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

There is growing tension in Niger Republic as soldiers reportedly detain the Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum, and deny access to his palace on Wednesday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairman, warned the soldiers that ECOWAS would not tolerate a coup.

Tinubu disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying that ECOWAS would not tolerate actions that incapacitate democratically-elected government in the sub-region.

The statement read: “I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order.”

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of subsidy in Nigeria in his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square, emphasising that there is no provision for it in the 2023 appropriation. However, these have no doubt brought untold hardship to average Nigerians. Though experts agree that these, among others, are the sacrifices we must make for the country to move forward, I agree with the belief that subsidies can no longer justify their ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources.

Thus, the sum of N500 billion has been extracted from the supplementary budget of N819 billion for the provision of palliative care by the President. Even though it raised much concern among Nigerians, looking at how unpatriotic elements within misused or abused all palliative ranging from covid-19 etc., by the previous administration, sadly, no one was punished for the infraction.

Rail transportation is a viable option that, if considered, will often be a potential solution for reducing the untold hardship presently experienced by the populace. However, it has the potential to be more cost-effective and sustainable, considering current circumstances. It would indeed give more life to our road pavement; most trucks that too often damage our roads would be off the road.

Indeed, one of the main advantages of rail transportation is its ability to transport large numbers of passengers or goods in a single trip. Yet it also has a higher capacity compared to other modes of transportation. This efficiency can no doubt help reduce the present unfortunate hardship. It’s, however, among the intentions of the President to channel the resources to infrastructure in the country. Again, the cost of commodities will drastically reduce, especially in transporting perishable from one location to another. 

The majority, or perhaps 90 per cent, of Nigerians, can’t even talk about saving when we’re all struggling desperately to survive in the face of merciless inflation that is, sadly, rapidly worsening every day. Inflation too often wipes off the little we earn to keep the wolf from the door. To me, hardship encourages corruption in all aspects. Perhaps the government is not aware of this precarious situation. Or maybe it looks the other way around. Indeed, this is not what we bargain with the government by entrusting it with our votes. 

Therefore, I call on the government to do the needful in short-term and long-term solutions. At the same time, the short term should be mass subsidising urban and rural transportation by both the three tiers of government. 

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar-Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

By Mubarak Shafiu

I joined the train of the Students’ Union right from day one at the university. My painstaking journey to the world of student activism has also fed me with sour, bitter and sweet experiences. Often, I feel nostalgic about the onerous struggles we underwent and the myriad of obstacles we encountered.

Being a passionate advocate for good governance, leadership and democracy, I was overwhelmingly compelled by nature to partake in the diversity-politics. My participation is solely to add my own quota and refine the university’s political atmosphere.

It is indeed sad seeing incompetent, incapable, self-centred and unpatriotic students take the leadership mantle and run the affairs of this vast student body.

Though my fundamental assignment is to study, acquire knowledge, experience, and skills, more importantly, earn my degree with colourful grades. Yet, I developed a burning desire to involve in the school’s extracurricular activities, more precisely- politics, intending to make sustainable reformation.

As a freshman, my initial preoccupation was to study and adequately understand my new environment. Being well-informed would assist me tremendously in making better decisions as events unfold.

Along the process, on many occasions, my parents called me to order and cautioned me to be steadfastly focused on my studies and not mingle with bad company. These cautionary words always crossed my mind, and I decided to keep myself away from anything that could interfere with my study.

Since then, I shunned anything apart from my study as the drumbeat of my parents’ cautionary remarks sounded louder and louder into my eardrums. This made my ambition of becoming a student leader a pipe dream, for naturally, I disliked betraying the parental confidence reposed in me.

As an obedient child, who always wanted to please his parents, I had never turned down every admonition. I just dispelled and dismissed anything that had nothing to do with my study. I attended classes, dug into research, engaged in group discussions and made the library my best friend. 

As the exam approached, I became consistent, determined and accelerated my efforts towards achieving my goal. Expectedly. I passed out with flying colours in my first-semester examination, as I made an “A” in the overall result.

Out of sheer joy, I presented the result to my parents to bless it, as they had been nursing the dream of seeing their son become a champion. 

After a short break from the first-semester examination, we all returned to our dear University, and academic and social activities began fully.

Students from various departments and faculties started expressing their interests in different positions, especially in the “Students’  Union Government” (SUG) and other associations like departmental, faculty and state associations.

Being sceptical and scared of my parent’s stance on not getting involved in school politics, I let my intention be latent and inexpressible. I was only debating whether to seek my dear parents’ approval.

Seeing how time flew, I just took the bull by the horn, shook off my phobia and sought permission to contest for a position that would not be infectious to my study.

 Surprisingly, my parents gave me the go-ahead to participate on the condition that I should not interfere with my academic performance. Having heard of this had gladdened my heart and brightened my spirit. 

Long story short, I vied for a senator representing my department in the “Students’ Representative Assembly (S.R.A), and I effortlessly made it. This assembly shared some things in common with the “National Assembly regarding greatness, corruption, unaccountability and many more.

Millions of funds were annually poured into the students’ union government account.

However, these funds were being mismanaged, misappropriated and stolen in collaboration with representatives of various departments.

The brainlessness and wickedness of the so-called student leaders tremendously moved me. This compelled me to resign and distance myself from the system. I recently retired from S.U.G to my state association, “The National Association of Kano State Students”. But you guess what? The Story was the same or even worse than that of S.U.G.

I contested for the presidential position under the bona fide umbrella of the association, and I won the election by a wider margin. To my dismay, under the watchful eyes of the students, some unscrupulous folks rubbed, snatched and ran with my mandate to one’s advantage.

Sadly, these corrupt individuals are the so-called leaders of tomorrow. Imagine an institution like a university where learning, character and discipline are inculcated. The university management should force such student-leaders to face punishment to deter others.

If we have not changed ourselves into better persons, we will continue to produce bad leaders in the country. Let’s desist from insulting, cursing, and condemning our leaders at all levels.

“Change begins with me”…….

Mubarak Shafiu wrote via mubarakshafiu596@gmail.com.

Najeeb Ibrahim

Peace is not just a state of mind which is personal but also that which could be an inter-personal, inter-communal, inter-regional, and global phenomenon.

Kano State is free from bandits and kidnappers in contrast to other northern states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna. Thus, the state becomes an asylum for many people from different parts of Nigeria. A single issue that bedevils the tranquillity of the state is thuggery (dabanci).

Thuggery has been a threat to the people of Kano for an extended period. It costs many people’s lives and prompts the distraction of many properties. Recently, the abominable act has arisen, forcing people indoors before dusk.

In parts of Gwale local government, two warring parties from Hausawa quarters and their opponents in Kofar Naisa disrupt our peace. They have been fighting each other for a long time. Very recently, Hausawa thugs ventured into the community of Kofar Naisa around 1 am to take revenge for their brother, who was wounded by one of Naisa’s ruffians.

Police tried to quell the fight. They fired several tear gases. One of the tear gas canisters dropped fell in our neighbourhood. The family of the house, including children and a two-month-old baby, wept; the baby even fainted at night. Many car wind glasses were broken, several kiosks were burgled, and the thugs stole many things.

The Kano State police commissioner has been working hard to ensure that thugs and thuggery have no hidden place in the state. In the last two weeks, the commissioner announced some names of thugs’ leaders to surrender themselves. Otherwise, he resolved to fish them out by himself. We are deeply in debt to the enormous effort of the commissioner.

Civilians also have roles to play to surmount the situation in the state:

First, if anyone is known to be in the dirty business of thuggery, offer a piece of useful advice to him. Cite him some references with those who have long been in the messy business. Ask him whether they achieve anything worthwhile in life or not. Tell him soothingly that most end their lives in misery and sycophancy.

Second, if you have the means, help him go back to school. If it is a financial problem that refrains him from furthering his education and he decides to enrol into the school of thuggery, but apart from you, you are not financially stable to assist him, tell someone whom you know can hepl him. It says, “Knowledge is light, and it guides us to the right path”.

Also, avoid dissociating from him, and advise your friends not to do so. Many thugs decry dissociation from their friends; they neither talk to them nor invite them to events like wedding ceremonies and so on.

A similar case happened in Makasa quarters. A retired thug got frustrated by his friends. They dispersed and left him alone if he joined them in their setting place (majalisa). Nobody showed him an appreciation for his withdrawal from his former self.  He became incommunicado in his society.  In the end, anxiety and depression led him to murder himself.

Second, to last, form a youth organisation in your locality. Assemble at least once in a fortnight. Discuss your problems, and offer solutions and pieces of advice to yourselves. Let everyone feels at home with one another.

And finally, report any thugs’ meeting point you know to the police station near you. Do not hesitate. Because as long as thuggery persists in our society, our lives and properties will never be safe.

May Allah guide us to the right path and guide those who have already gone astray amin.

Najeeb Ibrahim wrote from Kano. He can be reached via inajeeb08@gmal.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

In a significant development in the world of football transfers, it has been confirmed that Sadio Mane’s agent, Roof Björn Bezemer, is set to embark on a trip to Japan to negotiate terms with Al Nassr.

The Saudi Arabian club has expressed keen interest in acquiring the talented winger from Bayern.

Last week, Sadio Mane gave his initial approval for negotiations with Al Nassr, signalling his willingness to consider a potential move to the Middle Eastern club.

However, it’s worth noting that Mane had expressed his desire to stay at Bayern Munich and was adamant about remaining with the team.

Despite the player’s stance, Bayern Munich has decided to part ways with Mane, making it evident that they are open to his departure.

This development has provided Al Nassr with a glimmer of hope to secure the services of the highly regarded footballer.

Roof Björn Bezemer, the intermediary representing Sadio Mane, is now entrusted with the task of sitting down with Al Nassr officials to discuss the terms of the potential deal.

The negotiations are expected to be crucial in determining whether the transfer will come to fruition.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has approved the appointment of Senior Government Officials to fill key positions in the administration of the State. 

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, disclosed the names and biographies of the new appointees in a statement on Tuesday. 

The new appointees, as disclosed by the CPS, include the following :

1. Mohammad Sada Jalal – Director General, Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS)

2. Jerry Adams – Acting Executive Chairman, Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS). Adams will act as the Executive Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive Executive Chairman.

3. Adamu Magaji – Director General, Kaduna State Facility Management Agency 

(KADFAMA)

4. Adamu Samaila – Special Adviser, Labour Matters

5. Amina Sani Bello – Senior    

 Special Assistant, Student Matters 

6. Salisu Ibrahim Garba – Senior Special Assistant, Political Matters 

7. Larai Sylvia Ishaku – Senior Special Assistant, Social Investment Programme 

8. Clement Shekogaza Wasah – Senior Special Assistant, Community Engagement 

9. Waziri Garba – Senior Special Assistant, Administration.

According to the statement, the appointments are based on the proven track records of the appointees and the persons appointed are to resume work with immediate effect.

“The appointments are based on the proven track records of the appointees, their commitment to the service of Kaduna State and the SUSTAIN Agenda of the current administration. They are also people of proven integrity.” Part of the statement reads

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has arrived at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for trial. 

The former apex bank boss arrived at the court premises around 9:20 am for trial on the allegations of unlawful possession of firearms. 

He is to stand trial on two counts charge of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

Trouble began for Emefiele on June 9th, when he was suspended by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to allow investigations into his activities as governor of the apex bank. 

Emefiele was arrested upon his suspension and has been in the custody of the Nigerian secret police since June.

By Muhamamad Suleiman Yobe.

Governor Malam Umar  A. Namadi has approved the appointment of Yusuf Adamu Babura as the new Managing Director, Jigawa State Radio Corporation.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

A veteran Journalist, the new Managing Director has been a professional broadcaster. He worked with Radio Nigeria Kaduna and also served as Special Assistant on Radio to the Governor from 2019 to May 2023.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Abba Muhammad Tukur as the new Managing Director of Jigawa State Television station, JTV.

Until his appointment, Abba Tukur was Manager Commercial of the Jigawa State Television JTV.

The statement added that their appointment is based on merit, competence and personal integrity.

Malam Bala Ibrahim urged the appointees to work diligently for the sound execution of the present administration’s policies and programmes.

Both appointments take immediate effect.

By Salisu Uba, PhD FCIPS

Nigeria has witnessed yet another transition in government after eight years of the previous administration. In his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced a ground-breaking policy decision to alleviate strain on the government’s finances. He declared the end of the long-standing subsidy on petroleum products, proclaiming, “Fuel subsidy is gone.” While addressing economic challenges, this decision will increase petrol prices and potentially impact other price points. The removal of the subsidy marks a crucial shift. It paves the way for the integration of hybrid and remote working, which holds the potential to positively impact Nigeria’s workforce, productivity, and work-life balance, among other aspects.

Removing the subsidy and transportation and commuting challenges can transform the work landscape in several significant ways. These changes can create opportunities for increased flexibility, renewable energy investment, on-demand workspaces, startups with affordable internet connectivity solutions, and the decentralisation of government ministries and departments away from the centralised Abuja city.

Flexible working, hybrid working, and remote working have emerged as popular modern work arrangements in recent years. Flexible working allows employees to exert some degree of control over their working hours, location, and work structure. It provides the flexibility needed to accommodate individual preferences and needs. Hybrid working combines elements of both office-based work and remote work, enabling employees to split their time between the physical office and remote locations. On the other hand, remote working involves working outside the traditional office environment, often from home or any other external location.

The genesis of these work arrangements can be attributed to various factors. Technological advancements, particularly the widespread availability of high-speed internet, have revolutionised how employees stay connected and collaborate remotely. This technological progress has facilitated the seamless integration of remote work into everyday business operations. The growing demand for work-life balance, increased autonomy, and the pursuit of enhanced productivity and job satisfaction have contributed to the rise of flexible, hybrid, and remote working.

The fundamental distinction between these modern work arrangements and traditional working lies in the level of flexibility and location independence they provide. Traditional working typically adheres to fixed working hours and mandates physical presence in the office for the majority of the workweek. In contrast, flexible, hybrid, and remote working empowers employees with the freedom to choose when and where they work, enabling them to manage both personal and professional responsibilities effectively. 

Since the onset of COVID-19, numerous companies and governments worldwide have embraced hybrid working. With the rising cost of petrol due to the subsidy removal, companies may find increased incentives to adopt more flexible work arrangements. Hybrid and remote working options enable employees to reduce their reliance on commuting, resulting in cost savings and a superior work-life balance. This shift towards flexible work arrangements can potentially increase employee productivity and job satisfaction.

The lack of infrastructure to support remote and hybrid working may raise concerns. However, this challenge should foster innovative thinking and serve as a catalyst for increased investment in renewable energy sources. Nigeria, endowed with abundant renewable energy potential, particularly solar and wind, can leverage this opportunity to diversify its energy mix. By promoting renewable energy infrastructure and technologies, Nigeria can create new job opportunities, reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

The infrastructure challenges associated with commuting and transportation to offices necessitate the growth of on-demand workspace providers and startups offering innovative solutions. These providers can establish affordable and convenient coworking spaces and shared offices in strategically decentralised locations, catering to the needs of professionals and government workers seeking alternatives to traditional office setups. This trend can encourage entrepreneurship, collaboration, and the development of vibrant startup ecosystems across Nigeria.

Access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity becomes crucial for the changing work landscape. The government and private sector should prioritise investments in broadband infrastructure to ensure widespread access to high-speed internet in urban and rural areas. Affordable internet connectivity can empower remote workers, entrepreneurs, and startups to thrive, promoting digital inclusion and fostering economic growth.

To streamline government operations and mitigate transportation challenges, decentralisation of offices is necessary. Removing the subsidy can serve as a catalyst for decentralising government ministries and departments away from Abuja City. This effort can involve establishing regional offices and administrative centres in different parts of the country, leading to increased accessibility to government services, better coordination with local communities, and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

The future of work in Nigeria presents a ripe opportunity for shaping and thinking differently. The concept of hybrid and remote working has gained significant traction, and with the removal of the subsidy, the traditional work landscape should undergo a paradigm shift. Organisations must reconsider their operational strategies, leading to the rise of hybrid and remote working models. This transformative shift can potentially reshape the Nigerian work culture and enhance overall productivity.

Hybrid and remote working offer numerous benefits to Nigerian employees, such as eliminating the need for daily commuting, saving valuable time, and reducing the stress associated with traffic congestion. Additionally, working from home provides a more relaxed environment, allowing employees to customise their workspace and tailor it to their specific needs. This flexibility enhances work-life balance, fosters a sense of autonomy, and can even improve job satisfaction.

Contrary to conventional beliefs, hybrid and remote working can significantly boost productivity. Employees working remotely often experience fewer interruptions, resulting in increased focus and efficiency. Furthermore, the absence of a rigid office environment allows individuals to structure their day according to their natural productivity cycles, leading to better time management and enhanced output.

Forward-thinking Nigerian employers should embrace hybrid and remote working to remain competitive and attract top talent. By offering flexible work arrangements, companies can tap into a wider pool of candidates from different geographic regions. This allows for diversity in skillsets, perspectives, and experiences, ultimately fostering innovation and driving business growth.

While hybrid and remote working present numerous advantages, they also come with unique challenges that must be addressed. Reliable internet connectivity is crucial for effective remote work, and the government should invest in infrastructure development to ensure widespread access to high-speed internet across the country. Employers must also establish clear communication channels and implement robust remote work policies to maintain collaboration and cohesion among team members.

The removal of the subsidy and the adoption of hybrid and remote working have the potential to stimulate Nigeria’s economy. By reducing transportation costs, employees can allocate their savings towards other essential expenditures, thereby increasing consumer spending. This shift can open doors to new employment opportunities and increase workforce participation, benefiting both individuals and the economy as a whole.

The integration of hybrid and remote working into Nigeria’s workforce is an exciting prospect for the future. As technology continues to advance and businesses adapt, the concept of traditional office-based work may become less dominant. The government, private sector, and individuals must collaborate to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation, provides training in remote work skills, and ensures equitable access to opportunities.

In conclusion, the removal of the subsidy in Nigeria must catalyse the adoption of hybrid and remote working, which offers numerous benefits for employees, employers, and the economy. By embracing this new working model, Nigeria can unlock the potential for enhanced productivity, improved work-life balance, and increased economic growth. Stakeholders must work together to address challenges and create an enabling environment that promotes the successful integration of hybrid and remote working into the fabric of Nigerian society.

Dr Salisu Uba, PhD FCIPS, writes from the United Kingdom.

Contact information LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/salisuuba/