Floods: Biden phones Tinubu, expresses his condolences 

President of the United States of America, Joe Biden on Tuesday called his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commensurate with him over the ravaging floods in the country.  President Biden disclosed this on his official X handle.  “Earlier, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria to express my condolences on the floods impacting his country and my appreciation for his leadership in securing the humanitarian release of Tigran Gambaryan. “We also spoke about the value of our partnership,” the US President wrote.  According to reports, the flooding was the worst Maiduguri has seen in 30 years. It submerged homes, killed at least 30 people and displaced nearly 400,000 others. It affected Maiduguri Metropolitan Council as well as Jere and Konduga local Government areas. The floods have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Borno State, the epicentre of a conflict involving various non-State armed groups that has persisted for more than a decade. Many flood-affected people had already relocated due to the conflict.

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Mr. Macaroni lashes out at Wike 

Nigerian actor and comedian Adebowale Adedayo popularly knowns as Mr. Macaroni has slammed Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barrister Nyesom Wike following unguided remarks at some of Abuja residents.  The former Rivers State Governor in a viral video was seen addressing the residents in what can be termed as arrogant.  Reacting to the Minister’s behaviour, Mr. Macaroni took to social media to remind him that he’s a Public Servant, saying tax payers are not to be addressed as such.  Mr. Macaroni wrote on his X handle; “Dear @GovWike , you are a PUBLIC SERVANT!  “Next time you want to address the citizens who pay your salary, do so with utmost humility and respect.  “Never go about asking Nigerians if they are stupid… you are not doing anyone a favor by being Minister!!!” The comedian went on to quote Wike as saying; “Is it because I came down to talk to you?” “lol… You must think you are talking to your slaves.” Mr. Macaroni is an advocate for civic empowerment, and most notably was involved in the 2020 #EndSARS movement in Nigeria. 

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Lagos commends One-Day Governor for his diligence, intelligence 

Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro has commended Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon for his level of diligence, intelligence, and responsibility by earning the opportunity to serve as the One-Day Governor and leaders of his peers.  Head of Service stated this in his office on Monday while receiving Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, his Deputy, Master Oki Sewanu as well as the Coordinator and Secretary to the State Government, Miss. Saheed Alimot Odere during a courtesy visit. He stressed that the One-Day Governor initiative is an inspiration to many young Lagosians who are eager to contribute positively to the State’s development. Responding, the One-Day Governor, Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon appreciated the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro for his good deeds for the entire Public Servants in ensuring that their welfare and well-being were adequately catered for.

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Ikwechegh: National Assembly reacts to alleged assault on Cab driver 

The House of Representatives has condemn in its entirety an alleged assault on Cab driver by one of its members, Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia).  The House, in a statement signed by  its Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. on Monday, assured to do due diligence on the matter.  The statement reads; “The House of Representatives is monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia). “These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language. “The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately. “Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness. “We are aware that the matter is now before the Nigeria Police, and we urge the public to allow the due process of investigation to unfold. “We welcome further engagement from the public on the subject, which can be shared via email at akintunde.rotimi@nass.gov.ng, akinrotimi@gmail.com, even as we continue to monitor the situation. “We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.“

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NASU, SSANU begin indefinite strike on Monday

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, have directed its members to proceed on a nationwide indefinite strike from Monday over the non payment of the four months withheld salaries. The strike according to the leaders of the two unions would commence on Sunday night of October 27, 2024. The bodies in a circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, with the title: “Latest development in respect of the withheld four (4) months salaries,” explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date. The circular which was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, explained that the strategic change in timing was for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page. The bodies regretted that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 percent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid, the alleged inaction of the Minister of Finance raised question about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue. According to the circular, “It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt. “However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter- University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded. “In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to mid-night of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike. “We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective co-ordination and for both Unions to be on same page. “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”

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Nigeria pushes for solutions to climate change at CHOGM 2024

Nigeria has called for urgent and aggressive measures to combat the catastrophic impact of climate change, emphasizing that it is a global crisis that demands immediate action. It also restated its support for the preservation of democracy, the protection of civil rights across the Commonwealth, as well as ongoing reforms in the organisation, focusing more on results-oriented value creation. These, among others, were Nigeria’s priorities at the just-concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Apia, the capital of the Independent State of Samoa, between October 21 and 26. The Nigerian delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, after technical flight issues prevented Vice President Kashim Shettima from representing his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the summit. Meanwhile, a New Secretary General of the Commonwealth has emerged. She is Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Nigeria and other nations voted for her during the meeting of the Commonwealth leaders on Saturday. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has already congratulated Ghana and the new Secretary General. Speaking shortly after a visit to the Moataa village, a community in Apia decorated with Nigerian colours and flags, Lawal, who was immediately delegated by the President to stand in for VP Shettima, told world leaders at CHOGM 2024 that Nigeria has had its unpalatable share of the devastating impact of climate change through flooding, degraded lands and rising sea levels. “We need to address the climate challenge very strongly because of its effect on our society; it is a global phenomenon. We have experienced flooding in our country, degraded lands and rising sea levels, among others. “Now is the time to join forces at the level of the Commonwealth to address these issues,” the Minister stated, adding that Nigeria’s positions on the environment, democracy, security, and other issues were prompted by current challenges faced across the world. Lawal noted that Nigeria also made its position clear “in support of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations, including the processes for strengthening the Commonwealth to make it stronger and more vibrant.” He emphasised that Nigeria also backed and encouraged ongoing institutional reforms at the Commonwealth, reaffirming its commitment to the organisation’s renewal. The Minister also reiterated Nigeria’s support for the new Secretary-General of the body, expressing hope that, with Botchwey’s emergence, there would be more robust engagement between Africa and the Commonwealth. Commonwealth leaders had earlier in their executive session,  “welcomed His Majesty, King Charles III, to his first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth.” In a communiqué issued by the Commonwealth secretariat at the end of the meeting, the leaders commended the King’s unwavering commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future for the 56 member countries of Commonwealth, and to strengthening education, health and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS), a commitment that has inspired the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme. The leaders reflected on the gathering being the first CHOGM since the loss of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth with extraordinary duty for over seventy years. The meeting also named Antigua and Barbuda as the host of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026.

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Tinubu places limitations on Ministers 

President Bola Tinubu has restricted Ministers, Ministers of State, and Heads of Agencies of the Federal Government to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys. No additional vehicles will be assigned to them for movement. The cost-cutting measure was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the President. In January this year, President Tinubu took significant steps to reduce government expenditure by reducing his entourage on foreign trips from 50 to 20 officials. For local trips, he reduced it to 25 officials. He similarly reduced the Vice President’s entourage to five officials on foreign trips and 15 for local trips. In the directive issued today, President Tinubu also ordered all ministers, ministers of state, and heads of agencies to have at most five security personnel attached to them. The security team will comprise four police officers and one Department of State Services (DSS) officer. No additional security personnel will be assigned, he ordered. Tinubu instructed the National Security Adviser to engage with the Military, Paramilitary and Security Agencies to determine a suitable reduction in their vehicle and security personnel deployment. All affected officials are expected to comply with these new measures immediately, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of these changes.

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