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We will pay agreed new minimum wage, Akwa Ibom assures workers

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We will pay agreed new minimum wage, Akwa Ibom assures workers

Akwa Ibom State Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, has said that the state government would pay the agreed new minimum wage between the Federal Government and Nigerian Labour Congress.

Essien stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen during a press briefing to mark the 2024 Public Service Week with the theme “Stay Forward Looking…Make a Difference”.

This is coming at a time when the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a peer review body of 36 state governors, said that although a new minimum wage is due, but stressed that the proposed N60,000 is not sustainable

“When the issue of minimum wage came up last time, we were among the first states to pay in 2019, even above what was agreed at the national. We’ll declare what we’ll pay once the new minimum wage is announced,” Essien said.

The Head of Service who noted that the Public Service Week has not been celebrated in the State for the last 10 years, expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Umo Eno, for giving workers the opportunity to join their counterparts around the world to mark this year’s Public Service Week.

Essien said, “June 23 of every year is observed globally as the United Nations Public Service Day. The day is set aside to celebrate people working in the public service for their contributions to the development of the society.

“It was in recognition of this important role by the public service that our workers’-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno as part of his efforts at motivating the Akwa Ibom Workforce for optimal productivity, graciously approved the celebration of the 2024 Public Service Week…10 years it was last observed in the state”

While urging workers to keep track of all events lined up for the weeklong celebration, Essien called on workers to show appreciation to the Governor his disposition to them

He listed the governor’s achievements to include prompt release of over N18 billion for the settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants, regular settlement of workers entitlements and packages the three months wage award, the 13th Months salary tagged ‘Enomber’.as well as the release of promotions, the conduct of all service examinations among others.

Our correspondent reports that the Public Service Week Celebration in Akwa Ibom State commenced last Tuesday, (June 18th) with a novelty football match while a Public Lecture to dissect the theme is scheduled for today Thursday, June 20th at 9.00 at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo

A roadwork (fitness walk) is billed to be held on Saturday 22nd June from 7:00 am at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat while a Thanksgiving Service which will have Governor Umo Eno as Special Guest of Honour is Scheduled to be held on Sunday, 23rd June at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.

Nigeria drop to 38th, Argentina maintain top spot in FIFA rankings

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Nigeria drop to 38th, Argentina maintain top spot in FIFA rankings

In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, Nigeria has fallen to the 38th position.

The Super Eagles now have 1498.93 points, a decrease from their previous 1520.27 points.

This drop marks a significant shift in the global football landscape, as Nigeria continues to face challenges on the international stage.

Formerly ranked 30th in March, Nigeria’s decline follows its performance in the two matches after the African Cup of Nations, where they emerged as runners-up after losing 2-1 to the host nation.

In their recent games, the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in a match played in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers remain doubtful, as the nation failed to secure victories in these crucial matches.

Meanwhile, Argentina maintained its top position in the rankings, solidifying its status as the leading football nation in the world.

The South American giants gained 2.14 points, bringing their total to 1860.14, reflecting their consistent high-level performance in recent tournaments.

The FIFA rankings, reported by According Online, are calculated using the Elo model, which considers team strength, match importance, and results.

Liberia remain the biggest climber in the rankings, moving up 10 positions to a new highest rank of 142nd.

Liberia also scored the most points, gaining 37.47 points.

Equatorial Guinea experienced the biggest drop, falling 10 positions and losing 47.53 points, marking a significant downturn in their ranking.

Details later

Petrol price rose to 223%, sold at ₦770 per litre in May

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Petrol price rose to 223%, sold at ₦770 per litre in May

The average price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, rose by 223.21 per cent to approximately ₦770 per litre in May 2024 from ₦238.11 per litre recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

The National Bureau of Statistics made this known in its report, Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for May 2024.

The report stated that on a month-on-month basis, an increase of 9.75 per cent was recorded from ₦701.24 per litre in April 2024.

According to the report, Jigawa State topped the price chart at ₦937.50 per litre, followed by Ondo and Benue States with N882.67 per litre and ₦882.22 per litre, respectively.

However, Lagos, Niger, and Kwara states emerged with the lowest average retail prices for the product at ₦636.80, ₦642.16 and N645.15, respectively, according to the NBS report.

On the zonal profile, the North West Zone had the highest average retail price of ₦845.26, while the North Central Zone had the lowest price of ₦695.04.

Meanwhile, the average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) paid by consumers increased by 66.29 per cent to ₦1403.96 per litre in May 2024 from ₦844.28 per litre recorded in May 2023.

On a month-on-month, MoM basis, a decrease of 0.78 per cent was recorded from ₦1415.06 per litre in April 2024.

The report stated, “ Looking at the variations in the state prices, the top three states with the highest average price of the product in May 2024 include Adamawa State (₦1709.00), Sokoto State (₦1675.00) and Bauchi (₦1657.92). Furthermore, the top three lowest prices were recorded in the following State, namely, Niger State (₦1140.20), Kano State (₦1153.33), and Oyo State (₦1236.92).

The zonal representation of the average price of diesel showed that North-East Zone has the highest price of ₦1605.91 while South West Zone has the lowest price of ₦1303.60 when compared with other zones.

This comes as the average retail price per litre of Household Kerosene (HHK) paid by consumers in May 2024 was ₦1,450.35, indicating an increase of 0.74 per cent when compared to ₦1,439.64 recorded in April 2024.

NAN

Swiss central bank cuts interest rates by 0.25%

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Swiss central bank cuts interest rates by 0.25%

The Swiss National Bank cut interest rates on Thursday for a second straight meeting, after becoming in March the first Western central bank to slash borrowing costs that had been raised to battle inflation.

The central bank said in a statement that it reduced the policy rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25 per cent.

Details later …

AFP

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Court dismisses suit seeking removal of EFCC chairman, Olukoyede

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Court dismisses suit seeking removal of EFCC chairman, Olukoyede

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a suit seeking the sack of Mr Ola Olukoyede as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the applicant lacked locus standi (legal right) to institute the case.

An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr Victor Opatola, had filed the suit against President Bola Tinubu over his appointment of Olukoyede as EFCC’s chair.

Opatola, in the suit, had challenged the validity of the appointment on the grounds that Olukoyede did not meet the years of service required by law for the office of chairman of the anti-graft agency.

He had listed the President of Nigeria, National Assembly, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Olukoyede as 1st to 4th respondents respectively, in the suit marked: HC/ABJ/CS/1403/2023.

However, the respondents prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lacking merit.

Olukoyede, who was represented by Olumide Fusika, SAN, in the last adjourned date, challenged the legal authority of the plaintiff to institute the suit in the first instance.

Besides, Olukoyede claimed that he is eminently qualified to occupy the office of EFCC Chairman, having served as secretary of the commission, a grade Level 17 position, which is higher than the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade Level 14 position.

He accordingly asked the court to dismiss the suit.

After listening to all parties in the suit, Justice Egwuatu had adjourned until today for judgment.

Opatola had, among others, raised for determination: whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2 (1) (a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Olukoyede, who has not fulfilled the conditions of the Act can be validly appointed as EFCC chairman.

He also asked the court to determine whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, the person appointed to the office of the chairman of the EFCC can be said to be above the rank of assistant commissioner of police or its equivalent.

“Whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) (iii) of the EFCC Act 2004, the interpretation of subsection (iii) should be read disjunctively of subsection (ii) of the act in a manner that Olukoyede, who was appointed to the office of the chairman of EFCC can be said to have 15 Years of cognate experience in any field outside the government security or law enforcement agency.”

(NAN)

5kg cooking gas sold at N7,418 in May

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5kg cooking gas sold at N7,418 in May

The National Bureau of Statistics has said the average price of 5kg cooking gas increased from N6,521.58 recorded in April 2024 to N7,418.45 in May 2024.

This is contained in the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for May 2024, released on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The report said the May price represented a 13.75 per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in April 2024.

The NBS said the average price of 5kg cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 70.12 per cent from N4,360.69 recorded in May 2023 to N7,418.45 in May 2024.

On state profile analysis, the report showed that Benue recorded the highest average price at N8,012.03, followed by Enugu at NN7,926.21, and Ondo at N7,857.53.

It said, on the other hand, Yobe recorded the lowest price at N5,842.31, followed by Jigawa and Katsina at N6,521.81, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South East recorded the highest average retail price of 5kg cooking gas at N7,680.87, followed by the South-West at N6,593.93.

“The North-East recorded the lowest average retail price at N7,071.84,” the NBS said.

Also, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas declined by 0.07 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N15,637.74 in April 2024 to N15,627.40 in May 2024.

The report said the average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 63.85 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N9,537.89 in May 2023 to N15,627.40 in May 2024.

State profile analysis showed that Zamfara recorded the highest average retail price of N18,369.33, followed by Bayelsa at N17,772.21 and Abia at N17,538.02.

On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price was recorded in Bauchi at N13,076.43, followed by Ebonyi and Taraba at N13,788.09 and N13,860.3, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South South recorded the highest average retail price of 12.5kg cooking gas at N16,310.02, followed by the North-West at N15,991.13.

The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,010.62.

NAN

Controversy as US state, Louisiana asks schools to display Ten Commandments

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Controversy as US state, Louisiana asks schools to display Ten Commandments

Louisiana has become the first U.S. state to mandate that every public school classroom, from elementary to university level, must display a poster of the Ten Commandments.

The measure, backed by Republicans and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry on Wednesday, described the commandments as “the foundational documents of our state and national government.”

The law is expected to face challenges from civil rights groups, The American Civil Liberties Union, who argue that it contravenes the separation between church and state enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Establishment Clause.

It reads, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Ten Commandments new law

The state law requires that a poster include the sacred text in “large, easily readable font” on a poster that is 11 inches by 14 inches (28cm by 35.5cm) and that the commandments are “the central focus” of the display.

It will also be shown alongside a four-paragraph “context statement” which will describe how the commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries”.

The posters must be on display in all classrooms receiving state funding by 2025 – but no state funding is being offered to pay for the posters themselves.

Similar laws have recently been proposed by other Republican-led states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah.

Landry says

On his X account late Wednesday, the governor, #LAGovJeffLandry posted on  X, “Today, we fulfilled our promise to bring drastic reform to our education system and bring common sense back to our classrooms.

“A strong education system leads to a strong economy and a strong state.

“Our historic Dream Big Package puts the focus back on our kids, and allows Louisiana to follow in the footsteps of our neighbors in the South.

“I am thankful to the legislature for their commitment to making the education system in Louisiana one that students, parents, and teachers can all be proud of.”

People react

There have been numerous legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools, courthouses and police stations.

An X user, MicheleMaybe, #michele4_t, posted, “What about a Muslim child in that classroom? Or a Buddhist? Or Atheist?

“This is completely illegal and an affront to our US Constitution. Thankfully you’re getting the snot sued out of you, as you should. We are NOT a Theocracy.”

Another X user, Marjorie, #MTGsbigtoe, wrote, “You should keep your lifestyle choice of being a Christian to yourself. The Bible has no place in the classroom.”

Also, carte blanche kitty with account #mrswhiskeykitty, said, “Vouchers will demolish our public schools. This is just a taxpayer bailout for failing religious schools with minimal oversight.”

In 1980, the US Supreme Court struck down a similar Kentucky law requiring that the document be displayed in elementary and high schools.

In a 5-4 vote, the high court ruled that the requirement that the Ten Commandments be posted “had no secular legislative purpose” and was “plainly religious in nature”.

The court noted that in addition to criminal matters like killing and stealing, the Ten Commandments also made references to worshipping God including observing the Sabbath day.

According Online reports that the Ten Commandments are a set of ethical guidelines and principles foundational to the Jewish, Christian, and maybe even Islamic traditions.

They are found in the Bible, in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

These commandments serve as a moral and ethical foundation for many people and cultures worldwide.

34 die, 100 hospitalised after drinking toxic alcohol

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34 die, 100 hospitalised after drinking toxic alcohol

A batch of toxic illegal alcohol in India has killed at least 34 people with more than 100 others rushed to hospital, Tamil Nadu state officials told reporters Thursday.

The deadly mix of locally brewed arrack drink was laced with poisonous methanol, chief minister M.K. Stalin said, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

Stalin said arrests had been made over the deaths and warned such crimes “ruin society and will be suppressed with an iron fist,” according to a statement from his office.

Hundreds of people die every year in India from cheap alcohol made in backstreet distilleries.

In order to increase its potency the liquor is often spiked with methanol which can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.

In the Tamil Nadu case, more than 100 people were hospitalised according to M.S. Prasanth, a top government official in the state’s Kallakurichi district, quoted by Indian media.

State Governor R.N. Ravi was “deeply shocked” at the deaths, adding that “many more victims are in serious condition battling for (their) lives”, writing on social media platform X.

Tamil Nadu is not a dry state, but liquor traded on the black market comes at a lower price than alcohol sold legally.

Selling and consuming liquor is prohibited in several other parts of India, further driving the thriving black market for potent and sometimes lethal backstreet moonshine.

Last year, poisonous alcohol killed at least 27 people in one sitting in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, while in 2022, at least 42 people died in Gujarat.

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Presidency attacks Aisha Yesufu for saying Tinubu was disgraced in South Africa

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Presidency attacks Aisha Yesufu for saying Tinubu was disgraced in South Africa

The Nigerian Presidency on Wednesday night, showed its capacity to go dirty when it took on activist, Aisha Yesufu, after she had made a post on social media alleging that President Bola Tinubu was disgraced in South Africa during the swearing in ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a video she posted on X earlier in the day, the #BringBackOurGirls co-convener alleged that Tinubu had been disgraced and shunned by Ramaphosa during inauguration event following his re-election.
Writing in Pidgin English, Yesufu had said:
“My people say Pikin wey no hear word for house na for outside dem go disgrace am!
Tinubu Disgraced Once Again In South Africa.”

My people say Pikin wey no hear word for house na for outside dem go disgrace am!Tinubu Disgraced Once Again In South Africa
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) June 19, 2024

However, the Presidency, in response to the post, went out with guns blazing, with President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, calling her and her supporters “an uncouth horde of pessimists” who remain embittered over their candidate’s third-place finish in the 2023 elections.
“Aisha and her uncouth horde of pessimists are always quick to rush to judgment with any whiff of what appears to them to be negative to the leader of Africa’s biggest democracy.
“More than a year after the 2023 election, in which their candidate came third, they remain incurably.”

Aisha and her uncouth horde of pessimists are always quick to rush to judgment with any whiff of what appears to them to be negative to the leader of Africa’s biggest democracy. More than a year after the 2023 election, in which their candidate came third, they remain incurably…
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) June 19, 2024

Also taking on Yesufu, another presidential aide,
O’tega Ogra, Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, also took to X to accuse Yesufu of displaying “crass ignorance” and “engaging in behavior aimed at garnering social media approval rather than constructive engagement.”
“Aisha, have the constitutionally guaranteed right to express yourself, but your consistent display of crass ignorance and shameful behavior, seemingly aimed at garnering likes and retweets, in the name of your disdain and hatred (which you profess at any given opportunity) for Nigeria is shameful to say the least.
For the record:
1. That first row at today’s inauguration was reserved for South African kings/royalty.
2. The South African President wasn’t expected to start greeting dignitaries at the time of the video you shared and he was respectfully recalled to the podium by the inauguration compere (see video below).
3. Immediately after President Ramaphosa finished the anthem, he went ahead to greet the visiting presidents who were all seated in the second row (similar to the way visiting presidents were seated in the third row during Nigeria’s own inauguration on May 29, 2023 – see pictures below).
“Madam Yesufu @AishaYesufu, your persistent ignorance and hatred create a very toxic mix, which you have shown a remarkable ability to embody and fully personify.
“A cautionary word: With or without your personal enmity, Nigeria will succeed. I truly hope you receive your “Elon Cheque” in full this month.

Aisha, have the constitutionally guaranteed right to express yourself, but your consistent display of crass ignorance and shameful behavior, seemingly aimed at garnering likes and retweets, in the name of your disdain and hatred (which you profess at any given opportunity) for… pic.twitter.com/HUk89QsfWZ
— O'tega Ogra (@otegaogra) June 19, 2024

The post Presidency attacks Aisha Yesufu for saying Tinubu was disgraced in South Africa appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Osun albinos seek efforts at equal rights, opportunities

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Osun albinos seek efforts at equal rights, opportunities

Albinos in Osun State have appealed to the Osun State Government, civil societies organisation, and non-governmental organisations to bridge the gap between them and the other members of the society.
Making the appeal under the aegis of the Osun State Chapter of the Albinism Association Of Nigeria, AAN, they also called for equal opportunities for persons with Albinism.
The association made the appeal in a statement by Aghanti Sunday Smith, the Osun AAN Chairman to commemorate the 2024 Albinism Day.
According to this year’s theme: ”10 Years of IAAD: A Decade Of Collective Progress”, Smith called for the building of an accommodating environment for persons with Albinism.
“We need to build a well accommodating and interacting environment which will enhance social security and integration of persons with Albinism in the society and the grassroots, including family, residents and co-workers.
“In view of the discrimination faced by Persons with Albinism, focussing on social stigmatisation and exclusion, low vision and the deadly skins challenges known as cancer, we encourage parents, guardians and the society to understand the concept of the genetic makeup, unverified facts and other societal beliefs,” he added.
He reiterated the tireless efforts of albinism groups from around the world and reflected on the continued legal, policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, especially in Osun State.
Osun albinos seek efforts at equal rights, opportunities

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