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‘True federalism is the only way to go” – Adebanjo harps
Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo has renewed his call for a return to true federalism to correct the in balance and injustice on the present political arrangement.
Chief Adebanjo said in a special interview on the television channel of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS TV ) that most problems affecting the nation are rooted in a distorted constitution crafted by the military.
The elder statesman said, “the beginning of our problem in this country was the military coup of 1966. The people who want to do mischief, particularly our brothers from the North are cheating us under the present structure imposed on us by the military in 1966. As long as that constitution exists, those of us in the South who took part in the founding of this nation under our constitutional democracy will not accept.”
He also frowned at lopsidedness on slack of openness in the creation of local governments which he said was in favor of the North.
“This constitution created local governments which they use to distribute resources. But the North is in an advantaged position”,he said.
The Afenifere chieftain further lamented that “this is a country where a section is imposing its will on the rest. They are using false population to get majority in the parliament”. Adding that the return to the genuine federal structure is imperative to free the rest of the country from servitude.
The Elder statesman blamed some Yoruba leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) for not being bold enough to speak the truth to power because of their selfish ambition.
“Our brothers who are in the APC will say they cannot do without the North and I dare say we are equal partners in this federation. Tinubu is hesitant for just no cause. Buhari is deceiving him. When he (Buhari) leaves, he will make him the President. And if you ask the governors, they will say that thinking is just in the air,”
Adebanjo said.
According to Adebanjo, it is wrong to believe that Nigeria will disintegrate if the nation returns to true federalism as recommended by the 2014 National Constitutional Conference organized by Goodluck Jonathan administration.
He said Nigeria was very strong in the pre independence era with Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Premier of Western Regional, Nnamdi Azikiwe as Premier of Eastern Region, Sadauna as Premier of Northern Region, with Tafawa Balewa at the centre.
The Afenifere leader added, “the founding fathers designed the country to run a federalism with the understanding of the people’s diversities and for each of the constituent to develop at its own pace.”
He took a swipe at many politicians in Nigeria, especially those in the South West who used the platform of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the former Premier of Western Region to gain recognition and win elections but abandon the late sage’s ideas, saying political office should be for service, freedom and advancement of the people.
Chief Adebanjo said the Amotekun security network model has sent jitters down the spines of authorities in Abuja, stressing that it was an initiative which is aimed at giving the states a measure of freedom in securing their areas.
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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