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Labour Strike: Demobilise Your Members In Interest of Peace, Ajaka Begs TUC, NLC

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Murtala Ajaka, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Kogi state has joined some well meaning Nigeria urging Organised  Labour in the country to shelve its planned strike.
The two major labour unions in the country, Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, gave a 14-day warning strike to to the federal government on February 9.
The planned strike, according to the workers was to press home their demand on the government to intervene in the current hardship in the caused by the high price of food items and other households commodities.
The ultimatum has expired last week amidst apprehension among Nigerians that the workers could embark on the strike this week, with attendant consequences for the country.
In a statement on Sunday, Akaka called on Labour to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enough time to sort out the economic problems in the country.
He said going on the planned strike will worsen the current insecurity in the country as it may be hijacked by hoodlums to unleash mayhem.
According to the SDP candidate, the rich and the poor are suffering due to the situation, but insist that strike will not solve the problem, as it will take time to revamp the economy.
“The decision to go on strike if not revisited could trigger precipitous consequences in the forms of exacerbation of the current quagmire and an escalation of criminality and attendant insecurity which are predictable recipes for the breakdown of civil order.
“This is due to systemic institutional adjustments by the government that are geared towards revamping our abyss-bound economy. It is a global experience that the pain we confront now is the immediate shock that logically attends to such redemptive economic policies.
“Truly, all Nigerians including my humble self are groaning under the excruciating torment of this harsh existential reality but on the flip side, it is a call to patriotic understanding so that our reactions do not undermine the unity and security of the country.
“I therefore plead with Organised Labour to exercise exemplary patience, demobilise their members from the imminent industrial action and grant the government the benefit of trust at least till the 29th of May, 2024 when this administration would be one calendar year post-inauguration. This I seek in the national interest

Regarding The Abia Power Matter

By
The Source
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By Val Obienyem

One of the best pieces of news emerging from the East is the imminent commissioning of the geometric power plant, poised to supply nearly half of Abia state with uninterrupted power for 24 hours. In fact, if fairness were to prevail, the entire area should enjoy round-the-clock electricity, with the one meant for the area to be covered by Geometric Power  being redirected to other parts of the state.

During the privatization of power distribution, Mr. Peter Obi, then Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, spearheaded discussions with Geometric Power, culminating in the establishment of a company to bid for privatization. The aim was to empower Geometric to address the power crisis in the region. At that juncture, the project was near completion, and I vividly recall accompanying Mr. Peter Obi on several visits to the project site.

As is often the case in Nigeria, vested interests prevailed over public welfare and optimal solutions. The South-East Governors, in collaboration with Geometric, were side-lined. It was a familiar tale of short-sightedness trumping the greater good.

Valentine Obienyem
Val Obienyem

Since then, Geometric Power has lain dormant. The lethargic governance of Abia State, under Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, failed to take decisive action—though, one might wonder, what could one expect from a governor who, in eight years, couldn’t revitalize Aba despite its pivotal role in Abia’s fortunes? Such ineptitude amounts to a monumental failure.

While the intricacies behind the scenes remain murky, credit must be given to the current Governor of the State, Dr. Alex Otti, for his undoubted efforts in reigniting the project. It is actions like these that shape our perceptions of leadership and governance.

Hats off to Geometric, hats off to Professor Bath Nnaji, hats off to the people of Abia State. May the nation one day fully embrace the ingenuity of individuals like Nnaji to tackle its power challenges.

Obienyem, a Lawyer and prolific  public commentator wrote from Awka

Niger Republic: Northern Senators Hail Lifting Of Sanctions By ECOWAS

By
The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

The Northern Senators  Forum has described the decision of the Regional Body, Economic Community Of West African States, ECOWAS,  to lift the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic as a welcome development.

This is even as it has called on the Niger Junta Leaders to fast track  the processes aimed at restoring democratic order.

In a statement issued on  Saturday February 24 2024 by the Northern Senators leader, Kawu Sumaila, the Forum particularly appreciated the leaders of ECOWAS for being receptive and responsive to pleas from respected quarters for a review of the sanctions slammed on Niger as a result of the July 26 ,2023 ouster of the country,s democratically elected government by the military.

“We are pleased that ECOWAS has responded to pleas by us both at individual and collective levels.

“The Northern Senators Forum believes that the principled and emphatic decision made by the ECOWAS to lift the sanctions on Niger is a testament to the organizations  commitment to regional integration  and solidarity, cooperation and respect for human rights.

“The action will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people of Niger Republic as well as restoring stability and economic growth and development in the West African Sub region.” Senator Kawu noted.

The Northern Senators’ Forum while commending ECOWAS for the bold decision, however aligned itself with the stand of the regional body on the need for early restoration of democratic governance in Niger.

“The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with ECOWAS and its leadership on the importance of returning Niger Republic to democratic governance.

We are therefore calling on Niger Republic authorities to hasten the process of restoring democracy and the reign of rule of law in the country.

The Northern Senators thanked President Bola Tinubu and other leaders of ECOWAS, as well as all other eminent people whose interventions culminated in the lifting of the sanctions

South West Speakers Conference Bemoan High Cost Of Foodstuff, Urges FG To Find Solution

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Southwest Conference of Speakers has called on the federal government to urgently address the astronomical hike in prices of food and other commodities in the country.

The speakers, in a communiqué at the end of a meeting at Ikogosi, Ekiti State, released on Sunday, expressed worry over the rising economic concerns and food shortage in Nigeria at the moment, imploring citizens to also support government efforts in finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

The conference, in its resolutions, pushed for increased regional integration efforts to foster economic growth and development across the Southwest states.

On security, the conference  advocated collaborative measures among southwest states to address the escalating security challenges facing the region.

It advocated devolution of power to states and state policing, which it said has become imperative.

It stressed the need for harmonized legislation to align legal frameworks across the Southwest region as the conference said it would soon hold an exhaustive legislative summit  to address critical issues affecting the region.

Why NLC Should Suspend Planned Nationwide Protest – Fagbemi, Says Its Contempt Of Court

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to shelve its planned nationwide protest over the pathetic state of the nation’s economy.

NLC’s counterpart, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, which was expected to join in the strike action has opted out of the action and revealed that it was not carried along in the decision to go on strike.

The AGF said that the NLC and the TUC had planned a nationwide protest scheduled for February 28th and 29th, 2024, but said it is a contempt of court. He raised a subsisting order which restrained the union from embarking on any industrial action.

Fagbemi, in a letter to NLC’s Counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, dated February 23rd February, 2024, said: “I wish to draw your esteemed attention to the Joint Press Release dated 8th February 2024, containing a 14-day ultimatum, jointly issued by the President of the NLC and President of the TUC as well as the notice of a two-day national protest issued by the NLC President on 16th February 2024.

“A cursory perusal of the above press release clearly shows that the planned protest is premised on or connected with alleged non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the Federal Government on October 02, 2023, consequences of the hike in the price of PMS, and other associated issues. It is therefore safe to assert again that the proposed cause of action by NLC is targeted at achieving objectives or promoting issues connected with a hike in fuel price and consequential matters of palliatives workers ‘ welfare, and associated government policies.

“You may wish to note that the foregoing issues or objectives are at the core of the pending case before the National Industrial Court. Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and affront to the institution of our courts of law. Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023-FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature.

“It is not in doubt that the planned protest is designed to compel the government to accede to the demands of organised labour, therefore, such action qualifies as an industrial action which comes within the ambit of the restraining order. This restraining order has neither been stayed nor set- aside and therefore remains binding.”

The AGF also stated that the Federal government had substantially met the demands of the union as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding entered with the NLC.

Fagbemi said, ” I wish to note that the government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the MOU and it is only appropriate and equitable for organized labour to engage more with the government to ensure the full implementation of same, especially in areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.

“ May I, therefore request that you kindly implore and enjoin your clients to refrain from self-help by shelving the proposed protests which are antithetical to the mediatory engagements leading to the execution of the MOU, tantamount to undermining subsisting restraining court order, and occasioning disruption of public service, order, and safety.”

The NLC, however, insists on the strike action.

Arewa Economic Forum Wants Excess Allocation To States Diverted To Fuel Subsidy, Says Governors Not Justifying Increment

By
Ayodele Oni
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Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim Dandakata

By Ayodele Oni

The Arewa Economic Forum (AEF) has advised the Federal Government to summon the political will in arresting Naira’s free fall by banning the practice of keeping dollars at home or in offices.

Also the forum demanded stringent measures against all those hoarding the dollars and their sponsors.

According to the Forum Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim Dandakata, “The government should investigate why dollars go up after every FAAC meeting.

“Relevant government agencies should also ban the practice of paying for goods and services online in dollars.

“Dollar is not a legal tender in Nigeria. Every transaction must be in Naira as far as it is the country. If we don’t stop our obsession with the dollar, our Naira will never rise.”

Further defending its call for the subsidy reversal, the AEF said “We are therefore calling on President Tinubu to reverse the subsidy removal policy and use the extra money FAAC has been giving to the states to resume paying subsidy on PMS.

“The President should do this urgently if he knows he can’t find a way within the limit of his constitutional powers and political influence to make the governors more accountable to the people.

“A check we conducted on recent FAAC allocations has shown that some of the states have had their allocations increased by up to 90 percent with little or no improvement in the lives of the people. The percentage increase in the allocations to states after fuel subsidy removal is humongous.

“We are also calling on the government to put together a proper social register that can be used to distribute food items to Nigerians without the involvement of the state governments. If the government can put together a voter register, it can also give us a credible social register.

On the ongoing national discourse around State Police, the Forum rejected the idea, arguing that it would ultimately be prone to abuse by the State governors for political reasons.

“The best option will be for State governments to support and empower the existing Police Constabulary with funds and logistics. Such measures would assist the security agencies to tackle and check the worrying level of insecurity nationwide.”

The Forum also wanted priority attention on education, emphazising that teaching our young ones both the hard and soft skills can give them real sustenance and make them useful to the economy, adding; “Skills rather than mere certificates should be the priority”.

On food security, the Forum charged State governments to make irrigation facilities accessible to farmers, while the Federal Government work on promoting semi-mechanized farming that creates job opportunities for the unemployed as against fully mechanized farming that would render the “people jobless and redundant.”

We Are A United Family, Abia PDP Assures Amidst Calls For Chairman’s Resignation

By
The Source
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Dr Asiforo Okere

By Daniel Maduka

The Peoples Democratic  Party,  PDP, Abia state Chapter has passed a vote of confidence in its State Chairman, Dr Asiforo Okere and his Executive, and assures the party remains one united family.

In an interview with The Source on Saturday February 24 2024, the PDP Acting Vice Chairman/ Publicity Secretary Comrade Abraham Amah noted that despite all conceivable attempts to distabilize the party and distract it from performing its role as the main opposition voice in Abia state ,it will  remain focused.

He spoke against the backdrop of calls last week by a Concerned Group for the resignation Dr Okere citing his alleged inability to unite the party after the election as major reason.

The Concerned Group also lamented that since the formation of the party in 1999 ,the PDP in  the state has never been as fragmented as it is today under the watch of Dr Okere ,adding that the party has failed to act, and or speak out against the continued refusal of the Abia state House of Assembly leadership to swear in Hon Aaron Uzodike  over three months after he was declared duly elected as a member  representing Aba North State Constituency on the platform of PDP

However, while speaking with this Magazine, Comrade Amah dismissed the group as a nebulous entity, not only unknown to the party, but also being sponsored by some political forces to cause disaffection and disunity within the party. He added that Dr Okere led State Working Committee SWC remains committed, focused and dedicated in the task of leading the party in the state .

“In the first instance the so called group is not known to us . They are faceless people being sponsored by some people who are not comfortable with our resoluteness in fighting for truth, rule of Law and democracy.

One of the issues the so called group raised- the refusal of the Abia state House of Assembly  leadership to swear in one of our candidates  in the last election,Hon Aaron Uzodike as a member representing Aba North state constituency after his victory at the Appeal is being pursued in accordance with laid down laws.

“So, for them to wake up and start accusing the party leadership of not doing any thing in that direction is a pointer that they are being used by our rivals to derail our course .”Amah stated

The Acting Chairman / Publicity Secretary further noted that with the state congress of the party fast approaching , it is not unusual for some people who are nursing political ambition to ignite tension and turmoil of the type being orchestrated by the concerned group.

“The tenure of the current SWC will come to an end in August and after that there will be a congress. So part of the antics of political actors  is to use some people to foment crisis. We are seeing the activities of the so called concerned group as part of the build up for the Congress by some political interests.” Amah noted .

According to him Dr Okere as the chairman, has remained a quintessential party man, who sacrificed almost every thing to achieve victory for the PDP at his polling unit, ward, local council and federal constituency during the last general elections.

“We want to call on our supporters across the state to disregard the antics of some unknown entities ,trying to create the  false impression that PDP in Abia is fragmented. We are a  united and cohesive family, and we are focused on the task of providing an alternative voice to the good people of Abia state” the Acting vice Chairman assured

Akpata Denies Involvement In Abure’s Arrest

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olumide Akpata

By Akinwale Kasali

Labour Party, LP, Governorship Candidate in the upcoming Edo State Gubernatorial Election, Olumide Akpata, has denied any involvement in the travails of the Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure.

Abure and four other members of the Party were arrested by officials of the Edo State Police Command over alleged murder threat and other infractions.

Akpata  in a statement, slammed another aspirant of the party, Mr Kenneth Imansuangbon, for making “reckless unfounded comments” linking him with Abure’s arrest.

“I have been made aware of reckless and unfounded comments made by Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon in the press (yesterday) February 21, 2024, where he accused me of being behind the recent arrest and detention of Comrade Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, Edo State Chairman of the Labour Party, and other party officials by the Nigeria Police Force.

Julius Abure - Arrested
Julius Abure, LP Chairman: Arrested by Police

“Let me categorically state that these allegations made by Mr. Imasuagbon, who claims to be a lawyer and should, therefore, know better, are completely false and, frankly, very irresponsible. I had no involvement whatsoever in the arrests he referred to.

“As we have been told by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police”.

The LP governorship aspirant expressed concern over the arrest of the Party’s National Chairman and other party officials barely 48 hours to the Party’s  Governorship Primary election in Edo State, just as he expressed worry over the delay of the release of the party’s delegates’ list of the ward congresses conducted last Tuesday.

Meanwhile members of the civil society group condemned what they described as police brutality meted against Abure.

Reacting to Abure’s ordeal, Barrister Abraham Oviawe said all Nigerians of good conscience must rise and condemned the way and manner the National Chairman of the LP was arrested in a gestapo-like manner adding that an injury to one is an injury to all.

“Iam not a member of the Labour party, we saw the chairman of the party being harassed over an allegation which took place while he was not in Nigeria. We are very disturbed that a man who enjoys such a position is deserving of an invitation, he is known, his address is not spurious.

“We equally condemned that attack on the petitioner but we feel that to correct what has been done wrong to the petitioner is not to create another problem. We feel that the national chairman of the Labour party deserves an apology. We know that the Police and its collaborators at the appropriate time will pay for the damage done”.

Also, the duo of Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Olu Martins called on the Nigerian also condemned the inhuman treatment meted against Abure as crude and unintelligence and ludicrous.

Abure and colleagues have since been released on bail.

After Intervention By Gowon, Nigeria’s Fmr Head Of State,  ECOWAS Relaxes Sanctions On Niger, Mali, Guinea

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has resolved to lift economic sanctions on Niger Republic, Mali and Guinea.

The resolution was taken at the extraordinary summit on the peace, political and security situation in the ECOWAS sub-region in Abuja on Saturday.

The regional bloc, however, said the political and targeted sanctions remain. The West African bloc had in a swift response to the military coup in Niger, enforced a no-flight zone over the country.

The Nigerian government also cut off power supply to the military-ruled country to persuade the juntas to restore democracy in the country.

Former Nigeria military Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon had in a letter early in the week appealed to feuding parties to sheath sword.

Gowon, one of the founding fathers of the regional body advised that all parties in the present logjam should be ready to shift position just as he urged  lifting of the sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

In an open letter to the Heads of State and the ECOWAS member states, Gowon stated that “I have noted with deep concern and sadness, the past and recent developments  unfolding in the West African sub-region, particularly the pronouncement by  Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of their intention to exit from the Economic Community of West African States.

“As one of the founders of our regional economic community, it is incumbent upon  me to speak on behalf of the 14 Heads of State and Government who joined me in  Lagos, on 27th May 1975, to establish ECOWAS.”

One of the affected countries had also imposed flight ban on Nigeria in the wake of the crisis.

Governor Oyebanji Exonerates President Tinubu From Nigeria’s Woes

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Akinwale Kasali

As Nigerians continue to lament the deplorable state of the nation’s economy, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has exonerated President Bola Tinubu. The Governor said Tinubu is not   the architect of Nigeria’s economic woes.

Governor Oyebanji said that the state the nation found itself preceded Tinubu’s ascendancy to the office of President.

He, however, said the President is capable of fixing the current challenges if given ample time and necessary support.

Governor Oyebanji stated this during the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at the Lady Jibowu hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government as the problem the country is facing had been there long before the President emerged.

The Governor called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the President and his government so that the various decisions they will make would be to the interests of the people. He also urged them to always maintain peace and decorum as the President has continued to lessen the burden of economic hardship on the people with his various people-oriented programmes and policies.

While reminding the people that palliatives would not bring permanent solution to the food crisis, Governor Oyebanji called on every Nigerian to embrace farming and become productive in their own little way, and in the process support the growth and development of the country.

The Governor assured Ekiti people that the state would soon experience food sufficiency and become the food basket of the country, judging by the various programmes his administration is putting in place.

He likened the case of Nigeria to that of the Israelites where God took them from Egypt to the promised land flowing with milk and honey believing that Nigeria would soon experience abundance of all the good things the citizens have been craving for.

According to the Governor, “I just want to encourage us today as children of God to keep faith in God and to also amplify our prayers for Nigeria, for Ekiti state and for the President. I understand what we are going through, but the truth of the matter is that the President is not the cause of these crises but God has prepared him for a time like this. What he needs is our support, our prayers, our understanding and encouragement.

“I am just pleading with us that the President needs our help, he needs our prayers, we should not do anything to discourage him. We should thank God that we have a man of courage, a man God had prepared for a time like this, I believe in God that we will get out of this problem and when the time comes and the dividends of these reforms are unraveled, all of us will be alive.

“I thank Ekiti people for maintaining peace and I promise that we’ll continue to lessen these burdens, but the truth of the matter, which many people don’t want to listen to is that palliatives will not solve these problems, it can only be a temporary measure, when you give someone a bag of rice, in two weeks it would have finished.

“We have embarked on a programme that by next year, we will have food sufficiency in this state, because, if we don’t make haste now, I pray next year will not be worse than this. We must be able to grow ourselves out of hunger, which is what the President told us last week.

“Government will do its own bit, but you have to go back to the farm. So, no matter how small, let’s start bit by bit, you have to grow what you will eat and at least be able to feed ourselves.” Governor Oyebanji added.

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