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Submit account statements within 48 hours, Okpebholo orders Edo LG chairmen

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, directed the 18 local government areas chairmen in the state to submit their statements of account within 48 hours.

The directive was given during a meeting with the council chairmen at the Government House in Benin City, where the governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in governance.

The statement of accounts, according to the governor, should cover the period from September 4, 2023, to date and be submitted to the Assets Verification Committee through the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Speaking at the meeting, Idahosa relayed the governor’s resolve to foster collaboration with the council bosses for the state’s progress.

He said, “I have listened to you keenly. The governor is a leader of all of us. Election has come and gone, and we are all one family. The governor has asked me to assure you that we are one family.

“Mr. Governor is committed to transparency and accountability in this government. To aid the work of the Assets Verification Committee, the governor would want you to submit your statement of accounts from September 4, 2023, to date, within the next 48 hours. This will enable the committee to perform its duties effectively and efficiently.

“The statement of accounts should be submitted through the office of the Secretary to the State Government to the Assets Verification Committee. The governor thanks you for your time.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, and Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Newman Ugiagbe, led the council bosses on a courtesy visit to the governor.

Ugiagbe expressed the chairmen’s commitment to Okpebholo’s administration, pledging to support his policies and programmes to deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

He said, “We are here to congratulate the governor and the deputy on the mandate the Edo people gave them. We also pledge our loyalty to your administration.

“Our doors are open to your instructions, policies, and programmes. We are ready to bring these policies to the grassroots to enable our people to benefit from the dividends of democracy, and we will work to ensure your administration succeeds.”

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Nigeria's NNPC spent $10 billion on fuel subsidy in 2022 paid to WHO Leading reporters

Headlines

2024 Recruitment: NNPCL sends regrets email to disqualified applicants

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has begun sending regret emails to applicants who did not qualify for the next stage of the 2024 recruitment exercise for Graduate Trainee and Experienced roles.

Earlier, Leading reporters reported that NNPCL had started shortlisting candidates for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) aptitude stage.

Some unsuccessful applicants on X (formerly Twitter) have confirmed receiving the regret emails, which are being gradually sent.

The regret message reads:

“Thank you for your interest in building a career with NNPC Limited. We appreciate your time and effort in the application process.

After a careful review of your application, we regret to inform you that you did not meet the minimum requirements to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process due to one (1) or more of the following reasons:

Age
Class of Degree / Academic Requirements
NYSC requirement
Due Diligence Requirements
Once more, thank you for your interest. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our media channels, where we share updates about future career opportunities.

Wishing you the best in your career journey,” it concluded.

The organisation had earlier reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and merit-based selection process, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: House of Reps blocks CBN’s mass retirement plan, probe N50billion payoff

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The House of Representatives has intervened in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) planned mass retirement of over 1,000 staff,.

The Green Chambers has suspended the exercise and initiated an investigation into the associated N50 billion payoff scheme.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi), the House asked the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure that the rights of the affected staff are protected under Nigerian labour laws.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the retirement criteria and the potential misuse of public funds.

The House said an ad hoc committee will be set up to scrutinize the impacts on the financial sector and ensure compliance with labour laws.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has also been tasked to safeguard the rights of affected staff, highlighting the socio-economic implications of the decision.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Northern youth groups barricade National Assembly over tax reform bill

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Some youths from the 19 northern states on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, staged a protest at the entrance of the National Assembly where they warned critics of the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril, to desist from attacking him over the tax reform bill.

The Deputy Senate President had in November presided over plenary when heads of relevant government agencies and tax reform experts briefed senators on the merits and methodology of the bills.

Barau during the session, said that the experts, including the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, should be allowed to educate the senators and Nigerians on the legislation.

The protesting youths who bore placards with various inscriptions described the Deputy Senate President as the “Sardauna of our era.”

Some of the placards read, “Senator Barau: The Sardauna of our era”,” Senator Barau is the new leader of the North”, “Stop attacking Senator Barau”, “Leave Senator Barau alone”, ” Senator Barau: The pro-masses lawmaker.”

They said Barau remains the best Senator in the North, given his sponsorship of the North West Development Commission bill.

A former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Comrade Tijjani Kabiru Mohammed said Barau has neither supported nor kicked against the Tax Reform Bills; instead, he pushed for the sensitization of Nigerians.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Tax reform bills won’t harm north, no plan to scrap agencies – Presidency

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Presidency has clarified that the proposed Tax Reform Bills do not recommend the scrapping of prominent agencies such as TETFUND, NASENI, or NITDA.

According to the State House, instead, the reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, reducing the burden on businesses and promoting investment.

In a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, stressed that the bills consolidate multiple taxes into a single levy while ensuring agencies remain funded through budgetary provisions.

The changes, he noted, are designed to modernize outdated tax laws, fostering national growth without impoverishing any region.

Part of the statement read: “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country.

“Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living. Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.

“Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes.

“One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.

“For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives.

“The multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations.

“Some companies have had to make the rational decision to relocate to other countries. We can not continue on this path or wait for 20 years if this country is to deliver the prosperity we need for our people.

“The proposal, as contained in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill, only seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with the key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030.

“The time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations in line with the constitution and international best practices.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Minimum wage: Labour ground activities in four states

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

At least three states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, experienced epileptic economic activities on Monday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress declared industrial action in protest against the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.

Leading reporters gathered that Nigerian workers stalled economic activities in Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Ebonyi states and the FCT as they commenced a one-week warning strike.

The strike comes as some states have refused to implement the new minimum wage in October and November, 2024.

Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are irked over non-compliance with the new minimum wage of N70,000 by the area councils in the nation’s capital.

In Kaduna, Nigerian workers paralysed activities in ministries and agencies in the state.

In reaction, the Kaduna State government claimed it had commenced the payment of minimum wage in October, except the consequential adjustment.

Similarly, in Ebonyi and Nasarawa states, members of organised labour also crippled activities.

However, in Ebonyi, the governor, Francis Nwifuru, gave the striking workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume work or face dismissal.

Nwifuru said the government had approved N75,000 minimum wage and had started implementation.

However, workers in Ebonyi earlier described the N75,000 minimum wage announcement by the governor, Nwifuru, as a mere pronouncement not backed by action, hence the warning strike.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Fire Razes Shops At Damaturu Market

by Folarin Kehinde December 3, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

An early morning fire outbreak has razed the popular “Bayan Tasha” market in Damaturu, Yobe state capital.

The inferno, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, destroyed properties worth millions of naira, including several shops, kiosks, and other business establishments.

Following the intervention of fire service men, the fire was eventually brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby residential areas.

According to an official of the Yobe State Fire Service, the fire service was alerted through a distress call.

December 3, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

“Resume work within 72hrs or get sacked” Ebonyi Governor tells striking workers

by Folarin Kehinde December 2, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has threatened to replace any worker involved in the ongoing industrial stike over the new minimum wage within 72 hours.

Governor Nwifuru stated this on Monday at his office in Abakiliki, the state capital, when reacting on the one week industrial action declared by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Oguguo Egwu.

Oguguo had on Sunday said the strike was in line with the November 8, 2024 directive by the national leadership of the NLC to state councils in the states yet to implement the new wage.

Nwifuru, who frowned at the development, insisted that the National Assembly did not pass the bill for new salary increment but for minimum wage.

“The National Assembly didn’t pass a bill for increment in salary but minimum wage for workers, either did the bill state the maximum payable to workers.

“So I want to warn that the state would not fold its hands and allow personal interest to override public interest. And I will not allow that, so I was surprised to have read that labour went on strike after I started paying the new minimum wage in October.

“Again, let me make it known now that I am not owing any worker in the state any monthly salary, pension and gratuity.

“And if you did not go to work and choose to stay at home in the name of strike, I will replace you within 72 hours. So I’m giving you 72 hours to return to duty or I will sack you.

“I have directed that attendance register be open at every ministry and government offices and we are going to monitor attendance. We are also expecting every worker who came to work to sign and we are going to use it to pay those who came to work using that register. On the issue of negotiation, I don’t think I will because Comrade Egwu is not my worker,” he explained.

December 2, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

APC Elders Raise Alarm Over Worsening Hardship in Nigeria

by Nelson Ugwuagbo December 2, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

he Tinubu/Kashim Elders Mobilisation Circle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has called on the Federal Government to urgently address Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis. The group, in a statement on Monday, expressed concerns over the skyrocketing cost of living, rising inflation, and deteriorating conditions in sectors like security, education, and healthcare.

Speaking to journalists, the group’s secretary, Isah Marafa, highlighted the severe impact of fuel price hikes on transportation, goods, and services, describing the economic challenges as “untenable.” He emphasized the urgency for decisive government action to stabilize the economy and provide immediate relief, especially to vulnerable Nigerians.

Marafa urged Bauchi State leaders to implement local measures to alleviate hardships, such as subsidies and support for businesses, while also calling for divine intervention to guide the nation through its crisis.

The statement reflects growing frustration among Nigerians as inflation continues to rise, with citizens demanding swift and effective solutions to ease their burdens.

December 2, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Tragedy As Stampede Kills 56 in Guinea Stadium

by Nelson Ugwuagbo December 2, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

At least 56 people are feared dead following a stampede triggered by a violent fan clash during a football match in Guinea, on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred during the final of a local tournament, where tensions erupted over a controversial penalty decision by the referee.

The unrest began when enraged supporters stormed the pitch in protest, escalating the situation. Police deployed teargas to control the crowd, but the resulting panic led to a deadly stampede.

In a statement released on Monday, the local government confirmed the fatalities and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities pledged to provide necessary medical care for the injured, with hospitals receiving additional support.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy in a social media message, urging calm to facilitate medical services. “The regional authorities are working to restore calm and serenity among the population,” Bah wrote. He also called on local moral authorities to assist in promoting peace and tranquility in the aftermath of the incident.

The government has launched an investigation to determine the individuals responsible for the violence and ensure accountability.

The incident has reignited concerns over fan violence at African football matches, highlighting the need for stricter crowd management and enforcement measures to prevent similar tragedies.

December 2, 2024 0 comments

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