Kwok Cheuk-kin, an 85-year-old retired civil servant from Hong Kong renowned for his frequent legal challenges against public policies, has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently obtaining government subsidies and social welfare, the South China Morning Post has learned. Sources indicate that Kwok was apprehended by officers from Kowloon East regional headquarters in Cheung Chau on Thursday following extensive investigations. He is accused of securing various forms of government aid, including public rental housing, old age allowance, comprehensive social security assistance, and legal aid, by providing false statements and concealing his personal income and assets between 2013 and 2022. Kwok,…
Author: Editor Francis
The Nigerian government has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing inflation through the suspension of tariffs and import duties on essential items. this initiative, detailed by Finance Minister Wale Edun during the presentation of the proposed Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), is designed to alleviate the country’s economic hardships. Presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the plan emerges in response to Nigeria’s rising inflation rates, with headline inflation at 33.69 percent and food inflation at 40.53 percent. These figures have significantly eroded Nigerians’ purchasing power, exacerbating economic difficulties. Edun emphasized that the fiscal measures, once implemented, are expected…
On Wednesday, June 5, the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage resumed its discussions at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, focusing on establishing a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. Representing the federal government were Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance; Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Labour; and delegates from the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service of the Federation. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was represented by its president, Joe Ajaero, while the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had its president,…
The House of Representatives has criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for allegedly spreading misinformation about lawmakers’ earnings. The House accused the unions of attempting to damage legislators’ reputations and incite public hostility towards them. In a statement signed by Akin Rotimi, the House’s spokesman, it was emphasized that such actions could escalate public dissatisfaction with politicians and harm the Assembly’s reputation. The House called for those undermining the country’s economy to be held accountable. The statement acknowledged the recent industrial action by the NLC and TUC due to stalled negotiations over a new…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has underscored the significance of prioritising food security, particularly through the concept of “stomach infrastructure.” He made these remarks at the unveiling of 136 housing units acquired by the Sokoto state government for N1.820 billion. The housing units are designed for low-income earners and other citizens in need of shelter. Obasanjo commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for addressing various issues such as food security, transportation, road construction, agriculture, and housing projects. Obasanjo lauded the governor’s dedication, likening his leadership qualities to the strength and resilience of a stallion horse. “Your strong, energetic, and resilient qualities in…
The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has assured depositors of Heritage Bank that the repayment process is already underway. NDIC Managing Director Bello Hassan stated during a briefing that the corporation aims to settle customers within one week, significantly faster than the 30-day period stipulated by law. This announcement comes after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked Heritage Bank’s banking licence on Monday, June 4. The CBN cited the bank’s persistent inability to improve its financial performance as the reason for this decision. “The Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the bank’s financial…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a four-day extension for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo states. Initially scheduled to end on June 5, the exercise will now conclude on June 9, 2023. In a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, it was revealed that approximately 120,458 eligible voters have registered since the exercise commenced on May 27. “The Commission met today, June 4, and reviewed the ongoing CVR in Edo and Ondo states, originally set to end tomorrow,” Olumekun stated. “Following appeals…
The Federal Government is set to present financial calculations to Labour today, backing its proposed minimum wage offer. This follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to assess the cost implications. The President issued this directive during a meeting with the Federal Government’s negotiation team. This move comes after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced a one-week suspension of their strike following the President’s intervention. A Tripartite Committee has been convened to adopt an agenda, committing members to a week-long negotiation. The…
Austin Okere, a renowned thought leader and business mentor, has provided valuable insights to guide Air Peace in gaining a competitive edge in the airline industry. As an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Columbia Business School and facilitator at prestigious institutions, Okere’s expertise is widely recognised, particularly for his contributions to business education and knowledge transfer in Africa. Okere commended Air Peace on its successful inaugural flight to London and the airline’s ability to achieve full bookings for the upcoming months, thanks to attractive ticket pricing. He acknowledged the airline’s recent social media impact, including a positive endorsement from former Nigerian President Chief…
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to embrace digital transformation by initiating the process for electronic membership registration across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. While the exact start date for the registration exercise has yet to be announced, the formal launch will take place on Wednesday in Minna, the capital of Niger State. A “Train the Trainer” workshop for 109 participants—three from each of the 36 states and one from the FCT—will be held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel). The workshop will be inaugurated by APC National Chairman, Dr.…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to suspend their nationwide strike following an emergency meeting on Tuesday. This decision comes after the Federal Government made commitments regarding an acceptable national minimum wage during negotiations with labour leaders. In a joint communique, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo stated that the indefinite strike has been relaxed for one week. This is to “create the right ambience for negotiation to continue unhindered” over setting a new, concrete national minimum wage. The communique outlines the agreements reached with the Federal Government team,…
The Senate has criticized the shutdown of Nigeria’s national grid by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) amid their ongoing nationwide strike for increased minimum wages. On Tuesday, organized labor began an indefinite strike after rejecting the federal government’s initial offer of N60,000, causing widespread disruption across the country. Economic activities, including operations at banks, schools, government, and private offices, as well as the national grid, were severely impacted. Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Pastor Reno Omokri, condemned the action, labeling it a national attack. He argued that shutting down the national grid…