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2023: ‘Don’t rush into politics of endorsement’, Akpabio counsels group
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has counseled members of the Ambassador For Voice Of Change Initiative (AVCI), to keep to their agenda of preaching peace as agent of change to Nigerians and not to rush into endorsing any politician for the office of the President.
Akpabio gave the advice when he received in courtesy, members of the group made up of Nollywood actors, Musicians and Comedians in his office in Abuja, on Thursday.
A statement by the Minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, quoted the former Senate Minority Leader as saying, “I want to thank you for this laudable assignment of preaching peace and change in attitude to Nigerians. We need peace for development. I am happy to be part of this peaceful move. But let me caution here that you should not be in a hurry to adopt any political aspirant, as doing so, could derail this laudable agenda of the group”.
Akpabio noted, “don’t be ashamed of what you are doing. Even your colleagues will criticize and be enemies of what you are doing. Do not expect everybody to praise you when you are doing something good, adding, “the joy you will have at the end of this peace initiative, will shock you because we all, as a nation deserve peace.”
Speaking further, the former two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom State tasked the group to ensure that the drive for a peaceful Nigeria, has to come with change of attitude, the way we relate and communicate. As entertainers, you keep the country united through your activities on stage and that is why I am always on the forefront to make sure that you are well appreciated”.
Akpabio called on the group to give their support to the President saying, “President Mohammadu Buhari, is a President that is doing so much for Nigerians. He is working to put in place a lasting change for the future of this country. The rail lines, the good roads, and all other infrastructure he is putting in place are not to be used by him but by our children and those yet unborn”.
In his speech, the leader of the group, Mr. Godswill Ben Kureh, commended the effort of the Minister for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta Region, saying, “your achievement as a Governor, Senator and now a Minister are enough to endear people to you and that is why we are here to tap from that wealth of experience and vision that saw you excel in those offices and the one you currently occupy”.
“You have done so well for the people of the Niger Delta and that is why we are here to solicit for your support in this task we are embarking on. Nigeria cannot move forward without peace at this point in our history. We all need Godswill to be done in Nigeria and that is why we have come for your support in this task,” he stated.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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