The Nasarawa State government has raised the alarm over alleged plans by certain elements to perpetrate mayhem and breach the peace in the state.
The government stated this through a statement issued by Yusuf Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, saying that the plot was uncovered by security agencies.
The syndicate allegedly plans to target high-profile personalities in the state, using their aides as victims.
“Intelligence reports reaching the State Government through the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism indicate that though the syndicate’s main targets are some prominent personalities from the state, soft targets such as persons close to those personalities and several other unsuspecting citizens are at risk of falling victim to the criminals,” the statement read.
The state government urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or unknown persons to security agencies.
The statement also pointed out that the Nasarawa State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security Service (DSS), Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security operatives, has implemented measures to apprehend the syndicate members and their sponsors.
“Already, security agencies have made advanced efforts at botching their plans and those of other criminals and have advised citizens to be calm, go about their lawful businesses, but to reach out to them on any suspicious persons or activities,” the statement added.
Citizens have also been advised to be on the lookout for two fair-skinned, medium-height women who are usually dressed in black from head to toe.
The Perm sec also said that the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration has reiterated its commitment to upholding its covenant with the people by continuing the aggressive implementation of policies and programs that have placed the state on a path of growth and development.
“His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the executive governor of Nasarawa State, has assured his commitment and resolve to continue to work around the clock to ensure the protection of lives and property of the citizens,” the statement added.
Nasarawa govt raises alarm over plot to cause mayhem
Nasarawa govt raises alarm over plot to cause mayhem
N70,000 new minimum wage applies to domestic workers — Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced that the newly approved minimum wage applies to all workers across both public and private sectors, including maids and other domestic staff.
Akpabio stated this during the plenary session on Tuesday.
The bill was speedily passed by both chambers of the National Assembly just after it was transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during the plenary, the Senate President said, “If you are a tailor and you employ additional hands, you cannot pay them below N70,000. If you are a mother with a newborn child and you want to hire a housemaid to look after your child, you cannot pay the person below the approved minimum wage. It is not a maximum wage. It applies to all and sundry.
“If you hire a driver or gateman, you cannot pay them below N70,000. So, I’m very delighted that this has been passed, and we now look forward to employers of labour improving on what has been set as a benchmark for all to follow.
“I congratulate the Nigeria Labour Congress, all Nigerians, and the National Assembly for this epoch-making legislation, which has even reduced the term of negotiations from five years to three years in view of the increasing cost of living. This is, again, a landmark legislation, so congratulations.”
He then adjourned the sitting to 17 September.
The According reports that the Senate passed the 2024 National Minimum Wage Amendment Act Bill after President Bola Tinubu had transmitted the new wage bill to both chambers of the National Assembly, seeking expeditious support from the lawmakers for its passage.
The new bill replaces the National Minimum Wage Act, No. 8, 2019, which approved a N30,000 minimum wage with five years to negotiate a new wage. The new wage review period has now been reduced to three years following Tuesday’s legislation.
While leading a debate on the bill, the Majority Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said N70,000 was agreed upon by all the parties after negotiations.
“This is part of the Federal Government’s short-term measure to mitigate the situation in the country,” Bamidele said.
NASS passes bill to extend Egbetokun‘s tenure as IGP by three years
The National Assembly, on Tuesday, passed the Police Act Amendment Bill, allowing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to serve out their term as stipulated in their appointment letter.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu forwarded the bill to the legislature, seeking to amend the IGP’s tenure.
By provisions of this new Bill, the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun would serve out a full term of four years regardless of the established age-related retirement threshold.
Appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, Egbetokun is slated to turn 60 years by September 4, 2024. Prior to the amendment, this would have mandated his retirement.
However, with the new Bill, when passed into law, Egbetokun has had his stay as IGP extended by three additional years.
Read Also: N6.2tn budget Amendment Bill goes for third reading as FG votes N2tn for Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, others
Key Points of the Amendment:
• Previously, the Police Act stipulated a mandatory retirement age of 60 years for IGPs, regardless of their term length.
• The amended Act introduces a new clause that allows IGPs to complete their full term as specified in their appointment letter, even if it extends beyond the age of 60.
• This amendment appears specifically timed to benefit the current IGP, Egbetokun, who was appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023 with a presumed four-year term.
Analysis and Potential Implications:
Proponents might argue that it allows for stability and continuity in leadership, particularly if the IGP is mid-way through implementing reforms or tackling ongoing security challenges.
Critics, however, will raise concerns about a lack of transparency and potential political influence. The amendment’s timing, coinciding with the approaching retirement of a politically-appointed IGP, raises questions about its impartiality. Additionally, some will argue that extending the tenure of a single IGP could stifle opportunities for fresh perspectives and leadership styles within the police force.
The amended Police Act presents a new dynamic for selecting and retaining IGPs in Nigeria. While the stated goal of ensuring stability in police leadership is commendable, the potential for political influence needs careful consideration. Moving forward, it’s crucial to establish clear and objective criteria for determining IGP appointment terms. This enhanced transparency will foster public trust in the police leadership and ensure the effectiveness of this revised system.
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FG deploys reinforced concrete tech on East-West Road project
The Federal Government has announced that it is deploying reinforced concrete technology on the long-delayed East-West road, which spans the South-south region of Nigeria.
This move comes after threats of protests from the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People and former agitators in the Niger Delta over the uncompleted axis of the road.
In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Works, David Umahi’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji stated that the government is committed to ensuring that segments of the road do not fail again.
He explained that the use of reinforced concrete technology would end pavement failures and years of infrastructural neglect on the highway.
MOSOP, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Imeabe Saviour, said the non-completion of the road had led to a series of accidents, resulting in loss of lives.
The group earlier in July said, “It is worrisome to mention that despite the substantial revenue generated within the Ogoni ethnic nationality, the stretch of the East-West road in our area has remained in its worst state, dilapidated and a nightmare to travellers and a death trap to the Ogoni people.
“It suffices to state that the East-West road, hyped as completed, still stands as an abandoned project today.”
Umahi over the last weekend, visited sections of the road, including the Kaiama-Ahoada section in Rivers/Bayelsa states, and commended the contractors handling the relief culverts for their commitment to the intervention.
He also lauded the quality of work being done on the kilometre 15 section 3A of the East-West Road.
The minister assured that a permanent solution is underway, with the project being procured to raise the road above the flood level, while reinforced concrete of 12 inches will be used to do the overlay.
“We are encouraging many more local contractors to come and work because there’s so much to work.”
“And so our directive is that the contractor shouldn’t open more relief culverts. Let us contain the floods by working with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),” he added
He also urged patience from road users, stating that the project is expected to be completed by December.
The government’s move to fortify the road is seen as a step in the right direction towards addressing the infrastructure deficits in the region.
NHRC, groups partner to tackle religious extremism
The National Human Rights Commission and other faith-based groups in the country, on Tuesday, came together to set an agenda on how to tackle religious extremism and enhance the rights of beliefs and worship of all citizens.
The NHRC in partnership with The Kukah Centre and NASFAT, at a project tagged “Freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria” which was held in Abuja, called for peaceful coexistence and reduction of hate among the two major religions in the country- Christianity and Islam.
In his remarks, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said religion was a sensitive and sacred matter in the country that should be handled with utmost respect and profound regard for the adherents.
He noted that the major religions practised in Nigeria preach peace and love which makes it unexplainable when cases of religious violence and attacks arise.
He called for religious tolerance and the beliefs of others as anything contrary to that would be inimical to peaceful coexistence and by extension, national development.
Ojukwu said, “Interestingly, the two major religions in Nigeria Islam and Christianity preach peace, togetherness, and love for one’s neighbors and fellow citizens and I do not think that it is different with the traditional worshippers.
“One therefore wonders why our dear country has continued to witness avoidable cases of religious intolerance, which in some cases led to the killing of innocent citizens and the destruction of valuable properties with reckless abandon.
“In the light of the above, the National Human Rights Commission as the custodian of all human rights in Nigeria which encompasses the right to freedom of religion and belief is using this opportunity to once again appeal to the conscience of citizens, that there is no gain in fanning the embers of discrimination and hatred for any religion.”
The Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Reverend Dr. Hassan Kukah, reiterated the need to promote the fundamental human right of freedom of religion and beliefs in Nigeria.
He noted that there is work to be done in achieving this feat.
He stressed the urgent need to address the challenge of perceived injustice to pave the way for a peaceful and tolerant society.
The chairman of the NASFAT society, FCT Zone, Dr Nasiru Mustapha, represented by the vice-chairman, Lateef Yusuf, noted that violations of religions in Nigeria must be avoided, identified or mitigated before they become a monster item of visibility in the country.
He also stressed that extremism in religion must be guided against.
Also speaking, the country representative for the International Dialogue Centre, Dr Joseph Akpan, called for research and investigation into the root causes of religious violence and discrimination.
He said this would help to understand the sociological, economic, and historical factors contributing to religious conflict which will in turn give a deeper understanding essential for creating solutions and policies.
The president of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Habeeb Ibrahim, called for acceptance and respect for other religions and cultures.
He explained that every man has been given free will by the creator which makes religion a matter of choice, emphasising that no religion is superior to another.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Arch Bishop David Okoh, said the diversity in beliefs, religion, and culture as we have it in Nigeria should be seen as a blessing rather than a minus.
He urged Nigerians to be tolerant of one another.
The event also marked the unveiling and public presentation of a survey report conducted by the Kukah Centre on freedom of Religion and belief in Nigeria.
Recommendations from the survey among others called for the need to promote dialogue of life and strength, constitutional provisions, and other institutions.
The survey also recommends enhanced community-led initiatives aimed at raising awareness to promote religious tolerance.
HoS Yemi-Esan calls for synergy between political aides, civil servants
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, on Tuesday, called for synergy among political aides and civil servants.
She also vowed to ensure the required synergy and harmonious working relationship exists between the Office of the Honorable Ministers, who are the representatives of President and Nigerian workers.
The HoS said this would strengthen public relations and enhance effective service delivery and socio-economic developmental goals in the overall interest of the nation.
Dr Yemi-Esan made this known at a one-day sensitization workshop for senior ministerial advisers held in Abuja.
The HoS was represented at the workshop by Deborah Odoh, the Permanent Secretary for Service Policy and Strategies Office, SPSO.
She said the workshop was necessary as it would ensure the full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
“The country is at a critical point in its journey towards national development and it is our responsibility to support those in the leadership position and ensure that the much-needed policies and programs are effectively and efficiently implemented in order to secure the future we desire of our beloved country,” she affirmed.
The HoS went further to state that the event was designed to further build up capacity to help each ministry achieve their mandate, strategic objectives and targets.
Areas covered at the workshop include the revised public service rules, financial regulations, Public Procurement Act, Ethical Codes of Conduct and the Public Service, Administrative Procedure, and Management Reforms as areas.
HoS Yemi-Esan calls for synergy between political aides, civil servants
NLC denies withdrawing from nationwide protest
The Nigeria Labour Congress has denied reports that it has withdrawn from the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship scheduled for August 1.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the union cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise.
This was contained in a Tuesday press release signed by Ajaero titled, ‘The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise.’
“A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such a story as patently false.
“The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest,” Ajaero said.
Ajaero explained that the NLC has a structured decision-making process, which includes internal trade union mechanisms and leadership approval, that guides its industrial actions, such as protests, to ensure consideration before taking action.
“Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government,” he clarified.
He said the NLC is standing in solidarity with the Nigerian people in these “trying and excruciating times.”
Ajaero also called on President Bola Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.
“Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” he said.
The planned protest has gained traction on social media, where it is trending under the hashtags ‘#EndBadGovernance,’ ‘#TinubuMustGo’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’
The Presidency and police authorities have called on youths to abandon the plan
Insecurity: Zamfara begs federal govt for assistance
The Zamfara State Government has said it is struggling to address the problem of insecurity in the state
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Abubakar Muhammad Nakwada, when he received the Personal Assistant to President Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, Hon Khadija Kareem Omotayo, who was in the state on a project assessment tour.
The SSG stated that Governor Lawal’s dedication to issues that positively impact the people of Zamfara State.
He stated, “No doubt you have come to the state with a very laudable mission. We welcome you, and we appreciate it.”
“We will pick the projects that we know will touch the lives of the ordinary citizens of Zamfara State, and we will pass the message through you to Mr. President that he is keen and concerned about the development of the people across the nation.”
“We are faced with numerous problems. In the health sector, we have maternal and child health issues. Our primary healthcare centres are generally dilapidated and lack modern equipment. We need support in that area.
“We are aware that basic education is the responsibility of the sub-nationals. However, we also seek the federal government’s support, considering that a large portion of our resources are being allocated to security provisions in the state.
“So, the state is in dire need of the federal government’s support. I assure you that we will make a well-articulated presentation for onward submission to Mr. President. Through you, we wish Mr. President the best of luck, well-being, and success.”
Earlier in her remarks, Hon. Khadija Kareem noted that Zamfara State is the sixth state she has toured.
She thanked the State SSG for the warm welcome and promised to compile the highlights of the pressing needs from the stakeholder engagement scheduled for Wednesday and submit them to President Tinubu.
Insecurity: Zamfara begs federal govt for assistance
Hardship: Social unrest not solution – NANS
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has said that social unrest would not provide any solution to the hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing.
The association said it understands what Nigerians are facing because of the state of the nation’s economy, warning against embarking on unrest.
NANS has also called on those behind the planned protest to come out in the open and stop hiding their identities, adding that it is necessary for Nigerians to interrogate their motives for the planned action.
The National President of the student body, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, in a statement on Wednesday, said there is a need to have a clear assessment of the situation and the necessary steps to take instead of embarking on mob action.
The body also assured that Nigerian students would not be part of any step or action to set the nation on fire, noting that cutting off the head is not the antidote for headache.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) found it necessary to address the pressing concerns and burning contemporary issues affecting our beloved country and, most importantly, the student community.
“Firstly, NANS acknowledges the significant hardship being experienced by citizens across Nigeria due to the implementation of recent reforms and policies by the government.
“These measures, though aimed at steering our nation towards sustainable development, have undoubtedly brought about economic challenges that have impacted every Nigerian household. We understand the frustrations and difficulties the citizens are facing, and we are deeply empathetic to the plight of all Nigerians.
“However, we must remain steadfast and patient. The transformation we all desire is not an overnight process. It requires collective resilience and perseverance. We are optimistic that in no distant future, the positive outcomes of these reforms will become evident. Citizens’ patience and understanding are vital during this period of adjustment.
“NANS also wishes to categorically distance Nigerian students from any protest against the government at this time. We have observed that certain individuals and groups are attempting to exploit the current economic situation to incite unrest.
“This is evident in the fact that the organizers of the protests have chosen to hide their identities while making inflammatory statements that are capable of engendering chaos. They are simply economic saboteurs because their aim is to add to the current economic realities facing Nigerians for selfish political gains,” NANS said.
Hardship: Social unrest not solution – NANS
N6.2tn budget Amendment Bill goes for third reading as FG votes N2tn for Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, others
The National Assembly on Tuesday passed the N6.2tn budget amendment bill for third reading.
The bill was passed after the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Olamilekan Adeola, presented his committee’s report on the 2024 Appropriation (Amendment) Bill.
From the bill, the Federal Government is to spend about N2tn on the Lagos-Calabar highway and other road projects.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu, on July 17, 2024, transmitted to the Senate a bill for an Act to amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to provide for the sum of N6.2tn with N3.2tn for capital expenditure and N3tn for recurrent expenditure.
The document showed that N700bn would be used for the country’s coastal road that would run from Lagos to Calabar, traversing Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
Whereas, Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri railway line would gulp N530bn, as the line would pass through Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states.
The appropriation would also takes care of the Badagry to Tin Can Port, Lekki Port, Ijebu Ode, and Kajola.
READ ALSO: Tinubu hails Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway as symbol of hope, unity, prosperity
Meanwhile, the African Trans-Sahara Highway (to traverse Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Abuja), is to take the sum of N200bn.
The bill also stated that the water, irrigation, and dam development project, among others, would take N349bn, while the Livestock Development Programme was awarded N75bn.
Adeola, during the presentation of the bill, said: “The bill was read the first and second time and referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action.
“The Senate may also recall that the 2024 Appropriation Bill was passed into law by the National Assembly in the sum of N28.7tn and was subsequently assented to by the President on January 1, 2024.
“The 2024 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill seeks to among others, make available additional funds for Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Projects, to be undertaken across the country and to meet other recurrent expenditure requirements, such as the minimum wage increase necessary for effective governance of the federation.
“The committee met and deliberated with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and deliberated on the scope of the bill, as well as, its source of funding the projects.
“Subsequently, the committee processed the bill together with its House counterpart in line with relevant rules of legislative practice and procedures. I, therefore, present this harmonised report on the Amendment Bill, 2024 for consideration and passage of the Senate.”
The bill was thereafter passed for the third reading after a voice vote by the Senate President.
Other highlights of the amended budget, as presented by Adeola and adopted by the Senate include N1.742tn for statutory transfers and N8.27tn for debt service
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