On Sunday, the Presidency emphatically declared that Organised Labour’s N250,000 minimum wage demand is unfeasible, cautioning that the Federal Government cannot allocate all its resources to fulfil such a request.
This stark warning followed closely on the heels of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) expressing grave concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed N62,000 wage, fearing it could severely strain the councils’ financial stability.
On Tuesday, May 28, negotiations between the Federal Government and Organised Labour collapsed after the government and the Organised Private Sector increased their offer to N62,000.
The labour unions have criticized the proposal, calling it a brazen affront to the dignity of the average Nigerian worker, who deserves significantly more than the government’s meagre offering.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, argued that unless the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are acting out of self-interest, they should recognize that the nation’s resources cannot be solely allocated to benefit their members, who represent less than 10% of the population.
He stated, “We consistently urge labour to adopt a pragmatic approach, as the government cannot allocate all its resources to worker salaries alone. There are numerous other obligations to fulfill. The workers in question constitute less than 10% of the populace. A significant portion of the population is either self-employed or engaged in the private sector and unaffected by these demands.”
“This underscores the critical necessity for labour unions to meticulously reconsider their stance rather than perpetually seeking to paralyze the system. The Federal Government’s actions were taken in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders. Labour, seemingly in the minority, stubbornly insists on rejecting the N62,000 proposal. It’s important to note they are employees, not employers.
THE WAIT ON THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE
“Let us await their response upon their return from the ILO conference, but they must approach the matter with a sense of realism.”
During his Democracy Day address, President Tinubu revealed that an executive bill concerning the new national minimum wage for workers would be forwarded to the National Assembly.
When asked about the timing for transmitting the bill, Onanuga stated that, while he couldn’t specify an exact date, he anticipates it will occur following the Sallah break.
The presidential media aide expressed doubt that the Federal Government would reconvene with Labour leaders unless a compelling reason arose.
“I cannot confirm the timing for the bill’s submission, possibly after Sallah. However, I am uncertain about any upcoming meetings with the Labour leaders or any changes in the government’s stance on the minimum wage. Remember, the current proposed amount was the result of deliberations by a committee that included the private sector, represented by NECA and NACIMMA.
“This figure was a consensus reached by the Federal Government’s delegation, sub-nationals, employers, NECA, and other sectors. Therefore, the government cannot arbitrarily decide on a different amount without consulting these stakeholders. Additionally, any decision must consider the financial capabilities of state and local governments to implement the new wage,” he stated.
Efforts made to reach labour leaders on Sunday were unsuccessful as close sources told our correspondents they were on their way back to the country from their recent trip to Geneva for the International Labour Organisation conference.
Meanwhile, the tripartite committee established by the Federal Government to review the minimum wage has urged labour unions to reassess their wage demands.
Speaking with NAN on Sunday, the committee’s chairman, Bukar Aji, asked labour to reconsider their position based on economic factors and the non-monetary incentives provided by the government.
Aji highlighted several incentives of the government, including the N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers, N100bn for gas-fuelled buses and gas kit conversions, a N125bn conditional grant, financial inclusion for small and medium enterprises, and a N25,000 monthly stipend for 15 million households over three months.
He also listed the N185bn in palliative loans to states to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal, N200bn to boost agricultural production, N75bn to strengthen the manufacturing sector, and N1tn for student loans, among other interventions.
Aji called on the labour unions to consider accepting the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the Federal Government.
He said the committee was trying to avert a situation where the minimum wage would lead to further job losses, especially as many businesses are already struggling.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges of terrorism brought against him.
Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, disclosed this on Thursday night, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, is pleased with Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, hoping it will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice.
Gusau wrote: “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”
Ekpa’s arrest is connected to allegations of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, promoting violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
The Finland district court in Lahti ordered his remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria, with offences dating back to August 23, 2021.
Additionally, Ekpa has been investigated for alleged financial crimes, including collecting funds through questionable means.
Four other suspects, accused of financing terrorism, are believed to have committed crimes in August 2022 in Lahti.
The Nigerian Government has been seeking Ekpa’s extradition, and the Defence Headquarters’ announcement makes it a good development in the case.
Ekpa’s extradition is expected to facilitate his trial in Nigeria, addressing concerns about his alleged role in promoting violence and separatism.
HP Wolf Security Launches Advanced Physical Cyberattack Protection for Business Introducing HP Enterprise Security
Edition: Comprehensive Safeguards Against Hardware and Firmware TamperingLagos, Nigeria – November 21, 2024 – HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has unveiled the HP Enterprise Security Edition, a revolutionary suite of security features designed to protect HP business-class PCs from targeted physical cyberattacks.
This innovative solution offers robust multilayered defense for hardware and firmware, coupled with unparalleled visibility into potential tampering throughout the device lifecycle.With the rise of hybrid work and Work from Anywhere (WFA), the risk of physical cyberattacks has surged. Attackers exploiting brief physical access to PCs pose significant threats to organizations.
A recent survey reveals that over 51% of IT Security Decision Makers (ITSDMs) are concerned about their inability to detect hardware or firmware tampering during transit. HP Enterprise Security Edition addresses these vulnerabilities, empowering IT teams to detect and prevent unauthorized alterations while safeguarding devices from persistent threats.
Key Features of HP Enterprise Security Edition1. Firmware LockA user-controlled lock at the firmware level, used alongside HP Sure Admin. When activated, this feature employs HP Sure Admin’s cryptographic, password-free authentication, preventing unauthorized access even if the device is left unattended.
This lock offers significantly stronger protection than traditional operating system locks.2. Platform CertificatesDigital certificates validate the integrity of critical hardware and firmware components, such as processors, memory, BIOS, or PCIe devices.
This ensures that no unauthorized modifications occur, enhancing overall device security.3. Sure Start Virtualization ProtectionPre-boot protection isolates malicious or compromised third-party hardware—such as devices connected via Thunderbolt™/USB-C or PCIe ports—within a micro-virtual machine.
This safeguards the device from firmware contamination and prevents attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.—Revolutionizing PC SecurityDr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP Inc., stated:> “Physical attacks are typically well-planned, often linked to nation-state campaigns or corporate espionage. However, the growing underground market for corporate network access is driving opportunistic attacks—exploiting moments of vulnerability, like unattended PCs in public spaces.”Dr. Pratt emphasized the importance of hardware security:> “By compromising hardware or firmware, attackers can establish a nearly undetectable foothold, gaining long-term access to sensitive networks and data.
HP Enterprise Security Edition provides critical defenses to prevent these threats, while equipping IT teams with the tools to validate device integrity.”—Strengthening Resilience and VisibilityHP Enterprise Security Edition empowers organizations with:
Enhanced Platform Integrity: Protects hardware and firmware layers beneath the operating system.Supply Chain Risk Mitigation: Validates hardware and firmware integrity before onboarding.
Lifecycle Security Governance: Maintains control over device security from deployment to retirement.
These measures ensure businesses can confidently secure sensitive data, enabling hybrid work without compromising security.—Availability
The HP Enterprise Security Edition will be available for select HP PC platforms.—About HP Inc.HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader delivering innovation that connects people and ideas.
Operating in over 170 countries, HP offers sustainable solutions across personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, and gaming. Visit www.hp.com for more information.
About HP Wolf SecurityHP Wolf Security provides world-class endpoint protection with hardware-enforced solutions that safeguard PCs, printers, and users from cyber threats. Learn more at www.hp.com/wolf.Media Contact:THOP for HPAdeola – adeola@wearethop.com
Federal High Court Adjourns Labour Party’s Suit on Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to January 2025
The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has adjourned until January 21, 2025, to deliver a ruling on several applications in a case filed by the Labour Party (LP).
The suit, registered as FHC/PH/25/2024, seeks to have the seats of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly declared vacant following their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Labour Party, represented by its caretaker committee chairman in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, is also asking the court to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats, allowing all interested parties, including the Labour Party, to contest.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for the defendants, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), representing the embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule and others, requested the consolidation of three separate applications.
Orbih argued that the motions all addressed similar subject matters and called for the exchange of pleadings and presentation of evidence to substantiate the claims. He urged the court to grant the consolidation request.
The Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chukwu, did not object to the consolidation but opposed the substance of the defendants’ applications. Chukwu argued that the defendants had failed to file further affidavits in response to the Labour Party’s counter-affidavits, effectively admitting to the facts stated in the counter-affidavits.
He urged Justice Emmanuel Obele to dismiss the motions filed by the defendants.Justice Obele, after hearing arguments from both sides, announced the adjournment of the case to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on the applications.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Chukwu emphasized the Labour Party’s stance, stating that the 27 lawmakers openly admitted their defection through various public platforms, including televised announcements.
He further revealed that affidavits and video evidence were available to substantiate the claims.
The case took another dimension as Justice Obele scheduled December 7, 2024, to hear a related suit filed by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and three other lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This separate case also seeks to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and to restrain them from parading as members of the State House of Assembly.Commenting on the matter, Emeka Onyeka, one of the defense counsels, explained that the current proceedings focused on preliminary issues, which must be resolved before the court can address the substantive case.
He reiterated the defendants’ request for the court to order the filing of pleadings, citing the contentious nature of the issues at hand.
As the political drama unfolds, the adjournment leaves the fate of the embattled lawmakers in limbo while raising significant questions about party loyalty, legislative integrity, and the legal implications of political defections in Nigeria.
Efe Ajagba Poised to Challenge Daniel Dubois for IBF Heavyweight Title
Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has emerged as a potential challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.
This development follows the confirmation that Anthony Joshua’s anticipated rematch with the champion could be delayed until 2026.
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against any top 15 ranked contender before April 22. Ajagba, currently ranked eighth and holding the WBC Silver title, has risen as a strong candidate.
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed plans for the champion to defend his title in February, following indications from Joshua’s camp that they would not be ready for an immediate rematch.
“Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against someone ranked in the top five,” Warren revealed in an interview with Sky Sports.Dubois, 27, captured the IBF title in September with a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium.
The win extended his record to an impressive 22 wins, with 21 of those coming by way of knockout.
Meanwhile, Ajagba boasts 14 knockouts in 20 professional fights, with only one loss, further establishing himself as a formidable opponent for the champion.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, explained that the British-Nigerian boxer’s injuries from the September fight, coupled with concerns about a quick turnaround, have ruled out his availability for an immediate rematch.
Joshua, who has amassed over $200 million in his career, including $75 million from fights this year alone, is expected to return to the ring in the summer.
Warren highlighted the champion’s flexibility for his upcoming defense, noting that the bout against Joshua in September fulfilled a mandatory obligation.
“First of all, the fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory, so he is allowed a period, which means he can fight in February and he’s allowed up until April or May to make a voluntary defense,” Warren explained.
IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed Dubois’ right to an optional defense, paving the way for a potential showdown with Ajagba.
Both fighters, known for their impressive knockout power and similar physical attributes, promise an explosive matchup.
The winner of the potential Dubois vs. Ajagba clash could position themselves for a lucrative unification bout against the winner of the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.
That fight will see the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles on the line, further intensifying the stakes in the heavyweight division.
You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ—Odoh to Tinubu
The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has rejected his removal, claiming that President Bola Tinubu “can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ.”
Odoh, in a Thursday interview on Arise TV, said his dismissal failed to follow due process and undermined the autonomy of the institution’s governing council, which had appointed him.
“You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release,” Odoh said.
Yesterday, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced that he has dismised Odoh as Unizik Vice-Chancellor as well as the institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike and also approved the dissolution of the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.
“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice chancellor without following due process,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga said the controversial appointment drew the attention of the federal government after tensions arose between the institution’s Senate and the governing council.
In response, Odoh refuted claims that his appointment had violated university laws, stating that his selection as VC had “followed a straightforward procedure” and not “through a press release”
“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my sack after investigating me,” adding that “Mr. President could have been ill-advised.”
“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure.”
He also noted that his records were validated by the Sokoto State High Court and corroborated by the university’s registrar at the time of his confirmation.
“What some people did was to pay somebody to remove my records from the university.
The VC who appointed me still teaches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and he wrote my reference letter,” he added.
Odoh also alleged that his removal was influenced by regional bias, stating that being from Ebonyi State, often regarded as a ‘third-class people’ had made him a target.
“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State. People have ganged up to remove me at all costs.
Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland for terrorism
Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism
Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, alongside four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland for terrorism.
A report from Finland states the self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
In a statement published on its website on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police of Finland announced the arrests of five individuals on suspicion of terrorist crimes.
The police indicated that Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the other four individuals were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.
According to the police, the suspect is believed to have promoted his activities from Finland through means that have incited violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation from the Central Crime Police, stated that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.” The statement also mentioned that four other individuals are suspected of financing this activity.
“Claims will be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court today, November 21. The detention demands are linked to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, ” the statement added,
All five suspects were arrested earlier this week, and “international cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.”