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STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
We notice with dismay the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to call out workers to commence a strike action from midnight, despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.
This decision by the NLC and TUC other than being an ego tripping is clearly unwarranted. It is a move to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.
We are still at a loss as to the reason the NLC and TUC decided to punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero whose error of judgment led to the assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.
While the Federal government does not condone any form of violence and assault on any citizen of Nigeria regardless of social and economic status, it is on record that the Inspector General of Police has ordered investigation into what happened to Mr. Ajaero while the Commissioner of Police in Imo State under whose watch the incident happened has been transferred out of the state.
Calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an abuse of privilege. Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.
Our national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.
This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect to the judiciary should not be what the organised Labour should champion.
The labour movement has always been a champion of rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court order.
We reiterate that this strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible. With the strike notice issued Monday night after official hours suggests it was designed for a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in our country.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy
November 13, 2023
EFCC trains staff on work ethics, integrity and other sterling operational issues.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has concluded a series of training for its staff on work ethics and integrity and other sterling operational issues.
The training which was held at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja was concluded on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the training, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede charged officers of the Commission to imbibe professionalism and adherence to the rule of law while enforcing the mandate of the Commission at the various Commands across the country.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Acting Commandant, EFCC Academy, Babashani Umar Sanda said the focal points of his administration are: focused-based operations, professionalism and observance of the rule of law in the conduct of all official activities.
“There must be a clear difference between an EFCC Officer and every other person out there which should reflect in the manner and processes in which you conduct your activities. Whatever we are supposed to do is defined by the law and if you act based on the stipulated law, you will not go wrong”, he said
The first segment of the training program terminated on Thursday, November 3, 2023. The training was hinged on aligning with the Commission’s determination to employ more preventive measures in tackling economic and financial crimes.
Deputy Commandant, EFCC Academy, ACE I Joseph Ogwiji, speaking for the EFCC’s boss, said, “the President and the current Chairman of the EFCC are looking more into preventive measures more than reactive measures, so all we are doing now is to look more towards the preventive, of course that is the international best practice, we are training our detectives to acquire the preventive skills much more than the reactive in tackling economic and financial crimes”.
Other issues addressed at the training are: Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management, Proactive Investigation Techniques (Undercover) Operations, Forensic Auditing Techniques and Crypto Currency Crimes Investigation”. The training ended with issuance of certificates to participants.
Media & Publicity
November 13, 2023.
David Cameron appointed foreign secretary
Mr Cameron called his new boss a “strong and capable prime minister who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time”, adding: “I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the general election is held.”
The ex-party leader is no longer an elected politician as he stood down as an MP in 2016, having called the Brexit referendum and his campaign to remain in the EU losing the vote.
But the government has confirmed he will now enter the House of Lords as a life peer, giving him the opportunity to serve as a minister once more.
The shock announcement came after the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary, who provoked widespread condemnation for an article she wrote in The Times, accusing the police of “playing favourites” with left-wing groups over right-wing and national activists.
It was the latest in a string of controversial remarks by the Tory MP, who is a popular member on the right of the party, including her claiming being homeless was a “lifestyle choice”.
Cameron, who brought the Tories back to power as part of a coalition with the Liberal Democrats in 2010, has returned to government as foreign secretary.
In a lengthy statement released after his appointment, Mr Cameron said the UK faces a “daunting set of international challenges”, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
He said: “While I have been out of frontline politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative leader for eleven years and prime minister for six – will assist me in helping the prime minister to meet these vital challenges.”
Having served as foreign secretary since September last year – after being appointed by then prime minister Liz Truss – James Cleverly will now move to the Home Office as home secretary.
Speaking to broadcasters from his new department, he said it was a “fantastic job” and it would be “a real privilege to serve”.
He added: “I’m absolutely committed to stopping the boats, as we promised, but also making sure that everybody in the UK feels safe and secure, going around, going about their daily business, knowing that the government is here to protect them”.
Brought in as health secretary when Mr Sunak took over the leadership last October, Steve Barclay may have been hoping to keep his post.
But after a lot of rumours he may be dropped from cabinet altogether, he has now been announced as taking over the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Mr Barclay’s job has been handed over to Victoria Atkins, who will now be in charge of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
It will be the first time Ms Atkins will hold a secretary of state role, having held more junior positions in the past.
Most recently, she has been financial secretary to Treasury.
Jeremy Hunt will remain chancellor, having been brought in by Ms Truss after the disaster of her mini-budget, and kept on by Mr Sunak.
After holding a minor ministerial role at transport – albeit an important one, covering roads and local transport – Richard Holden is now a fully-fledged cabinet member.
He has become the new party chairman, and will be leading on the Tories’ next election campaign.
Former party chairman Greg Hands, who up until this morning was posting chairman-like attacks on social media against his opponents, has now been demoted.
No longer leading on the electoral mission, he will hold a mid-range ministerial role at the Department for Business and Trade.
Having been a junior minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, Laura Trott has now been made chief secretary to the Treasury.
A treasury colleague of Mr Sunak’s and a close ally, there had been rumours of a bigger office of state.
But instead he now takes on the role of paymaster general – a defended and, sometimes, attack dog for the prime minister in the Commons.
Who is out?
As we have reported, Ms Braverman has been sacked as home secretary and is no longer a minister of any kind, so will return to the backbenches as an MP.
In a statement released after her dismissal, Ms Braverman said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary. I will have more to say in due course.”
It is the second time she has lost the job of home secretary after she resigned from Ms Truss’s government for breaking the ministerial code.
The housing minister has announced on Twitter that she has been sacked – or “asked to step down”.
Ms Maclean said she was “disappointed” by Mr Sunak’s decision, but added: “It has been a privilege to hold the position and I wish my successor well.”
She was the 15th housing minister since the Tories came to power in 2010.
After she was seen walking into Number 10 this morning – following a brief pause to stroke Larry the cat – it was thought Environment Secretary Therese Coffey may have kept a role in government.
But an exchange of letters between her and the prime minister released two hours later shows she is off, telling Mr Sunak: “I consider it is now the right time to step back from government.”
She marked having served “all five Conservative prime ministers” since getting a role back in 2014, but said she had “always been most proud of in representing my constituents… and acting on local issues”.
Mr Sunak wrote back to “express my gratitude to you for your years of dedicated ministerial service”, as well as her “friendship to me personally”.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb has said he has quit the government and will not stand at the next general election, adding: “I campaigned for Rishi last summer and I remain an enthusiastic supporter of the prime minister’s leadership.”
Health minister Neil O’Brien also announced he is stepping down – despite being due to play a key role in delivering Mr Sunak’s ban on smoking and vaping in the younger generation.
Another health minister, Will Quince, has also stepped down from his role in a letter to the prime minister.
In it, he said due to his decision to stand down as an MP at the next election and recently becoming a specialist reserve officer in the army, “now feels like the right time to leave government”.
Transport minister Jesse Norman has also quit his role, revealing in a letter that he had let the chief whip know his plans to step down “some months ago”.
Paymaster General Jeremy Quin said he was offered “reassurance” that he could stay in government by the prime minister, but he has decided to “step back to concentrate on projects in Horsham” – his constituency.
Another MP to stand down from his post is George Freeman, who had been a science minister since February – but held a number of roles beforehand.
In a letter to the prime minister, he said he had made the decision “with a heavy heart”, but added: “The time has come for me to focus on my health, family wellbeing and life beyond the frontbench”.
PRESS RELEASE
KOGI POLL: SANWO-OLU HAILS APC CANDIDATE, ODODO’S VICTORY
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on his victory at Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was a member of the APC National Campaign Council for the Kogi State Governorship election, described Ododo’s landslide victory as a testament to the good work the Governor Yahaha Bello-led APC administration has done in Kogi State.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said Ododo’s victory is well deserved and a clear manifestation that the APC remains the party of choice for Nigerians at the local, state and federal levels.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the people of Kogi State, particularly the electorate for trooping out to perform their civic responsibility and for defying all odds to vote for the APC governorship candidate across the state.
He said: “I congratulate Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for emerging victorious in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election and returned as the duly elected governor to continue the good work of Governor Yahaya Bello.
“The landslide victory of Ododo with over 180,000 votes against his major opponent showed that Kogi people know what is right and they have done what is right by voting for the APC candidate for continuity of good work in the State.
“Ododo’s victory is a clear indication that the APC and its government under the able leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello have delivered beyond expectations of the people of Kogi State. I, therefore, believe it was only natural for the citizens to reciprocate by voting for our party.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised President Bola Tinubu for creating a level playing ground for all the governorship candidates in the Saturday gubernatorial election in Kogi State.
“I appreciate the leader of our party, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima; APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, my colleagues and other APC leaders, especially members of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led National Campaign Council for Kogi State Governorship election, for working tirelessly for the victory of our party in the Saturday governorship poll,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
13 NOVEMBER 2023
Embrace Integrity, Accountability – ICPC Tells Nigerian Leaders
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged Nigerian leaders to shun every act of corruption and embrace uprightness in all their activities.
ICPC made this call at the “Do the Right Thing Summit 2023, themed “Being the Right Leader” which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre FCT, recently.
The Spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua who spoke on the Commission’s behalf in her goodwill message, reiterated the commitment of ICPC to its three-pronged mandate of imposing sanctions against corrupt leaders, blocking loopholes in the public system to avert corruption and rallying Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.
Mrs. Ogugua remarked that the future, hopes and aspirations of the nation, rested squarely on the shoulders of every leader, and emphasised the importance of having accountable individuals at the helm of affairs.
She commended the resourcefulness and passion of the organizers of the summit for what she described as a “desire to see a new and better Nigeria where discipline is upheld, and integrity is the watchword”. According to her, positive discourses like the summit are meant to inspire present and intending leaders to perform their duties with honesty.
She further noted that the Commission was steadfast in its purpose to work with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stake holders at ensuring that children and youths are sensitized on the dangers of corruption to make sure they do the right thing at all times.
The convener of the summit and founder of Do the Right Thing for the Less Privilege and Youth Foundation, Chief Mike Nwadiora, said the discourse was born from a commitment to foster positive change, equity and empowerment. He stated that the responsibility to create a just society, rests on the shoulders of leaders in every sector of the nation and it was important to imbibe the culture of ethical decisions and responsible actions.
Chief Nwadiora went further to say that the summit created a space for experts and change makers from various fields, to inspire transformation via thought provoking conversations.
He urged participants to engage in meaningful conversations that will foster ethical leadership through collective wisdom and a determination to do the right thing, while stressing that the “do the right thing” campaign should not just be a slogan, but a way of life that will help navigate the country in the right direction despite the challenges of present times.
Chief Mike advised participants to embrace diversity, as it is a treasure that promotes innovation. In his words, “when we stand together, the impossible becomes possible”.
The Summit was attended by leaders from various relevant sectors including religious, trade, safety, gender advocacy and transportation groups, as well as students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
INEC adjourns again after commotion at collation centre
The electoral commission, INEC, has adjourned the collation of results of the Bayelsa governorship election by one hour following commotion at the collation centre in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The commotion started when party agents disagreed on the result from Brass Local Government Area, which was adopted at the collation centre Monday afternoon.
Brass and Southern Ijaw LGAs were the only two of the eight local governments in Bayelsa whose results were yet to be declared as of Sunday night. The collation was, on Sunday, adjourned to noon on Monday.
When the collation resumed on Monday, the collation officer for Brass announced the results that showed that the APC won in Brass with 18,431 votes compared to the 12,602 of the PDP.
WAEC migrates from Paper and Pencil Test to Computer Based Examination
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the adoption of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for the conduct of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
This is contained in a statement signed by the acting head,Public Affairs Unit of WAEC, Moyosola Adesina, and released on Monday.
According to the statement, the new innovation would kick off with the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates in February 2024.
The statement reads in part: “In line with global best practices, the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to inform the general public, and all its stakeholders, that it has concluded plans to migrate its WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination Diets from Paper and Pencil Test to Computer Based Examination (CBE).”
NEITI, seeks EFCC support in enforcing transparency and accountability in the extractive industries
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to back it up more in its quest for transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in Nigeria.
This call was made in Abuja on Friday, November 10, 2023 by the Executive Secretary of the Initiative, Dr. Orji Ognonaya Orji when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the corporate headquarters of the EFCC, in Jabi, Abuja.
Orji stated that the mission of NEITI was to make the extractive industry open and accountable and solicited for the support of the EFCC to enforce compliance of industries falling short of its standards on disclosure of information and data.
“ We need strong support of the EFCC to enforce compliance with disclosure of information and data by companies”, he said. In a presentation made to the management staff of the Commission, Orji disclosed that, 28 out of the 36 states of the federation are sourcing 84% of their revenue from allocation from the federation accounts.
He explained that, “NEITI findings and recommendations are leading reforms in the oil, gas and mining industries” and for the Initiative to deliver more optimal results to the nation, he called for stronger collaboration and synergy with the EFCC. “Our allies in this industry are few but with an ally like the EFCC, we feel strong and confident”, he said. He also called for joint training, capacity building and manpower development for staff of the EFCC and NEITI .
In his response, the EFCC’s boss noted that every anti-corruption effort should always stand on the pillar of transparency. He particularly stressed that lessons learnt as a result of fraud investigation should be a guiding principle for individuals, organizations and nations. “Corruption investigation is not just for investigation’s sake. Lessons learnt should always be applied, he said.
He assured NEITI of enhanced collaboration. “We will renew our collaboration and mutual support. We will allow NEITI desks in our Zonal offices”, he said.
Media & Publicity
November 10, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT
NOVEMBER 12 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS: A TRIUMPH FOR DEMOCRACY AND FOCUSED LEADERSHIP
I extend heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the last Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi and Imo States, Governor-elect Usman Ododo and the re-elected incumbent, Sen. Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These victories signify the people’s endorsement of their leadership, and entrusting them with the responsibility of steering their respective states towards prosperity and progress.
These elections underscore the increasing trust in our electoral processes. These processes affirm the democratic gains and highlighted the ongoing improvements in our electoral system. The peaceful conduct of the elections reflects our political maturity and determination to eliminate violence throughout the electoral process.
Acknowledging the complexities of our democratic journey, it is gratifying to note that, despite isolated disturbances, these elections uphold the core tenets of our democratic values.
In applauding the winners, I commend the diligent efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC’s unwavering commitment to improvement was evident in the commendable performance during the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa elections. We anticipate the commission sustaining this impressive trajectory as we strive to meet the aspirations of our people for enhanced progress.
Special commendation is due to our security agencies for their crucial role in ensuring the observed peace. Their dedication inspires confidence in citizens that their lives and property are secure during elections. This marked a notable advancement in our electoral system.
I express gratitude to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for fostering a level playing field for all political parties. These elections, being the first under Mr. President’s current term, showcased a commitment to decent governance and credible electoral processes, representing a remarkable improvement.
Appreciation is also extended to the youth corps members (NYSC) who served as ad hoc staff and electoral officers. Their integrity and accountability in fulfilling this national duty exemplify true patriotism.
I congratulate our great party, the APC. The national leadership’s dedication to reinforcing and promoting our political ideologies, particularly under President Tinubu, has strengthened the party’s acceptability and resilience. Let these victories propel us forward in upcoming elections. We must also be ready to ensure that the people benefit from the gains of democracy.
These recent elections should serve as catalysts for further improvement. We remain united in nurturing our electoral process toward perfection. Democracy has triumphed once again.
I rejoice with our great party, the APC, once again.
Signed:
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON
Governor, Ondo State.
November 13, 2023.
CSR NEWS: JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC AGAIN PARTNERS FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER ABUJA FOR CARDIAC MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO SAVE CHILDREN
Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, within the company’s corporate social responsibility policy, has in a compassionate intervention for the second time, partnered with the Federal Medical Centre Abuja for a Cardiac Surgery Mission to provide care to patients who could not otherwise afford the sensitive medical procedure.
In an earlier intervention and assistance by Julius Berger in June of this year, the company funded the same cardiac surgical procedure for five patients; children whose ages ranged from 10 months, 18 months, 2 years to 12 years.
Financial expenditure per patient in the Julius Berger sponsored operations last June included hospital admission and investigations, operation consumables and anaesthesia drugs, intensive care unit fee, and post-operation drugs.
For the second tranche of the Julius Berger sponsored cardiac surgical interventions to save children’s lives at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, a list of seven children aged between 12 months, 15 months, 17 months, 18 months, 2 years, 4years, and 6 years with a diagnosis of perimembranous VSD has been made.
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja said the high cost for the surgical procedure per patient derives from the recent increase in the cost of cardiac surgery consumables. Thus, there was the need for collaboration with Julius Berger to help the children with financial assistance to save and preserve their lives.
According to a statement by the Management of the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, “…we will like to use this opportunity to appreciate this partnership gesture (from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc), while we look forward to more partnerships and collaboration as we still have a large number of pediatric cases with heart conditions who cannot afford it.”
The Chief Risk Officer of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mrs Mustapha Shakira said the company “places great premium on life and would remain proactive in its CSR initiatives, particularly to sustainably protect and preserve lives in our operational communities. Children, we also recognize, are the future of our society. Therefore, within our sustainability policy at Julius Berger, we are privileged and feel honoured to partner with the FMC to save the lives of the children.”
