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Why Buhari should sack Defence minister – Afenifere
The Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere has called for the immediate removal of the Minister of Defence Brig. Gen Monsur Dan Alli over his comment on the Benue killing.
Afenifere accused the minister of insensitively sanctioning the killing of Nigerians.
Besides, the Yoruba group accused President Muhammadu Buhari of promoting clannishness by appointing 16 out of the 17 service chiefs in the country from a particular section of the country.
Afenifere described this as unhealthy for the nation, especially in dealing with security issues in a multi-ethnic society.
At the general assembly meeting of Afenifere in Akure, the Ondo state capital, the group demanded that the President should immediately reorganize the country security architecture to reflect the diversity of Nigeria.
Reading the communique of the meeting to Journalists, the Afenifere spokespersons, Yinka Odunmakin said the Federal Government must immediately disarm all Fulani herdsmen carrying AK 47 all over Nigeria.
The group said, that was the only way the President can show that the lives of Nigerians still counted.
It called on the President to rise up to the challenge of his office by addressing the nation directly on the developments that threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria and ensure the killings were stopped and the perpetrators brought to book.
“Meeting is worried about the huge killings field Nigeria has become in recent times in the hands of armed Fulani herdsmen/Militas as evident in the new Year massacre in Benue,the killings in Adamawa, Taraba, Ekiti, Plateau, Ogun, Ondo and other states in Nigeria
“This has been accompanied by arsonists attacks on the farms of Chief Olu Falae,Mr Dele Adigun,Vice Admiral Samuel Afolayan,Chief Bisi Rodipe and several other plantations across the country.
“These killings and arsonist attacks now wear the garb of state approved given the loud silence of the president over these dastardly acts and in fact asking the Governor of Benue state to find accommodation with the killers.
“The IGP of Police has also that the killers are Nigerians while the Minister of Defence has blamed the killings on the promulgation of anti open-grazing law and the blockage of grazing routes in an official sanctioning of the horrendous killings.
“Nigeria today has become a primitive and barbaric enclave as the state is either complicit or unwilling to stop these dastardly acts,” Afenifere said.
The Yoruba group rejected cattle colonies, describing the concept as “offensive,repugnant,offensive, and an affront on the rights of non-Fulani communities across Nigeria.”
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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.
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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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