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Hardship: Reps Mull 50% Salary Cut For Six Months To Support FG
The House of Representatives has resolved to cut members’ salary by 50 per cent for six months in order to support the Federal Government in providing succour to the citizenry over the current hardship in the country.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka(APC-Ogun) during plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
In an amendment to the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House Rep, Benjamin Kalu pleaded with the lawmakers to cut their salaries by 50% for six months.
This he said was to support the government in providing succour to the citizenry over the hardship, and sequel to the August nationwide planned protest
Presenting his motion, Isiaka said that the citizens of Nigeria had the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances.
He said, “the house presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.
He said that maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government was crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.
He appealed to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration.
He urged them to prioritize peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.
He further said that all stakeholders should uphold the principles of democracy. respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law in their actions and engagements.
“We trust that through peaceful engagement and dialogue, we can collectively work towards building a better and brighter future for Nigeria.”
According to him, it is undeniable that Nigeria is facing significant challenges, challenges that have plagued our nation for far too long.
“The issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian. The desire for change, for progress, for a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all.”
He said that the current challenges were not unique to Nigeria alone, adding that they were issues that countries across the globe grapple with on a daily basis.
“ In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, no nation is immune to the complexities of governance and development.”
He said, “ the road to change is not easy, and the journey towards a brighter future is often fraught with obstacles.
“But we must not lose sight of the incremental steps that have been taken, the reforms that have been implemented, and the strides that have been made towards a more prosperous Nigeria.”
He added that change would not happen overnight, adding that it required patience, perseverance, and a commitment to working together towards a common goal.
He said, “while peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is also important to allow the government the space and opportunity to consolidate the progress that has already been achieved.
He urged the proponent of the planned protest to engage in constructive dialogue, and seek solutions through peaceful means.
“Let us stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us.
“ Together, we can build a future that we can all be proud of.
“The House urge you, our fellow Nigerians, to consider the broader perspective, to act with wisdom and foresight, and to support efforts towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
“Let us reason together. let us listen to one another, and let us work hand in hand towards a brighter tomorrow.
The House said that the motion would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders and the general public to promote a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing our national issues.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.