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Imo May Day Fiasco: Again, NLC Shuts Down Imo, Flights Affected; Tango With Government

May 3, 2023

By Charles Igbo

For the second time within a couple of months, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has shut down Imo State.

The Union, after an Emergency Joint Central Working Committee Meeting with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, held on Monday, May 1, decided to shut the State. It called out workers on a strike action against the Imo State Government. It said its action followed what it called “an unprovoked assault on Imo State workers.” who had assembled to celebrate Workers Day.

Since the aborted Imo State NLC Congress, during which the Union alleged that the Government was interfering in its Election by wanting to impose the State NLC Chairman, for which the Union embarked on a strike action, nothing has been the same in the Imo Chapter.

At the time, NLC said that Government thugs invaded the venue of the Congress, beat up Workers and destroyed the Union’s properties, an allegation the Government denied and put the blame on the National President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who, incidentally is from the State.

The strike action led to the sack of the Commissioner for Labour, Chief Ford Ozumba. It also resulted in the setting up, by the NLC, of a caretaker Committee for the State. But it is a Committee which the State Government does not recognise, and insists on dealing with the faction of the Chairman it, allegedly, wanted to impose on the Union. It took the intervention of a number of people within and outside the State for the NLC to call off the Strike.

On 1st May, both factions celebrated Workers Day separately, with the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, present at that of the faction his Government recognises.

The faction recognised by the National body of the NLC held its own at the State NLC Headquarters in Owerri. But, midway, the venue was invaded by thugs, workers beaten and tables and chairs destroyed.

However, no mention was made by the Government of the incident while thanking the Workers and Pensioners for not only giving the Governor a plaque in appreciation of his very good relationship with them, but endorsed him for a second term in office.

Government’s Statement

In the statement signed by Oguwike Nwachuku, Media Adviser/ Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the Government said in part:

“The Organised Labour in Imo State on Monday said it is time to pay Governor Hope Uzodimma back for his good relationship with the workers under his watch, particularly as regards their welfare, adopting him as their candidate for the governorship election come November 11, 2023.

“To further show that they have not had it so good in terms of the workers welfare in Imo State until now, the Organised Labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and the State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council also debunked the comments credited to the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero and his TUC colleague, Festus Osifo during Workers Day celebration on Monday in Abuja, that workers in Imo State have been laid off and that their salaries have remained unpaid.

“The theme of the 2023 Workers Day Celebration was: “Workers Right and Social Economic Justice.”

“In dissecting the theme, the Organised Labour acknowledged that Imo workers are the most beneficiaries of the 3R government of Governor Uzodimma.

“The Chairman of the State Public Service Negotiating Council in Imo State, Comrade Basil Iwu told a gathering of both labour leaders and workers at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, venue of the 2023 Imo Workers Celebration Day, in his address that contrary to Ajaero’s claims, “government has not sacked any worker,” rather, “the Governor has even directed that salaries of workers not verified be paid.”

“Comrade Ajaero had claimed that 11,000 workers in Imo State were sacked as well as non- payment of salaries .

“Iwu regretted that Ajaero was using his position as NLC President to mislead the public on the true position of government/labour relations as well as the state of welfare of workers in Imo State and called on the public to be wary of such comments.

“Iwu listed a catalogue of things the workers in Imo State have enjoyed under Governor Uzodimma to include: prompt payment of salaries/ pension to verified workers/ pensioners, provision of free transportation buses for Imo workers to and fro office, massive renovation of the State Secretariat, construction of good/quality and durable roads in Imo and restoration of peace/order in Imo State.

“Others include: promotion of stagnated workers in Imo Civil Service, approval of 65 years and 40 years of Service for Imo teachers, approval of one percent check-off dues to Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and also commencement of the payment of gratuities to our retired pensioners in Imo State, provision of official vehicles to Permanent Secretaries in various ministries in Imo State, approval of payment of salary for uncaptured workers/ pensioners, appointment of a Special Adviser on Labour Matters as a way of creating faster channel of communication between workers and the government, payment of 13 percent salary to workers, the first time since the creation of Imo State, among many others.

“In appreciation of all these, the Imo workers through the Leadership of Organized Labour said: “On behalf of Imo State workers, we adopt His Excellency, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma as our Candidate for the forthcoming Imo State Gubernatorial election in Imo State.”

“However, Iwu pleaded with the Governor to direct full implementation of the payment of consequential adjustment arising from the nationally approved N30,000 minimum wage as well as to direct compliance on the payment of the three percent check off dues to industrial unions in Imo State.

“To the surprise of Governor Uzodimma, plaques were presented to him by a group of Imo pensioners and members of the Joint Public Service Council who corroborated what Iwu said earlier regarding the prompt payment of salary of verified pensioners in Imo State.

“The Pensioners were particularly grateful that Governor Uzodimma had moved to pay them their gratuities and felt they needed to encourage him with a token in appreciation of his love, concern and benevolence to them since he assumed office.

“In his response, Governor Uzodimma said he is very familiar with the import of the Workers Day and that his administration, from day one, took a decision not to play with the welfare of the workers in Imo State.

“He said despite all odds, including lean resources and spate of contrived insecurity affecting the desired stability of Imo State, his administration has made it a point of duty to implement all that Iwu listed earlier and that he will not relent in his efforts to ensure that before he leaves office, Imo workers will be the envy of other workers in the country.

“Accepting the endorsement, Governor Uzodimma described it as a surprise.

“He said it is “the Mother of all endorsements,” noting that “to whom much is giving much is expected.”

“The Governor who gave a graphic relationship of his administration with workers since 2020, informed that he runs a transparent government and has never failed to celebrate the Workers Day with Imo workers since he assumed office, an indication of the importance he attaches to them as “partners, colleagues, friends, brothers and sisters.”

“He maintained that he has tried to make the welfare of workers a priority and enjoined workers to also bear in mind that the employer is entitled to greater productivity.

“He recalled that “on assumption of office there were no available data on Imo workers to work with hence there were initial inconveniences.”

“He apologised to them over the inconveniences that arose trying to establish a data and asked the workers to think back and judge the situation they were into before and now.

“The Governor enjoined Imo workers to “refrain from any external interference meant to create and cause disharmony between Government and workers in Imo State,” emphasizing that his government “does not have records of sack of Civil Servants, Non-payment of workers and or Pensioners or declaring of verified workers as ghost workers.”

“He maintained that no past administration has given Imo workers more attention than his administration and that “the claims of people out there are false and untrue,” and that whatever efforts his administration had made in the last three years was to be sure of what to do and how to do it well.

“He bemoaned that some third forces are trying to cause crisis through the State to truncate the May 29 inauguration and warned that Imo State cannot be used for such.

“The Governor who reaffirmed that “one with God is in the majority” told the workers that under his watch “no evil man will become Governor again in Imo State.”

“He promised to drive government in a manner that government must create prosperity for the benefit of the common man, including the workers.

“He announced that he had approved the payment of check-off dues to Labour Unions and had commenced the processes leading to the payment of gratuities to retried Pensioners.”

“He assured the workers that their expectations under his administration will not be disappointed, saying he is for them, noting that they should bear in mind that where they work is where they will eat.

“On the perceived running battle between the NLC at the National and State NLC, the Governor said that he has no hands in the election of NLC in Imo State and that as a Governor he cannot be confused or distracted, hence under his administration Industrial synergy in Imo State is impeccable.

Concluding, he assured the workers who turned out in their numbers that “as soon as the revenue base of the State improves workers of the State will get higher pay and reviewed salaries.”

“He proceeded to announce that in the next few days the Health Insurance Scheme will be launched to accommodate all sorts of ailments threatening the workers.

“He said the scheme costs his government over N80 million monthly and enjoined the workers not to be afraid because “every good thing comes with initial difficulties.”

NLC & TUC Working Committee orders strike, says its prepared for a marathon struggle

But in a communique after the CWC meeting, signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, NLC, and Comrade Nuhu Toro, Secretary General TUC, the CWC said:

” The joint CWC-in- session of the NLC and TUC after careful deliberation on the violent disruption of Workers May Day Celebrations earlier today in Owerri by the agents of Imo State Government strongly and overwhelmingly condemn the unprovoked assault on Imo State workers. The TUC and NLC thus reached the following conclusions:

“1. That the Government of Imo State has grossly violated the rules of engagement among the Social partners in Industrial Relations in the country by using thugs to violently disrupt this year’s May Day in Imo State.

“2. That properties were vandalized and looted by the invading thugs of the Government.

“3. That some workers sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of that attack.

“4. That the Government of Imo State has become a serial abuser of workers rights and privileges committing several infractions in the process.

“5. That the Government of Imo State has, therefore, made sane and civil Social dialogue difficult in the State.

“Consequently, the joint CWC resolved as follows:

“1. To withdraw the guarantee of Industrial peace in Imo State.

“2. To embark on a comprehensive shut down of Imo State beginning from Wednesday, the 3rd of May, 2023.

“3. That all affiliates of both the NLC and TUC in Imo State are to, therefore, withdraw their services in Imo State beginning from 12 midnight on Tuesday until the State Government restores and guarantees the protection of lives and properties of workers in the State.

“4. Further to the above, the State Government is to sign the agreement reached between it and workers in the month of March, 2023.

“5. The NLC and TUC will monitor compliance of affiliates with the decisions of the joint CWC-in-session. We will not hesitate to escalate it nation-wide if positive results are not achieved quickly within days.

“6.We hold the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma for any further harm done to any worker in the State now or during the Industrial action.

“TUC and NLC, will do whatever it takes to protect the lives and properties of workers. We, therefore. advise all residents of Imo State to stock up on necessities because we are prepared for a marathon struggle.”

Unionism Is Voluntary – IMSG, Faults NLC

In response to the communique by the CWC of the NLC and TUC, the Imo State Government said, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, held Ajaero responsible for the crisis. The Commissioner insisted that no problem exists between the Union and Government except the one deliberately created by Ajaero.

The Statement reads:

“It is to the glory of God that, contrary to the vain wishes of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, Imo workers and pensioners converged at Ndubuisi Kanu Square , Owerri, yesterday, May 1st, 2023, for yet another memorable May Day celebration. The smiles and clear expressions of joy on the faces of the thousands of workers who turned up for the historic event clearly showed that they were neither coerced nor intimidated to be present.

“They were simply there on their own accord. Yet, this is the impression Mr Joe Ajaero wants to create by his press release of 30th April, 2023. For the records, this could not be further from the truth. For instance, some of the senior citizens and pensioners who prayed for Governor Hope Uzodimma couldn’t have been compelled to do so because they are no longer in service.

“Yet, Ajaero, in his reckless press statements, claimed that the leaders of the 22 industrial unions of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state who organised the Labour day celebration, were stooges of the state government. This is simply laughable because these union leaders were there long before Ajaero emerged the President of NLC. It is an open secret that the grouse Ajaero has with these leaders is that they refused to be recruited into his hate force to amplify his rabid hatred for the Governor and the state government, fired purely by his selfish political and clannish interests.

“That was why he negated due process and quickly moved to install a Caretaker Committee for NLC in Imo state, and went on to appoint his classmate, friend and kinsman the chairman.

“Inspite of his spirited efforts to intimidate the workers in the state , to his utter shame, the workers, in appreciation of what His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma has done for them and the people of Imo State, endorsed him for re – election as Governor of Imo state. To them, the rantings of Joe Ajaero meant absolutely nothing.

“It is indeed curious that Joe Ajaero has chosen to be the de -facto Chairman of NLC in Imo State, instead of the National President. Otherwise, why did he dissipate all his energy to pour vituperation on Governor Hope Uzodimma, instead of addressing burning national issues affecting Nigerian workers? And there are so many of such problems to be addressed on a day like this.

“It is instructive that before the election of Comrade Ajaero as the President of NLC, which was just three months ago, the NLC, both at the National and state levels, had no issues with the State government. As a matter of fact, the state government and the national leadership of NLC, after a fruitful meeting in Owerri on January 29th, 2021, signed a communique which underscored the harmonious relationship between the union and the government.

“In fact, the first sentence at the communique was that “the NLC commended the state government for the prompt and regular payment of workers salaries as and when due, even in a harsh economic situation”. Among the signatories to that communique is the incumbent Secretary General of NLC. Emmanuel Ugboaja, who was also the Secretary General then. So what changed in NLC, so much so that since the last three months, the NLC has been coming up with bogus, baseless and utter falsehood against the State Government, ranging from claims of 22 months salary areas and the sacking of 11,000 workers, etc?

“But in the actual fact, these gains recognised by the NLC in 2021 have actually blossomed and yielded more fruits. The Organized labour in Imo state listed some of the government’s welfare achievements for workers at the May Day celebration to include : Comprehensive free health insurance scheme for Imo workers.

“Renovation of the state secretariat, most extensive since 2005. Promotion areas for of all staff, since 2014, with clear records of staff strength and categorisation. Regular payment of pensioners and the kick starting of payment of gratuities, last paid in 2007. Provision of official cars to permanent secretaries and free staff buses for workers, and many more.

“However, the only thing that changed since the 2021 communique, which has made the present NLC not to take cognizance of these achievements, is that one Joe Ajaero, an Imo son, with vaulting political ambitions and rabid hatred for Governor Hope Uzodimma, is now the NLC President. This is the fact.

“So, while it is understandable that Ajaero is still smarting from his abysmal failure to foist a stooge as the leader of Imo Workers, he is expected to conduct himself with decorum. He should also accept the plain fact that he cannot come to Imo to dictate to the workers on how they should relate with the state government. Yes, he is the President of NLC, but the workers are not his slaves .

” He does not own them. Unionism is after all a voluntary thing. Ajaero himself demonstrated this when he formed his own United Labour Congress ( UlC), after he lost the NLC presidency a few years . What is now clear to even the undiscerning is that Ajaero has a sinister agenda in Imo state.

The National Executive Council of NLC must not allow him to use a noble organisation such as NLC as a platform to fight his personal and clannish political battles in Imo state. They must also not allow him create an atmosphere of rancour which could threaten the peaceful transfer of power in the country come May 29th. It is worth mentioning that Ajaero’s unbridled political ambition once turned the NLC to a divided house with daggers drawn. He must not be allowed to precipitate that inglorious infamy a second time as the NLC may not recover from a second fall.

“His Lilliputian efforts to blackmail both the governor and the workers have failed, going by the award bestowed on His Excellency by the thousands of workers. This was done in utter scorn of his lame propaganda against the Governor and his administration.

“It is unfortunate that Joe Ajaero has been blinded by political and pecuniary considerations to continue to stoke the embers of discord in Imo State, his home state, as if that was the sole reason he was nominated the President of NLC.

“It is worrisome that a man who previously staged a coup against the NLC because his vaulting ambition was cut short is now employing the same office for vendetta, thus confirming the fears of those who initially opposed his ambition on the grounds that he was unfit for the high and sensitive position of NLC President.

“In as much as we have resisted the temptation to buy into the opinion in some quarters that Ajaero is suffering from a chronic psychopathic disorder that makes him worse than a bull in a China shop, particularly when given power, his continued uncoordinated and baseless attacks on the state governor and Imo workers tend to lend credence to that position.

“How else can one situate his threat to Judges presiding over the presidential election tribunal that they would face dire consequences unless they rule against the President – elect, if not from the angle of a psychopath let loose? This should be a food for thought for our security agencies.

“Just recently, he went to the Labour House to harass and intimidate officers duly recognized by law, thus exposing his contempt and derision for the judiciary. Again, only a man, who sees his office as larger than life, can embark on such mindless mission. It is, therefore, left to Nigerians to judge between Governor Hope Uzodimma, who had always believed in the rule of law, and Joe Ajaero, whose militancy is antithetical to the same rule of law. So, who actually is the dictator here?

“For the umpteenth time, Imo workers have no issues with the State Government. Joe Ajaero is an interloper driven by selfish and political ambition. A single individual can never impose his classmate, friend and kinsman on the workers as their Chairman. The earlier he faces this simple truth, the better for him.”

NAUTE Shuts Imo Airport

However, the National Union Air Transport, has decided to embark on the strike action, thus, shutting down Imo Airport.

Its statement, in compliance with the NLC and TUC ordered strike action, said that operations in and out of Imo Airport will be shut down from 12 midnight Tuesday. The Lagos State NLC Chapter has backed the action of NAUTE in shutting down Owerri Airport.

Ekiti: Oyebanji Visits Oni, Seeks Truce With Fmr. Governor, Urges Him To Return To APC

Ayodele Oni

May 2, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and former Governor Segun Oni met on Tuesday after the June 2022 Governorship Election.

Oni was the Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June18 Governorship election and challenged the outcome of the poll up till Supreme Court which affirmed Oyebanji’s victory.

Governor Oyebanji, who visited the country home of the SDP candidate at Ifaki Ekiti appealed to him to return to the All Progressives Congress(APC).

”I am pleading with you Sir, now that the party you suffered for, where you were Deputy National Chairman is now in the centre, I am too young to give you a directive but as one of your ardent followers, I want you to consider coming back home.

“Asiwaju Tinubu needs every good head, every good hand to succeed and he is from this zone of the country and when Segun Oni is not in the basket, the basket is not full.

“We belong to different political parties, but when it comes to Ekiti development, God has put you as pathfinder and you are an Ekiti man to the core.

“You love this state. And sir, we campaigned on a mantra of prosperity, and you just spoke about it that we need to develop the state to a point where every indigene of this state will be prosperous irrespective of where they find themselves.

“We can only do that by creating development centres in our local governments and communities.

I’m pleading with you in the interest of our people, in the interest of Yoruba nation, in the interest of Nigeria.

“I am here to debunk the notion that you don’t return from court and become friends. I am here to greet my senior brother and my leader whom I have great respect for.

“For me, I believe litigation is part of electoral process and I appreciate His Excellency for pursuing the electoral matter up till the apex court and not recourse to self help.”

The meeting, which lasted an hour, saw the two leaders discussing issues bordering on socio-economic and political development of Ekiti State and how to reposition the state for greater prosperity.

Governor Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to God for making the meeting possible, described Engr. Segun Oni as a role model who had contributed immensely to the development of the state and needs to also benefit from the fruits of his labour.

The Governor used the opportunity to inform former Governor Segun Oni of his intention to set up a Council of former Governors whose objective would be how to drive development of the state, advise the incumbent on the best way to run the state from their wealth of experiences.

Oyebanji said :“I gave an advice sometimes when you were Governor that why don’t we have a conclave of former Governors, a replica of Council of State in Ekiti where all former Governors will sit down, give advice and assess the government.

“You said it was a good idea that you would do it, but you could not achieve it because of the verdict. But now that I have found myself in the saddle, we have to create that conclave of all former Governors irrespective of political parties where we will sit down quarterly and discuss, share ideas, proffer solution and take assignments on behalf of who is Governor for us to do nationally.

The Governor, who noted that Engr segun Oni’s tenure remained a reference point in the annals of the state, called on all leaders in position of authority to make use of the opportunity God has given them in the interest of the people, to use their wealth of experience to develop the state by attracting more goodies from the federal government.

“As a Governor, I consult with all the former Governors, in fact, I consult more with Governor Fayose than with Fayemi and Adebayo, why, because I went through the tutelage of Adebayo and Fayemi, so on any issue, I have an idea of what they will do so I don’t even bother them that much.

“But I did not have the opportunity of working with Governor Fayose. So, I usually call him to seek his opinion on some issues and he would readily oblige me.

“I have that relationship with him and I want to have same with you. I want to be able to consult you, seek your opinion on some knotty issues”

The former Governor, who together with his wife and some political associates received Governor Oyebanji, thanked the Governor for the visit, which he said goes to confirm the fact that Ekiti development was of paramount interest to the Governor.

Oni who said the meeting was the best he had attended this year in view of the sincerity of the Governor, stressed the need to build a virile Ekiti State based on unity of purpose because Ekiti was already left behind among comity of states and all hands should be on deck to reposition the state by making all communities, development centres to engender true development.

While acknowledging the fact that Governor Oyebanji was one of the founders of the state, bestowed with the wisdom of the old and who understands the spirit behind its creation, Engr. Oni pledged his unflinching support to the administration of Governor Oyebanji and Ekiti state at large.

“Let me summarize everything, first gratitude to God for preserving our lives, gratitude to the Governor for deeming it fit to visit me and gratitude to Ekiti for giving all of us the opportunity and the best way for us to make that gratitude full is to contribute our best to his government and the state.

“We must ensure that we do not lead our people into acrimony but lead them into friendship and make politics a lot more pleasant for our people.”

Nigerians Tackle Adesina Over Statement That Job Creation Is Not FG’s Duty

Akinwale Kasali

May 2, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Mixed reactions have trailed the statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, that it is not the responsibility of the Government to create jobs for its citizens.

Adesina made this statement Tuesday on an Arise News Television programme ‘The Morning Show’ while speaking on the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in the last eight years.

He noted that all the Government does is create an enabling environment for creating jobs while the private sector creates jobs.

He was reminded that President Buhari had promised to create three million jobs annually in 2015, but Adesina retoted, “Did you say three million was the promise? I wouldn’t say he put a figure. What I recall was that President Buhari gave the per cent of joblessness in the country. I wouldn’t recall that he gave a specific figure for the number of jobs we are creating. For all you know, that may have come from anywhere.

“Regardless as it may, it is the job and the duty of the Government to create an enabling environment for jobs in the country. It is not the Government itself that creates jobs. All it does is to create an enabling environment.

“Most of the jobs you need in a country would come from the private sector. As long as you have an enabling environment, it is the private sector that will create the jobs”.

He, however, noted that Buhari has achieved in all sectors including oil and gas, infrastructure, legislative matters and security.

Reacting to Adesina’s statement, a netizen said that it was insulting and disgraceful for the FG to say that it is not its duty to provide jobs for Nigerians.

Femi Gbadamosi, a netizen said that he can’t can’t for President Buhari to end his administration, stressing that the statement by Adesina shows the “failure of his administration – a waste and woeful.”

Another netizen said for a Special Adviser to the President to say this shows that the nation has been sitting on a keg of gunpowder with a President that has no plans for its people.

Ekweremadu: House Of Reps Appeals To UK Government To Temper Justice With Mercy

Akinwale Kasali

May 2, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

As Nigerians hold their breath and await the sentencing, in the United Kingdom, UK, of Senator (Dr) Ike Ekweremadu, a former Deputy Senate President, and his wife, Dr Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, the House of Representatives has appealed to the UK Government to be lenient with husband and wife.

The House asked to the UK Government to temper justice with mercy.

The Ekweremadus were found guilty by a Jury in the UK of human trafficking and planned organ harvesting of a young Nigerian.

They had taken the young, allegedly, unsuspecting street trader from Lagos to London with the sole purpose of harvesting his kidney for a transplant on their 25 year old daughter, Sonia, who has been suffering from a severe Kidney disease.

According to the UK Police, the business went awry when the victim ran to a Police Station to report his travails after a Doctor at the hospital he was taken to found out he was not a willing donor, was unaware of why he was brought to the UK, except that he was promised a better life, the sum of about eight thousand British Pounds and told to say he is Sonia’s Cousin.

The victim claimed he had to go to the Police when the attitude of those he was asked to stay with changed towards him. He ran away and after, according to him, three difficult days and nights in the streets, went to the Police to report.

The Ekweremadus were arrested at Heathrow Airport, London, in June 2022, on their arrival from Turkey. Since then, Senator Ekweremadu has been in custody after their first arraignment. His wife was released on bail after weeks in custody, a courtesy not extended to the Senator. He was regarded as a flight risk inspite of all assurances from a number of individuals, ready to take him on bail, and a letter from the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

However, Mrs Ekweremadu was taken back into custody a few weeks ago when both were found guilty, along with a London-based Nigerian born doctor, Dr Obinna Obeta, who, like the Senator has been in custody since June, 2022. Obeta was said to be the go-between.

Sentencing is on May 5, 2023.

On Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023, the House of Assembly wrote to the UK Government following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised by a member, Toby Okechukwu, during the plenary session of the House.

The Lawmakers, also, pleaded that the UK Court “tempers justice with mercy” in the sentencing of the lawmaker and also urged the Federal Government to take diplomatic steps to intervene in the case of the Ekweremadus.

It was decided by the House that the Clerk of the House “convey” their resolutions in writing to the British Embassy, the UK Government and the British Parliament.

Before now, former President Olusegun Obasanjo had written to the Uk Government and to be lenient in its decision on Ekweremadu, saying that he was just a victim of circumstance, even though that does not excuse what he did.

There is no evidence, anywhere, that the Federal Government of Nigeria, has intervened in the case so far.

No Law Gives Party With Majority Members Sole Right To Pick Headship Of Legislature – NBA Chairman

Ayodele Oni

May 2, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

As the race for the headship of the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers continues, the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Enugu State Branch, Chief CNN Nwagbara, has said that there are many factors to be considered before emergence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President.

He stated that the selection of Speaker or Senate President is not determined by Party majority.

The legal luminary told newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday that the members-elect had the sole right to choose their leader through indirect election within themselves in line with section 92 of the 1999 constitution.

According to him, it is applicable to the state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nwagbara pointed out that the choice of who becomes the speaker is not determined by party majority.

Ike EKweremadu was elected as the deputy Senate president in 2015 while his party, the Peoples Democratic Party was minority in the Senate then.

“In Enugu state house of assembly, for instance, where Labour Party won 14 seats out of 24 seats, members-elect can choose any person to become the speaker be it a first, second, third or even Fourth timer.

“It is immaterial which party the person comes from, because the provision of the law did not say it must come from the party who has majority of the members elect.

“It is a rule adopted by members of a particular Chamber for administrative convenience and to help them foster effective administration.”

Nwagbara, however, explained that the essence of adopting the rules of ranking in office is because of experience as it is expected that people who had served for longer period would have more experience than the new ones.

Adamawa: On-The-Run REC Arrested By Police

James Orji

May 2, 2023

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has arrested Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

The REC has been in hiding after the scandal she caused by declaring the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate candidate in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state the winner.

The Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC later suspended him, and directed the police to investigate him.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Force PRO, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Yunusa-Ari arrested by the Police Election Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team in Abuja on Tuesday.

CSP Adejobi disclosed that Hudu is currently in Police custody and was being interrogated to ascertain the motives and motivations behind his alleged improper actions during the supplementary governorship election in Adamawa State.

“Other officials and individuals culpable in the saga are being interrogated by the team.

“The Inspector-General of Police assured that every individual involved/indicted in the matter will be apprehended and investigated in line with the provisions of the law for possible prosecution,” the FPRO stated.

Wike Declares Public Holiday, Closes Shops, Businesses For Tinubu, As President-Elect Visits Rivers State

Ayodele Oni

May 2, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared Wednesday, a work free day to enable the people of Rivers State give the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a rousing welcome.

The President-Elect, during his two-day official visit to Rivers State, is scheduled to commission the Rumuola/Rumuokwuta Flyover and the ultra-modern Magistrates’ Court Complex, Port Harcourt.

Governor Wike, in a State broadcast on Tuesday, said during Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign visit to Rivers State, he had indicated intention to have him commission some strategic projects in the State after the general elections.

He said a formal invitation was sent to the President-Elect after the General Elections, which he graciously accepted.

Governor Wike explained that the proposed visit to Rivers State is Tinibu’s first official visit to any State since he emerged as the President-Elect of Nigeria.

According to him, by this visit, the President-Elect will join the long list of distinguished Nigerians the State had hosted to either flag off or commission landmark projects.

“For us, it is an honour to the Government and people of Rivers State to host the President-Elect on this historic visit.

“Consequently, I urge all Rivers citizens to come out en mass to receive our President-Elect, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and display the traditional Rivers hospitality as he commissions these legacy projects to God’s glory and the advancement of our development.

“Given this, I hereby declare Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023, a public holiday to enable the people of Rivers State to receive our President-Elect rousingly.

“Furthermore, all shops and business premises along Rumuola to Rumuokwuta roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State shall remain closed from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023. I urge all Labour Unions and Security Agencies to comply with this closure order.”

Ekiti Magistrate Court Orders Arrest Of Lawyer, Client For Giving False Information To Police

Ayodele Oni

May 2, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A Magistrate Court in Ekiti state sitting at Ikere, has ordered immediate arrest and arraignment of a lawyer and his client for professional misconduct and sharp practice.

The lawyer, Olaniran Owoseni and his client was said to have connived to write a petition to the Police, on false information, alleging one Ogundana Idowu Samuel of conspiracy to steal, stealing and threatening violence which led to arrest and arraignment of the defendant in court on four count charge.

The charge before the court reads “that Ogundana Idowu Samuel and others at large on 8th February, 2023 at Tim Tom Road, Emure Ekiti in Ikere Ekiti Magisterial District, did conspire to commit an offence of stealing, unlawful stealing of a Bajaj motorcycle, violently threatening one Odoga Augustine and resisting Police arrest, contrary to and punishable under sections 412, 295 punishable under section 302, 46 and 131 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, Law No. 12 of 2021.”

In his statement to the Police, the nominal complainant, Odoga Augustine said, “I was riding my motorcycle along Tim Tom Road, Emure Ekiti, suddenly, I saw three men armed with cutlasses, (I can only recognize the defendant) they stopped me and demanded to release the motorcycle to them as it belongs to the defendant.

“I was trying to explain to them that I have a sum of N150, 000.00 under my seat but they did not listen to me, I released the motorcycle to them to safe my life. Thereafter, I contacted my lawyer to write a petition against the defendant.

To proof his case, the Police prosecutor, Inspector Bamidele Abiodun called four witnesses and tendered statements of the complainant and defendant, one black Bajaj motorcycle, purchasing receipt of the motorcycle among others as exhibit.

In his defence, the defendant said, I sold my motorcycle to one Abdulahi Mohammed on hired purchase, when he defaulted in his payment for two months, his whereabout and that of the motorcycle could not be traced

“I became worried and started putting several calls across to him but he neither picked or returned the call, I was searching for the said Abdulahi and my motorcycle everywhere until I found the motorcycle with Odoga Augustine along Tim Tom Road, Emure Ekiti.

“I explained everything about the motorcycle to him and showed him its purchasing receipt before I took the motorcycle away, only to see Police in my house to effect my arrest based on Barrister Olaniran’s petition on behalf of his cient, there is no money under the seat as claimed by the nominal complainant.”.

In his judgment, Magistrate Dotun Omoteye said, ‘’ I can reasonably infer from the disposition of Mr. Olaniran Owoseni that he railroaded the Police to charge this case to court. His desperate moves clearly further supported my inference drawn above.

“It is obvious that he knows the truth of the matter. He connived with Odoga Augustine to concoct the false accusation against the defendant.

’’In the result, I hereby ordered the Police to immediately arrest Mr. Olaniran Owoseni and the nominal complainant Odoga Augustine for immediate arraignment and prosecution before this court, in line with section 16 (1) (2) of the Ekiti State Administration of Justice Law, 2014 (as amended).

“The defendant is equally entitled to compensation for loss of income which was tied down base on the false accusation of Odoga Augustine among others.

“On the basis of the above stated reasons, I hereby award the sum of N100, 000.00 only in favour of the defendant to be paid by the nominal complainant not later than seven (7) days of this judgment in line with section 286 of the Ekiti State Administration of Justice Law, 2014 (as amended).

“In case of default of payment of the sum awarded as specify above , the nominal complainant Odoga Augustine shall be committed to prison for a period of 12 calendar month in line with section 287 of the Ekiti State Administration of Justice Law, 2014 (as amended) the Magistrate ruled.”

How Amaechi, Giadom Allegedly Worked Against Tinubu’s Emergence As President-Elect

Akinwale Kasali

May 2, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and former Zonal Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Victor Giadom are, alleged, to have worked against President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu before and during the Presidential Polls held on Saturday, February 25th, 2023.

The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Blessing Agbomhere made the allegation against the duo.

Agbomhere added that this was part of the reasons that led to his removal, on the ground of a vote of no confidence passed on him and the ex-zonal secretary, Ita Udosen.

Giadom was removed on Sunday after five zonal officers of the party, at a special meeting in Port Harcourt, moved against him and Udosen, citing their running of the zone like a personal fiefdom, failure to call for meetings, among others, as reasons for their removal. The National Headmaster of the APC, has, distanced itself from the meeting and its decision against Giadom and Udosen.

Agbomhere had stated that Amaechi and his allies frustrated all efforts to see Tinubu succeed President Muhammadu Buhari by working against him and supporting his opponents underground.

But a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed the action of Agbomhere and four others, saying they lacked the constitutional authority to sack Zonal officers of the party.

Agbomhere had faulted the statement credited to Morka, noting that Amechi and Giadom, who in the build-up to the election doubted the chances of Tinubu and the APC, ought to have been disciplined for frustrating the efforts of a party that have given them opportunities to serve in the past.

He said, “The ex-zonal chairman (Giadom) never mobilised for our party, the APC in the general election. He never supported our candidate. Before the election, Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima took out time to come to them knowing that Rotimi Amechi contested the primary election and failed and that Giadom is his lieutenant, they were begged to join hands with party members to ensure that they were voted for. Amechi and Giadom did not work for the party. They came out publicly, called meetings in the South-South, and urged people to vote against the APC and vote for Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party. We consider this a great disservice to our party because the APC has done everything for Amaechi.

“Do you know what such statements can cause the party? By that statement, he was ready to incite Nigerians against the candidacy and election of Bola Tinubu,” he added.

Justifying the decision to sack Giadom, Agbomhere added, “The Zonal officers of the South-South had their extraordinary meeting, and, in that meeting, we are eight officers in the zone, all of us were present. The constitution requires that we call for a zonal meeting at least once every quarter and for almost six months now, he (Giadom) has not called for a meeting. He has been running the party alone and doing whatever he likes with the party. Every attempt to make the secretary call for a meeting also failed. He and the secretary are running the party together, without carrying the other six executive members of the zone along.

“Even after the elections were over, there have been a series of petitions and suspensions from across the states in the region. The zone is supposed to set up a committee that would receive these petitions, do fact-finding to find out what is wrong and find a way to resolve these issues in the zone but Giadom allowed the zone to be enveloped in internal disputations because he does not care.

He also accused Giadom of abandoning his duties as the chairman of the zone and also not supporting Tinubu’s campaign.

The National Working Committee of the party is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Agbomhere said a letter notifying the leadership of the party would be transmitted informing it of development in the zone. When that is done, the NWC being “A higher committee than the one that took that decision, is to set up a fact-finding committee. After their findings, they can then make a pronouncement of either supporting our position or otherwise.”

Speaking on Tinubu’s readiness for governance, Agbomhere said, “despite the fact that I cannot guarantee that Asiwaju can run 100km in an hour, I can confirm that Asiwaju and Shettima have 100 ideas to rescue Nigeria and set her on the path of greatness within the first 100 days in office. This is why we keep supporting him. We are ready to fight anybody bent on frustrating democracy in Nigeria. This is the first time in Nigeria that we will be having a pure democrat coming to occupy the office of the president in Nigeria. Asiwaju is not in the league of Rotimi Amaechi and Victor Giadom; he is in the league of Obafemi Awolowo and Lee Kuan Yew,” Agbomhere stressed.

FAAN: Ajao Estate Demolition A Case For Airport Safety And Security, Not Against Any Tribe

The Source

May 2, 2023

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has exonerated the Lagos State Government from any wrongdoing in the demolition of 13 houses on Friday, 28th April, 2023 in Ajao Estate, Lagos.

Outrage had followed the demolition of the houses, and many people had read alleged persecution of the Igbo by the Lagos State Government for the exercise. They said it was a punishment against them for not voting for the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the 25th February 2023 Presidential election. Lagos was won by the Labour Party which fielded Peter Obi against APC’s Bola Tinubu who, now, is the President-elect.

But a statement signed by FAAN’s Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, issued on Tuesday, cleared the LASG from the exercise, and said it was FAAN, a Federal Government Agency that demolished the buildings. She, also narrated the story behind the demolition, including the meetings they have been having for years with the landlords. The land she emphasised, was FAAN’s, and any buildings there poses a grave danger to air safety and even the occupires of the buildings.

Following is her explanation:

With respect to the recent demolition of 13 houses posing grave dangers to the operations of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to make some clarifications to correct the erroneous information circulating in the public.

It is important to state clearly that the area of land presently housing the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos was acquired for public use by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Lands Acquisition Ordinance by FGN Official Gazettes in 1944, 1972, and 1975 respectively.

Sometimes in the year 2000, the Authority noticed some encroachments within its acquired land in Lagos and a committee was set up to investigate and compel those encroaching to cease and desist from such actions.

The committee thus put up “Caveat Emptors” and positioned them strategically within the areas under encroachment( they are still in place). Publications were done in national dailies and advertorial jingles in local radio stations, warning people of the risks in purchasing and building on Restricted Aviation Land without consideration to the direct dangers on aircraft operations and the building occupants themselves.

These warnings were not heeded.

In 2008,some residents of Ajao axis of the encroached land, under the aegis of “Runview Cooperative” approached the Authority for regularisation of their stay on the land.

To avoid a situation of wanton damage and colossal losses, the present administration on assuming office, inaugurated a “Regularization Committee on FAAN Encroached Lands and Property “. The committee,was charged with finding ways of identifying and regularizing only those properties located in positions that do not pose a direct and critical challenges to airport safety and Security.

The FAAN directorates of Airport Operations and Aviation security commenced stakeholders’ engagements and met severally with the residents of the Ajao axis( all meetings recorded and filed) bringing to their knowledge the dangers of erecting houses on pipelines, water ways and the airport’s perimeter fence( blocking access for security patrols). Most of the residents cooperated, except for the few who ignored and continued erecting their structures in the “RED ZONES”.

In the committee’s report submitted in 2022, out of 254 buildings evaluated, 220 buildings were recommended for regularisation, as they pose no direct/critical security and safety challenges to the Airport. They have been duly regualarised.

The 34 others that were built within FAAN’s perimeter fence and mostly erected above the aviation fuel pipeline and water ways, clearly posing direct safety and security challenges to the Airport as well as to their owners/ occupants themselves were marked for demolition.

The occupants of these buildings were duly notified of the impending demolitions, and intensive awareness campaign through “stop work” markings and planting of notice boards within the Red Zone.

In Sept 2022, FAAN wrote to LASG for their cooperation in conducting this exercise in the interest of Aviation and Communal Safety and Security.

The removal of illegal structures is also scheduled to be carried out at all other airports that have similar challenges.

The Authority hereby uses this opportunity to advise all illegal occupants to relocate from all airports lands for their own safety and security.

FAAN…Committed to her core values of Safety, Security and Comfort.

Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze (Mrs.)
Ag General Manager, Corporate Affairs

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