Home Blog Page 1116

Abia State House Of Assembly Calls For A Reduction In Security Checkpoints In The State, Lauds Security Agencies

By
The Source
-
0
Emmanuel Emereuwa

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon   Emmanuel  Emereuwa has called on security agencies in the state to scale down the number of security check points in the state, and to adopt a more proactive and community friendly approach in the discharge of their duties .

This is even as he has lauded them for their commitment towards fighting the security challenges facing the people.

His call is coming on the heels of some unwholesome developments within the security circle in recent times ,particularly the killing of the duo of Achumugu James Etubi a manager of an Umuahia based popular hotel and Emmanuel Michael Okocha ,an Aba base business man by suspected security operatives.

Rt Hon Emereuwa who spoke on Tuesday April,30 2024 at a crucial parley with heads of security agencies operating in Abia state ,urged the security chiefs to reduce the number of check points on the roads,to ease free movements of people,goods and services.

The Speaker emphasised the need for the training and re training of security personnel to ensure a more effective and efficient service delivery .

He also called on the heads of the security agencies to effectively tackle the menace of abuse of  hard drugs and other illegal substances among security operatives .

The Speaker of the Abia State Legislative body noted that one of the compelling reasons for the meeting was to address the growing concerns of the citizens about the negative activities of some security operatives ,as well as the need to find lasting solutions to the security challenges bedeviling the state .

The Speaker who led other members of the State Assembly to the meeting ,also harped on the importance of collaboration among  the legislators ,executive arm of government and security agencies in the task of properly securing Abia state .

He assured the security chiefs of the support of the State Assembly in their efforts to maintain law and order in Abia state .

The State Commissioner of Police CP, Tochukwu Onwuemelie who spoke on behalf of his colleagues while acknowledging the security challenges facing the state ,however  assured of the commitment and readiness of the security agencies to partner with the state House of Assembly in addressing them..

He appreciated the Speaker ,and the state legislators for their proactive approach towards fighting security challenges in the state .

Meanwhile ,the Abia state House of Assembly Speaker ,has announced plans to hold town hall meetings across the state ,to interact with the people on security issues in the state with a view to incorporating their views in to the wider operational networks .

” This meetings will take place soon and will provide an opportunity for Abia to share their experiences ,concern and suggestions on how to improve security in the state” the Speaker noted.

Abducted Naval College Student, Father Released

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Father and Son Kidnapped Along Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

Amotekun Security Corps in Ondo State has secured the release of a Senior secondary school student of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Imeri in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo state, Jethro Onose who was kidnapped early this week.

Jethro was abducted alongside his father, Maliki, while he was being conveyed to school after the Easter holiday.

The duo were kidnapped after being waylaid by suspected kidnappers along the notorious routes of the Edo and Ondo expressway on Monday.

The news of their release was broken by the Ondo State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye.

According to him, the incident happened in Edo, about three Kilometers away from Ondo State at a sharp bend by motorists along an isolated road.

“After the discovery, we immediately sought the permission of the Navy and together, we combed the length and breadth of the forest.

“Both the father and his son are safe and have reunited with their family.”

Imo State’s New Cabinet: Emelumba, Akaolisa Retain Portfolios

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma and his New Cabinet Members

Declan Emelumba, a long- time ally and loyalist of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was on Tuesday, inaugurated for the second time, as the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy. He was first inaugurated to the same office in 2020 during the Governor’s first term in office.

Also, given same portfolio he has held since 2020 as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is  another Uzodimma-loyalist, Chief C.O.C. Akaolisa.

The Governor on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, inaugurated his new Cabinet members with whom he hopes to drive  his 3R Agenda.

Following are the 24 members of the new Cabinet and the Ministries they are going to man.

  1. Hon. Declan Emelumba — Ministry Of Information, Public Orientation and Strategy.
  1. Dr. Chimezie Amadi — Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance.
  1. Hon. Barr. Ralph Nwosu — Ministry of Works and Infrastructural developments.
  1. Chief Cosmas Maduba — Ministry of Agriculture and food security.
  1. Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Ukwu — Ministry of women affairs and vulnerable group.
  1. Hon. Bede Eke — Ministry of housing and urban planning.
  1. Dr. Sir. Chika Benson Abazu — Ministry of trade, commerce and Business.
  1. Ozo Obinna Ogwuegbu — Ministry of water resources.
  1. Hon. Modestus Osakwe — Ministry of Homeland Security.
  1. Hon. Anyanwu Anselem Ezechinyere — Ministry of Budget and economic development.
  1. Barr. Emenike Ejikeme Chuks Major — Ministry of environment and sanitation.
  1. Hon. Onyeoha Obinna Evaristus — Ministry of sports and youth development.
  1. Chief Mrs. Ruby Emele — Ministry of local government development and chieftancy affairs.
  1. Hon. Ikenna Elezieanya — Ministry of Science/Technology/Innovation and Engineering.
  1. Chief C.O.C Akaolisa — Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of Imo State.
  1. Hon. Chucks Okoro Nathan Chukwuemeka — Ministry of Finance.
  1. Chief Sir. Ifeanyi Oruh — Ministry of Rural Development and Empowerments.
  1. Hon. Ernest Ibejiako — Ministry of Industry and solid minerals.
  1. Barr. Godswill Chukwuemeka Mgbudem — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.
  1. Dr. Prosper Ohayagha —Ministry of Health.
  1. Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo — Ministry of Special Duties
  1. Prof. Johncliff Nwadike — Ministry of Education.
  1. Barr. Jerry Egemba — Ministry of tourism, security and culture.
  1. Chief Nwabueze Oguchienti — Ministry of Power And Electrification.

Worker’s Day: Akpabio Says Tough Times Will Not Last Amidst FG, Labour Spat On Minimum Wage

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured workers in the country that the current tough times will soon be over. The prevailing economic hardship will soon give way for a better time, the former Akwa Ibom state governor said in his May Day celebrations to the Nigerian workers.

May 1 has been declared a public holiday in the country to celebrate the nation’s workers, the hewers of woods of the economy.

The labour force has rolled out drums to mark the day across the country with pomp and pageantry, despite the current economic hardship facing all Nigerians.

Ahead the celebration, the federal government had dashed their hopes of minimum wage increase by only offering 35 percent hike to some categories of workers.

The organized labour has bluntly rejected the offer.

The magazine reports that the Trade Union Congress, TUC, President Festus Osifo disclosed during the week that workers are demanding over N700,000 as minimum wage to enable them cope with the current economic realities in the country.

Amidst FG, labour disagreement Akpabio said the National Assembly and the Executive will ensure a better condition for workers by giving them a living wage.

The Senate President made this known on Wednesday in a statement signed  by Eseme Eyiboh his Special Advsier on Media and Publicity.

He explained that he has been part of the struggle with the workers for close to three decades, and will ensure that they get the best, adding that no worker will be allowed to work under excruciating conditions.

Akpabio said: “No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions, we will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly and indeed, my family, I wish to join the world in wishing the Nigerian worker a happy International Labour Day” he said.

” We are celebrating patriotism, hardwork, commitment and dedication exhibited by the Nigerian workers.

” I want to assure you that your sacrifices would never be in vain,the tough times will not last forever, in fact, the challenges would soon be over.”

Worker’s Day: Tinubu Has Failed Workers, Rendered Them Prostrate- Atiku

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, in the 2023 election has slammed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for trampling on the right of workers in the country.

No previous administration in the country has treated the nation’s labour force the manner they are being treated by the President Tinubu, the former number two citizens said.

Atiku’s remark is coming amidst the 2024 Workers Day celebration across the country.

He made the remark in a statement on Tuesday, stating that the economic conditions of workers since President Tinubu came to power last year has drastically deteriorated, despite “flowery words” by the administration to improve their conditions.

According to him, the administration has failed in its promise to increase the living wage of the workers adding that  “every dawn unveils renewed hardships” for the nation’s work force.

Atiku said “Despite prolonged pledges and flowery words by the government, the much talked-about prospects of wage increment for the Nigerian worker remains a mirage. Every dawn unveils renewed hardships and harsh living conditions.

“After the contraction and contradictions by the government about whether the subsidy regime has gone or it is still being implemented, the country is today facing the angst of frustration by Nigerians who waste precious man-hours in queues at petrol stations across the country.”

“In an unprecedented manner and condescending of both the Nigerian worker and the general public, this current federal government announced a unilateral removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit without consultations with representatives of the Nigerian worker.

“The continued increase in tariffs in different service offerings without addressing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system only amounts to long-suffering Nigerians subsidising the corruption and inefficiencies in the system.

“Since the days of legendary, Pa. Michael Imoudu, to later day firebrands such as Pascal Bafyau and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Nigerian worker has been at the forefront of the fight against tyranny and bad governance.

“No administration in our history has trampled workers’ rights like this one. Daily, workers face uncertainty over skyrocketing prices of essential goods.”

Atiku stated that the handling of the nation’s microeconomic situation resembles a cumbersome laboratory experiment, leaving the Nigerian worker in a vulnerable position.

“The Nigerian worker has had it so rough under this current administration and it is unfortunate that while the living conditions of the Nigerian worker remain at a miserably low ebb, the Nigerian government continues to regale its international audiences with tales of how the masses are being weaned of their wasteful dependence on government.

“It is thus beginning to appear, that as far as the current federal government is concerned, the management of our country’s micro-economic outlook is an unwieldy laboratory experiment, to which the Nigerian worker is laid prostrate.”

$600m Investment: Danish Firm, AP Moller Fails To Confirm FG’s Claim

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

Global logistics company A.P Moller-Maersk has failed to confirm a supposed investment of $600 million in Nigeria’s seaport.

The federal government, last week, claimed that the Danish shipping and logistics giant has committed to investing the above funds to develop seaport infrastructure in the country.

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President On Media and Publicity in a statement disclosed that Danish firm made the promise, through its chairman, Robert Uggla during a close door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“We believe in Nigeria, and we will invest $600m in existing facilities and make the ports accommodating for bigger ships,” Ngelale quoted Uggla as saying.

President Tinubu had welcomed the promise, remarking that the investment would complement his administration’s ongoing $1bn investment in seaport reconstruction across Nigeria’ seaports

Also, not a few Nigerians received the promise with applause, saying the investment will further propel the development of the nation’s seaport infrastructure.

However, AP Moller in their reaction to the issue said “we are not able to comment on any investment talks.”

In a statement issued by the company, as reported by Lloyd’s List, a global maritime insight, data, and analytics website, the shipping company said they have been present in Nigeria for more than three decades, and committed to the nation’s business sector., but failed to confirm the investment agreement supposedly reached in Riyadh with President Tinubu.

The statement said: “Maersk has been present in Nigeria for 35 years and, as a global provider of logistics services, we remain committed to develop opportunities for growth to people, the port sector and businesses locally,” the company said in a statement to Lloyd’s List.

“Therefore, it is natural to have an ongoing dialogue with the administration. However, we are not able to comment on any investment talks.”

Northern Nigeria Has The Highest Number Of Out-Of-School Children In The World, Northern Governors Lament

By
The Source
-
0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To halt further slide of the Northern Region in to the abyss of insecurity and its attendant negative consequences, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya has called for urgent and concerted efforts to rijig the region’s economy and enhance human capital development.

While emphasising the crucial positive effects that a sustainable economic blue print could have on the lingering security challenges being faced by most states of the North, Yahaya who is also the Governor of Gombe state ,noted that economic development remains a veritable panacea to freeing the North from its current challenges ,particularly insecurity .

Governor Yahaya who spoke in Kaduna on Tuesday, April, 30, 2024, during a meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum ,also lamented the astronomical rise in the number of out of School children in the region,regretting that such an ugly situation has tended to worsen the problem of insecurity .

“Economic development is paramount to our region’s prosperity. We consider economic development as the long term solution to our security challenges .

“In this regard,the revitalization of the New Nigeria Development Company NNDC is at the heart of our economic agenda for Northern Nigeria.

“We must also explore innovative ways to invest in critical infrastructure capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the Northern region .

“I urge us to not to lose focus ,but to strive ,sustain ,and enhance the legacies of our founding fathers . Human capital development is very critical to the progress and prosperity of our region .

“It is deeply troubling that Northern Nigeria currently bears the burden of the highest number of Out-of-school children in the world .

“This is an unacceptable reality that we must urgently address . Every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly changing global economic landscape.

“We have a moral obligation to invest massively in education ,and skill development ,health care and social services in order to unlock the full potentials of our youths and empower future generations.” the Northern Governors stated.

Governor Yahaya while calling for concerted  efforts towards the task of  building a prosperous North  harped on the importance of collaboration and regional integration in infrastructure development ,human capital development ,trade security cooperation and cultural exchange.

” Together we can unlock the full potentials of our region and ensure inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the ever competitive Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Security remains top on our agenda . During our last meeting ,we reaffirmed our willingness to work with the Federal Government in order to provide lasting solutions to the security challenges bedevilling our region .

“Since then ,we have had various engagements with the National Security Adviser NSA ,Service Chiefs, Coalition of Northern Civil Society Groups and other relevant stakeholders on charting a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.

“As the Nation continues to deliberate on the issue of State police ,it is important that we begin to explore state policing models that are built on the foundation of cooperation and collaboration amongst our Northern state ” Governor Yahaya emphasised .

FG Approves Salary Increase For Civil Servants

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
President Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

The Federal Government, on the eve of May 1, a day dedicated to Workers,  approved an increment of between 25% and 35% in salary for Civil Servants.

Workwrs affected are those  on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures

The Salary Structure is the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

It should be noted that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors had already received their increases which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS)

for Universities.

For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involved the

Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).

Benefitting, also, is the Health Sector  through the Consolidated Medical

Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

Emmanuel Njoku, Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages who signed the statement said the increases take effect from 1st January 2024.

The statement also said that the Federal Government has approved “increases in pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect to the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures with effect from 1st January 2024.”

Why UNIBEN Suspended Students’ Union Activities Indefinitely

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Olumide Akpata

By Akinwale Kasali

Following an attack on Olumide Akpata, Labour Party, LP, Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming Governorship Election in Edo State, the Management of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has indefinitely suspended the activities of the Student Union Government, SUG, of the Institution.

The Institution’s Registrar, Ademola Bobola, disclosed the decision of the Management.

The suspension letter reads:

“After due consideration of the report by the management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the University’s Students Union.

“The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday 29th April, 2024.

“Accordingly, all officers of the Students’ Union are to hand over all properties of the union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs, not later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

“In the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives of faculties, schools, and institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension.

“The directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the university community and compliance of the erstwhile union officers as appropriate,” Bobola said.

It would be recalled that on April 12th, 2024 at the University’s Senior Staff Club, the SUG were said to have disrupted an interactive session by staff of the University with LP Governorship Candidate.

It was gathered that the students behaved unruly at the event and, in the process, rough-handled many of the staff, including a member of the Academic Staff of the Universities, ASUU, who was reportedly beaten to a pulp.

Following this development, the Institution set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident to unravel the crux of the issue, leading to decision of the institution to suspend the SUG activities indefinitely.

Schools Reform In Cross River: 20,000 To Be Recruited, Erring Principals

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Senator Bassey Otu

By Ayodele Oni

Cross River State Government has announced that it requires 20,000 teachers to address shortage in public schools in the State.

The Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, said that the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration has embarked on massive employment of teachers to bridge the gap.

He, however, noted that owing to paucity of funds, the employment would be carried out in phases.

The Commissioner further noted that there were several ongoing reforms to revamp the education sector in the state.

Odey said, “We are determined to reform the sector holistically because we want to make Cross River a reference point in education sector amongst comity of states.

“There is already a memo before the governor for us to start with the employment of 6,000 teachers. We discovered that many schools, especially in the rural area, had only two teachers and this is not how we intend to be the best in the country.

“The money the government paid as fee for West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) for students in the state will amount to nothing without teachers to teach them.”

Odey further disclosed that priority would be given to the employment of teachers in their catchment areas as the state was not buoyant enough to pay peculiar allowances to teachers in rural areas.

Speaking on the payment of WAEC fees, Odey explained that the 16,301 names on the list was padded saying “the list was not exhaustive as some schools that submitted late were not captured.

“The only issue that arose from the list was that we found out that some names were duplicated during compilation which brought the figure to about 16,287 students.

“Even at that, we had students from about 20 schools that were not included because of late submission.

“For instance, a particular school in Boki had over a thousand students not included. For the avoidance of doubt, those principals that were found not to have been diligent in their duty have been sanctioned.

“About 37 of them are in this category and are going to be demoted to the classrooms.”

The Commissioner further said part of the reform is to ensure uniformity in school system in the state as well as go after illegal schools.

“Upon resumption in office, I discovered that schools across the state, both public and private, operate different school calendars.

“We have been able to streamline this to a large extent and still working to ensure all around complaint across the state.”

1...1,1151,1161,117...2,903Page 1,116 of 2,903