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As we mark another democracy day, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) says it has come to the conclusion to call on Nigerians to have hope in a renewed Nigeria. According to the President General of the forum Alhaji Yerima Shettima, after series of his consultations, our perceived unity is very superficial and skin deep only to sustain the bureaucracy of exploitation of the Nigerian populace.

“Compatriots, the opportunity beckons as in the immortal words of Williams Shakespeare,’ there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat and we must take the current when it serves or lose our venture’. He admonished, “To all those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a renewed hope, every Nigerian deserves a better life as the time to give the Nigerian worker his due is now.

Though we are yet to overcome the primordial attachment to ‘loyalty’ over and above capacity, we are indeed confronted with the malaise of nepotism and of course mediocrity. “However, the project ‘NIGERIA’, is one I am convinced shall be successful given our collective resolve for a better nation, for with peace and plenty NIGERIA shall indeed be blessed” he reiterated Shettima while congratulating Nigerians on democracy day urged us to reflect on gains of the democratic processes towards sustaining and making it better. ENDS

Northern Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance (NOCODGOG )has replied the Nigerian Labour Congress over recent attack on the personality of the Secretary of Federal Government, Mr George Akume .

Mr. Akume had declared that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers N100, 000 as salary in a month.

But in reaction,the Nigerian Labour Congress via press statement issued on Friday said, it was “disheartening” that the SGF, a high ranking government official would make statement to trivialise the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers, when he said, he can’t afford to pay his four drivers N100,000 each as salary.

According to the group in the statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Baffa Ringim and Comrade Andrew Bartholomew Rufus , the NLC’s reaction was undoubtedly grossly insensitive and inconsiderate to the personality someone,who was a former Governor; former Senator and the current SGF.

The further reads:”We know Akume as a patriot and a sensitive Nigerian,who considers the reality on ground rather than playing to the gallery.He was just being honest by making such statement over lingering matter of minimum wage for workers .

“The statement Akume made was because he didn’t steal public funds while in positions of authority held over the years. It is only corrupt leaders and thieves that afford to pay such unrealistic demands by Labour unions.

“We also deemed unacceptable for NLC to express disappointment over Akume’s comments, where the SGF described the “legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action” as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage” .

It asked, “what is “deeply troubling” that has undermined the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues with the realistic statement made by the SGF”

“We make bold to say , Akume not among those who loot our treasury around the country, those who diverted public resources meant for hospitals and schools, padded budgets and inflated contracts including those who steal trillions of naira in the name of subsidy are the real economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony.

While stating that the SGF is not one those NLC described people paying personal staff “starvation wages”,the group said considerations must be given to background of leaders to reach conclusion.

“The SGF during his as Governor of Benue State was not committed to regular payments workers,but also an advocate their rights and welfare.”it added .

By Florence Nwafor

There was jubilation among Agric workers as One of the popular Labour Leaders and President of Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE), Comrade Obafemi Oyenubi as has taken over the Secretariat of the Organization on Monday.

Recall that Comrade Oyenubi was elected National President of NUAAE among other executives at the end of the union’s Extra Ordinary Delegates Conference held in March, 2024 in Abuja.

The members of NUAAE were seen chanting solidarity songs accompanied by law enforcement security into their National Headquarters in Gwagwalada one of the six Local Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Speaking to a team of Journalists, Cmr. Oyenubi said “We are glad that the lingering crisis in the union over a decade has been resolved by the law enforcing agencies.

” This is our national Secretariat and we are operating an open office for every member of our union to come to roundabout discussion on plans to move the union towards achieving greater height.

” We are appealing to our Aggrieved members to embrace peace as we are ready to accommodate them into the fold because we are one therefore must work to support President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration to enhance productivity in the Agricultural Sector.

Cmr. Oyenubi emphasized that he has constituted a stakeholder committee to reconcile the Aggrieved factions of the union and given a one month period to settle their grievances.

On his part, the Vice President of NUAAE, Comrade Anedi Ekpo said ” towing the line of Mr. President I want to say that this is a public office for all members therefore no need locking the gate for other genuine members.

” As responsible Union that caters for her members we’ll continue to engage them using the ambit of the law to see that we move forward.

Also Speaking, the General Secretary of NUAAE, Comrade Paul Chapi summoned that the rule of law has come to be today and they’re witnessing a fresh atmosphere in the activities of the union.

He said ” the rule of law has come to stay and this is what has been guiding us for the past 12years and we’ll ensure that all Secretariat Staff operates within the framework of the law.

By; AMBASSADOR ALIYU BIN ABBAS

In a sinister twist reminiscent of past financial malfeasance, the Nigerian government finds itself embroiled in another exchange rate manipulation scandal, dubbed “Exchange Rate Scam Version II.” This latest scheme exposes a sophisticated network within the corridors of power, exploiting the black market to engineer illicit gains while plunging ordinary Nigerians into deeper economic despair.

A Devious Plot Unveiled

The Exchange Rate Scam Version II operates through a cunning strategy: key figures in the Nigerian government, leveraging their influence and insider knowledge, hoard vast amounts of U.S. dollars. These officials then manipulate the black market by strategically releasing and buying back dollars, artificially inflating and deflating the exchange rate at will. By doing so, they execute trades that yield substantial profits, exploiting the lack of proper regulation and oversight in the black market.

A Perfect Crime

Unlike previous scams where government cronies were handed dollars through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at official rates—only to sell them on the black market for immediate profit—this new version is more insidious. The clandestine nature of black market transactions allows these corrupt officials to operate under the radar, making it difficult to trace and prove their illicit activities. The black market’s opacity provides the perfect cover for these manipulations, facilitating what is essentially the perfect crime.

Economic Misery for Ordinary Nigerians

The ramifications of this scheme are devastating for the Nigerian populace. The manipulated exchange rates have led to the skyrocketing prices of food, goods, and services, exacerbating the already dire economic conditions faced by many. The cost of imported goods, which form a significant portion of Nigeria’s consumption, has soared, putting essential items out of reach for the average citizen.

The ripple effects are widespread: farmers struggle with the inflated cost of imported agricultural inputs, businesses grapple with increased operational costs, and consumers are hit with higher prices for basic necessities. The resulting economic instability undermines public confidence and fuels social unrest, creating a vicious cycle of hardship and discontent.

The Human Toll

For many Nigerians, the impact of these manipulations is not just an economic statistic but a harsh reality that affects their daily lives. Families find it increasingly difficult to afford basic food items as prices for staples such as rice, bread, and cooking oil surge. Educational expenses have also ballooned, making it challenging for parents to provide quality education for their children. Healthcare costs have risen as well, putting essential medical services out of reach for many.

Small business owners, already grappling with a difficult economic environment, face heightened challenges. The increased costs of goods and services reduce their profit margins, leading to business closures and job losses. This, in turn, exacerbates unemployment and contributes to rising poverty levels across the country.

A Call for Accountability

The Nigerian government must address this growing scandal with urgency and transparency. There is an immediate need for stringent measures to regulate and monitor the exchange market, ensuring that those responsible for manipulating rates are held accountable. Strengthening financial oversight and enhancing the transparency of foreign exchange transactions are critical steps towards restoring economic stability and public trust.

Experts advocate for the implementation of a robust monitoring framework that includes independent audits and real-time surveillance of foreign exchange transactions. Additionally, legal reforms are necessary to close loopholes that allow such corrupt practices to thrive. International cooperation and assistance may also play a role in tracking and curbing these illicit activities.

Political Implications

The Exchange Rate Scam Version II has significant political ramifications as well. As public outrage grows, political leaders and parties must navigate the complex terrain of public opinion and voter dissatisfaction. The scandal has the potential to influence upcoming elections, with opposition parties likely to use it as a rallying point against the current administration.

Moreover, the international community is watching closely. Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage is at stake, and the government must demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption and fostering economic stability. Failing to address these issues could lead to reduced foreign investment and strained diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

Exchange Rate Scam Version II is a stark reminder of the lengths to which corruption can go, exploiting systemic weaknesses for personal gain at the expense of the nation. As ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of these manipulations, it is imperative for the government to act decisively. Rooting out corruption and implementing robust economic safeguards will be essential in safeguarding Nigeria’s future and ensuring that the interests of its people are protected.

In the face of such challenges, vigilance and accountability are the watchwords for a nation striving to overcome the dark shadow of corruption and build a more equitable and prosperous society. The path forward may be fraught with difficulties, but with collective resolve and transparent governance, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more resilient.

Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas is the Youth President, National Youth Alliance

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has distanced itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood. This is also as the Igbo group urged the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the polls and move on.

A group, South Unity Youth Coalition, had announced a mass protest on June 12, Democracy Day, to demand the removal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The coalition believes that Professor Yakubu’s leadership has severely compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

On his part, Obi had on Saturday while reacting to South-Africa’s presidential election, said the last general election was plagued with fraud and widespread irregularities.

However, in a statement by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said it was regrettable that over one year after the 2023 general elections, many politicians in the country had refused to move on.

Okwu said one would have expected politicians to at this point join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to move the country forward.

He expressed concern that, “instead, what we have continued to see is that politicians and some of their paid agents have continued to fan embers of discord in the country owing to the outcome of the elections.

“We have said for the umpteenth time that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“Our appeal to our brother, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is to accept not just the outcome of the election, but the verdict of the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court.

“In the case of the 2023 election, without sounding biased, it is a wrong conclusion for anyone to say that the INEC performed woefully. This cannot be so, when the court upheld the majority of the election and in some of the cases where elections were annulled, it had to do with candidates’ qualifications and some other issues that could not be blamed on the INEC.”

Okwu called on those planning any kind of protest to drop the idea, stressing that “Igbo youths are not going to be lured into such a selfish agenda aimed at heating up the polity.

“Rather, we remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s government and INEC. We welcome further reforms to the electoral process through the National Assembly.

“However, any form of protest, we are not going to be a party to it and those behind the plot should jettison it.”

NAN Criticizes Peter Obi’s Comparisons Between Nigerian And South African Elections … The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has released a statement describing as absurd and comical the recent comparison made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s defeated presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, between the electoral processes of Nigeria and South Africa. The NAN chairman Salihu Suleiman emphasized in the statement that the two nations have vastly different political histories and contexts, making any such comparisons by Peter Obi unreasonable and misleading. “South Africa has a long history of democracy, having gone through significant political reform and transformation over several decades of practice. On the other hand, Nigeria only transitioned to democracy in 1999 after years of military rule,” explained Suleiman. He argued that Peter Obi’s attempt to juxtapose the electoral experiences of these two countries demonstrates a lack of understanding of their respective political landscapes. “It is clear that Peter Obi’s attempt to compare the electoral processes of South Africa and Nigeria is quite ridiculous,” he said. “The two countries are at different stages of democratic development, and it would be more prudent to focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the Nigerian electoral system rather than drawing unwarranted comparisons.” NAN pointed out that the Nigerian electoral system is still in its infancy and that comparing it to South Africa’s more mature democracy is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the people of Nigeria, who have been working diligently to build a functioning democracy. Despite the challenges confronted by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NAN commended the commission for its commendable strides in ensuring the conduct of credible, free, and fair elections. Over the past 27 years, Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted democracy and peaceful transitions, a testament to INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. “INEC has taken proactive measures to address these challenges by implementing various reforms and adopting new technologies to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” Suleiman noted. He highlighted Nigeria’s vast geographical expanse and extensive population as significant challenges to conducting elections smoothly, yet acknowledged INEC’s innovations in logistical planning and collaborations with relevant stakeholders to meet these challenges effectively. Further illustrating INEC’s progress, NAN pointed to the enhancement of voter education and public awareness campaigns, which have increased civic participation and informed voters about their rights and responsibilities. Using social media, radio, and television, INEC has managed to reach millions of Nigerians, providing comprehensive electoral education. In an admonition to Peter Obi, NAN detailed South Africa’s historical and recent electoral irregularities, underscoring that the country has faced its own significant electoral challenges. “During the apartheid era, elections were manipulated to disenfranchise the majority of the population. Post-apartheid, South Africa has still encountered issues such as voter fraud, ballot tampering, voter intimidation, and questionable campaign financing. “In recent years, there have been concerns about the influence of money in politics, with allegations of illicit campaign financing and corruption. The 2019 elections were marred by reports of double voting and discrepancies in the voter registration process,” NAN said, emphasizing that neither country is free from electoral issues. Suleiman called on Nigerian politicians, including Peter Obi, to acknowledge the unique challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and work towards addressing them instead of making false equivalences with countries that have a more entrenched democratic tradition. He called for a focus on constructive measures to improve Nigeria’s electoral system and encourages political leaders to acknowledge and address these challenges head-on rather than resorting to impractical comparisons.

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The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) is gravely concerned about recent reports of plans by certain groups to disrupt the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations by instigating chaos and violence.

AYCF in a statement by its President General Yerima Shettima, strongly condemned any form of protest or demonstration intended to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria, particularly on the June 12 Democracy Day when the nation commemorates its hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy.

“The AYCF believes that any disturbance could undermine the significance of this symbolic day and strongly condemns any form of protest or demonstration that seeks to disrupt the peace and stability of our country, especially on a day as significant as Democracy Day. As a youth organization committed to the advancement and unity of our nation, we believe that peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement are the most effective tools for driving positive change and progress,” said Shettima.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests as a form of expression, Shettima warned that when such activities escalate into violence, it undermines the very principles of democracy that is being celebrated.

“Though protest and demonstration are legitimate, when these activities escalate into violence, destruction of property, and endangering of lives, they no longer serve their intended purpose and instead it undermines the very democracy we seek to uphold,” Shettima noted.

Addressing the importance of Democracy Day, Shettima emphasized, “On a day like Democracy Day, when we commemorate the hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy in our country, it is particularly important to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. Disrupting the peace and stability of our nation on such a significant day only detracts from the achievements and sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy.”

Shettima called on all Nigerians to use this day for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity. “Celebrating our Democracy Day should be a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity as we honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers to secure our freedom. It is a day when we should come together as one nation, setting aside our differences and focusing on the progress and development of our country,” he said.

To ensure that the day’s celebrations proceed without incident, Shettima urged the government to take decisive action. “Maintaining law and order is crucial not only for the safety and security of the citizens but also for upholding the principles of democracy. The government has a responsibility to protect its people and ensure that they can exercise their rights and freedoms without fear of intimidation or violence.”
He further stated, “Any attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the Democracy Day celebrations must be met with swift and severe consequences.Those who seek to sow chaos and disorder should be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law.”

In addition to punitive measures for potential troublemakers, Shettima advocated for increased security. “Increased security measures, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel and the implementation of crowd control measures, should be put in place to deter any potential threats to public safety.”

Shettima concluded with a call to action for the youth and all citizens: “We urge all citizens, especially the youth, to engage in peaceful and constructive means of advocacy and dialogue to address their grievances and push for the change they desire. Let us work together to build a better and more inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected and protected.”

*Says what is good for judicial office holders is good for Nigerian workers

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, called on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reject any minimum wage offer from the federal government that is less than N250,000.00 per month.

Frank who was reacting to reports of alleged Federal Government’s offer of N105,000.00 to workers as new minimum wage during their ongoing tripartite negotiation, said: “any amount below N250,000.00 cannot be considered a decent wage for Nigerian workers considering the present socio-economic hardship in the country.”

In a statement in Abuja, Frank accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of double standards in the fixing of salaries, saying what is good for judicial office holders is good for Nigerian workers.

According to the Bayelsa-born political activist, Tinubu recently sent a Bill to the National Assembly in which he proposed 300 per cent increase in the salaries and allowances of Supreme Court Justices, Appeal Court Justices, President of the National Industrial Court, Judges of the Federal and State High Courts as well as Grand Khadi of State Sharia Courts, among others, in the country.

He noted that the Bill has been hurriedly passed as proposed by the President in both chambers of the National Assembly and now awaiting the assent of the President to become enforceable law.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said: “How can you increase the salary of an arm of government that is already earning a humongous salary by 300 per cent and add peanuts to the paltry N30,000 that workers have been compelled to live with in this country as minimum wage in the last five years?

“Why did the President send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly to effect a 300 per cent upward review in the salaries of Judicial Office Holders but set up a tripartite committee to negotiate a “starvation wage” (apologies to NLC President Joe Ajaero) for suffering Nigerian workers instead of a “living wage” he promised them on assumption of office in May last year?”

He said that the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government ought to reduce their salaries and allowances to accommodate Nigerian workers who can barely have one meal a day rather than increasing their take home which is already over bloated and economically, financially and socially suffocate workers.

He however declared that “Nigerians are no fools as they know that the proposed generous increase in the salaries of Judicial Office Holders is meant to pay them for the devious work they did to judicially ratify the stay of key political office holders in this administration in office including President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, among others, and to compromise them ahead of any judicial challenge in future polls.”

He reiterated that workers are the engine room of the nation’s economy and that paying them a living wage will boost their morale to work diligently and even pay the supreme price in line of duty for the country’s development if need be.

He therefore urged the leadership of organized labour to be resolute in their demand to ensure that workers get a deserved living wage at this time in the nation’s developmental journey.

He urged them to leave their foot prints on the sands of time by being non-compromising but warned that doing otherwise will inscribe their names in the hall of shame.

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The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed concern over the stark disparity in wages in Zamfara state. Despite the national minimum wage being raised to N30,000, primary school teachers in the state are still receiving a mere N8,000.

NAN has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for ignoring this issue while advocating for a higher minimum wage across the country. The party’s recommendation of N120,000 as a minimum wage is seen as discredited, contradictory, and complicated.

Salihu Suleiman, Chairman of NAN, accused the PDP of using minimum wage advocacy as a tool for political point-scoring against the ruling APC government. He emphasized the need for fair and equal wages across all regions.

The situation in Zamfara is particularly alarming, as primary school teachers have been receiving a meager N8,000 as a minimum wage for far too long. This is despite the efforts of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to persuade Governor Dauda Lawal to review the salaries of teachers.

NAN has called for a more conscientious and action-oriented approach from political parties. They must address the discrepancies within their own territories before offering advice to the rest of the country.

The welfare of workers should be a priority for all parties, regardless of political affiliations. NAN has urged political parties to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of workers by advocating for fair wages and holding accountable those who fail to uphold these standards.

The issue of minimum wage in Nigeria is intricate and requires thoughtful, compassionate solutions. NAN has emphasized the need for action and solidarity in the fight for economic justice, particularly for the primary school teachers in Zamfara who have been neglected for far too long.