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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Lawmaker empowers 1,500 women with N15million in Kano

    Over 1,500 women from Rimin-Gado, Dawakin-Tofa and Tofa local government areas were onn Thursday empowered with N10, 000 each to enable them boost their various trades.

    The empowerment program, sponsored by a member of the house of representatives, representing Tofa, Dawakin-Tofa and Rimin-Gado Federal constituency, Engr. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe, was part of its constituency’s projects initiated to improve the socio economic development of his people.

    Flagging off the disbursement of the money to the beneficiaries, after they were screened by a committee to ascertain their needs and trades, the Federal lawmaker said that a total of N15 million was distributed for the project.

    Read Also: Fire claims two children in Kano

    Engr. Jobe who said the empowerment program was a continuation of his project and of which over 4,000 women and youths have so far benefited from the three local government areas under his constituency.

    The Federal lawmaker explained that he has attracted seven different road projects worth N1.7billion as well as construction of a national development center valued at N1billion in Dawakin-Tofa local government to train women and youths in various acquisition skills.

    According to him, the main objective of the program was to ensure that women and youths under his constituency are given sense of belonging and to make them self-reliance in their various trades.

    Jobe said he was motivated by the sterling leadership quality and massive developmental projects by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the state.

    He however assured President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ganduje of total supports and massive votes of the people of his federal constituency that will ensure their victory in next month general elections.

    The disbursement of the cash to the beneficiaries was supported by the wife of the state Governor, Hajia Hafsat Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who advised the women to make judicious use of the money to further boost their businesses.

    Hafsat Ganduje assured the women of the three local government areas of her husband’s continues support to enhance their living condition.

  • APC ready to win February poll, says Akpabio

    The former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to win the February 16 Presidential election.

    Akpabio, who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), also said that his former party has nothing to campaign with except criticism.

    According to him, the APC Presidential Campaign Council inaugural meeting at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja was to strategize on how to execute the campaign.

    He said that the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari will be the focal point in their campaigns.

    He said “I will say that APC is very poised not just to undertake very smooth and scintillating and enjoyable campaign but also very poised to win the next election.

    Read Also: Akpabio chides Saraki, Dogara

    “We have very few weeks to the general elections, first the Presidential election and we are quite ready. As you are aware, so far so good, we are running on the basis of our first term performance.

    “The achievements of Mr. President are all there for people to see and I think the entire country is quite excited quite unlike our colleagues in the PDP who do not seem to have anything except to criticize, attempt to run campaigns of calumny and false accusations against us in the APC.

    “Today (Thursday) we are meeting to restrategize and conclude, dot the i’s and cross the t’s in the campaign structure so that we can come out with not just a formidable campaigns across the country but also sensitive our people in terms of voter education, we are ready for it.” he said

  • Angry Nigerians storm embassies over alliance with thieving elites

     

    Nigerians on Monday stormed the United States Embassy to register their grievances over the interferences of the country in the nation’s domestic affairs.
     The massive crowd drawn from various groups and organizations totaling over 10,000 heads threatened that next time they will be forced to shut down the embassy if that is what is required to take back the country.
    The protest letter was delivered at a rally  at  embassy of the United States of America, Abuja on behalf of concerned citizens .
    Recall that the United had last week condemned the suspension of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen over issue bodering on  corruption.
    Speaking at the well attended rally, Princess Ajibola urged the countries to support the Nigerian government war against corruption .
    She said, “The recent happenings in the country with regards to the Judicial arm of government has indeed caused Nigeria untold embarrassment especially with the admittance of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen that he forgot to declare some aspects of his assets as mandated by the law.
    “It is such a despicable act for the number one law officer in the country to act in such a manner. The implication of this is that the hopes of the common man on the street have been dashed because the Judiciary which is supposed to the hope of the masses has indeed turned to the nemesis of the masses.
    “The rot is the judicial system is such that would take the grace of God for sanity to return to the judiciary in Nigeria due to the level of corruption in the system that has resulted in money induced judgments from the magistrate court up to the Supreme Court.
    “In Nigeria, judges live above their means and see themselves as mini-gods. They give judgments to the highest bidder in most instances not minding the consequences of the actions. The judiciary in Nigeria also sabotages the war against corruption by issuing injunctions to shield corrupt persons from facing the wrath of the law.
    “It became typical of Nigerian courts to delay proceedings and convictions of suspects brought before it for prosecution and later handed them soft judgments after monies must have exchanged hands.
    “In Nigeria today, judges live flamboyant lifestyles that one wonders if they are not supposed to serve as role models in the society.
    “For long Nigerians have yearned for that leader who would confront the all-powerful judiciary in the country and God in his wisdom and mercies sent us President Muhammadu Buhari.
    “We wish to state that President Muhammadu has the total support of Nigerians in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. We are solidly behind him now and always because if we do not join hands to fight corruption, we might wake up one day and realize that we do not have any country again.
    “The action of President Muhammadu Buhari against the Chief Justice of Nigeria is an action for reclaiming the soul of Nigeria back from the fold of the devil and returning it to the masses who labour on a daily basis for their daily bread.
    “We can boast to high heavens that the majority of Nigerians are in support of this bold move that previous governments have shy from because they too also are beneficiaries of the rot in the judiciary.
    “God will bless President Muhammadu Buhari for toeing the path of the just in tackling the rot in the judiciary. And how else can we show our appreciation? The only way we can to show our gratitude is to continue to support him all the way.
    “Make no mistakes, the action of President Muhammadu Buhari is just, moral, constitutional and in the overall interest of the generality of Nigerians. But they are still crying wolf where none exist.
    “They are saying President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the Chief Justice because he is not a northerner. Some also say it was because he is not a Muslim. But Nigerians say it was because he betrayed the trust of the public bestowed on him by failing to declare his assets, which in a way proceed from corrupt acts.
    “Going by the wages and income of judicial officers in Nigeria, there is no way the Chief Justice of Nigeria would have in his accounts millions of dollars. That is impossible. We know that such monies could only be proceeds of corrupt acts ass evident in the manner of deposits.
    “If that is not the case how can the most senior ranking judicial officer in the country claim that he forgot that he has accounts that run into millions of dollars? Nigerians are not fools to believe such childish story.
    “We are by this medium letting the world know that Nigerians are 100% in support of the action of our president. If our president does not do it for his country, is it America or Britain that would do it for us?
    “If our president acts in the best interest of the country, is that not a good thing? Are we supposed to crucify him or support him? Or are we to pretend that all is well in the judiciary while the fat cats continue to grow fatter and the citizens’ leaner?
    “The time has come for the liberation of Nigeria, and there is no going back because it’s forward ever and backward never.
    “Nigeria and indeed Nigerians owe President Muhammadu Buhari a lot of gratitude for this bold step. We encourage him to continue his good deeds towards freeing Nigeria from the claws of the cankerworm called corruption.”

  • Group set to launch grassroots campaign for Buhari

    As the presidential election gets closer,  a new political group has emerged to add value to the already electioneering campaigns being held by the Buhari presidential campaign.
    Report says there are plans to unveil a massive grassroots Campaign Platform for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 Presidential election.
    The Campaign Platform according to our investigations is being coordinated by some Professionals, Human Rights Activists with well funding stature from top politicians drawn from within and outside the All Progressives Congress, APC.
    According to a reliable source, the group, which is set to be launched soon, is planning to mobilise Nigerians across the Civil Society, Professional Bodies, Faith based organizations and other political parties from all the States of the Federation including the Federal Capital territory FCT, for the reelection of President Buhari.
    The group according to our source, says it is currently recruiting independent volunteers across all polling units in the country, to serve as canvassers for President Buhari.
    It also said he is promising its support on the massive achievements recorded in the areas of the fight against corruption, infrastructural transformation, Human Rights, which it said climaxed with the administration’s recognition of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.
    It is not clear if the new group has the backing of the Aso Rock Presidential Vila,  but the glamour and the steam of the campaign dominated mostly by the human rights activists from across the states with some APC and PDP Governors suggests that they meant business and will make it a grassroots base.

    Read Also:Campaign: Buhari departs for Lokoja APC Rally

    The new group among whom its arrowhead is an Ondo State Born, Abuja based Human Rights Lawyer, and who recently bagged a controversial Chieftaincy title in Yorubaland, also among the arrow heads are Former Governor, Deputy governors, Former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD) and leading political office holder of Buhari Government, but according to our source, the group enjoys the backing of some Private Sector Chieftains, Governors of the ruling APC  and some of their counterparts in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
    Besides, former and serving Political office holders, Media practitioners and Civil Society actors are not left out as they are presently making contacts Nationwide, ahead of the official launch of the group.
    No date has been fixed for the debut,  it was  gathered in Abuja that the steam of work to be done to check the fast moving opposition PDP might have given birth to this new group.
    The president who has already kicked off his campaign in a few states,  need more hands to cover the remaining states which could require at least two states per day before the official close of electioneering campaign as contain in the electoral guidelines by the Independent National Electoral Commission,  INEC.
    When contacted to explain his role in the emerging Pro Buhari Campaign Organisation, the popular Human Rights Lawyer declined to make comments. He also said he has not made any categorical political decision in recent time, and that whenever such decisions are to be taken, He would naturally make such public.

  • ‘Why Buhari must stay in office beyond 2019’

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has urged the people of the Land of Honour to use their votes to keep President Muhammadu Buhari in office beyond 2019.

    Egbeyemi said Ekiti will be better off when its people are ruled by the same party at the federal and state levels noting that the state has more to gain having Buhari in power for a fresh term.

    The deputy governor said Ekiti people should keep faith with the party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to enjoy better standard of living and good governance.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, Egbeyemi said Buhari must win the February 16 presidential poll with more votes than he got in 2015.

    The deputy governor made the remarks when he received in audience officials of the state chapter of the Presidential Support Committee for Buhari/Osinbajo who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Ado-Ekiti.

    Egbeyemi stressed that the APC-led Federal Government deserves the votes of Ekiti people owing to numerous projects being executed in the state.

    Some of the projects include the Federal Secretariat complex, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) complex, the Federal Housing Estate, federal road projects and social investment programmes.

    Read Also: Arewa community endorses Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Egbeyemi also urged the electorate in Ekiti to vote for all APC candidates in the National and State Assembly elections.

    The deputy governor, however, advised various campaign groups working for the re-election of the Buhari-Osinbajo ticket to work towards achieving victory at the polls.

    Egbeyemi said: “I congratulate you on your appointment; I have received many support groups promoting the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and that is good for the task ahead.

    “We should all work together to ensure that President Buhari wins, in fact, we want to win with more votes this time around.

    “I want to urge our people to vote for President Buhari and all APC candidates because when we have APC up there and APC here, things will be easy for us.

    “Let us work hard for the party because when Buhari wins, Nigerians will enjoy and Ekiti people will enjoy more dividends of democracy.”

    Ekiti State Coordinator of Presidential Support Committee for Buhari/Osinbajo, Chief Abiodun Obayemi, said all hands are on deck to mobilize Nigerians to ensure victory for the APC.

    Obayemi promised to work in cahoots with the party structure and other stakeholders to win Ekiti for Buhari and other APC candidates.

  • Minimum Wage: Buhari appoints Rewane to head committee

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appointed Bismarck Rewane as head of newly inaugurated Technical Advisory Committee on the implementation of a National Minimum Wage.

    Inaugurating the committee before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa Abuja, Buhari said that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law, government will go into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage.

    According to him, it was important to properly prepare the minds of those involved so that they will not be taken unawares when the time comes.

    Pointing out that the last time Nigeria’s national minimum wage was reviewed was in 2011, he said that it was evident that a review was necessary, despite the prevailing fiscal challenges.

    He said “This is why I constituted the Tripartite Committee of Government, Organized Private Sector and Labour to consider the National Minimum Wage and make recommendations to Government for its upward review.

    “That Committee has since submitted its report with some recommendations. We are currently working on the final steps that will lead to the submission of a National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill to the National Assembly.

    “I want to make it clear that there is no question about whether the National Minimum Wage will be reviewed upwards. I am committed to a review of the Minimum Wage.

    “Also, it is important to explain that even though the subject of a National Minimum Wage is in the Exclusive Legislative List, we have been meeting with the State Governors because it is imperative that the Federal Government carries the State Governments along in determining any upward review of the minimum wage for workers.

    “This is especially necessary considering the prevailing public sector revenue challenges, which have made it extremely difficult for some of the governments to pay workers as and when due.

    “As you know we, at the Federal level, have made adequate provision for the increase in the Minimum Wage in our 2019 Budget proposals which we submitted to the National Assembly. Therefore, we will be able to meet the additional costs that will be incurred in moving up all personnel who are currently earning below the new minimum wage.

    “However, we anticipate that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law we will be going into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage. It is therefore important that we are properly prepared to meet these demands.

    “We must therefore look at ways of implementing these consequential wage adjustments in a manner that does not have adverse effects on our national development plans, as laid out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The ERGP sets appropriate targets for levels of Capital Expenditure, Public Debt, Inflation, Employment, etc.

    “It is absolutely important that the implementation of a new minimum wage does not adversely affect these targets, and thereby erode the envisaged gains for the workers.

    “It is against this background that I have set up a Technical Committee to advise Government on how best to fund, in a sustained manner, the additional costs that will arise from the implementation of the consequential increases in salaries and allowances for workers currently earning above the new minimum wage.” he said

    He said that the inaugurated technical committee will be chaired by an economist and financial expert, Mr. Bismarck Rewane with other experienced economists and administrators from the private sector working together with all the relevant officials of government.

    He enumerated the terms of reference for the committee to include develop, and advise government on how to successfully bring about a smooth implementation of impending wage increases and identify new revenue sources, and areas of existing expenditure from where some savings could be made in order to fund the wage increases without adversely impacting the nation’s development goals as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    Others are to “propose a work plan and modalities for the implementation of the salary increases, any other suggestions that will assist in the implementation of this, and future wage increases.

    “Given the urgency of this exercise, the Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations within one month today.

    “It is now my pleasure to formally inaugurate the Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of an Increase in the National Minimum Wage.”

    Others in the committee are former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Babatunde Fowler, ex-FIRS boss, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, Dr Ayo Teriba, Chief Executive Officer among other and Prof. Akpan Ekpo.

    Read Also: Ekiti governorship Tribunal adjourns indefinitely

    From the public sector are: Chairman FIRS, Dr Babatunde Fowler, Director General of Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, who is the secretary of the committee, representative of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Richard Egbule, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary General Service Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Olajide Odewale, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, and Solicitor General Of the Federation and Permanent Secretary ministry of Justice Mr. Dayo Apata.

    Others are Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, office of the Vice President, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic Policy Dr. Joseph Nnanna, Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, Director General Debt Management Officer, Ms. Patience Oniaga, Director General National Institute of Social and Economic Research, Dr. Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, Statistician General, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale, Mrs. Aisha Hamad, Mamman Garba and Tunde Lawal.

    The committee has a month to complete and submit its report.

    It also came about 24 hours after the government and organised Labour – agreed to forward the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly on or before January 23.

    The organised labour, had in December 2018, rejected any attempt by the Federal Government to set up another committee on the national minimum wage, describing any such plan as diversionary and delay tactics.

    President Buhari, had during the budget proposal presentation, promised a new minimum wage which he said will help maintain jobs for the teaming unemployed.

    He had also promised to set up a special committee to look into the current fiasco concerning the minimum wage and come up with ideas of reducing debt and yet, increasing the minimum wage.

    “We have included the implementation for the National Minimum Wage. I will be sending a Bill to this National Assembly, on this.

    “To avoid a system crisis on the Federal Government and states, it is important to device ways to ensure that its implementation does not lead to an increase in the level of borrowing.

    “I am accordingly setting up a high-powered technical committee to advice on ways of funding an increase in the minimum wage and attendant wage adjustments without having to resort to additional borrowing.

    “The work of the committee will be the basis of finance bill which will be submitted to the national assembly alongside the minimum wage bill.” he had stated

    The Amal Pepple National Minimum sage Committee submitted its report in November 6 2018.

  • Obiano lauds FG over pace of work on 2nd Niger Bridge

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, has expressed satisfaction with the standard and pace of work on the Second Niger Bridge in the state.

    Obiano made his feelings known when he embarked on an inspection visit to the site in Onitsha on Tuesday.

    The governor, who was visibly happy with the extent of work done so far, said he was confident that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari would deliver on the job as scheduled.

    He noted that the bridge, when completed, would not only boost the economic activities of the South-East and South-South but that of the whole country.

    “I have no choice than to praise president Muhammadu Buhari for his determination in the implementation of other federal government projects in the state and other states in the region,” he said.

    Read Also: Obiano rewards outstanding NYSC members

    The Project Director, Julius Berger Construction Company, Mr Fredrick Wieser, explained that the construction would be in three phases.

    Wieser noted that the federal government has already made advance payment of 15 per cent which amounted to N30 billion as mobilisation fee.

    According to him, the bridge will be 1.6 km, while the access road from Asaba axis will be 3.3 km and 7km from Anambra respectively.

    “Right now, we are doing foundation work in the river which will be 50 metres deep.

    “The pilling work in the river will be 15 metres above water level to allow free flow of ships,’’ he said.

    He, however, pointed out that with the determination of the present administration, the project would be delivered on or before February 28, 2022.

     

    NAN

  • Buhari launches National Strategic Health Development Plan II

    President Muhammadu Buhari flag off the commencement of the much awaited Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

    The National Strategic Health Development Plan II (NSHDP) 2018 -2022 was also launched.

    The launch of the document kick start the commencement of the BHCPF and supervising the disbursement of Funds to high performing States under the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOML-Pfor R).

    Speaking at the launch, President Muhammadu Buhari said that the Strategic Health Development Plan and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund were geared towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

    President Buhari said his administration had provided N55 Billion to cater for Basic Healthcare Provision Fund in fulfillment of the National Health Act 2014 which stipulated that 1% of the consolidated revenue shall be allocated to health sector. He added that international partners such as World Bank, Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation and USAID would also contribute to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

    To ensure sustainability, the President assured that transparency and accountability mechanism had been put in place to ensure that there was no corruption in the use of the fund. The first six states to benefit from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund are Abia, Niger, Osun, Katsina, Yobe, Edo and FCT.

    The President who was represented by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, also reiterated that efforts to revitalized healthcare system was to ensure that quality healthcare services was delivered to majority of Nigerians irrespective of their education or social status in the country.

    “We shall focus more on the people leaving in the rural areas and the vulnerable population in our society, such as women, children under five years of age and the elderly, Buhari emphasized”

    He also added, “The Basic Health Care Provision Fund provides the sustainable fiscal space for health care and will increase the human capital base of our economy. We must recognize that Universal Health Coverage is a destination and Nigeria is putting in place processes to achieve it. I am told that very strict accountability and transparency mechanisms have been put in place to ensure there is no corruption in the use of the funds. The first phase of the roll out of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund is what we are launching here today in the six states and the FCT.  All other states will benefit from the Fund as they fulfill the laid down criteria for accessing the Fund.

    “Let me state clearly that providing quality, affordable health care to our citizens devoid of financial hardship is in alignment with the agenda of our great party- the All Progressive Congress (APC). We promised to provide succor to the poor while at the same time providing for all other segments of the society. I am aware that out of pocket payment for health constitutes over 70% of total health expenditure in Nigeria. Our vision is to reverse this ugly situation and promote shared prosperity.The two main game changers for achieving Universal Health Coverage is a functioning Primary Health Care System and a mandatory Universal Health Insurance Scheme.

    “We are also providing money through the Saving One Million Lives Performance for Result Initiative to States to improve their performance on Health. The presentation of the cheques here to high performing states today is a testament of our resolve to improve the health indices in our country and encourage competitiveness among the states by paying for performance.”

    Read Also: Buhari seeks respect for democracy in Gabon

    He assured that his administration “will fulfill all the promises made to Nigerians. It is my hope that with the provision of quality health care to our people, our citizens will be healthy and more productive.”

    In his remarks, the Hon. Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole said that the NSHDP II was designed to enable Federal and States government implement health policies in the country according to laid down procedure. He added that the document which was approved on Wednesday 5th September 2018 by the Federal Executive Council had the overall goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being of Nigeria populace.

    He also assured that implementation of the plan would in next five years greatly improve the Nigeria health system and also drastically reduce maternal mortality rate.

    Speaking on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the Minister said Nigerians would benefit from 52 healthcare service interventions in the hospitals practising the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Programme, free of charge. The free services, Adewole hinted, would cover antenatal care, labor and Delivery care (including caesarian sections) and Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal care.

    Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who spoke for the rest governors said the role of Governors in the implementation of healthcare progammes was crucial because Health was on the concurrent list.

    Governor Fayemi pledged faithful implementation of the BHPF programme and the judicious use of funds allocated for health services to ensure that  Nigerians at the grassroot enjoyed quality healthcare as stipulated by the programme.

    He further informed that 21 States had promulgated the Health Insurance Funding adding that in some States, 2% of their budget had been committed to such scheme. This commitment from the States was important because according to him “we cannot build the human capital of any Nation if we don’t invest in the health of our people”

  • I have no problem with 30,000 minimum wage – Gov. Bello

    Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has pledged to support the N30,000 minimum wage demand by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

    He said that his administration has always given priority to the welfare of workers in the state since 2015.

    He said this during a meeting with officials and members of the state Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Minna.

    The NLC delegation was at the government house to register their protest against the delay in the transmission of the National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly.

    Bello expressed his administration’s readiness to comply with the demand of NLC as soon it was implemented by the Federal government.

    According to him, there is need to look into workers welfare in order to improve their standard of living and service delivery.

    “I am 100 per cent in support of the need to look at whatever is happening on how to improve the life and standard of living of our people.

    “I have no problem with the implementation of the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to our workers, as I believe this matter will soon be put to rest.

    “The welfare of our workers is something we have to look into properly,” he said.

    Bello said that as part of efforts to improve workers welfare, government had released N30 billion for the payment of pension and death gratuity.

    He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was concerned about the welfare of civil servants in the country and had made provision for the N30,000 minimum wage in the 2019 budget.

    Earlier, Mr Idris Ndako, the NLC Chairman in Niger, called for the urgent implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.

    He described civil servants as partners in progress and machineries that drive the country’s economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Benson Upah, who represented NLC President Ayuba Wabba, led the protest to the government house.

    NAN

  • Buhari pays tribute to Senator Dangin

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Dangin family on the death of Senator Venmak Kurnap Dangin.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State on the death of their illustrious son, who served as a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic, between July 1992 and November 1993.

    Read Also: Buhari mourns Shehu Azare

    As a career civil servant and politician, President Buhari believed that Senator Dangin served the country with dedication, and made immense contributions to improve the public service, advance peace and security in the Plateau and build a future that benefits everyone.

    The President prayed Almighty God to grant the departed senior citizen eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.