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May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024 IFMNEWS

Tinubu Signs Bill Returning Old Anthem Into Law

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to the National Anthem Bill 2024, resulting in the restoration of the former national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this development on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. This event coincided with the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration. Tinubu, who later joined the joint session, confirmed “Nigeria, we hail thee” as the "latest national anthem".

READ ASLO: Return to Old Anthem: ‘Can It Address Current Hardship?’ Nigerians Respond

Akpabio clarified that the purpose of the session was primarily to introduce the new national anthem, noting that the President would not be delivering a speech due to his engagement in launching the Abuja metro line.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had previously passed legislation to replace the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” during separate sessions.

With the President's endorsement of the bill to reintroduce the old national anthem, the joint sitting opted for “Nigeria, we hail thee”, discarding the anthem in use since 1978.

The old anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, composed at the time of Nigeria's independence on October 1, 1960, has now replaced “Arise, O Compatriots”. Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria during its independence, wrote the lyrics for “Nigeria, we hail thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. This anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.

May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024 IFMNEWS

CJN Summons Kano Chief Judge, Federal Judge Over Conflicting Orders

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of Kano State High Court due to conflicting interim injunctions concerning the Kano Emirate, which have caused considerable confusion in the state.

Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano issued an order for the eviction of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from the Kofar Kudu Palace, reinforcing the authority of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. “An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the applicant, or infringing on his rights is hereby granted,” stated Justice Amobeda. He added, “This order ensures that Emir Aminu Bayero enjoys all rights and privileges accrued to him by virtue of his position.”

Conversely, the Kano State High Court, under Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, issued an injunction to protect Muhammadu Sanusi and other key figures from potential harassment by state authorities. This order prevents any interference with the Emir’s autonomy and the seizure of key symbols of his authority, such as the twin spear, the Royal Hat of Dabo, and the ostrich-feathered shoes. Justice Aliyu emphasized, “An order of interim injunction is granted restraining the respondents from harassing or intimidating the applicants or confiscating any symbols of the Emir’s authority.” She further added, “The respondents are ordered to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

These conflicting orders have led to significant confusion regarding the rightful authority and protection of the emirs in Kano. The State High Court’s case is set for further hearing on June 13, while the Federal High Court has adjourned its case to June 4.

May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024 IFMNEWS

Tinubu’s First Anniversary Surprise: Government Plans New Cash Transfer Program for 75 Million Nigerians

The Federal Government announced on Tuesday that it has reinstated the suspended social investment programme, which aims to provide direct payments to 75 million Nigerians across 50 million households to alleviate the suffering of citizens, especially vulnerable groups. The cash transfer scheme has been revamped to address issues of fraud.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, made this announcement during a ministerial sectoral briefing marking President Bola Tinubu's first year in office. On January 12, Tinubu had suspended all programmes managed by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) for six weeks as part of an investigation into alleged mismanagement. Additionally, on January 8, the president suspended Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, whose ministry oversees NSIPA.

The suspension affected initiatives such as N-Power, the conditional cash transfer scheme, the government enterprise and empowerment programme, and the home-grown school feeding initiative. On March 13, the House of Representatives called for the resumption of these social investment initiatives.

To revamp the programme, Tinubu established a Special Presidential Panel led by Edun to conduct a thorough review and audit of the existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines. During the briefing, Edun provided an update on the committee's actions, stating that the government has decided to restart the programme to support poor Nigerians.

Edun explained, "I am obligated to provide an overview of the strategy, policies, and implementation of Mr. President’s reform programme. Immediately upon taking office, Mr. President launched macroeconomic reforms to restore stability to the Nigerian economy, including subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms. These reforms have increased costs for individuals and businesses, but Mr. President is dedicated to mitigating the negative impacts through social interventions."

The government has restarted the social investment programme, offering direct payments to 75 million Nigerians in 50 million households. Additionally, access to credit has been improved, with N1bn allocated for consumer credit and grants of 50,000 Naira provided to 1 million small businesses.

May 29, 2024

May 29, 2024 IFMNEWS

Minimum Wage: TUC Slams ‘Unserious’ Government, Threatens Strike

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticized the Federal Government for its indifferent attitude towards discussions on a new minimum wage, warning of a potential strike if the issue remains unresolved.

"The government must take the matter of a new minimum wage seriously," said TUC President Festus Osifo in an interview on Tuesday.

For months, labor unions and the Federal Government have been engaged in negotiations over a new minimum wage, with the unions setting a deadline of May 31st.

Initially, labor demanded a ₦615,000 minimum wage but later reduced their request twice, now standing at ₦494,000. The government and the organized private sector had initially proposed ₦48,000 and ₦54,000, respectively, but these offers were rejected by the labor unions.

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Author: IFMNEWS

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