NLC appeals to President Buhari concerning the proposed new national minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to expedite action on the proposed new national minimum wage, by transmitting it to the National Assembly in good time.

Dr. Peter Eson-Ozo, NLC General Secretary, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

Eson-Ozo said the Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage, had concluded its meetings and N30,000 was agreed upon as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

“The report has been submitted to Mr President and what we expect now from Mr President is to do justice to that report, by quickly raising an executive bill on the new National Minimum Wage.

“And when that bill gets to the National Assembly, we want to assure Nigerian workers that we will be ready to engage them constructively,” he said.

Eson-Ozo added that there was no controversy over the agreed amount, as it was the agreement reached during the negotiations by members of the committee.

“We all signed up on the N30, 000, so why should there be any controversy,” he added.

ASUU Strike

ASUU Strike: One week after, govt yet to invite lecturers for negotiations – President

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said the federal government is yet to begin any dialogue with the union over the ongoing strike.

The national president of the union, Biodun Ogunyemi, said this in a phone interview with PREMIUM TIMES Sunday evening.

The union embarked on strike one week ago over the poor funding of Nigerian universities and an alleged plan by the federal government to increase student’s fees and introduce an education bank. The union also accuses the federal government of not implementing a 2017 agreement.

Mr Ogunyemi on Sunday said the union has placed a memorandum before the government on how universities can be funded, but nothing has been done on it.

“For the minister, we have memorandum placed before them, but nobody is talking about the items there except to say that they cannot meet the union’s demand because of the

ASUU strike paralyses UI

The workload of serving judicial officers in Imo State may remain high till further notice, as Governor Rochas Okorocha is said to have put the appointment of new judges on hold.

A very credible government source which reached Vanguard weekend, disclosed that “the governor has already written the State chairman of the State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, who also doubles as the State Chief Judge, Justice Paschal Nnadi, directing that the processes for the appointment of new judges should be put on hold till further notice.

ASUU strike paralyses UI

The same source revealed that “the only person that survived the governor’s current sledgehammer was the Acting President of the State’s Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christy Anwuka, whose name had earlier been sent to the National Judicial Council, NJC, for confirmation of her appointment.” 

Although Vanguard gathered that “sometime this year, Governor Okorocha granted approval for the appointment of new judges to commence in the state

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission comments on the low metering status

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission says the recurring complaints by its customers on estimated billing is due to low metering status in the sector.

The NERC Consumer Affairs Commissioner, Dr. Moses Arigu, made the remarks during the inauguration of Customer Complaints Forum Office on Sunday in Osogbo.

Arigu said the present metering gap in Ibadan Distribution Company alone was about one million when compared to its total customer size of over 1.6 million, representing 60 per cent deficit in metering.

According to him, between January and September, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company received 1,275 complaints from Osogbo and its environs, mostly on voltage and billing issues.

Arigu, however, said that NERC had introduced measures to accelerate metering through the Meter Asset Provider 2018 and also close monitoring of electricity distribution companies’ meter rollout plan.

SEE ALSO: Kashamu files fresh suit to stop extradition

He also said that Ibadan DISCO had commenced the procurement

Wedding Bells, Adaslim has tied the knot

Popular Nigerian TV host and film maker, Adaslim has tied the knot with her white lover in Lagos, the estatic new bride shared photos of her new relationship online

IBM Corp

IBM Corp said on Sunday it had agreed to acquire US software company Red Hat Inc for $34 billion, including debt, as it seeks to diversify its technology hardware and consulting business into higher-margin products and services.

The transaction is by far IBM’s biggest acquisition. It underscores IBM Chief Executive Ginni Rometty’s efforts to expand the company’s subscription-based software offerings, as it faces slowing software sales and waning demand for mainframe servers.

IBM, which has a market capitalisation of $114 billion, will pay $190 per share in cash for Red Hat, a 63 per cent premium to Friday’s closing share price.

Founded in 1993, Red Hat specializes in Linux operating systems, the most popular type of open-source software, which was developed as an alternative to proprietary software made by Microsoft Corp.

Polytechnic Staff Allegedly Molested Young Girl

The Benue State Polytechnic, has released a statement on staff, Mr Andrew Ugbokolo, who allegedly molested the late Elizabeth Ochanya from age 8-13years, along side his son, Victor Inalegwu Ugbokolo,  a final year student of Animal Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

 

In the statement dated Wednesday, October 24th, the school said the families involved had treated the incident as a ''family issue". 

Breaking News

BREAKING NEWS: A Chief Unwobudu Edima Sydah Obite was allegedly shot by members of the Nigerian Police, Rivers State Command for refusing to bribe them.

The infamous event happened at a police station opposite Obite Gas Plant in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State The man, who has since been described as, “a fine gentleman of the highest,” was a former Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Part, Ward Four, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and two-term Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ahoada Region.

A man who contaminated adult and baby food in Germany has been sentenced

A man who contaminated adult and baby food in Germany has been sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison for attempted murder and extortion.

The 54-year-old admitted placing poisoned jars of food in supermarkets and blackmailing retailers by offering to identify items, local media report.

He targeted retailers in the southern city of Friedrichshafen last year.

The food jars contained enough ethylene glycol, an odourless toxic liquid, to kill a child, prosecutors said.

Traces of the toxin were found in several products in large enough quantities to justify finding the man guilty of five counts of attempted murder, Germany’s Deutsche Welle reported.

The colourless substance used for the contamination, which is an ingredient used in antifreeze, has a sweet taste and is known to attract children and animals.

As he appeared at the court in the town of Ravensburg on Tuesday, the man admitted sending threatening emails warning that food would be poisoned throughout Europe unless he received almost €12m.

Wizkid Releases the visuals for his single

Wizkid has released the visuals for his single, 'Fever'.

The video has a cameo appearance from Tiwa Savage, who starred as Wizkid's lover.

Directed by Meji Alabi, the singer was with Tiwa in different scenes professing his love for his girl. 

‘Fever‘ alongside ‘Master Grove’ are Wizkid's first official singles this year despite featuring on a number of hit releases and they are expected to be on his upcoming album “Made In Lagos”. The song was produced by Blaq Jerzee with additional production by Northboi and has saxophone by Tosin.

Royal Palm Villa Estate

As you embark on your daily activities, engulfed in work, drained by the tireless pursuit of your goals, a great deal of consolidation awaits you at the Villa. 

Royal Palm Villa Estate offers you a world of relaxation 

Why Buhari’s Minister Must Resign: APC chieftain

#podiumpolitics

Alhaji Ishaq Hadejia, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State has called for the resignation of the minister of water resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu with immediate effect.

Hadejia stated this while speaking to the sources in Dutse on Monday.

He alleged that Adamu has not been coming for political meetings or activities in the state because he said that he is not a politician.

Hadejia also criticised Adamu for abandoning Jigawa by refusing to collaborate with the ministry of agriculture to harness the potentials in it.

“If that is the reason for the minister, he should better resign it is because of politics he was given the appointment.

“It is really unfortunate that if something happened in the state, whether good or bad, you will never see the minister coming to rejoice or sympathise with the people.

“The recent flood which submerged over 500 communities in the state, with 40 deaths including lost of foodstuff, properties, farmlands, live stocks, the minister did not even bother to come and sympathise with the people,” Hadejia added.

#podiumradiotv

#podiuminternational

#buhari

#minister

#nigeria

ACF Reacts to Killings in Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the spate of communal clashes in Kasuwan Magani village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

ACF in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Alh Muhammad Ibrahim Biu called upon the warring communities in Kajuru and in other states to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue in resolving their disagreements.

Biu warned communities that have lived together peacefully over the years to stop reprisal attacks.

The statement read: “Threats to our peace as one united people and a region over the years have affected our peaceful coexistence, unity, polity and socio-economic development.

“We must, therefore, come together and stop this unfortunate and condemnable carnage that does no one any good. Reprisal attacks are certainly not the best way to resolve disputes.

“We, therefore, call upon the warring communities in Kajuru and in other states to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue in resolving their disagreements.

“Leaders of the various communities should also play a greater role in ensuring that peace and harmony are restored in the affected areas."

#podiumradiotv

#podiuminternational

#kaduna

#ACF

#nigeria

Classy Simple Ankara

Photo credit: #ankarastyle_ny I love how simple yet classy this top is 😍 

It’s easy to pair. 

You can wear this with a plain skirt to church on Sunday or a wedding on Saturday, get that classy feel with a simple necklace or pair it with jeans as seen in the photo for a relaxed hangout with friends without looking like you’re trying too hard. 

Absolutely stunning 

#ankarafashion #ankarastyle #ankara

Royal Palm, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos

Royal Palm Villa is located in Ibeju Lekki along the Lekki expresses way. It’s a resort that offers peace, serenity and serendipity. Its surroundings are hosts to several landmarks like the PAN Atlantic University, proposed airport and other multi billion dollar projects. So be rest assured, you are getting the best of business and pleasure

Pipeline Guard Battered to death in Delta

Hoodlums, suspected to be pipeline vandals, have battered to death, a 54-year old oil-flow line surveillance guard, Mr. Samuel Okporokpo, at the oil rich Olomoro community, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

It was learned that the assailants, who were armed with dangerous weapons, also made away with the Control Circuit Unit in oil well 3/26 in the oil field being operated by an energy operations firm.

The deceased, sources said, was on night duty when he saw the vandals trying to remove the Control Circuit Unit valued at N7 million.

“When the surveillance guard saw what was happening, he went to challenge them and in the process, they attacked him and clubbed him to death and left him with his motorcycle and mobile phone,” a source who craved anonymity, said.

Confirming the incident yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, said: “It was a case of murder of a surveillance man at the facility. We are already on a manhunt for the hoodlums who perpetrated the act.

“The item stolen, which in fact may be the reason why they attacked him, is worth about N7 million. It is not what we see easily in the market. They (the hoodlums) know we are looking for them, so invariably they may be in hiding, but eventually, as many as they are, they will be brought to book.”

#podiumradiotv

#podiuminternational

#pipeline

#oil

#vandalism

#nigeria

EFCC Arraigns Former Minister, Shekarau in Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a former Minister of Education and one time Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, before a Federal High Court sitting in Kano

The former minister was arraigned alongside a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Aminu Wali and a former Commissioner in the state Alhaji Mansur Ahmed on a six count charge of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N950,000,000

Mallam Shekarau’s re-arraignment before Justice A. L. Allegoa of the Federal High Court followed the transfer of Justice Zainab Bage Abubakar, who militarily arraigned him in may 2018 to another court.

One of the charge sheets held “that Ibrahim Shekarau, Aminu Wali and Ahmed Mansur on or about the 25th of March 2015, within the Kano Division of the Federal High Court retain, took possession and control of the cash sum of N950 million which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of an unlawful act of Deizani Allison-Madueke to wit: gratification, commits an offense contrary to Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering Provision Act 2011 (As Amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

The three Defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them following which the prosecution counsel, Johnson Ojogbane, asked the court to fix a date for the trial.

Defense Counsel, JS Okutepa (SAN) appealed to the court to allow the defendants to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted them by the court which was granted by the court.

The case was therefore adjourned to the 19th, 20th and 21st of November, 2018 for the commencement of trial.

Labour Party not part of PDP Coalition -Mike Omotosho

National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Mike Omotosho, has said the party is not in any coalition with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other 30 political parties to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next year’s general election.

He said the PDP listed over 30 political parties among those in its planned coalition to challenge APC, adding that some of the political parties had denied consenting to the coalition, with the Labour Party publicly dissociating itself from the merger, which he described as “a clandestine gathering and an unholy alliance of strange bedfellows.”

Omotosho reiterated that Labour Party is guided by strict principles and ideals, which cannot be compromised, saying the LP is not just a political party, but, also, a movement.

He described Labour Party as a people-driven organisation established to fight for the rights and interests of the people, rather than those of the political class.

He alleged that the rumoured coalition was the contraption of the former national chairman of the party, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, who, he alleged has been masquerading as the party’s chairman, adding that the former chairman was removed from office at a special national convention on October 3, 2017, and should, therefore, not speak for the party.

He said: “We wish to unequivocally state that the Labour Party is not part of any coalition. The leadership of the party has not been consulted, neither has there been any formal meeting or agreement between our party and any other political party in Nigeria.”

He said the coalition, as it were, was a brainchild of the PDP, and as such, could not be trusted to embody the political ideals that Nigerians expect of the party.

He hinged his scepticism from the fact that the merger, which he described as heterogeneous one, would not stand the test of time, when the components groups begin to press for their respective interests, citing as an example, the challenges that engulfed the APC recently.

He urged politicians targeting the Labour Party for their selfish interests, to look elsewhere, adding that Labour Party is an institutional party attached to the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and the civil society, which oversee its activities and monitor its progress.

Security Council Meets in Peaceful Elections

The National Security Council (NSC) meeting held on Thursday on the security situation in the country and the effect on the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

The Minister of Defence, Brig.- Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), reported that President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the meeting at the Presidential Villa.

He said meeting recommended the deployment of security agencies to the states, to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct the elections peacefully.

Mr Dan-Ali was hopeful that the deployment of security personnel would further douse the tension created by the outcome of the political parties’ primaries and “some desperate persons” to sabotage the electoral process.

According to him, the meeting also addressed an attempt to put pressure on the electoral body by some notable personalities through demonstrations.

He, however, said the situation was brought under control by combined efforts of security agencies to avoid the process being hijacked by hoodlums or armed bandits.

The minister pointed out that another area of security concern discussed at the meeting was post-election violence, to prevent “desperate politicians” from whipping up ethno-religious sentiments to create a security situation in the country.

He said the Council discussed the proliferation and stockpiling of weapons by some disgruntled elements with a desire to take laws into their hands at the slightest opportunity.

The Council also called for the concerted effort of all security agencies to ensure that the 2019 general elections were hitch free.

Similarly, it stressed the need for continuous sensitisation of the public by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

The Council further called for regular meetings of relevant stakeholders including INEC, as well as international and local election observers and the media ahead of the polls.

Although the Chief of Defence Staff was absent, the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Inspector General of Police attended the meeting.

Also in attendance are the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Abba Kyari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha; and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd)

Abubakar Sanni should account for N500Billion. -PDP’s Candidate UmarNasko

The governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) for 2019 election in Niger State, Alhaji Umar Nasko, has accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration in the state of squandering N500 billion in the last three years without anything to show for it.

Alhaji Nasko said the APC government has, between 2015 to date, collected over N500 billion in allocation and other grants from the Federation Account, but cannot point to a single project worth N5 billion in the last three years.

The governorship candidate in his various social media handles, regretted that despite the huge sums of money that has accrued to the state, the present administration has incurred a debt of N100 billion.

“N500 billion received between 2015 to date and no project worth N5 billion can be found anywhere in the state, debt profile is now N100 billion, this cannot happen with Nasko as the governor,” he said.

He pointed out that while hospitals, schools and other infrastructure are begging for attention in the state, the government expended a whole N1.990 billion to build fence around government house, a project he said has no direct bearing on the people.

He also asked the APC administration to account for over N50 billion bailout and Paris refund which he alleged had gone into private pockets.

He said the choice facing the people in 2019 is between moving forward and failed promises, adding that he would take full responsibility for governance and will not become an absentee governor.

Nasko, while lamenting the deplorable condition of roads in the state, wondered why a government that has received this huge amount of money could not fix the 84-kilometer Minna-Bida Road and the 94-kilometer Minna-Suleja Road which have claimed many lives in recent time.

“They said they promised nothing and so Niger people should not expect anything. I’m promising and I’ll keep my promise because leadership requires innovative ideas and not blame game”, he said.

He gave the assurance that if voted into office, he will eliminate the discriminations in the payment of school fees at all levels of education in the state, stressing that “I believe that every child should have equal opportunity to education regardless of tribe and ethnic nationalities.

“I will make Niger State, a state for all where everyone will have equal opportunity irrespective of zone, tribe or ethnic background”.

Nasko stated further that Welfare of civil servants will top his agenda “because they are the backbone of development, massive infrastructure, investment. Poverty reduction will also be my priority”.

More about Royal Palm Villa

Royal Palm Villa is located in Ibeju Lekki along the Lekki expresses way. It’s a resort that offers peace, serenity and serendipity. Its surroundings are hosts to several landmarks like the PAN Atlantic University, proposed airport and other multi billion dollar projects. So be rest assured, you are getting the best of business and pleasure. 

GLO Announces Massive Network Upgrades for Calls and Data Services

Globacom, has announced that it recently concluded a massive and comprehensive upgrade of its architecture across Nigeria to optimize its efficiency and radically improve the experience of subscribers on the network.

In a statement released in Lagos, the company said it had built hundreds of new transmitting sites across Nigeria to complement existing ones and massively improve the telco’s signals. This is intended to give more Nigerians access to relish Globacom’s very reliable 2G, 3G and 4G services.

The statement added that it had swapped obsolete parts with brand new state-of-the-art components, provided new power supply equipment in all transmitting sites, while fiber relocation had been completed resulting in higher fiber route and network availability.

“Transmission capacity has been increased with pure IP (Internet Protocol) backhaul in several states across Nigeria. The data core network interface ports have been upgraded from 40 GB to 100GB thereby doubling the network handling capacity”, the statement declared.

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#podiuminternational

#glo

#nigeria

#data

Royal Palm Villa

A breathtaking Estate with serenity in the heart of Lagos.