Month: April 2024

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has approved a significant salary increase for civil servants, with a raise of between 25% and 35% for those on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures. 

This was announced in a statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku. 

The affected salary structures include the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). 

This development comes after earlier increases for those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors, which included the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for universities, as well as the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) for polytechnics and colleges of education. 

The Health Sector also benefited from increases through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS). 

According to the statement, the increases will take effect on January 1, 2024. Additionally, the Federal Government has approved increases in pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect of the six consolidated salary structures, also effective from January 1, 2024. 

This move is expected to bring relief to civil servants and pensioners, who have been seeking improved remuneration for their services to the nation.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a recent decision, the US Supreme Court has rejected Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s attempt to overturn a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that mandates preapproval from a lawyer for certain Tesla-related tweets, colloquially known as his “Twitter sitter.”

The settlement stems from Musk’s 2018 tweets regarding taking Tesla private, during which he falsely claimed to have “funding secured.”

As part of the agreement, Musk agreed to seek approval from a lawyer for tweets that could significantly affect Tesla.

Despite agreeing to the terms, Musk has persistently sought avenues to circumvent the settlement.

Reports indicate that the identity of the purported “Twitter sitter” remains undisclosed, with Tesla declining to reveal this information.

Investigative efforts by Bloomberg’s Dana Hull have thus far been unsuccessful in uncovering the individual behind the role.

In 2023, a federal appeals court dismissed Musk’s attempt to modify or annul the settlement.

Musk’s legal team subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the requirement infringed upon his free speech rights.

However, the highest court declined to hear the case, affirming the lower court’s ruling.

The federal appeals court noted that the SEC had investigated only three of Musk’s past tweets, including the notorious 2018 “funding secured” tweet, which led to the consent decree, a $40 million fine, and Musk’s resignation as Tesla’s chairman.

The other tweets under scrutiny contained misleading information about Tesla’s vehicle production and a poll suggesting Musk sell a portion of his Tesla stock.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Opay, a prominent financial services provider in Nigeria, has moved to reassure its customers about the safety of their funds amidst the recent directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the creation of new accounts.

It was reported that Kuda Bank, Moniepoint, Palmpay, and Opay were halting new account openings in response to the CBN’s directive.

This suspension follows closely on the heels of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) taking action against 1,146 bank accounts involved in unauthorized forex dealings.

In a statement released on its X account on Tuesday, Opay affirmed its commitment to combatting illegal financial activities in the country.

The statement reads, “Opay remains committed to collaborating closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other regulatory bodies in the fight against money laundering, fraud, terrorism financing, and other illicit financial activities.”

“As a regulatory-compliant institution, Opay adheres to the rules set by the CBN and other regulators to uphold the integrity of the financial system.

“In line with this commitment, we have closed non-compliant accounts, implemented stringent security measures, and educated customers to help combat fraud.

“To support government efforts in cleansing the financial industry, Opay and other fintech companies have temporarily paused onboarding new customers and creating new wallets. This action underscores our dedication to fostering a secure financial environment and combating illicit activities.

“It’s important to note that existing accounts and wallets remain unaffected by the CBN’s directive. We want to assure our customers that their funds are secure, their data is protected, and this measure is temporary.

“Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, and we are committed to promoting financial inclusion and contributing to economic growth as key players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.”

By Lawan Bukar Maigana 

The sagacious former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is once again in the news with his usual controversial stance on government policies and decisions. 

Last week, after granting journalists an interview about his presentation at a capacity-building training for Borno’s top government officials in Maiduguri, he became the hot story on every national daily, both online and offline. 

According to him, the Nigerian government has reconsidered returning fuel subsidies, mentioning that President Tinubu’s administration secretly pays billions of Naira for fuel subsidies.

As a journalist specialising in fact-checking, I needed to investigate his claim because there were no credibility elements in his statements. I quickly ran a keyword search, and the result revealed that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has refuted the claim and described it as ‘wrong.’

The trouble with El-Rufai started when the Senate withheld his confirmation over security checks during the ministerial screening in August 2023, even though he is a seasoned politician who used to be a minister. 

Since then, he left Nigeria to go abroad, failing to attend his son’s wedding ceremony, Bello Nasir El-Rufai. After his return from abroad, he was seen visiting strong politicians from the opposition party, which was said to be a political plot against the 2027 presidential elections. 

This was justified by his son, Bello El-Rufai, in a podcast interview with Seun of Channels Television, where he mentioned that his father and the President have never been on good terms, citing exchanges of unfriendly remarks in the past.

It is human nature to leave when discomforted or offended; therefore, Malam has the right to not only leave the All Progressive Congress (APC) but also form a new party, let alone merge with cult-like parties like the Labour Party (LP). 

El-Rufai is an outspoken politician whose relevance has passed because he couldn’t deliver his state to the APC, indicating he is now politically weak. It’s clear that politics transcends outspokenness. 

Another trouble facing El-Rufai now is with his successor, Governor Uba Sani. At a town hall meeting, he said that he inherited a huge debt burden of $587m, N85bn, and 115 contractual liabilities from the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai, complaining that the huge debt has eaten deep into the state’s federal allocation. 

This has necessitated the formation of a committee by the Kaduna State House Assembly to probe El-Rufai’s administration, even though he has always proudly challenged the people of Kaduna to uncover any financial wrongdoing by him.

Allegedly, Bello El-Rufai, who proudly identifies himself as a replica and a clone copy of his father in politics, has thrown the public into scepticism regarding his father’s integrity. He was said to have sent insulting words and threats to the Speaker of Kaduna State Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, since the establishment of the committee to probe his father’s administration that drowned Kaduna in debts, amounting to billions of Naira.

If I were El-Rufai’s son, Bello, I would appreciate the Kaduna State Government’s efforts to uphold justice and accountability in the state. I would privately intervene respectfully, if necessary, without being jittery about the outcome of the investigation.

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Maiduguri and can be reached via lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Salihi Adamu Takai 

Women in the Hausa community shouldn’t remain as they were in the 90’s. They don’t have to be so conservative — refusing to delve into the reflection of the life of smartness. Islam has a lot for women, and in fact, they are mostly recognised more than men in different perspectives. So, women are expected to use the opportunity Islam gives them. 

Before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) married his first wife, Khadijah, she was a wealthy businesswoman who employed men to run some of her businesses. She was inspired by the Prophet’s trustworthiness when she hired him to lead the business, which made her propose to him for marriage. The Prophet married her. 

The Khadija’s adventure in her life of being a businesswoman and the first wife of the Prophet was a challenge to the Muslim women who think that marriage is only the means to become a liability. If the Prophet’s wife could be such a businesswoman in those days, the reason for dumping our women is very outrageous. 

This could also apply to paying the dowry for marriage. Islam makes brideprice the sine qua non of marriage and says it is the right of the wife, not her parents or guardians. It is the wife’s privilege to have capital in her matrimonial house. The dowry can help her run a business while living as the wife.

Almighty Allah decreed paying for a dowry in the Qur’an, Chapter 4, verse 4, in which He says: “Give women ˹you wed˺ their due dowries graciously. But if they waive some of it willingly, then you may enjoy it freely with a clear conscience.”

Thus, dowry could serve as a form of security for the wife to use in the marital home or even upon marriage breakdown. Therefore, if that’s the case, it would be better for women to use the money for business.

Women should stop feeling dependent on their marital homes. They must be innovative and collaborate with their husbands to improve their lives.

During the Prophet’s lifetime, it was reported that the wife of the Prophet’s companion used to help her husband with some work on his farm when he was sick to get what they could. Islam is concerned about the chastity of women, so women should dress decently.

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote via salihiadamu5555@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Here are the steps to check your JAMB score:

– Online Method:

– Visit the JAMB eFacility Portal at https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login.

– Enter your login details (email address and password you used during registration).

– Click on the “Check UTME Results” button.

– Your UTME score for each subject will be displayed on the screen.

– SMS Method:

– Open your messaging app. – Compose a new message.

– Type “RESULT” (all caps) followed by your JAMB Registration Number.

– Send the SMS to 55019 or 66019 (the official JAMB result from SMS numbers). – JAMB will send a reply SMS containing your scores for each subject taken.

Remember to note that the SMS method incurs a charge of N50, which will be deducted from your mobile phone airtime.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In Ekiti State, a tragic incident unfolded as Dare Onipede, a 34-year-old man, is accused of fatally stabbing his wife, Arinola, 32, following allegations of infidelity.

Confirmation of the event came from DSP Sunday Abutu, the Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Police Command, who stated that the information was received on Saturday, April 27, through the couple’s children.

The distressing episode occurred over the weekend at Christ Avenue in the Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

According to a resident who chose to remain anonymous, the couple had sent their eldest child on an errand before engaging in a heated argument in their apartment over the alleged infidelity.

During the altercation, both individuals, with the husband purportedly a law enforcement agent and his deceased wife employed at a chemist shop, wielded sharp objects, resulting in injuries to both parties.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has visited the family of Susan Odulaja, a victim of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024. 

A delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, visited the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024, to offer condolences and support. 

“We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being,” said ACG Swomen. 

This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy. 

The NCS has pledged to work with the family and support them continuously, saying, “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward.” 

The widower, Michael Odulaja, appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support, saying, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.” 

The NCS had earlier issued a press statement promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Enugu State Police have apprehended two male kidnapping suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The victim’s husband, Mr. Ekene Igwe, praised the Enugu State government for swiftly intervening and covering medical expenses.

The woman, Chinwendu Igwe, gave birth to a baby boy after being rescued and is now in good condition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Chinwendu embarked on the journey alone with her two children from Lagos to her paternal home, where she was abducted.

The CP dismissed misinformation regarding the incident and urged media accuracy. Mr. Igwe thanked Governor Peter Mbah for the government’s support.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The FCT Police Command has apprehended two notorious car thieves, Ibrahim Haliru, 45, and Babangida Mohammed, 27, who have been terrorising residents of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. 

The suspects, who were arrested on April 23, 2024, at about 3:00 p.m. in a hotel in Nasarawa State, were found to be in possession of five stolen vehicles and various charms. 

According to the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects had been on the command’s wanted list for several months and were trailed and arrested with the aid of digital reconstruction intelligence. 

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, has commended the efforts of the officers involved in the arrest and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. 

The Commissioner also reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to ensuring their safety and security, and encouraged them to take the necessary steps to protect their valuables. 

The police have urged anyone with information about criminal activities to contact them through their emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 (PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192).