By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of using his announced Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to conceal an alleged trip to France, demanding that the Presidency disclose the President’s full itinerary.

‎Atiku also questioned whether the trip was connected to Tinubu’s health and a reported $20bn loan request involving a French business partner, calling on the Presidency to address the issues and provide Nigerians with clear explanations.

‎‎The former vice-president made the allegations in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

‎‎According to Atiku, intelligence available to him suggested that Tinubu might make a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France. He, however, did not provide details of the intelligence to support the claim.

‎‎Atiku challenged the Presidency to release current, date-stamped photographs and videos showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah daily if the pilgrimage was genuinely intended to seek divine intervention for Nigeria.

‎‎He said he and other Nigerians would join the President in prayers for the country’s peace and progress, but warned against invoking the name of Allah in vain.

‎‎Atiku maintained that the President’s itinerary and the funding of the trip were matters of public interest, arguing that Nigerians deserved transparency regarding official engagements undertaken in the country’s name.

‎‎He urged the Presidency to respond to the questions and provide verifiable evidence of the President’s activities during the pilgrimage.

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport intervention for public service workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026, to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

The approval was one of the resolutions reached at a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja on Tuesday, following renewed pressure from organised labour over the cost of living, workers’ welfare and outstanding agreements.

The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026, in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.

However, the parties failed to agree on the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage, although they agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meetings immediately.

The resolutions were contained in a memorandum of understanding signed at the end of the meeting by the Director-General of Budget, Timi Yakubu; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S.U.; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

The document, titled ‘Resolutions Reached at a Conciliation Meeting Held at Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Between the Federal Government and the Leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday, 27th October, 2026’, outlined agreements on minimum wage negotiations, transport support, outstanding allowances, health workers’ remuneration, tax relief and hazard allowances for agricultural officers.

The meeting followed an earlier conciliation session held on October 22, 2026, convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to address disagreements between the government and organised labour.

On the transport intervention, the document stated, “That transport intervention of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) commencing from November 2026 would be paid across all levels for a period of six months.”

The document did not specify the payment date within each month or provide details of the administrative arrangements for disbursement.

The agreement comes amid continuing concerns over transportation costs and the prices of other essential goods following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, which contributed to rising living costs across the country.

Organised labour has repeatedly demanded measures to ease the economic pressure on workers, including reductions in petrol prices, improved wages and the implementation of outstanding welfare agreements.

The memorandum also noted the NLC leadership’s concerns about the government’s handling of its demands.

Addressing the disagreement, it stated that the NLC leadership “expressed concern over the Federal Government’s attitude towards the above issues.”

It added that the Federal Government, in response, “stated that it fully respect the right of the Congress to advocate for improved working conditions for Nigerian workers, and is genuinely trying to address every aspect of it through a structured intervention.”

On the national minimum wage, the parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meetings immediately.

However, the effective date of implementation remained unresolved.

The document stated, “It was agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meeting immediately. It should however be noted that there is a disagreement on the effective date of implementation.”

The disagreement leaves a key issue outstanding despite the commitment to begin negotiations without delay.

The national minimum wage became a major issue in 2024 when the Federal Government and organised labour negotiated an increase in the statutory minimum monthly wage from N30,000 to N70,000. The new rate was subsequently enacted into law through the National Minimum Wage Act.

The Registered FC Bayern Munich Fans Club, Kano State, Nigeria, has congratulated the club’s striker, Harry Kane, on his reported victory in the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, describing the achievement as a moment of pride for Bayern Munich supporters in Kano State, Nigeria, and across the world.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the FC Bayern Munich Fans Club, Kano State, Mujtaba Bature Marmara, the club extended its heartfelt congratulations to Harry Kane, the management of FC Bayern Munich, and the entire Bayern Munich supporters’ community worldwide.

The statement described Kane’s reported achievement as a testament to his exceptional performances, dedication, consistency, professionalism, and commitment to the game, noting that his contributions to the team have continued to demonstrate his importance to the club.

According to the Chairman, the recognition did not come as a surprise to the club’s supporters, considering Kane’s impressive performances, goal-scoring ability, and determination to achieve success since joining Bayern Munich.

“We are delighted to celebrate Harry Kane and this remarkable achievement. His dedication, consistency, and commitment to excellence have continued to inspire us as supporters of FC Bayern Munich.
“His recognition is a source of pride for our club and supporters. We believe that his achievements will further strengthen Bayern Munich’s rich footballing heritage and inspire other players to pursue excellence in their careers,” the statement quoted the Chairman as saying.

Marmara further noted that Kane’s contributions have added to the club’s rich history, pointing to the striker’s performances and record-breaking accomplishments since his arrival at the Allianz Arena.

He said the achievement further demonstrates the quality, ambition, and competitive spirit associated with FC Bayern Munich, one of the most prominent football clubs in Europe.

The Kano FC Bayern Munich Fans Club Chairman also congratulated the club’s management, technical crew, players, and supporters worldwide for their continued commitment to maintaining Bayern Munich’s reputation and competitiveness in domestic and international football.

He added that Kane’s success should be celebrated not only as an individual accomplishment but also as an inspiration to young footballers who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game.

As part of its efforts to celebrate the reported achievement, the FC Bayern Munich Fans Club, Kano State, disclosed plans to organise a befitting celebration in honour of Harry Kane.

The proposed event is expected to bring together members, supporters, and other football enthusiasts to celebrate the striker’s achievements and strengthen the spirit of unity among Bayern Munich fans in Kano State.

According to the statement, the planned celebration will also provide an opportunity for members to demonstrate their continued loyalty to the club and promote the values of sportsmanship, unity, and peaceful coexistence through football.

Marmara called on all FC Bayern Munich supporters in Kano State to remain united, active, and committed to the growth of the supporters’ community.

He also encouraged supporters who have yet to register with the Kano State chapter to do so, stressing that a strong and organised fan base would help promote the club’s identity, strengthen members’ relationships, and support the association’s future activities.

The Chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding its membership, encouraging responsible fan engagement, and promoting FC Bayern Munich’s values among football lovers in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

He stressed optimism that the club would continue to achieve greater success and that its supporters would remain steadfast in their loyalty, regardless of the challenges and competitions ahead.

For membership registration and further enquiries, interested supporters are encouraged to contact the Chairman, Mujtaba Bature Marmara, through the
0803 630 6968

Signed
Mujtaba Bature Marmara Chairman, FC Bayern Munich Fans Club
Kano State, Nigeria.