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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Group to governors: emulate Buhari on minimum wage

    As the nation’s workforce continue to heave a sigh of relief following Presidential assent to 30,000 Naira minimum wage bill, state governors have been urged to sustain the tempo.

    The call was made on Sunday by the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr Akin Malaolu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the 30,000 Naira minimum wage bill into law on Thursday, to replace N18,000, to improve living standard in the country.

    According to Malaolu, the President’s action is an indication that he prioritises the nation’s wellbeing above self-gains.

    “The Buhari-led government highly recognises synergy between workers well-being and national development, hence the need for state governors to key into the idea.

    “We are appealing to the 36 state governors, other political leaders and elders to cause a stem in profligacy and other abuses that may be associated with handling of state funds.

    “The most important asset of a nation is its human capital; if well managed, other resources will definitely blossom and the nation will soar on a trajectory of economic greatness.

    “Each state government is expected to imbibe that notion as exemplified by President Buhari and bring development through conscious efforts to boost workers’ morale so that they will be more productive,’’ he said.

    The scribe noted that high productivity was achievable even in Nigeria where most states largely depended on allocation from the Federal government.

    “The era of sole dependence on Federal allocation should be discarded; state governments should start looking inward with developmental innovations in order to be relevant to its people.

    “State governors should be more sincere about state mineral resources and stop under-table explorations which only enrich a few and impoverish the rest.

    “A situation whereby state minerals are illegally explored and exported raw without adding value should end; companies should be established to add value and create more employment.

    “Similarly, tourism can be better explored for the world to see the rich cultural heritage in every part of the nation.

    “That will generate more revenue for state governments to pay their workers, provide infrastructures and be alive to other responsibilities.’’

    Malaolu also reflected on jubilations that followed the Presidential assent to the bill, saying it was an indication that the people appreciated the government.

    “Assent to the bill after the presidential election has shown that the deliberate efforts of this government at its conception were not mere political propaganda and ploy for vote buying.

    “Our leadership forum is also in the same spirit like all Nigerians everywhere; but the road to achieving new wage increase must not be forgotten too soon.

    “Even as the price of crude oil per barrel stood between 90-105 dollars between 2011 and 2014, it did not translate to increase in foreign reserves.

    “Buhari’s administration started afresh with steady and trusted hands to rebuild Nigeria all together again; with consequent slip in the global price of crude oil to 45 dollars per barrel by 2015, the road took the nation into recession.

    “But he was able to still save to increase our reserves to 44 billion dollars and with nationwide infrastructure development in all sectors,’’ he said.

    The group also felicitated with Christians around the world as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, urging them to emulate His virtues. (NAN)

  • Buhari’s new cabinet: Anxiety as ministers lobby for retention

    • Cabinet dissolution likely on May 22
    • President may pick new cabinet within
    one month of swearing-in
    • Buhari beats lobbyists to London trip

    Uncertainty now surrounds the constitution of the next federal cabinet  by  President Muhammadu Buhari  who sources say is keeping All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, ministers, associates and loyalists guessing on who are likely to be part of his team.

    The situation notwithstanding, some of the outgoing ministers are lobbying to remain in office.

    The president seems to have disappointed some lobbyists who   hurriedly flew to London in anticipation of a 12-day break by him.

    He was yet to make the trip as at press time.

    Sources said yesterday that between three and five ministers who have been members of the President’s Kitchen Cabinet in the last four years may be re-appointed.

    One of the ministers was made the chairman of the Finance Committee of the Presidential Campaign Council during the just-concluded general elections.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that  it has been difficult for APC leaders including governors, ministers and the president’s associates to know  his thinking  on his coming cabinet.

    Top posts on the card in the jostle or aspiration for cabinet appointments include the Chief of Staff,  Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Finance, Petroleum Resources, Power, Works and Housing, Transportation, Education, Aviation,  Budget and National Planning, Defence, Interior and Communications

    It was learnt that despite complaints about the job, about 60 per cent of the current ministers want to serve in the next cabinet.

    Read also: I have always defeated Atiku, Buhari tells tribunal

     

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “No one knows the mindset of the President on how he will constitute the next Federal Executive Council (FEC). The situation is so dicey that those rated as closer to the President in the cabinet cannot authoritatively say whether or not they will be retained.

    “Despite reservations, about 60 per cent of the ministers prefer to remain if they have their way. This is why many serving ministers have been lobbying those who have the ears of the President for retention.

    “One certain thing is that the new coming FEC will be a cabinet of legacies. The President has been stating it that he wants to leave sustainable legacies behind. He will go for hardworking candidates. He has agreed with his team that time is no longer on his side.

    “The President will also, this time around, not condone the idea of some powerful lobbyists and leaders recommending candidates for ministerial appointments. He hardly knew some members of the outgoing FEC.

    “Recently, when the President announced that he will be on a vacation in London, some lobbyists embarked on emergency trip to Britain to await his arrival. But the President caught them unawares by delaying his trip. This is the dimension the race for cabinet slots is taking. The President is shutting out lobbyists.

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  • I have always defeated Atiku, Buhari tells tribunal

    President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted claims by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that they won February 23 presidential election.

    Buhari describes the claims as laughable because Atiku has never won any political contest with him (Buhari) and because he is more popular and acceptable among the electorate than the ex-Vice President.

    Buhari, in his response to the petition filed before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja by Atiku and the PDP, challenging the outcome of the February 23, 2019 presidential election, noted that he even defeated Atiku in his (Atiku’s) polling unit in his home state of Adamawa.

    He wondered why Atiku thought he could secure victory on the platform of a political party (the PDP) he (Atiku) had previously derided and described as a dead party, and one which was beyond redemption.

    Read also: Atiku disarticulated

    The President, who is listed as the 2nd respondent   in the petition  marked: CA/PEPC/002/2019, said in his response filed on April 16, 2019 by his team of lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN)  said: “At every previous instance, whether at intra-party or inter-party contests, where he and the 1st petitioner (Atiku) had vied, he has always been the preference of the electorate and/or delegates.

    “In particular, at the primary election conducted by the 3rd respondent (APC) in 2014, to pick its presidential candidate for the 2015 election, the 1st petitioner and the respondent (Buhari), amongst others, were the candidates; and while the respondent polled 3,430 votes, the 1st petitioner came a distant third with 954 votes.

    “The 1st petitioner was at all material times prior to his decamping to the 2nd petitioner (PDP), shortly before the presidential election, a member of the 3rd respondent (APC).

    “The 1st petitioner contested the presidential primary election of the 3rd respondent with the respondent in 2014 and after the respondent (Buhari) defeated him to a distant third place, the 1st petitioner joined the campaign train of the respondent immediately after the primary election, traversing all over the country and rightly declaring to all and sundry that respondent was the best choice available to the country for the position of President.

    “On joining the 3rd respondent, the 1st petitioner consigned the 2nd petitioner to the grave, describing it as a dead party that is beyond redemption.

    “The 1st petitioner could not have won the presidential election under the platform of a political, which he abandoned and described as having gone beyond redemption.

    “The respondent enjoys a wide acceptability across the federation and is more popular and acceptable to the electorate than the 1st petitioner, leading to the respondent securing more votes than the 1st petitioner, even at the latter’s polling unit in Adamawa State.

    “In the polling unit where the 1st petitioner registered for the election, while the 1st petitioner polled 167 votes, the respondent scored 186 votes.”

     

     

  • Why Buhari is yet to act on NJC’s recommendation

    INDICATIONS emerged on Saturday on why President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to act on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) that the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, be retired.

    The President, it was learnt, considered NJC’s letter ambiguous, as it did not clearly state why the suspended CJN should be retired.

    The President was also said to have received some legal advice to ignore NJC’s recommendations on Onnoghen because the council’s letter did not follow constitutional process.

    The ambiguity in NJC’s letter was said to have accounted for the current situation in which the nation is having a CJN and an Acting CJN.

    Findings made by our correspondent revealed that NJC’s recommendation to the President only advised him to retire Onnoghen in the “interest of the nation and the Judiciary.”

    The council was, however, silent on its findings on Onnoghen or whether or not he committed infractions based on the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    A top source said: “The recommendation of the NJC was a ‘legal soft landing for Onnoghen in order not to expose him to any further criminal trial based on EFCC’s investigation.

    “The council advised the President to retire Onnoghen in the interest of the nation and the Judiciary. But Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution gave three conditions for the removal of a Judicial Officer, which include inability to discharge his duties, misconduct and contravention of the Code of Conduct.

    “There is nowhere in the constitution where it is expressly stated that a CJN or a Judicial Officer can be retired in the interest of the nation and the Judiciary.

    Read also: Onnoghen and the ‘Waltergate scandal’

    “If Onnoghen is removed or retired as contained in the NJC’s letter, the President’s action might be actionable. “You don’t build something on nothing.

    “This is why the President is allowing the development in the Judiciary to follow a natural course.

    “Onnoghen has offered to go on voluntary resignation or retirement and the Code of Conduct Tribunal has convicted him.

    “There are three exit options for Onnoghen now as follows: retirement by NJC if put in a proper constitutional context; voluntary resignation or retirement if approved by NJC at its next meeting; and the CCT judgment if endorsed by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

    “The President would have acted on any of these options but he has opted to follow due process to avoid being accused of hastiness in removing Onnoghen.

    “The President is hamstrung by NJC’s recommendation, which was inexplicit. At a point, the NJC said Onnoghen should be compulsorily retired with full benefits.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Actually, the President was advised to reject or ignore NJC’s recommendation on Onnoghen until the council is more forthcoming on why the suspended CJN should be retired.”

    Section 292 says: “A Judicial Officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances (a) in the case of —(i) Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and President Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate

    (ii) Chief Judge of a state, Grand Khadi of a Sharia Court of Appeal or President of a Customary Court of Appeal of a state by the Governor acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly of the state

    “…praying that he be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct. “(b) in any case, other than those to which paragraph (a) of this subsection applies by the President or as the case may be, the Governor acting on the recommendation of the NJC that the Judicial Officer be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or of body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct.”

    Another source added: “It is left to the NJC to be decisive in its recommendations and clean the Augean Stable in the nation’s Judiciary. It is really time to move forward. “It is of no use setting constitutional booby traps for the President. Let there be a clear direction to follow.” At press time, it was learnt that the NJC may meet next week to consider the observations of the President, the voluntary resignation/ retirement of Onnoghen and the extension of the tenure or appointment of the Acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the substantive holder of the office. A source in NJC simply said: “The council may meet next week.”

  • ‘Imo Reps-elect backing Gbajabiamila to become next Speaker’

    The House of Representatives-elect for Isu-Nkwerre-Njaba-Nwangele Federal Constituency in Imo State, Ugonna Ozurigbo, has said assured his colleagues from the state under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Action Alliance (AA) will obey the decision of the of the APC and  President Muhammadu Buhari on the Speakership of the House of Representatives.

    Ozuruigbo, who spoke with journalists in Owerri, stated that the Reps from APC and AA are have already queued behind Hon Femi Gbajiabiamila as the Speaker in line with the directions of the party.

    According to Ozuruigbo, who is the serving Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Gbajiabiamila will emerge the next speaker of the Green Chamber going by the growing support he enjoys among lawmakers.

    Ozurigbo, who is the Gbajabiamila’s coordinator in the Southeast, noted that apart from Reps elected under the platform of the APC, those from other political parties are also solidly behind Gbajabiamila’s ambition.

    He said that as a founding member of the APC, he cannot be seen to be opposing the decision of the party and that of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He informed that both the President and APC had endorsed Gbajiabiamila as the next Speaker.

    According to him:  “We cannot afford to be at variance with the decision of the party and the President, we will support Gbajabiamila and that is my message to all the members from the Southeast, we should be part of the mainstream in the 9th session of the National Assembly.

    “The National Chairman of the APC, Adam’s Oshiomhole has said that the six key principal positions will be divided among the six geopolitical zones and the implication is that of the Southeast did not get anything in the House of Representatives, they will definitely get something from the Senate”.

    Read Also: 164 APC members-elect endorse Gbajabiamila as Speaker

    On whether he has the support of the Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha on the decision to back Gbajabiamila, since another Rep has joined the race for the office of the Speaker from his state (Imo), Ozuruigbo said: “Of course Owelle Rochas Okorocha is an APC leader and he respects party decision and that of the President. After I was appointed Gbajabiamila’s coordinator in the Southeast, I came to him and told me and he told me that it was the right thing to do and he gave his blessings”.

    Besides, Ozuruigbo also noted the Southeast does not have the numerical strength to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

  • Edo promises to pay minimum wage

    Edo State Government has said it would pay the new minimum wage of N30, 000 just signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    It said it has been paying N25,000 minimum wage before the increment.

    Read Also: Edo 2020: APC passes vote of confidence on Obaseki

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, confirmed in the affirmative that the new minimum wage would be paid to Edo workers.

    Osagie was however silent on when the state government would commence payment.

    He said the state government is labour friendly.

  • N30, 000 minimum wage, another election promise delivered – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the signing into law of N30, 000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers by President Muhammadu Buhari is another election promise delivered.

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the assertion in a statement on Friday in Abuja, while commending Buhari for signing the new minimum wage bill into law.

    “Truly, our workers deserve a new, improved and implementable minimum wage in view of current economic realities.

    “Commendably, the welfare of workers has remained a top priority of the Buhari-led APC administration,” he said.

    The APC spokesman said that this has been demonstrated by the Federal Government’s bailouts to states to pay workers salary and housing schemes for civil servants among other welfare packages in 2018.

    Issa-Onilu congratulated stakeholders that ensured the achievement of this laudable feat, particularly the National Assembly, state governors, the Amma Pepple-led tripartite committee, labour and trade unions and indeed Nigerian workers.

    “The signing of new minimum wage is another solid demonstration of a President who matches his words with actions,” he said.

    The APC spokesman recalled that Buhari had severally assured of a new and improved national minimum wage for workers.

    “The assent of the N30,0 00 minimum wage by the president is indeed another election promise delivered,” Issa-Onilu said.

    Read Also: APC to Wike: leave Amaechi alone

    Buhari signed into law the Minimum Wage Repeal and Re-Enactment Act 2019 on Thursday.

    By this act, the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers is now N30, 000 monthly.

    All employers of labour across the country with at least 25 workers are mandated by the law to pay their workers a minimum of N30,000 monthly wage.

    The National Assembly had submitted the minimum wage Bill to the President since March 27.

    The Bill approving N30, 000 as the new national minimum wage was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly before they went on break for the 2019 general election.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other trade unions had in 2018 insisted on an upward review of the monthly wage of Nigerian workers which was N18, 000 before now.

    The NLC had used various means, including dialogue and calling for strike to get the federal government and other stakeholders to see reason why the wage of the Nigerian worker needed to be reviewed upward.

    NAN

     

  • Minimum Wage: NLC, TUC laud Buhari

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the N30,000 minimum wage bill into law.

    Mr Peter Ozo-Eson, General Secretary, NLC and Mr Bobboi Kaigama, the President of TUC in separate interviews on Friday in Abuja, described the action as laudable.

    Ozo-Eson said that the NLC and Nigerian workers appreciated the swift response of Buhari, adding that such move would assuage the feelings of Nigerian workers.

    According to him, we hope that all employers of labour will commence the process of implementing the new minimum wage of N30, 000 as passed by Buhari.

    He commended the National Assembly for not playing politics with the Nigerian workers by given the minimum wage bill a speedy passage.

    Read Also: Buhari signs N30,000 Minimum Wage Bill

    Ozo-Eson said that the NLC would work with all agencies and other bodies responsible for the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    On his part, Kaigama, commended the president for assenting to the minimum wage bill, while describing it as laudable and timely.

    According to him, the President’s response has always been labours position, adding that “we in TUC want to appreciate the President for not jettisoning the path of honour”.

    He congratulated Nigerian workers for the new minimum wage, adding that no stone would be left unturned to see that Nigerian workers get a living wage.

    Buhari on Thursday signed the minimum wage into law which mandates employers of labour to pay workers a minimum of N30, 000 monthly wage.

    The bill was passed by the National Assembly in March.

    NAN

  • Buhari’s re-election: ‘Another rejection of corruption by Nigerians’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), South Africa Chapter, has said that the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari was a testament to rejection of corruption by Nigerians.

    Mr Sanni David, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, quoted the Chairman of the chapter, Mr Bola Babarinde, as saying this at the APC S/Africa Victory Gala Dinner held in honour of Buhari in Pretoria, South Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Buhari defeated his closest rival from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the Feb. 23 Presidential Election.

    “The event was to celebrate the APC victory at the just-concluded elections for the President, Governors, National and States Houses of Assembly.

    “APC SA is elated and proud of the way Nigerians voted.

    “It shows that we, as common people, are averred to corruption and have rejected corruption for a second term of four years,’’ David, in a statement, quoted Babarinde as saying.

    He said that Babarinde described the victory gala dinner as a higher success and that chieftains of the chapter were great assets to the party.

    Read Also: Buhari signs N30,000 Minimum Wage Bill

    David added that Babarinde commended Buhari for giving special attention to the fight against Boko Haram and corruption.

    He said that the chairman also sued for peace and called on the government of South Africa to put an end to xenophobic attacks as Africans are one.

    According to David, the dinner was also an occasion to inaugurate the council of elders amongst whom majority were medical doctors, PhD holders and astute business men and women.

    Also, the publicity secretary quoted Pastor Gladys Adunola, the chapter’s Eomen Leader, as using the occasion to call on Buhari to ensure that he consolidated on his first term in office.

    The publicity secretary quoted Adunola as saying: “He (Buhari) is the only hope of the Nigerian masses.

    “The incoming party’s majority National Assembly members should ensure a smooth and speedy passage of the Diapsora voting bill.’’

    David said that APC SA was approved to be established in April 2016 with mandate dated April 2016 and duly signed by the then party Chairman, Chief Odigie Oyegun.

    “Today under the leadership of our indefatigable National Chairman, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, we have witnessed a turn around and see party discipline entrenched on our great party.

    “Party supremacy cannot be underestimated. We thank him for his support and his goodwill message to us through his Chief Press Secretary,’’ David said.

    NAN

  • I will implement new national minimum wage – Nasarawa Governor-elect

    Mr Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa state Governor-elect on Friday, pledged to implement the new minimum wage, after sworn in as the governor.

    He made the pledge in a statement signed by his media aide, Alhaji Sanusi Aliyu in Lafia on Friday.

    The governor-elect applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the New Minimum National Wage Bill into Law.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari on Thursday signed the bill into law.

    Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the signing of the new national minimum wage bill into law will usher in a ‘new dawn’ for workers.

    The presidential aide also said that the signing into law of the new national minimum wage bill showed that the president was willing to take every necessary step to motivate the workers toward greater productivity and improve their welfare.

    Read Also: Buhari signs N30,000 Minimum Wage Bill

    Sule also said that the action of the president was a testament to the fact that, “Our patriotic and beloved President prioritises the welfare of Nigerian workers.

    “That he is always ready to ensure the right conditions are in place for them.

    “This step will not only go a long way in assisting workers in meeting certain needs, but will also strengthen the relationship between employers and employees and motivate improved productivity.”

    Sule assured the state workers that he would follow the footstep of the president by implementing the new wage structure for them.

    The governor-elect said: “This is an opportunity to reassure workers in the state that, Nasarawa state will also enjoy the new national minimum wage signed into law by the President.

    “Other welfare issues, pensions, gratuities and so on will be adequately attended to.

    “Workers should take advantage of this by redoubling their efforts toward achieving our collective goals and making Nigeria a better place for all.’’

    NAN reports that the Senate had on March 19, approved N30, 000 as the new national minimum wage with an appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action on its assent and implementation. (NAN)