Niger Delta women under the aegis of the Voice of Niger Delta for Equity and Justice, along with the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), have appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to end the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
TVN reports that there has been a strained relationship between Fubara and his erstwhile political godfather, throwing the state into chaos.
The state House of Assembly has been divided into two factions as members loyal to the FCT Minister continue to engage in a political war against Fubara’s administration.
Expressing disappointment over the crisis in Rivers State, the groups at a press conference in Abuja on Monday urged Fubara and Wike to sheath their swords for the interest of peace and development in the state.
Conveners of the groups, Ambassador Susie Biboere, Ambassador Ebierebo Success Motajo, and Mrs. Mercy Jagiri, told journalists that they are worried about the impact of the crisis on the citizens of the state.
They urged the two political rivals to find a way to settle their differences, stating that “it is improper as women and mothers to fold our arms and watch this political drama rear its ugly head.”
“As Niger Delta women in Abuja and Northern Nigeria, we are appealing to Hon. Minister Wike to establish a mutual understanding with Gov. Sim Fubara for peace and harmony to prevail.
“Whenever there is a crisis, certain individuals take advantage of the issues to benefit themselves. Hon. Minister Wike, as a father, should take the son to a reclusive place to have a drink, dance, and discuss these issues so that the world can applaud them,” they added.
Rivers crisis: Niger Delta women beg Wike, Fubara to make peace
Rivers crisis: Niger Delta women beg Wike, Fubara to make peace
Police rescue 10 pregnant women in A’Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has rescued 10 pregnant women from a baby factory operated by a 56-year-old suspect, Eunice Eze.
The Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia in Uyo on Tuesday.
Ayilara said that the suspect, who specialises in running a baby factory at World Bank estate in Owerri was arrested on July 15, at 4:30 pm through actionable intelligence.
“On July 15 at about 4:30 pm, based on actionable intelligence, Mrs Eunice Eze ‘f’ age 56yrs was arrested for running a baby factory at World Bank Estate in Owerri.
“The suspect specialises in stealing babies and pregnant women from Akwa Ibom through her agent, Ability Tom,” Ayilara said.
The commissioner said that the police also arrested a wanted kidnapper in the state.
He said that the kidnapper and his group had been responsible for the kidnapping and killing of several persons in the state.
Ayilara said that the police recovered two AK-47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, one double-barrel Rifle, five magazines and seven live ammunition.
He said the firearms used by the kidnapper and his syndicate were recovered at a private mortuary, being used as the armoury at Ekeya in Okobo Local Government Area of the state.
Ayilara thanked the state government for their support, sister security agencies and good-spirited members of the public, whose credible and timely information led to the arrests.
He said the command looks forward to a more formidable collaboration from all as it strives to keep Akwa Ibom safer and more peaceful.
NAN
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QuickRead: Ndume’s removal as Senate chief whip. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter
The Senate last week removed the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, as the chief whip following the recommendation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC).
The same week, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These and three other stories we tracked dominated public discourse in the country during the period.
1. Ndume’s removal as Senate chief whip
On July 17, Ndume was removed as the Senate chief whip with the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Monguno, appointed to replace him.
This followed a letter signed by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Bashir Ajibola, requesting the removal of the outspoken lawmaker from the position.
The letter read: “You have been making uncouth and rabid outbursts against the government before the international community which is not only harmful to the government’s image but its effort to bring in Foreign Direct Investments.
“We are of the opinion that Mohammed Tahir Monguno should immediately replace Senator Ali Ndume who is bent on bringing down the country as the majority whip of the Senate.”
Why it matters
The development has confirmed fears about the current Senate as an executive rubber stamp with its decision to prioritise the interests of a few people in power.
It also sent a dangerous signal about the current APC-led government’s readiness to shut down any dissenting view, even from within its rank.
All said, Ndume should rise beyond the rhetoric and work with his colleagues in the Red Chamber to make the government accountable to the citizens, seeing that he is also a member of the ruling party.
2. Shaibu returns to APC
The reinstated deputy governor of Edo state, Phillip Shaibu, on July 20 dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He announced his return to APC in Benin City, the state capital.
The deputy governor joined the APC with leading members of the Legacy Group of the PDP led by the party’s suspended Vice-Chairman, South-South, Dan Orbih.
Shaibu said: “It is a triumphant homecoming for me, as I officially return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party where I am accepted, valued, and welcomed with open arms. The party holds a special place in my heart, and where I have shared countless memories.
“I am grateful to be back among the people and community that have always supported me, and to reunite with my political family.”
Why it matters
Shaibu’s return to APC, a party he publicly derided when the going was good with his estranged principal again shows that politics is about interest with the gaze always on the attainment of personal goals.
Also, the exit of the deputy governor may have ended the hope of reuniting all forces in the state and further diminished the PDP’s chances of retaining power when the people of the state cast their ballots in September.
3. Tinubu approves N70K minimum wage for workers
President Bola Tinubu approved the sum of N70,000 as a new minimum wage for workers in the country.
Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, gave the approval during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
READ ALSO:QuickRead: Court nullifies Edo PDP governorship primary. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter
He promised to review the national minimum wage law every three years.
The statement read: “President Tinubu also promised to find ways to assist the private sector and the sub-nationals to pay the minimum wage.
“President Tinubu announced the decisions at the meeting held with leaders of TUC and NLC on Thursday in Abuja, the second time the parties met in 7 days.
“The Labour leaders applauded President Tinubu for the fatherly gesture as the President also promised to use his discretionary powers to meet the demands of university unions demanding unpaid 4 months salaries.”
Why it matters
The president’s approval has ended the controversy that had trailed the quest for a minimum wage that guarantees a decent living for Nigerian workers.
However, there are questions on the reliability of the president’s promise to review the minimum wage every three years considering how successive governments have reneged on agreements freely signed by trade unions in the country.
4. Okupe on Tinubu’s bold reforms
A former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said on July 20 that he was not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but appreciates the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Okupe, a former presidential spokesman stated this on his X handle while reacting to criticisms over his support for the president.
He wrote: “I am neither a member of the APC nor an adviser of the administration.
“I appreciate the bold initiatives President Bola Tinubu took to remove fuel subsidy, which was assented to by all candidates during the campaign.
“I also fully support the sectoral equalisation of our forex market.”
Why it matters
Although the president has received support from an unlikely quarter on his reforms, Okupe’s remark cannot water down the crippling effects of the government’s policy initiatives.
The onus is therefore on the Tinubu administration to quickly come up with measures to ameliorate the suffering or risk pushing people to revolt.
Also, time will tell if the former presidential aide’s latest praise-singing adventure is not a wink at the presidency for another chance to work at the highest level of the Nigerian government.
5. Suspected herdsmen kill 18 in Benue community
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen on July 19 killed 18 persons in Mbache Ward of Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State.
The chairman of the caretaker committee in Katsina-Ala LGA, Mr. Justine Shaku, confirmed the incident to journalists.
He said a man and his two children were also kidnapped in the attack.
Shaku said: “I quickly notified the military officers at Tor Donga but before they could reach Mbache ward where the incident was happening, the gunmen had killed 18 persons and left with three others.
“Yesterday night I was told it was 17, but today 18 bodies have been confirmed dead.
“All of them were assembled in one place and killed.”
Why it matters
The frequent attack by herdsmen in Benue means Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration like the one before it had failed to protect the people from cattle prowlers who have foisted a reign of terror in the state for more than six years.
The unfortunate development in Benue and other parts of the country indicates the collapse of the country’s security architecture and an urgent reboot of the system for effective performance.
The problem requires proactive measures on the part of the government to halt the country from sinking further.
The post QuickRead: Ndume’s removal as Senate chief whip. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Senate, Women’s Group push for inclusion of domestic servants in National Minimum Wage
The Senate and the National Council for Women Society, on Monday, advocated for the inclusion of domestic servants in the proposed N70,000 National Minimum Wage Scheme.
This call was made during a public hearing on a bill seeking to domesticate and register domestic workers and employers in Nigeria.
Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) led the charge, emphasizing that domestic workers, including housemaids and servants, should be entitled to the same minimum wage as public workers.
Izunaso said, “As a member of this committee, I feel strongly that part of the provisions to be included in this bill, is to include the domestic workers, be it housemaid or servants, in the proposed N70,000 National Minimum wage law.
“As N70,000 is planned to be the lowest wage for the lowest public workers, so should be the case for the least domestic workers.
Read Also: DANGOTE: Dele Momodu cautions against anti-investor policies as Nigeria battles economic crisis
“We will put it in the bill for implementation by all employers.”
He suggested that the bill be amended to include registration and protection for both domestic workers and their employers.
The public hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, aimed to address the welfare and rights of domestic workers.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC, Jigawa North West), seeks to provide a legal framework for the domestication and registration of domestic workers and employers.
The inclusion of domestic servants in the National Minimum Wage Scheme would mark a significant step towards recognizing their rights and ensuring fair compensation for their labor.
However, the implementation of this provision would require careful consideration of the potential impact on employers and the broader labor market.
The post Senate, Women’s Group push for inclusion of domestic servants in National Minimum Wage appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Microsoft blames EU for global IT outage triggered by faulty Crowdfire update
American tech company Microsoft has blamed the European Union (EU) for allowing the world’s worst IT outage to happen which was triggered by a faulty Crowdfire update.
Microsoft stated that a 2009 agreement with the EU prevented it from making security upgrades that would have prevented the CrowdStrike update, which caused global travel, business, and healthcare havoc last Friday.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the company agreed to grant kernel-level access to numerous security vendors, including CrowdStrike, following a competitive probe.
READ ALSO: CrowdStrike: Microsoft reveals 8.5m Windows devices affected in global downtime
Reports say that the agreement contrasts sharply with Apple’s decision to restrict such access on Mac computers, a move cited as enhancing security and reliability.
A Microsoft spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal that the company was unable to make a similar adjustment just like Apple did due to the EU agreement.
The tech company stated that the outage affected up to 8.5 million Windows devices, accounting for less than 1% of all workstations using the program. However, it claimed that there had been significant consequences because CrowdStrike is frequently employed by enterprises.
CrowdStrike has stated that “a significant number” of the affected systems are back online and has apologized for what occurred.
The post Microsoft blames EU for global IT outage triggered by faulty Crowdfire update appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Politics in Nigeria, extremely dangerous enterprise for women – Senator Natasha
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has described the mode of playing politics in Nigeria as extremely dangerous for women.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Female Parliament Association spotlight initiative titled: “Rethinking Women’s Proportional Representation in Governance: Case Study of Nigeria” on Monday, Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the high cost of politics in Nigeria, which puts women at a disadvantage as most men are more financially stable than women in Nigeria.
“Politics is extremely dangerous in Nigeria. In Nigeria, you can’t be gentle as a woman. I honestly wish politics in Nigeria would not be so tough because when a woman who is born to nurture becomes too tough, it’s not good.
“I am so tough now that I rarely cry except maybe something totally touches my heart that I pushed myself. That is what violence teaches you, so I have to constantly tell myself, do not let your experiences change you because I don’t want to be like those who attacked me,” she said.
The Kogi lawmaker emphasised the financial aspect of politics, stating that running for office in Nigeria is expensive.
She also shared her motivation for joining politics, expressing her desire to bring democratic dividends to her people.
Narrating her political journey, she described her intentional move to join politics in 2018, the challenges she faced during elections, and her determination to serve her community.
Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the need for a less financially burdensome electoral process and expressed her interest in studying the independent candidature system in Liberia as a potential solution.
She also touched on the personal sacrifices she made for her political career, including surviving accidents and enduring physical hardships while running for office.
In her speech, she addressed the challenges women face in Nigerian politics, including the loss of dignity and the cultural barriers they encounter.
She urged male leaders to be mindful of their words when addressing women in politics, adding that they should rather support and encourage women in their political endeavors.
Finally, she advised women to carefully craft their political agendas and be mindful of overpromising during their campaigns, sharing her own experiences and the toll it took on her health.
She also mentioned her collaboration with Senator Ireti Kingibe to present a bill for gender equity, focusing on 45 per cent women inclusion.
Politics in Nigeria, extremely dangerous enterprise for women – Senator Natasha
Hardship: Listen to Nigerians, protest may get out of hand – Ndume to Tinubu
Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to listen to Nigerians youths ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
Ndume warned Tinubu that the planned protest might get out of hand, hence he should listen to the youths.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, the Borno South Senator said the planned protest might get out of hand because there is no identified leader.
According to Ndume: “My fear is, looking at what happened during the EndSARS. I hope it does not get out of hand, especially when you cannot identify the leadership, that makes it more difficult.
“I second the motion of the NLC president that Tinubu should listen to Nigerians. The president should talk to the youth.”
Popular activist, Omoyele Sowore had called for a nationwide protest against the Nigerian government in August due to the hardship in the country.
This is coming when Ndume had accused Tinubu of shutting his doors against his Ministers and lawmakers over the hardship in the country.
In October 2020, young Nigerians took to the streets to protest against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protests took another turn after soldiers shot at demonstrators at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos.
Hardship: Listen to Nigerians, protest may get out of hand – Ndume to Tinubu
Israeli soldiers kill five in West Bank raid
Palestinian officials said Israeli troops killed five Palestinians, including two women, in a pre-dawn raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.
The deaths came when Israeli forces raided the Tulkarem camp in the northern West Bank, the head of its popular committee, Faisal Salamah, told AFP. An activist at the camp confirmed the toll. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated a 30-year-old man for bullet wounds to the abdomen, thigh and hand, and three women for shrapnel wounds, one of them to the eye.
Palestinian official news agency Wafa said more than 25 military vehicles, including bulldozers, stormed the camp, scooping up rubble to block off its narrow alleys.
The town of Tulkarem is known as a hub of Palestinian militant activity and is frequently raided by Israeli troops.
Violence in the West Bank has spiked since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza.
At least 579 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the territory since the conflict began, according to health ministry figures.
AFP.
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Ex-parte order: Court declines Ortom’s application for leave to appeal
A Makurdi High Court presided over by Justice Tertsea Asue, on Monday declined to grant an application by former governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom seeking to appeal against its ruling.
In the ruling, the court had dismissed his ex parte motion seeking to stop Governor Hyacinth Alia from investigating him.
The court also turned down an interlocutory injunction by the ex-governor for a stay of proceedings on the matter, pending the determination of the substantive case before the court.
The matter was slated for hearing of the motion on notice for the substantive suit.
Oba Maduabuchi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to Otorm filed for leave of notice to appeal the ruling that vacated the order and motion for the stay of further proceedings in the case.
Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, counsel to the 7th, 8th and 9th respondents challenged the application on the ground that there was no case before the court to warrant application for appeal.
He said that he filed a motion on notice challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
“Where the issue of jurisdiction is raised, the same must be given prominence and eminence over and above all other proceedings since it is the live wire of adjudication,’’ he said.
He argued that there were only two exceptions to the principle on jurisdiction citing contempt, and where the court is seeking to correct an order that was wrongly made for want of jurisdiction.
He said the only option open to the court was to consider the applicant’s motion for leave to file for judicial review and the respective notices of preliminary objection raised by the respondents.
He argued that the plaintiff’s action was contrary to the acceptable legal standards.
He, therefore, prayed the court to dismiss the application for extension of time to file for judicial review as the time could not be extended in the circumstance.
In his argument, the 3rd respondent, Fidelis Mnyim, who is also the State Attorney General, said the plaintiff had no case before the court following his inability to move the motion on notice.
Mnyim said the two applications were yet to be served on him, adding that there was no suit before the court and so, it should be struck out.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, in a bench ruling, the court upheld the submission of the respondents’ counsel and ordered that the applicant move his application seeking leave for extension of time to file for judicial review.
The court subsequently adjourned to July 30, 2024 to determine the propriety or otherwise of the applicant’s application.
Recall that Ortom had dragged the state government, Attorney General and all members of the commission of inquiry before the court, challenging their competence to check the finances of his administration.
Alia had in February, set up two separate panels to probe the management of the state’s finances and assets under the immediate past administration of Ortom.
Ortom had argued that the Auditor-General of the state, who is mandated by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, has already audited the accounts of the state, among other reasons.
He said the period under review was audited and the report submitted to the Benue State House of Assembly as required by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Ortom also argued that the same issues were before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
He said that it was wrong to set up another probe panel to investigate finances of the state within the same period, as it would amount to double investigation of the same issues by two different bodies.
Ex-parte order: Court declines Ortom’s application for leave to appeal
Higher interest rates could cripple businesses, says NACCIMA
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye has warned of possible negative effects on businesses if the Central Bank of Nigeria raises interest rates.
In a statement sent to According Online on Monday, Oye said while an increase in the benchmark interest rate can help control inflation, it often introduces higher costs and increased uncertainty for businesses.
He said such could have a range of negative impacts on their operations and growth prospects.
According to him, some of the consequences include increased borrowing costs, reduced investment, decreased consumer spending, impact on stock prices, cash flow challenges, inflation control, and long-term planning, among others.
The statement read, “A hike in the benchmark interest rate (MPR) by the CBN can have several potential consequences for businesses, including:
“Increased Borrowing Costs: Higher interest rates mean that loans and lines of credit become more expensive. This can increase the cost of financing for businesses, leading to higher operational costs.
“Reduced Investment: As borrowing becomes more expensive, businesses may delay or scale back on investments in expansion, new projects, or capital improvements. This can slow down business growth and innovation.
“Decreased Consumer Spending: Higher interest rates can lead to increased borrowing costs for consumers as well, which can reduce their disposable income. This typically results in lower consumer spending, which can negatively impact businesses, particularly those in the retail and service sectors.
“Cash Flow Challenges: Businesses that rely heavily on debt to manage cash flow may find it more challenging to service their debt, leading to potential liquidity issues.”
Oye further explained, “Higher interest rates can make bonds and other fixed-income investments more attractive compared to stocks. This may lead to a decline in stock prices, affecting businesses’ market valuations and their ability to raise capital through equity financing.
“Foreign Exchange Rates: An increase in the benchmark interest rate can strengthen the national currency. While this might reduce the cost of imports, it can make exports less competitive, potentially harming businesses that rely on international markets.
“Inflation Control: While the primary goal of raising interest rates is often to control inflation, it can have a mixed impact on businesses. On the one hand, controlling inflation helps maintain purchasing power and economic stability; on the other hand, the immediate effects of higher rates can strain business operations.
“Consumer Confidence: If consumers perceive rate hikes as a sign of an overheating economy or a response to high inflation, their confidence may be shaken, leading to reduced spending and investment.
“Credit Availability: Tighter monetary policy can lead to stricter lending standards, making it harder for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to obtain credit.”
Others according to the NACCIMA President include, “Long-Term Planning: Uncertainty about future interest rate movements can make long-term planning more difficult for businesses. Companies may become more cautious in their strategic decisions, potentially slowing down growth and innovation.”
Oye added, “In summary, while an increase in the benchmark interest rate can help control inflation, it often introduces higher costs and increased uncertainty for businesses, which can have a range of negative impacts on their operations and growth prospects.”
