PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 6. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently chairing a meeting of Council of State at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ABN TV reports.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 9. L-R; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Mrs Folasahde Yemi-Esan, SGF Mr Boss Mustaha, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 7A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
The meeting which started at 10:12am after the rendition of the national anthem is being attended by former heads of state and presidents, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, joined online.
Others who join virtually include Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Abubakar Bagudu, Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, of Northern States Governors Forum, Simon Lalong.
The rest are governors David Umahi, Ebonyi, Yahaya Bello, Kogi, Ademola Adeleke, Osun, Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun as well as Benue State deputy governors Benson Abounu, Nasarawa, Emmanuel Akabe, and Enugu Deputy governor.
Two former Chief Justices of the Federation, Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammad are in attendance.
In attendance physically are Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan
The National Council of State is an organ of the Nigerian government whose functions include advising the executive on policy making.
The meeting is expected to discuss national crises including petrol and naira scarcity, insecurity and others, ahead of the general elections.
Also present and awaiting their turn to brief the council are Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba, Commandant General, Nigerian Security, and Civil Defence Corps, Hammed Audi and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele on the preparation for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly polls and new Naira notes respectively.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 3B. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 00A&B. L-R; Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon. and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 0A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING AB. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
On May 26, the APC declared Emenike the winner of the governorship primary in the state.
On November 11, Binta Nyako, a federal high court judge, sacked Emenike and ordered INEC to recognise Ogah as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
Both APC and Emenike had filed separate appeals challenging the verdict delivered by Nyako.
Dan Eke, another aspirant, also filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the trial judge that recognised Ogah’s candidacy.
In December 2022, the court of appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Emenike as the party’s candidate.
In the unanimous verdict, Olabisi Ige, who led the appeal court panel, read out the names of the party members sent by the APC national secretariat to conduct the governorship primary that produced Emenike, affirming that the exercise was valid.
Another candidate, Dan Eke, also filed an appeal in which he contested the trial judge’s decision to recognize Ogah’s candidacy.
The court of appeal in Abuja confirmed Emenike as the party’s nominee in December 2022.
Olabisi Ige, who presided over the appeal court panel, read aloud the names of the party members appointed by the APC national headquarters to oversee the governorship primary that produced Emenike and affirmed the validity of the process in the unanimous decision.
Newly appointed Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Finidi George, says Nigeria going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a task that requires all hands on the deck.
The outgoing coach of Enyimba International of Aba said in a brief chat that he is happy with his appointment as Super Eagles Head Coach and pledged to give it his best shot and ensure that Nigeria qualifty the next World Cup.
“I am happy with my appointment as Super Eagles Head Coach and I believe with the support of NFF and Nigerians, we shall achieve a lot. I still have to meet with the NFF and tidy up things before I have a formal media chat,” Finidi stated.
The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced Finidi George as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.
Finidi takes on the onerous task of leading the Super Eagles out of their current tight corner in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers and qualify to feature in the final tournament that will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Nigeria is currently third in the Group C with two points from two matches – two points behind group leader, Rwanda, and one point behind second-placed South Africa. Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are tied on the number of points. Benin Republic brings up the rear with one point.
Finidi will lead the Super Eagles to face Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo on June 3, 2024 and the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Abidjan on June 10 2024.
Nigerian actor and singer, Adams Kehinde, popularly known as Lege Miami, has said the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has offered warring Afrobeats stars, Wizkid and Davido.
Wizkid and Davido were recently engaged in a fierce social media war on X.
Reacting, Lege Miami cautioned the duo to put themselves in order, saying he has reported the issue to Seyi Tinubu.
Speaking in a video message shared via his Instagram account, the actor said Tinubu has offered to reconcile Wizkid and Davido in the United Kingdom.
He said, “Wizkid and Davido both of you need to take time. I have reported you guys to Seyi Tinubu, he said he’ll fly to UK in three days to settle the fight.”
Efforts to reconcile Wizkid and Davido over the years have proved abortive, as the duo always rekindles their beef after every reconciliation.
The Chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Hon. Amobi Ogah, has congratulated Nigerian workers on this year’s commemoration of International Workers’ Day.
Ogah, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, by his media aide, Elem Chukwuemeka saluted Nigerian workers for their immense contributions to the national productivity and overall economic, and socio-political development of Nigeria.
He said, “I celebrate with esteemed Nigerian workers on the commemoration of the 2024 International Workers’ Day. Your contributions to national production and economic advancement of our dear country Nigeria are well appreciated.
“Despite challenges you face daily in the discharge of services to the people of this great nation, you have maintained utmost patriotism and loyalty to the country. I am very proud of your sense of duty, sacrifice, and perseverance at all times.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the Nigerian workers have had it so rough under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
According to him, no administration in the nation’s history has trampled upon workers’ rights like the current one, adding that workers, daily, face uncertainty over skyrocketing prices of essential goods.
Atiku said it was unfortunate that while the living conditions of the Nigerian worker remain at a miserably low ebb, the Nigerian government continues to entertain its international audiences with tales of how the masses are being weaned of their wasteful dependence on government.
The statement comes as Nigerian workers join their counterparts across the world to mark this year’s “International Workers Day’.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, the the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the last general election said it is a sobering truth that the plight of the Nigerian worker remains dire.
He said: “As Nigerian workers join their counterparts across the world today to celebrate International Workers Day, it is a sobering truth that the plight of the Nigerian worker remains dire.
“Despite prolonged pledges and flowery words by the government, the much talked-about prospects of wage increments for the Nigerian worker remain a mirage. Every dawn unveils renewed hardships and harsh living conditions.
“After the contraction and contradictions by the government about whether the subsidy regime has gone or it is still being implemented, the country is today facing the angst of frustration by Nigerians who waste precious man-hours in queues at petrol stations across the country.
“The petrol subsidy is purportedly gone; yet its impact lingers – revealing the ineptitude of the current federal government.
“In an unprecedented manner and condescending of both the Nigerian worker and the general public, this current federal government announced a unilateral removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit without consultations with representatives of the Nigerian worker.
“The continued increase in tariffs in different service offerings without addressing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system only amounts to long-suffering Nigerians subsidising the corruption and inefficiencies in the system.
“Since the days of legendary, Pa. Michael Imoudu, to later day fire brands such as Pascal Bafyau and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Nigerian worker has been at the forefront of the fight against tyranny and bad governance.
“No administration in our history has trampled workers’ rights like this one. Daily, workers face uncertainty over the skyrocketing prices of essential goods.
“The Nigerian worker has had it so rough under this current administration and it is unfortunate that while the living conditions of the Nigerian worker remain at a miserably low ebb, the Nigerian government continues to regale its international audiences with tales of how the masses are being weaned of their wasteful dependence on government.
“It is thus beginning to appear, that as far as the current federal government is concerned, the management of our country’s micro-economic outlook is an unwieldy laboratory experiment, to which the Nigerian worker is laid prostrate.
“While I cannot but share my sympathy with the Nigerian worker for the way the current government has ridiculed her for far too long, I must equally express my felicitations with the Nigerian worker on this year’s Workers Day.
“It is my hope that the theme of this year’s Labour Day: Ensuring Safety and Health at Work In a Changing Climate, will inspire the Nigerian government to put the concerns of the Nigerian worker on the front burner. -AA #WorkersDay.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress TUC, have appealed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and Power Sector operators, to reverse the increase in electricity tariff within one week.
Presidents of the Unions, Joe Ajaero and Fetus Osifo made the call on Wednesday in a joint speech to mark the 2024 Workers’ Day in Abuja.
The duo expressed dissatisfaction over the epileptic power situation in the country which is also negatively affecting economic growth.
They claimed that a nation incapable of effectively and efficiently managing its energy resources would face certain ruin.
“One of the pivotal factors constraining our nation is our glaring incompetence in managing this sector for the collective welfare of our citizens.
“Power, regardless of its source, remains paramount in Kickstarting any economy, while oil and gas are indispensable for robust energy success in every country. “NAN quoted him as saying.
They said it was absolutely critical for the government to collaborate with the people to establish frameworks that ensure energy works for all Nigerians.
According to the duo, the plight of the power sector remains unchanged over a decade after the privatization of the sector.
“The reasons are glaringly evident. As long as those who sold the companies remain the buyers, Nigerians will continue to face formidable challenges in the power sector.
”It is unethical to force Nigerians to pay higher tariffs for non-existent electricity.
“Estimated billing is an extortion and a daylight robbery against Nigerians,” the duo said
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said the state government will launch its own local security outfit that will consist of ten thousand youths before the end of May.
He the outfit will complement the efforts of the other security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state.
Governor Alia stated this on Tuesday during the Stakeholders Meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, held at Government House, Makurdi.
He appreciated the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state.
Gov Alia said the launch of the State owned security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farm lands without fear.
He said his administration is already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the state.
Gov Alia informed the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come into Benue and destabilize its peace, but that the government has been able to push the invaders back to where they came from.
He said his administration will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.
Gov Alia further explained that some local government areas, such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, are still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.
The Federal Government says although the Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage is yet to conclude its negotiations, workers will not lose anything as the new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024.
The Minister of State Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stated this on Wednesday while addressing Nigerian workers at the May Day celebration in Abuja.
She said it is regrettable that the new national minimum wage is not ready before today, but that a wide consultation is ongoing to ensure that the document is out together as soon as possible.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have at various times called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to hasten the upward review of wage awards. Of late, the Organised Labour demanded N615,000 as the new minimum wage for workers to cope with the many economic realities and high cost of living in Nigeria.
The labour unions said the current minimum wage of N30,000 can no longer cater for the wellbeing of an average Nigerian worker, lamenting that not all governors are paying the current wage award which expired in April, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Act is to be reviewed every five years to meet up with contemporary economic demands of workers.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has lauded the contributions of workers in Nigeria to the growth of the country.
He gave the commendation in his address to the workers presented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at an event to mark the 2024 Workers’ Day in Abuja.
He said the Federal government is opened to receive the recommendations of the committee on the new national minimum wage.
He assured that the reform agenda of the current administration is geared towards the progress of Nigeria.
Abia-born top official of the Nigerian Embassy in Rome, Italy, Vanessa Ekeledo has congratulated Barr. Agbonma Jennifer Ukaobasi on her appointment and official inauguration by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti as his Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business.
Barr. Agbonma Jennifer Ukaobasi
Ekeledo in her goodwill message described Barr. Agbonma as a dear friend and sister with the requisite knowledge to add value to the Otti’s administration.
She urged the new aide of the governor to bring her many years of experience cutting across, the financial, business, and legal sectors of the economy to bear in her new role.
The Nigerian wished Barr. Agbonma did well in her new role and also reiterated her confidence in her ability to carry out this huge task.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has urged the public to be wary of any candidate parading printed result slip of the just concluded 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
The board’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, saying that the results are not on any paper format as being circulated on social media by some individuals.
“The Board, once again, wishes to state clearly that the only way to check the 2024 UTME result is to send UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone used by the candidate in registering for the UTME exercise. Ensure that the SIM is not on any bundle.
“This is different from what was obtained last year, hence, the results, at the moment, are not and cannot be found on the board’s website,” he said.
Benjamin urged candidates to follow the method to obtain their results, stressing that there was no need to visit any cybercafé or patronize any third-party entity to check their results.
“A reasonable number of candidates have checked their results as seen on our monitoring dashboard, but for the few still struggling, please follow the right channel,” he added.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that the Federal Government will, on Wednesday (today), pay N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway spanning from Channel 0 to Channel 3.
He revealed this information during a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos State on Wednesday.
More compensation is expected to be paid in the coming days.
