AKwa Ibom State GOVERNOR, Pastor Umo Eno has relieved Dr Bassey P. Okon from the State Executive Council with the Immediate effect

The Southern Pos

1min read

According to the press release, in is effort to reposition the administration, in line with the Arise Agenda Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno has relieved Dr Bassey P. Okon, the Honorable Commissioner for Special Duties as Commissioner from the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

South-West governors in closed-door meeting in Lagos

Photos: South-West governors in closed-door meeting in Lagos

The six governors of the South-West geo-political zone are currently in a crucial closed-door meeting in Lagos.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is hosting them.

By 12 noon, all the governors had arrived and then went in for the meeting.

Dikko Radda: Each state government should be allowed to set its minimum wage

Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, says each state government in the country should be allowed to set its own minimum wage.

Speaking on Sunday when he appeared on a programme on Television Continental (TVC), the governor said only Nigeria has one single minimum wage for workers across all states.

The minimum wage is currently on the exclusive-legislative list, which gives power to only the federal government to determine it.

The organised labour has been demanding higher wages following the removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

While the federal government has offered N62,000 as the minimum wage, labour is proposing N250,000.

“It is only in Nigeria that we have one single minimum wage for laborers across all states. In other countries, different states have different minimum wages based on sustainability and affordability,” Radda said.

“What is the need for the state government to agree to pay N100,000 if they can’t implement it?”

The governor said there is a need for the country to embrace ranching because it is more profitable.

“There is a need for us to encourage ranching. I am not supporting or opposing, but I’m saying there is a need for us to embrace ranching because it is more profitable,” he said.

"We cannot take the herders off the streets in a very short time. We need to give people time to be enlightened.

“There will be a lot of sensitisation and encouragement for people to go into ranching because it is more profitable and more secure.”

Radda said 90 per cent of the arable land in Katsina is being cultivated despite the challenges with security.

Woman Arrested For Stǝþþiηg Her Husband To Dεǝth Over 'Yǝh∞ Yǝh∞' Proceed In Imo

 Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old young lady, named Oluchi Nzemechi, of Uzoagba in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State, for stabbing her husband, Kelechi Nzemechi, 31yrs, to death.

A statement released by the command's spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, says when interrogated, the suspect confessed to the crime, admitting that her lover lured her into internet fraud aka ‘yahoo yahoo’. 

Okoye said Oluchi confessed that on  June 2, she had a heated argument with the deceased for failing to give her a cut of an alleged 250 Million Rupiah they fraudulently obtained from a victim in Indonesia, during which she used a kitchen knife to stab him on the upper part of his body.

‘’The suspect further revealed that in a bid to cover up her criminal acts, she swiftly wrote on a piece of paper; ‘you think you can eat my money and go free, I am baba for the boys, I am coming for your wife and your child including your family’ and placed it on the lifeless body of the victim and ran away from the house. She also stated that she has been living with the victim since 2019 and has a child for him.''he said

Okoye said efforts are being made to recover the alleged 250 million Indonesia Rupiah for a possible return to the owner. He added that the suspect is currently undergoing an investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will certainly be arraigned in court.

Labour Rejects ₦62,000, ₦100,000 ‘Starvation Wage’, May Resume Strike Tuesday

The Southern Post

By News desk

3min read

The Organised Labour said the one-week grace period given to the Federal Government last Tuesday, June 4, 2024, would expire by the midnight of Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

Labour said should the Federal Government and National Assembly fail to act on the demands of workers by tomorrow (Tuesday), the organs of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) would meet to decide on the resumption of the nationwide industrial action relaxed last week.

Chris Onyeka, an Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, stated this on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show on Monday.

The NLC Official said, “The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for them (the government) to look at and send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various fact of the law, and then come up with a National Minimum Act that meets our demands.

If that does not meet our demand, we have given the Federal Government a one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow (Tuesday). If after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the Organised Labour will meet to decide on what next.”

When asked what the decision of Labour would be should the government insists on ₦62,000, he said, “It was clear what we said. We said we are relaxing a nationwide indefinite strike. It’s like putting a pause on it. So, if you put a pause on something and that organs that govern us as trade unions decide that we should remove that pause, it means that we go back to what was in existence before.”

Starvation Wage’

He said Labour won’t accept any ₦62,000 or ₦100,000 “starvation wage” as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

He insisted on ₦250,000, labour’s latest demand at the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage on Friday, as the living wage for an average Nigerian worker.

He said labour won’t accept the latest government’s offer of ₦62,000 and the ₦100,000 proposal by some individuals and economists.

Onyeka said, “We have never considered accepting ₦62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what we know is able to take Nigerian workers home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage.

“We have never contemplated ₦100,000 let alone of ₦62,000. We are still at ₦250,000, that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation. We are not just driven by frivolities but the realities of the market place; realities of things we buy every day: bag of rice, yam, garri, and all of that.”

Protracted Deadlock

After weeks of failed talks on a new minimum wage for workers in the country, Labour declared an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 3, 2024. Businesses were paralysed as labour shut down airports, hospitals, national grid, banks, National Assembly and state assemblies’ complexes.

The labour unions said the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the wellbeing of an average Nigerian worker, saying government should offer workers something economically realistic in tandem with current inflationary pressures, attendant effects of the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the forex windows of the current administration.

The labour unions also lamented that not all governors are paying the current wage award which expired in April 2024, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Act should be reviewed every five years to meet up with contemporary economic demands of workers.

In January 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a tripartite committee to negotiate a new minimum wage for the country.

At the start of negotiations, Labour presented ₦615,000 as the new minimum wage but saw reasons to drop their demand to ₦497,000, and then to ₦494,000.

Also, in the beginning, the government and the Organised Private Sector proposed ₦48,000, ₦54,000, ₦57,000, and later ₦60,000, all four offers were rejected by Labour, prompting the strike.

In the heat of the impasse and the attendant consequences of the strike last Monday, June 3, 2024, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the President was committed to a wage above ₦60,000, and that the government side of the tripartite committee would meet with labour for one week to agree on a wage.

Persuaded, labour “relaxed” its industrial action on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, some 24 hours after the strike. Both TUC and NLC leadership subsequently resumed talks with the representatives of the Federal Government, states, Organised Private Sector.

The President also directed Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to present a template for a new minimum wage. Before the directive, the minister described as “unaffordable, the demands of labour. Also, the 36 state governors said labour’s demands was not sustainable.

However, on Friday, June 7, 2024, the two sides (labour and the government) failed to reach an agreement. While labour dropped again its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000, the government added ₦2,000 to its initial ₦60,000 and offered workers ₦62,000.

Both sides submitted their reports to the President who is expected to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to pass a new minimum wage bill to be signed into law by the President.

Minimum wage: President, NASS to determine our next action — Labour

 Govs, senators, Reps should also earn N62,000 minimum wage — Mbaka

By Victor AhiumaYoung, Udeme Akpan, Peter Egwuatu and Nkiruka Nnorom

Organised Labour weekend said President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, NASS, will determine its next line of action, following last Friday’s stalemated negotiations on a new national minimum wage, NNMW.

This is even as industry experts and financial analysts have noted that the economy is on a tough road to recovery and that the minimum wage agitation and return of fuel subsidy will further complicate the process and prospect of early recovery.

Contrary to expectations, the Federal Government negotiating team added N2,000 to its earlier offer of N60,000, leading to the deadlock that forced labour to declare a nationwide strike.

As  a result of the deadlock, the committee resolved to take both the N62,000 offer by the Federal Government team which has the backing of the OPS and N250,000 now demanded by organised labour to President Bola Tinubu for further action.

One of the members of Labour’s negotiating team told Vanguard that President Tinubu and the National Assembly will determine the next step organised labour would take.

Here is a list of all Chinua Achebe's works, including novels, short stories, essays, and poetry collections, along with their publication years:

 T H E  G O A T!! ♥️ I N S P I R I N G💯

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is a list of all Chinua Achebe's works, including novels, short stories, essays, and poetry collections, along with their publication years:

●Novels

Things Fall Apart (1958)

No Longer at Ease (1960)

Arrow of God (1964)

A Man of the People (1966)

Anthills of the Savannah (1987)

●Short Story Collections

Girls At War (1972)

Beware, Soul Brother (1972)

How the Leopard Got His Claws (1973)

Christmas in Biafra (1973)

●Poetry Collections

Beware, Soul Brother and Other Poems (1971)

Collected Poems (2004)

●Essays

Morning Yet on Creation Day (1975)

The Trouble with Nigeria (1984)

Hopes and Impediments (1988)

Home and Exile (2000)

The Education of a British-Protected Child (2009)

There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra (2012)

●Anthologies

Winds of Change (Edited by Chinua Achebe) (1977)

African Short Stories (Edited by Chinua Achebe) (1987)

The Heinemann Book of Contemporary African Short Stories (Edited by Chinua Achebe and Lynn Innes) (1992)

●Children's Books

Chike and the River (1966)

●Non-Fiction

Another Africa (1998)

●Autobiographical Works

There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra (2012)

●Other Works

Critical Insights: Things Fall Apart (2012)

An Image of Africa / The Trouble With Nigeria (2010)

This list includes all the notable works of Chinua Achebe, covering various genres and themes.

#obiakulancelotifeanyi

TROOPS SECURE MAJOR VICTORIES IN COUNTER TERRORISM OPERATIONS ACROSS ,KADUNA, ZAMFARA, ABIA STATES

 TROOPS SECURE MAJOR VICTORIES IN COUNTER TERRORISM  OPERATIONS ACROSS ,KADUNA, ZAMFARA, ABIA  STATES 

By News desk

2min reads

Published June 08 2024

THE SOUTHERN POST

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter terrorism operations across the country have achieved major successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in Kaduna, Zamfara and Abia states, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to national security and the safety of citizens. 

The Southern Post online reported a significant development that was tweeted on X.com by the @HQNigerianArmy.

In Kaduna State, troops in a decisive operation conducted a two-day fighting patrol to Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas, during which they engaged and neutralized five terrorists in a fierce combat at Dantarau. After defeating the terrorists, the gallant troops recovered a cache of arms, including 2 AK-47 rifles, one fabricated submachine gun (SMG), 9 AK 47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 2 motorcycles, and two handheld radios.

 This victory significantly disrupted terrorists' activities along the Maro-Enugu community axis, bolstering security in the general area.

Relatedly in Zamfara State, troops deployed along the Gusau-Tsafe-Funtua road, responding to a distress call successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt in the Angwan Chida area of Tsafe Local Government Area.  During  the rescue operation, troops engaged the  terrorists attempting to abduct occupants of a Toyota Corolla in a fierce shootout, neutralizing two terrorists and rescuing four passengers  The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the vehicle involved in the attempted abduction. 

In Abia State, troops conducted a successful raid operation to an identified  IPOB/ESN enclave  located in Igboro Forest, in Arochukwu Local Government Area.  Despite encountering three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the terrorists, troops successfully recovered three locally fabricated Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and a locally fabricated Artillery Gun.  The terrorists were forced to flee, as they succumbed to the superior fire power of the troops. One soldier who sustained a minor injury from shrapnel is receiving medical attention  and recuperating. The destruction of this camp represents a significant blow to the terrorist elements operating in the area.

These successful operations underscore the Nigerian Army's unwavering dedication to combating terrorists' activities.  The effective raids and fighting patrols have not only disrupted the activities of the terrorists, but also restored a sense of security and confidence among the affected communities.  The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and continues to make substantial  progress in the fight against terrorism.

Ibom Tropicana Inspection: Will Governor Eno's leadership bring a New Life to the long awaited project.

 Ibom Tropicana inspection: Will Governor Eno's leadership bring a New Life to the long awaited project.

By Anietie Edet

3min read

Published June 08 2024

The Ibom Tropicana Projects have long been a symbol of potential and promise for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The recent inspection of the project by Governor Eno, the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Ini Ekong, the SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, and the consultants marks the introduction of a new phase for the Tropicana Projects.

One cannot help but feel a sense of relief and anticipation upon witnessing the progress to be made on the Theme Park, the 5000-seater Conference Center, Tropicana Hotel, and Entertainment Center. These key components of the Ibom Tropicana Projects have the potential to transform the landscape of Akwa Ibom State, providing much-needed recreational and entertainment options for its residents and visitors alike.

Last year, a friend of mine returned from the United States with his family to spend Christmas in Uyo. He asked me for recommendations on where to take his children for some fun at a recreational park. I suggesting Ibom Tropicana Mall or a Christmas park. Later, he called me to express disappointment after driving past Tropicana Projects and only seeing the shopping mall and cinema. I assured him that the project is multifaceted and more developments may likely continue some day. Little did I know that governor Eno was thinking about the project.

Governor Umo Eno's commitment to completing the Ibom Tropicana Projects will be a testament to his vision of economic policy for the future of the state. By prioritizing the development of this expansive entertainment and hospitality complex, Governor Eno demonstrates his dedication to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom.

Considering the direct employment opportunities that will benefit the people through this project, it is anticipated that a significant emphasis may be placed on local content, given the current high exchange rates.

While it is natural to question why the Ibom Tropicana Projects languished for so many years, it is more important to focus on the present and the future. Governor Eno's leadership visit show's determination to complete the Ibom Tropicana, and has brought new life and energy into this long-awaited endeavor, signaling a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose for the project.

As construction will begin and the Ibom Tropicana Projects start to take shape, it is clear that Governor Eno's intervention has the potential to bring about a new boom for Akwa Ibom State. The completion of this multi-faceted development will not only enhance the state's tourism and hospitality industries but will also create numerous job opportunities and spur economic growth in the area.

The Ibom Tropicana Projects stand as a symbol of hope and possibility for the people of Akwa Ibom State. With Governor Umo Eno at the helm, there is newfound optimism that this ambitious undertaking will finally be realized, ushering in a new era of prosperity and development.

The upcoming special intervention on the Ibom Tropicana project should be under close scrutiny.

I plead with the Governor to visit the project sites monthly to monitor progress and ensure the road map is followed for the benefit of all Akwa Ibom people. I trust that, with these moves, Ibom Tropicana Projects will also be successfully accomplished.

Howard University revokes Sean Combs’ honorary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement

 Howard University’s Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to revoke the honorary degree given to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, saying he is “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.”

Howard University revokes Sean Combs’ honor

ary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement

By Rob Frehse, Lisa Respers France, Josh Campbell and Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN

 2 minute read

Published 8:15 PM EDT, Fri June 7, 2024

 Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Howard University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to revoke the honorary degree given to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, saying he is “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.”

The university will also return Combs’ $1 million contribution and terminate a $1 million pledge agreement from the Sean Combs Foundation, the Board said in a statement Friday.

“Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the Board said in the statement.

CNN published a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

The Washington, DC-based historically Black college or university said it will disband its scholarship program in Combs’ name.

The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence,” the board added, linking to the school’s “Interpersonal Violence Prevention” webpage in the statement.

Howard University’s announcement comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the once-beloved Bad Boy Records music mogul. Combs has been named in eight lawsuits since November, when Ventura accused him in a now-settled claim of years of abuse during their relationship and of raping her in 2018, CNN previously reported.

Subsequent lawsuits have accused Combs of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity. He has not responded to all the allegations against him but has denied claims from many of the civil suits.

The US Department of Homeland Security’s investigative arm launched a federal probe into Combs and allegations of sex trafficking. Investigators searched his Los Angeles and Miami homes on March 25 as part of the probe. No federal criminal charges have been filed against Combs.

The surveillance video published by CNN could potentially become evidence in the federal investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators are preparing to bring Combs’ accusers before a federal grand jury in New York, sources familiar with the probe told CNN.

Allegations of money laundering and illegal drugs are also being federally investigated, The Southern Post has learned.

Combs recently sold a majority stake in media company and television network Revolt, which he founded in 2013, the company said.

Ibom Air Marks 5th Anniversary, Unveils Plans for the Future.

Ibom Air Marks 5th Anniversary, Unveils Plans for the Future.

By The Southern Post

 

THE SOUTHERN POST reports in Uyo, Nigeria – 7th June 2024 – Ibom Air, Nigeria’s leading airline, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary today, marking a significant milestone on its journey to provide reliable, exceptional air travel services in Africa. Since inception, Ibom Air has been committed to offering world-class schedule reliability, on-time departures and excellent service, earning the confidence and loyalty of passengers across the region.

According to the press release signed by Aniekan Essienette GM, Marketing of Ibomair airline.

Since launching commercial operations on 7 June 2019, Ibom Air has grown remarkably, expanding its fleet, increasing its route network and enhancing the overall customer experience. The airline has consistently achieved impressive performance metrics, including industry-leading on-time performance, which has become a hallmark of its operations.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past five years,” said Mfon Udom, CEO of Ibom Air. “Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the unwavering patronage of our passengers. As we celebrate this milestone, we also congratulate our Shareholders, the Government, and the people of Akwa Ibom State and commend them for their committed ownership and strong support from the start. Because of this, we remain focused on connecting people and places with excellence.”

As part of its anniversary celebrations, Ibom Air is excited to unveil ambitious plans for the future. These include positioning itself as an ESG-responsible company with a clear sustainability vision and a rapid fleet and route expansion plan to tackle connectivity issues within the  African region. It also plans to focus on technology. 

 

According to the COO, George Uriesi, “We have recently unveiled cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to improve our booking, check-in, and in-flight services while enhancing our self-service portal on the website to make it more user-friendly. Similar attention will be paid to one of our most critical touchpoints: our call center. We plan to make it a 24-hour service very shortly.”

In the area of sustainability, Ibom Air’s Initiatives aim to reduce its environmental impact through sustainable practices, including the introduction of their brand new, fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The expected fleet of 11 of these aircraft will ensure that the airline’s carbon footprint is in line with global best practice, while its corporate social responsibility program will focus on giving back to the less privileged and the vulnerable, positively impacting its communities.

In further commemoration of this milestone, Ibom Air will celebrate its people with a special recognition of staff who have been with the airline since its inception. 

“At Ibom Air today and every day, we appreciate our customers who have stayed with us and have been unwavering in their commitment to building this brand. As a result, we pledge to continue to uphold the highest standards of safety, comfort and convenience for our passengers," affirmed Mr. Uriesi. 

 

About Ibom Air

Ibom Air is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, a sub-national in Nigeria. It aims to set the standard as an Airline of choice for passengers by focusing on schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service.  It has a fleet of seven Aircraft: five (5) Bombardier CRJ 900 and two (2) Airbus A220-300, covering Seven (7) destinations.

 

To explore Ibom Air’s route and other services, visit www.ibomair.com.

Media inquiries can be directed to mediarelations@ibomair.com.

Python swallows woman whole in Indonesia

 Python swallows woman whole in Indonesia

by Sandra Nwaokolo  June 8, 2024 Reading Time: 2 mins read

A woman has been found dead inside the belly of a snake after it swallowed her whole in central Indonesia, a local official said Saturday.

The husband of 45-year-old Farida and residents of Kalempang village in South Sulawesi province discovered her on Friday inside the reticulated python, which measured around five metres (16 feet).

The mother-of-four had gone missing Thursday night and failed to return home, forcing a search effort, village head Suardi Rosi told AFP.

Her husband “found her belongings… which made him suspicious. The villagers then searched the area. They soon spotted a python with a large belly,” said Suardi.

“They agreed to cut open the python’s stomach. As soon as they did, Farida’s head was immediately visible.”

Farida was found fully clothed inside the snake.

Such incidents are considered extremely rare but several people have died in Indonesia in recent years after being swallowed whole by pythons.

Last year, residents in Southeast Sulawesi’s Tinanggea district killed an eight-metre python, which was found strangling and eating one of the farmers in a village.

In 2018, a 54-year-old woman was found dead inside a seven-metre python in Southeast Sulawesi’s Muna town.

And the year before, a farmer in West Sulawesi went missing before being found eaten alive by a four-metre python at a palm oil plantation.

AFP