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May 15, 2024 Wave of Resignations as Five Wike Supporters Depart Fubara’s Government

Wave of Resignations as Five Wike Supporters Depart Fubara’s Government

A new wave of resignations has hit the Rivers State Government led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with five more commissioners, who are aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stepping down from their positions.

Among those who tendered their resignations are Chinedu Mmom (education), Gift Worlu (housing), Jacobson Nbina (transport), Inime Aguma (social welfare and rehabilitation), and Austin Ben-Chioma (environment). Aguma cited the lack of opportunities for professional growth in the workplace, while Ben-Chioma attributed his decision to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, among other personal reasons. Mmom and Worlu cited a toxic work environment as their main reasons for leaving, while Nbina pointed to unresolved political issues in the state.

These five individuals were among the commissioners who initially resigned from the governor's cabinet in December amid a political crisis but were later reinstated following President Bola Tinubu's intervention. Earlier resignations included Zacchaeus Adangor (Justice), Emeka Woke (Special Projects), and Alabo George-Kelly (Works). Governor Fubara recently announced plans to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the governance of the state under the Wike administration, accusing his opponents of deliberately undermining his government. However, he had hoped for a peaceful resolution to the state's issues.

This development is the latest twist in the political crisis gripping the oil-rich state, exacerbating the feud between Fubara and the state House of Assembly. Last week, lawmakers loyal to the governor elected a new speaker, and Fubara issued an executive order relocating the assembly's sitting venue to the Government House due to safety concerns. The ongoing feud stems from the strained relationship between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the FCT. Although President Tinubu intervened in the crisis last year, the situation remains unresolved.

May 15, 2024 Three Commissioners Affiliated with Wike Resign from Fubara’s Cabinet, Citing Toxic Environment

Three Commissioners Affiliated with Wike Resign from Fubara’s Cabinet, Citing Toxic Environment

Three commissioners, known for their allegiance to Governor Nyesom Wike, have stepped down from their roles in the Rivers State Executive Council led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The trio includes Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment). Their resignations follow a period of political turmoil in the state, exacerbated by recent confrontations between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. These resignations come just 24 hours after Fubara publicly criticized Wike, accusing him of leaving behind significant financial liabilities.

In their individual resignation letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, the commissioners cited the toxic work environment within the executive council as their primary reason for stepping down. Prof. Mmom expressed his concerns about the loss of trust, animosity, and division among colleagues, highlighting the detrimental effect it has had on his ability to effectively carry out his duties in the education sector.

READ ALSO: New Conflict Emerges in Rivers Assembly as Pro-Fubara Legislators Elect Oko-Jumbo as Speaker

Similarly, Ben-Chioma and Worlu emphasized the political crisis engulfing the state as a key factor in their decisions to resign. Ben-Chioma noted the privilege of serving in the state executive council but cited personal reasons and the ongoing political turbulence as grounds for his resignation. Worlu echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the toxic atmosphere and arbitrary decision-making processes that have marred their working relationship.

Before their resignations, other notable figures, including the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, had also stepped down from their roles in the state government. Their resignations came amidst directives from Fubara to reassign them to different ministries, a move that further underscored the discord within the state leadership.

May 15, 2024 Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Rises to 33.69% In April 2024

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Rises to 33.69% In April 2024

In April 2024, Nigeria's inflation rate surged to 33.69%, marking a significant increase from the March 2024 headline inflation rate of 33.20%. This information was disclosed in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday.

The report indicated that the April 2024 headline inflation rate saw a 0.49%-point rise compared to the previous month. On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was notably higher, standing at 11.47% points above the rate recorded in April 2023, which was 22.22%.

Furthermore, the month-on-month comparison revealed that the headline inflation rate in April 2024 was 2.29%, representing a 0.73% decrease from the rate recorded in March 2024, which was 3.02%. This suggests that the rate of increase in the average price level in April was lower than in March.

In recent weeks, the prices of food and essential commodities have skyrocketed, exacerbating the challenges faced by Nigerians grappling with high living costs amid one of the country's most severe economic crises. This crisis has been precipitated by the government's policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows. The value of the naira, which initially saw some appreciation against the dollar in April, experienced a sharp decline from approximately N1,100/$1 to about N1,500/$1.

Following the latest inflation report by the NBS, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is anticipated to review the country's interest rate, currently set at 24.75%.

May 15, 2024 Federal Government Suspends Cybersecurity Levy

Federal Government Suspends Cybersecurity Levy

The controversial cybersecurity levy on electronic banking transactions has been suspended by the federal government. Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this decision while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. He stated that the policy is currently under review.

"The government's stance is that the policy has been suspended. It has been placed on hold pending review. This decision was reiterated during yesterday's FEC meeting. Today's meeting is a continuation of yesterday's," the minister explained.

He further elaborated, "So, I can confirm that the cybersecurity levy has been suspended and is currently under review by the government."

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had earlier mandated banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers to implement the levy as stipulated in the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. This directive implied that all electronic transactions would incur a 0.5 percent levy, with the funds directed to the National Cybersecurity Fund overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

However, the implementation of the levy sparked widespread outrage, prompting calls for its suspension. Last week, the House of Representatives urged the CBN to retract the circular instructing financial institutions to initiate the 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy, citing its ambiguity.

In response to a motion presented by Kingsley Chinda urging the urgent halt and modification of the levy's implementation, the House called for the withdrawal of the initial circular from the CBN and the issuance of a clearer directive.

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