… set up 10-member committee to review the increment in telecom’s tariff

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Government has met with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with a view to reaching a common ground on the recent 50 percent increment on the telecommunication tariff by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).

The meeting, which was at the behest of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, was aimed to maintain industrial harmony and to also protect the interest of Nigerians.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke on behalf of the Federal Government, said that the purpose of the meeting was to look into the study carried out by the NCC which led to the 50 percent increment on telecommunications tariff.

After extensive deliberation, the two bodies agreed to set up a 10-man Committee comprising five members from the Federal Government and five from the NLC to review the study by the NCC to review the study by NCC and submit its report within two weeks.

“So, the summary of it is that Labour and the Nigerian Labour Congress specifically and the delegation of the federal government have set up a committee of five each. We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks. And at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to government and the organised Labour for final consideration”, he said.

The NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero said that it will wait till the outcome of the Committee to determine its next line of action.

Present at the meeting were Minister Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Budget and National Planning,Atiku Bagudu, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu among others.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Kogi State High Court has nullified the appointment of HRM Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Salisu Umar on Monday.

The legal challenge against Anaje’s appointment was initiated by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah and two other petitioners, who argued that there were serious irregularities in the selection process that led to his ascension to the throne.

The case, numbered HCO/05C/2024, was filed against both the Governor of Kogi State and Anaje himself.

Anaje was appointed in January 2024 following the death of the previous Ohinoyi, but his selection had been mired in controversy, with various stakeholders expressing concerns over adherence to traditional protocols and legal standards.

Justice Umar’s ruling mandated Anaje to cease all activities associated with his role as traditional ruler immediately.

The court’s decision not only invalidated Anaje’s appointment but also called for a new selection process in compliance with both legal and traditional requirements.

The Kogi State Government and relevant traditional councils are now expected to take swift action to implement the court’s directives and initiate a fresh selection process for the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland if they are not contemplating an appeal.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) at the weekend said President Bola Tinubu remains untroubled by recent criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Amaechi had urged Nigerians to be vigilant in defending their mandate during the 2027 election, warning that politicians, including the current President, would not easily relinquish power.

El-Rufai, on his part, criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a “zero-man show.”

He also called on opposition parties to unite and form a coalition to challenge the ruling party and protect democracy.

Atiku accused the Presidency of offering a N50 million bribe to opposition parties to undermine their structures ahead of the 2027 election, though most political platforms denied the allegation.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ibrahim dismissed the concerns, asserting that Tinubu was unfazed by the criticisms.

“Is El-Rufai saying that Tinubu doesn’t have legitimacy now and in 2027? If the answer is no, what are you worrying yourself about?” Ibrahim questioned. “If Atiku says people give bribes, he needs to provide evidence. We deal with empirical evidence to do reaction. We don’t react by narratives.”

He emphasised that the legitimacy of governance remains intact despite opposition sentiments.

“The key point is that the opposition will say whatever they want to say. But that does not take away the legitimacy of governance. I don’t think Tinubu is bothered by all the comments and sentiments that have been expressed,” he added.

Addressing El-Rufai’s criticism, Ibrahim said: “El-Rufai was in the National Assembly to be cleared as a minister and answered questions. At the end of the day, he didn’t get the ministerial appointment, probably because of some challenges or whatever happened.

“Another time, he claimed he had never applied to be a minister. If you don’t apply to be a minister, who forced you to come to the National Assembly? It’s not about whether he was treated fairly or not. It’s about the issue of security.”

The senator also questioned the motives of those criticising the current administration, suggesting they were mainly aggrieved party members and candidates who lost in the 2023 election.

He further dismissed fears about defections from the APC, noting that for every member who leaves, more join from opposition parties. “Look, when I contested the governorship election in Ondo State and didn’t get the ticket, did I gather a storm and destroy the government?” he asked.

Highlighting the influx of new members, he said: “This argument is one-sided. What about those from the PDP who have joined us? How many governors have crossed to APC, and how many of them are still planning to come? How many senators have left there?”

When asked if more Governors were considering joining the APC, Ibrahim affirmed: “Of course. A sitting governor is planning to come to the APC. I don’t want to mention names so that I don’t embarrass people.”

Recalling a previous prediction, Ibrahim concluded: “When I came here the last time, I told you Donald Trump would win the US election. You shouted at me.