National

By Muhammad Sabiu

In response to the recent political developments in the Republic of Niger, the National Council of Ulama, comprising Islamic scholars from Nigeria, has issued a crucial statement calling for peace and diplomacy in the region.
 
In a communiqué signed by Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, the council expressed deep concern over the coup d’état in Niger and its potential implications for regional stability.
 
The Ulama emphasised the importance of denouncing such actions and protecting democracy and peace in the Sahel region.
 
They asserted that the restoration of democracy in Niger is the right of its people, and any external interference undermines this democratic process.
 
Furthermore, the Council voiced opposition to the use of military force by ECOWAS in resolving the crisis, fearing that armed conflict could exacerbate existing security challenges and lead to devastating consequences for the people of both nations.
 
They called for a peaceful and civilised approach, urging the Nigerian government and ECOWAS to support Niger in returning to the path of democracy through diplomatic means.
 
The Ulama also called on religious groups to promote peace and respect between Nigeria and Niger, emphasising the importance of maintaining strong neighbourly relations.
 
They urged the Muslim community to seek divine intervention through prayer, seeking guidance for the leaders to heed wise counsel and avoid falling into enemy traps.
 
The Council also applauded diplomatic measures and called for continued dialogue with the military leaders in Niger to find a peaceful solution.
 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has reportedly withdrawn the nomination of Maryam Ibrahim Shettima as a minister in his government. 

According to reports, the 44 -year-old Kano lady, popularly known as Maryam Shetty, has been yanked off the lists of ministerial nominees. 

Maryam Shetty, a famous political and social activist and social media personality, was nominated the President Tinubu on Wednesday.

Sources confirmed that she was told her name was removed from the list upon her arrival for screening in the Senate. 

The reasons for withdrawing Maryam Shetty’s nomination have not been made public. However, former Nigerian Minister of Labour, Festus Keyamo, was added to the new list sent to the red chamber.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In a recent development, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has forwarded a second list of 19 ministerial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation. 

The list, presented by Femi Gbajamiabila, Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, includes notable candidates such as Adegboyega Oyetola, Bosun Tijani, Bello Mattawale, and Dr. Isiak Salako. 

The chamber’s protocols were momentarily put on hold at 3:15 p.m. to accommodate the Chief of Staff’s entrance into the revered Red Chamber. 

Among the other nominees are Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, Dr. Mariam Shetti, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and Uba Maigari Ahmadu. 

This comes after the Senate’s reception of the first list earlier this week, which included prominent figures like former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, former Rivers Governor, Nyeson Wike, and health specialist Prof. Ali Pate, among others.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Senate on Monday confirmed the immediate ex-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as a minister. 

Wike, after reeling out his Curriculum Vitae and achievements, noted that his passion for Nigeria propelled him to accept the ministerial offer. 

He was quoted as saying, “I accepted the offer to serve as a minister because of my passion to serve Nigeria.” 

During the screening, the lawmaker representing River State, represented by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers Southeast), said that he was the best in the state. 

He said, “His Excellency former Governor Nyesom Wike is our best in Rivers State. He is our leader and role model. 

As of the time of filing this report, there was no information about the ministry Mr. Wike is expected to lead.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had far-ranging consequences, amplifying the existing economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians. The nation is currently grappling with an unprecedented inflation rate in essential commodities, transportation and other services. As a result, a large proportion of Nigerians find themselves living below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet. 

This development has directly contributed to the spiraling inflation rate, which has hit the prices of foodstuff, transportation and essential services the hardest. This has created a burden on the average Nigerians, as their meager income is further stretched, making it increasingly difficult to afford necessities. 

As I write this article, the bus fare from Maiduguri to Abuja is N10,500 which was previously N7,500 as reflected on a circular released by Borno Express Cooperation on June 1st, 2023. Kaduna to Maiduguri, which used to be N6000, is now N9000. 

In the event whereby vehicles are scarce at the garage, travelers pay N12,000 from Maiduguri to Kano which was formerly N6,500, a non-Borno Express driver confirmed. This is unbearable and unacceptable!

The economic downturn occasioned by subsidy removal has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society as many Nigerians are now living below the breadline, struggling to feed their families and maintain a decent standard of living. 

Nobody is spared from the unbearable consequences of the removal of fuel subsidies. Not even the bourgeois elites’ empire in the country. They, too, hide and cry. Who the subsidy removal benefits then? 

Civil servants, especially those working in state and local governments are among the primary victims of the removal of fuel subsidies as many of them can’t feed their families. A 100% increase in their salaries is a necessary step to restore their purchasing power and improve their quality of life. 

Additionally, an increase in civil servant salaries would contribute to the overall improvement of public services. It would attract and retain talented professionals who are essential for efficient service delivery. Adequate compensation would motivate civil servants to perform at their best, leading to a more productive and effective public sector.

Now, what about the unemployed and jobless massive population in the country? How would their well-being be improved? Who would provide for them? A larger portion of Nigeria’s population is suffering in silence as a result of the monstrous inflation rate occasioned by the removal of the stubborn fuel subsidy. Some people eat once a day while others, the better-rich eat twice a day, skipping lunch. Therefore, President Tinubu must acknowledge the grave consequences of the current economic situation and the suffering experienced by Nigerians. 

As the leader of the nation, he has the power to reverse the economic downturn and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. It is imperative that the President takes into account the plight of the citizens and work towards restoring their faith in the government. 

While the road to economic recovery may be challenging, President Tinubu needs to consider the long-term benefits of prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians by implementing a 100% increase in civil servant salaries and creating job opportunities for our overwhelming jobless population thereby contributing to poverty reduction, improving living standards, and restoring hope for the nation’s future. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Yobe State and can be reached via email:lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

President Tinubu has submitted a list of 28 individuals to the Senate for screening and confirmation as ministerial nominees. These are:

ABUBAKAR MOMOH

YUSUF MAITAMA

Umar Dangiwa

Hannatu MUSAWA

UCHE NNAJI

BETA EDU

DORIS ANIETE UZOAKA

DAVID UMAHI

EZENWO WIKE

MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR

NASIL EL RUFAI

EKPERIKPE EKPO

NKIRU ONYEJEOCHA

OLUBUNMI TUNJI OJO

STELLA OKOTETE UJU

KENNEDY OHANEYE

BELLO MOHAMMED GORONYO

DELE ALAKE

LATEEF FAGBEMI

MOHAMMED IDRIS

OLAWALE EDUN

WAHEED ADEBAYO ADELABU

IMAAN SULEIMAN IBRAHIM

PROF ALI PATE

JOSEPH OTSEN

SEN. ABUBAKAR KYARI

SEN JOHN ENO

SEN SANI ABUBAKAR

The list was submitted Thursday afternoon by Femi GBajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, to President Bola Tinubu.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned strike over fuel subsidy removal.

The FG said it was doing everything possible to address issues raised by the congress, which threatened to embark on a nationwide strike in August.

The Daily Reality reports that the Congress Spokesperson, Ben Upah, made this disclosure on Wednesday, adding that they give seven days to the federal government to address the demand.

Speaking after the Steering Committee meeting on Palliatives, Olu Verheijen, the leader of the government team and Special Adviser to the President on Energy, pleaded with labour to give the federal government more time to look into its grievances rather than embark on industrial action.

She explained that the government was yet to roll out palliatives because it didn’t want to make mistakes, adding that the meeting with organised labour was productive and would continue tomorrow.

Asked about the agenda of the meeting, she said: “It involves labour and some parts of government; it’s a steering committee. it’s a wide group of people, a wide group of stakeholders representing the interests of Nigerians. And we’ve agreed to continue to make progress.

“It was a very productive meeting, the focus was really around how we fast-track a lot of the interventions that will bring relief, particularly around CNG, mass transportation, cleaner energy, transportation, and reduce the impact of the cost of transportation, the increased cost of transportation. So we’ve made good progress. And we’re going to continue to do so and so that we can start rolling out these opportunities and these relief measures as quickly as possible.”

Asked if Labour will not embark on strike as threatened, she said: “The labour unions will speak to that. But we are making progress; we’re trying to address the issues that will prevent a strike. So that is essentially why I feel we made very good progress today and will continue to do so.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has reportedly disclosed the names of nominees for the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

In a report credited to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the list of Tinubu’s ministers would be ready by Thursday, and it includes notable former governors and other distinguished Nigerians.

According to the report, immediate-past governors of Rivers, Kaduna, Osun, and Cross River States have been shortlisted as ministerial nominees. The nominees include Nyesom Wike, Nasir El-Rufai, Gboyega Oyetola, Ben Ayade, and Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso from Kano, who is also the NNPP national leader.

Also in addition to the list of nominees to be presented on the floor of the Senate this Thursday morning are prominent individuals such as President Tinubu’s top aide, Dele Alake; Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; APC national woman leader, Dr Betty Edu; former Lagos State Commissioner for Budget Planning, Wale Edun; ex-Minister of State for Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and former Deputy Governor of CBN, Adebayo Adelabu from Oyo State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reportedly threatened to embark on a nationwide strike next month over the bitting economic hardship caused by the fuel subsidy removal in the country.

The Congress Spokesperson, Ben Upah, made this disclosure on Wednesday, adding that the they give seven days to the federal government go address the demand.

The Daily Reality recalls that President Bola Tinubu had, during his inauguration on 29 May, announced the removal of fuel subsidy.

The action had suddenly pushed up the price of the product, making life more difficult for the poor.According to Upah, the congress gave a nationwide strike notice beginning on 2 August to protest the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

“Yes, the nationwide strike will commence on 2 August 2023. We will soon issue a communique to that effect,” Upah said.

This is coming a few hours after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began an indefinite strike in the country.

The doctors are demanding the implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers, immediate payment of all salary arrears, implementation of a Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and a new hazard allowance, among others.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Army reportedly launched a new operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State to tackle the emerging of insurance in the area.

The operation, named Hakorin Damisa, Leopard’s teeth, was launched by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Saturday.

Addressing the personnel Major Lagbaja said, “I am here to thank you for what you have been doing to bring peace and stability to Mangu and Plateau State.

“As your Chief of Army Staff, I have encapsulated my command philosophy which is to have a Nigerian Army that is well-trained, equipped and highly motivated towards achieving our constitutional responsibility in a joint environment.

“That means you must work with other services, you must work with local communities. You are the people’s Army, when they send a distress call, you must respond as quickly as possible and when you do that, you give them feedback on what you have done.

“That is the way you build confidence and trust. As your COAS, my philosophy will be driven by leadership, operational effectiveness and sound administration… You are not deployed here to play but to conduct an operation and you must do that and be guided by the rules of engagement.

“Whoever is carrying a military-grade weapon or any other weapon, you must recover those weapons from them. You must not take sides. The GOC has briefed me about the challenges faced in the field and the need for more combat enablers.

“What we have brought here is the tip of the iceberg, we will give you the best to work with we will take care of the communication, the motorcycles and all your administrative issues but please note that you must work effectively, we must see the results.

“This violence must be stamped out completely. I wish you the best,” Major Lagbaja said.