Imo NLC Pulls Out Of Strike As Ajaero Arrives State, CAN Says “Occupy Imo” Politically Motivated

By

-

October 31, 2023

The Imo State wing of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has dissociated its members from the plan of the NLC, led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to occupy Imo State from November 1, 2023.

This is even as the NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Ocheme Abba, Secretary General of the National Union of Air Transport Employees arrived Imo State on Tuesday. Both men arrived aboard an Air Peace flight to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo ostensibly to give a strong backing to the planned strike scheduled to start on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

But addressing newsmen in Owerri, Monday night, after a meeting with other Labour leaders in the State, the State Acting Chairman of NLC, Rev Philip Nwansi announced that organised labour in Imo will not be part of the planned action because of a subsisting Court order stopping the NLC from embarking on any such action.

Also, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, has cautioned the NLC against any strike by Workers in the State, saying that “Occupy Imo” is “politically motivated.”

The Industrial Court sitting in Owerri had, last Friday, October 27, 2023, granted an order restraining the NLC from embarking on any industrial action in Imo State.

The NLC Chairman said based on the Court order, the planned strike code named “occupy Imo” had become illegal.

“All the affiliate Unions, we are obeying the court order and we urge all Imo workers to be on their duty posts tomorrow as law abiding citizens,” Nwansi directed.

He said apart from the Court order, the organised Labour in Imo State doesn’t see any reason why the national body should order a strike.

“Workers of Imo State say vehemently no to “occupy Imo” because we have not found reasons enough for the action,” he argued.

He noted that Labour in Imo State has been on the same page with the State Government and wondered why the national body should cry more than the bereaved.

Rev Nwansi submitted that since the Labour has no industrial dispute with the State government and since the Court has declared the planned strike on Wednesday illegal, workers should go about their duties in their offices.

On Monday night, the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), Imo State Chapter, advised the leadership of the

NLC, to shelve the idea of occupying Imo State in the name of strike because of the negative impact it will have on the people.

The body said that it is unthinkable for Labour leaders to contemplate strike in Imo or any other part of the country for that matter now because of what the people are already passing through.

Chairman of CAN, Imo State Chapter, Rev. Eches Divine Eches gave the advice when he spoke to newsmen during a courtesy call on Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Government House Owerri by the group.

Rev Eches who said the CAN hadn’t been come to restate its position on the Imo Charter of Equity as the way to go in guaranteeing political stability in Imo, also commended the Governor on the giant strides he has recorded in the State since mounting the saddle.

The CAN also said it was an opportunity for her to “appeal to the Nigerian Labour Congress led by Joe Ajaero to shelve their planned industrial action and occupation of Imo State for its negative impact on the populace of Imo State which include increased hardship and more set back on the economy of the State.”

The CAN Chairman said that the Imo State Government under Governor Uzodimma has remained committed to the prompt payment of salaries of workers in Imo State and the pensioners, including payment of 13th month salary to the workers consecutively for two years now and wondered if NLC leadership under Ajaero is not pursuing political agenda with the call for strike in Imo State.

Rev Eches who said that the CAN is not aware of any sour relationship between the workers in Imo State and the Government as the workers themselves have at different fora confessed of being well taken care of by the Governor, cautioned those sowing seed of discord between the government and the workers in Imo State to be mindful of the implications.

He said that the only justification for anyone saying that the government of Imo State has not treated the workers well is if the person saying so has political intention at his or her back. He said such thoughts have implications before God and man.

He, however, commended the Governor for his achievements in all sectors of the socio-economic angles of the State like in the roads infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth and women empowerment and job creation through the Skill-Up Imo Project.

Governor Uzodimma who thanked the CAN leadership for their thoughtfulness urged them not to relent in preaching the message of Charter of Equity at the Churches, markets and other social gatherings so that Imo people will have a proper understanding of the topic and the advantage it will confer on everyone.

The Governor reiterated the inequality in the political demography of Imo State, saying that with the Charter of Equity the hue and cry about political contestation will be over.

He noted that the rotation of power from one zone to the other is working in the other States of the South East and that he has resolved to go the same way in Imo State and asked those struggling to seize power at all cost to exercise patience because ‘’power belongs to God and God will give it to those he wants at the appropriate time.”

He thanked the body for supporting his government in the struggle to bring peace to Imo State including being part of the process to enthrone equity in the Imo State political space.

Governor Uzodimma told CAN that the interest of his administration is the “interest of the State anchored on job creation, robust economy that will guarantee better welfare for the people and empowerment of the youths and women.”

He said that he had heard of some conspiracies by enemies of Imo State on how to disrupt the governorship election but assured CAN that the exercise will be free, fair and credible.

Governor Uzodimma emphasized the need to use the Church to drive development to the rural areas “because the Church knows the nuances of development in the rural areas,” assuring that his government will continue to partner with the Church as “over 90 per cent of Imolites are Christians.”

The Governor announced to CAN that the three brand new general hospitals already built in Ohaji, Oguta and Omuma areas will be replicated in other LGAs for effective healthcare services delivery and urged the Churches to brace up to be part of their management.

“Government is gradually restoring confidence of her citizens through the provision of dividends of democracy and it is essential because it is the responsibility of the Government to make life better for her citizens, hence this administration will continue to take bold decisions on the welfare of her people.”

The Governor reiterated the need for the men of God “to talk to our people to protect our tomorrow,” noting that if he is not a Christian he would have kept quite over the Charter of Equity “because if not for any reason it will favour my zone based on numerical strength which is a prime factor in democracy.”

Some members of the State Executive of CAN, including the Anglican Bishop of Isi Mbano Diocese, Rt Rev Godson Ukanwa, joined at the courtesy call.

Cardoso’s CBN Says No Plan To Change Naira Notes

By

James Orji

-

October 31, 2023

0

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says report that it plans to re-denominate the naira by January 2024 as false.

Recall that naira re-denomination was a controversial issue under the sacked CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele before it was stopped by the Supreme court.

Reacting to the report, the apex bank in a statement signed by its spokesman, Isa Abdulmumin, stated that it was peddled by false mongers.

Abdulmumin dismissed the suggestion, stressing that the Cardoso-led CBN has no plan to change the old naira notes in circulation to new ones.

The statement said, “We are concerned that this narrative, which we had refuted before now, appears to be gaining traction with several debates on the implication of such a policy for the Nigerian economy.

“We wish to reiterate that the contents of the message are misleading. The authors of the message, in their mischief, modified text eked from an old policy move by a previous CBN Governor in 2007 to make it appear recent.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is currently no plan by the Bank to restructure and redenominate the naira. The public is hereby advised to ignore the news report, as it is speculative and calculated to cause panic in the polity.”

In 2022 the Emefiele-led CBN caused a serious naira scarcity and hardship among Nigerians after redesigning the N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

The apex court later axed the policy to the wild jubilations of not a few Nigerians who suffered untold hardship as a result of it.

Cement Manufacturers Urge President Tinubu To End Cement Monopoly In Nigeria

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

October 31, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The increase in the price of Cement has moved Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, CEPAN, to urge President Bola Tinibu to end the monopoly in cement production and distribution in the country.

The Association also called for the inclusion of companies with verifiable local investments in cement within the participation scope.

The Association made the requests in a letter addressed to President Tinubu signed by its National Chairman, David Iweta, and co-signed by the National Secretary, Reagan Ufomba. In the letter, the association argued that Nigeria continues to be the country with the highest price tag on cement due to the inability of the industry to meet the demands for the commodity.

The letter read, “Cement being the major requirement to bridge the infrastructure gap, housing deficit, revenue earner, amongst other construction activities in the country must meet demand at a reasonable pricing as in most parts of the world.”

CEPAN noted that the profit margin of over 300 per cent by the three major cement plant owners in the country depicts how Nigerians are being cheated.

It said bigger cement plants in other developed economies of Switzerland, China, Mexico, Taiwan, and India can only boast profit margins between 13 per cent – 17 per cent.

It urged the government to revisit the backward integration policy of the late President Umar Yar’Adua on cement, which would allow the sector to meet the anticipated demands for the product in Nigeria.

It added, “The President, working with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Finance must dismantle monopoly and expand the scope for participation by those with verifiable local investment in cement and other interests.

“As a practical demonstration of the exploitation of Nigerian cement consumers, the annual profit margin by the three major cement plant owners in Nigeria is over 300 per cent above bigger cement plants in other developed economies of Switzerland, China, Mexico, Taiwan and India with profit margin average of between 13 per cent – 17 per cent. The return on investment under international best practices Internal Rate of Return must not exceed 25 per cent.

“This can only happen where a cabal dictates industrial policies and not a democratically elected government.”

Similarly, the Association demanded a probe into the utilisation of N13.2 billion in Cement Technology Funds.

It said the fund, currently domiciled with the Bank of Industry, was initiated under Yar’Adua’s Government as part of an infrastructure drive to reduce the price of cement and ensure its price stability nationwide.

Sylva Finally Relived As Appeal Court Reinstates Him To Run For Bayelsa APC Governorship Seat

By

Ayodele Oni

-

October 31, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for Timpre Silva as the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja reinstated him as the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 election in Bayelsa State.

The three-member panel, in a unanimous judgement on Tuesday, held that the trial court, which nullified Sylva’s candidature lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by an APC member, Demesuoyefa Kolomo, having not been an aspirant in the primary election that produced the ex-minister of petroleum.

The court also awarded the sum of N1 million in favour of the appellant in the first appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1060/2023 between APC and Kolomo.

The court equally awarded the sum of N1 million in favour of Sylva in the appeal marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1061/2023 between Sylva vs. Kolomo and two others.

Sylva’s appeals were against the October 9 judgement delivered by Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, which disqualified Sylva as candidate in the November 11 governorship election.

Kolomo, who described himself as a registered voter, had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 filed on June 3, prayed the court to delete Sylva’s name from the list of candidates vying for the election, having taken an oath of office twice as governor of the state.

A recent list of governorship candidates cleared for the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had omitted Silva’s name, a situation which generated mixed reactions.

Ogene Mourns Legal Icon Nwabueze, Calls For His Immortalisation

By

James Orji

-

October 31, 2023

0

Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, Afam Victor Ogene, has called on the federal government to immortalise the late respected statesman, legal colossus and one of Nigeria’s foremost constitutional lawyers, Professor Ben Nwabueze, by naming a prominent national monument after him.

Ogene made this call in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, October 31, describing the late legal luminary as a “National treasure, who contributed, immensely and evidentially, to the development of Nigeria’s democracy and body of jurisprudence, tirelessly and selflessly, through his outstanding intellect and passion for law and justice, equity, fairness and strong conviction that the right thing must be done at all times, to all people, above every other considerations.

He said that the constitutional lawyer, who held the traditional title of Oduah Afo-na-Isagba of Atani, Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, has “Taken his final earthly bow and has gone to commune with the celestial Lordship.”

He said further: “Prof. Nwabueze, through his body of works on Constitutionalism, Presidentialism, and Judicialism, had made Nigeria and Africa proud in the comity of nations, as evidenced by the fact that he was the second Nigerian and African holder of a higher doctorate degree in Law by published works.

“Records also indicate that our dear Prof, was also the first academic lawyer to be made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1978, strictly on the basis of his published works.

“Particularly, we in Ogbaru Federal Constituency are very proud of his outstanding career, social and political achievements and contributions to national development and cohesion.

“His life was a mirror of integrity, hard work and patriotism, untainted by exposure to political, social or economic circles and actors.

“Professor Nwabueze served the nation with his expertise, intellect and passion and would be greatly missed by many who believe in fairness, justice and interrogation of situations that run contrary to the principles of democracy and fundamental human rights.” Ogene said.

It’s A Lie, No Plans To Book All Hotel Rooms In Imo State For Election – IMSG

By

The Source

-

October 31, 2023

0

The Imo State Government has categorically denied any knowledge of plans to book all hotel rooms in the state for the forth coming governorship election in the state

It described as outright falsehood, the allegation by the opposition that the government was planning to spend N5b to book and block all hotels in the state in order to checkmate the influx of thugs into the state.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba told newsmen in Owerri that the government was not aware of any such arrangement. He clarified that the government has never corresponded with stakeholders through the social : “The government is not aware of any such hotel bookings. The government does correspond with stakeholders through social media and will not do so”

But he acknowledged that the government was aware of plans by the opposition to flood the state with thugs ahead of the elections, adding that the matter was being addressed with relevant security agencies for necessary action.

He described as idiotic the allegation that the government was importing thugs from neighbouring states to rig the election.

Emelumba said that contrary to such insinuations, Gov Hope Uzodimma and the APC will win the election in a free and fair contest.

Said he, ” the opposition knows that they have already lost the election. That is why they are fabricating all manner of lies to distract the government, like this hotels propaganda

He therefore called on Imo electorate to ignore all the antics of the opposition and focus on returning the governor for a well-deserved second term to continue his good works.

Governor Fubara And Wike Meet Amidst Impeachment Saga

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

October 31, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

In the wake of the impeachment saga trailing embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, he was in Abuja for the Police Council Meeting where and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike met.

The two were seen at the Aso Rock Villa at the Police Council Meeting held at the nation’s Capital.

The Police Council meeting has the 36 State Governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Police Service Commission Chairman as members.

Wike and Fubara shook hands before the beginning of the meeting at the presidential villa.

There are speculation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to Wade into the crisis between Fubara and Wike, and is scheduled to meet with the duo after the end of the Police Council meeting.

Rivers Information Commissioner, Johnson Says Gov Fubara Has Not Sacked Anybody

By

Ayodele Oni

-

October 31, 2023

0

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State

By Ayodele Oni

A twist has been added to the alleged report of the sack of some political office holders and the Chief Judge in Rivers state in the wake of the attempted impeachment of Governor Sim Fubara on Monday by the House of Assembly.

Among those said to have been consumed in the impeachment drama were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, state Chief Judge, all Council Chairmen, State Executive Council members and all the Local Government Chairmen, whose sack was reportedly ordered by the Governor.

In a statement on Tuesday, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, explained that there was no iota of truth in the report of the sack.

Johnson’s statement reads:

“There had been unfounded reports making the rounds on various media platforms about His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, sacking certain categories of his aides and local council chairmen.

“This is to clarify that His Excellency has not given me such directive as the official spokesman of the State government as at today Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

“Our dear Governor is a technocrat, with robust civil service background, kind hearted and a very humane person who does things according to laid down rules and with the fear of God.

“We, therefore, ask Rivers people and the general public to jettison such unconfirmed reports as the public will be properly informed of who may have been removed by His Excellency at the appropriate time.

“It is pertinent to note that as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, I shall keep the public updated of events in due course.”

In another development, The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The two who are at the centre of the ongoing political drama in the state, were seen shaking hands before the meeting.

The meeting of the two politicians and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) followed the impeachment proceedings launched against Fubara by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday.

Fubara and Wike, the immediate-past governor of Rivers State, were in the Villa for the meeting of the Nigeria Police Council, a constitutional body that oversees the organisation and administration of the Nigeria Police Force. The Council is chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

The Governor of each state of the Federation, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and The Inspector-General of Police make up the Council.

The last time the Nigeria Police Council met was on June 4, 2021 and then President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the meeting.

Court Of Appeal Affirms Natasha As Winner of Kogi Central Senatorial Election

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

October 31, 2023

0

By Adesina Soyooye

Natasha Agboti-Uduaghan has secured another victory in her bid to retrieve her stolen mandate in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly Elections.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Tuesday, October 31, endorsed the judgement of the lower Court, the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal which sacked Senator Sadiku-Ohere of the All Progressives Congress, APC, declared winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Lokoja ruled that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP, won the Kogi Central Senatorial election.

In its ruling Tuesday, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Election Tribunal, and declared Akpoti-Uduaghan the legitimate winner of tge Kogi Central Senatorial District.

It dismissed the appeal filed by Sadiku-Ohere as one without any merit.

Nwabueze’s Passing, Big Loss To Igbo Nation, Nigeria – Uzodimma

By

The Source

-

October 31, 2023

0

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed deep sadness over the passing of foremost Nigerian Constitutional lawyer and former Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, saying his death is, not just a big loss to Anambra State, but to the Igbo nation and Nigeria.

Prof. Nwabueze reportedly passed on Monday in his house, according to his family, aged 91.

Governor Uzodimma in a statement he personally signed, said it was a privilege sharing in the life and times of Prof Nwabueze whose wisdom and dedication to the Igbo cause and unity of Nigeria were second to none.

Governor Uzodimma’s statement read: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, extend our deepest condolences to the Nwabueze family and indeed, the entire community of Anambra State, on the loss of a true luminary, Prof. Ben Nwabueze SAN, CON. His passing is not just a loss to Anambra State but to the entire Igbo nation and our great country, Nigeria.

“Prof. Nwabueze was not just a renowned academic and constitutional lawyer; he was a symbol of unwavering dedication to the Igbo cause and the unity of our nation. His wisdom and guidance were invaluable, especially during these times of great need. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of our history.

“As we mourn his passing, we also acknowledge the grace that allowed us to share in his life and times. May God grant his soul eternal rest and provide his family with the strength to bear this immense loss.”