President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said the newly sworn-in governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is committed to building a state where jobs are plentiful and all other basic amenities are available to residents of the state.....Read Full Article>>

DAILY POST reports President Tinubu made the remarks in his speech shortly after the swearing-in of Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa as governor and deputy governor of Edo State, respectively, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said the election of Okpebholo as governor and Idahosa as his deputy was an achievement of the entire state and the powerful endorsement of the collective will of the people.

He, however, advised that now that the election is over and that the will of the people has been expressed, all that would hinder the development and dividends of democracy must be dismantled.

“Election brings joy and also brings the moment of diligence in the face of obstacles on the way that a leader must overcome in order to bring dividend to the people,” he said.

He stated that the people of Edo State have placed their trust in Senator Okpebholo and his deputy, Idahosa, who have demonstrated character and results.

Tinubu added that when his administration came on board, they all sincerely knew the future of the economy and, therefore, demanded reforms to step up the fiscal and monetary stability of the country

“We have embarked on these reforms with determination to lay a new foundation for these new opportunities. Today we need a leader of integrity who will use this foundation for the benefit of the country.

“I am proud that Edo has chosen such a man to lay the tripod for them. Senator Monday Okpebholo understands the dream of the people and has the vision to bring those dreams to light,” he stated.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed workers in states yet to implement the new ₦70, 000 minimum wage to embark on a strike, creating an atmosphere of tension across the nation. Naija News reports that this directive is set to take effect from December 1, 2024, and comes as a bold move to address what the NLC describes as a betrayal by several state governors.....Read Full Article>>

According to a communiqué released at the end of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Congress expressed deep frustration over the refusal of certain state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. ” This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship, ” the NLC stated. The Congress argued that the delay is an outright disregard for both the law and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerian workers, whose rights are allegedly being violated.

In response, the NLC resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will conduct a nationwide assessment and mobilization campaign to educate workers on their rights. This committee will be responsible for spreading awareness and encouraging workers to stand against what the NLC calls ” an assault on their dignity and rights. ”

As tensions rise, the NLC warned that it would initiate a series of industrial actions in states failing to comply with the minimum wage act by the end of November. ” To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024, have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024, ” the statement added. The Congress underscored that this is a critical fight for justice and that it would not relent until workers receive what is due to them.
The strike directive has sparked widespread anticipation of potential disruptions across the affected states, with the NLC standing firm on its commitment to achieving fair pay for Nigerian workers.

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has explained why he can’t form a coalition with the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.....Read Full Article>>

He said Obi isn’t different from other corrupt politicians, stressing that he’s only better at “packaging.”

Sowore claimed that he had been contesting for the presidency long before Obi gained national prominence.

Featuring in a recent episode of the Honest Bunch Podcast, he said, “Before you discovered Peter Obi, I was already running for President. All these shouts about Peter Obi… He just knows how to package. Anyone can do it.

“If I join [form a coalition with] Peter Obi, I will be going against what I have always stood for. Which is that, I will never support a Nigerian leader who has held any political office before whom I consider non-performing.

“It’s the same reason I would never have joined hands with Atiku. And the Peter Obi you are talking about was Vice Presidential candidate to Atiku when I was presidential candidate in 2019.

“So, what are we talking about? There is no lesser evil in my book. If you are evil, you are evil. If you are good, you are good. I have a general disdain for non-performance.”

Abdullahi Gwarzo, the former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has stated that his dismissal by President Bola Tinubu was not due to any performance-related issues.....Read Full Article>>

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Gwarzo expressed surprise at his removal, emphasizing that he was not found guilty of any misconduct or poor performance during his time in office.

“I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or underperformance,” Gwarzo said. “As Minister of State, my role was largely supportive, with the senior minister overseeing most of the ministry’s activities.”

According to DailyTrust, Gwarzo revealed that President Tinubu had informed him of his dismissal in advance, citing an overload of political appointees from Kano North as the reason. Gwarzo also mentioned that while advice was provided, it was not taken into account, leading him to believe that other individuals may have influenced the decision, as the given reason seemed unconvincing.

Recall that Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, explained that the dismissal of several ministers was based on a performance review driven by public perception.

Onanuga said that the review was led by Hadiza Bala Usman, the President’s Social Adviser on Policy, who conducted a performance appraisal using technology. Nigerians were invited to rate the ministers’ effectiveness, and the results were based on public feedback.

“Hadiza brought technology to it, asking Nigerians to score the ministers,” Onanuga said. “The results were based on empirical facts, the public perception of these ministers, and it was the people who actually did the scorecard. The President acted on those results.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that state councils where the N70,000 new minimum wage is not being fully implemented will commence an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024.....Read Full Article>>

This decision comes as the NLC calls on the Federal Government to reconsider its policies, which it claims are pushing Nigerians into poverty.

In a communiqué issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the union expressed concern over the treatment of Rivers State workers. It condemned the withholding of funds intended for workers’ salaries and benefits due to the state’s ongoing political crisis, warning that such actions would not be tolerated.

The communiqué read: “The NEC is deeply frustrated by the continuous delay and outright refusal of certain state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This failure, by some governors and government officials, is both illegal and immoral, as workers are being denied their rightful wages amid worsening economic conditions. It represents a flagrant disregard for the law and for the millions of Nigerian workers who are being exploited by those sworn to protect them.

“The NEC has resolved to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will begin a nationwide assessment, mobilization, and sensitization campaign to educate workers and the public on the need to resist this assault on their rights and dignity.

“Additionally, the NLC will initiate industrial actions in all non-compliant states and will not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented nationwide. Accordingly, all state councils where the minimum wage has not been fully implemented by November 30, 2024, are instructed to proceed with a strike starting December 1, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”

On the escalating economic difficulties, the communiqué added: “The NEC expresses grave concern over the worsening economic hardship facing Nigerian citizens. Inflation remains unchecked, and the cost of living continues to rise, leaving essential goods out of reach for the average worker. Millions of Nigerians are being pushed into poverty, forced to choose between basic needs like food and healthcare. Access to energy has become a distant dream, and workers are growing poorer as they work longer hours just to make ends meet. The return of nutritional diseases such as Kwashiorkor and Marasmus is a sign of the growing crisis.

“The NLC demands urgent, tangible actions from the Federal Government, not mere token measures, to alleviate this suffering. We call for comprehensive social protection policies that will protect Nigerians from poverty, ensure affordable healthcare, and guarantee wages that reflect the real cost of living. We also call for a nationwide wage review and the revision of policies that have further impoverished the Nigerian people.”

Regarding the political situation in Rivers State and the unjust withholding of revenue, the communiqué stated: “The NEC condemns the troubling political situation in Rivers State, where a recent court order is preventing the disbursement of federally allocated revenue. This action, under the pretext of legal processes, could severely hamper the state’s ability to fulfill its obligations to workers and citizens.

“This is a direct attack on the rights and welfare of the people of Rivers State and sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilize governance in other states. The NLC stands in solidarity with the workers and people of Rivers State and demands the immediate resolution of this matter, ensuring the state’s rightful access to its revenue.

“Nigerian workers will not stand idly by while their livelihoods are threatened by political maneuvering and vindictive actions. We are not concerned with the politics of who is right or wrong but with protecting the interests of workers and the people. It is crucial to separate politics from the issues that affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians, as politics that harms workers and citizens cannot serve the best interests of our nation.”

SSA on Student Affairs Boosts Grassroots Support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election in Afo as Community Reaffirms Loyalty to APC....Read Full Article>>

Hon. Kevin Solomon Olaolu, the Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has initiated a vigorous four-day house-to-house campaign across the 10 Political Units in Afo, Ose Local Government Area. The campaign, which took place from Thursday, November 7 to Sunday, November 10, 2024, rallied the community’s 10 polling units and unified residents under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reigniting confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

The campaign saw the active involvement of prominent political figures and local stakeholders, including the Ward Chairman, Ward Executives, dedicated party members, and influential political and community leaders. Their participation emphasized the critical importance of Afo’s support for the upcoming election, with a unified call for the re-election of Governor Aiyedatiwa to continue his commitment to inclusive governance and progress.

Throughout the campaign, Hon. Kevin highlighted the Governor’s remarkable track record, emphasizing initiatives that have directly benefited the community. He reassured residents, stating, “Governor Aiyedatiwa has listened to your concerns and acted to address them. Your needs are his priority.” His message resonated deeply with the people, who praised the administration for its responsive and hands-on approach to governance.

Each day of the campaign involved meaningful interactions between Hon. Kevin and the residents, who openly shared their needs and hopes for the future. Hon. Kevin reassured them, saying, “Your requests have been heard, and our Governor is committed to fulfilling them. This is not just a promise; it is a bond of trust we share with you.” His words were met with gratitude and support from the community, which appreciated the administration’s focus on inclusive, community-driven governance.

A key point of pride for the community was the Governor’s appointment of one of their own, Hon. Kevin Olaolu, as SSA on Student Affairs. This move was seen as recognition of Afo’s potential and contributions to Ondo State. “This is a government that values its people, one that has appointed our own to serve at the highest levels. Our loyalty is with APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa because he works with us, not just for us,” said a local resident.

As the campaign continued, the unity within the community grew stronger. Residents pledged to deliver an overwhelming majority for Governor Aiyedatiwa across all 10 polling units, affirming their support for APC. “Voting for Mr. Governor means voting for continued progress. We’ve seen the difference his leadership has made, and we are confident in his ability to lead us forward,” said a youth leader.

The campaign also reached out to local women’s and youth groups, whose leaders expressed gratitude for the administration’s focus on empowerment and sustainable development. Addressing the group, Hon. Kevin noted, “We are building a future where every member of our community has a voice and a stake in our progress. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision is one of unity and shared prosperity, and I am here to ensure that Afo remains part of this journey.”

The campaign concluded with a strong show of solidarity from the community. In a powerful declaration, residents pledged, “Our votes will go solely to APC. No other party has shown this level of commitment to us, and we stand firmly behind Governor Aiyedatiwa’s re-election bid.” This proclamation was met with applause and chants of support for Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC, solidifying the community’s commitment to the party.

Hon. Kevin Olaolu’s house-to-house campaign has not only reinforced the political strength of Ward 1 but has also inspired a renewed sense of hope and unity among the people, who are eager to continue their journey of development under APC’s leadership. As the election approaches, the unity displayed in Afo stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Governor Aiyedatiwa, his administration, and the community he has empowered.

Victor Omoleyinju*
_Special Assistant on Digital Media,_
_Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs,_
_Ondo State Government_