NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2020
THE NATION
Maradona took deadly drug for bipolar disorder
Odusanya wins record sixth Asoju Oba Cup
COVID-19 struck Hamilton to miss Sakhir GP
WAFU U20 Tourney: Sanusi offers tips to Flying Eagles
Minister predicts basketball revolution
DTigers coach counts Afrobasket success
Thomas Bach unopposed for IOC re-election
Southwest leaders seek presidents action on El-Rufai Report
Ex-Daily Trust Editors join online newspaper
925 names smuggled into Constables recruitment list
Senate: Buhari govt has failed to secure Nigerians
Cowardly insurgents remain degraded, says Lai Mohammed
Dollar savers offload deposits as naira exchanges for N490/$
Poor tax remittances weaken developing economies, says SGF
Dont destroy projects sited in your communities, Fed Govt warns Nigerians
Boko Haram: Army demotes General over leaked video
Pressure mounts on APC, PDP to respect zoning
The Milkmaid is Nigerias official submission for Oscars
May & Baker Nigeria grows Q3 profit by 44% to N1b
CSCS wins BAFI award
Shareholders okay Olushekun, others for Cutix board
Boosting low-cost deposits with digital banking
NNPC opens bid for PHRC rehabilitation contract
Stakeholders push for effective agric extension service
NAICOM, Foundation partner to deepen micro insurance
CBN to fund CNG infrastructure with N250b
Budget 2021: Buhari transmits Finance Bill 2020 to National Assembly
Half year real GDP stands at 12.18 per cent
As bandits overrun the North
Re-imagining Africa after Trump
Killing of farmers in Borno: Nigeria sitting on keg of gunpowder
VANGUARD
Zabarmari killings: Osinbajo says local intelligence needed to deal with B/Haram
NIWA unveils plan to float new jetty in Badagry
Nigeria among first countries to develop cheaper, fastest COVID-19 kits, says Osinbajo
Ogun Assembly reads riot act to land grabbers
Kogi to train, employ 200 midwives, 100 nurses for rural areas
No evidence of widespread voter fraud yet ‘ U.S. Attorney General
MRA condemns blocking of websites associated with #EndSARS protests
Spotify’s most-streamed song in 2020 should thank TikTok and lockdown
Nigeria’s gas programme to create 2m jobs annually ‘ Minister
NERC working against electricity consumers ‘ group alleges
Envoy lauds 60 years of bilateral cooperation between Israel, Nigeria
Julius Berger in Minna for reconstruction of 6-Number Roads in Tunga
COF Abuja donates items, cash to support Mother Theresa Children’s Home
Stakeholders call for stable power supply to tackle youth unemployment
FCTA to partner owners of uncompleted structures on completion
Adekola honored at 39th National conference of the association of community Pharmacist in Nigeria
FG to deliver over 1,000 gas-powered buses to organized labour ‘ Sylva
Osun monarchs commend Oyetola over infrastructural spread
Need for action against online pests
2023: Rotimi Amaechi backs Fashola on zoning
DESIEC creates 34 new wards, fixes Delta local govt election for March 6
Bayelsa by-election: We will emerge victorious ‘ PDP boasts
Imo governor moves to scale up IGR, sets up ISAMATA caretaker committee
BREAKING: Senate confirms Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman
Customs strike force intercepts N767m worth of goods in 3wks
Claim of Eastern ports revival misleading ‘ Nwokeoji
Deep Blue Project: Minister threaten to withhold contractor’s fee
Action Committee on AfCFTA partners NSC on transportation infrastructure deficit
Updates on the transformations at the Nigerian Ports Authority
Customs explains multiple import counter-check system
Task Force to dismantle multiple illegal checkpoints
Nigerian Maritime University commence moves to get IMO accreditation
Maritime Security: FG plans to spend N8.9bn on boat rentals
Ultimus Holdings to invest $2bn in Nigeria, others
Airopay expands fintech space, broadens cashless economy
Expired Nigeria satellites to be replaced soon
Women in Tech: WITIN inducts 16-advisory board members
Top CIOs receive awards for deepening tech ecosystem
Samsung may discontinue high-end Galaxy Note smartphones ‘ sources
Desmond Ovbiagele’s ‘The Milkmaid’ is Nigeria’s submission for 2021 OSCARS
Nigeria’s poverty capital status: Solution (3)
COVID-19 safety protocols, rundown facilities may further stall universities’ reopening ‘ Investigation
PharmAccess Foundation, MSD partner to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health
THISDAY
New Solution Saves TCO, Boosts Efficiency at Telecoms Sites
Huawei Introduces Key Architecture Index to Drive 5G Acceleration
Lagos Targets 90% Budget Performance in 2020
AfDB Invests $5m in Clean Cooking Solution
Export: FG Highlight Action Plans Ahead January 2021 AfCFTA
Expert Advises FG to Cede 50% of Oil Royalties to Host Communities
NGO Explores Technology for Civic Space
Afreximbank Launches MANSA, Africas Digital Due Diligence Repository
Proposed Medical Free Zone to Curb Capital Flight, Says NEPZA Boss
Lack of Business Devt Services Bane of MSMEs, Says Katagum
Recession: NACCIMA Calls for OPS Involvement in Policy Formulation
FG Inaugurates Jigawa Power Substation, Warns Vandals
FG Harps on Merit, Performance-based System in Public Service
UBA Wins BAFI Awards
US Soybean Export Council to Establish Excellence Centres in Nigeria
Stanbic IBTC Pension Welcomes Transfer Window
FG Urged to Develop Robust Retirement Plan
UBA: Becoming Depositors Favourite
9M: May & Baker Nigeria Grows Profit by 44% to N1bn
BudgIT Urges FG to Prioritise Capital Projects that Deliver Value
Nanono Orders Increased Production of Rice, Maize to Boost Food Security
Stakeholders Seek More Human Capital Investments
House to Probe Alleged Fraud in IPPIS
Is Olajide Adediran the David of Lagos State
In Pursuit of Electoral Reforms that Serve the Common Good
THE ZABARMARI MASSACRE
DTigers American Coach, Brown, Rates African Basketball High
Covid-19 Knocks off Aston Villa, Newcastle Friday Clash
Basketball to Experience Revolution in Nigeria Soon, Says Sports Minister
NFF Presidency: Pinnick Restates No Third Term Ambition
PUNCH
PDP withdraws from Kano LG polls
BREAKING: Ex-NCAA DG Muhtar Usman is dead
N69.4bn debt: Court to rule on Jimoh Ibrahims seized property Jan 12
Swedish-Nigerian jailed four years for child trafficking in Akwa Ibom
US judge blocks Trump rules on tech visas
Some states yet to pay minimum wage, NLC laments
Reps fault British parliament over looting allegation against Gowon
North-East govs back Zulum, want mercenaries against Boko Haram
Members at war: Why Ondo Assembly crisis has yet to end
Autogasll be cheaper than petrol, FG insists
FG inaugurates task force on expatriate quota violations
Solar power programmell generate N7bn tax revenues annually FG
One dead as APC sweeps Borno council polls
La Liga president Tebas hopes for fans return in January
Maina will be extradited to Nigeria soon Police
Buhari writes NAssembly, seeks approval for Finance Bill
Stock market extends gains by N55bn
138 miners seek N14.6bn for projects FG
Economy: Buhari thanks Nigerians for patience
MSMEs make informal payments to fast-track FIRS processes Report
Ibom Air recorded 300,000 passengers in one year Airline
Eterna targets N21bn turnover in Q1 2021
Abuja light rail awaits PTFs order to resume operations
Solar power programmell generate N7bn tax revenues annually FG
Itll be cheaper to run gas-fired vehicles FG
NCAA warns airlines about adverse weather
Anchor pays N957m claims in 10 months
European shares rise on vaccine hopes
Fidelity Bank gets recognition
Firm drives SMEs growth for economic devt
Forex liquidity presents risks to Nigerian banks ratings Fitch
Digital Encode co-founder joins Forbes Technology Council
Collaboration, key to successful remote work Expert
Cutix gets new directors, auditor
Unilever Nigeria appoints new director
May & Baker appoints new MD
Borno massacre: Boko Haram mounts checkpoints, collects levies, says Senate, Reps invite Buhari
Terrorism: Dont unfreeze #EndSARS campaigners accounts, CBN begs court
Forbes names Okonjo-Iweala Africa Person of the Year 2020
Ekiti, AIbom, Taraba, others renew call for state police
Its hate speech saying ex-govs in Senate to sleep Orji
17 corps members test positive for COVID-19 in Abia
Troops killed five bandits, rescued nine in Kaduna Govt
THE SUN
Envoy lauds 60 years of bilateral cooperation between Israel, Nigeria
DICON, NMDC sign MoU to boost research, local production of military equipment
NiDCOM congratulates Adeyemo on his nomination as US Deputy Treasury Secretary
Dabiri-Erewa commends CBN for Diaspora-friendly Forex policy
HIV/AIDS prevalence drops to 0.4 in Bauchi
Okonjo-Iweala to speak at WISCAR’s 2020 virtual leadership, mentoring conference
Why Nigeria is not moving forward Rev. Agwu
AFCON 2021 Qualifier: Super Eagles may return to Lagos against Lesotho
Ndidi goes spiritual over injury
Villarreal coach tells Real, Man U
Oshoala nominated for UEFA Fans’ Team of the Year
Countdown to 2021 Lagos City Marathon: Our elite field good for a World Athletics Gold Label- Alli
Basketball ‘ll soon experience revolution ‘ Minister
GOTV Boxing Night: Opaleye, OSABA boss, lauds new Bantamweight champion
More than 1 billion people’ll have access to 5G by end of 2020
MTN introduces Zigi,new digital online assistant
Finance Bill: Buhari writes Senate, seeks approval
NAICOM grants underwriters leeway to operate microinsurance business
Collapsed agric extension services hampering food security ‘Nanono
Implementation of SDGs framework has commenced ‘FG
Miners without valid documents, won’t access N5bn facility ‘FG
Nigeria needs PPP to bridge transport challenges ‘Gowon
Court extends order restraining NPA from INTELS’ berths at Onne port
Annual Lagos international maritime week starts December 8
We didnt attack Wikes fathers church IPOB
Kogi presents N130bn budget
FG sets up task force on enforcement of expatriates quota, business permit
Aged laud AbdulRazaqs gesture
Delta to conduct LG polls in 500 wards
Pension: Enugu begins verification
Gowon: Reps summon British envoy
Govs hold emergency meeting over insecurity
2021 Budget: Buhari transmits Finance Bill 2020 to NASS
Nasarawa APC chairmans killer arrested Gov Sule
Boko Haram and Islamist separatism in northern Nigeria
Hacks, not ‘hack writers
Trumping Trump through binding Biden
Nigeria’s worsening state of insecurity
Hidden knowledge on why people suffer (14)
Rage over fuel price increase
INEC, NASS and financial reports of political parties
The Apology ASUU owes Ngige
Emefiele deserves garland, not guillotine
Halting the rape epidemic
Just in: The Milkmaid is Nigerias submission for Oscars
GUARDIAN
How Lagos East bye-election will change face of democracy, by Olukunle
Four nabbed in alleged sale of baby for N300, 000 in Katsina
Kogi proposes N130 billion as 2021 budget
Obasanjo fears for democracy, seeks strong drug laws in Central, West Africa
Police arrest suspected killer of Nasarawa APC chair
Enugu begins pensions verification exercise
Suspected looters shoot DPO in Benue
Police move to return Maina from Niger
Condemnation trails calls for dissolution, probe of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Urhobo leaders seek investors in agriculture sector
Which Americans will get the Covid vaccine first
Odusanya sets record of most wins at Asoju Oba Cup
Ronaldo has Maradona’s passion, Messi ‘nothing,’ says Benfica coach
140 basketballers jostle to represent Nigeria at Tokyo Olympics
Bach to run unopposed for second term as IOC president
Akwa Ibom boxing boss tasks coaches, stakeholders on talent development
Real Madrid beaten by Shakhtar again, leaving Champions League hopes in balance
Newcastle game with Villa postponed due to Covid outbreak
World airlines rally governments to financial, regulatory support
FCCPC unveils new merger review regulations, ancillary instruments
FG begins disbursement of transport support scheme
How businesses can get access to finance, by experts
FG boosts rural electrification in Ebonyi, inaugurates 100KWP solar hybrid
Stakeholders advocate collaboration between regulators, operators
World’s first zero-emission container vessel delivered
Comercio Partners emerges best boutique investment bank
NIMASA is committed to capacity building, says DG
Stock market resumes December upbeat as capitalisation rises by N55b
Household Internet access in urban areas twice as high as in rural
NCC boss, Danbatta for ZIK award
ATCON targets telecoms bank for infrastructure development
Nomination for 2021 GAGE awards begins today
Coronavirus diary – Part 35
The irenic Clark ‘ A tribute
Aviation bailout and Senate’s strange oversight
The way we are
Recession analysts or Alice in Wonderland
Is there a government by gunmen’ – Part 3
Who said the Igbo hate Tinubu
Northern elders ask Buhari to resign over insecurity
Continued border closure negates AfCFTA’s liberalisation agenda’, says MAN
NBC ex-DG loses bid to stop trial over alleged N2.5b fraud
Dare predicts basketball revolution in Nigeria
TRIBUNE
SOWREPUBLIC To Build A One Trillion Dollar Economy Across Third World Nations Over The Next Ten Years Using Blockchain Cryptocurrency
Equities market posts sixth-day gain despite negative breath
Q3’2020: May & Baker Nigeria grows profit by 44 per cent
Demolition: NPA, CCECC hold talks to avoid port operation collapse
How Increased Cryptocurrency Adoption Could Affect the Naira
Parallel market trades at N500 to dollar as CBN adjusts exchange rate
Oyetola’s anniversary: Jay Jay Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, 10 other ex-internationals celebrate with a football match
CUPP flays presidency over Garba Shehu’s statement on Borno rice farmers
Nigeria records 281 new cases of COVID-19, total now 67,838
At Afternoon of Praise, Tributes: How Oyediran effected release of 10 prisoners recounted
Rage in Senate over massacre of 67 Borno rice farmers
We are prepared to tackle any disease outbreak ‘ FG
Buhari is Nigeria’s only problem, says Coalition of Northern Groups
Reps invite Buhari over insecurity in Nigeria
BREAKING: Senate confirms Mahmood Yakubu as INEC chairman
SPORTS
10,000 runners expected at 2021 Lagos City Marathon Nigpilot – Nigerian Pilot
140 basketballers jostle to represent Nigeria at Tokyo Olympics – Guardian
2020/2021 NPFL season postponed Nigpilot – Nigerian Pilot
AFCON 2021 Qualifier: Super Eagles may return to Lagos against Lesotho – The Sun
AFCON 2022: Super Eagles complacency will no longer be tolerated -Pinnick Nigpilot – Nigerian Pilot
African teams can compete with best in World DTigers coach – Punch
Ahmed Musa heads bsck to CSKA – New Telegraph
Ahmed Musa shuns Galatasaray, heads to CSKA Nigpilot – Nigerian Pilot
Akwa Ibom boxing boss tasks coaches, stakeholders on talent development – Guardian
Antonio Brown’s Civil Trial in Sexual Assault Case Scheduled for December 2021 – Bleacher Report
Argentina rugby captain, two other players suspended for ‘discriminatory and xenophobic’ social media posts – CNN
Argentine prosecutors investigating potential gross negligence in Diego Maradona’s death – CNN
Argentines celebrate ‘eternal love’ for Maradona with tattoos – New Telegraph
Arsenal dealt blow as Houssem Aouar rules out Lyon exit in January – Daily Times
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Bayern Munich: Late Muller penalty delays progress for Simeone’s side – Goal
Bach to run unopposed for second term as IOC president – Guardian
Barcelona confirm ‘122m salary cuts, announce presidential election schedule – New Telegraph
Barkhuizen on target as Preston North End beat AFC Bournemouth in five-goal thriller – Goal
Basketball ‘ll soon experience revolution ‘ Minister – The Sun
Basketball to Experience Revolution in Nigeria Soon, Says Sports Minister – Thisday
Blazers’ Damian Lillard Says NBA Bubble Was ‘Way Easier’ Than Normal Season – Bleacher Report
Brexit: New entry criteria agreed for EU players coming to England – BBC
CAF CC: Pillars will strive to qualify ‘ Rabiu Ali – New Telegraph
CAFCL: Anyansi says Enyimba’s victory silence detractors – New Telegraph
Champions League 2020-21 knockouts: What does each team need to qualify for last 16 – Goal
Champions League fixtures and standings ‘ all matches by date and kick-off time – Yahoo
Champions League Update: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 Real Madrid – Daily Independent
Champions League: Lukaku double fires Inter to victory – Punch
Champions League: Shakhtar beat Real Madrid 2-0 – Punch
College football kicker Sarah Fuller makes history, tells young girls ‘the path to success is a lot of ups and downs – CNN
College Football Playoff 2020: Predicting Final Four Teams Post-Week 14 Rankings – Bleacher Report
College Football Playoff Notebook: The Ohio State Conundrum Has an Easy Fix – Bleacher Report
College Football Playoff Projections: Week 14 Rankings and Bowl Forecast – Bleacher Report
College Football Playoff Rankings 2020: Experts React to Week 14 Top 25 Poll – Bleacher Report
College Football Playoff Rankings 2020: Week 14 Poll Announced by Committee – Bleacher Report
Colts’ Rigoberto Sanchez Says Surgery on Cancerous Tumor ‘Went Well – Bleacher Report
Confederation Cup: Pillars threatens sweat and blood to qualify Rabiu Nigpilot – Nigerian Pilot
Conte heralds Inter ‘spirit’ as they keep Champions League hopes alive with win at Borussia Monchengladbach – Goal
Countdown to 2021 Lagos City Marathon: Our elite field good for a World Athletics Gold Label- Alli – The Sun
Covid-19 Knocks off Aston Villa, Newcastle Friday Clash – Thisday
David Luiz to miss Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna match as defender continues recovery from head injury – Yahoo
Dawid Malan exhibits incredible consistency in most volatile of formats as England down South Africa yet again – Yahoo
Dawid Malan’s unbeaten 99 propels England to third T20 win over South Africa – Yahoo
DTigers American Coach, Brown, Rates African Basketball High – Thisday
EPL: West Ham win after VAR rules out late Villa strike – New Telegraph
Etebo Set For January Stoke City Return – Complete Sports
Euro 2022: Northern Ireland book play-offs berth with 5-1 win over Faroe Islands – BBC
FC Porto 0-0 Manchester City: Gabriel Jesus goal ruled out as City finish top of group – BBC
Ferdinand Slams 2 Arsenal Stars In Defence Of Aubameyang’s Form – Daily Independent
Football on TV this week: Matches to watch & live stream in India today, tomorrow & this weekend – Goal
Frappart set to make history as first female referee in UEFA Champions League – Daily Times
FULL LIST: Oshoala nominated for 2020 UEFA fans Womens Team of the Year – The Cable
Goalkeeper Alisson adds to Liverpool injury woes – Punch
GOTV Boxing Night: Opaleye, OSABA boss, lauds new Bantamweight champion – The Sun
Hawks’ Trae Young Motivated to ‘Change That Narrative That I Can’t Win – Bleacher Report
He changed the game’ – Passion of Jesus makes Fernandinho a believer in Manchester City striker’s quality – Goal
IMPACT Wrestling Results: Winners, Grades and Reaction from December 1 – Bleacher Report
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has not given up hope of playing at next World Cup – Yahoo
ISL 2020-21: Robbie Fowler and East Bengal must be given time – Goal
Nurudeen Adesanya
08033782910
TODAY NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER, 2020.
[12/2, 5:00] princesscolumbus0:
1. Honing their skills in ICT
Over 50 youths in Ebonyi South senatorial zone have been trained on Information Communications Technology (ICT), empowered with new laptops and cash to start up businesses and reduce poverty by the Senator representing Ebonyi South, Chief Michael Ama Nnachi, UCHENNA INYA reports Ebonyi south has five local government areas. The local governments are; Afikpo …
2. Hope for 53,000 girls
Fifty-three thousand Pupils and Girlchild hawkers have received free Uniforms, learning instructional materials, and other basic needs under the Better Education Service Delivery for All BESDA program in nine Local Government Areas, (LGA) of Bauchi State. The nine LGAs include Alkaleri, Bauchi, Misau, Ganjuwa, Jama’are, Itas Gadau, Katagum, Zaki, and Gamawa local government areas. …
3. Lenders brace for competition as PSBs launch operations
Although last week’s roll out of their services by two of the country’s licensed Payment Service Banks (PSBs)- 9PSB and Hope PSB- had been widely expected by industry stakeholders, the development is pushing the nation’s deposit money banks (DMBs) into taking additional steps to prepare for the impending competition, especially in the agency banking business, …
4. Recession: CBN’s stimulus programme fuels optimism
The positive impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) stimulus programme on the economy has fuelled hope that the nation’s economy would make a quick exit from the current COVID-19-induced recession, writes TONY CHUKWUNYEM Although it was widely expected, given the devastating impact of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, the National Bureau of Statistics’ …
With street drama, group advocates zero tolerance against gender-based violence
A street drama campaign staged recently in Amukoko, a Lagos suburb, has been used as a tool to advocate and lobby for zero tolerance against all forms of violence against women and the girl-child. The drama, organised by the Ajegunle Community Project (ACP), a non-government organisation (NGO), also demonstrated the huge burden facing women …
5. Addressing Nigeria’s lingering electricity quagmire
It’s not anymore news that no establishment can flourish without enjoying steady electricity supply. This is so, because power has proven to be the engine room of such venture. If the gospel truth must be told to our faces, then no one ought to mince his or her words while appraising that epileptic power supply …
6. Ebonyi PDP: One party, two chairmen
Supremacy battle in Ebonyi PDP after Umahi’s exit The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been enmeshed in supremacy battle after the recent defection of Governor Dave Umahi to the All Progressives Congress (APC), UCHENNA INYA reports Until November 17, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the envy of …
7. Leveraging science to end port gridlock
After several measures have failed, a new approach is being considered by the Federal Government to tackle the perennial gridlock at port access roads before the end of first quarter 2021, BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports As inefficient traffic management system, inadequate infrastructure, corruption and lack of compliance among the stakeholders have assumed a new …
8. NIMASA establishes e-library for stakeholders
Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commissioned electronic library that would serve as a pool of knowledge for maritime industry stakeholders. The e-library has 24 computers system on work stations and 28 sitting capacity fully connected to agency’s network. The Director General of the agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said that the e-library …
,9. With Our Uniform, Irantiola interrogates injustice, ruthless use of force
To showcase societal decadence and the ruthless use of force by uniformed men, “With our Uniform” a satirical stage drama written by Olutayo Irantiola came alive at the just concluded Lagos Fringe Festival. The play was staged between 20th and 22nd November at Freedom Park, Lagos Island. The drama, directed by Lanre Quadri, tells the …
10. I Appreciate Your Patience With Me – President Buhari Thanks Nigerians
President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians that he appreciates their patience with him as he leads the country through challenging economic terrains.
The President said this on Tuesday during the virtual commissioning of the National Gas Expansion Programme and National Auto-gas Roll-out Initiative at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
11. Senate Confirms Yakubu As INEC Chairman
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been confirmed as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term of five years.
Naija News reports that the Senate confirmed Yakubu during plenary on Tuesday.
His confirmation is following the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on INEC, led by Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano South) which submitted its report at plenary and recommended Yakubu for confirmation.
12. Boko Haram: Buhari Is Satisfied With Service Chiefs – Presidency
The Presidency has stated that the prerogative to appoint or sack Nigeria’s service chiefs solely rest on the shoulders of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, said Buhari keeps the service chiefs as long as he is satisfied with their performance.
13. Despite Killing 43 Farmers, Lai Mohammed Insists Boko Haram Has Been Badly Degraded
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has insisted that the Boko Haram Terrorist group has been badly degraded and can only attack soft targets.
The Minister made the submission on Tuesday during a press conference where he described the recent attack by the terrorist group on some rice farmers in Borno State as an act of cowardice.
14. Borno Killings: Again, Senate Asks Buhari To Sack Service Chiefs
The Nigerian Senate have for the third time this year called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the service chiefs as the nation’s security situation worsens.
The senate made this decision on Tuesday following a motion raised by former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima.
15. Buhari Sends Finance Bill 2021 To House of Reps
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday transmitted Finance Bill 2021 to the House of Representatives.
Naija News reports that President Buhari asked the House to consider the Bill and pass it.
This was made known by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila while reading Buhari’s letter at the opening of Tuesday’s plenary.
16. Boko Haram Sends Warning In New Video As It Reveals Why It Killed Borno Farmers
The Boko Haram faction loyal to Abubakar Shekau has claimed responsibility for the Saturday massacre of 78 rice farmers in Borno State.
The terrorist group in a new video it released claimed it killed 78 farmers in the Zabarmari area of Borno State because they arrested one of its members and handed him over to the Nigerian military.
17. Buhari Taking Serious Look At How To Deal With Insecurity – Osinbajo
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has stated that the government needs to review its conventional means of dealing with the security challenges rocking the country.
Osinbajo stated this while answering questions from newsmen on his arrival at Lafia, Nasarawa State, for a one-day official visit.
18. Military Court Demotes Army General Who Complained Of Lack Of Equipment To Fight Boko Haram
Olusegun Adeniyi, a former commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole has been found guilty by a military tribunal over a leaked video in which he complained of inadequate equipment to fight Boko Haram Terrorists.
The military court found him guilty on Monday of contravening social media guidelines related to military operations and personnel and therefore ruled that he be demoted by at least three years.
19. Maina Will Be Extradited To Nigeria Soon – Police
The Nigerian Police Force on Tuesday commenced the processes to extradite the former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, who was arrested in Niamey, Niger Republic.
Naija News had earlier reported that Maina was apprehended due to joint efforts of Nigeria security agencies and their Nigerien counterparts.
Source: Naija News.
20. Delta To Hold Council Election March 6
The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed the local government election for March 6, 2021.
Announcing on Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of political parties and stakeholders in Asaba, the DSIEC Chairman, Michal Ogbodu, disclosed that the elections would hold in the new 34 wards created by the commission, thereby bringing the total wards to 500.
The commission’s notice of election displayed during the meeting reads, “The approved candidates sponsored by the registered political parties should collect appropriate nomination forms from the office of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission headquarters, between the hours of 8 and 4 p.m. from Tuesday, 2nd February 2021 to Wednesday, 3rd February 2021.
“Nomination forms duly completed as required in the above law must be returned to the commission’s headquarters not later than 4pm on Friday, 5th February 2021.”
The commission chairman, however, warned politicians and political parties to play the game according to its rules and regulations.
Saharareporters, New York
21. Buhari Appoints New Director-General For NAPTIP
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday appointed Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the new Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
She replaces Mrs Julie Okah-Donli.
The new appointment was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘President Buhari appoints Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as Director-General, NAPTIP’.
It read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the new Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
“A holder of BSc (Sociology), Masters of Arts (Management) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim hails from Nasarawa State.
“Until her new appointment, she was a member of the Nasarawa State Economic Advisory Council as well as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Minister of State for Education.”
No mention was made of Okah-Donli in the statement.
Only last month, the former DG was appointed the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons.
Saharareporters, New York
22. -looting-allegation Nigerian House Of Reps Demands Apology From Britain On Gowon’s Looting Allegation
The House of Representatives has resolved to invite the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, over the “unsubstantiated” claim by a member of the United Kingdom parliament that Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, looted the public treasury.At Tuesday’s plenary session, the lawmakers also delegated its Foreign Affairs Committee to investigate the claim while stepping down some prayers sought in a motion on the matter.
The lawmakers questioned why the British government has not issued an apology over the parliamentarian outburst.The resolution of the House followed a motion from a lawmaker, Yusuf Gagdi, who is from the same constituency as Gowon.The House agreed that the speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, should write to the speaker of the UK parliament to express displeasure over the unfounded allegations.The Nigerian lawmakers also agreed that the letter should demand that the UK parliamentarian who made the allegation offer a public apology to Gowon, as well as the people and government of Nigeria.Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the UK Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, had accused Gowon of looting half of Nigeria’s Central Bank when he left office.Speaking at the parliament’s recent debate on the #EndSARS protest, Tugendhat said: “Some people will remember when General Gowon left Nigeria with half of the Central Bank, so it is said, and moved to London.”
Saharareporters, New York
23.wife-tells-court-dissolve-marriage “My Police Husband Harasses Me With Gun, He’s Irresponsible”—Wife Tells Court To Dissolve Marriage
A woman, Iyabo Donald, has petitioned a Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, to dissolve her six-year-old marriage to her estranged police officer husband, Richard, who treated her like a criminal.
She said in a statement before the court’s president, Chief Ademola Odunade, that fear and panic had only characterised her matrimonial period with him.
Iyabo said, “My lord, it is usually one day, one trouble with me in Richard’s home because he tortures me like a common criminal. If I go out or do anything, he is not happy.
“He tracks me around the house with his gun and even locks me out at midnight with our two children.
“Besides, Richard monitors my movements in town. Worst still, he is such an irresponsible man because he neither caters for the children nor I.”
While validating Iyabo’s statement, her mother begged the court to act fast as Richard could kill her daughter if the marriage were not dissolved.
Iyabo’s mother said in her statement, “I can’t count how many times I have settled quarrels between them and on each occasion, Richard went back home to unleash mayhem on her.”
Meanwhile, Richard, though admitted he was guilty of the charges, but promised to turn a new leaf, thereby objecting to the suit against him. He prayed the court to save his marriage.
Odunade, in his ruling, pronounced the marriage dissolved in the interest of peace. He also awarded custody of their two children from the wedding to the petitioner, Iyabo. He asked the defendant, Richard, to pay a sum of N10,000 as their monthly feeding allowance, including funding their education and welfare.
Saharareporters, New York
24.police-service-commission Police Lack Sophisticated Weapons To Tackle Insecurity—Police Service Commission
The Police Service Commission has said that the police lack adequate and sophisticated weapons to tackle the security challenges in the country.
Reacting to the brutal killing of 43 rice farmers in Borno State by the Boko Haram terrorists, a member of the Police Service Commission, Austin Braimoh, said in a Television programme in Abuja on Tuesday, that the onslaught would be forestalled if the police had lethal ammunition to face the insurgents.
“We do not have the required armoury to face internal insurrection,” Braimoh said. “Like what is happening in Borno State, you will agree with me that the police are the number one institution that is supposed to be on the ground to maintain peace. By the time the military liberates the territory, we are supposed to have a strong police presence in that environment.
“The unfortunate development of the slaughter of over 43 innocent farmers may have been averted if we had the right presence of policemen in that place. The spokesman of the president, while defending what happened yesterday, alluded to the fact that when these farmers go into the field, they usually enlist the services of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
“The Civilian JTF go before them, give them some level of protection from these insurgents, and when they close, they also escort them.”
Braimoh, a commissioner in the PSC Board, also talked about the importance of the government to fund the police, as well as annual recruitment to fortify the workforce that will combat insecurity.
“If we keep bringing 10,000 men on board every year, we will certainly get to the required number,” he said.
Saharareporters, New York
25. African Action Congress Kicks Against Baseless Prosecution Of Sowore
Omoyele Sowore
The African Action Congress has expressed its dissatisfaction with the trumped-up charges and trial of its national chairman, Omoyele Sowore, and another associate, Olawale Adebayo, by the Nigerian government.
AAC on Tuesday expressed disappointment with the bogus charges and persecution of the duo by the government for demanding good governance.
Omoyele Sowore
The party warned that it would embark on solidarity march to the Federal High Court in Abuja while demanding that all baseless charges against Sowore and Adebayo be dropped.
Sowore @YeleSowore is the national Chairman of @aacparty & has been actively involved in Nigeria’s democracy for over 3 decades as an activist of repute. In August 2019, he spent 5 months in detention over his activism and has since been under city arrest till now. #FreeSowore pic.twitter.com/cWsyMCPEKJ— African Action Congress #AAC (@aacparty) November 27, 2020
We will storm Federal High Court Abuja on Dec 10th & 11th 2020 in solidarity with @YeleSowore & @IamMandate . We will also demand all bogus charges against them be dropped. Protest is not a crime & every attempt to criminalize it will be resisted! Join us massively! #FreeSowore pic.twitter.com/X1cdfqo4mL— African Action Congress #AAC (@aacparty) December 1, 2020
Reacting to the party’s tweets, a Twitter user @jharmo tweeted, “Sowore will appear at the Federal High Court Abuja on Dec 10 and 11. The @MBuhari regime has been using the judiciary to adjourn every sitting because they have no case to prove. We must storm the court in solidarity as protest is not a crime. Enough is Enough. Sowore will appear at the Federal High Court Abuja on Dec 10th & 11th. The @MBuhari regime has been using the judiciary to adjourn every sittings because they have no case to prove. We must storm the court in solidarity as protest is not a crime. Enough is Enough!#FreeSowore pic.twitter.com/4WoMInY5fL— Towolawi Jamiu #EndSarsNow (@jharmo) December 1, 2020
“Imprisoned for more than four months, under city arrest for more than 11 months, denied access to the family for more than 15 months, all for calling a peaceful protest! @YeleSowore must not spend another Christmas without access to his family. Drop all charges against him.” Imprisoned for more than 4 months, under city arrest for more than 11 months, denied access to family for more than 15 months, all for calling a peaceful protest! @YeleSowore must not spend another Christmas without access to his family. Drop all charges against him.#FreeSowore pic.twitter.com/n9yYESOASq— Towolawi Jamiu #EndSarsNow (@jharmo) December 1, 2020
Another Twitter user, @ValentineOjo5, wrote that “The court should stop adjourning a case that has no legal backing. Let us hear the verdict now, or nobody goes home for Christmas. You can’t be giving Boko Haram Amnesty, Paying Bandits while peaceful protesters are being detained illegally.” The court should stop adjourning a case that has no legal backing. Let us hear the verdict now or nobody goes home for Christmas. You can’t be giving Boko Haram Amnesty, Paying Bandits while peaceful protesters are being detained illegally. #FreeSowore#RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/8BNqSZbUbj— Valentine Ojo (@ValentineOjo5) December 1, 2020
“The strategy of this government is to keep him still 2023 election before he is released because they don’t want him to disrupt their evil agenda towards this country. APC and PDP are afraid of this guy!” @MineUyi tweeted. The strategy of this government is just to keep him still 2023 election before he will be released, because they don’t want him to disrupt their evil agenda towards this country.APC and PDP are afraid of this guy! mdash; Kanye West (@MineUyi) November 27, 2020
SaharaReporters, New York
26. Lagos Judicial Panel Knocks Police For Adopting Delay Tactics To Frustrate Cases
The judicial panel investigating police brutality and human rights violation in Lagos is exasperated by the delaying tactics of the police in the ongoing cases. Head of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi, a former judge, said the panel could no longer move at the pace of police as unnecessary adjournment could frustrate the work of the panel.
Okuwobi faulted the police for applying for another adjournment in the case of Ekekwe Ndukwe, a business who informed the panel that the police allegedly broke his spine when he was thrown off a two-story house.She said the police should expedite actions in all petitions for the panel to be able to deliver within the stipulated time.”We could not move ahead because of you. We have an assignment with a defined date. We can’t continue like this,” she said.”This is what transpires in a normal court,” she added, pointing out that such delaying tactics would not work with the panel.The police representative pleaded for more time to invite witnesses, but Okuwobi warned that the panel could close the cases and give judgment if the police fail to meet up with the schedules.
SaharaReporters, New York
27. Buhari orders release of mass transit buses – Punch NG
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Tuesday, directed the release of mass transit buses to ease the transportation challenges Nigerians are facing.
The president also thanked Nigerians for what he called their patience as the nation continues to witness economic and other challenges.
He also thanked members of the organised labour for their “maturity and patriotism.”
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President spoke at the virtual unveiling of the National Gas Expansion Programme and National Auto-gas Roll-out Initiative at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The statement was titled “Economy: President Buhari appreciates Nigerians for patience, urges more use of gas as alternative to petrol.”
Adesina quoted the President as saying “Let me now express my deep appreciation to Nigerians for their patience, and organised labour for its maturity and patriotism as we collectively navigate these global economic and other challenges.’’
Buhari urged Nigerians to embrace the use of gas as an alternative to fuel.
He noted that the natural gas resources, which Nigeria is endowed with have hitherto been used sub-optimally as a result of a dearth of gas processing facilities and infrastructural connectivity for effective and optimal domestic utilisation.
He said with a proven reserve of about 203 Trillion Cubic Feet and the additional upside of 600 TCF ranking Nigeria as the 9th in the world currently, there was the l need for domestic gas expansion and utilisation.
He also said the deregulation of the downstream sector had exposed many to price volatilities in the global market.
Buhari then said attention should be shifted to more affordable alternative for energy, especially with Nigeria’s heavy reserve.
Ohanaeze blasts Senator Anyim, others over allegations against Gov Umahi – Daily Post Nigeria
28. The Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, has berated a former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim over claims that Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State plans to assassinate him.
OYC claimed that the ongoing political face-off between the Governor and leaders of his former party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was aimed at making the state and entire South-East zone lawless and ungovernable.
The Igbo socio-cultural group made its position known in a press statement, made available to newsmen on Tuesday, following outbursts trailing assassination claims of Senator Pius Anyim against Governor Dave Umahi.
DAILY POST reported earlier that a former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, had accused Umahi of hatching a plan to assassinate him and other prominent leaders in Ebonyi State.
According to Anyim, it all began when he and other political leaders in PDP refused to follow Umahi in his “political adventure” to defect to APC.
Recall that Umahi, who is the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, had recently defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Umahi’s defection to APC has since plunged Ebonyi State into a political crisis amid recriminations, accusations and counter-accusations.
The Governor had last Friday after the state security council meeting, accused the former Senate President, Senator Sam Egwu and Obinna Ogba, as well as the PDP acting Vice-Chairman, South-east, Ali Odefa, of plotting to use members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to unleash mayhem in the state.
But, Ohanaeze Youth Council, (OYC), vowed to resist any attempts to make Ebonyi State lawless over Umahi’s defection, urging political gladiators in Ebonyi to cease fire.
The Igbo youths insisted that the former ruling PDP had been unfair to the South-East geopolitical zone despite the bulk votes it enjoyed from the region since the inception of the democratic governance in the country.
OYC, however, maintained that Governor Umahi’s decision of dumping PDP to the governing All Progressive Congress, APC, was in the best interest of the South-East zone.
Parts of the statement read, “Ohanaeze youths caution that this madness must stop and violence should be resisted except if the children of those brewing the crisis should lead it. Has Senator Pius Anyim forgotten his alleged involvement in the scandal of Abuja Centenary City, which OYC had been studying recently?
Has Senator Sam Egwu forgotten so soon the scandal that led to his exit during his tenure as Minister of Education, where millions were squandered at his birthday party in 2009 when ASUU was on strike?.
We have all comprehensive lists from the budget office of the National Assembly from 1999 to 2019, and the records of monies released for constituency projects for the three senatorial zones in Ebonyi state.
We are still investigating projects executed so far by the National Assembly members from Ebonyi state. They will be called to render their stewardship sooner than later.
29. Zoning Controversy: You Can’t Bar Anyone From Contesting – Osunbor
Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, a former Governor of Edo State, has spoken on the controversy trailing the issue of zoning in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying nobody should be barred from contesting for the Presidency in 2023.
Speaking in a chat with INDEPENDENT, Osunbor said people should be allowed to aspire to any office as long as they meet the eligibility criteria specified by the political parties and the constitution of the federal republic.
He said: “There is freedom of expression, freedom of thought and freedom to hold and impart opinion under the Constitution. People are free to express their opinions and to aspire to any office in the land so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. You cannot gag anybody.
“To the best of my recollection, since 1999 no one or section of the country has ever been prevented from aspiring to the office of President.
“However, there is usually a consensus within each political party as to where the Presidential ticket should go. When that happens, participation by aspirants who defy that understanding or zoning arrangement becomes merely academic.”
He added that while everyone is free to aspire, it is the responsibility of the party to decide who becomes the flagbearer of the party based on consensus or mutual understanding.
“So to answer your question directly, anybody from any section of the country can express his or her preference and even aspire but at the appropriate time, the party will decide based on the consensus or understanding.”
30. Buhari urges use of gas as alternative to petroleum products – The Nation
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerian energy consumers to shift their attention from the more petroleum products to gas, which he described as cheaper, cleaner and more accessible source of energy.
The President made the call on Tuesday during a virtually held event at the State House to unveil National Gas Expansion Programme and National Auto-gas Roll-out Initiative.
Noting that the recent deregulation of the downstream sector had exposed many to price volatilities in the global market, the President said the roll-out of the National Gas Expansion Programme and Auto-gas initiative could not have come at a better time.
According to him, with the heavy gas reserves of of about 203 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) and additional upside of 600 TCF, he urged Nigerians to embrace the use of gas as an alternative to fuel.
“It is no longer news that the vast natural gas resources, which Nigeria is endowed with has hitherto been used sub-optimally as a result of a dearth of gas processing facilities and infrastructural connectivity for effective and optimal domestic utilization.
“As I mentioned above, with a proven reserve of about 203 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) and additional upside of 600 TCF ranking Nigeria as the 9th in the world currently, the need for domestic gas expansion and utilization is apparent.’’
“Therefore, the roll-out of the National Gas Expansion Programme, Auto-gas initiative is coming at the right time, especially in light of global crude oil market fluctuations coupled with the full deregulation of the local PMS market.
“These developments have made it imperative to focus on gas as an alternative fuel to move Nigeria from the conventional dependence on white products for autos and prime-movers of industrial applications, to cleaner, more available, accessible and affordable energy source.
“The outcome will not only cushion the effect of the downstream deregulation that this government has to painfully implement, but also create new markets and enormous job opportunities for our people”, he said.
The President said the auto-gas initiative will lead to increased domestic gas utilization and enrich the trajectory of national economic growth and development, adding: “I therefore encourage everyone to embrace gas in form of LPG, CNG and LNG as an alternative fuel for autos and other prime-movers.’’
The President also lauded Nigerians and the organized Labour for restraint, understanding and patience as the country tackles myriad economic challenges, assuring that the Federal Government is working hard to ameliorate the situation.
“Let me now express my deep appreciation to Nigerians for their patience, and Organized Labour for its maturity and patriotism as we collectively navigate these global economic and other challenges.
“The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, is hereby directed to commence the process of hand over of mass transit buses to Organized Labour as part of our government’s pledge to continue providing support that will ease the transportation challenges Nigerians are facing at this time”, he said.
In his remarks at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva said the Ministry is focusing on development of skills, technology and manpower as well as growth in the utilisation of LPG, CNG and LNG.
He added that the National Gas Expansion programme which was initiated this year to boost the utilization of gas in the short and medium term “is expected to create two million jobs per annum, promote skills acquisition and enhance technology transfer in addition to growing the nation’s GDP.”
From Opera News
31. Umahi’s greed, inordinate ambition will sink him – Anyim
Senator Pius Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has lambasted the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, saying that his greed and inordinate ambition will sink him.
Umahi, had last week Friday after the state security council meeting, accused Mr Anyim; senators Sam Egwu and Obinma Ogba, and PDP acting Vice Chairman, South-east, Ali Odefa, of plotting to use members of IPOB to unleash mayhem in the state.
This is an aftermath of Umahi’s recent cross-carpeting to the All Progressives Congress, APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, whose flag he bore to emerge twice as the governor of Ebonyi State.
But in an open letter to the President, Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector-General of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services, and the Chief of Defence Staff on Monday, Anyim said Umahi was raising dust to “divert the attention of the public before he strikes.”
Anyim, a former senate president disclosed that having failed in his bid to get him and other PDP bigwigs in the state to defect to the APC, Governor Umahi resorted to blackmail.
“In his delusion, he believed his own lies that he is the only man who matters in Ebonyi State. He did not consult with anybody notable before consummating his defection to APC. After his defection, no person of note followed him.
“Unable to contain and manage the unsavory reactions from the public he ran to my home in the company of some high-profile people, on the 20th of November 2020, and pleaded with me to defect to APC, saying that if I do, others will follow suit. I pointed out to him that his approach has made it almost impossible for anybody to defect.
“He pleaded with me that if I cannot defect now, I should not attend any PDP meetings, and I said no, I must attend PDP meetings as long as I am in PDP.
“He realized that he could not persuade anybody when he saw the crème of Ebonyi Elders and citizen that gathered for the inauguration of PDP Caretaker Committee. He could no longer sleep and declared war on every one who has refused to defect with him,” Anyim said.
He said the offence he and other PDP big wigs in the state committed is their refusal to follow the governor to the APC, adding: “The only offence we committed is that we refused to follow Gov. Umahi in his political adventure.
“We do not know when belonging to parties of one’s choice has become an offence against a Governor or means fighting a Governor.
“People who know Gov. Umahi know that he normally starts this way whenever he is hatching a sinister plan.
“He raises dusts, makes wild allegations and accusations against people just to divert the attention of the public before he strikes.
“He may have been told that he will need to kill before he would achieve his present enterprise and so to build up a scenario for him to kill, he will need to spew allegations of killings even when they make no sense.
“I have no doubt that Governor Umahi may have been told that he needed blood to accomplish his present enterprise, otherwise how can a man in his 6th year as Governor of a State suddenly realise that a former President of the Senate, a former Governor of the State and two-time serving Senator Dr. Sam Egwu, Senator Obinna Ogba, two time serving Senator, are now cultists and IPOB members. Something is wrong somewhere.
“It is obvious that either something is pursuing Governor Umahi or that he is pursuing something. For those who know him well, please notice that his lips have shifted out of shape and his eyeballs shrinking. Something is pursuing Gov. Umahi.
“Gov. Umahi’s modus operandi are well known and his moves are easily predictable.”
32. Organised labour threatens indefinite strike in Niger – PM NEWS
The organised labour in Niger on Tuesday says it will embark on an indefinite strike if the state government refused to rescind its decision of slashing November salaries of workers.
Mr Yakubu Garba, the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Minna, said that NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) would embark on industrial action if the government refused to heed their demands.
“Our position is that the 30 per cent differed balance of June salaries should be paid, we are not taking anything less than 100 per cent in November and the 80 civil servants dismissed by the government must be re-absolved into service.
“Failure to do these, the government should expect the resumption of our strike from 12 midnight of Tuesday (today),” he said.
Garba explained that negotiations between the government and organised labour had not been concluded as it was deadlocked on Thursday when the government started payment of November salaries on Friday with a pay cut.
He said that while some workers received 30 per cent less of their original salaries others got 35 per cent.
“It is illegal to slash workers pay without their consent. The workers’ salaries are their right and not a privilege,” he said.
The NLC Chairman argued that with the federal allocation of N4.2 billion accruing to the state, paying workers salaries amounting to N2.6 billion should not be difficult for the government to pay as the balance would be used to settle other sectors.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy had earlier told newsmen that, “Niger state government got N4.2 billion as Federal Allocation accruing to the state for November 2020.
“Right now it will be difficult to pay full salaries to our workers due to dwindling resources caused by the recession.
“Due to the challenges we are having, we have decided to do away with an over-head cost for our Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
Idris also said that security challenges facing the state such as banditry and kidnapping are some of the reasons making the government to cut workers pay by 30 per cent.
He said that the measure would enable the government to save some funds to tackle insecurity in the state.
“We are not slashing workers a salary, what we are doing now is to differ workers salaries to tackle security issues and pay them when the economy improves,” he said.
Also, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) insisted that the government does not have the capacity to pay 100 per cent salaries of civil servants.
Matane said that whatever per cent differed would be paid back to the workers when the economy improves.
From Opera News.
Nurudeen Adesanya
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