News
Ohanaeze urges South East to reject planned nationwide protests
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned South-East states against participating in the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024.
The protests, organised by various groups, aim to express frustration over escalating living costs and hardships faced by Nigerians.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a released statement on Tuesday, explained the organisation’s stance citing historical incidents where Igbo people have suffered disproportionately in the aftermath of major protests and riots.
“Reflecting on the poignant history of the Igbo people in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of significant riots and protests… It is evident that Igbos have often been unfairly treated as sacrificial lambs amidst the turmoil,” Isiguzoro stated.
The organisation highlighted several past events, including the 1978 “ALI MUST GO” protests, the 1989 anti-SAP riots, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, and the 2020 END SARS protests, where Igbos reportedly faced significant losses of life and property.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo provided multiple reasons for their advisory against participation including security challenges in the Southeast region making safe protest conduct impossible, among others
The statement said, “First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots. In recognition of this reality, any Nationwide Protest scheduled within the Southeast is hereby revoked, with a clear directive that Igbos will not partake.
“Enforcing such protests risks exacerbating the existing security dilemmas in the Southeast, creating opportunities for criminal elements and external Igbo detractors to exploit the situation and instigate further chaos. Thus, it is in the best interest of all concerned parties to refrain from organizing any protests within the region.
“Secondly, the fear of Igbos once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming nationwide protests is a legitimate concern. In this regard, OHANAEZE NDIGBO calls upon Igbo residents in the 19 northern states and Southwest regions to boycott the looming protests for their safety and security.”
The statement further urged Igbo residents in northern states and the Southwest to boycott the protests for their safety.
“Demonstrating restraint and prudence by avoiding involvement in the protests is imperative to safeguard their well-being during this period,” Isiguzoro emphasized.
Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stressed that the primary focus for the Southeast region should be the release of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than engaging in nationwide protests.
News
Just in: Plateau Govt Approves N70k Minimum Wage for Civil Servants
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In line with discussions reached after consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Plateau State Government has approved immediate implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage for the workforce in Plateau State.
The cheering news is contained in a Press Statement signed by the Head of Civil Service in the State, Stephen Pam Gadong.
Full text of the statement reads in part:
Following the Agreement of the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries on 13th, November, 2024, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
The Implementation is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce in acknowledgement of their invaluableble role in driving the State’s developmental goals.
As the new wage policy is administered, Civil Servants are encouraged to embrace this gesture by recommitting to their duties with renewed dedication and zeal in order to foster a culture of productivity and excellence in service in the State.
News
Before final liquidation, NDIC set to auction Heritage bank properties
In a bid to ensure timely declaration of liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of the failed Heritage Bank (In-Liquidation), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of auctioning the landed properties and chattels of the defunct bank.
According to the Corporation, this exercise is in line with its statutory powers as the Liquidator of failed banks under section 62 (1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023, noting that; “This is another follow-up action sequel to the disposal of physical assets and chattels belonging to the defunct bank at its leased locations nationwide”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Communication and Public Affairs Department, Bashir A.
Therefore, the auction of the landed assets shall be by competitive bidding in sealed bids scheduled to take place at the six (6) selected locations of the Corporation across the country, for the affected 36 branches of the failed bank beginning from Wednesday 4th December 2024.
“Buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines purposely aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity, and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise. This is critical for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants.
The Corporation shall give preference to financial institutions who are willing to buy at the highest auctioned value to allow for the continuation of provision of banking services to the Nigerian public at the designated locations”, adding; “This is desirable towards bolstering financial inclusion as envisaged by the financial system regulatory authorities.
“However, Corporate bodies and Private individuals willing to compete are equally eligible to compete in the process without prejudice, the auction shall be open and competitive to all bidders.
Furthermore, bidders will be allowed to inspect the properties and chattels across all locations one week before the date of disposal.”
Importantly too, the statement said; “All interested parties are to make available 10% bid security of the value of their sealed bids to be dropped in the bid box provided at the specific centre out of the six locations of the Corporation as contained in the published advertisements.
“All interested bidders are advised to submit their bids only at the designated NDIC offices covering their choices amongst Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.”
Meanwhile, the Corporation has vowed that there would be no hiding place for debtors of the defunct Heritage Bank whose financial obligation portfolio is in the region of over N700 billion.
News
Naira slumps in parallel market
The Naira experienced a slight depreciation yesterday, slipping to N1,740 per dollar in the parallel market compared to its previous rate of N1,735 per dollar on Tuesday.
According to data from FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) strengthened, rising to N1,645.4 per dollar from Tuesday’s rate of N1,689.88 per dollar. This marks an appreciation of N44.48 for the Naira.
The market also saw a significant increase in dollar trading activity, with turnover climbing by 122.5 percent to reach $236.84 million, up from $106.44 million the previous day.
As a result, the gap between the parallel market and the NAFEM exchange rate widened, now standing at N94.6 per dollar, up from N45.12 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.
-
News9 hours ago
Trump picks ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US Intel Chief
-
News22 hours ago
SAD! 39 years old actor, found dead in his room, left a letter
-
News9 hours ago
NNPC Carries Out Leadership Shakeup, Appoints Adedapo Segun As New CFO
-
News9 hours ago
JUST IN: Govt Declares Friday As Public Holiday
-
News8 hours ago
Umahi Frowns At Slow Pace Of Suleja-Minna Road Construction
-
News9 hours ago
NYSC announces date for ‘2024 Batch C’ registration
-
News9 hours ago
Abia Assembly orders Deputy Governor, Emetu to apologise over assault on House member
-
News17 hours ago
Stop importation of fake fuel to Nigeria, professionals in Europe tell Tinubu