NEWS
ASUU: Slash Lawmakers’ Salaries To Half, Borno Senator Tells FG
In order to meet the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) urgent demands, Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) has recommended the Federal Government to cut the salary of National Assembly members by 50%.
This was said by Ndume on Thursday in Maiduguri in response to the purported half-pay given to ASUU members.
The former Senate Leader suggested that the federal government organize a powerful standing committee of reputable educators and patriotic Nigerians to meet with the ASUU leadership and discuss the pressing issues.
He said, “Even if it means that the National Assembly will reduce sitting allowances or be paid on casual allowances basis whenever they sit at the Lower and upper chambers, by cutting the recurrent expenditure in the budget of the federal lawmakers to settle the ASUU arrears, let it be.
“We only assemble twice or so in a week and get paid as such.”
“So why will the federal government cut university lecturers’ salaries because they went on legitimate strike? Constitutionally, they’re fighting for their rights and privileges.”
Ndume added, “As a matter of priority and as a public servant in the legislative chambers, we do not work, so why don’t you just give us half salaries and then pay ASUU.”
The Kano State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in the state, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, dismissed the reports and urged the public to disregard them.
“The report is completely false and misleading. There was no such attack, and the public should not be misled by unverified information circulating online,” Kiyawa stated.
READ ALSO: Billions Lost As Fire Razes Kano Market, Recycling Hub
He reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
To address the spread of misinformation, the police have launched an investigation to identify the source of the false report. Authorities warned that those responsible would face consequences.
“The command urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that can incite fear, panic, and unrest in society,” Kiyawa added.
The police also advised citizens to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The announcement was made on Saturday via Haramain’s official Facebook page, stating, “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
READ MORE: Troops Thwart Terror Plot During Eid-El-Kabir Celebrations In Kaduna
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, and is celebrated with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.
With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, many countries that align their Islamic calendar with the kingdom are expected to follow suit, while others may conduct their own moon sightings to determine the date of the festival.
Muslims worldwide are preparing for the celebrations, which include special prayers, family gatherings, and the giving of alms, as part of Islamic tradition.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has named Tony Elumelu, Founder and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, to its newly formed Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
The council, convened by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, is tasked with addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship and shaping policies that foster innovation, resource allocation, and private sector-led economic expansion.
A statement confirming Elumelu’s appointment was released on Friday, highlighting his influence as a strong advocate for entrepreneurship in Africa.
READ ALSO: Tony Elumelu Marks Daughter’s Birthday
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has provided funding, mentorship, and training to over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, championing the belief that private sector investments can drive the continent’s economic transformation.
“Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking,” the statement noted.
The IMF Advisory Council comprises global leaders from business, finance, and academia, including: Marc Benioff, CEO and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander, Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, Robert Smith, Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, HRH Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Federico Sturzenegger, Argentine Minister of Deregulation and Professor Ufuk Akcigit, Economist, University of Chicago.
At the council’s inaugural meeting on March 26, 2025, Georgieva emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship in economic growth.
“The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth,” she stated.
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