The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the Democracy Day Speech by the President, Bola Tinubu, where he gave assurance of a new minimum wage for the workforce, saying he failed to give them the much expected gift on June 12.
Ag. President of NLC, Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju who reacted on behalf of the union said the President may have accurately recounted parts of our democratic journey’s history, but that it is evident that he has been misinformed regarding the outcome of the wage negotiation process.
He said they expected the President to harmonize the two figures submitted to him by the Tripartite Committee in favour of workers and masses, stating that it would have been a fitting Democracy Day gift.
Quoting Mr. President; “As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you.
In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.
In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict.
No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution”
Adeyanju said the organised Labour appreciate the President’s commitment to those fine democratic ideals which allowed the work of the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee to proceed unhindered despite some hiccups.
He said Labour had expected Mr. President to have used this understanding as one of those who was in the vanguard of the struggle with us around the nation to rescue Nigeria from the hands of the military to harmonize the two figures submitted to him by the Tripartite Committee in favour of workers and masses. It would have been a fitting Democracy Day gift.
According to the Acting NLC President, the NLC would have expected that the advisers of the President would have told him that we neither reached any agreement with the federal government and the employers on the base figure for a National Minimum Wage nor on its other components. Our demand still remains N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.
“We are therefore surprised at the submission of Mr. President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC.
“There was none and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage. We have also not seen a copy of the document submitted to him and will not accept any doctored document.
“However, we want to reaffirm our belief that the President on whose table the Tripartite Committee’s report presently resides would prepare an Executive Bill which content will reflect the true demand of Nigerian workers. We think that this is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his love for Nigerian workers and masses by shunning the pieces of advise that may be coming from those whose intentions are continuously focused on hurting the poor and struggling workers of Nigeria. Mr. President should not allow these individuals and groups to sabotage his promise of lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty.
“President’s advisers obviously did not tell him the truth that the leaders of the trade unions were intimidated and harassed. It is therefore important that Mr. President understands that we were threatened severally by his operatives perhaps without his consent.
“Series of media Propaganda calculated to intimidate and harass us were, and, are still being waged against the trade unions by senior officials of this government. Fully armed soldiers surrounded us while we were in a negotiation with the Government and despite denials, recent statements by senior officials of the Government reaffirmed our fears contrary to the assurances by the Government. However, we remain assured that the President’s democratic credentials will come to the fore in favour of Nigerian workers and masses.
“It is also important that Mr. President should know that most of his officers are working round the clock to set up the leadership of congress and the trade unions. We never agreed on a 5-year duration of the minimum wage Act though we acknowledge that the President mentioned 5 years or less. We also agreed that inflation should be pegged at a level for certain amount to be agreed as minimum wage. This is to bring clarity to what the report should contain.
“Once again, we reiterate that it will be extremely difficult for Nigerian workers to accept any national minimum wage figure that approximates to a starvation Wage. We cannot be working and yet remain in abject poverty. We seek justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians and this we hope would also drive the actions of Mr. President who promised a Living Wage to Nigerian workers. This is an opportunity to show that he listens to Nigerians as he promised!
“Together, we can build a stronger democratic nation based on equity which guarantees prosperity to the majority of the citizenry and not one where few individuals monopolize our collective resources. That is the only way to build a sustainable democracy. It is the true democracy that we all yearn for as a people!
BREAKING: President misinformed you, no agreement on new minimum wage yet
BREAKING: President misinformed you, no agreement on new minimum wage yet
Stay back to salvage Nigeria, FG urges doctors
Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerian doctors to remain in Nigeria and collaborate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to salvage the nation.
Shettima also urged the doctors to resist the temptation of absconding from the country to offer their services outside the country in a phenomenon colloquially called the “japa syndrome”, adding that Tinubu empathised with the medical professionals who chose to remain in the country.
The VP stated this on Tuesday when the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, led by its newly elected President, Prof. Bala Audu, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communication (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima commended the doctors for their contributions to repositioning the health delivery system in Nigeria.
He urged them to encourage young doctors to specialise in key disciplines of the medical practice and to also check the activities of quacks in the profession.
“President Bola Tinubu has Nigerian doctors at heart. He has a lot of empathy for our medical doctors who have opted to stay put at home, not for lack of offers. Let us stay back and salvage this nation together, this is our country the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in.
“The NMA is one of the most prestigious, preeminent associations in this country. We must commend you for the sacrifices you are making and for staying put in this nation. All hope is not lost because Nigerian doctors are making giant strides, recording milestones in the profession and, most importantly, making tremendous sacrifices to serve this nation.”
On his part, the NMA President, Prof Audu, said the executive members were at the Villa to show solidarity for the Tinubu administration, especially on account of its laudable policies in the health sector.
He also assured the Vice President that the NMA remained patriotic to the nation and would support the health policies of the government to improve healthcare delivery and access to health services for all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Medical Association has come here today as a partner to your government and a patriotic group of Nigerians dedicated to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of this government and to ensure that this government delivers quality healthcare to all Nigerians.
“(The NMA) remains patriotic to this nation and will fully support the health policies of your government to drive improvement in quality healthcare delivery and universal access to services to all Nigerians. This committee will work closely with this government, in delivering and implementing the policies of the administration in the healthcare sector. The NMA wants to assure and reassure you that it will play a key role in ensuring stability in the health sector and by extension, stability for this government to deliver on its promises to Nigerians as it has already started doing,” he added.
Audu also applauded the health policies of the Tinubu administration, noting that when fully implemented, the programmes and projects will “increase the training spaces for specialists in the country known as the residency training programme as well as the quality of the postgraduate medical training”.
“We are sure that this government will address the infrastructural needs to be able to sustain the quality of this training as well as the remuneration that will improve the wellbeing of Nigerian doctors to remain and serve in this country,” he stated.
Aunty Ramota debunks BBL surgery rumour
Internet sensational actress, Ramota Adetu popularly known as Aunty Ramota, has debunked the rumour that she was in a coma as a result of an unsuccessful Brazillian Butt Lift.
She made this known in a video that trended on Wednesday.
In the clip, Aunty Ramota was seen eating and showing off her full body while claiming that nothing was wrong with her.
Speaking in the Yoruba language to dispel the rumour, the small-statured actress said, “My lovers, thank you, nothing happened to me. This is my body.”
Recall that some online platforms (not According) reported that the actress was wheeled into a recovery room in an unidentified hospital in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
In a now-viral video, a lady who appeared to be Ramota was carried around by medical personnel in a yet-to-be-identified hospital.
Ramota, who is known for her comedic roles, appeared unconscious in the footage as she was seen breathing through an oxygen mask.
An individual claimed Ramota came for a BBL surgery that was not successful.
“What is Ramota doing here? What has she come to do here? Why is she here? Do not call me into this kind of situation. Do not call my name. I am not here,” a voice can be heard saying.
Another person in the video responded: “She came to do BBL. Yes. She is just here since after the operation they performed on her.”
The rumours went viral on social media, stirring curiosity and concerns among her fans.
Reacting to the speculation via Instagram, the comedian and on-screen ‘husband’ of Aunty Ramota, Ganiyu Kehinde, popularly known as Ijoba Lande, said he was unaware she underwent surgery.
The skit maker argued that rumours about Aunty Ramota undergoing butt surgery and falling into a coma are “false”.
“Please, Nigerians, all that they have been saying about Aunty Ramota being in a coma is a lie. She is not in a coma. There is no one I know with her that I could reach. And I did not intend to talk about it before, but anytime I came online, people kept asking me about the whereabouts of Aunty Ramota.
“I thought it was real also when I saw a video of Aunty Ramota being pushed on the bed. I swear to God I do not know anything about it,” he said.
Democracy Day: We cannot be silent amidst poverty, hardship, unemployment
Protesters under the Edo State Civil Society Organisation, on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to put an end suffering of the masses, advising the need to formulate and advance policies that would better the lot of Nigerians.
One of the leaders of EDOSCO, Kola Edokpayi, who stated this at a protest/rally organised by the organisation in Benin, said they came out to vent their frustration over the state of the nation.
He said, ‘We totally reject this brand of democracy being practised in the country. This democracy is not for the people, it is against the people. We cannot continue to be silent in the midst of poverty, hardship and unemployment.
‘The reason why we are out today is to vent our frustration over the state of the nation. The masses are suffocating due to the iron grip of hunger, poverty and economic downturn under President Bola Tinubu.
‘We are saying that this country should be fixed so that we can avoid agitation for self-determination as witnessed in the South East, with people in that region saying they are not part of Nigeria.
‘Those piloting the affairs of the country have failed woefully. These people travel abroad and see how things work there unfortunately, they replicate what they see here.
‘We call on the government to end the suffering of the masses and institute policies that will better the lot of Nigerians.
‘The leaders know the solution. We want them to give us employment and create an enabling environment for investors to come into the country.
‘They must halt insecurity and fix power. Why are they increasing tariffs when the power supply is epileptic? The suffering must end so that the masses will stop agitating for their rights.”
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Democracy remains best form of government – Enugu Gov, Mbah
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has said that democracy remains the best form of government despite the challenges the country is currently facing.
Mbah stated this in his Democracy Day message to the people of the state on Wednesday in Enugu.
While congratulating the Enugu people and Nigerians in general, the governor said democracy remained the best form of government globally.
Mbah, who described June 12 as a watershed in the nation’s democratic struggles, also paid tributes to notable Nigerians, including Chief Moshood Abiola and President Bola Tinubu, for their contributions to the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation.
“As our nation celebrates Democracy Day today, I felicitate with Enugu people and all Nigerians on this momentous milestone in Nigeria’s history.
“June 12 is a watershed moment for our democracy, the protracted struggle for it and ultimately, the democratic freedoms that we take for granted today.
“So, today is an occasion for us to call to mind the sacrifices of everyone, living or dead, who played diverse roles in ensuring that democracy blossoms in Nigeria,” he said.
He, however, paid a special tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among a host of others, for their heroic contributions in the struggle.
“I enjoin everyone to let our commitment to upholding the democratic culture be renewed by the memory of the price we paid for democracy.
“There is no doubt that our democracy may be experiencing some floundering steps and challenges but it, nonetheless, remains the best form of government that guarantees prosperity for all.
“Indeed, today is also a fitting occasion to restate my commitment to improving the lives of Enugu people and to set the state on a firm path of progress,” he promised.
Democracy remains best form of government – Enugu Gov, Mbah
Don’t allow heroes of democracy to die in penury, ex-lawmakers beg Tinubu
Members of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic have appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to allow heroes of democracy in the country to die in penury.
The former lawmakers made the appeal in a statement signed by their spokespersons, Mr John Fasogbon, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Fasogbon asserted that the mother of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria is the Third Republic, led by the late MKO Abiola.
He lamented that the actors in the struggle for the full-fledged democracy, currently enjoyed in the country, were wallowing in abject poverty.
“We, members of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic, contested and won our elections, which were adjudged as the most free and fair in the history of the country.
“Unfortunately, after we were sworn in, we were sacked by the Military junta without any benefits.
“Today, June 12, is being celebrated with the heroes of democracy dying in anguish and penury.
“Many of us have died without any benefits, while those of us alive are living in poverty.
“In the spirit of national reconciliation, we appeal to the president to assist us in the payment of our entitlements between 1992-1993, when we are at Federal House of Representatives,” he said.
Fasogbon appealed to the president to honour the former lawmakers in the same way his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, honoured Chief MKO Abiola and his running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe.
The former Ife Federal Central Constituency lawmaker congratulated the President and Nigerians on the celebration of 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
NAN
June 12: Abiodun converts death sentences for 45 inmates, pardons 41 others
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commuted the death sentence of 45 condemned prisoners to prison terms.
He also granted pardon to 41 other inmates serving in different Correctional Centres across the state.
Speaking at the 2024 Democracy Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun said the decision was in exercising his perogative of mercy as the governor of the state.
He said: “Government has a duty to uphold democratic values by consistently applying principles of mercy, justice, and the rule of law. In this vein, the Nigerian Constitution empowers me to exercise a prerogative of mercy to anyone convicted of an offense in Ogun State.
“Having received the guidance of the Ogun State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I have signed the appropriate warrants ordering the release of 41 convicts currently imprisoned across different correctional facilities in Ogun State. I have also signed warrants converting the death sentences of 45 inmates to prison sentences.
“This gesture signals a break from past grievances and a move towards a more inclusive and compassionate society where merciful second chances are granted to deserving offenders.
“All convicts who have received this gesture have shown remorse for their crimes, acquired skills and certifications in prison, with several of them receiving university degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria. They have also demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment.”
He said the celebration holds immense significance as it marks the triumph of democracy, the power of the people, and the pursuit of justice and freedom, observing that the history of Nigeria’s democracy is one of struggle and perseverance.
“June 12, 1993, stands as a watershed moment in this journey. On that particular day, Nigerians transcended differences of tribe, gender, and even the unique joint Muslim-Muslim ticket to speak unanimously through the ballot.
“They elected the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) as President and Vice-President, respectively.
Although the election was globally acclaimed as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, the military annulled its results, dashing the hopes raised by this democratic exercise.
“That election remains a pivotal moment in our country’s democratic history. It has become the benchmark against which the successes of subsequent elections are measured. For all its import, it reminds us of the power of unity, resilience, and the collective determination to uphold the principles of democracy.
“It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Nigerian people, who have shown unwavering commitment to democracy and the belief in a better future,” the governor added.
He said the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola stands as one of the finest trailblazers from Ogun State just as his courage and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals remain an inspiration to the people adding that his campaign slogan, “Hope ’93,” was a national reawakening rooted in faith and the limitless ability of Nigerians to face their challenges and solve the problems of nation-building.
While noting that the celebration signifies the commitment to continue the journey towards a better Nigeria, building on the sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola and countless others who fought for democracy and paid the ultimate price, Prince Abiodun said the courage and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals serve as a reminder of the power of the people and the importance of upholding the principles of justice, freedom, and equality laid by our forefathers.
In a lecture titled: “June 12: Defining Moment in the Democratic Development of Nigeria,” the guest lecturer, Mr. Richard Akinnola, while giving a background to what led to the crisis, chided the nation’s judiciary for being a tool in the hands of the military government to annul the June 12 elections.
He condemned those who have been calling for the return of the military as the result of the hardship in the country.
“In fact, June 12 stands as a defining moment and a watershed in our quest for democracy. That is why we should be very careful. Some people who did not experience what we went through are not subtly calling for the military. We must say no, never do we call for military again. Whatever the challenges we are having, let’s fight, let us argue, let us disagree, let us abuse each other, but never should we be tempted to invite the military,” he advised.
Akinnola who described the June 12 elections as the best in the history of the nation, noting that the aftermath of the annulment led to killings of pro-democracy activists just as it ushered in mutual mistrust among the citizens.
The guest lecturer said for democracy to thrive in the country, Nigerians must keep their leaders on their toes, saying though it is necessary to celebrate the day, people should not forget those who sacrificed their lives for the democracy being enjoyed in the country now.
In his goodwill message, a pro-democracy activist and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Dr. Niran Malaolu, eulogied Chief Abiola for paying the supreme prize for the nation to experience democracy, noting that several Nigerians also suffered in the course of returning the country to democratic rule.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to the governor, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, said the celebration symbolizes the collective will of Nigerians to chose their leaders in a free and fair elections as witnessed on June 12 1993, just as it demonstrated the power of the people in bringing about change.
June 12: Abiodun converts death sentences for 45 inmates, pardons 41 others
Alcaraz, Nadal named in Spanish Olympic tennis team
French Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have been named in the Spain team for the 2024 Olympic Games, the Spanish tennis federation announced Wednesday.
World number two Alcaraz last weekend won his first Roland Garros title on the clay in Paris, where the Olympic tournament will take place from July 27 to August 4.
Nadal boasts 22 Grand Slam victories, including a record 14 French Open titles, but only returned to competition last April after missing the best part of 16 months through injury and is currently ranked 264 in the world.
In addition to the singles tournament, Alcaraz, 21, and Nadal, 38, may also take part in the Games’ doubles event.
The Spanish men’s squad is completed by world number 32 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Pablo Carreno Busta and number two-ranked doubles player Marcel Granollers.
On the women’s side, Spanish number one Sara Sorribes and world number 67 Cristina Bucsa have been included in the team.
Injury-plagued former world number two Paula Badosa — now ranked 118 — will not be included in the squad for Paris.
“We have the chance of winning two or three medals (at the Olympics),” said RFET president Miguel Diaz Roman.
All national federations must produce their final list for the Games by June 19 at the latest.
AFP
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Ogun applies to acquire Basin Development Authority’s Hydro Power Plant to boost power supply
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed interest in acquiring the Hydro Power Plant situated at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to facilitate the availability of energy for investors in the state.
The Governor revealed this during a meeting with the new Managing Director and CEO of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru and his management team.
Abiodun emphasized the significance of revitalizing the long-abandoned Hydro Power Plant to attract sufficient energy for business interests in the state.
He highlighted the potential for the state to become a hub for industrial activities by ensuring affordable energy costs through this acquisition.
“We are aware there is a Hydro Power Plant that is installed in the river basin for several years. It was a Federal Government initiative.
“As a state government, we have expressed interest in the acquisition of that Hydro Power Plant.
“It is almost obsolete by now. Only God knows the level of vandalization, but we believe that if it is transfered to us as a state government, I think they’ve already spoken to the OEM, the original equipment manufacturer and we can jointly look at how to ensure that not only do we resuscitate it, but actually expand it.
“You are aware that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria and electricity is a key enabler in the industrial revolution and one of the vision we have as a state government is to ensure that Ogun State becomes one of the state if not the state where the cost of energy will be the cheapest.
“I believe that if we are able to acquire this Hydro Power Plant, it will go a long way to supporting the actualisation of our vision,” he said.
Furthermore, Abiodun acknowledged the importance of effective management of the river basin in controlling flooding, particularly in areas like Ibafo, Isheri, and Kara.
He disclosed plans to engage consultants to address the recurring flooding challenges and enhance water resource management.
He said: “As a state government, we are looking at engaging consultants to recommend to us what we can do to ensure that this perennial recurrent problem is finally resolved.
“I am sure you also know that the management of that river basin is also very key to the control of flooding in Ogun State.
“The water table rises and falls. The areas between Kara, Mowe, Ibafo, Isheri North have in the recent times been flooded that many people cannot even access their homes.
“We’ve called the attention of the Ministers of Water Resources, Humanitarian and a few other ministers have come here to look into what are the immediate causes, what can be done to manage the situation in the immediate and the long term.”
Recognizing the critical role of the river basin in water supply and agriculture for the South West states, Abiodun stressed the need for collaborative efforts to leverage the Basin Authority’s resources for agricultural development and food security initiatives in the region.
“This River Basin is also very fundamental to agriculture and food security. This is an area that is extremely important to the President and his Renewed Hope agenda.
“As a state government, we are looking forward to working with you collaboratively to ensure that we tap into the advantage of having you and having the Basin Authority in this state to ensure that it becomes a resource that will catalyse the agricultural program we are currently implementing and our food security initiatives.
“Through that River Basin Authority, we can ensure that there is adequate water supply for our farmers that are either upstream or downstream from the dam,” he added.
Abiodun also noted that the antecedents of the new managing director had prepared him for the task, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding his nomination acceptable.
Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Ashiru said that the basin under his watch would enhance water resources management, promote agriculture, and also support infrastructure development within the region.
Ogun applies to acquire Basin Development Authority’s Hydro Power Plant to boost power supply
No agreement yet on minimum wage
Organised Labour has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s claims that an agreement has been reached on new national minimum wages in his nationwide broadcast to make Democracy Day.
Tinubu had claimed that a consensus had been reached on the long-debated new minimum wage between the Federal Government and organised labour.
In his national broadcast to mark the 2024 Democracy Day in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu revealed that an executive bill will soon be sent to the National Assembly to formalise the new minimum wage agreement.
The President emphasised that his administration chose a democratic approach over dictatorship in addressing the demands of labour unions.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, the acting President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, said there was no agreement reached by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage at the time negotiations ended on Friday, June 7, 2024.
Adeyanju stated that rather, two figures such as N250,000 from Organised Labour and N62,000 from the government and Organised Private Sector, were arrived at and ought to have been submitted to the President.
The labour leader asserted that anything to the contrary was not only doctored but won’t be accepted by Labour.
The statement reads, “The NLC would have expected that the advisers of the President would have told him that we neither reached any agreement with the federal government and the employers on the base figure for a National Minimum Wage nor on its other components.
“Our demand still remains N250,000, (two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.
“We are therefore surprised at the submission of Mr. President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix-up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage.”
Details later…