News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP, member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo State.

Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and distability during the election on Saturday, the police operatives swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9pm and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election.

Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor, while one locally made gun was recovered from Tajudeen.

These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State.

The suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law.

The Police reassures the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urges citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published help lines.

By Uzair Adam

The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for Civil Servants met on Friday to discuss the new minimum wage template and concluded that the effective date for implementation would be July 29, 2024.

This decision was outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) issued after the meeting in Abuja, which was seen by our correspondent.

The Committee, led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, also recommended that the wage award, which had been discontinued by the government, should be paid up to July 28, 2024.

In explaining the decision, the Committee noted that the government considered the country’s economic situation before finalizing these recommendations.

The MOU stated the need for the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to create appropriate salary templates for other salary structures.

It further stated that the Federal Government should take measures to alleviate the challenges faced by workers due to the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), including considering tax waivers and other incentives.

However, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have criticized the decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage. Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, described the move as unfair and unacceptable.

Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of the TUC, expressed disappointment.

He recalled that the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had promised workers on May Day that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1, 2024, and said it was unfair for the government to change that commitment.

“The government should have stayed true to its word. Deviating from May is already questionable, but backdating it to July is particularly unfair given the economic challenges,” Etim stated.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, yesterday, visited the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the Michigan State University (MSU) in the United States of America.

During the visit, the Governor met with the university’s authority and agricultural experts, with discussions focused on exploring avenues for collaboration that could enhance the agricultural value chain in Gombe State.

One of the key areas of focus is the introduction of appropriate mechanization technologies that are tailored to the specific needs of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed optimism that this partnership would lead to the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable solutions that can enhance food security and promote rural economic growth in the state.

In addition to mechanization, smart agricultural practices—such as precision farming and water-efficient irrigation systems were also discussed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability.

At a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President emphasised that he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.

”I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me,” the President, who was a former senator, told the meeting after a session of banters and handshakes with former parliamentary colleagues.

The meeting was attended by 16 former presiding officers, including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service’s weekly training, with the aim of strengthening staff members for service delivery, is taken to heart.

The training, which is a weekly activity in the service, is well-received by the staff members. Their dedication and submissiveness during the training are quite commendable.

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, focusing on improving staff efficiency through consistent training, is indeed second to none.

These sessions, led by the Human Resources and Intelligence Department, seem to be making a significant impact on the staff’s commitment and performance. The continuous dedication to training will probably enhance the overall service delivery in the state.

By Uzair Adam

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed reports that it has reinstated the previously suspended cybersecurity levy on banks.

The levy, which mandated Nigerian banks to collect and remit a 0.5 percent charge to the National Security Adviser’s office, was suspended earlier this year following a directive from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Despite the suspension, rumors surfaced suggesting that the CBN had reintroduced the levy. In response, the apex bank clarified the situation in its recent Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for the 2024-2025 fiscal years.

The circular, published on September 17, emphasized that the cybersecurity levy, suspended in May 2024, remains inactive.

The CBN also addressed other misrepresentations of its policy document, noting that some media reports incorrectly linked past policy positions to current circumstances.

The bank reiterated that the guidelines should be seen as a compilation of previous policies up to December 31, 2023, and not as new directives.

The CBN reassured the public that it would continue to offer clear policy guidance for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy and urged media outlets to verify information before publication.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly.

The election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. The President implores the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will.

He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders. President Tinubu emphasises that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process.

The President commends the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which have focused on issues that matter most to the people of Edo State, including improving livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.

He urges all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process. He encourages them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.

In addition, President Tinubu expresses unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials.

He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

There was a terrible incident at the Burra Correctional Centre in Bauchi State, when a correctional officer was reportedly killed by a colleague following a disagreement over food. 

Hon. Nasiru Zakari, Chairman of Ningi Local Government Council, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

“I received reports about this unfortunate event at the Burra Correctional Centre, where one officer was allegedly killed by another over a lunch dispute,” he said.

Ahmad Usman Tata, Public Relations Officer for the Bauchi State Correctional Service, noted that the altercation took place outside the facility.

The victim, Aliyu Abubakar Chiroma, was from Giade Local Government Area, while the suspect, Kabiru Abubakar, hails from Dass LGA. 

According to reports, the conflict arose when Chiroma brought his lunch and Kabiru insisted on eating it, leading to a heated argument.  

The body of the deceased has been released to his family for burial, while the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

By Uzair Adam 

Following allegations of fraudulent activities, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission has suspended two Sharia Court registrars, Jamilu Ibrahim and Zubairu Sulaiman.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Spokesman of the Kano Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, on Friday. 

The commission took disciplinary action during its 75th meeting held on September 12, 2024.

According to the statement, the investigation revealed that Jamilu Ibrahim was involved in a fraudulent transaction linked to the illegal sale of two plots of land through a writ of possession. 

The investigative committee recommended his dismissal, but the commission opted for an indefinite suspension without pay, pending the outcome of his trial at a Magistrate Court.

Additionally, the investigation found that Zubairu Sulaiman, Registrar of the Upper Sharia Court, received one million naira into his personal account as a commission from the sale of the land. 

Consequently, the Judicial Service Commission has suspended him for four months without pay.

The statement reiterated the commission’s commitment to enforcing disciplinary measures against staff involved in misconduct, particularly those in judicial roles, to protect the integrity and accountability of the judiciary while maintaining public confidence.

By Uzair Adam

Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Non-Interest Bank, has been recognized as the 2024 Global Most Promising Islamic Bank by the Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA).

During the Global Islamic Finance Summit and awards ceremony held in the Republic of Maldives, Jaiz Bank outshined two other nominees in the same category to win the prestigious award.

Professor Humayon Dar, Chairman of GIFA, stated that Jaiz Bank was chosen after a thorough evaluation based on multiple criteria set by the GIFA Awards Committee.

The bank was recognized for its exceptional growth potential, innovation, and financial performance, which helped reinforce its leadership in the industry.

Haruna Musa, Managing Director/CEO of Jaiz Bank, expressed his appreciation upon receiving the award.

He noted that the recognition in accordance with the bank’s strategic vision to become one of Africa’s top non-interest financial institutions in the next five years.

He also revealed that Jaiz Bank had previously won GIFA’s Most Improved Islamic Bank Award in 2020 and 2021.

The Global Islamic Finance Awards, known for celebrating excellence and innovation in the Islamic finance sector worldwide, remains one of the most prestigious honors in the industry.