President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday pledged better living and working conditions for all Nigerians of working age, saying the “custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare.”

Tinubu made this pledge in his maiden May Day message dedicated to workers nationwide.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the President’s remarks in a statement he signed Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu salutes Nigerian workers on May Day.’

According to Ngelale, the President affirmed that his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of all workers, noting the various relief programmes, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review.

“President Tinubu strongly believes that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare and that a labourer is deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages.

“The President assures Nigerian workers of his dedication to not only improving their welfare but also enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed,” the statement read.

His remarks come amid a cost of living crisis believed to be the aftermath of hardline economic reforms pursued by his administration.

When he assumed office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu implemented the discontinuance of subsidies on petrol as approved by the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

The move, he posited, would save the government money for massive infrastructural expansion.

Tinubu also unified the foreign exchange rates to, among other things, curb currency arbitrage and other forms of forex malpractices.

However, these steps sparked collateral instability in the value of the Naira and heaped hardship on Nigerians as food prices soared.

While speaking at a high-level panel session at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, April 28, Tinubu defended the removal of the petrol subsidy as a “necessary action for my country not to go bankrupt” and to “reset the economy towards growth.”

On May Day, President Tinubu saluted Nigerian workers for their “fidelity to the peace, progress, and development of the nation evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.”

He commended the workers across all spheres, from the clerical officer who ensures the proper documentation and distribution of correspondence; the security officer who remains ever dutiful through all seasons; and the teacher who secures the future of our nation by imparting knowledge to the next generation; the doctor who works relentlessly to save precious lives; and all Nigerian workers who keep the candle aflame.

“The President wishes Nigerian workers Happy May Day celebrations,” the statement concluded.

Workers’ Day celebration in Nigeria owes its origins to the People’s Redemption Party government in Kaduna and Kano, which in 1980 adopted May 1 as a public holiday for the commemoration of International Workers Day.

In 1981, the Federal Government under Shehu Shagari, declared May 1 as a national holiday to celebrate International Workers’ Day.

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday said his government has maintained fair balance between capital projects and stomach infrastructure.

He said his administration have come to accept that as they build the road, they must intensify the strengthening of the body.

Adeleke stated this during the second edition of an interactive session with the citizens programme tagged, ‘Ipade Imole, held in Ilesa, Osun State.

According to him, the implementation of five points agenda is proceeding unabated, adding that from infrastructure to the social sector, his government are recording great advances.

He said his administration have refused to abandon uncompleted projects inherited from the previous administration, but expanding and adding value to them.

“In our upholding of governance as a continuum, we initiated our landmark infra agenda alongside a multi-sector social investment programme. We have so far maintained a fair balance between what our people have come to regard as ‘stomach infrastructure’ and hard capital infrastructure,” he said.

“Osun is currently a construction site as evidenced by massive ongoing works across the state. We are pursuing the construction of flyover bridges and dualisation of roads as announced in December. The first phase is billed for delivery later this year.

“I kick started the second phase this morning with the flag off of the Brewery – Palace road dualisation project. I will be going to Ile Ife to flag off the flyover bridge project at Mayfair in the next few days. I want to assure the state that in the execution of our projects, due process and compliance with procurement laws are compulsory observance” Adeleke added

Speaking at the flag off ceremony for Ilesa Roundabout-Brewery road, governor Adeleke said his administration is billed to construct a total of over 16.5 kilometers of road across the Eastern Senatorial district at 1.5 kilometers of roads per local government.

He noted that the choice of the road which is 6.2Km length with 9.0m width was informed by a question of functionality and the focus on easing the burden of motorists plying the road and to facilitate smooth trading between the Ilesa City Centre and outer areas.

He said the flag off of the road will mark the beginning of the second phase of his 100 billion infra-plan launched in October, 27, 2023.

The road, according to the governor, is to be completed within 12 months.

…as greater/taf city works to ensure that about 400 affordable houses are at various stages of completion in 3 months of its flagoff within the new city area.

The Greater Port Harcourt City 2024 Management Retreat, with the theme, “Transiting to New Smart Cities; The Beginning” which held from April 26 to April 27, 2024 at the Swiss International Hotel, Mabisel, Port Harcourt brought together a diverse group of government officials, stakeholders, industry experts, and leaders of thought to deliberate on key issues related to the sustainable development and growth of Greater Port Harcourt City.

The retreat was flagged-off by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminilayi Fubara, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Nma Odu who assured the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) management that the Governor has a keen interest in seeing that the vision of creating the Greater Port Harcourt City is fully realized during his tenure. He emphasized hs commitment to support the authority towards the achievement of the vision for the good of the people of Rivers State and truly make Greater Port Harcourt City a model for other states to emulate, calling on the management to seize the moment and lay the ground work for a city that is prosperous, liveable and futuristic.

In his own address, the acting Sole Administrator TPL (Dr) Tonte Davies highlighted the road map/action plans which the GPHCDA is undertaking towards achieving the vision of creating new smart cities and in the context of the outlined drive, the recent groundbreaking for the ongoing 20,000 low income housing units is a recognised cardinal move that points to the start of a major implementation activity which will enhance this focus. He also listed a few achievements like the completed phase 1 storm water canal retention, the 500,000liters capacity water project, the installed 11kva switch-gear panel, and 3kva electricity power substation amongst other ongoing infrastructural projects. Dr Davies happily informed the meeting of the introduction of a digital solution to streamline physical planning regulations and documentation to facilitate business transactions and enhance express approvals, which promotes the ease of doing business in that regard.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Management Board, Engr. Omatsola Felix Ogbe, represented by Mr Olubisi Okunola, Manager Strategy, presented a paper on “Transformation and Reorganisation of a 21st Century Organisation; The NCDMB Experience.” He took the participants through the transformative journey of the board, which placed them as one of the most productive public sector organisations in the country. He stated that the board has transformed the oil and gas sector with strategic partnerships, which has enhanced local participation in the industry to about 70% in the past few years.

Also an international investor from Gambia and CEO of RIV/TAF, Mustapha Njie, presented a paper on affordable housing Initiative and promised the timely completion of the ongoing TAF City 20,000 housing units project, a pet project of Gov Sim Fubara. He gave participants strategic insight on the keys to successful project implementation and project delivery and stated that the RIV-TAF project has recorded remarkable progress with about 400 housing units at various stages of completion within three months of its flagoff.

Furthermore, the lead paper presenter, renowned Town Planner Kazeem Sanusi tasked the management of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to stand out in their responsibilities emphasizing that the most beautiful aspect of planning is inclusiveness, utilizing the power of crucial discussions and team work. He stated that the GPHCDA stands on the threshold of history to transform the new city into a model smart city just like Dubai was transformed in the past few decades.

He urged the participants to be committed to fostering partnerships and collaborations to drive sustainable development in Greater Port Harcourt City, including engaging with private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and international partners to implement the sustainable development practices and initiatives in the new city.

In his closing remarks the Administrator Greater Port Harcourt City, TPL (Dr) Tonte Davies promised a commitment to the comprehensive action plan outlining key priorities, initiatives and timelines for implementing the ideas and recommendations generated during the retreat. He further declared that the just concluded Greater Port Harcourt City Management retreat has set the stage for a new chapter in the city’s development journey, noting that the vision, passion and commitment of Governor Sim Fubara and the enthusiasm and shared vision of all participants has laid a strong foundation for the sustainable growth and prosperity of Greater Port Harcourt City and the state at large.

The Lead Consultant Mr Ono K. Akpe of Red Sapphire Ltd , Abuja, who led a team of seasoned facilitators engaged the participants for the two days at the retreat with cutting edge intellectual discourse to broaden knowledge in various aspects of management covering work ethics, organizational culture, intrapreneurship, team building, infrastructural development, innovation and mindset change, re-branding and marketing smart cities. The creative two-day retreat was rounded up with a team bonding exercise session that was quite stimulating , engaging and exciting.

Chief Frank Akiefa has applauded President Tinubu for finding a dogged and experienced Niger Delta ace for the PAP stating that it was not a mistake as Dennis Otuaro is a square peg in a square hole.

He also commends the passion and commitment at which Dennis Otuaro is managing the programme and producing the expected result.

According to him, the Presidential Amnesty Programme is on the right path under the leadership of Dennis Otuaro as Interim Administrator.

However, Akiefa allegedly calls on Jude Tabai and Douglas Oyakemeagbeya to stop sponsoring mischief against the new Amnesty Boss warning that such act will not earn them any good.

According to him, “He who leaves in glass house should not throw stones.” Issuing this warning, Akiefa noted that instigating unrest in the region via th pull him down mechanism adopted by the duo is totally uncalled for as them to desist from such actions immediately.

In his voice, we are going to do everything necessary to start washing our dirties in the public if there is no change of mind. We also have information on involvement that should lead to investigation.

Nevertheless, Frank Akiefa calls on every illustrious son of the Ijaw nation to work with the new Amnesty Boss, stating that his emergence is a beacon of hope for the Ijaw Nation. The peace of the region is sacrosanct. Let us let love lead for all to enjoy the dividends. We have confidence in Dennis Otuaro to deliver the aims and objectives of the PAP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_QYc1R81tA?si=NDIxbS87vnB30TKg

Within the complex nature of Nigerian politics, loyalty could often come at a steep price, as evidenced by the recent tribulations faced by former governors Yahaya Bello of Kogi and Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna. These two stalwarts, known for their unwavering support of President Tinubu’s presidential bid, now find themselves entangled in a web of political intrigue and betrayal, raising questions about the true nature of allegiance and the cost of loyalty in the corridors of power.

During President Tinubu’s campaign and eventual victory, Bello and El Rufai emerged as prominent figures, championing his cause with fervor and dedication. Bello’s commitment was particularly notable, as he not only donated his campaign office to the Tinubu presidential campaign but also spearheaded the youth arm of the movement, rallying support from grassroots levels to the highest echelons of power.

Similarly, El Rufai leveraged his influence and networks to source support for Tinubu, playing a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and galvanizing momentum behind the presidential hopeful.

Their dedication went beyond mere rhetoric, as they personally attended court sessions and spearheaded legal battles against the federal government’s Naira policy, designed to frustrate Tinubu’s emergence during the campaigns.

Their efforts bore fruit as they secured victories in court, effectively thwarting the federal government’s attempts to undermine Tinubu’s candidacy. In doing so, they not only safeguarded the interests of Nigerians but also bolstered the Tinubu campaign, offering hope to a populace weary of political machinations and desperate for change.

However, the euphoria of victory soon gave way to disillusionment and dismay, as both Bello and El Rufai found themselves ensnared in a power struggle within the presidency. Despite their unwavering loyalty and contributions to Tinubu’s success, they were thwarted by powerful interests within the administration, their ambitions thwarted and their aspirations dashed.

What is perhaps most disconcerting is the lack of intervention from President Tinubu himself in the face of his allies’ plight. As Bello grapples with the specter of arrest by the EFCC, seemingly politically motivated by unamed forces according to some quarters , El Rufai faces political ostracization, the conspicuous absence of support from the highest office in the land speaks volumes about the precarious nature of political alliances and the fleeting nature of loyalty in Nigerian politics. El rufai was regrettably stripped off his nomination as minister and thrown into early political retirement; he has since begun mobilising the North against 2027.

For party faithfuls across the north, these developments serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of power and the perils of blind allegiance. As whispers of discontent grow louder and disillusionment takes hold, there is a palpable sense of unease among the ranks of Tinubu’s erstwhile supporters. If these grievances remain unaddressed, the loyalty of northern faithfuls may wane, and the allegiance once pledged to Tinubu could soon shift to other, more sympathetic candidates from the north. In the volatile arena of Nigerian politics, alliances are forged and broken with alarming swiftness, and those who once stood as pillars of support may find themselves cast aside, casualties of a ruthless game of power and ambition.