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Labour Kicks over Salary Increment for Tinubu, Others, Says Action Provocative

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The organised labour has described the proposed salary increase for president Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other political and judicial office holders as provocative because of the fuel subsidy removal pain Nigerians are going through.

The News Agency of  Nigeria on Wednesday reported that Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has recommended an upward review  in the basic salaries of political and judicial office holders. and that the reviewed salary required legislation by the national and state assemblies before its implementation. The report also noted that the commission stated that the last review was done in 2007, which led to the 2008 Act on the remuneration of political office holders.

“The commission, having considered that the consumer price index of some selected baskets of commodities have collectively grown by an average of 371% from 2008 to 2022, the current annual basic salary of all categories of political, public and judicial office holders in the country is adjusted upward by 114 per cent,” it stated.

The agency disclosed that it recommended that existing allowances of political office holders be maintained, while three new allowances were introduced for judicial office holders.

Responding to the salary review, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, through its Vice President, Tommy Etim, on Wednesday told The Punch that it would provoke Nigerians.

“The increment is such that will provoke Nigerians seeing as Nigerians are already groaning under the effect of the subsidy removal among others. The TUC has always called for a reduction in the cost of governance. However, if they still go ahead with it, we are going to use that opportunity to table more allowances for the Nigerian people,” he said

On its part, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics described the proposed 114 per cent pay rise for elected politicians as provocative and insensitive.

The National President of the union, Dr Anderson Ezeibe,  in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja,  said, “ The report is provocative and insensitive. It is difficult to see the rationale behind such a move by the government in a country where the working class has been groaning under severe economic pains.

“While the staff unions in the tertiary education sector have been negotiating a wage increase with the government since 2017 and the government showing a lack of commitment to the process, the same government is busy awarding themselves such pay rise.

“The citizens are still suffering from the impact of the removal of subsidy on PMS, increase in electricity tariff and the attendant implications on their wellbeing only to see such “reward” which can only encourage opulence and oppression by the political class.

“It is an affront to Labour as the Labour movement is still trying to come to terms with the reality of the economic situation in the country and negotiating some palliatives from the same government. It is disappointing.”

Meanwhile, the organized Labour will again meet with the representative of the Federal Government on Monday.

The Punch

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MC Awilo Brings Laughter, Joy to “The King of Street Joke” Event

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Nigeria’s comedy king, MC Awilo, reignited the nation’s laughter quotient with a spectacular performance at the “King of Street Joke” event. Held at the RickRex Event Center in Benin City, the show was a masterclass in humor, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.

The evening kicked off with an all-star lineup, featuring comedic geniuses like King James, Kaduna 1st son, and Brother Ifeanyi. However, the night’s pièce de résistance was MC Awilo’s dramatic entrance, which left the audience in awe. Accompanied by a troupe of men in black and a giant gorilla mascot, MC Awilo’s arrival sparked a frenzy of excitement.

With his razor-sharp wit and clever wordplay, MC Awilo delivered a string of side-splitting jokes that had the crowd in stitches. His performance was flawless, and the audience’s infectious laughter filled the room. The comedian’s ability to read the room and tailor his jokes to the audience’s mood was truly impressive.

The event also featured a memorable performance by gospel sensation Brother Ifeanyi, who treated the crowd to his hit single “Jump and Pass.” The audience sang along, reliving cherished childhood memories. The Easter-themed celebration added to the festive atmosphere, making the night even more unforgettable.

Fans raved about MC Awilo’s show, with attendee Lucky Otono describing it as “world-class.” “I had an incredible time, laughing nonstop throughout the event,” he said. “The music, comedians, and ambiance were all top-notch. I’m already counting down to next year’s event.”

With its winning blend of comedy, music, and entertainment, “The King of Street Joke” event was a triumph, solidifying MC Awilo’s position as one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians.

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Lagos Hotelier Slumps, Dies During Wife’s 60th Birthday Thanksgiving

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A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.

The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.

In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.

The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.

However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.

The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”

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Easter: Glo Urges Christians to Embrace Christ-like Virtues

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Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has charged Christians to embrace the virtues that Christ preached as the 2025 Easter celebrations hold this weekend.

While congratulating  Christians in Nigeria in a goodwill message released from its Lagos Head Office on Thursday, Globacom admonished  them to imbibe the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.

According to Glo, “Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”

Globacom charged  all Nigerians to espouse the lessons of  selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society and called  on all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.

The company praised their perseverance through the 40-day Lenten period  which comes before  Easter as it emphasized the  ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.

Easter comes yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of unhindered voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.

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