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Air Peace, Others Still Under Investigation – FCCPC Declares

December 7, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Contrary to stories making the rounds, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, said it is still investigating allegations of exploitative tendencies against Air Peace Airline.

It, also, informed that the activities of other corporate entities are under the search light of the Council.

The Council’s reaction comes on the heels of reports claiming that it is not carrying out any inquest into what many have come to perceive as unfair and exploitative air ticket pricing by Air Peace.

The Airline recently drew wide spread condemnation for fixing the return tickets of most of its operations on the domestic routes at N620,000, especially, the South-east routes.

The new ticket fares by the airline has been perceived as not just exploitative ,but completely insensitive and provocative by not a few Nigerians.

An official notice issued by the spokesperson for the Council Ondaje Ijagwuon, informed that an investigation into the allegations against the airline and others began on Tuesday December 3, as earlier scheduled.

He described the reports denying the investigation process as syndicated, sponsored and false.

According to him, the airline and others are being engaged with a view to addressing concerns raised by consumers/customers about unfair ticket pricing, particularly, on the domestic routes .

The inquest which he said is being carried out in line with the provisions of the 2018 FCCPC Act is to address complaints bordering on poor service delivery, exploitative practices and potential consumer rights violations.

“The referenced story (story denying the investigation) which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC.

“We advise the public to disregard it in its entirety. The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated December 1, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

“The FCCPC reaffirms that the inquiry into Air Peace commenced as scheduled on December 3, and remains ongoing”, the Commission’s spokesman stated.

Instructively, Aero Contractors, another major player, in the aviation industry, on Tuesday slashed its fares on domestic routes to N80,000 flat.

At an Interactive session with the media, its Managing Director, Ado Sanusi, informed that the airline in the spirit of the forthcoming festive period has decided to reduce its domestic tickets price from N 99,000 and N199,000 for economy and business class respectively.

“We understand the pains Nigerians have been going through because of the economic hardship, the high prices of tickets and with the holiday season nearby.

“So, Aero Contractors has decided to announce a Christmas initiative. We call them pocket-friendly Christmas prices.

“These prices are designed to allow Nigerians to travel to all our destinations without paying too much.

“Our prices will start from N80,000 to all of our destinations, and we intend to make it affordable to flying public/families to meet their loved ones during the Christmas season”, Sanusi stated.

Sealing Of Kano Emir’s Palace: Some Individuals Conniving With Abuja To Cause Crisis – Kano Govt

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 6, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has described Friday morning’s security condone of the Palace of the factional Emir of Kano as provocative and insulting.

This is even as it appealed to residents to maintain the peace.

The Source reports that the enhanced security led by the Police in conjunction with other security agents led to the restrictions of movements in and out of the Palace where factional Emir Sanusi is residing.

His rival in the struggle for the control of the Kano Emirate Council stool Emir Aminu Ado Bayero holds court at the Nasarawa Mini Palace pending when the courts will determine their fate.

There were speculations that the high security alert at the palace might not be unconnected with the plan by Emir Sanusi to appoint Munir Sanusi as the new Wamban Kano and escort him to Bichi to assume control as the District Head.

In doing this , Emir Sanusi, planned to jettison his uncle, Abbas Sanusi, who have been occupying the position of Wamban Kano since the time of Late Emir Ado Bayero.

Until the recent royal rumble, the Wamban Kano was the Senior Councilor, a defacto second in Command to the Emir of Kano.

Unconfirmed reports say Emir Sanusi’s attempt to name a new Wamban Kano and install him as the District Head of Bichi is at the root of the heavy security presence both at the Kano Emir’s Palace and the Palace in Bichi.

Bichi is one of the four other Emirate Councils which Emirs were controversially deposed on May ,23 ,2024 by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ,alongside the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, to pave the way for the return of Emir Sanusi.

Instructively. at the time of the now disputed dethronement ,Nasir Ado Bayero ,the younger sibling of Emir Aminu Bayero was the Emir of Bichi

Impeccable sources reveal that with the Bichi deposition efforts being challenged in court as is the case with the Kano Emirate stool, Emir Sanusi’s alleged plan to appoint Munir Sanusi to the position of District Head, thereby down-grading Bichi Emirate is strongly believed not to be going down well with the people.

Security agencies had to step in to avert a possible breakdown of law and order by stopping the planned installation of Munir as the District Head of Bichi, a source informed this Magazine.

But reacting to the development late on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Bichi, while speaking on Freedom Radio programme expressed shock and surprise at the sealing of the palace.

“We were surprised when we woke up this morning to hear that armed policemen have taken over the Kano Emir’s palace without any breach of peace or any reason to warrant such action”, Bichi stated .

According to him ,security agencies when contacted over the development, informed that they were obeying orders from above”.

“Who will give such directives from above? We know it is only the Federal Government that can give the directive to the police.

“We suspect there are some people who are conniving with Abuja to cause a crisis in Kano which will not be acceptable by the Kano state Government”, the Kano SSG noted.

He described as misleading and false, claims that there will be a disruption of peace should Emir Sanusi go to Bichi.

The SSG, who himself is from the area, insisted that the people are greatly anticipating the Emir’s visit, promising that they will fix a new date and accompany Emir Sanusi on the Visit.

IGP Approves New Postings Of AIGs To Zonal Commands

Ayodele Oni

December 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

To fill the vacuum created by the retirement of some top Police officers, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs).

They are to head Police Zonal Commands of Zones 1, 4 and 9, and also a new AIG to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos.

A statement by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that AIG Suleiman M. Yusuf is AIG Zone 9, Umuahia; AIG Ahmed Ammani, AIG Zone 1, Kano; AIG Zachariah Fera, AIG Zone 4, Makurdi and AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo, AIG FCID Annex, Lagos.

The statement explained that the posting comes after the retirement of some of the AIGs who were previous heads of the Zonal Commands and the recent promotion of the former AIG Zone 1, DIG Ari Muhammed Ali and his appointment as the DIG Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“The IGP urges the new AIGs to ensure, strict supervision, diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and further encourages them to key into the police reform plans viz-a-viz projection of policing ethics and professional conducts.

“The IGP further charges the officers to checkmate all forms of misconduct and ensure officers exhibit peak professionalism, aiding the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.”

Uzodimma, FUTO, Aluta Continua

The Source

December 6, 2024

By Oguwike Nwachuku

It was the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato who said that “if a man neglects education, he walks lame to the end of his life.”

A reflection into Plato’s summation on education will help us understand properly the import of the conferment of the award of Honourary Doctorate Degree on the Governor of Imo State, Sen.Hope Uzodimma, CON by the leadership of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Otti had in a letter to the Governor communicating him about his choice of the award said, “Council has ratified the approval of FUTO Senate that you be conferred with the Honourary Degree of Doctor of Management (DMT), Honoris Causal at our University’s Convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 7, 2024.”

Prof Otti did not stop there. She added that Governor Uzodimma was so honoured because of his “decades of meritorious, selfless, and outstanding services that have positively impacted the lives of the good people of Imo State, the nation and humanity generally.”

As I write, messages of congratulations from within the country and outside have started pouring in. Well wishers of the Governor have indicated their interest in coming to witness the conferment of the honour on a man of many parts, but more importantly, a man who has devoted his life to the service of humanity and God.

Few factors are worth our looking into regarding the award.

First is that FUTO’s Senate has not only paid attention to the life of the man they have carefully chosen to honour, but also taken their time to evaluate his inspirational leadership style since he mounted the saddle as Governor of Imo State in 2020.

Uzodimma, every one knows, came into politics from the private sector. While in private practice as a successful businessman, his name was synonymous with philanthropy and care for the downtrodden, and the weak

Thus, he devoted his energy, time and resources for the care of the needy around him, a situation many people seized the opportunity to go to school and acquire education based on his magnanimity, and eventually free themselves from the fear that Plato raised concerning those who neglect education.

Uzodimma’s entry into politics, for those who can read his mind, was not for the purpose of going in search of what to eat, drink and where to live, as we can see from many politicians today.

Rather, his was for the realisation of his dream of many years to leverage government to help as many people as possible to exit from the agony poverty, ignorance, lack through the instrumentality of proper education and other decent ways of living, like learning a trade.

Therefore, joining the Senate in 2011 when he did helped Uzodimma to properly horn his idea on how to do what he has always known how best to do – serve the people. At the Senate, his impact was equally pronounced.

Related to the factor above is FUTO’s conviction that Uzodimma has demonstrated so much passion for, and commitment to the course of educational advancement of Imo State and her people. That is to say, that the Governor understands too well the impact education can have on the human capital development of a society of which Imo State is one.

Under Uzodimma’s watch as Governor, investment in the education sector, both at the secondary and tertiary level became topnotch. It yielded positive impact when viewed from the performance of the students from Imo who took part in the external examinations such as the West African Senior Secondary School examination, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and, even the Law School where our sons and daughters excelled above their colleagues.

Uzodimma has not lost sight of the fact that Imo people have always been noted for their love for education. Unfortunately, before he became Governor, not much was known any longer about the people’s first love which is education. Instead , Imo was fast becoming the butt of the society in the sector.

Uzodimma took it as a challenge to return the state to what it used to be and that passion made him to stake resources for the proper funding of five higher institutions in Imo – Imo State University, Owerri, KO Mbadiwe University in Ogboko, Ideato, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.

To add to these tertiary institutions are also Schools of Nursing and Midwifery located in the three senatorial zones of Imo, and also being funded by the government under Uzodimma.

One would have thought that the presence of other federal high institutions in Imo – Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University of Education, Owerri and the Federal Polytechnic, Owerri – would have posed a challenge to Uzodimma as their host. Far from that. Instead, the governor delights in doing whatever he thinks will make the federal institutions roar in performance and be the best they could in a competitive environment.

It was with such mindset that Uzodimma fought doggedly to ensure that the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri became a Teaching Hospital to serve FUTO’s purposes following the introduction of School of Medicine and Surgery in the University, and that the former Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri became a degree awarding Federal University, versed in teaching methodology and research.

No Governor of Imo State has taken the issue of youth empowerment and development in line with modern technology seriously the way Uzodimma does. Reason? He understands too well how human capital development, through proper education or skill acquisition can change the fortune of the society. With that in mind, Uzodimma became the first Governor in the country to create a ministry of Digital Economy and E- Government, having in mind the future alignment of globalization and job mobility regardless of boundary habitation.

Today in Imo, thousands of youths are proud graduates of Skill-Up Imo, a programme that affords them the opportunity to be either self employed or work in any part of the world using the skill they have acquired.

Indeed, too many inspirational leadership attributes of Uzodimma in other sectors outside of Education that have attracted a lot of benefits to the State and the people as Otti pointed out litter the landscape of Imo.

In the area of roads, he has made nonsense of the hypothesis, before now, that acid rain was instrumental to poor and badly constructed road networks in Imo. Uzodimma broke that jinx of lies with the superlative construction work on the Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia roads, in particular as well as the metropolitan and rural roads, among others.

In the health sector, he has shown that a link between primary health, secondary health and health Insurance programme is capable of guaranteeing the people the good health they have always lacked, and consequently, the improvement in their life expectancy.

Methinks what Uzodimma has done in other sectors of the society since coming to political limelight in Imo State and by extension the country, are capable of winning him unending accolades if taken out and considered dispassionately.

What, perhaps, is peculiar about the FUTO award is that Uzodimma deserves it based on what he has been able to do within five years of mounting the saddle. He merits it. He worked for it without knowing.

To yours sincerely, I see the honour FUTO is bestowing on Uzodimma as a call for more work. Given the popular adage which says there is no hiding place for the golden fish, I wish to see my principal continue on the trajectory of his selfless and committed service to humanity and God, until all his detractors are roundly put to perpetual shame for distracting his good intentions for all of us.

In the book, “Choose to make a difference- 10 keys for living a life of impact” the author Seyi Wright said: “Don’t spend time proving that you are right, rather, show people how they can do the right thing.”

I think Uzodimma has chosen to make a difference and we are all witnesses to the difference he has made in our lives, in our State, and in our country within a short period as has been confirmed by those who are in a position to know.

If I say it is yet morning by the day for Uzodimma, I must not be wrong.

However, for the honour, I can only say Aluta Continua to His Excellency and FUTO.

Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor wrote from Owerri

How Islamic Cleric, Muyideen Bello Died After Battling Death

Akinwale Kasali

December 6, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The passing of revered Islamic Cleric, Alhaji Muyideen Bello, has thrown the Muslim community into mourning.

After battling for days with an undisclosed illness, Bello succumbed to a higher force.

The news of his death was made known by prominent Islamic scholar, Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah Friday morning.

Corroborating the news, popular Cleric and follower of the late Bello, who is also an Islamic singer, Alhaji Basit Olarenwaju popularly known as Aponle Anabi also shared the image of the 84 year old scholar with tearful emojis on his official Facebook page on Friday.

The late Islamic Cleric was born in 1940 in Ibadan, Alhaji Bello was widely respected for his profound teachings and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship.

Bello’s passing marks an end to the era of a man who spent decades shaping the lives of countless individuals with his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual leadership.

Similarly, the news of his demise was also confirmed by an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Taofeeq Akeugbagold in a post on Facebook on Friday morning.

He wrote, “Today is one of my saddest days! My father and mentor has returned to his Creator. SULTONUL WAHIZEEN of Yorubaland Sheikh Muyideen AJANI BELLO, may Allah be pleased with your soul. Aljannah fridaos for you. Our heart is full of grief and our eyes full of tears but we will say nothing but what will please our Creator, the sole commander of life and death – ALLAH.”

The late Islamic scholar and Ibadan born preacher was buried according to Islamic rites on Friday evening.

The late Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, known for his eloquence and deep understanding of Islam, was a beacon of knowledge and a tireless advocate for peace and unity. His teachings, according to Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, “transcended generations, leaving an indelible impact on the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and beyond.”

Since the announcement of his passing, mourners have flocked to his Akobo residence in Ibadan to console his family and pay respects.

The scene, according to live videos, has been described as one of grief and gratitude, with many recalling the impact of his spiritual guidance and relentless pursuit of unity and enlightenment across Nigeria.

It was disclosed by Oyo Insight in 2018 during the late Islamic scholar’s birthday, the agency noted that he became a public speaker from the age of 10, Alhaji Bello’s passion for learning began early.

At nine, he requested to live with his uncle, an Islamic scholar in Ibadan, to deepen his understanding of the Quran.

Though from Ibadan, he had always lived with his father a scholar who taught him the Holy Quran at Agbegilere, a farm settlement in Iwo, Osun State.

Relocating to live with his uncle, according to him in the interview, marked the start of his journey into scholarship, eventually making him one of Nigeria’s most prominent Islamic clerics.

Unlike many clerics of his time, Bello embraced formal education, earning a National Certificate of Education (NCE) and working briefly in electronics, a trade he learned from his brother.

He believed education was vital, stating, “Even at that time, I knew I would one day become an Islamic cleric. But I also wanted to make sure that I have a job that would put food on my table.”

Renowned for his fearless sermons, Alhaji Bello was uncompromising in his commitment to truth.

“From my childhood, I was noted for saying the truth no matter whose ox is gored,” he once said.

“It is with utmost truth that we should speak God’s words every day. That is the way I approach my sermons whenever I speak to the people.

Troops Intercept 174 Suspected Lakurawa Men At Niger Border Communities

Akinwale Kasali

December 6, 2024

Troops Intercept 174 Suspected Lakurawa Men

By Akinwale Kasali

Over 173 suspected Lakurawa insurgents were intercepted by Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, operating under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger. They were attempting to cross into border communities in the Republic of Niger.

It was gathered that the suspects were stopped at Gueskeru, a critical border town linking Yobe State in Nigeria with the Republic of Niger.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, MNJTF spokesperson, in a statement said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were traveling from various Nigerian towns to the Lake Chad region, ostensibly for fishing activities.

However, concerns were raised due to the porous borders, which have become sanctuaries for terrorist groups, including the Lakurawa terrorist group responsible for several attacks on border communities.

The intercepted group raised security alarms as allowing such a large number of able-bodied men to access terrorist-infested areas could pose a significant threat. In response, Sector 4 troops halted their journey, initiating a detailed profiling and interrogation process to assess their motives and ensure they do not pose a threat to regional security.

The MNJTF reaffirmed its commitment to counterterrorism efforts, civilian protection, and regional security, emphasizing the importance of heightened border vigilance and collaboration among troop-contributing countries to combat cross-border terrorism.

“First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Says Nigeria’s Glory At Hand, Pays Thank You Visit To Imo Monarchs”

The Source

December 6, 2024

“She is the best First Lady I have ever known in politics, says Uzodimma”

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said that the glory of the country is by the corner, hence all hands must be on deck to realise the full potentials of the Nation.

She said though challenging times are here with Nigerians, they are not situations that cannot be surmounted if they show sincere commitment.

The First Lady spoke on Friday in Owerri where she was treated to a rousing reception by traditional rulers at the Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, ahead of the conferment of honourary doctorate degree on her by the Federal University of Technology Owerri Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Mrs Tinubu spoke on a day Governor Hope Uzodimma described her as the best First Lady he has come across since more than 40 years ago he joined politics.

Addressing the galaxy of traditional rulers from the 27 local government areas of Imo State and their wives as well as other government functionaries and other leaders, Mrs Tinubu hinted that she was also in the State to thank the monarchs for the support they extended to her and her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before, during and after the election that brought them in office in 2023.

“Remember that when I came here last year, with the wife of the Vice President, we told you we will come back. Now, we are back, and we have come to thank you. Nigeria will be better because God is with us, and this Christmas will be sweet.”

She commended Imo people for their sense of tolerance and emphasised the need for Nigerians to live together in peace wherever they have found themselves, noting that it was a thing of joy that Heads of the Yoruba and Arewa in Imo came out happily to join their Igbo counterparts to receive them.

Mrs. Tinubu further commended the leadership quality of Governor Hope Uzodimma which she said has left Imo State more developed in all facets of human endeavour. “We saw the roads while coming. Beautiful roads, and your Governor is doing very well.”

She however encouraged Nigerians to devoted their time to hard work and to the training of their children, saying,” hard work does not kill, rather it pay.”

“We should inculcate the spirit of hard work in our children as well as take agriculture seriously. Nigeria is blessed and we need to unlock the potential of the blessing with hard work and commitment.”

Addressing the audience, Governor Uzodimma said he has not seen a dedicated, compassionate, generous First Lady like Sen Tinubu since he started playing politics more than 40 years ago.

The Governor told the First Lady to feel at home in Imo with her entourage because the love which Imo people have for her and her husband is genuine.

Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to remind the audience that President Tinubu’s government was doing a lot to make Nigeria a better place for all, noting that the circumstances that have brought difficult situation in the country are global and surmountable.

He, therefore, urged them to continue with their support for President Tinubu whom he said, has been working tirelessly to surmount the economic problems the country is facing currently with the removal of fuel subsidy and the wars in Ukraine and other parts of the world.

Drawing from Mrs. Tinubu’s earlier promise to the monarchs that the year’s Christmas will be sweet, Governor Uzodimma said that the State has received some trailer loads of rice that will require Imo people to buy a bag of rice at N40,000 during this Yuletide season.

He commended the federal government for her interventions in different areas where Imo State sought for her assistance, and the First Lady, for “adopting” his wife, Chioma, as her daughter.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers cum Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Eze EC Okeke, thanked the First Lady for her thoughtfulness in fulfilling her promise to come to thank the monarchs.

Eze Okeke also thanked her for taking the Governor’s wife as her own daughter while her husband, President Tinubu adopts Governor Uzodimma as his son.

Eze Imo assured the First Lady that Imo people will continue to support the government of her husband, insisting that the President is doing his best to change the narrative of the country for the better.

Eze Okeke also congratulated the First Lady on the honour she will receive from FUTO on Saturday.

On the entourage of the First Lady were the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Yusuf Abbas, wife of the Governor of Imo State, Chief Barr. Chioma Uzodimma and her colleagues, wives ministers among others.

“Stop Humiliating Abia Civil Servants”; Abia PDP Writes Gov Otti As Over 80% Fail Promotional Examination

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 6, 2024

Alex Otti - Abia State Governor — Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has taken a serious exception to what it described as a deliberate ploy by the Abia state Government to unduly subject Abia workers to public humiliation, and unmitigated act of indignity.

The Party’s position comes on the heels of the scandalous and embarrassing outcome of the recently held civil servants’ promotion examination in the state.

Over 80% of the participants were adjudged to have failed.

The embarrassing mass failure recorded in the examination has sent many tongues waging with not a few interrogating both the sincerity of the process and Government’s real motives .

Reacting to the development, the State PDP Chairman, Comrade Abraham Amah; in a letter addressed to Governor Alex Otti, dated December 5, 2024 a copy of which was made available to this Magazine, expressed deep concern over several steps allegedly taken by the State Government since its inception to cause unnecessary distress to civil servants and their families .

The PDP Chairman questioned how a sincere promotional examination conducted without any hidden agenda could record such embarrassing and scandalous mass failure as was the case in the Abia state Government supervised examination .

According to Amah, the outcome of the examination is not in accord with the widely acclaimed educational prowess of Abians both locally and internationally.

He, therefore, warned that the State Government should put an immediate end to some of its well documented policies aimed at dehumanizing, humiliating and undermining Abia Civil Servants.

He expressed concern that the orchestrated mass failure might be a prelude to equally mass retrenchment and or demotion in the system.

According to the PDP, the Abia workforce in the last 18 months of the present administration has been subjected to all manners of indignity ranging from uncountable and endless verification exercises, unjustifiable termination of appointments and withholding of salaries of innocent civil servants for upward of 15 months .

” I am writing to express my deep concern regarding ,the recent promotional examinations conducted for civil servants in our State, an issue that has stirred considerable anxiety among the workforce and the wider Abia community.

“As you are undoubtedly aware ,Abians have long been recognized for their commitment to educational excellence ,both with Nigeria and globally.

“However ,the recent mass failure of civil servants in the promotional examination raises significant questions that must be addressed.

“Who conducted these examinations ? Were they overseen by reputable organizations such as WAEC ,Dragnet ,or Philips Outsourcing -entities known for their. world class recruitment and examination management ?

“The lack of clarity surrounding this process is disconcerting .Your Government has taken several steps in the past 18 months that have caused distress among civil servants ,leading many to speculate whether this latest incident is yet another strategy ,aimed at demotion or mass sacking.

“It appears that there has been a pattern of torment directed at Abia civil servants which is both unwarranted and troubling.

“Moreover, many workers, some of whom have not been compensated for over a year due to verification bitches beyond their control ,were asked to participate in examinations that may have exacerbated their mental distress.

“The cumulative effect of these measures has been nothing short of persistent assault on the dignity of our civil service.

“The actions taken under your administration have led to an erosion of civil service rules and norms ,transforming governance into a space where criticism is met with disdain rather than constructive dialogue.

“Your approach seems to suggest that democracy thrives only when the opposition sings your praises which undermines the essence of democratic governance.

“Governor Otti, I urge you to reflect on these matters seriously. It is essential to halt the public humiliation of our dedicated civil servants ,who deserve respect and fair treatment .

“Your leadership should aspire to uplift and empower rather than intimidate and instill fear, ” part of the PDP letter reads.

The Source also reports that the state PDP had on Monday, December 2, equally voiced out the need for the State Government to always sincerely engage the workforce in the State.

Reacting to the directives issued by Governor Otti, for the re-computation of the consequential adjustment components of the N 70,000 new minimum wage to address observed errors and areas of conflicts. Comrade Amah in a statement expressed joy that the State Government has decided to listen to voice of reason .

“The decisive action taken by Governor Otti reflects a growing responsiveness to the concerns of civil servants and the broader workforce.

“By directing a comprehensive review of the payment structure, the Governor is not only addressing the immediate issues at hand, but also reinforcing the importance of fair labour practices in the State.

“This move can be seen as a commitment to ensuring that all workers receive their rightful wages ,thereby fostering a more equitable work environment”, the PDP statement noted.

It will be recalled that the National Leadership of the organized labour had listed Abia among 14 others where it directed workers to embark on a week long warning strike effective Sunday December 1,for alleged failure to implement the new minimum wage ,package.

However, a last minute truce between organized labour and the Abia state Government,including the Governor’s order for the reworking of the vexatious consequential adjustment ,averted an industrial action in the State.

Labour Party Opens ‘Hall Of Shame Register’ For Defected Members, To Seek Legal Action To Retrieve Mandate

Ayodele Oni

December 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Leadership of the Labour Party, (LP) says it has decided to open a ‘Hall of Shame’ register for those lawmakers or any lawmaker or elected officer of the party, who engages in fraudulent act of defection without first dropping the mandate gotten under the ticket of the party.

The party was reacting to the defection of four of its members on the floor of the national assembly on Thursday.

Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of LP in a statement noted that the party “has received with discontentment the news of the decampment, today, of some lawmakers representing the party in the National Assembly to the ruling APC.

“The Reps Members include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo) Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Their letter of decampment to the APC was read on the Green Chamber floor by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

“We condemn the action that is irrational, untenable, inconsistent, and alien to all known norms for which democracy stands for.

“Since the formation of the Labour Party in 2002, the party has been very active in the political scene, having in the past produced a governor and several other elected officers across the board.

“But it was in the 2023 general election that it achieved its highest feat under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure having won a governorship seat, 8 Senate and 35 House of Representative seats as well as numerous state House of Assembly seats. The party also caused a major upset at the presidential election, one that many Nigerians still believed that the Labour Party won.

“The successes achieved at that election expectedly elicited some pockets of internal pressure, which have since been dealt with through internal peace mechanisms and also through judicial means.

“Presently, while some other big parties are swimming in their own political tempest, Labour Party has since moved on to have resolved all its challenges.

“It is therefore safe to say that there is absolute peace in the Labour Party. Therefore, no one elected on the ticket of the Labour Party has the constitutional protection to decamp from the party along with the party’s mandate.

“Thousands, including Okada riders, brick layers, young unemployed graduates, and artisans of all sorts including a palm kernel crusher in Enugu, took advantage of the party’s policy to participate in the 2023 general election, for which many of them won their elections.

“These deserters did not win because of their pedigree or financial muscles but simple because of the ticket they ran on and by the grace of millions of people that vowed to see the end to the ‘entitlement mentality’ of a few cabal.

“Nigerians invested their tears and blood; their all to see these changes, entrusted their future on these neophyte lawmakers hoping that they will represent them well, but sooner than they were initiated into the cabal club with N160 million limousine and other pecuniary allowances running into hundreds of millions, they easily derailed.

“It would be recalled that a Labour Party Women Leader in Kaduna State, Victoria Chintex was assassinated in 2022 while working for candidates of the party in the state including one Okada rider, Donatus Mathew, who eventually won as a member of the House of Reps for Kaura constituency.

“In his case, he said he defected because he is the sole Labour Party member in the whole of Northwest region and not because the party is in any crisis. Hon Mathew practically spit on the grave of late Chantex and disrespected thousands of party members in Kaduna who toiled to elect him into position of power.

“This is why the party, arising from a recent unfortunate activity, did say that ‘the beautiful ones are not yet born

“Though, the Labour Party leadership is undaunted by the defection, it has however, elected not to allow it slide and has therefore instructed its legal team to commence the legal actions against the defectors and to also commence the process of regaining our mandates in line with the 1999 constitution and 2022 Electoral Act as amended.

“The party will also approach the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare vacant the seats occupied by these former Labour Party members in line with the House Rules. It is inappropriate and unacceptable for these lawmakers to continue to function as representatives of their constituencies illegally.

“The party has also decided to open a ‘Hall of Shame’ register for these lawmakers or any lawmaker or elected officer of the party who engages in fraudulent act of defection without first dropping the mandate gotten under the ticket of the party.

“The following lawmakers include 1. Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East) 2. Reps Bassey Akiba (Calabar Municipality/ Odukpani Federal Constituency) 3. Reps Tochukwu Okere (Owerri Federal Constituency), 4. Reps. Donatus Mathew (Kaura Federal Constituency.), 5. Reps Iyawe Esosa (Oredo Federal Constituency) and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). These lawmakers will feature prominently in the register.

“On that note, we will call on Nigerians to beware of these genre of politicians lacking in clear democratic ideology and ethos rather than ‘Jumpology’ ideology; jumping from one party to the other, in disregard to the enabling laws and without any ideological leaning.

“If we really want this democracy to thrive, we must isolate these political merchants and opportunists and help bury their mercantilist political enterprise by snubbing, affronting and rejecting them in future polls having exhibited grave level of character deficit by betraying public trust.

PSC Dismisses 18, Derobes 19 Erring Police Officers

Ayodele Oni

December 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to sanitize the force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of 18 senior police officers, among whom are ten Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent.

Aside the dismissal, the affected officers have been recommended for prosecution by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police.

Additionally, the Commission approved rank reductions for 19 other senior police officers, comprising one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and thirteen Assistant Superintendents.

PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement on Friday, explained that these actions were part of the decisions made during the Commission’s final segment of its first Plenary Meeting in Abuja.

The cases reviewed by the PSC included 110 Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM) and 23 appeals and petitions, with 13 court judgments calling for compliance.

The statement further noted that the Commission had previously considered and approved recommendations regarding several promotion matters, which have been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) for implementation.

It also mentioned that other officers found guilty were given various penalties, including severe reprimands, reprimands, and letters of warning.

“Most of the officers dismissed are also to be prosecuted by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Three pending Disciplinary matters were stepped down with a request for further information from the Inspector General of Police.

“The Commission also considered 23 Appeals and petitions and nine legal matters/court judgements.”

The Plenary Meeting was chaired by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) and attended by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), Honourable Commissioner, and Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.

DIG Argungu stated that, moving forward, the Commission would address Police Disciplinary matters promptly to allow officers who are not found guilty to continue their career progression, while those found culpable will serve their respective punishments.

He also issued a warning, emphasizing that the Commission would not tolerate Police Officers becoming involved in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, and rent-related conflicts.

Argungu stressed that the courts should handle such issues, while the Police should focus on criminal matters and threats to life.

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