A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Abuja – Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria's Vice-President on Monday described Nigerian-cooked jollof rice as "the best in the world".
The Vice-President while speaking at "The Platform Nigeria," a Global Media live broadcast LIVE on Channels TV and online convened by Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor of the Covenant Christian Centre, in Lagos said: "And by the way, we all know that Nigerian jollof rice is the best, we beat the Ghanaians and the Senegalese hands down."
"We have everything, and our people are doing incredibly innovative things.
"Our music and entertainment industry is the fastest growing in the world,and of course, nobody is as funny as Nigerians, whether professional or amateur,"he noted.
The VP also extolled Nigerians innovative feats in various fields,especially in recent times.
"Last year Oluyinka Olutoye, a Nigerian surgeon successfully took out a baby from her mother's womb, operated on the womb, and put the baby back in.
"The baby was carried full term and was born naturally — a feat previously unheard of.
"Only last year, a Nigerian girl Morolake Akinosun won a gold medal at the Olympics.
"Last Saturday, a Nigerian boxer Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua won the WBA, becoming the boxing champion of the world."
Jollof rice is a staple meal among Africans, however over the years, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Senegalese and other African countries have claimed to make the best of the meal.
Abuja – The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on Monday blamed the disruption and protest by workers at the May Day celebration in Abuja on factions in the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Cross section of riotous workers confronting the Police during the 2017 May Day Rally at the Eagle Square, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida
Ngige told newsmen on the sideline of the celebration that what happened was as result of infiltration by non-workers into the rally venue and not necessarily workers anger about minimum wage.
The event was disrupted for close to one hour by workers who barred government officials from delivering the speech from the federal government.
He said that the workers had no reason to be angry with the present administration because it had been very friendly with them.
"The Federal Government has been friendly to workers to the extent that it even went ahead and initiated the bailout fund.
"No government has done that before and that was because we did not want to lay off any worker.
"So what happened today is that some people who are not really workers infiltrated this arena and they started causing some problems.
"Be that as it may, we are going to address the issue of minimum wage, we are also going to address the issue of backlog of promotion areas and allowances of all sorts.
"We captured them in the 2016 budget but for some reasons the releases are not forthcoming but the president of the senate has assured us now.
"So we are going to capture them in the 2017 budget and once it's captured in the appropriation, the minister of finance will handle the rest."
Ngige insisted that the venue was infiltrated by non-workers due to some factionalisation within the labour federation, adding that the conclusion was reached based on intelligent report.
He said the issue of minimum wage was being delayed because the government employed what it called a tripartite negotiation also known as social dialogue so as to capture all sectors.
He said this was because the issue did not concern the government or public sector alone but also the private sector so it needed time to carry everybody along.
"We have finished the framework for the composition of the committee of the minimum wage and we have passed it round to government to source the requisite and qualified persons that will man this committee.
"We are going to address the issue of minimum wage; we are also going to address the issue of backlog of promotion arrears and allowances so workers should be patient and give us some time.
"Within the next quarter, the minimum wage committee will start functioning and in the next three months too backlog of all arrears and other allowances that are due to them will be paid,'' he said.
However, the President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, and his counterpart, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Bobboi Kagama, said that Nigerian workers had expressed anger and disappointment on the non-implementation of the minimum wage thereby disrupting the 2017 May Day celebration.
According to them, workers have today expressed their sadness, challenges, as many of them have not earn their salaries, so it is a demonstration of anger on the situation in the country.
"The challenges workers are passing through are enormous, workers have expected that either the President or the Vice president would have been present to respond to workers yearning and anticipation.
"Workers attitude today have shown that it is an accumulation of anger, and that the economic situation is biting very hard on them as many of them cannot pay their bills."
Also, some workers who spoke with NAN believed that there was no infiltration of the venue by non workers as claimed by the minister but what played out was an accumulation of grievances against the government.
Mrs Asaba Lydia a unionist of the Nigeria Civil Service Union said the workers were taken for granted by the government thus the reason for sending representatives rather than coming themselves.
Lydia said the issue began with the minister's act by sending the permanent secretary to represent him while he represents the president, adding that it was not fair to the workers.
"A day such as this, the government could not even honour workers by attending the event themselves, if the president is not available what about the Vice President?
"We have tried to follow the norm as workers and it has not worked so now we are saying we are tired of failed promises, enough is enough ''
Mr Dassey Heblom, a civil servant, said they workers refused to listen to the speeches of the government officials because every year it had always been stories without action or implementation.
Heblom said workers were now aware of what was going on and thus would not stop asking for their rights for policy statements to be made and implemented.
"We are tired of talks, we want action, that is all we are saying, imagine we are even celebrating this day without salaries not to talk of the accumulation of unpaid allowances," he said.
Bloggers tend to challenge mainstream media organisations since the arrival of the internet, due to the attention they enjoy from the public. However mainstream media organisations are known for objectivity within the news industry.
In the bid to ensure professionalism within the news industry, Lagos lawyer and human right activist, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the NUJ and other relevant bodies to go back to their drawing board to enable them check the recklessness of the social media publishers.
While noting that the media profession is very important to the socio-political development of every society.
"For me, anybody that is going to publish anything using online channel, should have a registered website and we must be able to trace them. Technology has gone beyond anybody just writing down anything as website.
Similarly the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, castigated the recklessness of the bloggers in his speech during the Annual National Conference and General Meeting of the NIPR held in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, 27 April 2017.
According to the minister of information, ”today anyone with a phone and data is a journalist”
Meanwhile the issue of professionals and amateurs still remain in the news industry, prompting question like who are bloggers, what are their level of education, which area do they specialize in.
The Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-l Fatih Society (NASFAT), Alhaji Abdullahi Gbade Akinbode has resigned his position as the spiritual head of the society.
This was contained in a release signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Banji Busari and sent to Vanguard.
According to the statement, “The leadership of Nasrul Lahi l Fatih Society (NASFAT) wishes to inform the public, all our stakeholders and particularly the entire Ummah that Alh Abdullah Akinbode has voluntarily stepped down from the position of Chief Missioner of the Society.
“His exit was contained in his letter of disengagement from the service of the Society which was dated 27th April 2017 and was addressed to the Society through the office of the General Secretary.
“Following the letter of acceptance of the Society to his declaration of disengagement of service, the position of the Chief Missioner has become vacant with effect from Friday 28th April 2017.
“Consequently, in line with Article 14.1.6 of the constitution of the Society, the National Executive Council has approved the appointment of the Deputy Chief Missioner Alh Mahroof Onike Abdul Azeez as the Acting Chief Missioner pending the emergence of a substantive Chief Missioner of the society.
Alh Abdullah Akinbode, the immediate past Chief Missioner, assumed the position in the year 2000, following the exit of the first Chief Missioner of the Society Late Alh Minihim Taiye Tijani. Alh Abdullahi Akinbode spent a period of 17 years in the position of Chief Missioner of the Society.
“We hereby acknowledge the immense contributions of Alh Abdullah Akinbode in the growth and development of the Society. “We wish him the best in his future endeavours.
The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has said that if Nigeria spent money on the right things it will get the right result.
Kemi Adeosun speaking at The Platform, a programme organised by Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos, Monday said that now we are looking for money because during the boom years Nigeria did not spend the money its made on the right thing.
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu who recently regained his freedom met with former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode at his Abuja residence today.
Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo, has debunked the statement made by the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Muhammed, last week at the CNN Richard Quest Means Business anchored in Lagos. Vice Osinbajo on Monday said that Nigeria makes the best Jollof Rice in Africa and beat down Ghanaians and the Senegalese hands down. Osinbajo made this remark at the Platform convened by Poju Oyemade, senior pastor of the Covenant Christian Centre, on the talk in ‘Nigeria Recovering from Economic Recession’.
Yemi Osinbajo
According to him, "We all know that Nigerian jollof rice is the best! We beat the Ghanaians and the Senegalese hands down."
Recall that Lai Muhammed has stated that Senegal in African continent makes the best Jollof Rice. However, his statement trailed mixed reactions from people who attended the occasion and perhaps those who could not. Vanguard gathered via the internet how people were disappointed at the minister’s response to the question, thus he should have ceased the opportunity to sale the made in Nigeria goods rather promoting another country.
Speaking on the economic recovery Osinbajo said, "We have everything, and our people are doing incredibly innovative things. For example, we are at the moment developing the most sophisticated animation technology in Africa," he said.
"Our music and entertainment industry is the fastest growing in the world. Nigerians have won every prize in literature, from the Noble prize to the Pulitzer.
"Only last year, a Nigerian girl won a gold medal at the Olympics, Morolake Akinosun. Last Saturday, a Nigerian boxer won the world heavyweight title. Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua won the WBA becoming the boxing champion of the world.
"Last year Oluyinka Olutoye, a Nigerian surgeon successfully took out a baby from her mother's womb, operated on the womb, and put the baby back in, and the baby was carried full term and was born naturally — a feat previously unheard of.
"And of course, nobody is as funny as Nigerians, whether profession or amateur. We even have a member of the national assembly who recently launched a CD; Aje kun iya ni o je. Who hasn't heard of Aje kun iya ni o je.
"We are the most innovative entrepreneurs. The other day someone showed me a text; the young man had invited him to a book launch titled: Seven Steps to Becoming a Professional Whistleblower.
"And by the way, we all know that Nigerian jollof rice is the best! We beat the Ghanaians and the Senegalese hands down”he said.
Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has described security votes as the biggest source of waste in the country and asked that governors be made to account for them.
Obi, who also described security votes as unconstitutional, spoke at The Platform, a programme organised by Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos.
The former governor said: "Let me tell Nigerians; there is nothing in our constitution called security votes.
Anybody who tells you that is lying. It is a terminology that was formulated over the years from one thing or the other. What we have is contingency fund.
"I can say today that it is being abused, it has become our biggest source of waste. Security vote is not supposed to be more than two, three maximum four percent of security votes. Today it is 20, 30 percent of expenditure.
"Just to show you how bad it is, somebody told me that my security votes can be as much as N12 billion, So N1 billion per month. So I said fine, how much have we given to primary schools per year?
"They said we have 1,040 primary schools, I said, 'fine, if we give the primary schools five five million, it will amount to N5 billion per year'. We have 257 secondary schools, and I said we would give each N10 million per year, and these are things you can check.
"So they removed it from the remaining seven, and I said we have four critical hospitals built by the churches. We didn't have any school of nursing, school of midwifery when I started, and these hospitals were functional.
"Though they were not owned by government, I included one built by a bishop, and said we will share N1 billion with this five hospitals. By the time I finished, everything was reduced to about N2.5 billion. I said this is the maximum that we would allocate to security votes.
"Apart from Lagos, I provided the highest number of vehicles to police, bought vehicles for every community in Anambra. I had excess.
"From the excess, I gave N1 million to every Anabrarian (indigene of Anambra) that had a first class, which I did for about 500 of them, they are all over the place now.
"For me, there is need to review it, in fact, what I say to people is that when you finish being a governor, in Anambra State for example, where I finished, I should be invited to account for security votes. So that people will know that when you finish, you account for it
On Ikoyi money
"Let me tell you what is worrisome; well we don't know, they are still dealing with who owns the money or who doesn't own the money, but that will one day be clarified".
"Let me tell you where I am even worried. Why would anybody put it in such a circmstance, what if it caught fire? If that money was put in our banking system, whoever kept it would have earned eight percent per annum, so he would have earned about $7 million by now.
"$7 million is about N2.8 billion today. That is the amount I spent for all secondary schools in Anambra in a year. If he decided to be generous and give it to graduates, they would have shared it to 2,800 graduates, out of which 2,000 would have been successful.
"I live there, but having been governor of Anambra for eight years, I cannot live outside Anambra. The only place I have a house officially built is Onitsha, if you see any house in Lagos, Abuja or anywhere else belonging to Peter Obi, confiscate it. I lease that place for my wife and children."
"Ask those who searched it. I was abroad, they said they wanted to search my house, I sent the key, and they searched my whole apartment and I can tell you the only thing they found.
"They said this man doesn't live here. It was only his wife's clothes and shoes that we saw, we didn't see anything belonging to him.
Peter Obi wears only black shoes…
"I have said it to Nigerians, Peter Obi wears only black shoes, and I have two pairs of it, and I travel with it. The purpose of shoe is to protect the leg from being hurt. Nothing else. I bought this from Marks and Spencer, $49.99, finish.
"They said 'we didn't even see watch', and I have said it to everyone, this is the only watch I have, I have worn it for 17 years. The purpose of watch is to keep time. Why would I keep a watch at home? Whose time is it keeping?"
ABEOKUTA-Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Monday announced the pardon of three out of the remaining four workers earlier dismissed for an alleged misconduct during the World Teachers Day celebration in October last year.
Announcing the pardon in his address at the event to mark the workers Day, governor Amosun said, "the dismissed workers are pardoned, they will now proceed on retirement from the public service with full terminal benefits in accordance with the extant public service regulations.”
Those affected by the pardon are Messrs Dare Ilekoya, Eniola Atiku and Nola Balogun, while the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Akeem Ambali was left out in the pardon.
The Governor acknowledged the mediatory roles played by the National leadership of the labour unions, particularly the Comrade Michael Alogba-led NUT; the national leadership of the NLC and TUC, as well as revered Elders like Baba Olusegun Obasanjo and respected traditional rulers across Ogun State, amongst others.
The Governor added that, "the pardon does not apply to Mr. Akeem Ambali because, unlike the other three, he had approached the law courts to challenge his dismissal from the civil service. While all parties await the outcome of litigation, as a responsible and law-abiding administration, we cannot be seen to have taken any action on a matter that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction. That will be subjudice and an affront to the independence of the other arm of Government.”
Meanwhile, members of the NLC staged a walk out of the celebration ground, and did not partake in the march past.
Vanguard observed that the reason for their walk out was to protest the failure of the government to pardon its state NLC chairman.
The Governor commended the state work force for their support for his administration, adding that 2016 was a challenging year both for the state and federal government.
He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that efforts would be geared towards paying deductions and gratuities which were in arrears.
Amosun stressed that the State government was expecting some money from the FG and assured that if they received it, it would be channel to pay the backlog deductions.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Olubunmi Fajobi who also read the speech of his NLC counterpart, Ambali urged the government to address the issue of the unpaid 13 months deductions, allowances and check-off-dues.
Ambali in his reaction said the NLC would continue to dialogue with the government to resolve the crisis, he however commended the government for the pardon of the workers.
He urged the government to accommodate workers in its governance
Abuja – Federal Government on Monday in Abuja assured the Nigeria workers of speedy passage of the new National Minimum Wage.
Prseident Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari said this in a message to workers on the occasion marking the 2017 May Day Rally with the theme, "Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal".
"I am happy to inform you that Government will give expeditious consideration to the proposal contained in the Technical Committee's Report which was submitted to it on April 6, 2017.
"Government will take necessary steps to implement the final recommendation of the Main Government/Labour Committee as it relates to the setting up the new National Minimum Wage Committee and the needed palliatives.
"This is in order to reduce the discomfort currently being experienced by the Nigerian working class.
"I want to assure you that government will continue to do all at its disposal to better the lots of all Nigerians and more importantly to provide a commensurate welfare for all Nigerian workers, "he said.
He said that he was aware that the economic recession in the country has huge implication for the seamless conduct of industrial relations.
He noted that this arises from the fact that the economic recession by its nature was characterised by a substantial risk of the "vicious circles of low- productivity.
He said others are mass retrenchment of workers and closure of workplaces due to high cost of doing business, unregulated subcontracting and outsourcing with its consequences on welfare of workers among others.
According to him, in the face of these inevitable challenges, you have shown maturity and understanding in spite of the situation in which we found ourselves.
"I strongly salute your great sense of patriotism and loyalty to the country, "he said.
President Buhari however, called for effective deployment of labour relations, an amalgamated approach that would be used in creating a conducive work environment that would attract foreign investment for wealth creation.
He called on government, workers and employers to work together to put out the economy from the recession.
"Therefore, I called on the organised labour to continue to partner with this administration by resorting to social dialogue as an indispensable tool for conflict resolution
"Today, we stand in solitary with workers all over the world to commemorate this historic Day which marked a turning point in the economies of the nations and the welfare of the working class, "he added.
He commended the organised labour for their support and encouragement to the administration's fight against corruption which was the bane of sustainable economic development.
He added that, "my commitment to fight against corruption is total and irreversible. We must fight corruption before it destroys us.
"As a matter of fact, the workers should be in the forefront of activities in the realisation of the WhistleBlowing Policy of this Administration, "he said.
He called for support and cooperation while adding that government was determined to restore growth, investment in people and also building a global competitive economy to its full realisation.(NAN).
The ‘Bank Alert’ gospel version crooner and Gee Jay’s manager, Adebayo Adebisi professionally known as TTY Noni, is finally married.
The Nigerian multi talented singer, producer and multiple award winner recently got married to Eki, a Nigerian female stylist and entrepreneur on the 30th April 2017 at Christian pentecostal ministry Cpm Torino (Italy).
Recall that there had been several social media gossip earlier this year about the Star’s affair with the Bank allert gospel version crooner, Gee Jay who was recently featured by P.Square Okoye,
The CEO of Funky4entertainment has resolved the social media’s curiosity as he invited hundreds of celebrities and showbiz gurus in the Nigerian entertainment Industry.
Winning Jah’s famous song Mr Cock was repeatedly played as the anthem of the beautiful day.
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, yesterday, succumbed to the pressure from workers in the state, to enter into a fresh agreement with the workers against the 70/30 payment of salaries in the state.
It was like a drama, irrespective of the low turn out at the Heroes square, venue of this year’s workers day, while the governor was delivering his speech the workers were agitating.
Okorocha who could not control the level of agitation, asked the workers several questions which bordered on their welfare.
However, concluded that the end to “the level of suffering of workers in the state will be solved by entering into a new agreement to see how the workers will start receiving 100 percent of their salaries.
“I say this because the 70 percent for workers and 30 percent for government based on the allocation coming to the State is not favouring the workers.”
“I will also lift ban on promotion because there are so many vacancies in the the ministry. Let me also tell you that we are employing 3,200 workers to join the civil servants job.”
But Okorocha insisted that ” any government establishment making money should be able to pay themselves.”
Earlier in his speech, the Imo state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Austin Chilakpu, among other issues said:” The Imo workers gathered here today are highly expectant from the governor for the restoration of 100 percent salary to all categories of workers.
“It would be be recalled that since January 2016, the Imo workers have received between 70-80 salaries. This they have done as part of the sacrifice to cushion the effects of the economic recession.
“The National economy has made good improvements in recent times, steering it away from the recession. It is our expectation that these improvements would reflect on the lot of the workers.
“It has been the position of labour that sacking or suspension of workers, and cutting or non-payment of pensioners is not part of the solution to the economic recession.”
Chilakpu also punctured the position of the government that it has paid workers in the state up to date.
Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua can be a “flag-bearer” for boxing in the way Tiger Woods was for golf, according to one of Britain’s top sports promoters.
Anthony Joshua and Tiger Woods
Joshua was widely acclaimed for his stunning 11th-round stoppage of Wladimir Klitschko in a world heavyweight title bout at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The former Olympic champion’s victory was soon heralded as a boxing classic, with the 27-year-old Briton now holding several versions of the world heavyweight title.
“All sports need flag-bearers,” said Barry Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Sport, an agency whose boxing division, headed up by his son Eddie, manages Joshua.
“The Joshua effect is very similar to the Tiger Woods effect in golf, where people who are not so interested suddenly become interested, where young people become aspirational to follow in someone’s footsteps,” added the 69-year-old Barry Hearn, who made his name managing snooker star Steve Davis before branching out into boxing and darts.
“For that they need a role model and Joshua is the finest role model I have seen in sport, period. He’s number one,” said the veteran English sports impressario.
“It can also have an effect on other boxers, on the whole concept of boxing as a sport, of the social benefits and of the opportunity that exists for kids that live the right life. On a social level it’s a watershed moment in terms of perception for the sport.”
Hearn, a lifelong boxing fan, said last weekend’s bout was one of the best he could recall and was fit to be ranked alongside the classic 1970s trio of heavyweight fights between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
“I’ve been following fights since I was nine years old, listening and studying the game and it delivered on all fronts,” said Hearn, who took time out from presiding over snooker’s World Championship in his role as chairman of World Snooker, to be at ringside.
“I think it was one of the best heavyweight fights. I always thought Ali-Frazier — the trilogy was the best, but of course there was only one knockdown in the first one, (the 1971 ‘Fight of the Century’ at New York’s Madison Square Garden which Frazier won on points).
“I spoke to (former champion) Evander Holyfield on Saturday night and said to him, ‘Can you remember a world title fight when both heavyweights went down?’, and between us we couldn’t. I was going back in my mind to the Jack Dempsey era (of the 1920s),” said Hearn.
The governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El Rufai has revealed that his administration has almost doubled the enrolment of school age children from 1.1 Million to 2.1 sine he took over the governance of the state almost two years ago.
In a message to workers during this year’s May day celebration, the governor commended workers in the state for their dedication to the development and unity of Kaduna State.
In a statement signed by governor El Rufai’s spokesman , Samuel Aruwan, the governor noted that workers in all sectors of the economy have continued to make great contribution to the development of the state.
"The Government appreciates the support of the workers since 2015. The successful launch of the Kaduna State Public Service Revitalization and Renewal Project owes much to the support and cooperation of our work force.
"The Kaduna State Government is determined to restore the public service as the facilitator of good governance. Every government relies on the public service for its governance agenda, and its success in realizing its programmes depends on the quality and commitment of the service.
"The provision of public goods is one key way of appreciating the sacrifices of workers. Improving access to education and healthcare are priorities fir this government. Already, we have increased enrolment in public primary schools from 1.1million to 2.1million. The state is about to launch a contributory health insurance scheme, and a bill to this effect is being considered by the state House of Assembly” he said.
With barely two weeks to the opening matches of the group stage of the Total CAF Champions League 2017 and Total CAF Confederation Cup 2017, the participating clubs are already rearing to go.
The Managers of the 32 clubs, 16 for each competition, attended a one-day Team Managers Workshop held on Thursday, 27 April 2017 at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The event, organized on the heels of the draw of the group phase 24-hours earlier, provided an opportunity for the officials of the qualified clubs to discuss the organizational and logistical issues including Marketing, Media, Refereeing and Security.
It also served a platform for the club officials to exchange ideas and share experiences amongst others with respect to the organization at this level especially for clubs, who will be making their debuts at the pool stage.
"This workshop is very important since the clubs get to know everything about the group phase of the Total CAF Champions League 2017 and Total CAF Confederation Cup 2017. This year's is significant because the group stage now has 16 clubs and there are going to be some innovations in terms of organization," said CAF Acting General Secretary, Essam Ahmed in his remark to the participants.
On the sidelines of the workshop now an annual affair, the participants had luncheon with CAF President Ahmad, after outlining his vision to them in a brief meeting, moments after the draw.
Meanwhile, the Team Doctors of qualified clubs will take part in a Medical Seminar from 1-3 May 2017, at the CAF Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo, Cameroon, to discuss medical related to the two competitions.
Urges Workers to embrace the Change begins with me" campaign of the Federal government
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA- MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Malam Mohammad Musa Bello has urged Workers in the Federal Capital Territory to use the occasion of the Labour Day celebrations to reflect on the virtues of patriotism, selflessness and improved service delivery to residents of the FCT in particular and the nation in general.
The Minister who appealed to all workers to reciprocate the good gesture of the Administration by demonstrating greater dedication to duty, transparency and devotion to the task of national development, asked them to embrace the "Change begins with me" campaign designed to give a new national orientation to all Nigerians.
In a message to mark the 2017 May Day Celebrations in the Territory, the Minister who described the workers as the heroes, whose sweat and sacrifices oil the wheels of national development, noted that the crucial role of workers in the task of nation-building cannot be over emphasized saying it can only be likened to the goose that lay the golden eggs, which deserve the best the nation can give.
Bello said, “Workers keep our taps, hospitals, schools and transport services running. They build and maintain our roads, bridges, and general infrastructure. Workers are the first responders in times of emergencies and natural disasters. They clean our surroundings and ensure we pass the legacy of a healthy environment to the future generation. They are indeed the geese that lay the golden eggs and certainly deserve the best the nation can give”.
The Minister who noted that as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of workers, the FCT Administration recently commissioned a fleet of 25 number high capacity staff buses intended to assist the staff with easier and cheaper means of movement to work and back home, said, ” the Administration has ensured that salaries and allowances of workers are paid promptly and regularly, many staff of all cadre have had their skills improved through our training and capacity building initiative, while this year's promotion exercise is on-going.”
ABUJA – The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, described as unfriendly the situation of Nigerian workers, demanding increase in their salaries.
The joint labour unions in the country has recommended the increase in salary as part of their demands as they joined their counterparts globally to celebrate the 2017 Workers Day.
The President, Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN), Engr. Daniel Kadzai noted that, workers whose sweat serve as lubricant for the country’s economy should not be treated like third class citizens.
In a statement signed in Abuja, Kadzai while expressing solidarity with the untiring labor, commitment and sacrifice of Nigerian workers, said it was unfortunate that “workers are the victims of government and private sector abuses.
“Abuse in the form of denied or delayed wages, delayed gratuity and pensions. Government policies and corruption has led to a questionable privatization that destroyed our textile mills, sugar and steel factories to mention a few.
“While saluting the courage and patience of workers in a cash strap, inflationary economy we demand that government should increase the salary of workers, balance the economy as well as check the growing margin between income earners.
“However, it is sad to mention the unpatriotic incessant and protracted strike by some sectors of the labour union. Should soldiers and Police go on strike what will be made of our society? What moral right then should Doctors and even learned lawyers who swore to professional oath embark on strike.
“While commemorating and celebrating workers day, we observe with sadness the relationship between the soaring unemployment and the increase in crime and general social vices.
“We therefore strongly demand that the federal government through its agency should immediately commence the probe of all state government utilization of the bail out funds. State government should publicly account for how they spend public funds in their trust or be jailed.”
Workers of Enugu State, Monday, conferred on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi the "Most Labour-friendly Governor Award in the history of Enugu State" in recognition of his administration's development strides and commitment to their welfare, despite the severe economic crisis in the country.
The Gov. of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (centre), State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chukwuma Igbokwe (right), the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and other labour members of the State………..
The state workers, who were visibly joyful, noted that the award was also in appreciation of the governor's sustained harmonious industrial relationship with the state work force, such as regular payment of salaries, pensions and other allowances on or before every 25th of the month, when many other states could not do so.
The ceremony, which climax was a match past by all the unions under the various ministries, parastatals, agencies, among others, witnessed for the first time, the pensioners of the state participating in the exercise in a joyful mood.
In his welcome address, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration's feats in the prudent and transparent management of the Paris Club refund, especially the use of 100 % of the Local Governments' share of the fund to offset the arrears of LG workers' salaries and some pensions arrears owed pensioners in the 17 councils of the state.
Comrade Nwobodo , also added that the governor as a labour-friendly governor, has made the workers proud through "the promotion of teachers and recruitment of over 1300 primary school teachers as well as elongation of the terminal grade of qualified primary school teachers to level 16; absorption of 54% of total cost of the 100 housing units at Elim Estate allocated to workers within the junior and intermediate grades; implementation of 2006 approved scheme of service for local government employees in the state through the release of senior staff promotions with qualified workers progressing to grade 16 in all the departments; successful conduct of Biometric exercise at the state, among others.
While listing some demands, the labour leader, assured the governor of their support and cooperation, and called on the workers to sustain their current efforts towards service delivery for the benefit of the state.
The state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe also applauded the governor for "the transparent disbursement of the N4.2 billion bailout fund for arrears of salaries and pensions of the state public servants" and "the ongoing massive infrastructural development in parts of Enugu metropolis and across the 17 local government areas of the state" in line with the vision to open up more rural areas for socio-economic expansion.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left), receiving the Most Labour-freindly Governor award by the state’s Organized Labour from the state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo (right), and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, during the 2017 Workers’ Day celebration at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, yesterday.
He also appreciated the governor for always identifying with the workers, saying that "Governor Ugwuanyi is the only governor who has attended the May Day celebration consecutively since the inception of his administration".
In his response, Gov. Ugwuanyi who was delighted to see the pensioners participating in the match past with smiling faces, thanked the state chapter of the NLC for the honour bestowed on him barely a year the national body of the congress did same.
Describing Enugu State workers as "committed allies in the struggle to make the State a better place for all citizens", Gov. Ugwuanyi noted that "while others are lamenting the harsh effects of the recession, we are forging ahead in all areas of development and strengthening the bonds that tie us together. Even our pensioners are not left out in the celebration of this new dawn as they now receive their pensions regularly".
"We know of course, that these achievements are the result of our collective efforts as people of one family. You have indeed been there for us from the very first day. You have shown us understanding and patience and have freely given us your cooperation as we sought to navigate our way through the very difficult economic and social conditions that we met.
"I have nonetheless, taken due note of all the areas of concern that you have dutifully outlined and I want to assure you that, despite the daunting economic challenges currently facing us, the God that fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, will also make it possible for us to address and resolve these issues satisfactorily and comprehensively", the governor stated.
All relevant documents relating to what transpired from the NIA, EFCC, ONSA, SGF office in the custody of Osinbajo led committee
As Committee winds up Wednesday
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA- AS the Presidential Panel investigating the $43 million cash found in a luxury apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos and the N220 million meant for welfare of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in North East led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo continues its assignment, fresh facts have emerged that top National Intelligence Agency, NIA officials have distanced themselves from the suspended Director-General, Ambassador Ayo Oke.
According to the source, those who decided to leave the embattled Oke to be on his own against the backdrop that h acted alone, include his two Deputy Directors General and other top management staff.
The source told Vanguard that the deputy Directors -General and the top management took the decision because they were particularly angry with the suspended DG because according to them, he brought the Agency and Intelligence community into what they described as total disrepute.
According to them, his failure to make full disclosure to the National Security Adviser, NSA, Major General Babagana Monguno and President Muhammadu Buhari, were acts of disloyalty, conspiracy and subversion, adding that the sources of the money and custody were not known either to the NSA or the President, as Amb. Oke sidelined his management in strategic policy decisions.
The source said, ” He alone should carry his cross. It was a clear case of divided loyalty because he was appointed by President Jonathan and retained by President Buhari. His conduct was not guided by the professional guidelines, otherwise he would have been honest to inform the President and the NSA.”
Meanwhile, as Osibanjo’s panel is due to wind up its assignment on Wednesday, more facts are emerging from the Committee’s investigation.
A source told Vanguard that Vice President Yemi Osibanjo led Committee which was mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate Osborne towers money scam associated with the suspended DG NIA Amb. Ayo Oke is making a steady progress on the assignment.
Sources close to the committee disclosed that all relevant documents relating to what transpired from the NIA, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC; Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF office are in the custody of the committee.
A specific reference was in respect of a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari dated 24th March 2016, in which the National Security Adviser reported the uncovering of a huge sum of money released to DG NIA by Jonathan’s administration in 2015.
In this regard, the DG NIA was confronted with and his response was that the money was released for some major projects to mark the agency's 30th anniversary.
In concluding the said letter, General Monguno raised an issue that "however the noble objectives surrounding the anniversary projects and related covert Operations, there is possibility for the process to be misused or abused in the future by the NIA leadership"
In a related development, another document was a correspondence letter by the NSA to DG NIA Ref NSA/332/5 Dated 17th May 2016.
The NSA wrote "please recall that on February 2016 I empanelled and mandated a three (3) Man Verification team to conduct comprehensive assessment of the NIA projects in Lagos and Abuja. In view of the foregoing and in accordance with the legal and constitutional guarantees relating to the establishment structure, composition and duties of the NIA enshrined in subsection 1 and 2 of the instrument no 1 of the National Security Agencies Decree (CAP 278 LFN), quote the instrument in full. The office of the NSA shall henceforth take on the task of verifying the current state of the projects and associated records"
He concluded "in the context of these oversight functions, the NIA hereby requires availing the NSA regular updates on these projects until completion".
Another source at the NIA, said apart from conflict of interest, when Amb. Oke used his wife's company for the Osborne flat, neither the two Deputy Directors General at the NIA, nor its management were privy to what Amb. Oke was doing.
According to the source, “there was a sense of personal gratitude to former President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing him DG, NIA and his decision not to make full disclosure to President Buhari and the NSA borders on disloyalty, conspiracy and criminal concealment of information to superior authority the source stated.
”He further disclosed that Documents at the disposal of the committee speaks for itself, even if the relevant authorities were informed on the projects on ground, it was incontrovertible that only one man concealed to himself the custody and knowledge of the huge amount taken privately. He never disclosed to anybody within and outside the agency the whereabouts of such huge amount at his disposal kept unlawfully. Also there was no record in the NIA indicating the Ikoyi flat as a safe house or operational base of the agency.”
No comments:
Post a Comment