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Govs should earn minimum wage to feel workers’ pain — Soludo

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Govs should earn minimum wage to feel workers’ pain — Soludo

The Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, on Wednesday, said governors and other elected officials should earn minimum wage to reflect the current reality of Nigeria.

He said contrary to the flamboyant lifestyles portrayed by governors and elected officials, the country was facing a dire financial crisis.

The governor spoke at a special edition of The Platform, an event organized by The Covenant Nation to promote national development.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic woes are exacerbated by the extravagant lifestyles of government officials, which are sustained at the expense of the nation’s wealth.

“Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,” Soludo said.

He went further to say, “The poor are hungry and impatient, let’s not annoy them more with our insensitivity. In this case, I agree with reverend father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well.

“In Anambra, I have not received a kobo as salary since I assumed office. I have donated my salary to the state.

“It is symbolic. It is not much. I think generally, the system is in denial. There must be some signalling, it is just the symbolism of this.”

Soludo urged his colleagues and other elected officials to cut wasteful spending.

“That is why I proposed reinventing the new code of conduct for public officers. For the federal government, the actual projected revenue comes to about N6,160 per Nigerian, per month.

“For the states, except Lagos and a few states, most states have revenues amounting to less than N3,000 per resident, per month.

“It is from this shares per citizen that we are expected to provide all the infrastructure, debt service, pay salaries and pensions, build schools, and provide everything.

“For each of our wasteful spending, let’s be conscious of how many citizens share that we are squandering. Once we lose this consciousness about the public trust we bear, the society dies irredeemably,” he said.

Osun Govt to host industrial summit in September

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Osun Govt to host industrial summit in September

Plans have been concluded by the Osun State Government to host a three day industrial investment summit in September 2024.
The state government disclosed this in a statement issued by the Summit Consultant, Rotimi Awelewa, in Osogbo on Thursday.
The Industrial Investment Summit according to the statement is expected to hold at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, CBCIU, Abere.
The decision by the state government is coming after the state governor, Ademola Adeleke who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, on May 10, 2024, inaugurated the Central Working Committee for the Osun Industrial Investment Summit, 2024.
The statement said, “Industrial Investment Summit 2024 from September 11 to September 13, 2024 with the theme ‘Connecting Progress with Purpose’ which will focus on the bid to position Osun State as a major industrial and Commercial hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
“The Osun State Investment Summit 2024 is packaged to showcase bankable opportunities and strategic matchmaking platforms, convening stakeholders to Osun Industrial ecosystem to facilitate partnerships and investments in the State.
“The principal objective and focus of the Summit is to set an economic policy agenda for accelerated industrial investments in Osun State, Nigeria, underpinned by sustainable and inclusive development.
“Through focused discussions and deliberations, the Summit seeks to identify and address the key challenges and opportunities for transforming Osun State economy, with a particular emphasis on the role of Agriculture, Industrial Advancement, Manufacturing, Tourism and Capital Investment.”
The summit is also expected to focus on driving double-digit industrial investment and economic growth across every nook and cranny of Osun State.
Osun Govt to host industrial summit in September

EU imposes €200m fine, daily penalties on Hungary for systemic breach of asylum laws

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EU imposes €200m fine, daily penalties on Hungary for systemic breach of asylum laws

The European Union’s highest court has slapped Hungary with a substantial fine of €200 million (approximately $216 million) and a daily penalty of €1 million for flagrantly violating the bloc’s asylum laws.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Hungary has persistently failed to comply with EU regulations, despite a previous ruling in 2020 that mandated the country to adhere to international procedures for asylum seekers.
The ECJ stated that Hungary’s actions constitute a deliberate evasion of its obligations, leading to the systematic breach of EU asylum laws. The court’s decision comes after a lengthy legal battle, highlighting the EU’s commitment to upholding the principles of asylum and the rule of law within its member states.
Read also: 120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says
Hungary’s breach of EU asylum laws has resulted in the illegal deportation of migrants, raising concerns about the country’s disregard for human rights and international norms. The ECJ’s ruling serves as a strong rebuke to Hungary’s actions, emphasizing the importance of compliance with EU regulations and the protection of asylum seekers’ rights.
The fine and daily penalties imposed on Hungary are a significant step towards ensuring that member states respect the EU’s asylum laws and uphold the principles of human rights and dignity. The ruling also serves as a warning to other member states that failure to comply with EU regulations will result in consequences.
The post EU imposes €200m fine, daily penalties on Hungary for systemic breach of asylum laws appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

End insecurity, economic hardship – CAN tells Nigerian Govt

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End insecurity, economic hardship – CAN tells Nigerian Govt

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the common good of Nigerians by ending insecurity and economic hardship.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.
Okoh emphasised the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in governance, adding that political leaders should be held accountable for their actions.
He asked President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy serves the people, not just the interest of a few citizens.
He also stressed the need for unity and inclusivity, urging Nigerians to work together to build a stronger country where everyone has a voice and equal opportunities.
He said, “As we celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria and the 31st anniversary of the widely acclaimed ‘freest and fairest’ presidential election of June 12, 1993, the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, congratulates the government and people of our great nation.
“Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is our nation’s best form of government.
“However, we must acknowledge that our democracy still faces significant challenges. Insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice continue to afflict our citizens. We emphasise the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
“Our leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust, and they will be held accountable for their actions. We also stress the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of our diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
“Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunities. Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn.”
End insecurity, economic hardship – CAN tells Nigerian Govt

Tinubu taking right decisions, support him – Al-Mustapha to Nigerians

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Tinubu taking right decisions, support him – Al-Mustapha to Nigerians

The younger brother of Major Hamza Al Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, Hadi Al Mustapha, on Thursday urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu because he’s making the right decisions.
Al-Mustapha said Tinubu’s reforms would reposition the socio-economic outlook of Nigeria and restore global confidence in the country’s economy.
In a statement he issued to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Al-Mustapha urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s moves to restore local government autonomy and address the current multi-faceted challenges
He said: “The President is taking the right decisions and everyone must support the administration. We have finished elections and the time for politics is over, it is time to rebuild Nigeria and everyone must play their part.
“The administration is fighting for local government autonomy and it is commendable. It’s a tough and courageous decision. If it succeeds, it will be a new dawn for democracy in Nigeria and for the rural dwellers in the country who will feel the positive impact of democracy.
“That is not all, the president is also tackling the economic challenges boldly and steadily, and i am sure that very soon we will start seeing results. People should be patient with this administration so that Nigeria can get out of the woods. Everybody, no matter your political party, should support the government because this is not time for the usual politics politicians like to play. This is the time to rebuild Nigeria.”
Tinubu taking right decisions, support him – Al-Mustapha to Nigerians

Malaysian footballer attacked with acid vows to play again

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Malaysian footballer attacked with acid vows to play again

A Malaysian international badly hurt in an acid attack in May broke down in tears on Thursday as he pledged to return to football in “one to two months”.

Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim suffered fourth-degree burns on his neck, shoulder, hands and chest in the attack at a shopping centre outside Kuala Lumpur on May 5.

Nicknamed “Mickey”, the popular 26-year-old spent three weeks in hospital and had multiple surgeries for the burns to his skin.

Speaking to journalists for the first time since the ordeal, a tearful Faisal said: “My hope is to return to the pitch in the next one to two months, even though the doctor says it could take up to six months.”

He added: “I am willing to return to training when doctors give me the green light.”

Scars were visible on the left side of his head and face. He also appeared underweight and his physical movements seemed slower.

A dozen burly bodyguards wearing black escorted the player into the press conference.

Faisal did not explain why, but said that “right now I am kept in a secret hideout” with his family, expressing hope “I can soon be free and no need to hide”.

Two people were arrested after the attack but both were released without any charge. It is unclear what was behind the assault.

Faisal’s case was the most serious and high-profile of a string of crimes against four top-flight Malaysian footballers in May.

The incidents are not believed to be linked.

Faisal is an established Malaysian international whose equaliser against South Korea at the start of the year was voted best goal at the Asian Cup.

“I miss football,” added Faisal.

Malaysia’s domestic football season was scheduled to begin on May 10 with a curtain-raiser between Faisal’s Selangor and Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

Selangor pulled out citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats”, but the league got under way the following day under heavy security.

AFP

120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says

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120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says

“The world is facing a terrible indictment with a staggering 120 million people living in forced displacement due to war, violence, and persecution,” the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) announced on Thursday.
UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi emphasized that conflict remains a significant driver of mass displacement, with crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar forcing more people to flee their homes. The global displaced population is now equivalent to that of Japan.
Grandi expressed his shock at the high displacement figure, which has more than doubled since he took office eight years ago. He attributed the increase to a combination of new and mutating crises, climate change, and a failure to resolve long-standing conflicts.
“The way conflicts are conducted, in complete disregard of international law, and often with the specific purpose of terrorizing people, is a powerful contributor to more displacement,” Grandi said.
Read also: ‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment
The UNHCR report revealed that 68.3 million people were internally displaced within their own country, while 43.4 million refugees and others needed international protection. Grandi noted that 75% of refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, contrary to the perception that they all go to wealthy countries.
Sudan’s civil war has significantly contributed to the rising numbers, displacing over nine million people, with nearly 11 million Sudanese uprooted by the end of 2023. Grandi highlighted the devastating situation in Chad, which has received 600,000 Sudanese refugees in the past 14 months.
Other countries with significant displacement crises include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Gaza, and Ukraine. Syria remains the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million people forcibly displaced inside and outside the country.
Grandi acknowledged that the trend is unlikely to change without a shift in international geopolitics, and the figure may continue to rise. The UNHCR report emphasizes the need for international action to address the root causes of displacement and support those affected by conflicts and persecution.
The post 120 million people displaced by war, violence globally, UN Says appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Blackout in Borno as vandals bomb TCN transmission towers

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Blackout in Borno as vandals bomb TCN transmission towers

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has stated that two of its towers, T193 and T194, along the Damaturu -Maiduguri 330 Kilo Volt (KV Single Circuit) transmission lines have again been destroyed by vandals.

The General Manager of Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah, said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Mbah, the incident happened at about 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, when the 150 Mega Volt Ampere power transformer at Molai Substation tripped.

She said the tripping happened at the same time as the 330kV transmission line supplying bulk power to Maiduguri from Damaturu Transmission Substation.

“After the line tripping, efforts were made by TCN engineers to close the Mulai – Damaturu line to enable bulk transmission of electricity, which failed repeatedly.

“Early today, TCN lines engineers along with security operatives patrolled the line and discovered that towers 193 and 194 along the 330kV transmission line were brought down using an explosive device, whose fragments are scattered at the site of the incident.

“The area affected by this incident is Maiduguri and its environs, ” she said.

Mbah recalled that on December 28, 2023, towers T193, T194 and T195, were destroyed using similar improvised explosives.

She said that two out of the towers in question were the towers affected by Tuesday’s vandalism attack, which were rebuilt after that incident.

According to her, TCN is currently assessing the situation to decide the best approach to ensuring temporary restoration of the power supply while a contractor is mobilised to rebuild the two transmission towers.

“We will continue to do everything possible with the assistance of security operatives to protect our transmission towers.

“We are also calling upon the government and well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight against the destruction of our collective national assets, ”she said.

NAN

EFCC bungles arraignment of Yahaya Bello, court picks June 27 as new date

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EFCC bungles arraignment of Yahaya Bello, court picks June 27 as new date

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday abandoned its earlier request for a change in the date for arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, from June 13 to June 27, without informing the defendant’s lawyers.
A new date, June 27, had been reportedly fixed for hearing in the alleged money laundering case instituted by EFCC against Bello, at the instance of the anti-graft agency’s lawyers.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel to Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached Aliyu AbdulWahab, SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the June 13 date would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.
He said he was surprised when he heard that EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo was in court.
“They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsel would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this,” Adedipe said.
“Kemi Pinhero, SAN, has been calling us to say today is not convenient,” he added. Kemi Pinhero is the lead counsel.
But for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Bello was said to be ready to appear in court on Thursday.
“Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them.
“We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide,” Adedipe noted.
Meanwhile, the court has fixed June 27 as new date for the arraignment.
EFCC bungles arraignment of Yahaya Bello, court picks June 27 as new date

‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment

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‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment

Social media users have told former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, that he has no moral authority to chastise Nigerians for mocking President Bola Tinubu over his misstep at the Eagles Square during the Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday.
In the past few weeks, Okupe who was the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 presidential election, has suddenly become an advocate for Tinubu to the extent of describing the President as Jesus Christ sent to rescue Nigeria.
In another recent interview, Okupe was quoted as saying that Tinubu was the best candidate for the presidential election, even ahead of Peter Obi whom he was projecting for the election.
After a video of Tinubu missing a step while climbing the parade vehicle had gone viral with many Nigerians making a joke out of it, Okupe took to his X account to castigate those who found the fall funny, describing Nigeria as a theater of the absurd in the post.
“Nigeria has become a theater of d absurd. D President “trips” at a function & all discussions go pedestrian. Everyone on social media including people of high networth disgracefuly joined d fray. D import of d President’s speech was lost in d show of shame. Its Politics taken too far.”

Nigeria has become a theater of d absurd.D President "trips" at a function & all discussions go pedestrian.Everyone on social media including people of high networth disgracefuly joined d fray.D import of d President's speech was lost in d show of shame.Its Politics taken too far
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) June 12, 2024

Okupe’s post and admonition however incurred the wrath of Netizens who accused him of being a traitor and modern day Judas Iscariot who is trying to gain favour from Tinubu.
READ ALSO:For Peter Obi, others Labour Party was ’a means to an end’ —Okupe
Read some of the comments below:
@KelvinAlaneme: “You are the absurdity! A walking, talking cynosure of shame. And yes, no one gives a hoot about what you have to say because you’ve shown yourself bereft of common sense and a slave to your stomach. People are out here dying of hunger and you are interested in a fall? Ridiculous!”

You are the absurdity! A walking, talking cynosure of shame. And yes, no one gives a hoot about what you have to say because you’ve shown yourself bereft of common sense and a slave to your stomach. People are out here dying of hunger and you are interested in a fall? Ridiculous!
— Dr. Kelvin Alaneme (@kelvin_alaneme) June 12, 2024

@Adel_Cares: “It has become that way because men like you who are supposed to be a role model to the younger generations now lie to us on a daily basis.
So what do we get when there are no people left to uphold our moral standards as people. You can’t plant corn and harvest yam.”

It has become that way because men like you who are supposed to be a role model to the younger generations now lie to us on a daily basis.
So what do we get when there are no people left to uphold our moral standards as people.
You can't plant corn and harvest yam.
— A little kindness (@addel_cares) June 12, 2024

@CharlesFemi9: “You don’t Even have the right to talk about morals Mr Holy Pass. Anywhere belle face na road, person wey fit chop inside gutter dey talk about neatness. Judas Iscariot Is far better than you snitch. Make Tinubu summersault tomorrow we go still laugh, make thunder fire emotion.”

You don't Even have the right to talk about morals Mr Holy Pass Any where Belle face na road, person wey fit chop inside gutter dey talk about Neatness, Judas Iscariot Is far Better than you Snitch, Make Tinubu Summersault tomorrow we go still Laugh, make Thunder fire Emotion
— Oladokun C. OluwaFemi ……. BIG MhyKhy JharGhar (@charlesfemi9) June 12, 2024

@MercyEgbai: “Posterity will always remember as a man a betrayal and sell out, you are not in anyway better than anyone who made fun of fall of the president.
Have you bothered about how Nigerians are surviving in this harsh economy? That SA you so desire may not even reach you.

Posterity will always remember as a man a betrayal and sell out, you are not in anyway better than anyone who made fun of fall of the president.
Have you bothered about how Nigerians are surviving in this harsh economy?
That SA you so desire may not even reach you.
— Optician-M (@MercyEgbai) June 12, 2024

@DasIjaiye: “Sir, have you so much lost it that you now post using so many absurdly abbreviated words?
I thought it was a parody account until I took a second look. Well, maybe you are so desperate to defend your new boss. Many things have changed about you.”

Sir, have you so much lost it that you now post using so many absurdly abbreviated words?
I thought it was a parody account until I took a second look. Well, maybe you are so desperate to defend your new boss.
Many things have changed about you.
— Dapsie (@Dapsijaiye) June 12, 2024

@AbdulOzzy01: “With due respect Ogbeni keep quiet nobody takes a backstabber serious, you betrayed well meaning Nigerians so shut up.”

With due respect Ogbeni keep quiet nobody takes a backstabber serious, you betrayed well meaning Nigerians so shut up
— Abdulozzy (@abdulozzy01) June 12, 2024

@Udoh_D: “Chief, you for overlook this one…
Even Judas took a step back & reasoned what he did and saw it wasn’t good…so he hanged himself in shame.”

Chief, you for overlook this one…Even Judas took a step back & reasoned what he did and saw it wasn't good…so he hanged himself in shame
— Dr. D. Udoh (@Udoh_D) June 12, 2024

@Classact: “Doyin, unless you are just looking for a way to add to the show of shame by this tweet, can you please give us a rundown of the president’s speech that really made sense.”

Doyin, unless you are just looking for a way to add to the show of shame by this tweet , can you please give us a rundown of the president's speech that really made sense.
— el (@ClassAct_) June 12, 2024

@NDrAgwoTurumbe: “Daniel and Reno twerked and got nothing. You started twerking this late. What moral ground do you stand on to tell Nigerians what they should talk about on social media?”

Daniel and Reno twerked and got nothing.
You started twerking this late.
What moral ground do you stand on to tell Nigerians what they should talk about on social media?
— Dr. A. TuruMbe (@NDrAgwoTurumbe) June 12, 2024

@Lord_OboteAyo: “Jokes on you, no one was interested in the speech, we just wanted some comic relief for the hard times.”

jokes on you, no one was interested in the speech, we just wanted some comic relief for the hard times.
— TheWatcher (@lord_OboteAyo) June 12, 2024

@Innomside: “Hunger no be anybody mate at all. Before going into politics, make sure you have a sound career so that you can stand for something and not stand for everything.”

Hunger no be anybody mate at all. Before going into politics, make sure you have a sound career so that you can stand for something and not stand for everything
— Voices (@innomside) June 12, 2024

The post ‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

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