NEWS
Reps Denies Excessive NASS Salary Claims, Blame NLC For Misleading Figures
The House of Representatives has rebutted claims made by Organised Labour regarding the remuneration of National Assembly members, stating that the narrative is inaccurate and deceptive.
A spokesperson for the House, Akin Rotimi, emphasized that Organised Labour has perpetuated misinformation for years, inflating figures to incite public dissatisfaction and discredit the legislature.
Rotimi asserted that this tactic aims to shift focus from significant matters and unjustly tarnish the parliament’s reputation.
He said “It is important to address persistent misinformation and disinformation propagated by Organised Labour Leadership regarding the earnings of lawmakers.
“This is especially because Organised Labour has for years, contributed to false narratives about the remuneration of Members of the National Assembly, exaggerating figures to stoke public resentment and undermine the credibility of the Legislature.
“This tactic diverts attention from the core issues at stake and unfairly vilifies the institution of parliament. All parties must engage in an honest and transparent dialogue rather than resorting to the spread of inaccuracies for political leverage.
“Contrary to the insinuations of the Labour Leadership through its social media platforms, the Legislature is on the side of Nigerians and will continue to act in the best interest of our constituents – giving meaning to their mandate.
“The 10th House of Representatives is committed to strengthening relevant legislation to ensure that essential services remain operational during future industrial actions, thereby protecting the lives and well-being of all Nigerians.
“We urge the Leadership of Organised Labour to return to the negotiation table and engage other stakeholders, in good faith, to achieve a balanced and sustainable outcome.
The spokesperson further reiterated that lawmakers are unwavering in their dedication to the welfare of Nigerian workers and the nation’s progress.
NEWS
Edo: Gov Okpebholo Launches Probe Into Obaseki Administration
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
NEWS
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
NEWS
Ex-UN Envoy Warns Of New Cold War Threatening Africa’s Unity
Renowned diplomat and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari, has raised alarms over the looming threat of a new Cold War that could fracture Africa along geopolitical lines.
Speaking at the Realnews Magazine Annual Lecture in Lagos, Gambari urged African leaders to urgently reposition the continent amidst intensifying global power struggles.
The lecture, themed “Africa in World Shifting Geopolitics: Matters Arising on Demography, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Resources,” explored Africa’s strategic role in a rapidly evolving international system.
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Gambari cautioned that without proactive measures, Africa risks being sidelined or exploited in the unfolding global order.
Africa: Battleground in a New Power Struggle
Describing the increasing militarisation by major global powers, Gambari painted a picture of fierce competition for control over Africa’s resources and strategic locations.
He noted that the proliferation of foreign military bases across the continent is evidence of this struggle.
“A relentless militarisation is taking place across the world—from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic to the Antarctic,” Gambari said. “Rich in natural resources and strategically located, Africa has become a key battleground in this global power struggle.”
He cited Djibouti as a stark example of Africa’s strategic importance.
The country, located near the Red Sea, hosts both the United States’ only permanent base on the continent, Camp Lemonnier, and China’s first overseas military installation.
Gambari warned that the presence of such bases represents more than security interests, suggesting echoes of colonial ambitions aimed at controlling Africa’s wealth and arable land.
“The seaboard of Africa is already dotted with military bases operated by various powers,” Gambari observed. “The continent is once again at the center of a scramble as the new Cold War intensifies.”
The Return of Zero-Sum Geopolitics
Gambari also highlighted the resurgence of zero-sum geopolitics, where nations compete for influence at the expense of others.
He noted that China and Russia are emerging as dominant players in Africa, with China leveraging infrastructure projects and debt relief, while Russia offers weapons and military support.
“These actions signal a destabilising competition for influence,” Gambari said, adding that traditional powers like France, Germany, India, and the UK are also expanding their presence on the continent.
“The age of zero-sum geopolitics is back, with all its destabilising consequences for African countries,” he said.
Unlocking Africa’s Potential Amid Challenges
Despite the geopolitical rivalry, Gambari emphasized that Africa’s youthful and growing population provides a significant opportunity for the continent to assert its influence globally.
He urged African leaders to invest in education, innovation, and youth-driven initiatives to harness this demographic dividend.
“With well over a billion people and an overwhelmingly youthful population, the African continent is destined for a significant role in the demographics of the world,” Gambari said.
“But we must build national and regional strategies to leverage the energy, innovative acumen, and futuristic vision of our young people.”
Gambari warned that without these strategies, Africa’s demographic advantage could remain underutilised.
He also called for the continent to be proactive in shaping the rules of the emerging global order, rather than being passive participants.
“We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the rules of a new world order are being written,” Gambari said.
“We must insist on being joint rule-makers, ensuring the new global order reflects our values and aspirations for a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable world.”
A Call to Action
Gambari concluded with a rallying cry for African leaders to harness the continent’s abundant resources and human capital.
He said Africa must use its demographic and strategic advantages to achieve the structural transformation that has long eluded it.
He said, “We must be ready to harness our abundant human and natural resources to leapfrog our development. Although the outcomes of ongoing geopolitical shifts are uncertain, they need not come at the expense of our people and our continent.”
Gambari stressed the need for bold leadership, warning that Africa cannot afford complacency. “Our youth bulge must become an advantage that places us at the forefront of the digital economy and its innovations,” he said.