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Osinbajo: Christian group blows hot, calls for probe of crash
A religious organisation, under the aegis of Coalition of Christian Groups For Good Governance (Nigeria and Diaspora), on Saturday called on the Federal Government to commence an investigation into the crash of the helicopter carrying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Kabba, Kogi State.
The coalition also sought for prayers on behalf of the Vice President, who, it said, had escaped plane crash twice within seven months.
The President of COCGOG and Chairman, Congress of Northern Nigeria Christians, Rev. Daniel Kadzai, these demands in a statement issued in Abuja.
“Similar suspicious incidents have happened in the past without probe. This particular one should be thoroughly investigated,” he stated.
Kadzai recalled the case of late Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, former National Security Adviser (NSA), late Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi and late Assistant Inspector-General of Police, John Haruna “who lost their lives in mysterious Helicopter crashes.”
Kadzai, immediate-past President of YOWICAN – Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) said, “Till date, nothing had been said about the investigation into the Helicopter crashes of these great people. This has raised serious suspicion on the frequent crash involving top Christians in Nigeria.
“While we call on Christians all over the country to pray fervently against any form of manipulations against the Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osibanjo, we also demand thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
“Similar suspicious incidents happened in the case of late governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, late Andrew Owoye Azazi and late AIG John Haruna who lost their lives in mysterious Helicopter crashes. Till date, nothing has been said about the investigation, thus raising serious suspicion on the frequent crash involving top Christians in Nigeria.”
Last week, COCGOG protested against the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari, with a call on all Christians nationwide to “be at alert and await further directives”, from the organisation
Kadzai had appealed to the international community to prevail on Buhari to “toe the part of honour and reverse the ambiguous adventure.”
“From the body language of VP Osinbajo and other Christians in government, it is obvious that they are either under threat or under some powers in Aso Rock. Hence, they need the prayers of all Christians in Nigeria for spiritual deliverance,” he stated.
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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