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.