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Oyo Assembly reverses ‘vote of no confidence’ in Commissioner
•Commissioner tenders apology, says he has respect for House of Assembly Institution.
THE Oyo State House of Assembly, Tuesday reversed its earlier decision of vote of no confidence passed in state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela over alleged insurbodination.
It would be recalled that the House last week Thursday had earlier passed a vote of no confidence in the commissioner following his appearance before the legislators to answer alleged halving of funds meant for the Federal Government’s school feeding programme in the state, by his ministry, before it is sent to food vendors.
The Assembly, in a motion raised by Hon. Oseni Abdul Ganiyu representing Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency also accused Olowofela of withdrawing money from the vendors’ accounts and supplying food items directly from Ibadan which angered the commissioner and made the house passed the vote of no confidence in him.
Interestingly, the house withdrew its vote of no confidence following a letter of apology from the commissioner read by the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo seeking the honourable members to forgive him over the alleged affronts.
Reacting during the plenary, the lawmaker from Ogbomoso North State Constituency, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji appealed to the house to temper justice with mercy. “In the spirit of peace and love in the government, I urge that we should forgive the commissioner”, she said.
Similarly, another member from Ibadan North State Constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye noted that the letter from the commissioner is a test of leadership and shows dexterity was put at work.
Olaleye applauded the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for prompt intervention in the matter to douse the tension and make the matter go to rest stressing that the crisis was borne out of misunderstanding which is settled.
The lawmaker, Olaleye, also added that the letter from the commissioner reflects his worthiness in learning and character.
Speaking during the plenary, the Speaker said the house is not constituted to be fighting with other arms of government saying that it is not mandate given to us but to make law.
“We have made 125 resolutions on laws that have helped the state but they are not recognized. Professor Olowofela knew he made error eventhough members of the public see it otherwise but he has apologized and I believe we should forgive him”.
After the unanimous agreement by the honourable members, the house therefore forgive and withdrew the vote of no confidence in the commissioner.
In an interaction with Mega Icon Magazine shortly after the plenary, the Commissioner, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela saluted the lawmakers for their courage for good reasoning to prevail, adding that the development will remove unnecessary distraction in the state.
“I want to say I have respect for individuals and the House of Assembly as an institution”.
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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