The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Jigawa State have collectively rejected the N10,000 wage award proposed by the state government as a palliative in response to the removal of fuel subsidy.

The rejection was communicated in a press statement issued after a meeting of the Organized Labour in the state held in Dutse, the state capital.

The joint statement, signed by the state chairmen and secretaries of NLC and TUC, described the state government’s announcement of the wage award as premature, asserting that no agreement had been reached on the matter.

The statement mentioned that the NLC Salary Negotiation Committee had engaged in prolonged negotiations with the state government committee, presenting various submissions without receiving any response.

The Organized Labour expressed surprise at the state Commissioner for Information, Youth, and Culture, Hon Sagiru Musa’s announcement of the N10,000 wage award for three months.

“It is important for the general public to note that the Organized Labour has not signed any Memorandum of Understanding with the Jigawa State Government on the N10,000 wage award; the Negotiation Committee is yet to conclude its assignment,” the statement clarified.

However, when contacted for comments, the state’s Head of Service, Muhammad K. Dagacire, stated that the NLC Negotiation Committee was fully aware of the decision taken by the state government regarding the palliative measures for the workers.

Dagacire explained that the agreement included a three-month wage award, distribution of food palliatives, and provision of farm inputs, including lands, for every civil servant.

“So it is surprising to hear this story from you on the said NLC’s rejection of N10,000.

“Our interventions to workers to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal are of three stages and Governor Malam Umar Namadi is committed to fulfilling all,” he stated.

Reno Omokri, a sociopolitical critic, has tackled the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye over his latest comment on the fall of the naira against the United States, US, dollars.

Omokri said prayer would not help the naira to gain value against the US dollars as populated by Adeboye, stressing that Nigerians should resort to work.

The former Presidential aide urged Adeboye to influence his followers to take up agriculture and patronize locally made Nigerian goods to help the naira improve against the dollar rather than resort to prayer.

Posting on X, Omokri wrote: “Thank you for your call. We love you and honour your contribution to the growth of the church. However, I again beg to differ. The Naira situation is not something we should PRAY about with all our strength. Rather, it is a situation that requires us to WORK with all our combined strengths.

“Other nations with high-value currencies did not achieve that feat via prayers. They got there through hard work and sound economic policies. And many of them, like China and Japan, are non-praying, non-tithing, non-Christian nations. That is why in China, a Chinese man was asked, ‘Do you know Christ?’ responded with, ‘No. But if you show me, I will produce a copy!’ It sounds funny, but it goes to the root of their economic success.

“You have millions of members under your influence as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. If you want the Naira to rise, tell your members to switch from Airtel and MTN to Glo. Tell them to eat Dangote spaghetti and other staples. And encourage them to drive Innoson vehicles.

“Then, reduce your church activities. RCCG members attend church almost daily. Pick only one or two days. And then tell your members to go to work at their jobs or businesses on the other days.

“Finally, use your considerable influence to counsel your members and other Nigerians not to see the rainy season as ‘weather for two’, but instead use it to go to the farms and cultivate what we eat so that Nigeria can reduce her $5 billion annual food import bill.

“If millions of RCCG members implement such a directive, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product will explode.

“But to rely on prayer alone is both unscriptural and unscientific. We must remember that God promised to “bless all the work of your hands” in Deuteronomy 28:12. Prayer is not work. It is faith. And, James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Ifeoluwa Ehindero, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s by-election for Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, has been declared winner of the exercise.

Mr Ehindero, who had earlier expressed optimism of winning the election, was declared victorious by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday night.

Johnson Fasinmirin of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), the Returning Officer of the election, declared the APC candidate winner after the counting of votes at Victory College, Ikare-Akoko, venue of the final collation exercise.

Mr Fasinmirin revealed that Mr Ehindero scored a total of 35,504 votes to defeat his closest rival, Olalekan Bada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Peoples Gazette reports that Mr Bada garnered 15,328 votes.

He said that the total votes cast were 51,896 with valid votes at 51,341 while 555 votes were rejected.

“That Ehindero Ifeoluwa Babajide of APC having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and return elected,” the INEC returning officer added.

Mr Ehindero defeated Mr Bada with 20,176 votes to emerge the winner.

However, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ishmail Adeshina, came a distant third with 213 votes.

Mr Ehindero has dedicated his victory to the support he gathered from the constituents who overwhelmingly supported him at the poll.

“This victory is for all of us. I’m happy. Truly, the people have spoken with their votes,” he said in a short message.

The by-election in Akoko NorthEast/NorthWest Federal Constituency was conducted on Saturday to fill the seat vacated by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

Before his appointment, Mr Tunji-Ojo was a former member of the House of Representatives occupying the federal seat at the National Assembly.

A member of the House of Representatives, Abiodun Faleke, on Saturday, urged members of his constituency to continue to support him in order to impact as many lives as possible.

Mr Faleke (APC- Ikeja) made the appeal while speaking during an empowerment programme he organised for his constituents in Ikeja.

No fewer than 1,500 members of the constituency benefitted from the programme.

Items such as sewing machines, grinding machines, mini-buses and other empowerment items were distributed to beneficiaries at the programme.

The lawmaker also distributed patrol vehicles to police stations in his constituency, distributed SUVs to traditional rulers and donated ambulances for the use of the various communities in Ikeja.

Mr Faleke said he was irrevocably committed to the welfare and well-being of his constituents and that the empowerment programme was a clear demonstration of his commitment to improving lives.

“We really thank God for giving us the opportunity to execute this empowerment programme. So many people are beneficiaries and our residents deserve more.

“This constituency is a special place with special people, and that is why we must ensure they enjoy the dividends of democracy. We have done it before, and we will continue to do more for our people.

“We have distributed over 400 minibuses, 103 tricycles, 118 driers, 315 grinding machines and solar lights to light up our streets and communities.

Today, we have five SUVs for our traditional leaders, five Hilux vans for police stations for effective policing, three ambulances for our community safety and emergencies, three Hummer buses for our market traders and empowerment items for our artisans.

“I am committed to improving lives in the constituency and by God’s grace, I will continue to do my best to serve the people,” he said.

Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos State chairman of APC, in his speech, also thanked Mr Faleke for the empowerment programme, saying it would change lives and communities in the constituency.

According to him, when a representative serves effectively, it will have a positive impact on both the residents and the society.

“When a representative serves diligently, the impact will be felt not only in the constituency but the entire state and country as a whole.

“God has been using Faleke to solve challenges in the constituency. He has done so many things here.

“We strongly believe that Honourable Faleke will continue to do his best to better lives in Ikeja,” he said.

Mr Ojelabi urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items given to them and advised them to always support the party for more democratic dividends.

Kazeem Morgan, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the lawmaker for organising the empowerment programme, saying the mini-bus given to him would go a long way to help solve his financial challenges.

Iyabo Adebayo, another beneficiary, said the industrial sewing machine given to her would make her work faster and better as a fashion designer.

“I really thank our representative, Faleke, for what he is doing in Ikeja. May God bless him and protect him and his family,” she said.

The APC candidate, Prof. Anthony Ani, has been announced the winner of Saturday’s Ebonyi South Senatorial by-election in the state.

Ani won with 46,270 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ifeanyi Eleje of APGA who garnered 3,513.

Silas Onu of the PDP polled 2,783 votes and Mr Linus Okorie of the LP scored 2,710 votes in the election.

Returning Officer for the Ebonyi South Senatorial election, Eze Uchechukwu disclosed this on Sunday in Afikpo Local Government Area of the state.

According to Eze, Prof. Ani, having been certified by the law, is declared the winner and is returned elected.

The returning officer earlier announced that total votes of 56,363 were cast while rejected votes were 695.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mahmoud Musa Kallamu, has won the just concluded House of Assembly by-election in the Mayo Belwa constituency of Adamawa State.

Announcing the results of the Saturday bye-election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared that PDP’s Kallamu scored 1,306 votes to defeat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ibrahim Musa Italiya who garnered 874 votes.

According to the INEC Returning Officer, Professor Mohammed Baba Ardo of Modibbo Adama University Yola, Kallamu won six out of the seven polling units in the election.

He said there were a total of 5,024 registered votes; 2,252 accredited votes; 2,192 valid votes, 06 rejected votes and 2,252 total votes cast.

The returning officer recalled that in the 2023 general election, there were valid votes of 20,824 and 367 rejected votes for the constituency while votes cast stood at 21,191 when APC scored 7,912 while PDP scored 7,840 with a margin of 72.

Compared with the By-election exercise, the registered votes are 56,999; accredited votes are 24,610 while the total votes cast are 23,443.

He declared that the candidate of the PDP who scored in all, a total of 9,146, won the by-election; with the APC candidate coming second with 8,786 votes in both the general and bye-election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the ongoing re-run elections in 20 polling units in specific constituencies in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom and Kano states.

It said this was due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by Sam Olumekun, national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee, on Saturday in Abuja.

The affected constituencies, according to Mr Olumekun, include Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom; Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State; and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State.

Mr Olumekun said that elections in two polling units: Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA, where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums, have been suspended.

In Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State l, Mr Olumekun also announced the suspension of elections in all eight polling units where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.

For Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, he said that the commission also suspended elections in all 10 polling units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalisation and disruption by thugs.

According to him, the decision of the commission aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Further, necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the commission’s meeting on Monday.”

“INEC invites the security agencies to investigate the incidents, while the commission commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials,” Mr Olumekun said.

The commission had earlier said it was monitoring and investigating reported cases of disruption in the ongoing rerun and by-elections in the three states.

The bye-election into the Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency witnessed a large turnout of voters on Saturday.

The process commenced at 8:00 a.m., with voters already in line to exercise their franchise.

At Ikado 2, Unit 5, in Ugbe Akoko, Akoko North-East, voting materials and polling officials arrived as early as 7:00 a.m.

In other polling units visited, the process was hitch-free, with the BVAS machine working perfectly.

Also, men from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Army, and other security agencies were on the ground to maintain peace and forestall any form of violence.

Meanwhile, there were restrictions on movement in the affected areas, with security operatives mounting roadblocks and checkpoints.

The bye-election was coming up following the resignation of the former member representing the constituency, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following his appointment as Minister of Interior by President Bola Tinubu.The election is being contested by no fewer than thirteen political parties.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday announced the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ido town in the Ido Local Government Area of the state.

Suleiman Olanrewaju, the chief press secretary to Mr Makinde, stated that Oba Babalola Gbolagade, the Onido of Ido, was suspended on Thursday.

He said Mr Makinde approved the suspension “in exercise of the powers conferred on him”.

The powers were conferred on him by sub-section 1 and 2 of section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, and by virtue of all other enabling powers in that regard,” Mr Olanrewaju added.

He also disclosed that the suspended traditional ruler has been directed to hand over all government property to the chairman of Ido Local Government.

The police command in Akwa Ibom says it has deployed 2,000 personnel in Ikono, Ini and Ibiono Ibom local government areas for the federal constituency by-election on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement in Uyo on Friday by the state police spokesperson, SP Odiko Macdon.

Mr Macdon said there would be restrictions on movement from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the affected local government areas, adding that only INEC staff members, health workers and security agents would be exempted.

He urged residents of the areas to come out to exercise their franchise without fear of molestation or intimidation.

The police spokesman also warned perpetrators of violence to steer clear of election venues or face the consequences of their actions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has begun the distribution of sensitive materials ahead of the February 3 re-run election in Bauchi State.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Appeal Court has ordered a re-run election across 42 polling units in four state assembly constituencies, including Bauchi Central, Zungur-Galambi, Ningi 1, and Madara-Chinade.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mohammed Nura, who monitored the exercise on Thursday, said that ballot papers and result sheets were distributed to the areas in the presence of representatives of political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

He said the commission was ready for the conduct of the rerun election, adding that it was committed to the timely delivery of the materials to the areas.

The commission, he said, trained 126 ad hoc personnel, comprising presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and supervisory presiding officers, as well as 21 collation and returning officers, for the exercise.

“The election will be conducted using BVAS for accreditation, authentication, and result upload to the IReV.

“So far, BVAS for all the PUs have been configured and is ready to be used on election day while our technical support staff will be at each PU to ensure the device works,” he said.

According to Nura, the Registration Area Centres (RACs) will be activated on Friday by 4 pm, adding: “This is not different from the 2023 election but a continuation of it.

“All political parties that fielded candidates during the 2023 general election in these constituencies will participate in the rerun elections.”

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is investigating his predecessor, Hadi Sirikaover the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Air deal.

He spoke while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

Asked about the Nigeria Air deal, Keyamo said: “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”

Keyamo also disclosed that no local airline would be designated as a national airline, adding that “we will establish a proper national carrier.”

In August, Keyamo had faulted the deal by Sirika and suspended the whole arrangement to allow for an audit of contracts.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari had launched the Nigeria Air, a few days before the end of his administration.

The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air, had forced veteran aviator Girma Wake to resign as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.

The Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, had said the aircraft used to unveil the country’s national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines.

He added that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling on the last day of the Buhari administration in May.

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the disengagement of Mr Babatunde Irukera as the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

This is contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio and read at plenary on Tuesday

.The letter read, “In accordance with the provisions of Section 8(2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Act 2018. I hereby seek the kind confirmation of the Senate in respect of the disengagement from office of Babatunde Irukera as Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC with effect from January 8.

“While I hope that this Senate will consider this request expeditiously, please do accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished senators the assurances of my highest. Regards.”

The Delta House of Assembly confirmed on Tuesday Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s three additional commissioners for appointment as members of the State Executive Council.

This followed their successful screening by the parliament, presided over by the speaker, Dennis Guwor, in Asaba.

The nominees were Elemejero Ohwovoriole as commissioner for justice, Ifeanyi Osuoza, information commissioner and Kalanama Penawou, local gvernment and chieftaincy affairs commissioner.

Mr Osuoza pledged to do his best in discharging his duties.”I will ensure that I reverse the trend in the Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Warri and the Pointer Newspaper.”

I will also ensure there is training and re-training of staff because I know that training and re-training are very critical in order to bring out the best in them.”

I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to journalists in the state to keep hope alive. I am here to make a difference,” he said.The house has confirmed 29 commissioners.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has called on President Bola Tinubu to take up the responsibility of tackling the ravaging security situation in the country.

Obi stated this in a post on his official X handle on Monday while reacting to the gruesome murder of Elesun of Esun Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti.

It was reported that the monarchs who were returning from a security meeting in Irele-Ekiti were attacked and killed by suspected bandits.

Reacting, Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, asked the president to “wake up from his sleeping bed” and tackle the security problems.

He wrote, “We are saddened by the report that Elesun of Esun Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti were murdered earlier today, cause of death: Insecurity and Tinubu.

“We call on Tinubu to wake up from his sleeping bed and save Nigeria from total collapse. Don’t speak up today. Tomorrow, insecurity might consume you or a loved one.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, adjourned a N50 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, against the Nigerian Government, until April 27 for further mention.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter after Aloy Ejimakor, the lawyer who appeared for Kanu, informed the court that he had just filed a notice for a change of counsel.

Ejimakor told the court that he would be taking over the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who filed the suit on April 7, 2022.

Justice Ekwo directed the lawyer to find out if a similar matter was not pending before any sister court or other courts, or if a judgment had not been delivered in a similar suit.

The judge, who observed that no counsel appeared for the defendants, ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on them against the next adjourned date.

DAILY POST reports that Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF as 1st and 2nd defendants, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.

Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.

Unknown gunmen, on Saturday, kidnapped Alhaji Akeem Akintola, the Oyo State Chairman, Tipper, Lorry and Quarry Park Management System (PMS).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Akintola, popularly known as KUSO, was kidnapped at his residence at Ajiboye area, Omi Apata, Ibadan.

A source, who did not want his name published, said the gunmen stormed Akintola’s residence in the early hours of Saturday and abducted him to an unknown destination.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Oyo State, SP Adewale Osifeso, proved abortive.

Several calls put through to his number were not answered.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin, (OPHD) have arrested three suspected gun runners in Zamfara State.

It was gathered that one of the suspects, Aminu Ibrahim, is alleged to be the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ward chairman in Birnin Yero ward in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the State.

A military intelligence source in the state said Ibrahim, with his accomplices, known as Musa Usman Seun and Isah Mohammed were arrested on Monday.

The source further said: “The troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Haderin Daji acted on credible intelligence on activities of a notorious gunrunner trying to smuggle arms into the state.

This medium also learnt that the troops quickly arranged a roadblock where they arrested the three suspected gunrunners.

“The 3 suspects, Musa Usman Seun, Aminu Ibrahim, and Isah Mohammed were apprehended at Shinkafi on 22nd January 2024 and the sum of two million five hundred and eighty thousand Naira, 1 Volkswagen Wagon, 3 mobile phones and other items recovered from them.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the huge sum of money recovered from the suspects was for the exchange of assorted weapons at the Illela border in Sokoto State. The suspects are undergoing further interrogation.”