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Troops neutralise notorious IPOB commander, Tochukwu,

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Troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel of other security agencies have eliminated a notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto and two others in encounter at the their camp at Ihiteukwa in Imo.

The post on the Nigerian Army X Handle on Tuesday said the operation was conducted with personnel of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

It said the troops conducted a successful special clearance operation across the general areas of Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu, along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Imo and Anambra States, respectively.

The army added that the troops encountered members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) who had been using the area as a sanctuary.

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The army said the insurgents, on sighting troops, employed guerrilla tactics, lobbing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from concealed positions and  riddling the roads with booby traps.

According to the army, in spite of the terrorists’ guerrilla tactics, troops maintained their resolve and countered the attacks with tactical precision, employing superior firepower to neutralise Tochukwu and two others.

“The operation led to the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects of the terrorists. Notably, two undetonated IEDs, six  detonated IEDs and bomb-making materials were captured by the gallant troops.

“The operation has  dealt a significant blow to the terrorists’ networks in the region.

“The IEDs and bomb-making materials were safely destroyed,” it said.

Army said that its troops had in another operation in Cross River, engaged in a fierce gun battle with a group of  suspected kidnappers in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Government Area.

It said that the troops, while on routine patrol stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to a gun battle that forced the kidnappers to retreat hastily leaving behind teo AK 47 Rifles, six Magazines, variety of ammunition and three mobile phones.

According to the army, all the items have been recovered by the troops. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Numbers vs Value, By Dakuku Peterside

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The issue of minimum wage or salary increase or by whatever nomenclature is a complicated policy issue. The wage increase is neither good nor bad, but as a policy choice, it must be tied to some ultimate objective and benchmarked on the projected cost of living and inflationary trends over a given period. A pay rise can improve employees’ motivation while giving them more purchasing power and disposable income. It may result in businesses being shut down, hyperinflation, joblessness, and a decline in the value of the national currency. At face value, salary increases are a tool to address inequality, poverty, and welfare or an incentive to check corruption. However, the issue is more profound than this surface-level discourse.

Recently, the federal government announced a new salary raise for mainstream federal workers. This is not the new minimum wage; at least, that is what we are told. Some state governments followed suit with discordant tunes. The truth is that for the average Nigerian worker, with headline inflation at 33.2% by March 2024 and food inflation at 40.1%, the current wage is insufficient and cannot sustain any worker. This underscores the need for the government and all labour employers in Nigeria to review salaries. However, the government’s current economic realities and financial position make it challenging to create a salary increase that is not backed by increased value and productivity. While it may seem complicated, this measured approach is necessary to avoid harsh negative implications on the economy and the unintended backlash on people with low incomes and many on the fringes of our society. 

Expectedly a policy to help people experiencing poverty and create some semblance of equity within our socio-economic ecosystem, salary increases for government workers, albeit less than 25% of the workforce, will have ramifications. Given these difficulties evident in the new policy, the government and labour leadership must play a balancing act to midwife a new salary structure that is fit for purpose yet germane to the multifaceted nuances of our current economic reality.   

The wage increase will result in both negative and positive economic impacts. On the negative side, inflation will worsen, small and medium-scale businesses (SMEs) barely managing to survive will be hugely impacted, and the cost of doing business will skyrocket. How many SMEs can afford this increase? Most of the companies are struggling with paying the existing minimum wage, given the rise in the cost of doing business, interest in loans is over 40%, the cost of raw materials is over the roof, consumers with little income are squeezed to a pulp by the constant increase in prices. Besides, how many state governments can afford it? Most Nigerian states have failed to optimize their potential and go cap in hand every month to FAAC. Across a sizeable economic terrain like Nigeria, a uniform nationwide minimum wage may be foolhardy. Costs of living are divergent across the country. States should negotiate with labour unions for acceptable minimum wage structures in different states and geopolitical zones. There may be an urgent need to de-link the minimum wage issue from national politics. 

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On the positive side, wages should increase in tandem with the cost of living. It will keep workers motivated and may even help the economy rebound. A living wage is not only desirable but expedient. What Nigerian workers earn today is a “symbolic wage” and has no practical bearing on reality. The federal minimum wage, currently at N30,000, was last raised in 2019 when the inflation rate was 11-12%. The purchasing power of the naira has since been eroded by 276% (compared to the 2019 rate). Nigeria is ranked 44th in Africa for minimum wage, according to Prof. Kemi Okuwa of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research. These factors indicate the need for a wage increase to address the growing disparity between wages and the cost of living.

When implementing wage  increases, the government must exercise caution to ensure that its devotion to its responsibility   does not have the reverse impact. The government must develop a robust economic plan to  reduce cost of living as well mitigate the ripple effects on low-income workers, SMEs, and the macroeconomy. We remember the infamous Udorji’s Commission saga and its economic impact. Many economic historians have pointed to the significant shake-up of the salary structure by the Udorji Commission as one of the major problems of Nigeria’s economy in the 1970s that upended our pricing system and created significant price inflation in the economy. We must learn from history! A situation where the monetary reward for work is increased but not based on productivity will often lead to unwarranted inflation. 

Productivity and added value creation should be a significant consideration among many bases for ascribing monetary wage increases, not just policy or legislation. Can the government link the increase in public servants’ wages and salaries to measurable productivity? Any increase in the cost of production and labour at this point, with no corresponding increase in added value to production, is not sustainable and often is an aberration to the system. Therefore, a balanced approach that considers both the need for increased wages and the economic reality of our country is crucial. This will ensure that our wage policy is fair and sustainable in the long run.

The problem with government-induced increase is that only a limited number of workers, civil servants at the federal level, will get the money; many states may claim they need the means to pay that. Even if the state civil services pay that, combined with the federal civil service, they make up less than 25% of the employed workforce in Nigeria.   Most of our workforce comprises low-wage workers, whom SMEs and Organized Private Sector firms employ. These small businesses are struggling to pay the N30,000 per month minimum wage, much more than the new minimum wage. This minimum wage will make these workers poorer if they do not get it like the civil servants because they all buy from the same market. 

Besides, making unenforceable laws does not make sense. In other climes, it is against the law not to pay the minimum wage. It is enforced with explicit punishment for breaking the law. In Nigeria, this is different. Nothing happens even if any tier of government fails to pay the minimum wage. Most businesses will completely ignore the new salary structure, and there will be no legal consequences. The government must put some teeth to the new minimum wage rule for equity and justice and at least make it stick across the board. It must also consult widely and make the minimum wage more realistic. 

I understand the need for an increase in salary because of hyperinflation that has eroded purchasing power. However, I am preaching caution and a measured approach to dealing with this issue by considering all the ramifications and putting measures in place to cushion unintended consequences. Our recent experience has shown that a salary increase may start a merry-go-round of cyclical inflation that begins with a salary increase, and then inflation eats up the value, and then we are back to where we started. In an economy with over 40% food inflation, all stakeholders must apply caution and careful measures in implementing a new salary structure. However, governments (federal, state, and local) cannot afford to play politics with the issue of “living wage”. 

The implications of creating new salary structures and increasing the minimum wage are complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of various factors, including economic conditions, industry dynamics, and social equity goals. Although I advocate for workers getting a living wage and meaningful salaries, given our current economic realities, a more measured approach based on value addition, productivity, and accountability will suffice. As the new wages are implemented, a corresponding demand for increased productivity must be implemented by all stakeholders to make the system sustainable.

I understand the need for government intervention in this, especially the political benefits to the government in terms of reasonable public opinion and support, good labour relations and collective bargaining dynamics, and the corresponding public and political debates and legislative actions this generates; however, the economic exigencies – potential job losses, negative impact on SMEs, and inflationary pressures – must be paramount and considered. A living wage is the right of every Nigerian, and we must fight for that to reduce income inequality gaps and fight multidimensional poverty. High productivity and less economic legislation are the way forward, and the current confusion in the debate over a minimum wage needs to be more holistic and better informed. All the variables must be on the table, devoid of political grandstanding.

Reps call for truce over UniAbuja face-off

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The House of Representatives, has called for a truce between the Academic Staff Union (ASUU) and the management of the University of Abuja, over the current strike.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, said this when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah and a team of ASUU members from the institution at the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The need to ensure non-disruption of academic activities led to the intervention, which made the Federal Government to remove universities from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

“When we came on board, we promised that there should be no disruption of academic activities in Nigerian universities. We observed that university managements were in complex condition under IPPIS.

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“We made the appeal, and President Bola Tinubu listened to us and removed universities and other tertiary institutions from IPPIS,” he said.
Fulata appealed to ASUU to suspend the indefinite strike that began on May 2.

He promised that the National Assembly would soon come up with a bill that would address the problem regarding the appointment of a VC and the running of universities in the absence of a council.

He appealed to ASUU to suspend the strike while further consultations were ongoing to finally resolve the impasse

Ealier, Dr Sylvanus Ugo, the Chairman of the university’s chapter of ASUU, said the meeting was to find an amicable solution to the problems on the ground.
Ugod said the issues in contention that resulted in the indefinite strike included the illegal advertisement for the vacancy of the post of Vice-Chancellor.

He said that it was the governing council that was responsible for the appointment of a new VC, but in the absence of the council, the Senate of the university could elect an acting VC.

Other issues he raised included the illegal appointment of deans, recruitment of staff without due process, illegal promotion, and the removal of ASUU from the University’s Micro Finance Bank in spite of its numerous investments.

Na’Allah, in his response, said the 6th Vice-Chancellor of the University was expected to retire from service in June.

He said the Minister of Education gave the permission to place advertisement in respect of the vacancy for the post of VC of the University.

Na’Allah said that all appointments, recruitments, and promotions carried out were in consonance with the University Act (NAN)

By Femi Ogunshola

Sule to construct 3000-capacity multi-purpose hall for NYSC

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Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has pledged to construct a new 3000-capacity multi-purpose hall for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state.

He made the pledge at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course for youth corps member at the Magaji Dan Yamusa NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Keffi Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Sule said he was aware of the scheme’s request for a bigger hall to cater for camp activities during the three weeks orientation.

He added that “it is on this premise that I wish to inform you that I have already approved the commencement of work on the construction of a 3000-capacity multipurpose hall, one befitting of the scheme and which would be adequate for all events on camp.”

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The governor congratulated camp officials and the 2154 youth corps members posted to the state for achieving a hitch-free orientation exercise.

He urged the corps members to carry with them the sense of duty, the commitment to community and the passion for positive change wherever they are posted to.

“The experiences shared, friendships forged and lessons learned during this orientation will serve as the foundation for an impactful service year ahead.

“Whether you find yourself in bustling cities, serene villages or remote hamlets, let the principles of unity, understanding and empathy guide your interactions.

“Embrace the communities you are called to serve, for in their stories, you will find the essence of your purpose. Be the ambassadors of hope, the catalysts for progress and the advocates for a better tomorrow,” he said.

He assured the youth corps members that Nasarawa, popularly called “Home of Solid Minerals, is also renowned for its hospitality, cultural diversity and natural beauty.”

Earlier, Alhaji Abdullahi Jikamshi, the NYSC State Coordinator, had urged members to approach the remaining service year with humility and spirit of selflessness.

“Focus on making positive contributions to your host communities by serving as exemplary ambassadors of your families, the NYSC and our nation at your places of primary assignments,” he said.

He urged them to use social media responsibly and stressed the prohibition of unauthorised journeys and night travels.

“The hall would serve as a valuable asset to our various training programmes and the Keffi community at large,” he said. (NAN)

By Olukayode Babalola

Don’t terminate Tompolo’s pipelines surveillance contract

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A group, Concerned Ijaw Citizens, has urged  President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls to revoke the  oil pipelines surveillance contract awarded  to Tantita Security Services Ltd ,an outfit owned by  Mr Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

The Coordinator of the group, Chief Manager Seigha,  made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

NAN reports that there have been  calls in some quarters asking the Federal Government to revoke, without delay, the security contract awarded to Tompolo’s company.

The government,through the  Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), had in 2022  awarded the multi-billion  contract to Tompolo,a  former Niger Delta agitator,to check rising  large-scale crude oil theft in the region.

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Seigha said those seeking the  termination of the contract are enemies of the nation, seeking  personal gains at the expense of the country’s economic stability.

He said that Tantita had effectively checked oil theft, helping the country to significantly increase its crude oil production.

Seigha added that Tompolo ,through the contract ,had engaged and empowered many youths in the Nigeria Delta,thereby helping to reduce restiveness in the region .

“When crude oil theft became so high and Nigerian crude oil production went down from about 1.9 million per day to about 900,000 per day, it was Tompolo that came out to offer help.

“At that time, many oil magnates  were crying out that the bulk of oil  being stolen was about 60 per cent of daily output, and that those of them in the business were losing seriously.

“The volume of  oil that was being stolen can only be imagined . At that time,  security agencies like the Navy and the police were in Niger Delta, but could not solve the problem.

“That happened for more than four years before the government, under the administration of  President Muhammadu Buhari engaged Tompolo to address the problem, Seigha said.

He added Tompolo had done well so far in the execution of the contract and that calls for the contractual agreement to be revoked had no basis .

Seigha added: “He (Tompolo) understands the terrain and creeks and this has been working for the nation. Within one year, Federal Government recovered more than 700,000 barrel per day.

“Today, the country has recovered over million barrel per day that were being stolen at a time. It is unfortunate to hear people questioning why the Federal Government gave the contract to Tompolo.

“In  fact ,what the government is paying Tompolo is not commensurate with the   huge work he is doing to stabilise the economy.

“We need to safeguard oil installations and protect crude oil from being stolen ,” he said.

According to him, no security personnel can access some of the places where Nigerian oil has been stolen.

“Tompolo’s boys can go to places Police, Navy and Army cannot go. Navy patrols the creeks from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. What happens in the midnight?

“It is these young people employed by Tompolo who are working 24 hours making it impossible for oil theft to take place,” he said.

The co-ordinator said the group’s call on the government to retain Tantita’s contract was not for pecuniary benefits, but out of patriotism and the need to take the economy off the hands of saboteurs

“We, as elders, are not talking because of any gain as we don’t get a dime from the contractor, but we are talking because the nation is dear to us and our environment is better now unlike before.

“If we look at the great work Tompolo is doing to help the  economy, what the government is paying him is nothing much.

“We should not bring the nation back to era of oil theft. In fact, we feel it is not too much to give Tompolo 10 per cent of what he is bringing to the system, to end oil theft.

“So, it is not a job soldiers or police can do. Some people don’t just understand. Nigeria will lose if  the contract is revoked as being advocated  by some ignorant people.

“There is nobody in the Niger Delta that has the capacity that Tompolo has.Those complaining just want to strangle the economy and  make money.”he said.

(NAN) 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

You’re ambassadors for better Nigeria – Adeleke tells corps

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 Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has advised corps members posted to the state to be good ambassadors of their various institutions and make positive impact during their service year.

Adeleke , represented by the Commissioner for Youth Affairs , Mr Moshood Olatunji, gave the charge at the official closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch A stream 11 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Course, on Tuesday, in Ede.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 1,869 corps members, comprising 942 males and 927 females were deployed to the state for the orientation exercise.

NAN further reports that 644 corps members to perfom their primary assignments in Lagos state make up the number.

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He urged the corps members to embrace diversity and also foster inclusivity in their respective places of primary assignments .

” I want to encourage you all to seize the opportunities that will come your way during your service year in the state .

” Let your service be guided by integrity , honesty and genuine desires to uplifting those around you . That alone speaks volumes ,” Adeleke said.

He said that the present administration in the state would continue to support stakeholders toward achieving the mandate of the scheme.

Adeleke also praised the scheme for shaping young minds and preparing them for the challenges ahead.

In his address of welcome, Mr Agbor Ndoma, the NYSC Coordinator in Osun, commended the Director -General, Brig-Gen. Yashau Ahmed, for his tireless efforts in enhancing the scheme.

Ndoma said that the scheme had witnessed unwavering commitment, resilience and dedication by corps members during the weeks spent in the orientation camp in Ede.

He also appreciated the state governor for his support to the scheme and standing as a father figure to corps members deployed to the state.

Ndoma further  advised the corps members to leverage on the post camp training to be masters in their chosen skills. (NAN)

By Joshua Oladipo

Anambra parliamentary workers suspend indefinite strike

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 The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Anambra chapter, says it has suspended the indefinite strike it embarked upon on March 28.

The Chairman of the association, Mr Abraham Okoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Awka that the decision was reached after the government had set in measures to address their demands.

Okoye said that part of the measures was to address issues of unpaid peculiar allowances of staff of the state House Assembly.

“The executive of Anambra PASAN and south east zonal leadership of PASAN met with the leadership of the state Assembly, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Head of Service, and a team of permanent secretaries.

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“The meetings resolved that the leadership of the Assembly commits to the payment of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) to the staff.

“A joint committee of the Executive and the Assembly was set to look into and advise the governor on the modalities for financial autonomy of Anambra state House of Assembly.

“Therefore, with the above developments, Anambra state PASAN is directed by its national body to suspended the indefinite strike for two months,” Okoye said.

According to Okoye, if nothing is done by the end of the two months timeline, PASAN will recommence the strike.

NAN reports that the indefinite strike was due to non implementation of full legislative financial autonomy and non payment of the allowances that had been recurring in the state’s budget since 2019.

The association was also protesting non-constitution of the state Legislative Service Commission as provided by Anambra Legislative Service Commission Law, 2022. (NAN)

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Nasarawa Govt., UNICEF strengthen agency to tackle fake drugs,

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The Nasarawa Government, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) move to rid the state of fake and substandard drugs in primary, secondary and tertiary medical facilities.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, made this known on Tuesday in Lafia while inspecting the multi-million-naira upgraded facilities at the state’s Drugs Management and Supply Agency (NASDMSA).

The commissioner explained that the inspection was to ensure that the contractor carried out the work according to the terms of the contract, ahead of the launch of the project.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and materials used by the contractor, saying “it is the best in the North-Central Geo-Political zone.”

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He added that the establishment of the agency had tackled the problem of non-availability of quality and affordable drugs in public health facilities in the state.

He added that “with the huge investment in the infrastructure and purchase of drugs directly from manufacturers, the era of supply of substandard and non-availability of drugs in our facilities is over.

“The price of drugs in public facilities is affordable and uniform across the state because the agency also controls price.

“We are also extending the gesture to private hospitals in the state who are willing to transact business with us,” the commissioner added.

He said delivering quality healthcare services is one of the top priority areas of Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration.(NAN)

By Sunday John

Police arrest fake medical doctor in Lagos

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Police arrest man for allegedly printing, distributing fake Police ID Cards
Police arrest man for allegedly printing, distributing fake Police ID Cards

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested a 37-year-old fake medical practitioner, with suspected forged certificates.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in- charge of the zone, Olatoye Durosinmi, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, while parading the suspect before newsmen in Lagos.
Durosinmi said that operatives of the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit arrested the suspect, who claimed to be the Managing Director of Skylink Medical Centre in Ikorodu.

“Based on the intelligence gathered by the command through members of Elepe community concerning the activities of the suspect, a team of detectives, led by SP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, swung into action,” he said.
“The officers arrested the suspect, conducted a search and recovered two suspected forged certificates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

“Also recovered were immovable hospital equipment,” he said, adding that the hospital complex had been sealed, pending the outcome of investigation.
Durosinmi said that the suspect confessed to electronic production of the certificates, as he neither obtained any degree from the university nor any certificate from MDCN.
According to him, the suspect possesses only West African School Certificate (WASC) qualification.

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The police chief said that part of the suspect’s confession was that he had a total of six members, two of whom were trained nurses, while four were amateurs.
“According to him, he worked as a Nursing Assistant at Fabo Medical Centre in Majidun area of Lagos before establishing his own hospital,” he said.
The AIG further stated that the suspect claimed that he had successfully carried out three operations: two Cesarean sections and one appendicitis – during his three years of unlawful medical practice.
He said that investigation so far revealed that the spsuect had been operating the hospital without being a qualified medical practitioner.
Durosinmi urged members of the public not to hesitate to give information to the police whenever they suspected any unlawful practice.
He said that the command was working with the ministries of health in Lagos and Ogun States to rid the zone of such criminal elements.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect confessed to newsmen on the sidelines of the parade that he used to carry out general treatments and surgeries.
He said that he learnt the job for two-and-a-half years from someone before establishing his own hospital.
“I am just a secondary school certificate holder but I forged the MBBS certificate,” the suspect said. (NAN)

By Deborah Akpede

3 in court for allegedly stealing chickens worth N14.4m

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Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council
Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council

Three men were on Tuesday brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan charged with stealing 1,205 chickens worth N14,460,000 from a poultry farm.

The defendants, Dayo Olotun, 33, Oluwapelumi Okedairo, 23, and Umaru Mohammed, 20, whose addresses  were not provided, pleaded not guilty to the two- count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye told the court that Olotun, Okedairo and Umaru allegedly conspired and committed the offences between Nov. 30, 2023 and Aprl 29.

Akinloye said that the trio allegedly stole 1,121 layers and 84 cockerels from the Rizgate poultry farm at Idi- Ayunre area Ibadan, property of FIDAN Investment Ltd.

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Akinloye said the offences contravened Sections 383, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N4 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a blood relation to each of the defendants , while the second sureties must be a landed property owner within the court jurisdiction.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case till Aug. 13 for hearing. (NAN)

By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade

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