Politics
Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointment as He Sacks Wike’s Ally
Israel Adeleke
In a decisive move, the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has sacked the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), Chukwuemeka Woke, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a communique issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday, May 22, said that Woke had been replaced with Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.
Recall that Woke, who served as former Chief of Staff to Wike when he was Rivers’ governor, was appointed on May 9, 2024 by Tinubu.
His appointment, however, generated mixed reactions and protests as some groups and individuals said it was against the principle of regional representation.
Reacting to this development, the president moved Woke from the position to the position of the director-general/chief executive officer of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
The statement read “PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF TWO FEDERAL AGENCIES.
“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).”
“Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Dr. Adedeji Ashiru as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).”
“Engr. Woke, besides being an engineer, is an environmental specialist and politician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, and has served under the environmental, safety, and operations departments of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).”
“He was Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State and Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, for many years.”
“Dr. Ashiru holds a Doctorate degree in Engineering from the Common Wealth University, UK, and has led a consortium of blue-chip companies, in addition to earning many stripes in his professional endeavour.”
“The President expects the new Chief Executive Officers to deploy their competencies to these critical agencies for sustainable gains and turnaround while maintaining utmost transparency in their operations.” The statement added.
Politics
Like Abiodun, Adeleke Slashes Workdays For Osun Workers
Fawaz Adebisi
Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State has given consent to the readjustment of workdays for civil servants in the state.
This was made known on Tuesday through a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Samuel Aina Ayanleye and issued in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson of the Osun State Governor.
As gathered, this is in response to the high transportation costs in Nigeria.
Adeleke made this move few weeks after its neighboring state, Ogun state reduced its civil servants workdays to 3 per week.
However, in addition, the circular stated that Ademola also approved an extension of payment of palliatives for public servants for the next two months.
Also, it stated that the action was in pursuance of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the well-being of workers, and a response to the present economic situation in the Country.
“By this Circular, therefore, and until another directive is given, the working day schedules for Public Servants in the state have been approved as follows:
“Public Servants on GL.01 to GL.10 – Three days a week. Public Servants on GL12 to GL.17 – Four days a week.”
The Circular further noted that the arrangements exclude those on essential duties such as medical personnel, security officers, political office holders and Accounting Officers.
“It is also important to note that arrangements as to which days each public servant in the above categories will be at work shall be arranged by the Accounting Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
“The Governor has also graciously approved the continuation of payment of the agreed palliatives to public servants in the state for the next two months pending the commencement of the new minimum wage.
“All Accounting Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of governments, including local governments, were further directed to comply.”
News
Normalcy Will Return To Nigeria, Ooni Says As He Goes Into Seven Days Seclusion
Fawaz Adebisi
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has assured Nigerians that normalcy will return to the land, preparing to go into his seven days seclusion.
The monarch, in a statement through his spokesperson, Moses Olafare on Monday said the rite is the most sacred moment for him on the throne which he utilises to interact with his ancestors and pray for the people, the Oduduwa race worldwide, as well as mankind in general.
According to the statement, Ogunwusi stressed that his major request during the rite would be the betterment of the people in the country.
He said,”this time around, I want To pray and seek for the face of our Creator to intervene on the current economic situation.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and specially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not used our hands to destroy our country.
“I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.
“But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,” Ooni said.
Also, he urged the government to be diligent in serving the populace by making bountiful dividends of democracy for the citizenry.
Politics
Abia Reveals Date To Implement New Minimum Wage
Fawaz Adebisi
The Abia State Government has set a date to start implementing the new minimum wage.
Okey Kanu, the state Commissioner for Information revealed on Monday that the minimum wage implantation will kick off by October.
Kanu said this while briefing the press on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by the state governor, Alex Otti.
In his words, “will cut across all categories of workers.”
Speaking of other outcomes of the meeting, he stressed that the state government is also set to commence the construction of 17 court halls across the 17 local government areas of the state.
He further disclosed that the state Ministry of Health will next week organise a free medical outreach at Ugwunnagbo.
In the same vein, he added that there would be free medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare services and free diagnostic tests.