Following the ongoing hardship romancing Nigerians after the removal of subsidy by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, had directed its members to go to work just two days in a week.
COEASU stated that its members should go to work two days in a week until the Federal Government increased their salary by 200 per cent.
This is according to a statement signed by COEASU National president, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, on Wednesday, July 19,2023.
Olugbeko stated that the decision was due to the difficulties of its members to get to work as a result of hike in pump price.
He maintained that it became inevitable for the union to direct members to go to work only two days weekly.
The National president stated that the present salary of staffs of colleges was approved 13 years ago, when pump price was N65, and now pump price has skyrocketed to N650.
However, he called on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly address the issues of salary adjustment for staff of colleges of education.
The people of Oyo State have started expressing their displeasure over the recent hike in the price of petroleum after the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall. on Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced increase in the pump prices of petrol to N617 per litre from N500 per litre.
A few of the residents who spoke in a brief chat expressed their dissatisfaction on Tinubu-led government for increasing the petrol price without considering the plight of Nigerians.
They said the new increment of petrol to N617 per litre would further cause untold hardship and give room for high prices of commodities and essential goods.
THE Organised Labour, comprising Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, in Ondo State, yesterday, described the increase in the pump price of petroleum products as wicked.
Rising from an emergency meeting in Akure, the labour unions expressed worries over the government’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.
In a communiqué by leaders of the organised union, they joined “well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this wicked action of government, as it is absolutely beyond the reach of the majority of our people.”
The communiqué, signed by the NLC Chairman, Victor Amoko; Secretary, Amos Sunday; TUC Chairman, Clement Fatuase; Secretary, Gideon Bakare; JNC Chairman, Ademola Adeniji, and Secretary, Adeleye Esther, reads: “We have resolved that the state government, as a matter of urgency, should roll out palliatives for the workers and masses of the state to ease the agonies inflicted as a result of the hike in price of PMS.
“All outstanding salaries and allowances owed to the workers of the state should be paid immediately. “That any committee on palliatives set up by the state government, without the input of Ondo State Organized Labour, would be out rightly rejected.”
Saturday 15th July will forever remain indelible in the memories of the 1983 set of Bishop Philips Academy old students association as they converge at Koltotel event centre , Ibadan, venue of the elaborate get together to mark the 40th reunion anniversary.
During the event which was put together by Dr. Adeniyi Amusat as the chairman planning committee, the new set of executive to run the association for another two years was installed.
While speaking at the occasion, the chairman of the day Chief Richard Adebola who is also an alumni of the school who has served as a two terms national president of the citadel of learning urged the 83 sets to ensure a collaboration with other existing sets and the management of the school to upgrade the facilities as the government can not do it alone .
He urged them not to relent their efforts at getting more members for effective discharge of duties and to facilitate many good things to boost the educational career of the present and future students of the school.
In his own remarks while welcoming the guests and their colleagues to the occasion, the chairman planning committee, Dr. Adeniyi Amusat who disclosed that 40 years is a landmark used the occasion to thank God for bringing them together again while thanking the representative of other sets who were fully on ground to rejoice with them. The immediate past president , Architect Dayo Akangbe gave a run down of how the association was formed and vivid account of his adminstration right from the onset.
The newly installed executives were Peter Bature , President , Alhaja Khadijat Busari, Vice President, Dr. Suraj Adeniyi Amusat , Secretary, Mrs. Sadia Seriki , Treasurer while Olaniyi Obembe was installed as the Social Welfare officer.Architect Dayo Akangbe and Mrs Bisi Oderinde would serve as Ex officios.
In his acceptance speech, the new president pledges to consolidate on the achievements of the past leaders and bring on board more innovative programmes that will not only help members of the association but also the entire students and staff of the school.
He noted that the government alone can not do it all without the efforts of the alumni associations in this era of the governments at all levels having many things to contend with .
“We will consolidate on achievements of the past leaders and partner with the school in the area of philanthropy, we will also be and reliable and abide with the constitution of the association”
The event which is not only put together for social reasons had a notable medical doctor , Doctor Salami Ridwan from the Jericho specialist Hospital who spoke about the roles of diet in disease management.
Earlier on Friday prior to the reunion proper, the executives of the 83 set and some of their members visited the school to donate two gasoline brush cutters.
The three principals received the gift with a great surprise and a heart of appreciation because it has being the need of the school for long.
“We say, to our daddies and mummies of 1983 set, God bless you all and replenish your pocket” the students and the Alumni staff responded .
By: Comrade Ismael Taiwo, Former PRO, NANS Oyo State.
The intrigues behind the continuous incarceration of the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa no longer new to the discerning minds as it has become a norm and usual style adopted by successive governments to oust the Anti-Graft Agency Czar who is found not to be in their good book especially when such has their cronies in the watchlist.
Bawa, before his removal faced alot of onslaught and series of unfounded allegations carefully orchestrated by those who have their hands soiled in corrupt activities, these attacks vis-a-vis innuendos that trailed weeks to his suspension should not be a surprise to the students of history as it has been a usual norm and tactics deployed by people loyal to successive new administration to boot out every chairman of the Anti-Graft Agency whenever transition of power beckons.
Corruption fight is the most difficult task to be carried out especially in this country of ours, where corrupt practices hold sway on a large scale, and as such the actors in these dastardly acts fight nail and tooth to get away with their corrupt cases, the usual say, “corruption fighting back” validates the claim of the difficult task.
The EFCC since its creation in 2004 has suffered alot of onslaughts by those who think they are above the laws of the land and as such they can continue to pillage the resources of our country without having questions to answer.
It is however sad that we continue to weaken our institutions on the alter of political vendetta. An important agency like EFCC should not be left at the behest of corrupt people to determine its fate. The political actors, since the creation of the agency, have successfully had their way by showing an exit door to its successive chairmen through the political manipulation of Villa boys.
Bawa was suspended through a letter communicated by the Secretary to the Government of Federation over what it termed as a “weighty allegation” as quoted in the letter.
Immediately after his suspension, he was invited by the Department of State Services and since then he has been in detention for more than a month without charging him to Court or making known the allegations leveled against him.
It should perturb sensible minds that someone who was suspended on the basis of “weighty allegations” has not been charged for more than a month. The DSS has again in its usual oppressive style turned itself to a tool in the hands of politicians used to launch their misiles on those not in their good book. It is laughable, that after a month of his suspension, DSS is still looking for its usual trump-up charges to nail him as the case of the twisted allegation of ‘possession of firearm’ leveled against ex-CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Where then the veracity of the claim of “weighty allegations” claimed in the Bawa’s suspension letter if after a month DSS is still looking out for what to be used to nail him? This is nothing but a political vendetta and a means to pave way for those who have corrupt cases hanging on their necks.
It was also in the news that few days after Bawa’s suspension, the DSS invaded EFCC allegedly to cart away files of those under corruption probe. DSS has left no doubt that its action in flagrant disobedience to law is a corroboration to the insinuations flying around that after Bawa’s suspension, corrupt politicians have been canonized while he is being incarcerated.
Bringing you back to memory lane, Nuhu Ribadu was the first Chairman of the body and recorded some successes in the fight against corruption but these successes did not go well with those who thought they would be shielded from their corrupt practices. This necessitated their gang-ups and towards the transition time, they succeeded in booting him out having succumbed to their whims and caprices.
This same fate happened to Farida Waziri, Ibrahim Lamorde and in recent times, the media space was awash how the previous chairman of the body, Ibrahim Magu was unceremoniously booted out of office on the investigation that no one could ascertain the veracity of the outcome till today.
In as much as I believe that he who comes with equity must come with clean hands, however, as a country who wants to get rid of corrupt practices, we must learn to always protect our institutions from usual attacks by those who think they own the country. It is saddened that corruption has become a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our nation, if not, how on earth would suspects who supposed to be in sober mood and clear imagination of what would happen to them as the consequences of their misdeeds and corrupt practices would be celebrated while the institution probing them continues to be weakened, it has now become a case of corrupt people been emboldened to freely walk and launch attacks on the agency that is probing them.
Bawa should either be released or charged to Court as his continuous detention is a violation of his fundamental human rights. We are not in a banana republic where rules of law would be flagrantly disregarded, we have laws that guide us as a nation and such DSS is a creation of law and should be guided within the ambit of laws.
The civil society groups and human right activists must therefore rise up in defense of our laws and speak up against the abuse of fundamental human rights of the duo of Bawa and Emefiele.
Tinubu starting his administration with political vendetta will be antithetical to the principles of democracy. The war against corruption must continue and no matter how difficult it seems to be, Nigeria will be fully sanitized one day.
Comrade Ismael Taiwo, Former PRO, NANS, Oyo State.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state on account of the New Year Hijrah 1445 AH, which begins on Wednesday 19th July, 2023.
The felicitation by the 10th House of Assembly came on the heels of the acceptance of Wednesday, 19th July, 2023 as the first day of Muharram 1445 AH and declaration of the day as public holiday by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
The House in a statement issued by the Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Waheed Akintayo congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the State for the opportunity to witness another new Islamic year, while urging them not to relent in their prayers for the state and Nigeria as a whole.
According to the statement “Hijrah (immigration to Madinah), no doubt, kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation, to emulate. Hijrah which symbolises a new beginning, began when the Holy Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah.
The essence of Hijrah is that it is a process of transfer to a better situation, a search for an environment more favourable to the continuous and constructive effort.
Therefore, we urge the Muslim Ummah in the state to continue to show their dedication to the wellness of the state, contributing their quota in different ways to its development and we assure that the House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin will continue to fulfil its promise to make laws that will uplift the state and better the lives of its people in all ramifications.” The statement read.
While commending the Muslim Ummah for the immense contributions they have been making to the progress of Oyo state, the House wishes them a successful and prosperous Hijrah 1445 AH.
The Ekiti State Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and sister security agencies have launched a manhunt for a yet-to-be identified driver who injured a VIO officer.
The victim, Adewale Ojo, narrowly escaped death by the whiskers, when he was hit by the Ilorin-bound 18-seater commercial bus driver on Monday, July 17, 2023.
The incident which occurred at Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Oye local government area of the state, resulted into tension and apprehension as the hit-and-run driver escaped from the scene.
An eyewitness told journalists that the VIO officer, with the rank of Assistant Inspection Officer (AIO), attached to the Ikole-Ekiti zonal office of the organization, had led other officers to a routine operation in the area, when the incident occurred.
The eyewitness said the victim was standing on the road and waved down the commercial bus which was on a high speed, coming from Ifaki-Ekiti and heading towards Ikole-Ekiti route.
The unidentified driver who is currently on the wanted list of the organization and the police, was said to have hit the officer, which made him sustain serious injuries.
He was immediately rushed to the health facility in the community, before he was transferred to Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Narrating his ordeal on the hospital bed, the victim said, “I was with my other colleagues in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, during a routine exercise which we normally carry out every Monday of the week. We were at the damaged portion of the road, when the Kwara bus driver was coming from Ifaki-Ekiti axis.
“Immediately he saw us on the road, he increased his speed and my colleagues who had noticed him fled. But before I could notice he had already hit me. Immediately, I became unconscious and was rushed from the scene to a nearby hospital,” the witness said.
“None of us could pick his number or face, neither could any of my colleagues identify him. I woke up in the hospital with bruises all over my body, I am in pain and very weak. I had no intention to dare him. It happened so suddenly than I could imagine,” he said
Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as a public holiday in the state in commemoration of this year’s Hijrah 1445.
Wednesday, the first day of Muharram 1445AH, is the beginning of Islamic New Year.
The announcement was made in a circular signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.
While congratulating the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the New Year, the governor also enjoined them to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of the state in particular and the country in general.
Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairman, Akinyele local government, Mr Taoreed Adedigba pending investigation into alleged gross misconduct, misappropriation of funds.
This followed deliberation on the floor of the house during plenary on Tuesday.
The house however directed his vice to take over the council while the secretary take over the LCDA 1 and the assistant secretary to LCDA 2.
The assembly also directed the chairman, Ibadan North local government, Hon. Yusuff Sahib Oladayo popularly known as Agba Egbe to step aside.
Agba Egbe was alleged of impunity, abuse of office and misappropriation of local government funds.
The house however constituted an adhoc committee headed by Mr Peter Ojedokun to investigate the allegations
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has further jerked up pump prices of Petrol, known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from 537 to 617 naira Per Litre.
Recall that in May a day after President Tinubu was sworn into Power the Nation’s Apex Petrol station increased the fuel price from N195 per litre to 537 per litre.
The development was occasioned by Tinubu’s inaugural speech, where he said fuel subsidies would be removed.
On Tuesday morning in response to the new price, NNPC filling stations in Abuja witnessed brief queues, particularly the one located along Murtala Mohammed Express road, Kado remained shut for some few hours as the Petrol attendants has to adjust their fuel pumps to reflect the new price of 617 naira.
