National
Speaker gives insight into counter statements by Onanuga, Ngelale

***Render apologies for the error
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas may have provided an insight in to the confusion among President Bola Tinubu’s spokespersons in their counter statements over the President’s visit to National Assembly on Wednesday to address the joint session.
President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on media Ajuri Ngelale had stated that the Nigerian leader is not scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly on May 29.
Ngelale’s statement on Tuesday contradicted an earlier one issued by Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga which indicated otherwise.
According to Ngelale,
“In view of public commentary concerning the President delivering a speech before a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorized as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event,”
Even the Clerk to the National Assembly Sani Magaji Tambuwal had issued a statement earlier to confirm Onanuga’s earlier statement on the Joint Sittin of the National Assembly
“This is to inform Distinguished Senators and ay Honourable Members that as part of the event to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and Legislature in Nigeria, there will be joint sitting of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday 29 May, 2024. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, will address the joint sitting on state of the nation and also commission the National Assembly Library. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are expected to be seated in the House of Representatives Chamber by 9am.”
However, while the President passed through the National Assembly on Wednesday to officially flag off the New National Anthem: ‘Nigeria we Hail Thee’ the speaker had asked his colleagues and distinguished senators to forgive them for the error.
He clarriffied saying, “By June 12th, all that we have to say about our 25 years of unbroken democracy will come to pass.
He said the President has other commitments. “After the National Assembly engagement, he is supposed to be at the commissioning of the light railway station somewhere in the town, So he might not be able to give any speech, and all the speeches coming from us too are not going to take place because
June 12 is supposed to be the real democracy day, not May 29th.
“It was an error from us and Mr. President has acknowledged our shortcomings in that regard and advised that whatever ceremony we are going to have, whatever speeches we are going to have, should be reserved for June 12.
That will be the day that we will all convene to actualy celebrate democracy.
“I want to especially thank you all for the role you played in ensuring that the National Anthem Act Bill was judiciously and expeditiously passed by both the Senate and the House. And as the Senate President has just mentioned, Mr. President has assented to that particular bill.
“It is now an act. And his presence here today will be largely to symbolize the commencement of the use of the new national anthem.
The senate President Godswill Akpabio said: “Mr President, this is your National Assembly. The Senators and members have asked me to congratulate you on your first anniversary since you swearing-in into office. Congratulations, Sir.
“Before you came, myself and my brother, Tajudeen Abbas, explained the purpose of this visit, that this is what we call in Nollywood: Waka Pass.
“You intend to celebrate Democracy Day, which is June 12th. But out of honour and respect for the National Assembly, you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary in office.
“Of all the significant things you have done, I think one of the most profound, is to take us back to the genealogy, the genealogical of our birth, that though we may belong to different tribes, though we may have different tongues, in brotherhood we all stand.
“Henceforth we will not refer to ourselves as mere compatriots, but we will refer to ourselves as brother.
“And as we go forth in battle whether on the field of sports, in the field of politics, in economic endeavors, we must hail Nigeria. And so we are all saying today, Mr. President, Nigeria, We Hail Thee!
“There is no better place to commence this revolution of going back to our genealogy than the National Assembly, made up of patriotic, not just representatives, but elected representatives of the people of Nigeria. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria. So we welcome you.
“On that note, sir, we will allow you to greet your people because of your crowded schedule today and we look forward to celebrating Democracy Day on June 12th with you. You just greet us. You may say a word. You may wave. You may stand up and take a bow, this is your chambers. However you do it ans thereafter we will allow you to your exit while we continue our proceedings. Welcome, Mr. President.”
President Tinubu while launching the new National Anthem admonished Nigerians to join hands together in brotherhood to build the nation as no other person or foreign nation will come to build it for Nigerians.
Speaking on Wednesday at the joint session of the National Assembly when he flagged off the new National Anthem ‘Nigeria we Hail Thee’ he explained that most foreign countries that claim to bring aids to Nigeria take care of themselves first.
“You rang out the latest National Anthem. ‘Nigeria we hail thee, this is our diversity representing all characters and how we blend together to be brothers and sisters.
He thanked the lawmakers for building Nigeria up to its present stage, building the institution building the country.
“You are first and foremost leaders that speak for our people and you have been in the forefront of this struggle.
“This institution, the hallowed chamber represent our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.
“Without this House probably I may not have found a path to the Presidency. I started all from here and that is why I have given the respect to you.
“So continue to collaborate, work together build our country, we have no other choice. It is our nation, no one no aid, no other institution or personality will help us except we do it ourselves.
“No amount of aids that will come in from foreign countries or any other nation, they take care of themselves first. “Let us work together as we are doingto build our nation, not only for us but for generations yet unborn. “Chatting a new part for development I have submitted the last budget to you, you expeditiously passed it, and we are walking the talk.
“We will soon bring year 2024 supplementary bill, that is just for your information, but we must not risk this democracy, build this nation so that the future of our great grand children will be sure of prosperity, development and progress
The Senate President said the NASS will be expecting the 2024
National
Strike: NASS Leadership, Labour Leaders, others in closed meeting to avert industrial action

In last minute effort to prevent indefinite industrial action declared by Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and affiliate bodies from tomorrow, Monday, June 3, 2024 , the leadership of the National Assembly led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, are currently in closed door meeting with the labour leaders and some Ministers at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Minister of Finance , Wale Edun, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi and some other Ministers are also at the Emergency meeting.
Labour welcomes negotiations for “survival wage “NOT “starvation wage” for workers. Akpabio cautions Labour to be mindful of possible “collateral damage” that might lead to massive job loss
Thesewere just before they went into a closed door meeting.
The National Assembly had had earlier indicated that it would engage the organized labour as part of moves to avert the industrial action due to commence on Monday.
It said its decision of to intervene followed the deadlock between the federal government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs. The National Assembly stressed that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
A statement issued Sunday and jointly signed by the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and the spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi revealed that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, are taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action.
The legislative arm was of the opinion that the strike action would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy
It said: “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.
“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.”
It added that the 10th National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
National
Strike is not in the interest of Nigerians, Labour Minister cautions organised labour

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has caution the organised insisting that embarking on a nationwide strike is not in the best interest of the country and its people.
In a statement by her Special Adviser (Media) Emameh Gabriel the minister
Minister advised the workers unions to have a rethink as declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their daily endeavors.
Explaining further the Minister noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour.
She pointed out that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.
“These proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Additionally, the government has pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
She however cautioned that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce
“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country.
“The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.
“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic progress.
“This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.
The Minister expressed disappointment that in a surprising turn of events, organised labour abruptly exited the negotiations yesterday, despite the government’s flexibility in rescheduling the meeting from Monday to Friday, May 31st, to accelerate the talks.
“Labour unions remained adamant in their demand for a staggering 1,547% wage increase, after the government’s proposed 100% increase, accompanied by various incentives for workers.
“It is widely acknowledged that the labour unions’ demands are unrealistic, given the country’s current economic position. The government takes into account the nation’s fiscal constraints and the need for sustainable economic growth. In contrast, labour’s demands seem disconnected from the economic realities, potentially jeopardising the very gains they seek to achieve”.
“The government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and its demonstrated flexibility in the negotiations underscore its commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution. However, labour’s inflexibility and unrealistic expectations may hinder the progress made thus far, ultimately harming the workers they represent and the nation as a whole, the minister added.
She however, urged the unions to reconsider their decision and continue engaging in constructive dialogue to find a solution that benefits all, as strike will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable segments of our society. She concluded by asking
organised labour to continue to respect the principles of social dialogue, engaging in good-faith.
National
Gov Yusuf Visits National Security Adviser, Ribadu

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday met with the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribado at his Office in Abuja
The meeting which was ocasioned by the recent happenings in Kano following the dissolution of five emirates by the Kano State House of Assembly through the repeal of the state emirate law, the governor’s assent and the subsequent restoration of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II by the
Governor.
The Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a statement indicated that the two political leaders deliberated on various matters relating to state/national development and the peaceful coexistence of the nation during their discussions in Abuja.
Recall that the NSA had been accused of involvement in the Kano crisis for allowing a substantial military presence to protect the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, a position the Office of the NSA debunked
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, had apologized to the NSA for his implication in the Kano crises, attributing the error to flawed intelligence.
Recognizing the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an Officer and Anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincire apology.
In harmony with these events, the Governor’s meeting with the NSA coincided with Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II’s six-day stay at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and kingmakers already pledged their allegiance and loyalty to the newly consolidated Kano Emirate under the leadership of the 16th Emir.
The state assured that Kano has been characterized by peace and tranquillity, and thus urges all residents to continue their regular activities in compliance with the rule of law.
“It was a fruitful discussion between myself and the National Security Adviser, his role is critical for the harmonious existence of our nation, so I briefed him on the recent developments in Kano,” Governor Yusuf confirmed.
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