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NLC faults Tinubu’s speech on palliatives

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has condemned the palliative measures announced by President Bola Tinubu to cushion the biting effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians, adding that the programmes to be rolled out by the president are totally out of touch with economic realities and hardship currently being faced by poor citizens.

NLC, in a statement on Monday, by its President, Joe Ajaero, hours after the President’s special broadcast to Nigerians on his plans to alleviate the suffering of the citizens, said, “the promises and assurances made by President Tinubu are not the silver bullet that Nigerians expected”.

“The speech indeed appears to be out of touch with reality and anomalous with the hardship and suffering that most Nigerians are going through now,” the NLC leader said.

Tinubu had removed the subsidy on petrol during his epic inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, with a litre of the petrol jumping from N184 to over N620 and food prices and general inflation galloping at an unprecedented rate.

In his address on Monday, President Tinubu promised to review workers’ salaries and minimum wage.

He also announced a N75 billion palliative for the manufacturing sector, saying 75 businesses would benefit within a nine-month period spanning the third quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of next year.

Tinubu further noted that his administration’s recognition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth.

He, thereafter, declared a N125 billion fund to energise “this very important sector”.

To boost the agricultural sector, Tinubu disclosed that N200 billion would be spent as part of its plans to support the cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course.

According to him, provision has been made “to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses”.

But, the NLC said the President was expected to tell Nigerians his plans to resuscitate public refineries which have been lying comatose for so many years, but he was completely silent on the issue.

The union had threatened a nationwide protest starting August 2, 2023, if the government failed to do the needful.

 

 

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Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Gwarzo Over ₦1.6bn Alleged Fraud

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Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.

According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.

Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.

The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.

If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.

As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

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IGP Inaugurates State Police Committee, Gives Four-Week Deadline

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State policing has been on the frontburner in Nigeria in recent years. Photo: X@PoliceNG

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.

The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.

“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.

He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.

“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.

The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.

It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.

The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.

Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.

The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.

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Tinubu swears in Disu as IGP, inaugurates RMAFC, FCSC commissioners

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.

In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.

Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).

The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.

He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.

A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.

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