BREAKING: N60,000 Minimum Wage Proposed By Tinubu Government Too High, Can’t Fly — State Governors

 This was stated in a press statement issued by the Director Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, on Friday.

The N60,000 minimum wage earlier proposed by the Bola Tinubu Government has been rejected by all the 36 state governors of the federation. 

 This was stated in a press statement issued by the Director Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, on Friday.

 

The Governors described N60,000 minimum wage as too high and can't be sustainable by them, adding that approving it would push many state governments to borrow more loans to pay salaries every month.

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had on Monday embarked on indefinite strike action after rejecting the federal government’s N60, 000 offer as minimum wage.

 

However, the Labour Union relaxed the strike for one week to give room for further negotiations with the federal government, which had promised to increase the wage from N60,000.

 

The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

 

“However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

 

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

 

“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes.

 

“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

 

“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had on Monday embarked on indefinite strike action after rejecting the federal government’s N60, 000 offer as minimum wage.

 

However, the Labour Union relaxed the strike for one week to give room for further negotiations with the federal government, which had promised to increase the wage from N60,000.

However, the Labour Union relaxed the strike for one week to give room for further negotiations with the federal government, which had promised to increase the wage from N60,000.

The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

 “However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

 “All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes.

“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.”

Former PDP Chieftain Defends Tinubu's First-Year Performance

By Anietie Edet

2min reads

Former PDP Chieftain Defends Tinubu's First-Year Performance

Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has offered an excuse for President Bola Tinubu's perceived poor performance in his first year in office.

George, a long-time political foe of Tinubu, said the president used his inaugural year to study and correct the failures of the previous Muhammadu Buhari administration. The former military Governor of Ondo State urged Nigerians to give Tinubu one more year to deliver on his electoral promises and turn around the country's fortunes.

Speaking in a television interview on Friday, the PDP chieftain acknowledged that while Tinubu was part of the party that formed the Buhari government, leading the nation as president is a "hell of a different thing."

"To be fair to my conscience, he has had that one-year holiday of trying to study the failures of the past administration. I have given him that one year of grace because now he has seen it and lived there," George said.

The PDP stalwart asserted that Tinubu's lack of prior presidential experience warrants a grace period of one year, drawing a comparison to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's adjustment period in his first year in office.

"Even when Baba (Olusegun Obasanjo) became president in 1999, he was still trying to figure out what happened there or vice versa in his first year. Let's give him more time," George added.

Recall that in May 2024, George had called on President Tinubu to restructure his economic team and provide Nigerians with the true state of the country's affairs.

The PDP chieftain had stated that 25 years after the return of democracy, Nigeria has not lived up to its description as the "Giant of Africa," and can only regain its rightful place through the collective determination of leaders and followers.

National Assembly Member, Paul Haruna, Donates Well To Kogi Residents As Constituency Project

By News desk

2min reads

THE SOUTHERN POST reports that a member representing Bassa/Dekina Federal constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Paul Gowon Haruna, has built a traditional well for members of his constituency.

Haruna, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and also a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, donated the well as his constituency project.

However, some residents of the constituency have slammed him for the project.

National Assembly member, Paul Haruna donates well to Kogi residents as constituency project

“This is a project from a House of Representatives member representing Dekina/Bassa Federal constituency, what a shame, not even a mechanised hand pump,” one of his constituents told SaharaReporters.

Another resident said, “It’s glaring these politicians don’t rate us, a federal lawmaker constructing well and celebrating it as achievement.”

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has granted a scholarship to Priscilla to pursue her dream of becoming a female pilot, enabling her to chase her childhood aspirations

Quick facts about the Priscilla Scholarship and my interpretation

By The Southern Post news

 According to the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Ini Ememobong on Facebook, THE SOUTHERN POST reports that the commissioner explicitly stated that Priscilla never give up on her childhood dream of becoming a pilot.

Fact- A female student of Girls High School Eket named Priscilla, sees helicopters and airplanes taking off and landing at the airstrip, close to her school,  and she imagines herself flying them, someday. 

Interpretation- Environment matters. We are generally products of our environment because it plants some impressions subconsciously on our minds. Childhood dreams are important.

Fact- Priscilla shares her vision with colleagues, who tell her being a pilot isn’t a woman’s thing.

Interpretation- Your friends and colleagues may not believe in your dreams. Be careful who you tell your dreams.

Fact- She obtained a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Electronic Engineering Technology, but still desired to be a pilot.

Interpretation- While chasing your dreams, get educated. Education is a strong foundation to build your dreams.

Fact- After her HND, in 2020, she applied for admission at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria but they didn’t invite her for the evaluation examinations, until three years later.

Interpretation- All good things take time, some take a short time to manifest, and others take longer. Wait with hope, and trust in God.

Fact- when the admission came, she had no money to process it, but she was determined to attend the school. She reached out to Oga Yene, who publicised her appeal.

Interpretation- When in need, seek help from the right quarters. Until you seek help, you may never know where help can come from, but be careful of where you seek help from.

Fact- Priscilla’s appeal catches the attention of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, HE Pastor(Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, who drew her dear husband’s attention and sought his help for her(a person she had not known or met before).

Interpretation- when God wants to help you, HE will raise strategic and powerful channels to draw help. Of course, when a good wife makes a demand of her husband, you can consider it done.

Fact- Governor Umo Eno dispatches a team to find and bring Priscilla to him. He interacts with her and announces that he will not only sponsor her and two others through Aviation College but also called critical industry players to secure their post-training.

Interpretation - on the day of your blessing, you may not be the one hustling your source, they may contact and wait for you.

Finally, childhood dreams are valid; don’t let anyone discourage you; keep chasing your dreams, but get educated; when in need, seek help from the right sources.

To the glory of God, It ended in praise, courtesy of our listening Governor, HE Pastor Umo Eno.

I am glad that I was a witness, congratulations to Priscilla and co. Indeed it’s a golden era. ie

Super eagles World cup qualifying series, in Uyo, looking at the preparation

By The Southern Post

1 min reading

Nigeria is committed to performing at their best as they aim to secure a victory against South Africa in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying series match on Friday night at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles understand that only a win will satisfy the passionate Nigerian football fans, who have been disappointed by the team's slow start to the campaign, earning only two points out of a possible six in the first two games. Additionally, several players arrived late to camp, contributing to the dissatisfaction.

The absence of Victor Osimhen, the reigning Africa Player of the Year, and injuries to key defenders such as William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Zaidu Sanusi will force Head Coach Finidi George to explore all options for defensive solutions against the AFCON bronze medalists. Despite the challenges, the team is determined to give their all and secure the much-needed victory.

Support the Super Eagles in their upcoming game!

200 babies born in one month in Benue IDP Camps

Benue IDP Camps Struggle with High Birth Rates

By Peter Dudu

The situation at Benue's Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps has reached a critical point with reports indicating an alarming trend - the camps are now recording an average of 200 new born babies per month. This shocking statistic has left many in a state of disbelief and prompted concerns about the well-being of the women and infants living in these dire conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board expressed grave concern, stating that the women at the camps are left feeling helpless and vulnerable. With over 1.5 million IDPs spread across 17 camps in Benue State, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming. These individuals, forced out of their homes due to attacks by armed herdsmen, are now dependent on government support and charitable donations for their survival.

From Guma to Agatu, Gwer West, Kwande, Makurdi, Logo, Apa, Okpokwu, Bururku, Otukpo and other local government areas, LGAs, it’s all tales of woes as the rural Benue farmers who are known for their prowess in food production have vacated their ancestral homes and taken refuge in IDPs camps.

Despite promises from the government to facilitate their return home, many IDPs remain stranded in the camps, grappling with inadequate food and medical supplies, as well as limited sleeping arrangements. The harsh living conditions have not deterred the residents from starting families, resulting in a significant number of births within the camps.

The troubling reality of high birth rates in these challenging circumstances highlights the urgent need for improved support and resources for the displaced population in Benue State.

EFCC arraigns TStv MD, executive director for money laundering, fraud

 

EFCC arraigns TStv MD, executive director for money laundering, fraud

The TStv boss was also accused of duping a former minister.

ByAgency Report  June 6, 2024 Reading Time: 2 mins read

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv), Bright Echefu, and three others on nine-count money laundering charge.

Others arraigned alongside Mr Echefu before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, include the Executive Director of TStv, Felix Igboanuga; TStv and Briechberg Investment Ltd as 2nd to 4th defendants respectively.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Upon their non-guilty plea, EFCC’s counsel, Tahir Sylvanus, prayed for an order remanding Messrs Echefu and Igboanuga in a correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of the case.

Mr Sylvanus hinged his application on the grounds that it took almost a year after filing the charge before the defendants could be arraigned.

The lawyer, who said Messrs Echefu and Igboanuga were a flight risk, alleged that the duo refused to turn up for arraignment after being admitted to administrative bail and the charge filed on 9 June 2023.

He, therefore, asked for a speedy trial of the matter.

But Eyitayo Fatogun, who appeared for the defendants, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on his clients’ behalf in October 2023.

He urged the court to admit them to bail, pledging that the defendants were ready to stand trial.

But Mr Sylvanus disagreed with Fatogun.

The prosecution lawyer said a counter affidavit was filed on 16 October 2023 in opposition to their bail plea.

He said though the court had a discretionary power to grant bail, the antecedent of the defendants had proven that they were a flight risk.

Justice Ekwo asked if the defendants were earlier granted administrative bail and Mr Sylvanus responded in the affirmative.

The judge consequently admitted Messrs Echefu and Igboanuga on the terms of the administrative bail earlier granted by the anti-graft agency.

He ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar and not to travel outside the court’s jurisdiction without prior leave of the court.

Justice Ekwo, however, threatened to revoke their bail if they failed to show up in court for their trial.

The judge adjourned the matter until 15, 16 and 17 June for trial commencement. He threatened that Messrs Echefu and Igboanuga would remain in remand until their trial lasted if their bail was revoked.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants were alleged to have, on or about 18 May 2020, committed the money laundering offence, including tax evasion, unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deducted from the salaries of 165 staff.

FLOODING DUE TO INDISCRIMINATE WASTE DISPOSAL;

 FLOODING DUE TO INDISCRIMINATE WASTE DISPOSAL; 

..... Why Residents Must Take Responsibility

Emmanuel Nicholas

2min reads

June 06 2024

Akwa Ibom State is known for being the cleanest State in Nigeria, largely due to the efforts of the government to maintain cleanliness in all ramifications. 

The Government of Governor Umo Eno made part of it first line charge in keeping the environment in the State very clean. 

The Government sweeps all the streets every day, clear drainage, cut grasses, run quarterly evacuation of surface and underground drainage systems. 

The Akwa Ibom State Government has made significant investments in acquiring waste disposal vehicles and large waste bins for residents to freely dispose of their waste. Meanwhile, in many other states in Nigeria, residents are required to pay for such services.

The State also has designated the last Saturday of each month as a sanitation day to allow residents to tidy up their surroundings. Despite strict movement restrictions in place, the majority of residents have chosen not to take advantage of this opportunity to clean their environment.

One of the critical issues facing Akwa Ibom State is the improper disposal of waste and the neglect of drainage systems by residents. 

Residents must recognize the importance of proper waste disposal and clearing of drainage to prevent flooding, But they constitute a Nuisance by dumping their waste into waterways. 

Having lived in Lagos for over fifteen years, I have never seen the state government clearing waste from the drainage systems., Instead, residents have to engage licensed sanitation agents to help them clear the drainage, dispose of their waste or to do both by themselves. 

In Akwa Ibom State, the government through the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection And Waste Management Agency has established designated points where residents can deposit their waste,

And the agency then collated the waste to central disposal site for recycling and reclamation of the valley. 

 The residents do not take responsibility for cutting the grass outside their homes, They also leave this task to Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection And Waste Management Agency. 

Regrettably, residents of Akwa Ibom tend to dispose of their waste in drainages and waterways, leading to flooding during the rainy season, causing property damage and loss of life. 

Ironically, these same individuals then point fingers at the government for not doing enough to prevent flooding in the state. 

A notable example was the recent flooding in a section of the Housing Estate extension in Uyo, the state capital.

 Upon assuming office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015, Deacon Udom Emmanuel encountered flooding in the area that tragically claimed the life of a young girl. 

At that time, the entire Estate lacked asphalt roads and drainage systems. 

As a conscientious leader, Governor Emmanuel took action by awarding contracts for the construction of 28 streets equipped with drainage on both sides, and it was completed and commissioned. 

From then such incidents never occurred. 

This type of calamity could be averted if residents took responsibility for properly disposing of their waste and maintaining clean drainage systems, instead of solely relying on the government for these duties.

Another critical element in ensuring a flood-free future for Akwa Ibom State is prudent urban planning.

 Residents should obtain proper approvals before constructing buildings to prevent encroachment on waterways and designated drainage areas.

I recall an incident where a man constructed a house that became a barrier that blocked waterways on one of street's exit from housing Extension into Mbak Road. It required the intervention of the Uyo Capital City authorities, who dismantled the structure and allows water to flow. 

Therefore, collaborating with government agencies on urban development projects will help prevent construction in flood-prone zones and ensure that structures are not erected over underground drainage systems.

Obstructions such as these buildings hinder the opening of underground drains when it is blocked, leading to blame being unfairly placed on the government for demolition actions to unblock the drains. 

To prevent flooding in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, and other cities, residents must make a concerted effort to take responsibility and commit to cleaning and clearing waterways.

 They should also work together with the government of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to keep Akwa Ibom State clean, ensuring that the state maintains its reputation as the cleanest state in Nigeria and continues to win awards for cleanliness.

Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection And Waste Management Agency have been a very proactive agency that have been ensuring Akwa Ibom State remain clean and very conducive for human habitation.

There is need for residents to assist the Agency in ensuring the job is done perfectly .

A'IBOM ASSEMBLY APPROVES SIX MONTHS TENURE EXTENSION FOR LG TRANSITION COMMITTEES

 A'IBOM ASSEMBLY APPROVES SIX MONTHS TENURE EXTENSION FOR LG TRANSITION COMMITTEES

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has approved an extension of local government Transition Committee for another six months, pending the conduct of elections into local government councils. 

This followed a report of the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs presented by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Mfon Idung, at Plenary on Thursday.

According to him, the current Transition Committee Chairmen and members in all the local government councils were enthusiastic to implement the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno through implementation of capital projects, personnel development and humanitarian services.

"The House Committee in carrying out its mandate, visited each local government council and upon arrival, was received by Transition Committee Chairmen and their team, and subsequently taken round project sites such as the Arise Demonstration Farms and other projects of each Council."

"Full allocation accruable to each local government council has been released to the Council by His Excellency, the Governor, since the inception of the Interim Administration."

"Most of the Local Government Transition Committee made judicious use of the funds allocated to their councils.  There was no local government council without a signature project", Idung said in his report.

The Lawmaker said the House Committee was satisfied with the performance of the Local Government Interim Administration except for a few Local Government Councils which are under the watch of the Committee.

In his contribution, the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob (Nsit Ubuim), clarified that despite the resolution of the House, the State Governor however, reserves the right to  re-appoint or drop any Transition Committee Chairmen. 

Reacting, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to the Executive Governor.

Press Unit,

Office of the Speaker,

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, has met the 48-hour deadline set by President Tinubu on Minimum Wage

Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, has met the 48-hour deadline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present a new minimum wage template.

According to online reports, the template proposes a new minimum wage of N105,000 (approximately $220 USD) per month for Nigerian workers. President Tinubu is currently reviewing the proposal, and an official announcement is expected to be made soon.

It is important to note that the Labour Unions had gone on a strike action on Monday after their meeting with the National Assembly leadership failed to yield a satisfactory result. The strike had a significant impact, grinding economic activities to a halt across the country, including the closure of international airports, schools, courts, banks, and hospitals.

The presentation of the new minimum wage template by the Minister of Finance is a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing dispute between the government and the Labour Unions. The outcome of the President's review and the subsequent announcement will be closely watched by the Nigerian public and the international community.

Spain to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ

 Spain to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Spain made this decision so that “peace returns to Gaza and the Middle East,” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares explained in a press conference on Thursday.

We

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA • JUNE 6,

Spain made this decision so that “peace returns to Gaza and the Middle East,” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares explained in a press conference on Thursday.

“A large-scale war that does not distinguish between civil and military objectives” is taking place, and the risk of escalation is increasing,” he said.

South Africa submitted the case in late December 2023, accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

On January 26, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide and to ensure that its military does not commit genocide.

It further called on Israel to halt incitement against Palestinians as a group and to take immediate measures to ensure humanitarian aid.

On May 24, the ICJ ordered Israel to stop its military offensive in Rafah in southern Gaza with immediate effect.

“The ICJ precautionary measures are very far from being fulfilled,” Mr Albares remarked. “Spain does not rule on the crime itself; that is the court’s job.”

Mr Albares added that Spain will present a report to the court to justify its participation in the case.

(Xinhua/NAN)

“I Provided Everything For My Wife Afiba; She Lacked Nothing,

 The husband has been pondering the reasons behind his spouse behavior.

“I Provided Everything For My Wife Afiba; She Lacked Nothing, I Wonder Why She Allowed Her Single Friend Push Her Into This” — Husband Of Afiba, One Of The Girls K!llǝ∂ By Andrew Ochekwo, The Aba-based Man They Met On Facebook Says In An Interview

According to a Whatsapp chat in circulation, Celine charged the now deceased Andrew, N1million for him to spend time with she and her friend, Afiba.

We demolished illegal structures in the metropolis to curb crimes -Commissioner

 We demolished illegal structures in Bauchi metropolis to curb crimes – Commissioner

ByNews Desk

June 6, 2024

The Bauchi government has said that the ongoing demolition of illegal make shift structures would enhance security network in the state capital.

Abdulhamid Bununu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs said this at a news conference on Thursday in Bauchi,

He said the exercise was prompted by credible intelligence on activities of criminal elements hibernating some of criminal elements hibernating some of the structures on the road side and other strategic locations in the metropolis.

“The government is not unaware of the consequences of such order on small business owners, but sees it as paramount to upheld the fabulous security enjoy by the state.

“The security will rapidly increase while security operatives will work for the protection of peace without hindrances in the state,” he said.

Governor's Generosity: Awarding #10 million Naira to Top Graduating Student

 The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has awarded ₦10 million to the best-graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU), Olaniyi Olawale, Accounting Education, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.98. 

THE SOUTHERN POST gathered that the Governor said that he awarded the best graduating student with a sum of 10 million Naira as a recognition of the academic achievement and hard work.

Death Toll Rises To 20 In Niger Mine Collapse, 14 Still Trapped – Police

Twenty people have been confirmed dead from the collapsed mine in the Galkago community in the Shiroro district of Niger state; while fourteen more people are still trapped and awaiting rescue.

By The Southern Post

The police commissioner during an inspection of the mine said that operators of the collapsed mining site operated without regard to safety measures and the welfare of the labourers.

This is according to the commissioner of Police Niger State Command Shawulu Danmamman who visited the mine site on Wednesday.

The incident which happened on Monday was believed to have been caused by the torrential rains which softened the soil.

Niger state emergency service agency spokesman Hussaini Ibrahim had said one person was confirmed dead, several others were injured, while 30 persons including the site manager, were trapped as a mining pit collapsed

The police commissioner during his inspection of the mine said that operators of the collapsed mining site operated without regard to safety measures and the welfare of the labourers.

The commissioner was accompanied by the state commissioner of Homeland Security, Bello Muhammad, and also the commissioner of solid minerals Garba Auna.

His inspection also revealed no ambulance or equipped medical kits were present in-situ as well as personnel to care for labourers in terms of emergencies. (CHANNELSTV)