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Minimum Wage Negotiation Stalled As FG Fails To Make Fresh Offer
Negotiations between the Organized Labour and the Federal government on the new minimum wage ended in a deadlock yesterday, June 6.
This happened because the Federal Government’s negotiating team failed to present a new offer beyond the previously stated ₦60,000.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu‘s directive on Tuesday to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to finalize the cost implications of the new minimum wage and submit an affordable, sustainable, and realistic proposal.
The President had emphasized the urgency of the matter, mandating that the government’s new offer be ready by Wednesday to serve as a basis for resumed negotiations with Organised Labour.
This instruction was part of a broader call to expedite all processes involved in the discussions to reach a timely conclusion.
However, during the negotiation meeting that resumed at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, it became apparent that the government team was not ready to present a new proposal.
Sources close to the negotiation table told Vanguard that the government’s absence of an updated offer limited progress in the talks.
A source at the meeting said: “The meeting was adjourned to give the Minister of Finance time to meet the deadline given to him by the President to present cost implications to him.
“We just deliberated generally and then they (the Federal Government team) said we needed to adjourn because they needed to get to the President. You know he (President Bola Tinubu) gave them an ultimatum to give him the cost implications.
“So we could understand that they did not have anything to give us since they had not given the President the cost implications. Those present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Minister of State for Labour. So, we will be resuming negotiation tomorrow (today) by 2pm.”
On whether the Finance Minister gave any assurance of getting the President’s mandate before today’s meeting, the source said: “They do not have a choice, we are not bothered about them. We do not think they have a choice because they cannot disobey the President.
“If they decide to disobey the President or if the President decides to renege on his promise, we all know the consequences.”
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Location Exposed as ‘Bobrisky Was Not In Prison When James Brown Visited’
The ongoing saga surrounding the sentencing of controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, continues to unfold, revealing new layers of intrigue and speculation....Read More
According to reports, the controversy intensified following the release of an audio clip by activist and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.
In this explosive audio, Bobrisky allegedly admitted to bribing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in exchange for dropping money laundering charges against him and facilitating his escape from imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State.
The revelations have sent shockwaves through social media, prompting users to question the integrity of the legal proceedings surrounding Bobrisky.
Additionally, many are left speculating about the identity of James Brown, another prominent cross-dresser, who, on June 8, announced a visit to Bobrisky at Kirikiri.
A source in James’ camp told FIJ on Thursday, “By the time James visited, Bobrisky was no longer in prison.
“James went there to see one guy called Vindicate who had invited her to join in recording a song from prison. The prison authorities liked the idea of a song recorded from prison, so they let her come.
“I don’t know why James lied that she went to see Bobrisky; maybe for clout. I will send you videos of James in prison with the people she went there to see. But have you ever seen just one photo of Bob and James in prison?” ...Read More
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Just Imagine How Bobrisky Was Guided Like President, Only Spent 3 Weeks In Kirikiri Prison – Source
Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has become the center of controversy following revelations about his alleged brief prison stay....Read More
Initially sentenced to six months for naira abuse in April, Bobrisky reportedly spent only three weeks behind bars, raising eyebrows regarding the integrity of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In a recent phone conversation released by social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky allegedly confessed to serving his term outside prison. Sources indicate that the controversial figure paid ₦15 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have ‘money laundering’ charges expunged from her record.
These startling claims have reignited discussions about corruption within Nigeria’s prison system.
Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has responded by ordering an “unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
While Bobrisky was officially sentenced in April and taken to the notorious Kirikiri prison, sources close to the situation have disclosed to FIJ that she managed to leave just three weeks later.
Officially, her release was recorded in August, prompting widespread skepticism about the circumstances surrounding her incarceration and release.
A prison official told FIJ, “Bob spent only three weeks here with us in Kirikiri before she was taken out to another place we don’t know.
“That was where she spent her time; it was an ‘arrangee thing’. And money was involved.”
The source revealed how Bobrisky was “guarded like a president” until he was “secretly taken away after three weeks.”
“(S)he received VIP treatment all through,” said the source. “(S)he lived in a special cell. The money (s)he said she paid is actually true; no lies. Yes, (s)he paid the money.”
Although the prison authorities did not allow Bobrisky to mingle freely with other inmates, consequently reducing the chances of his eventual disappearance being spotted, the prison official told FIJ about one noteworthy incident.
“There was this day one guy was on a video call with his girlfriend, and he suddenly turned the camera on Bobrisky,” the official said. “It was deemed an invasion of Bobrisky’s privacy, so, as punishment, he was locked up in his cell for nearly two months.”
The source added, “As I said, s()he was heavily guarded, so there weren’t many of such incidents to point at. And (s)he was quietly taken away after three weeks.” ...Read More
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JUST IN: Akwa Ibom’s First Lady, Patience Umo Eno, Is Dead
Mrs Patience Umo Eno
The First Lady of Akwa Ibom state, Mrs Patience Umo Eno, is dead.
The State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, in a statement released this morning September 27, said the wife of the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, died following a yet undisclosed illness.
Ememobong’s statement tagged “Unexpected Sunset” reads;
“It is with heavy hearts that we (Akwa Ibom Government) announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family. The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
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Bobrisky: Federal Government Suspends Prisons Officers
The Federal Government has suspended the officers in charge of the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres, Kirikiri, Lagos State, following an audio leak indicating that cross dresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky who was convicted of a crime and sentenced to six months in jail was given an apartment outside the custodial centre....Read More
Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, Ja’afaru Ahmed disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had on Wednesday initiated a probe of the allegations.
Ahmed in the statement said the suspension of the officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegations, assuring that the outcome would be made public when concluded.
He said; “Following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended forthwith the following Senior Officers of the Service.
“Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State.
“Also, the Board has suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the Custodial Centre to a location outside the facility.
“In another related development, the Board has equally suspended another Senior Officer of the Service, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje- Abuja, for allegedly receiving monies on behalf of an inmate”.
...Read MoreLatest
JUST IN: Imo Police Reaction To Viral Video Of Officers In Physical Confrontation With Young Man
The Imo State Police Command has reacted to a recent viral video showing a confrontation during the arrest of a young man in the state....Read More
The video showed four operatives from the command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit in a physical confrontation with the young man in question in what appears to be an attempt to arrest him.
Spokesman of the command, ASP Okoye Henry, in a statement on Saturday, said the command was aware of the video and assured that the command takes “such matters seriously and is committed to maintaining law and order in the state.”
Narrating what transpired, ASP Okoye said four operatives of the command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, namely, Sgt Patrick Nwangbo, Cpl God’swill Okechukwu, Cpl Justice Nnorom, and Cpl Goodluck Iwuagwu, embarked on an operation at Ovoro-Uzomiri Umuosu, Naze in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, on 16/09/2024 to execute an arrest warrant for a 32-year-old young man named, Prince Amaechi linked to a case of conspiracy and drug trafficking, based on the confession of previously arrested suspects named; Ijeoma Ezealamba and Ebenezer Chukwuka.
According to him, during the operation, the suspect resisted arrest, leading to the escalation captured in the video.
“The Command condemns the actions of the operatives, emphasizing that the situation should have been handled with greater discretion and professionalism,” the statement reads.
“The operatives involved have been apprehended for interrogation, and the Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the IGP X-Squad Imo State Command for thorough investigation.
“Additionally, the officers will face an orderly room trial pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Command urges the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation while we conduct an investigation.
“The Imo State Police Command is dedicated to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate orderly room trial pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Command urges the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation while we conduct an investigation.
“The Imo State Police Command is dedicated to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate to keep the members of the public informed.” ...Read More
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JUST IN: You’re the light guiding me through challenges – Tinubu eulogises Oluremi at 64
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, September 21, penned down a heartwarming birthday message for First Lady Oluremi as she turns 64 years old....Read More
In a post made on X, the president addressed the First Lady as “My Dearest Oluremi”.
He said that his heart is full of gratitude and love for the kind of incredible woman she has become over time.
Describing the First Lady as his rock, the president said in every step, Oluremi has shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to not just him but their family and Nigeria at large.
He also commended for for guiding him through the most difficult challenges and her dedication to inspire several Nigerians.
He said, “You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom.
“Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady,” he wrote.
He added that as she turns 64, he wishes her nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness.
He said, “May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come.
“With all my love and appreciation, now and always,
“Yours Bola,” the president concluded. ...Read More
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Betta Edu Secretly Returns As Humanitarian Minister Despite EFCC’s N585 Million Probe?
In early 2024, Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, was thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
On January 8, she was suspended from her position amid growing public anger over an alleged N585 million scandal. The scandal involved a large sum of money— N585, 198, 500. 00— that was allegedly misappropriated and transferred into a personal account....Read More
According to reports, a letter bearing Edu’ s signature surfaced. The letter showed that she had ordered the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to move the funds into the private account of one Oniyelu Bridget, a civil servant.
The money was supposedly meant for grants to vulnerable groups in four states. This raised many eyebrows, and soon, the scandal became public, sparking outrage across the country.
The outrage prompted Nigeria’ s president, Bola Tinubu, to take swift action. He suspended Betta Edu from her position, marking the first time a member of his 48- man cabinet had been removed.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into the matter, seeking to uncover the truth behind the alleged theft. Edu was briefly detained but later released on bail as the probe continued.
Months passed, and it seemed that the case had disappeared from the headlines. However, in July 2024, something unexpected happened. Betta Edu quietly resumed her role as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
This was revealed when she sent an official condolence message to the victims of a building collapse in Jos. The message was sent using her ministry’ s official letterhead and seal, indicating that she had returned to her duties.
This move raised several questions. When exactly was Betta Edu reinstated, and why was there no formal announcement? More importantly, what had happened to the EFCC investigation? Had the probe concluded, or was it quietly brushed aside?
The silence from the government on this issue is troubling. The EFCC did disclose that it had recovered N30 billion and was investigating 50 bank accounts connected to the scandal. However, beyond these revelations, there has been little transparency about the case.
Was Betta Edu’ s suspension and investigation merely a show to convince Nigerians that the government was serious about fighting corruption? Or was there a genuine effort to hold her accountable?
As Betta Edu continues her work at the ministry, the public remains in the dark about the outcome of the investigation. The lack of clarity has left many wondering whether the federal government is truly committed to addressing corruption within its ranks or if this was just another deceptive move to shield one of its own from public scrutiny.
For now, Betta Edu remains in her position, and the questions surrounding her return and the probe against her remain unanswered. The silence from the government leaves a cloud of doubt, and until there is a clear resolution, this case will continue to raise suspicions about how serious the fight against corruption in Nigeria truly is.
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Appeal Court Upholds Asue Ighodalo’s Candidacy
Asue Ighodalo
The nomination of Asue Ighodalo as the 2024 gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has been upheld by the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja.
In a ruling by Justice Musali JCA, in the suit marked CA/ABJ/CV/764/2024, the court held that the delegates who sought to nullify the PDP primaries lacked legal standing.
According to the Appeal Court, Section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, did not give delegates to a primary election the legal right to challenge the outcome as it concerns the elected candidate.
Justice Musali explained that only aspirants who contested the primary election with the candidate, Ighodalo, have the legal stand to challenge the outcome of the primary election.
“They are delegates and not aspirants. Delegates do not have any locus to challenge the process of the primary election,
Asue Ighodalo remains the elected candidate in line with the February 22 primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming September 21st election in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the PDP Edo State chapter and the governorship candidate have yet to react to the ruling, but a member of the Asue Ighodalo campaign council, Anthony Ehilebo, on his X handle, has hailed the victory.
As the days for the Edo State governorship election draw closer, the three major candidates, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the PDP and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, have intensified efforts to woo the voters.
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Moment Biggie issues stern warning to Wanni and Handi
Big Brother Naija housemates, Handi and Wanni receives stern warning from Biggie over the manner they spoke to a ninja....Read More
The twin had apparently spoken to Biggie’s ninja in a way that the faceless voice disapproved of.
A video that surfaced online shows Biggie giving stern warning to the twin sister, Handi and Wanni about their conduct.
He informed them that the Ninjas are an extension of Biggie’s authority and they must refrain from speaking ill to and of them.
Biggie went ahead to give a general warning to all the housemates informing them not to speak of any ninjas or speak about them.
@cooldamxbone remarked: “Wanni x Handi need to be careful with their overdo”
@SportyStacey7 wrote: “Them think say Ninjas na Ruthie Ruthie Ruthie!!!!”
@GTgiftie said: “Good,,,,I like them but I like how big brother approached the matter.
Correction is only given to those we have concern for”
@dreal_beebee wrote: “Ah… Y’all should be respectful… You know how Nigerians are sensitive about these things”
@Rajini_Gopkan said: “These girls are behave rude. the Ninjas are like representatives of big brother. Why insult Ninjas taht tried to help you. They even called the Ninjas B#strds.
Please WanniXHandi U guys are good why like that”
@Abbietrends wrote: “Why biggie Dey vex no be him Dey call them double trouble 🌚”
Watch video below …
Big brother issue a stern warning to WanniXHandi on how they spoke to his ninja and asked them to apologize to them.#BBNaija pic.twitter.com/LLDOw4rrWN
— AE (@AssistantEbukaa) August 26, 2024
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JUST IN: Bright Chimezie, Falz, Phyno others perform at Flavour’s OVO Arena concert [VIDEO]
Many Nigerian top artists joined Flavour on stage at his OVO Wembley Arena concert in London....Read More
Flavour sold out the 12,500-capacity OVO Wembley Arena on August 24, 2024.
In a trending video on social media, Flavour performed songs from his eighth album, ‘African Royalty’ released in December 2023, including his hits ‘Game Changer’ and ‘Levels.’
In the viral clip, Sir Bright Chimezie, Falz, Phyno and Iyanya supported Flavour with their performances.
Other personalities in attendance include Nigerian international footballer Alex Iwobi, singer Chike, co-founder of The Plug and Davido’s manager Asa Asika and socialite businessman Cubana Chief Priest.
With his latest concert at the OVO Wembley Arena, Flavour joins Adekunle Gold and Kizz Daniel as Nigerian stars who have sold out the venue in 2024.
Watch their performance below:
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