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Ekiti election: Tinubu warns Fayemi, Olusola, others ahead of poll

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Bola Tinubu, a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged all candidates and stakeholders involved in the Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State to shun violence and mischief that could jeopardize the successful conduct of the election.

Tinubu harped on the need for stakeholders to be committed to a peaceful and transparent election on Saturday so as to uphold the nation’s democracy.

In a statement he signed, the former Lagos State Governor urged political leaders and other leaders of thought to speak to their subjects and followers on the need to be peaceful, orderly and respectful of other party adherents at the polls.

He warned followers of various parties against wrongful thinking, urging them to think aright and only commit themselves to a free, fair and transparent election.

The statement reads, “For the utmost benefit of the people of Ekiti, this election must be a peaceful event, free and fair and devoid of any hint of violence or intimidation.

“The anxiety expressed in some quarters and even by some concerned traditional rulers and leaders in Ekiti about the imminent poll has come to my attention.

“I particularly note the call for a peaceful and transparent poll by the consultative body of eminent elders and leaders in Ekiti, Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE).

“Given the high respect we all must have for the place and the wise counsel of our traditional rulers and other notable leaders, it would be remiss of us to ignore their words.

“Thus, those of us who have influence within any of the contending political parties or within the society, in general, must also lend their voice to the call for peace and calm.

“Let the will of the people prevail. In a democratic setting, there can be no greater justice or victory than this. I urge the electorate in Ekiti to exercise their civic responsibility by voting without fear or trepidation. Be vigilant but orderly and respectful of all others even the partisans of the other parties.

“We must allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discharge its responsibility fairly and objectively with nothing to hide and with transparency in all its doings. Above all, this is the time for the candidates to show their true love of the people.

“These candidates say they want to lead the people to a better place. Well, let them begin now by leading their followers away from any hint of violence or mischief. Let the candidates clearly and publicly declare that they condone no misbehaviour and that they will respect the free and democratic will of the people come what may.

“This is the essence of leadership-putting the welfare of the people above your own-. Let he who wishes to be the next governor begin now by eschewing violence and disorder.

“In the end, an election is a contest of competing personalities and ideas regarding the progress of the state, not the destruction of it. Thus, the election is not a conflict of arms or a call for war. It is a matter of determining, among the candidates, whose ideas are best for the state. This cannot be done by wrongful fighting.

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Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe

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(FILES) The logo of carmaker Ford is pictured on the sidelines of a warning strike called by metalworkers’ union IG Metall at the plant of carmaker Ford in Cologne, western Germany, on October 29, 2024. – US car manufacturer Ford on November 20, 2024 announced plans for 4,000 further job cuts in Europe, mostly in in the UK and Germany, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

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.

 

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Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor

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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.

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Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions

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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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