The Congress said its affiliates and allies would be forced to consider exploring “our usual options whenever the working people are pushed to the wall.”
The TUC said this in a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo and General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, on Friday, December 22, in Abuja.
The statement reads: “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has watched with growing concern, alarm and dismay the sudden, inexplicable, acute scarcity of our currency, the Naira, across the country. Citizens simply find it difficult to access the Naira from banks and their outlets (especially the Automated Teller Machines, A. T. M). Consequently, they are being forced to patronize extortionist P. O. S operators who charge Shylock rates.
“We are amazed that the Central Bank of Nigeria is finding it extremely difficult to make our currency available to the working people and the citizens.
“To say the least, this is unfortunate and unacceptable. Nigerians have continued to be subjected to needless excruciating hardship by insensitive and heartless agents and agencies of government, whose actions and inactions are really difficult to fathom and impossible to defend. What is the offense of the ordinary Nigerians that they have to face so much pains and tribulations without let off, even in this solemn Yuletide season?
“The President Tinubu Administration must move pronto and decisively and for once get its monetary and fiscal policies right and working in the interest of the long-suffering people.
“This Naira scarcity must end now!!! Otherwise, the TUC, its affiliates and our allies, would be forced to consider exploring our usual options whenever the working people are pushed to the wall.”
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has revealed why he agreed to run for a second term in office after persuasion from religious leaders and other stakeholders.
He said he would not have agreed to seek a re-election if he did not make up his mind to do more than what he did in his first term in office.
Makinde, who said he achieved more than 90 percent of what he set out to do in his first term, appreciated the fathers of faith and the Christians in the state for their wise counsel, prayers and support all through 2023.
The governor also acknowledged their efforts during the last election, saying that the church has been a strong pillar of support for his administration.
The governor stated this during a special prayer and interactive session organised for him by the Fathers of Faith in Oyo State, a gathering that comprised notable General Overseers and Ministers of God in the state.
The event, held at his Ikolaba GRA residence, was attended by personalities such as the immediate past President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend (Dr) ‘Supo Ayokunle; the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr) Israel Akanji; Oyo State CAN Chairman, Col. Joshua Akinyemi (rtd); and the Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Reverend Samson Ajetomobi, among others.
Governor Makinde explained that his administration was able to achieve his vision for the state under Omituntun 1.0 with the help of God, assuring that the government will make a greater impact under Omituntun 2.0, tagged Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.
He said: “This getting together to pray is very important to me. When we have a close gathering like this, I can speak my mind freely without being misquoted.
“I want to, on behalf of my family, say merry Christmas and compliments of the season and to wish all of us a happy and rewarding year 2024 ahead of us.
“Since after the election, this is the first opportunity I have to say thank you to the Christian body. By faith, we knew we were coming back for a second term. We achieved almost 90 per cent of all we wrote down in our Roadmap for Accelerated Development.
“We also put out a roadmap for sustainable development of the state for the second term and I pray that God will give us the enablement to achieve more than 90 per cent of those things we listed in the document.
“So, from the bottom of my heart I say thank you; the Church did not only pray to secure my second term but also went out. So, I want to thank you.”
The governor maintained that the country had been facing many challenges, but assured that better days are ahead.
He, however, warned individuals and groups looking for economic benefits for themselves to stop playing the religious cards so as not to divide the state.
He added: “Of course, once you are on a trajectory where God is in control, envy will set in and that was exactly what happened a few weeks back when we were commissioning the Adogba mosque. I said it there that, look, a few individuals went out to tell Muslims not to vote for me but, when the result came in, 70 per cent of Muslims still voted for me. But then, they turned it and they were saying that I said 70 per cent of my votes came from Muslims.
“But let me thank the CAN chairman; without even talking to me, he came to my defence. Officially, they went out and clarified the statement. I am saying here that without your prayers and the wise counsel coming from the fathers of faith and individuals from the Church, there is no way we can survive in this environment.
“So, I will give the assurance that I would not have accepted the pressure from the fathers of faith to run for a second tenure if I did not make up my mind to do even more than what we have done before. So, please put us in your prayers. Let the people know that the pillar of support for this administration is the Church.”
The governor also addressed the ongoing controversy over the conversion of the Agodi Forest to Baywood Estate, noting that though the reality of global warming is not lost on his government, the decision on the estate was taken because it is in the best interest of the state.
He noted that his administration has always listened to the people of the state, because it is conscious of the fact that there will always be people who may know more than those in government, saying that the decision to construct a housing estate in the axis will serve the entire state.
“Makinde noted: people were talking about Agodi Gardens. When they started the project, I asked somebody about the size of the forest and he said I should forget about the size, saying even if it is a tiny tree, we must protect it. And I said, no part of Agodi Gardens will be affected. What we said they should do is to convert the forest to an estate that will serve the people of Oyo State.
“I have asked some people involved in the issue of keeping the forest to come and debate with me on what we are trying to do on global warming and the rest. The challenges we are faced with are not like the ones the advanced countries are facing.
“What we need to do first is to take our people out of poverty. Once we can prosper, all of these things will come in properly.”
In his exhortation entitled, “the dialect of thanksgiving,” Reverend Samson Ajetomobi charged people to be thankful in all circumstances, saying that only the living can change the situation around them.
He appreciated Governor Makinde for his unprecedented achievements, especially in the area of construction of roads, which has resulted in the expansion of the state economy, urging him not to relent in his efforts for more laudable impacts.
As part of his passion to ensure that all Warri North Local Government Area (LGA) workers celebrate the 2023 yuletide season with joy, the Executive Chairman Warri North LGA, Capt. Smart Yomi Asekutu has shared N11,875,000 among the council’s employees.
Asekutu gifted N25,000 to each of the council’s 475 workers.
This council boss disclosed this in Koko, headquarters of the LGA, while interacting with the LGA’s Head of Personnel Management, Mr Clement Anighoro and its Treasurer, Dr. Monday Agbeyi.
“One of my cardinal responsibilities is to put a smile on the faces of my workers and ensure that their welfare is my concern,” Asekutu said, adding that he has always placed a high premium on the welfare of the council’s staffers.
While commending the council’s entire workers for giving their best in ensuring his administration’s success throughout the outgoing year 2023, he urged them to continue in those feats in 2024.
Capt. Asekutu also congratulated “the good and peace-loving people of Warri North LGA” and wished everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.
Police Operatives serving in Awkunanaw Division of the Enugu State Command on December 19, arrested a 37-year-old man named Chukwuebuka Igwebuike for possessing and transacting counterfeit Nigerian naira notes.
The arrest was made at Afor Market, Garki Awkunanaw in Enugu, following a tip-off as the police officers recovered N362,000.00 worth of suspected fake currency from the suspect.
According to the spokesman of the Enugu State police command, a preliminary investigation proved that the suspect confessed to the crime.
He stated that the suspect used the fake one thousand Naira notes to buy items of small prices and get change for genuine smaller denominations.
He disclosed that the suspect shall be arraigned in court and prosecuted accordingly once ongoing investigations are concluded.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, urged citizens of the State and the public to be vigilant and wary of whom they receive and exchange all the denominations of mint Nigerian Naira with, especially this yuletide.
He therefore encouraged the citizenry to quickly report anyone in possession of, or transacting in counterfeit Nigerian Naira notes, to the nearest Police Station for necessary policing actions.
Peaceful protests rocked Rivers State on Friday, December 22, as groups from different walks of life and ethnic nationalities marched on the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital to register their displeasure against the Abuja peace deal that temporarily calmed the political crisis in the state.
Hundreds of the stakeholders, who came from different parts of Rivers, vowed to occupy the state including critical Infrastructures from January 1st to 30th 2024 in opposition to any plan to honour any part of the resolution.
They warned the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against implementing any part of the peace document saying Rivers would not be enslaved by any individual.
The protesters, who blocked the Government House in Port Harcourt said they would occupy the International Airport, Port Harcourt, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, NLNG Bonny, SPDC facilities, Total E&P, Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, the East-West Road, the Federal Secretariat, the state secretariat, all markets and waterways.
They said: “It is, therefore, the absolute resolve of the people of Rivers State and indeed the entire Niger Delta to resort to self-help by any non-violent means possible to ensure our dignity as a people is not trampled upon.
“We, therefore, call on all Rivers people, indigenes and residents and the entire Niger Delta people to get prepared and ready to occupy Rivers State”.
They described the resolution as a sham and national embarrassment saying it posed fundamental threats to the nation’s democracy.
The protesters wondered why part of the resolutions barred Fubara from exercising his constitutional duties of constituting caretaker committees for local government areas while the APC-led government in Imo and Ondo states adopted the caretaker arrangement.
They said: “A critical analysis of the purported resolutions reveals a barrage of illegalities and more so at no point was the interest of the good people of Rivers State mentioned or even accommodated”.
They called on the Inspector-General of Police to probe an allegation that some security officers had been hired to unleash mayhem in the state.
They said: “May we announce to the Executive Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, that Rivers State people massively voted him into the office and therefore cannot allow him to bring the people into disrepute by signing such agreement that is akin to selling our collective hegemony to one individual”.
They argued that the seats of the 25 lawmakers, who defected to the APC would remain vacant adding that the 2024 Budget had already been passed and could only be altered by a judgement of the judiciary.
Among those, who signed the position document of the protesters were leaders of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Greater Wakiriki Movement (GWM), National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Rivers Youths Federation (RYF), Ijaw Young Professional Association (IYPA), ANDONI Youths Federation (AYF), Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), Niger Delta Activist Forum (NDAF), United Community Development Committee (UDCD) among others.
Some of the leaders, whose signatures appeared on the document were Chijioke Inuwo, Levi Sam Okuru, Tamuno Kpokpo, Harrison Nwosu, Fubara Samuel, Inwoni Urang, Peter Ohochukwu, Chief Mike Amakiri among others
President Bola Tinubu on Friday, December 22, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the unity of the country, as well as ensuring the welfare and prosperity of all citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu gave the assurance while speaking at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque in Surulere, Lagos.
The president said the economic reforms initiated by his government are aimed at establishing a robust and secure foundation for Nigerians today and for generations unborn.
Tinubu, who joined the Muslim Ummah to observe Jumaat prayers marking the centennial anniversary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), commended the Society for its service to humanity, contributions to the propagation of the tenets of Islam, and efforts in uplifting the downtrodden.
He implored members of the Society to remain committed to their objectives of advancing the education of citizens, as well as promoting the moral and social development of the Muslim Ummah.
The President thanked the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for their support during the elections, emphasising that their efforts serve as a motivation for his government to stay resolute in delivering good governance to the people.
He said: ”I thank the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for its support during the elections. I do not take it for granted; rather, the support serves as a stimulus for us in government to remain focused,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to the welfare of all citizens, President Tinubu, who is on a brief Christmas holiday in Lagos, said the recent 50 percent cut in inter-state land transportation fares nationwide, and the payment of N-Power beneficiaries’ backlog of allowances, among other reliefs, are all efforts aimed at alleviating the burden of Nigerians this festive season with much more to be expected in the new year.
He added: ”We are committed to enthroning a better society for our citizens irrespective of ethnic, religious, or geographical differences. The various policies already in place are expected to bring great succour to our people. We know their pains, and we are addressing them holistically.
”It is instructive that Ansar-Ud-Deen has attained 100 years through a systemic strategy that maintains its mission and vision. This is a testimony to what focused planning can achieve in a society.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, February 3, 2024, as the date for the conduct of bye-elections and rerun elections into existing vacancies in Bo h the state and National Assembly.
While the bye-elections will be conducted in two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies, the rerun election is expected to take place in 35 constituencies across the country.
National Commissioner &Chairman of the Information Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Sam Olumekun, said in a statement that details of the Timetable have been uploaded and are currently available on the commission’s website.
The statement reads: “The Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.
“These vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers i.e. the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.
“The vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine States of the Federation.
“Furthermore, the Commission is conducting re-run elections stemming from the 2023 General Election, as directed by various Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
“Currently, 35 Constituencies are affected by these Court-ordered elections. While three cover entire constituencies, others involve only a few Polling Units.
“Both categories of elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously in all affected constituencies on Saturday 3rd February 2024.
“The Timetable for the elections, along with detailed delimitation data (i.e. registration areas, polling unit names, the number of registered voters and PVCs collected), has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms as a guide to political parties and candidates, and for public information.
“We urge parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the specified timelines for the seamless conduct of these elections.”
According to the timetable seen by The Nation, political parties are expected to conduct party primaries and produce candidates for the bye-elections between January 5 and 9.
The parties are expected to submit the list of their candidates to the commission between January 10 and 13, while the final list of candidates will be published on January 117, with campaigns starting January 18.
The federal government has tasked the newly inaugurated board of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to be aggressive in its quest to triple the value of national assets to a staggering N100 trillion within the next decade.
The Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, who inaugurated the board of MOFI in Abuja on Friday, December 22, urged its members to be “bold, courageous, and aggressive” in identifying, managing, and maximizing returns on government-owned assets.”
He compared their mission to similar sovereign wealth funds around the world and demanded “high performance and unwavering accountability while emphasizing that the era of “no more broken promises” is now upon the MOFI board.
Edun stressed the need to move beyond traditional revenue sources like oil and exports, highlighting the immense potential of national assets to bolster the government’s financial muscle.
He estimated the current value of these assets at N18 trillion but expressed confidence that a thorough valuation could reveal a significantly higher figure.
Recognizing the importance of responsible stewardship, Edun emphasized the need for “world-class corporate governance, transparency, and accountability” in managing these valuable assets.
He cited global leaders like Singapore’s GIC and the United Arab Emirates’ Mubadala as role models, urging MOFI to adopt similar best practices for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
Shamsudeen Usman, MOFI Chairman, echoed Edun’s optimism, reiterating the N100 trillion target and assuring Nigerians that their assets are “in safe hands.”
He highlighted the board’s commitment to integrity and a strict code of conduct, promising to manage assets solely in the national interest.
To clarify concerns about potential overlap with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Dr. Usman emphasised an open and collaborative approach, promising to resolve any ambiguities.
He also noted that asset divestment on the capital market will be handled with flexibility, considering factors like company specifics, asset liquidity, and government ownership stake.
This inauguration ceremony marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s quest to unlock the full potential of its national assets.
The MOFI board, entrusted with this critical mission, faces the challenge of balancing bold ambition with responsible management, all while ensuring transparency and accountability to the Nigerian people.
The ambitious N100 trillion target, while undoubtedly daunting, reflects the immense potential hidden within these assets. Whether MOFI can turn vision into reality remains to be seen, but their commitment to good governance and public trust offers a promising foundation for this audacious undertaking.
The federal government has declared Monday 25, Tuesday, 26 December, 2023, and Monday, January, 1st 2024 as public holidays to mark Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government on Friday, December 22.
He felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Peter Egbodo, enjoined Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace, and righteousness that His birth signifies.
He emphasised that peace and security are critical prerequisites for economic development and prosperity.
The minister assured that the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu would continue to put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property
He urged Nigerians to be security conscious, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agencies.
He reiterated that the Yuletide season calls for discipline to protect the lives and property of everyone in their respective communities and the nation as a whole.
Dr Tunji-Ojo admonished all Citizens to remain focused that, the year 2024 will be a better year with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has commenced free train service for all commuters plying the Lagos-Ibadan train routes for fifteen days.
Our correspondent who visited the Mobolaji Johnson Station in Lagos on Friday, December 22, observed excitement in the faces of many passengers.
A handful of passengers who were at the departure terminal patiently waited for the arrival of the evening train which departed for Ibadan around 4 pm.
This development is in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive aimed at providing relief to citizens who are struggling with the high cost of transportation, especially during the festive season.
The free service which commenced on Thursday, December 21, will go on till Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Passengers have been advised to obtain their free tickets via the online e-ticketing platforms only.
The district manager for NRC in Lagos, Augustine Arisa, told our correspondent that tickets will not be issued at the train station, adding that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.
He explained that passengers will get to enjoy the free train service in the morning (8:00 am) and in the evening (4:00 pm).
A passenger, Bisi Akanni expressed joy over the free train service. She commended the federal government for the laudable initiative.
She said: “I thought the directive wouldn’t be implemented when I booked my ticket, I got it online and it was seamless. I arrived here, and no one asked me to pay anything. Kudos to the Federal Government for this”.
Another passenger, Segun Adekanmbi who spoke to The Nation, thanked President Tinubu for easing the burden off Nigerians during the yuletide.
He said: “This is a great initiative by the Federal Government, and I think it is going to be beneficial to the citizens. It will go a long way to relieve many passengers.”
