KICNEWS

Category: Politics

  • Labour Politics: Govs Meet Over Minimum Wage, LG Autonomy

    Labour Politics: Govs Meet Over Minimum Wage, LG Autonomy

    Governors of the thirty-six states under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are currently meeting to address the ongoing debate surrounding the new minimum wage proposal and local government autonomy.

    Previously, the governors expressed concerns about the Federal Government’s proposed ₦60,000 minimum wage, deeming it unsustainable.

    They argued that implementing such a wage would result in many states allocating their entire monthly federation account disbursements solely to salary payments

    The governors have urged the tripartite committee to agree on a fair and sustainable minimum wage.

    In response to these concerns, the Federal Government announced on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu would engage in further consultations before reaching a decision on the new minimum wage.

    Another key item on the agenda is the unresolved issue of local government autonomy.

    The governors are also set to deliberate on other critical matters of national importance, covering a wide range of pressing issues that impact the country’s socio-economic and political landscape.

    This high-level meeting aims to foster collaborative solutions and develop strategic initiatives to address Nigeria’s challenges, with the goal of ensuring a unified and effective approach to governance.

     

     

  • Incredible! Tinubu’s Minister Accuses Buhari Govt Of Mismanaging $100 Million World Bank Loan

    Incredible! Tinubu’s Minister Accuses Buhari Govt Of Mismanaging $100 Million World Bank Loan

     

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has accused the Muhammadu Buhari administration of mismanaging the first tranche of the $500 million World Bank loan for women’s empowerment in the country.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye made the claim during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday.

    According to her, the first tranche of the loan, which is $100 million, meant for the ‘Nigeria For Women Project’, was mismanaged.

    There is a eports that the women project is a strategic engagement between the World Bank and the Nigerian Government set to improve the livelihood of Nigerian women.

    A statement from the bank said the loan is a scale-up financing for the women’s project, which was initially approved on June 27, 2018, with $100m financing.

    Speaking during the interview, Kennedy-Ohanenye said the $100 million was disbursed by the Buhari government and the expenditure didn’t reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

    She claimed that the money was mainly used for advocacy, meetings, and consultancy services and was shared among the states without proper accountability and transparency.

    She said, “About the Nigeria For Women Project, let me first tell Nigerian women to clap for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who came in after the first $100 million had been expended. When he came into the office, he looked at it with me and we were not satisfied with how the money was used. Let me make it clear, this is not a grant, it is a loan and when monies are given out as loans, they must be managed well so that the money can be paid back. if we don’t manage it well, how do we pay back the loan?

    “When money is a loan, we expect whoever is given the loan to be allowed to utilise it properly in a way that the money will be paid back, so Nigeria will not continue owing all the time. So, the first $ 100 million, when I came in, I was not satisfied. It didn’t augur well with the Renewed Hope agenda. It was mainly for advocacy, meetings, and consultancy, and that was it and they shared it among the states. But remember, the project is called Nigeria For Women Project. It is supposed to be meant for projects for women, but that was not the case.”

    The minister also stated the new structure has been forwarded to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, for restructuring for the commencement of the disbursement.

  • Nnamdi Kanu Will Soon Be Released’ – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Nnamdi Kanu Will Soon Be Released’ – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

     

     

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has expressed optimism that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu will soon be released.

    Kalu disclosed that he has visited Kanu several times at the Department of State Security (DSS) facility.

    Speaking on Tuesday, Kalu applauded the lawmakers for throwing their weight behind him on the appeals for Kanu’s freedom

    He stated this via statement issued in Abuja, through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu.

    According to the Deputy Speaker, there are expectations that the southeast caucus will also arise in unison soon to support the effort.

    The lawmaker said the release of the IPOB leader was very crucial to the restoration of peace in the zone.

    He said that a milestone has been recorded in his private engagements with the authorities on achieving a political solution in Kanu’s case.

    Kalu said, “I want to sincerely express my profound appreciation to my colleagues from all parts of country and different political parties who made up the 50 lawmakers that recently lent their voices to the appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

    “The call signifies oneness of purpose and noble objective: that we are one people and what affects one, also affects another. 

    I have always emphasized that united we stand, divided we fall.

    “I want to assure them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in the peace and development of the South East and given his genuine love for the zone and the appeals so far made, a political solution is imminent in resolving the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

    “The voices of my brothers in the parliament are indeed inspiring and I cannot thank them and other Nigerians enough for queuing behind me.

  • Lagos Impounds 40 Vehicles Over Alleged Illegal Motor Parks, Obstructions

    Lagos Impounds 40 Vehicles Over Alleged Illegal Motor Parks, Obstructions

    Lagos Impounds 40 Vehicles Over Alleged Illegal Motor Parks, Obstructions

    The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, who made this known in a statement issued on Friday, said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement Mr. Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

     

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says its officers have impounded 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles allegedly operating illegal parks and causing “serious” road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas.

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    The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, who made this known in a statement issued on Friday, said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement Mr. Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

     

    According to Taofiq, the operation specifically targeted illegal garages that have been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

     

    Taofiq said that Giwa confirmed that the impoundment exercise, which began recently, is part of a broader initiative by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to enhance the efficiency of the city’s

    transportation network.

    According to the LASTMA spokesperson, Giwa emphasised that the government was committed to maintaining law and order on the roads and ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

     

    The governor’s aide said “illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos”.

     

    He said, “These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

     

    “Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction.”

     

    Taofiq noted in the statement that the targeted areas – Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota – are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

     

    “These activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians. LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

     

    “Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

     

    “LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent.

     

    “Hon. Giwa urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions. He reiterated that the government’s primary objective is to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

     

    “He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860 / 08129928503,” Taofiq added.

  • Kenyan President Bows To Pressure, Withdraws Finance Bill Amid Death Of Protesters

    Kenyan President Bows To Pressure, Withdraws Finance Bill Amid Death Of Protesters

    Following the death of over twenty (20) people protesting a bill containing tax hikes, Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday has conceded to withdraw his assent to the bill.

    Protesters had while protesting the bill stormed the parliament in opposition to the legislation.

    President Ruto however warned that the withdrawal of the finance bill would mean a significant shortfall in funding for development programmes targeted at helping farmers and schoolteachers, among others.

    The East African nation is currently struggling to lower its foreign debt burden.

    “I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn,” Ruto told a press briefing, adding, “The people have spoken.”

    The administration has been taken by surprise by the intensity of opposition to its tax hikes, with protests breaking out across the country last week.

    Protesters were largely conducting themselves peacefully until Tuesday when the rallies turned violent after lawmakers passed the legislation and police fired live rounds into crowds that ransacked the parliament complex.

    Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it had recorded 22 deaths and 300 injured victims, while vowing to investigate the incident.

    Citizens frustration over the rising cost of living rose as lawmakers began debating the bill containing the tax hikes last week.

    Government had explained that the increases were crucial to service the country’s massive debt of some 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), equal to roughly 70 percent of Kenya’s GDP