Obasempire reports that leaders of organized labor, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have confirmed their acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage proposed by the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Following a key meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, announced the unions’ agreement to the proposal.
Joined by Comrade Festus Usifo, President of the TUC, and other worker representatives, Ajaero explained that the unions consented to the offer because of the added incentives.
A major factor in their decision was the President’s commitment to reviewing the minimum wage every three years, unlike previous arrangements.
Although the labor leaders initially sought a minimum wage of at least N250,000, the agreed sum, along with the promise of regular reviews, led the unions to accept the N70,000 offer.
Obasempire reports that Pastor Williams Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, has refuted claims of moving to the United Kingdom (UK).
Obasempire notes that Kumuyi recently faced significant backlash from Nigerians after reports suggested he had relocated to the UK following his advice to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of Cross River State Deeper Life, the clergyman clarified that he had not moved to the UK but was traveling from country to country for his international crusade.
Kumuyi encouraged his followers to disregard such false reports and to adhere to the truth of God’s word.
In his word: “You must have read that I relocated to the UK. “Did I relocate?” he asked. “I did not relocate anywhere. But because I went for crusade and conference and the conference and crusade is not being transmitted here, we do it over there.
We have a time difference. Some countries I go to like the one I went to in May have about 7 hours of time difference. When it is 7 am here it will be 2 am in that other country. There is no way I could transmit that here because of the time difference.
“It was a long trip and after that long trip, I jumped into the plane and went here and there. After those trips, I needed a few days to rest so that I would not come back weary, tired, and could not preach again. So I waited. And because I spent that time, they told you that I have relocated. ”
Kumuyi also recalled how someone wrote a letter to him and addressed the letter to the UK branch of the church because he said “he heard that I have relocated.”
The member according to Kumuyi wrote, “I am writing this to you. I need prayers. I need counseling. But I heard you are now based in London.”
Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu on Thursday informed governors that local government chairpersons can now be held accountable, as the Supreme Court ruling has confirmed the autonomy of the 774 local governments in Nigeria.
The President praised the Supreme Court’s decision for upholding the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria regarding the statutory rights of local governments.
This was disclosed in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The governors present at the State House, Presidential Villa, included Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Usman Ododo of Kogi State, among others.
Although, details of the meeting were not available at the time of sending the report, inside sources said it may not be unconnected with the Supreme Court judgement which may have stripped the states of the powers to control the government at the third tier.
The President, when reacting to the Supreme Court judgement, stated that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The judgement is seen as a relief to the local governments, many of who had been under he appendages of the state governments who control their resources through the instrument of the State Joint Account system.
The President emphasized that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us.
“By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions, adding that ” What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people.
This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” President Tinubu states.
President Tinubu also noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, has tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.
The President affirms that the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.
President Tinubu commends the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for his diligence and patriotic effort on this important assignment.
The President states that his administration remains committed to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian.
Obasempire reports that Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, has initiated legal proceedings against Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs.
This action arises during an ongoing inquiry into purported misappropriation within the ministry.
The Ministry of Women Affairs, via a statement from Musa Abdulrahaman, the minister’s assistant, confirmed the situation.
The statement denied claims of financial impropriety and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to transparency and responsibility.
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives, led by Ogbara, questioned Ohanenye regarding the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors despite the release of funds.
The lawmakers also scrutinized the Minister for various expenditures, including N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and N1.5 million for vehicle fuel.
In response to the allegations, the ministry clarified that “all financial transactions undergo rigorous authorization procedures in accordance with established civil service regulations.”
It said further that the procedures involve scrutiny by the Director of Finance and Accounts, with final approval by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry’s accounting officer.
It added that the Minister presented supporting documents to substantiate the accuracy of all financial transactions under scrutiny.
Also, the ministry said Ohanenye has chosen to refrain from further public commentary on the matter, instead opting to initiate legal proceedings against Ogbara for alleged libel and defamation.
“The Minister expressed confidence in the judicial process and urged the presentation of any evidence or proof of alleged misappropriation in a court of law,” the statement concluded.
Obasempire reports that Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume claims certain ministers are unable to engage President Bola Tinubu in discussions about the escalating living costs and food shortages in Nigeria.
Earlier, Ndume and colleague Sunday Karimi tabled a motion urging government action on the food crisis, citing a World Food Programme warning of potential food insecurity for 82 million Nigerians in the next five years.
Speaking to BBC Hausa post-plenary, Ndume emphasized the government’s failure to tackle these issues as a significant hurdle.
He said: “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies.” The senator said the aim of the motion was to draw the government’s attention to the severity of the food crisis affecting many Nigerians.
He expressed concern that if the government does not take urgent action, the situation could lead to famine and starvation, especially among children.
“We want to draw the government’s attention to the fact that Nigeria is not only facing a high cost of living but also food scarcity. “We want the President to intervene in the issue of high cost of living and food scarcity,” Mr Ndume added.
He cited the example of Katsina State, where children are already suffering from malnutrition due to food scarcity.
He also mentioned the situation in the Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger.
“We have seen how it happened in Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger, and we are starting to see it in Nigeria,” the lawmaker added.
While calling on the government to take immediate action to address the food crisis, Mr Ndume expressed disappointment that the government had not taken any concrete steps to address the issue, despite its promise to do so.
He, therefore, called on the government to meet with experts and other stakeholders to find a solution to the problem.
“What we want the government to do is to sit with experts and other stakeholders to find a solution to the problem. We are urging the government to take action, lest they forget that Nigeria is grappling with both soaring prices and a severe food shortage.
“We fear that a day may come when even if someone has the financial means to purchase food, they will go to the market and find none available,” he warned.
Obasempire reports that Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Abubakar Kyari, affirmed that the Tinubu administration has halted duties, tariffs, and taxes on essential food imports such as beans, wheat, and husked brown rice.
Kyari, in a statement posted on his social media profile, disclosed that the government has suspended “duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.”
In his statement, Mr Kyari said the imported food “will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”
With this, the minister explained that the government hopes that the new food import policy will lead to a drastic reduction in the prices of basic food items, whose prices have increased astronomically since President Bola Tinubu removed subsidies on petrol and floated the naira to allow the value of the Nigerian currency to be determined by market forces.
Mr Kyari also said the federal government will massively import some food items in addition to allowing the duty-free importation of food.
“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country,” he said.
This implies that the government is planning to import maize and wheat equivalent to approximately 2.5 million bags (100kg) of each commodity to ameliorate the shortages in the country and force down the prices in the market.
Obasempire reports that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the organization’s leader, expressed that the ministry would unleash the multi-billion naira livestock economy and generate high-quality and efficient employment opportunities throughout the livestock value chain, thereby enhancing the Nigerian economy.
“With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renew Hope Agenda. The promise made by President Tinubu, to raise the productive capacity of Nigerian agriculture to ensure food security is being fulfilled.
“We, as an association, had for years been agitating tooth and nail to actualize the creation of a stand-alone ministry to modernise livestock production systems in line with global best practices,” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma pledged support to the federal government to turn livestock production into a foreign exchange earner, and reduce the farmer/ herder conflicts and its related security challenges.
According to him, Nigerian pastoralists appreciate this historic development, adding that they would reciprocate the gesture.
“On behalf of chairman and members Board of trustees of MACBAN, his Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and entire members of Cattle Breeders association of Nigeria across the nation heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed forces for this wonderful development.”
President Tinubu, yesterday, announced the creation of the ministry in a bid to reform Nigeria’s livestock industry and provide long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers.
A new minister for the ministry which will bring the number of ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet to 49, will be announced soon.
Tinubu made the announcement while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.
Established in September 2023, the committee which is now named the Renewed Hope livestock reform implementation committee, is expected to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to develop recommendations aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
The establishment of the Committee followed the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, convened by the former Governor of Kano State and Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, last year.
During the inauguration, the president also announced a reshufflement within the committee. Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru Jega, has been named co-chair, while the president will serve as the committee’s chair, a position previously held by Ganduje.
The President emphasised that the solution to the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders is at hand, with the distinguished personalities and their collective experience on the committee.
He stated that the livestock and dairy industry offers substantial commercial and economic advantages that can boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
Tinubu thanked Ganduje for convening the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, whose recommendations informed the decision to constitute the presidential committee.
The President, while announcing the appointment of Jega as the co-chair of the committee, said he wants to remove any element of partisan politics to ensure the focus remains on the opportunity to create wealth and better the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu also announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development, stating that this presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry to develop the economy and give people the opportunity to excel in the livestock and dairy industry.
He emphasised the need to utilize available technologies, such as herd identification with chips and tracking, to support the implementation of the livestock reforms. He also called on the Attorney General, Budget and Economic Planning Minister, and Finance Minister to prioritize and provide the necessary legal, budgetary, and financial support for the successful implementation of the committee’s objectives.
Tinubu expressed his confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver on the livestock reforms and create a prosperous future for Nigeria.
He said: “I’m here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock in our beloved country. First, I must say thank you very much to those who said the solution is far, I said no, the solution is here. With these distinguished personalities, the name, the intellectual capacity, majority of you have great experience and you want Nigeria to prosper.
“First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, dairy products, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages.
“We have seen the solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as cheese, yoghurt, butter and economic advantages. Efficient cold-chain logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors and consumers alike.
“Let me take advantage of the presence here, to thank the former executive governor of Kano State and the chairman of All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solution by convening national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria in February last here. The far reaching recommendation in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms and cease the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict promoted agenda.
“It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here in trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a situation that is very conducive. I must mention here that I have discussed on a number of occasions with the governors the need to seize this opportunity, let’s run with it from here.
“At this juncture, I will appeal to remove everything of partisan politics from it, assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appointed Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair. And I asked Dr Ganduje, we say thank you, just remove yourself so that anything of politics in this environment will be erased completely. This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation. So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to promote.
“We’ve solved the problem, we have identified the models for livestock management, it is done in other countries, in other climes successfully promoted. It created a great economy and empowerment for ordinary people.
“Traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s social economic growth and development. With all measures that are available to us.
“I don’t want us to turn this environment to another talk opportunity, I just want to inaugurate this community to ensure that I am ready. I assure you and the Nigerian public that we need to create this economy, seize this opportunity. These ranches you recommend, and promote, I will work with it. And luckily, we have information and technology minister present too, herds of cows can be identified with chips and be tracked these days. If other technologies are available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it.
“The governors are hereby represented, any law that might inhibit the promotion and the actualization of our objective, the Attorney General is here, please give it a priority and budget and economic planning minister is here, find a budget head for it to grow and finance is here as well to work hard for the money.
“When you have a great opportunity like this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the caliber of the people that are here?
“This presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, give people the opportunity to excel. Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreed and stop the wanton killings, even animal feeds is a huge economy,” he said.
Obasempire reports that the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, clarified that the establishment of the School of Islamic Studies aims to enhance and cultivate the capabilities of military personnel.
General Buba provided this clarification on Thursday during a joint Press Briefing by the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee held at Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Responding to inquiries about the widely circulated photo of the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Studies, which sparked public debate questioning its presence within the Nigerian military, General Buba defended the rationale behind establishing the institution.
He said, “Life is spiritual and being military men does not make them less spiritually inclined.”
Furthermore, Buba said, “The military does not only have the School of Islamic Affairs; we also have the Chaplaincy School. Being military men does not make us not to be spiritually inclined.
“They say that life is spiritual. Things start from the spiritual before we see them in the physical. We in the military are also aware of that. So, we pray according to our religion, be it Christian or Islam.
“And what is the purpose of a school? It is to develop and build capacity. If you want somebody to go and preach to others, he should know what he is preaching about. He should be able to read the scriptures from one point to the other in whatever religion he practises, so that he can communicate that breakdown to the troops and build their faith.
“I believe that answers the question, why is the military operating a School of Islamic Affairs.”
Obasempire reports that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 11,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Kebbi State as part of its ongoing efforts to halt illicit cross-border trade.
Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the Controller of the Kebbi Command, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, also disclosed the seizure of additional smuggled items, including 40 crates of imported pasta, 50 bundles of used clothing, 28 boxes of 50mg Diclofenac tablets, and 10 containers of cooking oil.
Ojike stated that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods is fourteen million, seven hundred and ninety-two thousand, four hundred naira (N14,792,400).
He disclosed that the seized PMS would be auctioned to the public, generating an estimated eight million, one hundred and seventy-eight thousand, one hundred eighty-three naira (N8,178,183), which will be remitted to the Federal Government’s coffers.
“The team was able to generate twenty-five million, eight hundred and forty-seven thousand, six hundred and eleven naira (N25,847,611) in June, which is a 67.6% increase compared to the previous month of May,” Ojike added.
In a separate briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the National Coordinator of Operation WHIRLWIND, Comptroller Hussien Ejibunu, reported the seizure of PMS products in the Sokoto Area Command by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind Zone D’ axis.
Ejibunu stated that the operation has successfully disrupted and dismantled networks of smugglers of Premium Motor Spirit nationwide.
“This operation is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other law enforcement agencies,” he said.
He revealed another substantial seizure of 661 kegs of PMS, containing 30 and 40 litres each, and 15 drums of PMS, each containing 200 litres, amounting to a total of 79,500 litres of PMS with a DPV of fifty-five million, seven hundred and twenty-nine thousand, five hundred naira (N55,729,500).
These interceptions were made across Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Ejibunu further mentioned that one filling station was sealed off and handed over to the regulatory agency, NMDPRA, for further investigation, noting that the continuous monitoring of PMS trucking, discharging, and dispensing processes to prevent diversion.
He urged members of smuggling cartels to reconsider their activities and pursue legitimate business ventures, warning that the Nigerian Customs Service will continue to pursue economic saboteurs relentlessly.
“There is no place for their illegal activities,” he stated.
Obasempire reports that Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano has issued severe caution to Sanusi Bature, the spokesperson for the Kano State Governor, admonishing him with the prospect of incarceration due to alleged distortion.
The judge pronounced this warning following his ruling on the Kano State Commission of Inquiry, which Governor Yusuf had instituted.
He directed that an Authenticated Copy of the judgment be promptly given to the Governor’s spokesperson and all media representatives present in the courtroom to prevent any misrepresentation.
Journalists present were left in suspense as the judge reproached state government officials, including Bature, for undermining court decisions with their statements.
Justice Amobeda said: “I know the Governor has immunity, but I have the liberty to jail any of his aides for unguarded utterances against the decision of the court.”
Justice Amobeda has set a 48-hour deadline for two Kano State High Court judges, Justice Farouk Lawan Adamu and Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, to resign from their roles as Chairpersons of Governor Abba Yusuf’s judicial commissions.
The commissions were established to investigate the previous administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, focusing on misappropriation of public funds and political violence.
Since Governor Abba Yusuf assumed office on May 29, 2023, Kano State has been under intense media scrutiny due to ongoing legal disputes and political tensions between Ganduje and Yusuf, as well as other issues like the Emirate crisis.
