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Abia Orders Immediate Review Of Minimum Wage Payment Structure, To Pay 13th Month Salary

December 3, 2024

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Tuesday December 3, 2024, directed an immediate and comprehensive review of the computation of the implementation schedule for the N70,000 new minimum wage.

This is even as he informed that the State workforce will be receiving the 13th month salary, alongside December wages on, or before 20th of the month.

Governor Otti,who spoke at a joint meeting between the state Government and the leadership of the organized labour, held at the Government House, said the review exercise is to address all observed errors and areas of disagreement in the computation of the consequential adjustment.

The Source reports that disagreement between labour and the Government over the templates applied in the computation of the consequential adjustment had prompted the National Leadership of the Organized Labour to include Abia on the list of 14 other States believed to be in breach of the implementation of the new minimum wage.

However, despite its protestation against its inclusion on the list of States where workers were directed to proceed on a warning strike over the non-payment of the new wage, the State Government managed to engage the Organized Labour to stave off any industrial action.

“I have directed the Government team to revisit the salary structure and address the issues identified.

“In the coming days, we will engage with the leadership of Organized labour to finalize necessary adjustments” Governor Otti stated.

He, however, insisted that it was wron, and a clear case of lack of adequate information for the Labour Leadership to include Abia as one of the defaulting States.

While emphasizing the unwavering commitment of his administration to workers welfare, he noted that Abia state commenced the implementation of the new minimum wage since October ending.

Governor Otti, maintained that as a further step towards showing his administration’s dedication to the enhancement of the welfare of the workers, he stated that plans have been concluded to pay civil servants the 13th month salary, together with the December salary on or before December 20.

Further speaking, the Governor acknowledged both the collaborative and crucial roles of civil servants to the success story of his administration so far.

He expressed the readiness of his Government to continually see the workforce as partners in the onerous task of repositioning the state

While appreciating Governor Otti, for his timely intervention, the Abia state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, also, lauded him for his commitment to the welfare of the state workforce.

He assured the Governor of the continued understanding and support of the organized labour.

The Source reports that with the outcome of the meeting which featured other Government officials, Chairmen and Secretaries of all affiliate Unions of the NLC and TUC, the state authorities have in the main, aborted any possible strike action.

Nigeria Customs Vows To Punish Officers Captured In Video Brutalizing Travelers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Seme Area Command, on Monday December 2, 2024 said it has commenced a thorough inquest into a viral video depicting some of its officers allegedly subjecting some members of the public to dehumanizing treatments.

This Command vowed to bring to book those found culpable in the despicable act.

The Source reports that in the video clip which has been in circulation on the social media in the past 48 hours, some NCS operatives were captured torturing and maltreating their victims strongly believed to be travelers from Lagos to the Ivorian Capital Abidjan .

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Hussaini Abdullahi, SCS, said the Comptroller, Kayode Kolade has directed that the officers involved be immediately withdrawn from duty posts.

According to the statement, they are to be comprehensively questioned with a view to paving the way for the dispensation of adequate disciplinary measures against any of them found wanting.

Comptroller Kolade also assured that the outcome of the investigation will be made public at the end of the exercise.

“The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Seme Area Command has commenced an investigation into an incident in a viral video where some officers attached to the Command were seen maltreating some public members

“The Command wishes to express its deepest empathy for the affected public members and wishes to equally condemn in strong terms such unethical conduct.

“It is essential to state that the action of these officers contradicts the value and operational standard of the Service.

“The Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Kayode Kolade, has directed that those officers be withdrawn and interrogated to facilitate decisive disciplinary measures against whoever is found culpable.

He further assured the general public that the outcome of the investigative panel would be made public when concluded.

While calling on stakeholders and the public plying the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor to go about their lawful activities, the CAC assured that the Command remains committed to creating a safe and conducive atmosphere for legitimate trade to thrive”, the statement reads.

Nigeria Customs To Investigate Death Of Officer, Wife, Children

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A mourning Nigeria Customs Service, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, said it will carry out an inquest into the heart-breaking and tragic death of one its officers Kabiru Tijani, alongside his Wife ,and four children.

This is even as the Service enjoined the public to disregard the several tales being woven around the unfortunate inferno that claimed the lives of the entire family, but one.

The Source reports that Superintendent of Customs SC Tijani ,his wife and four children were, on Monday, December 2, 2024 at about 3.00am, consumed by a fire outbreak that engulfed their residence in Ede, Osun state.

Only one member of the immediate family was left after the disastrous incident.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Kayode Wey, the NCS described the late Tijani as a dedicated officer whose unwavering commitment to duty, greatly contributed to the success story of the Command.

While extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of the NCS to the family and friends of the deceased, the Customs Area Controller for the Oyo/Osun Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo, also appreciated the outpouring of concerns, and prayers from the members of the public.

“The Nigeria Customs Service ,NCS ,Oyo/Osun Command deeply regrets to announce the tragic demise of Superintendent of Customs SC, Kabiru Tijani, his beloved wife ,and their four children.

“This heartbreaking incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 2nd December, 2024 at approximately 3.00 am when a fire engulfed their residence in Ede, Osun state.

SC Kabiru Tijani, who served as the officer in charge Operation at the Command, was a dedicated officer. His unwavering commitment to duty, particularly coordinating and executing successful anti-smuggling operations, greatly contributed to the success of the Command .

“His wife, an active member of the Customs Officers Wives Association COWA , Oyo/Osun chapter was equally admired for her contributions to the welfare of the Customs community.

“In the wake of this incident, the Oyo/Osun Area Command wishes to address speculative reports regarding the inferno.

“We urge the public to disregard such unfounded reports as our priority remains to provide support to the bereaved extended family, the lone child survivor and to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident”, part of the statement reads.

Edo: Gov Okpebholo Demands LG’s Statement Of Accounts Within 48 Hours

Ayodele Oni

December 3, 2024

Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State — Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

The fear and apprehension among Local Government Chairmen in Edo State over their fate in the new administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been doused as Governor Monday Okpebholo assured them that their job is secured.

Governor Okpebholo promised that he would work closely with the Chairmen from the 18 LGAs for a better State at a meeting with the Council Bosses at the Government House, Benin City.

The Chairmen were elected on the ticket of the People’s Democratic party, (PDP) during the local government election conducted by the immediate past administration.

A statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, however gave the Council Chairmen 48 hours to submit their statements of account.

The Governor, who asked the LG Chairmen to submit the statements to the Assets Verification Committee, through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said the statement of accounts should be effective from 4th of September 2023 till date.

“I have listened to you keenly, the ALGON Chairman. The Governor is a leader of all of us. Election has come and gone and we are all one family. The Governor has asked me to assure you that we are one family.

“He has also asked me to tell you that we will work closely together. I guess you are aware that few weeks ago, the Assets Verification Committee was constituted.

“Mr. Governor is committed to transparency and accountability in this Government and that Committee would not have the resources to go across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State.

“The Governor would want you to submit your statement of accounts from 4th of September 2023, to date, to the Assets Verification Committee within the next 48 hours, as that would help and enable the Committee do its job effectively and efficiently.

“The statement of accounts should be sent through the office of the Secretary to the State Government to Assets Verification Committee. The Governor thanks you for you time.”

Earlier, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State Chapter, and Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Newman Ugiagbe, who led the 18 local government chairmen on the courtesy visit, pledged their loyalty to Governor Monday Okpebholo and promised to collaborate with him to ensure that the administration succeeds.

“We are here to congratulate the Governor and the Deputy on the mandate Edo people gave them and here to pledge our loyalty to your administration.

“Our doors are open to your instructions, policies and programmes, as we are ready to bring your policies down to the grassroots to enable our people benefit from the dividends of democracy as we will work to ensure your administration succeeds.”

“You Are Safe” – Gov Ododo Assures NYSC Members Deployed To Kogi

Ayodele Oni

December 3, 2024

Governor Ododo of Kogi State and Youth Corps Members

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Government has charged National Youth Corps Members deployed to contribute positively to the growth of their fatherland during and after their service year.

The State Governor, Usman Ododo gave the charge in a message to the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘ C’ Stream One Corps members deployed to the State at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Asaya.

The Governor, who was represented by the Director Youth, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Abubakar Abdullahi, urged the Corps Members to take every aspect of the Orientation Camp seriously by participating in all activities with the intention of serving their fatherland with integrity and utmost loyalty.

Ododo said his administration will do its best towards ensuring that they have a pleasant, secured and conducive stay in the state.

The Governor urged them to bring new innovations to support the present administration to achieve its lofty goals to the people of the State.

He also advised the Corps Members to stay away from all forms of negative acts such as fighting, drunkenness, cultism and drug abuse that can affect them and the NYSC scheme.

According to him, measures are being put in place for a secured environment for Corps members across Kogi State.

He commended staff and management of the scheme led by the Coordinator, Mr.Femi Osungbohun and other collaborating agencies for their determination and commitment in guiding the youth to take their rightful places as leaders of the Nation.

The Governor who declared the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream One exercise open, congratulated the Corps Members for successful completion of their various academic programmes which qualified them to participate in the orientation course.

Kogi State Coordinator of the NYSC scheme Mr. Femi Osungbohun warned the Corps Members against breaking the rules and regulations guarding the camp.

Ondo Amotekun Arrests Host Of Kidnapped Victim, 21 Others

Ayodele Oni

December 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A man who unknowingly harboured a victim of kidnapping for two weeks, is among 22 suspects paraded on Tuesday by the Ondo state security network codenamed Amotekun.

Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye at the parade of the suspects in Akure, explained that “we have two kidnap suspects and this is supposed to be a lesson for our people at home. The kidnap actually took place in a rubber estate in Edo State and tracking brought them to the southern senatorial district of Ondo State.

“After diligent investigation and tracking, men of the Ondo State security network agency were able to apprehend the primary suspect and the soft targets here with us today.

“But before then, some other suspects had been arrested by men of the state security services of Edo State. Rather than waste time on their prosecution in Ondo State and in the spirit of collaboration, we would release these two suspects to the office of the Director of state security services of Edo State for them to conclude and complete the trial of those that were apprehended.

“But I want to state that one of the soft targets unknowingly harboured a kidnapped victim for more than a week and our investigation showed that he might not have been totally aware that the man kept in his custody was kidnapped.”

Urging residents of the state to be weary of visitors, Adeleye advised that they have relevant papers that cover the sale of second-hand products purchased.

According to him, the 22 suspects that were paraded were arrested across the 18 local governments of Ondo State within the last 14 days.

“Those that broke down law and order, 19. Across the board, we have three suspects arrested for kidnapping, two arrested for suspected robbery.

“We have one suspect for burglary and stealing of household items, two suspects for burglary and stealing of electronics. Conspiracy, burglary and stealing, we have three. Breaking and entering of houses, we have four.

“Stealing of copper wire, motorcycle, sewing machine, and cables, we have five suspects.

“We equally have a syndicate that vandalizes electrical installations and transformers, and another group that engages in stealing of gasoline pump, car tire, and removal of batteries.”

On preparations for the Yuletide period, Adeleye announced that “We’ve deployed 1,200 Amotekun personnel across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

“Amotekun, in collaboration with all mother security agencies in Ondo State, have mapped out strategy to ensure that influx of visitors and so on does not increase crime rates in Ondo State. We will continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and property during this yuletide period.

“What you will observe in a couple of days from now is the presence of Amotekun men at strategic locations and black spots everywhere within the 18 local governments.”

FG Set To Modify Tax Reform Bills

Ayodele Oni

December 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Bowing to criticisms of the Tax Reform Bills, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly to work on concerns raised over the bills.

Criticisms have greeted Tinubu’s transmission of the Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly. The move has pitched the president against some governors with the most vocal attacks coming from the northern region.

Some critics believe the bills are against the northern region while others argue that they would further impoverish Nigerians.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said in a statement on Tuesday that President Tinubu has mandated the Justice Ministry to look into the concerns raised and work with the leadership of the National Assembly to finetune the rough edges in the bills.

“It is pertinent to state that the government has nothing sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed. In line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal General welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.

“In this vein, President Tinubu has already directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the drafts to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns have been addressed before the bills are passed.”

Mohammed said President Tinubu is committed to accountability to Nigerians and described the debates generated by the bills as “welcomed, and commendable.

“It is very inspiring to see Nigerians from all walks of life coming out to express their views and opinions on these matters of critical national importance,” he said. “This is the very essence and meaning of democracy”.

“In the spirit of democratic engagement, there should be no room for name-calling or the injection of unnecessary ethnic and regional slurs into this important national conversation.

“The fiscal reforms will not impoverish any state or region of the country, neither will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies,” he added.

When passed, the minister said, these bills are expected to “bring relief to tens of millions of hardworking Nigerians” and equally “empower and position our states and the 774 local governments for sustainable growth and development.

“On top of this necessary foundation, the resources being conserved and realized from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure (healthcare, education, transportation, digital technology, etc) and in social investments that will benefit all Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind.”

Christmas Celebration: Aero Contractors Slashes Costs Of Domestic Flights

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In the spirit of the Christmas and New year festivities, the Management of Aero Contractors has announced a flat rate of N80,000 on all local flights in the country.

Currently, its domestic flight tickets hover between N99,000 and N190,000 for economy and business class respectively.

In an interactive session on Tuesday December 3, 2024 with the Media, the Managing Director of the foremost Airline in Nigeria, Ado Sanusi, said the N80,000 flights ticket fees will be applicable on all domestic routes.

According to him ,the gesture is one way the Company intends to appreciate and give back to Nigerians for their years of unalloyed patronage as well as in the spirit of Christmas and New year festivities.

The gesture, Sanusi further informed, will be operational immediately and run through January next year, when it will come to an end .

The Airline, while appreciating the excruciating economic challenges being faced by Nigerians, expressed the hope that the gesture will go a long way in ameliorating the situation.

“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.

“And this is in the spirit of giving, which is the spirit of Christmas. We believe that as a company, this is just a very old history of understanding its customers.

“We believe it is time for us to give back to our customers .Our prices will start from N 80,000 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.

The Source reports that Aero Contractors’ decision on ticket price slashing is bound to unsettle competitors which about penultimate week put its one way tickets on local routes at about between N150,000 and N 200,000.

To the South-East, the return ticket is a scandalous N610,000.

“Your Action Irresponsible, Unreasonable”, NLC Berates Gov Nwufuru

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 3, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero has urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to face reality and stop behaving like God.

This is just as he Condemned in very strong terms, Governor Nwifuru’s threat to sack workers of the State who are presently observing a one week warning strike over disagreements arising from the payment of the N70,000 new minimum wage.

The Ebonyi State Governor on Monday December 2, 2024, while addressing the press at the Government House in Abakaliki, warned that he will sack and replace any workers who fail to report to his/her duty posts within the next 72 hours.

The Source reports that the State workforce had, on Sunday, November, proceeded on a seven-day warning industrial action as directed by the national leadership of the organized labour in protest against perceived failure of the state Government to properly address the issue of the new minimum wage.

The NLC and TUC national leadership listed about 14 states for such warning strike.

But reacting to the strike action, Governor Nwifuru insisted that there was no justifiable reason for the State’s civil servants to embark on the new minimum wage-induced strike as his administration has already commenced the implementation of new wage.

Francis Nwifuru - Ebonyi Governor — Governor Francis Nwifuru

“If you (civil servants) don’t go to work ,not only that I will not pay you salary, but, also, I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.

“If I don’t see you in your office, consider yourself sacked. So far, I am not guilty. I am not owing you. I am paying what I am supposed to pay .

“If you don’t go to work within 72 hours ,I will replace you” Governor Nwifuru threatened.

But in a statement issued Monday night, December 2, Ajaero, called on the Ebonyi state striking workers not to succumb to any blackmail, but to remain resolute.

According to him, the strike should be sustained until the Governor does the needful

This is even as he urged NLC affiliate bodies, including the private sector to join in the strike ,not just in Ebonyi ,but also in other states where the strike actions are taking place.

The NLC President expressed shock over the stand of Governor Nwifuru who he said has refused to toe the path of negotiation and dialogue.

“We are dismayed by the Statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor Mr Nwifuru, that except the striking workers in the State over non-payment of the national minimum wage resume work immediately, they should consider themselves sacked.

“We recall that the strike action was preceded by failed conversations and notices to the Governor on the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage since it was signed into law several months ago .

“The law has provisions for enforcement by workers. Besides, this, strike action is a lawful tool in the hands of aggrieved workers.

“In the light of this we consider the threat by the Governor as irresponsible and unhelpful.

“What a reasonable Governor acting reasonably ought to have done was to invite the Labour Leaders in the State for dialogue for a speedy resolution of the facts of the issue ,but he thinks he is God .

“The World should note that Governor Nwifuru is the first to draw blood in the matter of which he is completely guilty of “, the NLC President stated.

Tax Reform Bill: Northern Youths Back Dep Senate President, Barau

Ayodele Oni

December 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Some youths from the 19 Northern States of the country have thrown their support behind the deputy president of the Senate, Barau Jibrin over his role in the ongoing debate on the Tax Reform Bills before the national assembly.

The youths staged a solidarity rally on Tuesday in support of the Deputy President describing him as the “Sardauna of our era.”

Barau has been reported to have neither support nor oppose the bills, at the red chamber, but instead called for inputs by experts before arriving at any resolution.

The peaceful rally was held at the entrance of the National Assembly, Abuja, with the youths singing the praises of the Deputy President of the Senate.

According to them, the rally was organised to warn those attacking the Deputy President of the Senate over last Wednesday’s resolution of the Senate allowing tax reform experts access to the chamber to make presentations during the plenary session on the Tax Reform Bills.

Barau had, during the plenary session, said that the experts, including the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, should be allowed to educate the Senators and Nigerians on the Tax Reform Bills.

Carrying banners with various inscriptions, the protesters said Barau remains the best Senator in the North, given his sponsorship of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill.

One of those that spoke, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), Tijjani Kabiru Mohammed, said the Deputy President of the Senate has neither supported nor kicked against the Tax Reform Bills; instead, he pushed for the sensitization of Nigerians.

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