Politics |

May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024May 20, 2024 IFMNEWS

Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Fresh Bail Request

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a new application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking release on bail pending the determination of the treasonable felony charges against him. The ruling, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, stated that the court was not inclined to favor Kanu, who had previously jumped bail.

Justice Nyako noted that Kanu’s sureties had requested to be discharged from their obligations after he fled the country, leading the court to order the forfeiture of their N100 million bail bonds. This issue is currently before the Court of Appeal. The court has repeatedly denied Kanu's bail requests, leaving the appellate court as his only option.

Kanu also requested to be transferred to prison custody or placed under house arrest, which the court denied. However, it instructed the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu access to his lawyers, not exceeding five at a time, on every visiting day. Kanu must be provided with a clean place to consult with his lawyers and access to a doctor of his choice.

Justice Nyako warned Kanu’s legal team that filing similar applications would be considered an abuse of the judicial process and advised them to appeal the decision if they wish.

Kanu was initially arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, upon returning from the United Kingdom. He was granted bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, after 18 months in detention, and released from Kuje prison on April 28, 2017. He later fled the country after a military raid on his home in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, during which some of his followers were killed. Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and extradited to Nigeria on June 27, 2021. Since June 29, 2021, he has been held in DSS custody.

On April 8, 2022, the court dismissed eight out of the 15 charges against him, finding them unsubstantial. On October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal ordered Kanu’s release and quashed the charges, citing the government's illegal rendition of Kanu from Kenya. The Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, which, on December 15, 2023, overturned the appellate court’s decision and allowed the trial to proceed on the remaining seven charges.

May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024 IFMNEWS

Workers Will Rather Work For Free Than Accept N48,000 — NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that they would prefer to mobilize workers to stay home with their families or provide free services rather than accept the Federal Government's proposed new minimum wage of N48,000. This statement was made by Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, during an interview on Sunday.

Last Wednesday, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress walked out of negotiations after the government offered N48,000, which is significantly lower than the N615,000 demanded by the unions as the new national minimum wage. Following the session, labor leaders called the offer "an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers" at an emergency press conference.

In response to the unions' reaction, the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, invited the unionists for another round of negotiations on Tuesday in a letter dated May 16.

Ndubuaku emphasized that the NLC would not relent until a better offer is presented. He criticized the federal and state governments for offering excuses despite increased allocations, which he finds absurd.

"We have given the FG an ultimatum. If the new minimum wage is not settled by the end of this month, we will all go home. Instead of accepting N48,000 per month, we will encourage workers to either work for free for the government or become artisans. That’s our current stance," Ndubuaku stated.

He questioned the government's rationale, suggesting that their actions lack proper consideration. He mentioned that even the National Bureau of Statistics reports an average daily food cost of N900, a figure from a government agency that contradicts the proposed minimum wage. He accused the government of either being out of touch or intentionally insulting the workers.

Ndubuaku expressed hope for a productive negotiation on Tuesday, stressing the need for a comprehensive plan that aligns with the people's expectations. He highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as food security, transportation subsidies, potentially using CNG buses, and health insurance. The NLC is eager to see what the government will propose in the upcoming session.

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024 IFMNEWS

NNPP Leader Warns Tinubu: N48,000 Minimum Wage Insufficient for Workers

A member of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, has criticized the proposed N48,000 minimum wage by the federal government, stating that workers are insufficient to survive.

Following reports that the meeting between the federal government and labor unions ended in a deadlock over the proposed N48,000 minimum wage, Ajadi expressed his disappointment with the figure. In a statement released Thursday, Ajadi revealed that he closely monitored the negotiations between the government and organized labor on the new minimum wage. He emphasized that the government did not take into account the current economic realities before proposing N48,000.

to Ajadi, the suggested minimum wage does not align with the present economic conditions in Nigeria, especially considering the high cost of living and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities like petrol and food items. He argued that with petrol selling for over N700 per liter in most filling stations, and basic food items becoming increasingly expensive, it would be unrealistic for workers to manage their expenses with a monthly salary of N48,000. Ajadi suggested alternative measures, such as paying workers based on their working hours, to ensure that those who genuinely put in effort are adequately rewarded.

also highlighted the example of states like Edo, which have independently increased their minimum wage to N70,000. While acknowledging the presence of inefficiencies in the civil service, Ajadi urged the federal government to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers and consider raising the minimum wage. He called on labor unions to continue negotiations with the government rather than rejecting the proposal outright, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to reach a fair and realistic wage agreement.

In conclusion, Ajadi stressed that any minimum wage below N200,000 would be inadequate and urged labor representatives to clearly articulate the reasons why N48,000 is insufficient for workers to sustain themselves.

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024 IFMNEWS

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.

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