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Exclusive : Ajimobi sets to re- appoint caretaker chairmen.
•Forwarded list to OYSHA.
•Some notable names have been dropped.
Baring any last minutes changes, Oyo state governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, has forwarded a list containing the names of Care-taker Chairmen to the 33 local governments in Oyo state to the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYSHA, Mega Icon Magazine reliably gathered.
According to our correspondent, the new list which has been received today is coming on the heels of the agitations by party members in the state who recently expressed their displeasure to the state governor during a recent get-together held at Lafia Hotel, Apata, in Ibadan.
The state governor in a bid to placate the party faithfuls is set to announce the names of members into the state various boards as well as some aides that will be working closely with him.
According to a source in the state Secretariat who does not want his name mentioned, the list of the caretaker is said to rock some boats when it is finally announced as the governor has finally dropped some of his perceived loyalists.
The source further stated that while some loyalists have taken their exclusion in the new look care-taker chairmen in good faith, one among them is, however, said to be highly disappointed in the governor’s resolve citing his blind loyalty to the governor during his re-ectioneering campaign as the reason why he should enjoy ‘the untouchable status’ in the governor’s administration.
When our source was pressed further as to why the governor will drop the perceived loyalists for unknown people, the source revealed that those who have been picked to replace the dropped ones are not new in the party adding that they have also worked for the party’s success over the years in their respective local governments.
He noted that the main reason behind the governor’s decision is to spread the appointments evenly towards the party members irrespective of their closeness to him.
“Not a lot of people know that the governor being a smart person that he is constantly liaise with the leaders in each of the local governments . He ensures that their interests are taken care of and when there is need to stamp his feet on the ground he does so in a very tactical manner.
“This is not to say that the governor does not intend to install his people in the strategic positions knowing fully well that when he eventually leaves at the expiration of his tenure in 2019, they are the ones that will be his ‘eyes and ears’ in the scheme of things. Like every other politicians he wouldn’t want to leave without covering his tracks but he is being careful with it and at the same time carrying the leaders along. This is where I salute his wisdom”, he concluded.
It will be recalled that the need to re-appoint the care-taker chairmen across the 33 councils of the state became necessary against the background of a court injunction instituted by some Baales in Oyo town with a view to preventing Oyo State government and OYSIEC from going going ahead with the last month February slated Council election.
The state government has, however, stated that it will opt for out to out-of-court settlement in order to resolve the issue amicably.
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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