Lagos State Government has refuted reports suggesting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu increased the minimum wage in the state to N70,000.

Reports had circulated on social media alleging that Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the increase in the minimum wage in Lagos to N70,000.

The governor was alleged to have made the announcement during the launch of Eko Cares, an initiative aimed at safeguarding the vulnerable against the impacts of economic challenges.

However, the Lagos Commissioner for Informatio,  Gbenga Omotoso clarified that these reports misinterpreted Sanwo-Olu’s remarks at the event held at the Governor’s Office in Ikeja.

He further explained that Sanwo-Olu highlighted that since January, civil servants had been receiving the N35,000 minimum wage stipulated by the Federal Government.

The Commissioner noted that those previously earning N35,000 now earn N70,000, but this does not signify a new minimum wage of N70,000.

He said, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been erroneously quoted as saying that a new minimum wage of N70,000 had been announced.

”This is wrong. Mr. Governor never said so. He said since January, civil servants had been earning the N35,000 wage award directed by the Federal Government. In other words, those earning N35,000 now earn N70,000. He did not announce a new minimum wage of N70,000.

His words: “I know that by the grace of God very very soon we’ll see a new minimum wage that will be approved for the Federal Government and for the state government.

“The civil servants and all public officers, they know that since January we have continued to pay the wage allowance of minimum of N35,000 over and above what they were earning before.

“People that were earning a minimum of N35,000 to N40,000 before, they are now earning over N70,000. So, it’s important for people to know and for us to lay this thing very clearly. This government has doubled up and has not left its citizens on their own…”.

The current national minimum wage is N30,000 and discussions on a new minimum wage are ongoing.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu said he would always fight for Nigerian workers, adding that they will have “more than minimum wage”.

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Senator Ayogu Eze, who represented the Enugu North Senatorial district in the National Assembly.

Senator Ayogu Eze,  who served in the National Assembly from 2007 to 2015, was said to have died on Thursday at the age of 66 in an Abuja hospital after battling a prolonged illness.

In a statement on April 25 by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, President Tinubu expressed his grief and conveyed his condolences to the Eze family.

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the Eze family over the passing of Senator Ayogu Eze.

“The late politician represented Enugu North Senatorial Zone in the Senate from 2007 to 2015. During his time in the Senate, he held several positions, including Committee Chairman on Information and Media; Chairman of the Committee on Works, among others.

“The President also condoles with the friends, associates, and former colleagues of the deceased, including the National Assembly as an institution.

“The President prays to God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed and comfort to those in mourning.”

KanyiDaily recalls that former Kwara State Senator, Rafiu Ibrahim also recently died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

Former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha has announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after 26 years of membership.

Emeka Ihedioha, who was one of the party’s founding members, cited a misalignment of “personal beliefs” as a key factor in his decision to leave.

In a letter addressed to the party’s chairman in the Mbutu Ward of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Ihedioha expressed regret over the party’s recent trajectory.

He lamented the inability of the PDP to undertake internal reforms, uphold its own rules, or provide credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Acknowledging the difficulty of his decision, the former governor affirmed his commitment to contributing to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

He emphasized that despite his resignation, he remains dedicated to promoting good governance and democracy in the country.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, Ihedioha thanked the party for its support throughout his political career.

He reflected on his various roles within the PDP and expressed appreciation for the experiences gained during his tenure.

The letter dated April 23, 2024, and titled “Resignation From The Peoples Democratic Party,” reads: “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the Peoples Democratic Party as one of the founding members.

“All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inwards for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the party at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs.

“Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party effective immediately.

“While this decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one.

“Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Emeka Ihedioha lost the Imo governorship seat in 2020 after the Supreme Court declared Hope Uzodinma the duly elected governor of the state.