NNPP Chieftain, Ambassador Oguntoyinbo Expresses Displeasure Over Proposed N48,000

Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has expressed displeasure over the proposed N48,000 minimum wage by the Federal government, urging it to consider the current inflationary trend in the country in fixing the minimum wage for the workers.

Ambassador Oguntoyinbo said the N48,000 proposed by the Federal Government as minimum wage is unrealistic considering the current prices of foods and other commodities in the country.

It could be recalled that the Labour walked out of the minimum wage negotiation meeting on Wednesday when the government proposed N48,000 monthly minimum wage and the Organized Private Sector proposed N54,000 monthly minimum wage.

Ambassador Oguntoyinbo had earlier proposed a minimum wage of N200,000.

Ajadi in an interview on Thursday, said he followed with keen interest the meeting on negotiation of new minimum wages between the government and the Organized Labour and insists the government did not consider the current reality in arriving at N48,000

According to him, “The proposed N48,000 minimum wage is unrealistic in the present day Nigeria where Petrol is sold above N700 per litre in most filling stations. It is only the NNPC Filling stations that sell at N580 per litre.

“When we look at the prices of commodities in the market especially foodstuffs, it will be unrealistic for an average worker to eat not to talk of sending their children to school with N48,000 monthly.

“I agree that there are so many dead woods in the civil service, people who come to work but are doing nothing. May be the government should consider the idea of paying workers per working hours, so that those who are working genuinely will be adequately rewarded.

“I plead with the Federal Government to consider the survival of Nigerian workers and jack up the wage. Even states like Edo on its own has increased the minimum wage to N70,000.

“I agree with the decision of the Labour to reject the N48,000 but rather than walking out of the negotiation meeting, the Labour can reject the government proposal but should continue the negotiation.

“If Labour agrees on anything less than N200,000, then they are unrealistic too. I want them to state and explain to the government delegation why no worker can survive on N48,000 minimum wage,” Ajadi said.

Lagos Assembly Plans Geographic Information Law

– bill will create comprehensive database of Lagos state

– will curb issues involved in land ownership

Sahara Weekly Reports That A new bill that seeks to harmonise all geographic information service projects of Lagos is under consideration at the State House of Assembly.

The Lagos Geographic Information Service bill, which had stakeholders making contributions on Friday, is also aimed at establishing a computerised central database for all information relating to geospatial matters and related issues.

Section 4(2) of the bill says the agency’s responsibilities include introducing, implementing and sustaining best practices for all Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the state as well as “develop and maintain an online platform that will contain all information and statistics on geospatial-related matters.”

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the bill, when passed, would help in improving governance and boosting professionalism.

“It is targeted at integrating governance with advancements in technology. This is something we hope to always take advantage of so that our state can continue to be ahead in the area of development,” Dr. Obasa, represented by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the House, said adding that the Assembly will always make the residents of the state its focal point.

Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester, said the bill “shows a commitment and sincere

sense of duty on the part of the legislators of the state to put people’s interest at heart.

“Today’s public hearing means a lot to the improvement of

information technology and computerised central database in Lagos State.”

Ogunkelu, who represents Epe Constituency 2 at the House, described it as a bill that will cover the database of Lagos just as he commended the Speaker for his passion for the progress of the State.

“The bill will guide the government to have a database of everything concerning Lagos and in this case, you could be in your house and apply for a certificate of ownership on your property and have it without even visiting the Ministry.

“It will also cut sharp practices and curb fraudulent sales of land. For land, the database will have details of owners including their photographs,” he said.

Rasheed Makinde, a former lawmaker, commended the House for its proactiveness while some of the stakeholders suggested the involvement of professional bodies in the proposed law.

Eromosele Ebhomele

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Go Back Home and Contest Proper Elections Again, APC Group Tells Former Rivers Lawmaker

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Frontier has advised the members of the Rivers State Assembly whose seats were recently declared vacant to go back and contest new elections.

Denouncing the lawmakers, the Lagos-based group in a statement on Tuesday said their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is a betrayal of the trust and mandate given to them.

Signed by its national president, Comrade Ajani Martins, the statement further described the defectors as political prostitutes who have no place in the APC.

According to Martins, their defection is not only morally wrong but a clear sign of their lack of principles and integrity.

Martins, therefore, said the ruling party doesn’t support such illegality and treachery, adding that those who voted for them deserve better.

“We have followed the political crisis in Rivers State and actions taken by major actors, including the assembly members,” the statement said.

“Our great party condemns in the strongest terms the treacherous defection of the 25 Parliamentarians. This act of political prostitution is a betrayal of the trust and mandate given to them by their party and the people.

“We reject and disown them and their selfish interests, which have led them to abandon the principles and values that their party stands for. It is clear that they lack commitment to any party’s ideals and have shown willingness to sacrifice the interests of their people for personal gain.

“We will not tolerate such treachery and will take all necessary steps to ensure that those who have betrayed the trust of the people are held accountable. We trust our party to continue to stand firm on our principles and values, and we will not be swayed by the selfish interests of a few individuals.

“To our loyal members and supporters, we urge you to remain steadfast and committed to our party’s cause. We will continue to work tirelessly to serve the interests of our people and to build a better future for our nation.

“We value loyalty, commitment, and dedication to our party’s principles and values, and we cannot guarantee that those who have abandoned their previous party affiliations share these qualities.

“We, therefore, advise the lawmakers to return home and re-contest. As it stands, they have lost their seats in the House. Our party doesn’t support illegality.“