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June 19, 2024 Fubara Swears In Rivers Caretaker Committee Chairmen
IFMNEWS

Fubara Swears In Rivers Caretaker Committee Chairmen

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is currently appointing new caretaker chairmen for the state's 23 local government areas. The ceremony is taking place at the Government House in Port Harcourt under strict security measures. It was reported that the first 11 caretaker chairmen were being sworn in. This follows Fubara's submission of the nominees to the state House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, the previous day. The nominees were called for screening early Wednesday morning.

The list of newly appointed caretaker chairmen includes:

  1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
  2. Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
  3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
  4. Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs
  5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
  6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
  7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
  8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
  9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
  10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji
  11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri
  12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
  13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
  14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
  15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
  16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
  17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
  18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
  19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
  20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
  21. Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip
  22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
  23. Tai LGA – Matthew Dike

This development adds complexity to the political tensions in the state following the passage of the Local Government Amendment Bill. Although Governor Fubara did not sign the bill, the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, overrode his veto. The bill allows the Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their deputies, and councillors if elections cannot be held before their terms end. However, the amended law was nullified by a court, leading to an appeal with a decision expected on June 20, 2024.

Amidst the ongoing conflict over the tenure extensions, leaders from Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru LGAs have called for calm after youths blocked council secretariats. Meanwhile, some Ijaw youths showed their support for Fubara by gathering outside the Port Harcourt LGA Secretariat with placards, flags, and displays of solidarity.

The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, has urged politicians and their followers to remain peaceful and respect the legal process. He emphasized that the police are prepared to prevent any disturbances in the state.

June 17, 2024 Edo 2024: Shaibu Endorses Opposition Candidate
IFMNEWS

Edo 2024: Shaibu Endorses Opposition Candidate

Philip Shaibu, a former deputy governor of Edo State, has announced his support for Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the upcoming governorship election on September 21.

Shaibu stated that the race initially featured three local candidates: himself, Okpebholo, and Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party (LP). "I support a local candidate because I believe our government should be led by someone who understands our community's issues. We've tried outsiders before, and it hasn’t worked. We need a local leader," Shaibu said. He emphasized that there are only two local candidates left in major parties: one in LP and one in APC, and he has chosen to back the APC's Okpebholo. He criticized the PDP candidate as an outsider and opposed to godfatherism, noting that the PDP's candidate is connected to Governor Obaseki.

Shaibu made these remarks during the 2024 Father’s Day celebration at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City, where he served as an altar attendant. He clarified that after withdrawing from the race, he supports Okpebholo, and Governor Obaseki has acknowledged that everyone is free to choose their candidate. Shaibu stressed that his endorsement of the opposition is not anti-party, highlighting that Governor Obaseki himself had affiliations with both PDP and Labour Party in previous elections. "Everyone has the right to support whoever they want, and this is my choice," he concluded.

June 14, 2024 World Bank Approves $2.25bn For Economic Reforms In Nigeria
IFMNEWS

World Bank Approves $2.25bn For Economic Reforms In Nigeria

The World Bank has sanctioned a $2.25 billion loan for Nigeria aimed at stabilizing its economy through reforms and bolstering assistance to the impoverished. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Finance Minister, revealed this development on Thursday. In April, Mr. Edun had previously announced Nigeria's qualification for and intention to secure the $2.25 billion loan from the World Bank. The loan is anticipated to play a crucial role in supporting Nigeria's economic recovery efforts amidst ongoing challenges.

According to a statement from Mohammed Manga, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, the approved funding encompasses $1.5 billion allocated to the Nigerian Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing Programme (DPF) and $750 million for the Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms (ARMOR) Programme-for-Results (PforR). This total of $2.25 billion is set to provide essential financial and technical assistance as the government continues to address economic imbalances.

The statement highlights that these funds will aid Nigeria in its objectives to boost non-oil revenues and ensure fiscal sustainability, enabling the delivery of high-quality public services. Mr. Edun expressed gratitude for the World Bank's support and stressed the importance of these reforms in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth, generating jobs, and creating economic opportunities for all Nigerians.

He noted that the RESET initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s economic policy framework, create fiscal space, and protect vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, the ARMOR PforR program will support tax and excise reforms, enhance tax revenue and customs administration, and safeguard oil revenues.

Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Vice President for Western and Central Africa, commended Nigeria’s efforts in reshaping its economy, emphasizing that comprehensive macro-fiscal reforms could stabilize the economy and reduce poverty. Diagana underscored the importance of sustaining these reforms and continuing to support vulnerable populations to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

June 14, 2024 The Association of Local Government of Nigeria Expresses Concerns Over Proposed N62,000 Minimum Wage
IFMNEWS

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria Expresses Concerns Over Proposed N62,000 Minimum Wage

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has voiced apprehension regarding the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, warning that its implementation could significantly strain the financial capacities of local councils across the country.

Recently, the Federal Government cautioned organized labor about the broader economic ramifications of pushing for what it termed an unrealistic hike in the national minimum wage. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the suggested N250,000 minimum wage demand by labor unions could potentially destabilize the economy, trigger mass layoffs, and jeopardize the welfare of Nigerians.

Contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s assertions during his Democracy Day address that an agreement had been reached on the new national minimum wage, labor unions disputed this claim.

Speaking on a monitored program on Thursday, ALGON National President Aminu Muazu-Maifata expressed skepticism about the feasibility of local governments meeting the proposed N62,000 minimum wage. He highlighted that many of the 774 local government areas (LGAs) are still grappling with the payment of the current N30,000 minimum wage approved in 2019.

"The current allocation from the Federation Account is inadequate for local government councils to meet the proposed N62,000 minimum wage," Muazu-Maifata stated. "Currently, approximately 90% of our revenue from the Federation Account is allocated to salaries and pensions. Without a revision in the allocation percentage to local governments, it will be exceedingly challenging, if not impossible, to meet the proposed wage increase."

He further elaborated, "Local government councils presently receive slightly over 18% of the total Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds, whereas the federal government receives over 52%. Some councils are still struggling with the N18,000 minimum wage and have not yet fully implemented the N30,000 wage. With the current allocation structure, local governments simply cannot afford an increase to N62,000."

Muazu-Maifata, who also serves as chairman of Lafia Local Government in Nasarawa State, emphasized that local governments shoulder numerous responsibilities beyond salary payments. He advocated for a comprehensive consideration of these obligations when evaluating the affordability and sustainability of any proposed minimum wage increase.

In conclusion, Muazu-Maifata underscored that should the proposed minimum wage legislation be enacted, local governments would have to seek financial assistance from governors and the Federal Government to bridge the funding gap.

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