Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Organized Labour has rejected the government’s N54,000 offer. Labour leaders criticized the absence of state governors, whose representatives lacked authority. The meeting will reconvene today at 4 pm. Labour insisted that the federal government’s offer was insufficient, falling below the current N77,000 salary for the lowest-paid federal workers, and argued that negotiating anything less would mean a wage reduction. The absence of governors was noted as a significant issue, with Labour stressing the need for their presence to ensure any agreement is binding. Labour has set a May 31 deadline for concluding negotiations, threatening potential mass action if demands are not met. The Campaign for Workers Democratic Right called for sustained mass mobilization to secure a living wage and reverse anti-people policies.
2. The Nigerian Army has issued an update regarding the temporary closure of Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja after soldiers were attacked by unidentified hoodlums. In a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army detailed that the unarmed soldiers were performing internal security duties when they were viciously attacked without provocation. In response, the Army temporarily closed the plaza to facilitate the apprehension of the assailants and conduct a thorough investigation. The Army condemned the violence and warned that such actions could lead to broader security issues.
3. On Tuesday, retired police officers gathered at the National Assembly to protest unpaid pensions and demand removal from the contributory pension scheme. In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the retirees highlighted the economic hardships leading to deaths among their ranks. They appreciated past legislative efforts, including the passage of the Police Exit Bill from CPS and the Police Pension Board Bill, initiated by Sen. Elisha Abbo and Hon. Francis Waive. They stressed the urgent need for the 10th Assembly to harmonize and transmit these bills to the President for assent, emphasizing the dire situation faced by retired officers. Senator Yunus Akintunde assured the retirees that the National Assembly is addressing the issue.
4. A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, resulting in one passenger’s death and injuries to 71 others. The Boeing 777-300ER, mid-flight over the Irrawaddy Basin, experienced turbulence that caused chaos in the cabin, with items and passengers thrown around. A British man, Geoff Kitchen, died from a suspected heart condition, while others suffered head injuries and broken arms. The plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok, where injured passengers were treated. Singapore Airlines is assisting affected passengers and their families, and investigations are ongoing with support from the US National Transportation Safety Board.
5. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the interest rate by 150 basis points, raising it from 24.75% to 26.25%. This decision, made during the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, aims to address the country’s high inflation rate, which reached 33.69% in April 2024. Despite the rate hike, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) remains at 45%, and the liquidity ratio at 30%. The inflation surge is driven by food costs, transportation, infrastructure issues, insecurity, and exchange rate fluctuations. The inflation pressures have been exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. Despite rising costs and public protests, President Bola Tinubu remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of his government’s economic reforms.
6. Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after just one season. Despite a challenging year, Pochettino led the team to a sixth-place Premier League finish, securing European football, and reached the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup semi-finals. Appointed in May 2023, Pochettino replaced Frank Lampard and managed a youthful squad following significant summer transfers. His departure follows a reported end-of-season review and discussions with the club’s sporting directors. Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, is set to manage the World XI at Soccer Aid in June. Possible replacements include Kieran McKenna, Enzo Maresca, Sebastian Hoeness, Michel, and Thomas Frank.
