NEWS
Nigeria, Not On Autopilot – Onanuga
There is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria, as those elected to lead are fully in charge, though they might not be physically on ground.
This assertion was made by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga in a statement in Abuja, Wednesday night.
Onanuga made the clarification in response to media enquiries, with journalists expressing concern that the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, still on a two-week working vacation outside Nigeria, while Vice President Kashim Shettima jetted out on Friday on two-day visit to Sweden, creating concerns that Nigeria had a semblance of a ship without a captain.
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However, the presidential aid, wrote under the subject, ‘no vacuum in leadership as president and VP are out of the country’, explained that President Tinubu was fully in charge, working remotely with the telephone.
He made it clear that the absence of the President and his vice does not constitute a breach of any extant law.
Onanuga noted that, “The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”
The statement reads, “Following enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country, we want to clarify:
“It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.
“President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.
“The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.
“All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.
“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.
“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”
The Lagos State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council has expressed surprise at Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s announcement of an N85,000 minimum wage approval.
In a statement signed by all union chairpersons and secretaries on Thursday, including Olusegun Balogun and Aladetan Abiodun from the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, the council noted that the wage announcement was unexpected.
According to NAN, Sanwo-Olu revealed during a television interview that his administration would implement a minimum wage of N85,000 for workers.
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The union also mentioned that they first learned of the approval through media reports.
“To provide context, on Monday, October 16, 2024, at approximately 4 pm, the union received a call inviting us to a meeting to discuss the minimum wage.
“As a responsible representative of the workforce, we attended the meeting. However, we made it clear that formal discussions could not proceed in the absence of all relevant stakeholders.
“In line with best practices and in the spirit of social dialogue, we insisted that negotiations should be inclusive.
“As a result, the meeting was adjourned to October 21, 2024, at 10 am. The public announcement of any figure was, therefore, unexpected,” it said.
The union clarified that its remarks do not diminish the governor’s authority to make public statements on governance issues.
Chaos erupted on Thursday morning in Benin, the Edo State capital, when a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the area, causing widespread panic as bystanders and residents fled for safety.
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A viral video captured the aftermath, showing the vehicle severely damaged while people ran to escape the scene. The loud blast rattled nerves and heightened fears in the vicinity.
According to eyewitness reports, three individuals sustained injuries of varying severity and were quickly transported to a nearby private hospital for emergency treatment.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the condition of those injured.
This incident has rekindled safety concerns about the ongoing conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG.
The Federal Government has been advocating this transition as part of its effort to reduce transportation costs following the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
While CNG is considered a cheaper and environmentally friendlier alternative to petrol, questions remain about the safety measures in place for vehicles running on this fuel.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has successfully defended his doctoral degree in Public Administration.
He attained the feat at the Department of Political Science and Administration, University of Uyo, according to a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X.
He expressed optimism that it will help deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituents and dedicated it to his late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno.
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He stated, “This accomplishment is dedicated to my late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who encouraged me to pursue this academic goal.”
Gov Eno wrote, “I’m happy to share that I have successfully defended my Doctoral Degree in Public Administration in the Department of Political Science and Administration, University of Uyo!
“My thesis, titled “Government and Private Sector Development: A Study of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State,” is a blueprint that aligns with my vision for strengthening SMEs in the state.
“This accomplishment is dedicated to my late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who encouraged me to pursue this academic goal. I know she is smiling down with pride.
“Thank you to the University of Uyo, my professors, and everyone who supported me on this journey!”
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