These are the stories you should be monitoring today:

There are indications that the Presidency is unhappy with the reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has endorsed the recommendation of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage proposing N30,000 as the new national wage.

As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, a presidential source, who preferred not to be named, said the president did not endorse N30,000 as proposed by committee, adding that President Buhari only pledged that the Federal Government would soon transmit an Executive bill (on National Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

“It is not the duty of the president only to endorse a new national minimum wage. The process involves the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the National Economic Council (NEC) and the National Assembly.’’ he added.

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The investigative committee of the Kano House of Assembly probing Governor Abdullahi Ganduje over allegations of bribery by the publisher of online news platform, Daily Nigerian, has dismissed reports that a court order has stopped its investigation.

According to the Chairman of  the committee, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, who addressed reporters at the Assembly complex, there was no order that specifically said ‘stop work,’ as the court only pronounced that the status quo be maintained, stressing that it will respect the court by putting up appearance on Monday but the committee will continue with its work.

“It is also important to understand that the Constitution is very clear. Sections 128 and 129 empower Kano State House of Assembly to embark on any kind of investigation that it deems appropriate when something like this arises,” he said.

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The Police has debunked a statement at the Senate alleging attempted assassination on the life of  Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, his wife and son early Tuesday at his home in the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

According to police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, the arrested principal suspect, Mohammed Yusuf from Kaura Namoda in Zamfara who attempted the burglary, along with one Ali (now at large), have volunteered confessional statement after interrogation admitting to the crime, while “exhibits recovered from them include a motor jack, big screw driver, a big rod, a small kitchen knife and other house breaking implements.”

“Preliminary investigation carried out so far did not reveal assassination attempt on the life of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his family but a case of burglary, adding that “investigation is ongoing to determine if there is any other motive behind the offence.”

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Four members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday announced their defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal wrangling.

According to their letters to the house read by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, during plenary, the lawmakers- Abiodun Awoleye-Dada representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency defected to Accord Party, while Samuel Segun-Williams representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency defected to Labour Party.

The other lawmakers, Lawali Hassan-Anka representing Anka/Mafara Federal Constituency, Zamfara, defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while Adesina Adedapo, representing Ibadan North-East/South- East Federal Constituency defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo has sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, over an alleged breach of his fundamental human rights in respect to the “ransacking” of his house in Jos.

The governor, who filed his case before justice Musa Kurya of the Jos federal high court, is demanding N1.25 billion as general damages for the action.

Joined in the suit are Plateau Commissioner of Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, The Cable reports

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And stories from around the world:

The US Democrats have taken control of the House of Representatives in the mid-term elections, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump, but Republicans are set to strengthen their grip on the Senate. (BBC)

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The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it would impose additional sanctions on Russia after Moscow failed to give reasonable assurances it would not use chemical weapons after a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in England. (Reuters)

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Cameroon’s president demanded anglophone separatists lay down their arms after dozens of schoolchildren were seized in a kidnapping the army blamed on the rebels.

“They need to know that they will face the rigour of the law and the determination of our defence and security forces,” President Paul Biya said in an inauguration speech. (Al Jazeera)

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Japan should avoid aggravating historical tensions in a diplomatic row over South Koreans forced to work for Japanese firms during World War Two, South Korea’s foreign ministry has warned. (Reuters)

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Liverpool’s Champions League hopes were left in a precarious position after a 2-0 defeat at Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday, while Harry Kane kept Tottenham’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League alive as they beat PSV 2-1 at Wembley.

Barcelona qualified for the Champions League knockout stages despite Mauro Icardi’s late strike handing Inter Milan a 1-1 draw at the San Siro on Tuesday.