I am not running for APC chairman, says Yahaya Bello.

I am not running for APC chairman, says Yahaya Bello.

Former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, has refuted the report that he was running for the position of the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described the publications as the antics of opposition leaders, mischief makers and fifth columnists bent on creating confusion within the hierarchy of the party.

Bello said the insinuation of party chairmanship ambition through some posters in Abuja “is infantile, false and should be disregarded.”

He said in a statement that APC “is not in the process of conducting congresses or a convention, therefore, there is absolutely no basis for anyone to circulate any posters for party offices.”

Urging members of the public to disregard the false impression, the former governor said he never authorised anyone to circulate any posters on his behalf as he remains a loyal party man who is committed to the leadership of Abdullahi Ganduje.

In the same vein, the Kogi state government said the report on the creation of the office of the immediate past governor is false.

Governor Usman Ododo said in a statement that the report was fake, adding that it is the handiwork of psychotic mischief makers, who have been thrown into confusion by the unprecedented achievements of the former governor.

He said: The laughable report was concocted to create disaffection and mislead the public but the authors failed woefully to confuse intelligent Nigerians.

“We thank the media for exercising restraint and detecting, on their own, that the report was fake. We, however, urge the general public to always fact-check before spreading fake news.”

Reps spokesman weeps publicly at plenary, demand action over murder of Ekiti monarchs.

Reps spokesman weeps publicly at plenary, demand action over murder of Ekiti monarchs.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi on Tuesday, January 30, broke down in tears while presenting an urgent motion on the killing of two traditional rulers in his constituency in Ekiti state and the abduction of some school children by gunmen.

Presenting his motion in an emotion-laden voice interrupted intermittently by free-flowing tears, Rotimi told the House how the two traditional rulers were killed by bandits while leaving several others with life-threatening injuries.

Another member approached the Ekiti lawmaker to console him, while the speaker, Abbas Tajudeen said to him “Take it easy honourable”

He told his colleagues that “there has been an increase in criminal activities in Ekiti North 1 (Ikole /Oye) federal constituency in recent times resulting in the lost lives and properties.

Rotimi said: “The constituency is exposed to peculiar security challenges due to the nature of our forests and topography, and more painfully because Ekiti federal roads are some of the most dilapidated in the entire country.

“On Monday, January 29, 2024, these criminals carried out a dastardly attack in the Oke-Ako area in Ikole Local Government Area resulting in the death of two traditional rulers: the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti Oba Olatunji Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola and leaving a host of others with life-threatening injuries.

“This is not an isolated event, as in the past few days alone, a commercial driver was killed between Ayedun and Ayebode by armed bandits, and just yesterday, a school bus load of students were abducted in Emure Ekiti and their whereabouts is still unknown.

“The late Onimojo was an intellectual and highly intelligent historian and orator who always spoke truth to power. The late Elesun was a peace-loving king who was very hands-on in the development of Esun-Ayedun communities.

He further stated: “Because of the topography of the area and the bad roads, there has been an incursion of murderous elements who parade themselves as herdsmen leading to heightened insecurity. The entire people of Imojo in Oye local government and Esun in Ikole Local Government and the entire state have been thrown into mourning on account of the loss of our highly revered traditional rulers who were forces for community development, peace, and stability in the constituency and the entire state.

“The Nigeria Army has a military outpost on the road, which has been non-functional, as they only patrol on Tuesdays, leaving the communities exposed for the rest of the days”.

Following his motion, the House asked the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy military personnel to the outpost along the Oke-Ako area to enhance security and forestall a repeat of these beastly acts.

The House also asked the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, and other security agencies to deploy more men to Ekiti North 1 and ensure that those who carried out that dastardly acts are fished out and brought to justice.

It asked the Ministry of Works and FERMA to immediately rehabilitate the Ayedun to Irele road, and other roads in the federal constituency, while asking security agencies to put all measures in place to rescue the school children and teachers in Emure Ekiti.

Ekiti attacks: President Tinubu condoles Oyebanji, Ekiti people.

Ekiti attacks: President Tinubu condoles Oyebanji, Ekiti people.                                ......Governor visits bereaved communities.        ......We shall go after the criminals, get and deal with them, says Oyebanji.

President Tinubu has condoled the Governor of Ekiti State and the people of the state over Monday’s attacks that led to the gruesome killing of two traditional rulers by armed men and abduction of six school pupils and their teachers.

The President who spoke with Governor Oyebanji on telephone from France, assured Ekiti people that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.

The President's message was conveyed to the people of Esun-Ekiti and Imojo-Ekiti by Governor Oyebanji when he visited the two communities on Tuesday morning. 

The Governor who also held an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies in the state very early in the morning, was accompanied on the visit by the security chiefs in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, sympathised with leaders and indigenes of the two communities, whom he addressed at their respective palaces during the visit.

Stressing that the two murdered monarchs were respected traditional rulers who had record of selfless service to their respective towns, Oyebanji said the state government would collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that their killers pay dearly for the heinous crime.

The Governor also thanked the people of the towns for refraining from violence, assuring them that everything would be done to ensure justice for the slain monarchs, whom he said fought till they breathed their last, having taken the security of their people.

“I can assure you that the death of these monarchs would not be in vain. The perpetrators would be apprehended and made to face the maximum punishment

“The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, spoke with me from France and expressed his condolences to you as well as the government of the state. The President is with us on this and has given specific instructions to relevant authorities.

“He asked me to tell you that the perpetrators of the crime will not go unpunished. He gave assurance that security agencies would free the abducted school pupils.

“On our part, we shall collaborate with relevant agencies and the traditional institution to make the state too hot for criminals.”, Oyebanji said.

He also directed that the third monarch, Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, who escaped narrowly during attack be given adequate security protection.

Community leaders who spoke during the Governor’s visit to Esun Ekiti alleged that the killing of their monarch, Oba David Babtunde Ogunsola might be an assassination, following the manner of the gruesome murder.

They urged the Governor to ensure that justice was served in the case, describing the late Oba as a great lover of his people, who prioritised the security and development of his people.

Community leaders in Imojo Ekiti, hailed the Governor for his timely response and for the visit. They said the late monarch Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola championed the development of the town and was concerned about the safety of his people.  

They also thanked Governor Oyebode for his decision to take over the education and upbringing of the late monarch’s five young children, who were also present during the Governor’s visit.

Governor Oyebanji who later visited the Chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers/ the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro at his palace in Ido-Ekiti, scheduled a major meeting with all traditional rulers for their council chamber in Ado-Ekiti for Wednesday morning.

Ekiti Assembly Condemns Attack and Killing Of Monarchs; Abduction Of Some School Pupils In Ekiti State.

Ekiti Assembly Condemns Attack and Killing Of Monarchs; Abduction Of Some School Pupils In Ekiti State.

....Charges security apparatus in the state to investigate and bring the perpetrators to book.

The Ekiti House of Assembly on Tuesday 30th January, 2024 strongly condemned the attacks, killings and kidnapping of citizens in Ekiti State by unknown gunmen.

Report had come on Monday evening that unknown gunmen attacked three members of the Ekiti State Traditional Council in Ajoni Local Council Development Area, including the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils of a missionary nursery and primary school in Emure Local Government area of the state.

While two monarchs of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin and Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola of Imojo-Ekiti were killed in the ambush by armed men, Oba Adebayo Fatoba the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, narrowly escaped. The highest proportion of crime in the area was perpetrated on Monday evening around Oke-Ako community while the monarchs were returning from a meeting.

Reacting through the Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs Hon. Babatunde Oke, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye urged the security agencies in the state to not only carry out a comprehensive investigation into the reoccurring attacks in that axis of the state, but should apprehend and bring the perpetrators of the twin attack to book and make the state safe for residents.

Aribasoye who sympathized with the affected towns whose monarchs were attacked and killed, including the families of the abducted pupils, bemoaned the state of insecurity in the country, expressed concern that, “the killing, maiming, kidnapping and wanton destruction of lives and property by unauthorized men in possession of sophisticated arms have become the common experience of innocent citizens in recent time.

“You are aware that few weeks ago we visited the commissioner of police in the state and top among issues discussed was security of lives and properties of the citizens."

In the meantime, the House has called for an emergency plenary session to discuss the insecurity scourge in the state on Wednesday 31st January, 2024.

Tinubu Condemns Killing of Ekiti Traditional Rulers, Orders Immediate Rescue of Kidnapped Pupils.

Tinubu Condemns Killing of Ekiti Traditional Rulers, Orders Immediate Rescue of Kidnapped Pupils.

In a press release from the State House, President Bola Tinubu expresses deep grief over the tragic killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, namely the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.

President Tinubu vehemently condemns the mindless and brutal bloodletting, vowing that the perpetrators will face justice for their actions. The President extends heartfelt condolences to the families, subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the entire Ekiti State community, acknowledging the profound pain caused by this tragic incident.

In response to the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in the Eporo-Ekiti area, President Tinubu directs immediate and decisive action for their rescue. Emphasizing that the security of life and property is the government's primary responsibility, he reassures Nigerians that the nation's security architecture is undergoing robust fortification to achieve better and expected outcomes.

The President's Special Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, communicates these directives and assurances in the press release dated January 30, 2024.

Ekiti Govt Markets Opportunities in Tourism, Agric to Foreign Investors.

Ekiti Govt Markets Opportunities in Tourism, Agric to Foreign Investors.

.....Receives US based humanist, philanthropist.

The Ekiti State Government, on Monday promised to use every legitimate means to market its huge potentials in education, agriculture and tourism to the global community to boost its industrial development and growth.

The government said Governor Biodun Oyebanji was deploying resources accruing to Ekiti to provide enabling environment for business with the sole aim of increasing industrial development and shore up the revenue profile of the state. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye spoke on Tuesday, while receiving a United States of America based philanthropist and owner of Global Lawson Charity Organisation, Amb Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah, at her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The Guinean born Ambassador was on a working visit to the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, who had been invested as the Grand Patron of the international NGO. 

Applauding Ambassador  Fofanah for visiting Ekiti, Mrs Afuye, said the government was ready to partner foreign investors to make  investment exploits in tourism, farming and education, where Ekiti enjoys favourable comparative advantage. 

She said: "We  appreciate Ambassador Fofanah's exploits in ensuring that every humanity lives in peace and comfort going  by the  level of philanthropism his NGO had done in capacity building and in fighting poverty in Africa.

"By all standards of measurement, Ekiti remained one of the most peaceful and investment-friendly states in the country. We also have one of the most viable tourist attractions like Ikogosi Warm springs, Arinta Waterfall, Ogun Onire groove among others. Try and visit those places to know how viable we are in this sector".

In his submission, Ambassador Fofanah, described Governor Oyebanji as a focused and pragmatic leader, who was desirous of making a difference in the lives of Ekiti citizens.

Ambassador Fofanah stated that he had earlier visited the Afe Babalola University on a tour of the citadel of learning and the ABUAD multi system hospital, the two facilities he said were gradually  changing the face of education and health sectors in the country.

He said having considered  himself as a son of the soil because of his fraternity with Ajero, that he was ready to partner with the  government to make Ekiti better in all spheres.

Amb Fofanah stated that he had always been serving Africans in USA through his NGO, regardless of differential in countries, saying this is the best spirit every African citizen must imbibe to make the continent better.

He said Ekiti was blessed with good leaders like  Governor  Biodun Oyebanji, the Deputy Governor and  Oba Adewole, who are ready to make tremendous impacts in the lives of the citizens with their leadership positions.

The frontline traditional ruler and the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, who is hosting the visitor, said he met Ambassador Fofanah in USA in 2018 and struck a cord of friendship with him because of his interest in Africa, particularly Nigeria. 

The monarch said he decided to take Ambassador Fofanah  on a tour of Ekiti for him to be abreast of the fact  that the state is a land of opportunities. 

Those who joined the Deputy Governor to receive  Ambassador Fofanah included: Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atobioke, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi, Special Adviser on Special Education, Adetoun Agboola, among others.

Shettima inaugurates 37-member minimum wage committee.

Shettima inaugurates 37-member minimum wage committee.

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the tripartite committee on the national minimum wage. Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 37-member panel at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

With its membership cutting across federal, and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, the panel is to recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.

In his opening address, Shettima urged members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early as the current N30,000 minimum wage expires at the end of March 2024.

This timely submission is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Shettima said.

VP Shettima also urged collective bargaining in good faith, emphasising contract adherence and encouraging consultations outside the committee.

In May 2017, the House of Representatives moved to amend the National Minimum Wage Act for a compulsory review of workers’ remuneration every five years.

Consequently, the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari empowers the committee to deliberate and come up with an agreed wage which would be eventually ratified by the National Assembly after due legislative scrutiny.

Buhari had also signed the minimum wage act that approved N30,000 for both federal and state workers in the same year.

However, President Bola Tinubu announced the discontinuance of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, which triggered a sharp rise in the general cost of living.

Although the administration approved an additional NGN 35,000 wage award for six months (starting September 2023) to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, the organised labour maintained that this was only a provisional solution and called for a complete review of the minimum wage in 2024.

Chairing the panel is a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji who, at the inauguration ceremony, affirmed that its members would come up with a “fair, practical, implementable and sustainable,” minimum wage.

Tuesday’s inauguration follows months of agitation from organised labour who expressed concerns over the FG’s failure to inaugurate the new national minimum wage committee as promised during negotiations last October.

From the government’s side, members include the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, representing the Minister of Labour and Employment; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lydia Jafiya.

The Minister of Budget Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Esan; Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri; and Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary, Ekpo Nta are also members.

Representing the Nigeria Governors Forum are Mohammed Bago of Niger State, representing the North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State- representing the North East; Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina State, representing the North West; Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra State, representing the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, from South West; and Otu Bassey of Cross River State who is representing the South-South.

From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr Chuma Nwankwo; Mr Thompson Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture are Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi, National Life President.

The members from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises are Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of the Council; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative; Dr Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria are Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Emmanuel Ugboaja; Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Benjamin Anthony and Prof. Theophilus Ndukuba.

Also, members from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria are Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President I, TUC; Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II; Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President III; Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General and Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson Women Community.