FG

The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as public holidays to commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, the Minister congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the Diaspora on this occasion.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to continue embracing the values of peace, kindness, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him). He also encouraged them to use this period to pray for unity, prosperity, and stability in the country.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and their properties.

In response to allegations made against him by Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, has provided a detailed account of the incidents in question.

In a statement released today, Ambassador Lamuwa addressed each allegation individually, providing his version of events and offering explanations for his actions.

Regarding the Policy 4D Retreat on October 7, 2023, Ambassador Lamuwa clarified that his interaction with Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi was not personal and took place in a public setting among other participants. He denied any inappropriate conduct during the retreat.

Concerning a meeting with the Galaxy Backbone Team on November 10, 2023, Ambassador Lamuwa refuted claims of any private discussion or invitation for Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi to travel with him. He emphasized that such arrangements would not have been feasible due to her role as a Special Assistant to the Minister.

In response to allegations related to office allocation in March 2024, Ambassador Lamuwa explained that Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s concerns were promptly addressed, and she was provided with an office and necessary equipment.

Ambassador Lamuwa also denied any confrontation from the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs during an Iftar Dinner, stating that there were no negative remarks made about Mrs. Fajemirokun-Ajayi during the event.

Regarding a missed call from Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi during his lunch break on May 10, 2024, Ambassador Lamuwa admitted allowing her to see him despite his usual preference for privacy during breaks. However, he denied any inappropriate behaviour during their interaction.

Addressing other specific incidents mentioned in the allegations, Ambassador Lamuwa provided his perspective and denied any wrongdoing.

He emphasized his commitment to upholding due process and professionalism in his role as Permanent Secretary.

In his statement, Ambassador Lamuwa maintained his innocence and suggested that Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s actions may be linked to unresolved financial matters and access to policy files. He reiterated his dedication to his duties and emphasized his clean disciplinary record throughout his career.

Part of the statement read:

“At the Policy 4D Retreat on 7th October 2023: As the Permanent Secretary, checking on all participants to ensure that everybody was properly accommodated, my question to Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi was not personal.

“I did not ask her to come to my room when other staff directly working in my office escorted me to my room, by bringing my bag and other documents.

“They include my Personal Assistant and Driver. Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi did not come to my room with them or alone, at any time during the Retreat.

“As for being a nursing mother, the discussion was held in public glare with so many other participants – it was not a one-on-one discussion I had with her.

“I am fully aware that she is a married woman and had once said in a group conversation, that she does not hug men, she does that to only children and women. I cannot precisely recall on which occasion she made this remark, as we have been meeting with her and so many groups of people in the course of our official engagements.

“I believe, Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi’s action might not be unconnected with my failure to pay her Davos bills, or give her access to policy files and financial records of the Ministry. For example, on 12th January, 2023, while in Davos, on a WhatsApp call.

“It is clear that there are two issues that have been worrying Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi and was therefore waiting for any opportunity to get back at me.

“But whatever happens, I believe, I was exercising my duty as the Accounting Officer of the Ministry by ensuring that Due Process was followed all the time and that SA’s (Political Appointees) do not have access to policy files. All public expenditures are properly documented before payments are made.”

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 12, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Tuesday.

In the statement, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to reflect on the efforts of the country’s founding fathers and work towards a united, peaceful, and indivisible Nigeria. He also encouraged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic governance and appreciate the progress made so far.

According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to implementing positive reforms to boost the nation’s economy and enhance security.

The minister called on Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to look forward to a brighter future for the country’s democracy.

Democracy Day was previously celebrated on May 29. However, in June 2018, President Buhari announced that Democracy Day would be celebrated on June 12 from 2019 onwards, in honour of the annulled general election of June 12, 1993.

The federal government has released a list of events for this year’s Democracy Day celebration on June 12.

The details were unveiled in a notice issued by Abdulhakeem Adeoye on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Sunday, June 9.

According to the notice, the celebration will commence on Tuesday, June 11, with a symposium at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 9am.

This will be followed by a youth conference at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00pm.

On Wednesday, June 12, the events will feature a grand parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, starting at 8:00am.

The day will conclude with a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00pm.

“The programmes lined up for the celebration include a symposium on Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 AM at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Later that day, a youth conference will be held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00pm.

“A grand parade will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 8:00am at Eagle Square, Abuja,” followed by “a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00pm,” the notice stated.

Only accredited Villa correspondents will be granted access to cover the events held at the Presidential Villa.

The Federal Government has suspended import duty and other tariffs on staple food items, raw materials, and inputs for manufacturing, agriculture, and pharmaceutical products for six months.

This move is aimed at reducing inflation and stabilizing prices.

According to an Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the suspension affects essential items like fertilizers, seedlings, chemicals, poultry feeds, flour, and grains. The order also grants a rebate on import duty by fixing the exchange rate at N800 to $1 for six months.

To enhance productivity, the government has directed the Nigeria Customs Service to fast-track the clearing of agricultural equipment, food items, and manufacturing inputs at ports, aiming to reduce clearance time by at least 50%.

The order encourages states and local government councils to adopt similar measures to boost productivity. It also mandates government agencies to refrain from actions that may negatively impact businesses or sectors.

This move is expected to improve local supply and capacity utilization in various industries, including rice milling. Authorized millers can now import paddy rice at zero duty and VAT for six months.

The order added that the government shall prioritize the implementation of approved capital expenditures on basic infrastructure, including access roads to farms, solar-powered food storage facilities, and public sanitation. It added that at least 50% of the incremental revenue from PMS subsidy removal and Naira flotation will be earmarked for this purpose.

The Federal Government has warned workers planning to embark the indefinite strike declared by labour unions that they risk six months jail term.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), gave the warning in a statement on Sunday.

Fagbemi said Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act requires a worker employed in any essential services to give their employer 15 days notice before ceasing their services and any who did not comply would be liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for six months.

He said the fundamental importance of the 15-day notice is underscored by the fact that Sections 41 and 42(1)(b) of the Act criminalize non-compliance with the provision.

He noted that the federal government had been engaging stakeholders in the tripartite committee to determine a new national minimum wage and had not declared an end to negotiation.

The AGF further noted that the proposed strike is a breach of an order of the National Industrial Court and ongoing mediators’ settlement efforts over issues connected with the subject matter of the order.

“You are further invited to recall the pendency of the interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 in suit no: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 — FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR VV. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR, which order restrained both Nigeria Labour Congress und Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature,” he said.

“While the government assures that it would continue to adopt a conciliatory approach to resolving matters pertaining to workers and citizens welfare in the spirit of collective bargaining, I would like to urge you to kindly reconsider the declaration of strike action and return to the ongoing negotiation meetings, which has been adjourned to a date to be communicated to parties.

“This would be a more civil and patriotic approach and will enable your Congress pursue its cause within the ambit of the law and avoid foisting avoidable hardships on the generality of Nigerians. which this proposed industrial action is bound to cause.”