday rejected the N60,000 proposed by the Tripartite Committee.

    They also reduced their demand from N500,000 to N494,000.

    Giving reasons for not accepting the N60K proposal, the Labour said:

    “How can we agree on N60,000- an amount that cannot buy a bag of rice to serve as national minimum wage. Let’s assume that you are buying a loaf of bread for your family at N2,000 every day and that is what you and your family want to be eating for one meal.

    “We have to be realistic in this country. When government increased the price of petrol, they asked labour to wait and demand for a living minimum wage and the government is going to provide a living a living wage for workers. But now, we are asking for a living wage and government is playing around it.”

    Reacting to the development, Onyejeocha said that the federal government had been consistent in taking steps to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigeria workers.

    “We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.

    “The government remain dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our citizens and its want to urge all relevant parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding.

    “This is particularly during this critical period when the President, Bola Tinubu, is working diligently to revitalize the economy,”she said.

    “As a government, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our citizens receive a decent standard of living, and we are committed to making this a reality.

    “After hours of intense negotiations, labour leaders took a recess to consult with other key stakeholders and have pledged to return to the negotiating table for further discussion.

    “We welcome this development and are optimistic that our continued engagement will yield a positive outcome.

    “In light of the current economic conditions, we have made a concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000.

    “This is the path that this government has chosen to pursue, and we will not deviate or stray from the course.

    “President Tinubu has been tireless in his efforts to revitalise the economy and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.

    “His commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty is genuine, and we appeal to all to support him in this endeavour.

    “As we move forward, we will continue to engage with organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure that our economic policies are inclusive and beneficial to all,” she added.

    Meanwhile, yesterday’s meeting ended in a deadlock as both parties failed to reach an agreement.

    The meeting was subsequently postponed indefinitely.

    The Labour had vowed that if the Federal Government failed to come up with a reasonable amount by May 31, then a nationwide strike will begin.

  • BREAKING! Court restrains SSS, Police From Evicting Emir Sanusi 

    BREAKING! Court restrains SSS, Police From Evicting Emir Sanusi 

    A Kano High Court presided by Justice Amina Aliyu has restrained the police, the State Security Service, SSS and Nigerian military from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II.

    The case was filed by the emir alongside the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta.

    Granting the order, Justice Aliyu also retrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers.

  • Senate Unanimously Votes for Recall of Senator Abdul Ningi

    Senate Unanimously Votes for Recall of Senator Abdul Ningi

    In a unanimous decision, the Nigerian Senate has voted to recall Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, back to the Senate following a period of suspension. The motion for his recall, titled “Unconditional Recall of Senator Abdul Ningi,” was introduced by Senator Abba Moro, the Minority Leader and senator representing Benue South Senatorial District.

    Senator Ningi was suspended on March 12, 2024, for a duration of three months due to his involvement in making unverified allegations concerning the 2024 budget. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service on March 9, Senator Ningi alleged that the budget had been padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion.

    The motion for his suspension was initially presented by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, citing infractions of legislative rules, misconduct, and unethical behavior.

    Senator Moro’s motion, tabled on Tuesday, sought the reconsideration of the resolution from the Votes and Proceedings of March 13, 2024, to recall Senator Abdul Ningi and reinstate him for his legislative duties. Notably, the Senate Minority Leadership, under Senator Moro’s guidance, assumed full responsibility for Senator Ningi’s actions and extended apologies on his behalf.

    The prayer set forth by Senator Moro garnered unanimous approval from the Senate, leading to the immediate recall of Senator Abdul Ningi. This decision underscores the Senate’s dedication to upholding legislative standards and fostering accountability among its members.

  • FG approves first aviation school in Southeast 

    FG approves first aviation school in Southeast 

    To address the dearth of manpower in the aviation sector, the Federal Government has approved the listing of Eastwing Aviation Training Institute under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

    Having met the technical evaluation by the FG, the Institute can now commence the process of admission of students through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and the students, upon completion of their studies, will be awarded national diploma and high national diploma, respectively.

    Speaking on the approval, the founder and CEO of Eastwing Aviation, Dr. Christopher Edeh, urged youths to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the institution to achieve their dream of becoming pilots, aviation engineers, cabin crew or other functions found in the sector.

    He said: “What this approval means for our youths is that every one of them now has the opportunity to explore this field, even if it means just coming to us for advice. The institution would encourage and help build the dream because we do not want you to stay idle after graduating.

    “It has been my desire to give back to society considering what I have passed through from the day I joined the Nigerian Air Force.

    “Being the first aviation school in the South-East region means a lot to us. It means that I am getting closer to my dream and I have reached that stage where society can benefit from me.”

     Explaining the process of getting the institute certified, Edeh disclosed that he worked with former colleagues to realize the project. “Those who worked with me on this project were colleagues that we served together. They have been very supportive throughout this quest. It was purely a communal effort, what you would call ‘Wazobia’ and we are where we are today.”

    The Eastwing Aviation Institute also recently established a non-governmental organisation to encourage less privileged youths who are talented and who meet the basic requirements but are not able to financially pursue their dreams.

    According to the founder, “We are hopeful that the new dawn would encourage a huge turn up. Many people regard the aviation sector as rocket science; now we have brought it to their doorsteps. For interested candidates, there are many areas in this field they can fit in; go to airports, all you see are many people carrying luggage and we believe they can do more than that.”

    Speaking further, Dr Edeh recounted: “A good example is one of the security personnel I worked with who was talented and hardworking. I realised this and encouraged him to do more for himself seeing that he has potential. Today, he is an aircraft maintenance engineer in one of the airlines.”

  • Former EFCC Chairman, Larmode To Be Buried Today 

    Former EFCC Chairman, Larmode To Be Buried Today 

    Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, who passed away in Egypt on Sunday, has been laid to rest at Gudu Cemetry, Abuja. 

    The 61-year-old had travelled to Egypt for medical treatment before he passed on.

    The burial announcement was made by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on his X handle on Tuesday. 

    Pantami shared a statement from Lamorde’s family, confirming the funeral arrangements.

    “The Jana’iza prayer of our late father, brother and Uncle DIG Ibrahim LAMORDE mni and Former Chairman of EFCC is coming up Tuesday 28/05/2024 at the National Mosque Abuja by 1:30 pm in sha Allah, immediately after Zuhr!” Pantami posted.

    Lamorde, born on December 20, 1962, joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021. 

    During his career, he served as the Chairman of the EFCC from 2011 to 2015, playing a significant role in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

    Lamorde’s burial will take place at the National Mosque in Abuja, where a Jana’iza prayer will be held in his honour, attended by family, friends, and colleagues who will gather to pay their final respects.

  • Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Withdraws Lawsuit Against APC, Aiyedatiwa …says President Tinubu intervened

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Withdraws Lawsuit Against APC, Aiyedatiwa …says President Tinubu intervened

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made a surprising announcement, withdrawing his lawsuit against the APC, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The lawsuit, originally filed in response to alleged irregularities during the governorship primary election, has been withdrawn by Senator Ibrahim as a gesture of respect for President Bola Tinubu.

    At a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator Ibrahim disclosed that his decision to withdraw the lawsuit came after President Tinubu’s intervention, which involved both telephone conversations and a lengthy physical meeting at the Villa lasting over an hour.

    He stressed that the withdrawal was not a personal matter but a pursuit to safeguard internal party democracy, which he believed was compromised during the primary election.

    The primary election, conducted on April 20, 2024, across Ondo State’s 18 local government councils, saw Governor Aiyedatiwa declared as the winner. However, Senator Ibrahim contested the outcome, leading to legal action against the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and INEC.

    Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his guidance and assurance during their meeting, Senator Ibrahim highlighted the president’s commitment to enhancing internal party democracy. He also acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prior visit to his residence in Asokoro before the withdrawal of the lawsuit.

    “I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue I am fighting for is not personal. It is simply to improve internal democracy, to which the President has pledged commitment. My respect for the President is unwavering,” the Lawmaker affirmed.

  • Soldiers withdraw as Banex Plaza reopens after week-long closure 

    Soldiers withdraw as Banex Plaza reopens after week-long closure 

    After a week of closure, Banex Plaza in Abuja has finally reopened its doors.

     The plaza resumed operations precisely at 2:30 pm today, Monday, May 27th. 

    The reopening comes following a period of enforced closure prompted by clashes between soldiers and traders.

    Reports indicate that the plaza’s reopening was facilitated after traders involved in the earlier altercation with military personnel resolved with the authorities.

    Earlier, the plaza witnessed a dramatic incident where personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police stormed the premises, engaging in physical altercations with passersby and security guards. 

    The action was in retaliation for a previous confrontation between four military police personnel and traders within the bustling electronics and telecommunications market.

  • Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat

    Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat

    An angry mob suspected to be thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), attacked protesters believed to be party supporters from the Edo State chapter who were at the party secretariat to demand Abure’s ouster.

    Trouble began when the anti- Abure protesters stormed the party headquarters in a number of vehicles holding placards and chanting solidarity songs.

    No sooner than some of the protesters stepped out of one of the vehicles that the suspected thugs swooped on the vehicles with sticks and other objects forcing the drivers to zoom off.

    A detachment of armed policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) intervened when the thugs started throwing stones into the nearby Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, in pursuit of reporters who were covering the fracas. 

    The intervention of the security officials prevented the situation from further degenerating. A police vehicle is currently stationed in between the warring factions.

  • Kogi guber: Ododo wins at Tribunal

    Kogi guber: Ododo wins at Tribunal

    The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, Monday, authenticated the election that declared Usman Ododo as the governor of Kogi State.

    In a unanimous judgment by a three-member panel of Justices of the Tribunal, it held that the petitioners failed to prove the allegations contained in their petition in accordance with the law.

    The Social Democratic Party(SPD) annd it’s candidate, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka was challenging Ododo’s election on the ground that it was conducted in gross violation of the electoral law of rigging and vote-buying.

    Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); Alex Iziyon (SAN) and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), who appeared for INEC, Ododo and APC respectively argued that the petitioners did not list the name of the witness in their proof of evidence and that the witness statement on oath was not front-loaded alongside the petition.

    They also contended that the petitioners served the reports of the witness’ analysis on them 20 minutes before the commencement of the proceedings.

    But Okutepa insisted that the forensic expert was listed on Page 56 of the petition as item 10, adding that his statement was also front-loaded.

  • Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Initiative for Local Government Autonomy

    Lawmaker Commends President Tinubu’s Initiative for Local Government Autonomy

    Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, has publicly praised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his recent announcement concerning local government autonomy.

    In a statement signed by the senator he expressed his approval of the decision, citing its potential to alleviate the hardships faced by the Nigerian populace.

    Senator Sumaila commended President Tinubu for aligning with the senators’ collective efforts to uplift local communities from their current challenges.

    He described the decision as a significant stride towards empowering grassroots governance and stimulating economic growth, especially in rural areas.

    “I am pleased with President Tinubu’s commitment to granting autonomy to local governments, as stipulated in the constitution,” Senator Sumaila remarked. “This move is poised to foster development in our rural areas and bolster the nation’s economy by enhancing revenue generation through agricultural and commercial activities.”

    However, while acknowledging the importance of local government autonomy, Senator Sumaila raised concerns about the integrity of local government elections. He emphasized the need for addressing the manipulation of electoral processes by politicians for personal gain, urging President Tinubu to take decisive action to ensure the fairness and transparency of such elections.

    “The conduct of local government elections has been plagued by interference and manipulation, undermining the democratic process,” Senator Sumaila highlighted. “President Tinubu’s attention to this issue is paramount to complementing the autonomy granted to local governments and ensuring that democracy flourishes at the grassroots level.”

    Furthermore, Senator Sumaila extended appreciation towards the collaborative efforts of the legislative and executive branches in advocating for local government autonomy. He called upon the judiciary to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities in resolving the matter.

    “We, at the National Assembly, have championed the cause of local government autonomy, and I am grateful for the support of the executive in this endeavor,” Senator Sumaila stated. “Now, it is imperative for the judiciary to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law in adjudicating on this issue”, the State concluded.