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Nigerians react to sack of DSS boss, Lawal Daura by Osinbajo
Nigerians on social media have reacted to the sacking of the Director General of the State Security Services, DSS, Lawal Daura, by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
The DSS boss was dismissed on Tuesday by the Vice President.
Some Nigerians believe that the sack of the DSS boss was long overdue, adding that he may have sent his men to the Senate without the consent of the Acting President, as the Vp’s decision may not be unconnected to the invasion of the National Assembly by men of the DSS on Tuesday.
Nigerians’ reactions on Twitter:
@employlawone, “Now you are beginning to live up to the creed and fidelity to your oath of office.”
@AdaraloyeScott, “Oh really! Should I say thumbs up to you for not keeping him in line in the first place. Sacrificial lamb… When you lost a goodwill, you’ve lost it.”
@GordonMuero, “Thank you VP @ProfOsinbajo, for getting rid of one of the biggest threats to our democracy. Daura like many others, was a product of nepotism.”
@XixtinTheGreat, “After the DSS carry out your instructions, you turn around and fire the same person who you sent? Just to save face on social media @MBuhari.”
@noobhagas, “Does this mean that what happened today was without the consent of the VP? God bless you Sir, for taking such action. This shows clearly that you are not in support of those trying to joke with our democracy. You are really a good administrator.”
@segunjimoh, “Nice…but we have a BIG question to ask here. Who ordered the invasion of the NAtional Assembly complex in the first place? The DG DSS cannot just be a scape goat, he acted on orders but from who? The VP should tell us. We deserve to know as this process is incomplete.”
@Davidadeola10, “Great move! That’s what we are talking about. We say Buhari has been condoning impunity. Hoping Buhari will not reinstate him.”
@zion_ewere, “I strongly stand to be disproved that Daura Lawal acted on his own might and bigotry authority. He has been a serial threat to our noble democracy and this is the right move by the Ag President. Long live our democracy and the rule of law.”
@wolexzzo, “He was condoned and emboldened over time by the person who ought to have sacked him long ago. Had that being done, our history won’t have today’s records.”
News
Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
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.
News
Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
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.
News
Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
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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