News
Proposed 114% Salary Hike For Politicians, Public Officers: Peter Obi Kicks
Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last presidential election, has kicked against the decision made by politicians including President Bola Tinubu, over the recently proposed 114 per cent salary increase for elected officials and public office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Obi in a series of tweets on Thursday, expressed his disapproval stating categorically that the salary increment is at this moment is a deed in bad taste, considering the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
He opined that leaders should be focused on reducing the cost of governance and alleviating the suffering of the citizens.
Below is a thread of his tweets.
I learnt with great reservation, the approval of a 114% increase in the salaries of elected politicians, including the President, vice president, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders by the Revenue Mobilisation,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 22, 2023
and with over 130 million Nigerians now living in poverty. This is a moment when recent reform measures by the government have increased living costs astronomically.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 22, 2023
One would expect the leaders and public officeholders to focus on cutting the cost of governance, alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians. This moment calls for creative ways of pulling the majority out of poverty.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 22, 2023
In the immortal words of Shakespeare’s Julius Ceaser, “What touches us ourself shall be last served.” The leaders, therefore, should prioritize what affects the masses and those on the lower strata of society over themselves.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 22, 2023
The sacrifice, at this time in our nation, should be borne by the leaders. The increment should be reversed immediately, and the savings should be devoted to fixing education, healthcare and poverty alleviation especially in the remote rural areas. -PO
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 22, 2023
News
Fire at Great Nigeria Insurance House in Lagos Island Brought Under Control
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the massive blaze at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, is now under control following intense firefighting efforts overnight.
The fire, which broke out on Christmas Eve around 4:40 p.m. on the fifth floor of the building primarily used for warehousing clothing materials, corporate offices, and retail outlets, rapidly spread due to highly combustible stored goods.
Emergency responders received the distress call at 16:41 hours and arrived on scene by 16:53 hours. Crews from Ebute Elefun, Dolphin, Sari-Iganmu, Bolade, Isolo stations, and Alausa Headquarters were deployed in a coordinated operation.
As of this latest update, the fire’s intensity has been significantly reduced, with firefighters now focused on damping-down operations to extinguish remaining hotspots.
Ten individuals, mostly males, were rescued alive with varying degrees of injuries and are reported to be in stable condition. Operations continue to ensure no further casualties.
The inferno affected five adjoining buildings—two partially and three severely—including the historic old Lagos Central Mosque, which sustained major damage.Challenges hampering the response included poor storage practices of flammable materials, which fueled rapid spread; difficult crowd control and site accessibility; and the conjoined structure of the buildings, complicating containment.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging the public to remain calm, cooperate with responders, and follow safety guidelines.
Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Crime
VP Shettima Condemns Maiduguri Mosque Bombing, Vows It Won’t Shake Nigeria’s Anti-Terror Resolve
Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly denounced the suicide bombing at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed at least five worshippers and injured dozens more during evening prayers on Christmas Eve.
Describing the incident as a “despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation,” Shettima emphasized that such acts of terror will not deter the Federal Government’s determination to eradicate insurgency.
In response to the attack, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate ramp-up of security operations across Borno State. Additional tactical teams are being deployed to hunt down the perpetrators, with security agencies operating around the clock to ensure swift justice.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation,” Shettima stated.
“Our security forces are fully equipped and supported to bring these criminals to account and uncover every detail of this heinous crime.
“The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Borno State government, residents of Maiduguri, and families of the victims, assuring them that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s ironclad commitment to national security since taking office in 2023, pledging continued resources and backing for security agencies to decisively combat terrorism in all its manifestations.
Shettima noted ongoing collaboration with state and local authorities to bolster protection for vulnerable communities and key infrastructure in the North East and beyond.
The bombing, confirmed by authorities as a likely suicide attack, marks a rare breach of calm in Maiduguri, which had seen no major incidents since 2021.
News
GNI Building Fire: Sanwo-Olu calls for calm
Governor Sanwo-Olu said:“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for calm following the fire incident that engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, yesterday.
In a press statement this morning , Gbenga Omotoso Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that the Governor has been personally monitoring the situation since the incident was reported.
He assures residents that the government remains fully on top of the situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said:“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside.
” I commend our firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous response. Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control.”
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