News
National Assembly Postpones Minimum Wage Bill Transmission
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The National Assembly has delayed the transmission of the minimum wage bill, which may now be sent to President Bola Tinubu by Monday.
The bill, which underwent second and third readings in both legislative chambers within minutes of being transmitted by the President, was approved separately by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Initially, the National Assembly had planned to transmit the bill on Thursday. However, it has yet to reach the presidency for assent.
Speaking to Punch on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, confirmed the delay in transmission.
Senator Gumel said, “Yes, we delayed the transmission of the Minimum Wage bill because the money bills, the N6.2tn 2024 Appropriation bill (Amended), and the Finance bill were not ready.
“The Appropriation committees still had one or two things to tidy up on the money bills, so there were no point transmitting the Minimum Wage bill without sending the bills that will cater to the money required to pay the minimum wage.”
Senator Gumel further noted that the leadership of the National Assembly also wanted to personally deliver the bills to the President.
Also, the leadership wants to take the bills to the president themselves, so they’d take it to him either this weekend or by Monday,” he added.
The President had earlier sent the Minimum Wage Bill through an executive communication to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
He also wrote separately to the Senate and the House of Representatives, requesting a prompt consideration of the bill to amend the National Minimum Wage Act 2019, raising the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
Additionally, the President requested that the lawmakers reduce the period for the periodic review of the national minimum wage from five years to three years.
This followed the agreement reached by President Tinubu and labour leaders on ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers after a meeting at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja.
By Francesca Hangeior
The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.
The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.
Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.
However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.
A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:
“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.
“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.
“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”
The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.
According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.
Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.
The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast
The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.
However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.
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