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  • Why we accepted ₦70,000 minimum wage — Organised Labour

    Why we accepted ₦70,000 minimum wage — Organised Labour

    The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero; and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, say the Organised Labour agreed to ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers because the wage reviews in the country will no longer be every five years but once in three years.

    They spoke on Thursday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

    Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and other officials from both sides flanked both Ajaero and Osifo.

    The NLC President said, “What has been announced in terms of the amount of N70,000 happened to be where we are now. But the cool thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come on review.

    “Rather than settling on a figure that we wait for five years, it’s like we’ll have to now negotiate even two times within five years.

    “That is one of the reasons why we decided to reach where we are today. Because of the proviso that we can review in the next three years.

    “The other one, we came with other issues in the basket, like the issue of SSANU, NASU and others, especially with the affront by the Commissioner of Police FCT, we brought it to Mr President, and talk on the need for that matter to be addressed. And magnanimously, he (Tinubu) asked the agencies concerned to work out the modalities for the payment of those workers in the universities.”

    Also, Osifo said, “The President (Tinubu) made a pronouncement or announcement of N70,000. By next week, he should put the finishing touches to the bill and the transmission to the National Assembly.

    “But why this became a catch is because we, from Organised Labour, have been pushing that the issue of five years review is a long time, that a lot of economic indices may have changed because we are in an era where things are moving very fast in terms of both macro and micro economic policies.

    “But there is a caveat that this is going to be done every three years, the next review should be in three years. And after that pronouncement, we from labour received what the President has promised.”

    The “agreement” between the two sides followed a series of talks between labour leaders and the President in the last few weeks after months of failed talks between labour organs and a tripartite committee on minimum wage constituted by the President in January.

    The committee, which comprised state and federal governments and the Organised Private Sector, had proposed ₦62,000 while labour insisted on ₦250,000 as the new minimum wage for workers who currently earn ₦30,000 as minimum wage.

    Labour had said ₦30,000 was unsustainable for any worker going by the economic vagaries of inflation and high cost of living which followed the removal of petrol subsidy by the President.

    The information minister confirmed on Thursday that the ₦70,000 “agreed” amount would be communicated with the National Assembly in the coming days.

    Channels TV

  • Enugu Gov’t takes action to tackle climate crisis

    Enugu Gov’t takes action to tackle climate crisis

    …presents policy for transition to a greener economy

    Following the the ongoing negative impact of climate change and the threats it poses on human existence and the ecosystem, the Enugu state government has joined dedicated comity of climate activists in calling for urgent steps to mitigate the climate crisis through the reduction of carbon footprints.

    This was as the government also presented its state’s climate policy, action plan and financial framework to enable transition to a greener economy, describing the move as “an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to innovate, and to lead in the face of global change.”

    The state government explained that the decision to take the drastic step was aimed at gradually transitioning from a coal city to pioneer in clean energy solutions, setting ambitious targets for renewable energy generation in the face of greenhouse emissions which continue to threaten the existence of humanity and the environment.

    The government, while assuring that plans were on top gear to place the state on the map of global climate activism, said the objective of reducing carbon footprint and other forms of pollution to its barest minimum would be achieved by harnessing the power of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.

    Speaking on the state’s vision for a “Climate Resilient and Green Economy” during a workshop and stakeholder consultation for the Draft of Enugu State Climate Policy Action plan and Climate Finance Framework held on Thursday, in Enugu, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia said the workshop was one of the series of engagements by the government towards a sustainable future for Enugu state and humanity.

    “The State Climate Policy will outline our vision for a climate-resilient and green economy, and our Climate Action Plan will serve as a framework guiding our actions today and in the years to come. It will be a shared objective based on our local context, but also looking ahead to the opportunities presented by the global transition,” he said.

    Speaking on the potentials of Enugu state, Onyia said, “Our state has a rich history, deeply intertwined with coal production and the energy sector. For decades, our communities thrived on the economic benefits that this industry brought. However, as we stand at a crossroads, we must acknowledge the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the critical need to transition to a greener economy. This transition is more than an obligation; it is an opportunity—an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to innovate, and to lead in the face of global change ”

    He underscored that the that principles of the draft policy had its foundation on three key pillars of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, adding that sustainability will be at the heart of the climate policy.

    “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and strengthening our ecosystems. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, clean transportation, climate-smart agriculture and adopting circular economy principles that minimizes waste and maximizes resource use.

    “We must recognize that the transition to a sustainable future must leave no one behind. This is especially important in a state with a legacy tied to coal which has both benefited and harmed several communities.

    “We must support communities and workers in this sector through this transition by investing in training and reskilling programmed, ensuring that everyone has a role in the green economy,” he noted.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, observed that climate change has become a global challenge with its consequential impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems distorting national and subnational socio-economic values and activities, saying the reality of climate change was no longer a distant threat; but a pressing challenge that demands immediate and concerted action by all stakeholders.

    “In the face of these challenges, it is our responsibility to act decisively and collaboratively to mitigate these impacts and adapt to the changes that are already upon us,” he said.

    According to the Commissioner climate change policy and action plans were essential in reducing and ameliorating situation.

    He explained that the workshop was aimed at developing a
    Science Based Climate Policy based on rigorous assessment of the current climate profile for the state.

    Ugwu said their goal was to craft specific, actionable, and measurable strategies that would guide their efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change by focusing on key sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, water resources, and urban planning, among others.

    He further commended the State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for showing deep interest in climate change by devoting a huge part of the Ministry of Environment to climate change.

    On his part, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, Senior Adviser to the Governor and President of the Society on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, said the symposium was for the development of Enugu state climate change policy and action that would drive the mitigation steps deliberately initiated by the Mbah administration.

    He added that the priorities were on how to increase the generation of renewable energy to serve millions of people and also empower economic resources in the state.

    The climatologist also said the draft policy would help build climate resilience to tackle flooding, gully erosion and address other challenges.

    “The governor is so focused on disruptive innovation, and we want to see how we can use action on climate policy to create a positive disruptive innovation. That will help to position Enugu state as a leader in green energy generation, green transmission and green development. Climate change is an opportunity if well approached. It will create hundreds of thousands of green jobs for the youths of Enugu state”.

    According to him, the greener the city, the better for the people as it elongates the longevity of the society.

    On reducing the dangers of cooking with charcoal, Okereke said the government was making an arrangement to set up a company that’ll produce a clean way of cooking and involve households in the new technology.

  • FG Urges Organisers of Planned Protest to Avoid Violence

    FG Urges Organisers of Planned Protest to Avoid Violence

    Federal government has urged the promoters of the proposed nationwide protests to pursue dialogue instead of resorting to disorder.

    The government said it will continue to engage with stakeholders on the country’s economic, social, and political challenges.

    The director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, revealed that the agency’s nationwide structure had successfully identified the sponsors of the proposed protest and likely flashpoints. He said the government will take measures to forestall any violent occurrences in the identified locations.

    “The channels of communication with the government and its various arms remain open for dialogue,” said Onilu. “The government will continue to respect citizens’ rights to protest and associate freely in line with democratic principles.”

    He emphasised that the identities of many of the brains behind the protest are known, along with their collaborators who are safely residing abroad, and the government is taking necessary actions to stop their subversive plans.

    He stated that the intentions of those behind the planned protest were not about governance or the state of the economy but a decoy to destabilise the country, cause mayhem, and carry out arson, killings, and maiming of innocent citizens for narrow political reasons.

    NOA is intensifying efforts in civil intelligence gathering and sensitising community leaders, parents, and youths across the 774 local governments on the need for vigilance and collective preventive actions.

    He added that another objective of the protest is to project a picture of an unstable country to the international community as part of a grand design to intimidate the government and seek patronage from the bigger sponsors of the planned protest.

    Leadership

  • JUST-IN: FG, Organised Labour Agree to N70,000 as New Minimum Wage

    JUST-IN: FG, Organised Labour Agree to N70,000 as New Minimum Wage

    The Federal Government and organised labour have settled for N70,000 as minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    Briefing newsmen on Thursday after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the State House, Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris announced that both Government and the Labour centre have now agreed for N70,000 as salary for the least paid worker in the country.

    Before Thursday’s meeting, Federal Government had offered N62,000 as minimum wage while Labour insisted on N250,000 as salary for least paid Nigerian  worker.

    The Minister also explained that subsequent review of the minimum wage will be every three years and not the current five years.

    Idris added that a lot of incentives which are being worked on will follow the new minimum wage.

    Arise News

  • NLC threatens 30-day strike over plans to decentralise minimum wage talks

    NLC threatens 30-day strike over plans to decentralise minimum wage talks

    The Nigeria Labour Congress, on Tuesday, threatened to shut down the country for a month in protest against plans by the National Assembly to deregulate the national minimum wage.

    NLC’s threat came as the nation awaits a new national minimum wage following months of negotiations between Organised Labour, the Federal Government, and the Organised Private Sector.

    NLC President, Joe Ajaero, declared the position of the union while speaking on the sidelines of the 67th Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

    Ajaero said, “As we are here, a Joint Committee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Judiciary are meeting. They have decided to remove section 34 from the Exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list so that the state governors can determine what to pay you and so that there will be no minimum wage again. You cannot decide what you should earn.

    “The very moment the House of Representatives and the Senate come up with such a law that will not benefit Nigerian workers, they will be their drivers and gatemen, and there will be no movement for one month. We cannot accept any situation where the governors and the National Assembly members will foist a slave wage on workers and force poverty on the citizens. Organised Labour will not accept it.”

    The NLC president further stated that “We don’t have a situation where people determine their wages that amounts to some level of illegality. In the constitution, there is a provision for equal work for equal pay. If we go into job analysis and job evaluation, we may discover that a clerk here may be doing the same work as the clerk in Sokoto.

    “The so-called decentralisation of wages to pay somebody here less than what the other person is receiving is against the concept of equity and equality before the law.”

    According to the NLC president, the International Labour Organisation recognises wage as a national law, saying it is not for the sub-nationals.

    The labour leader maintained that “every country has their minimum wage and some states are paying higher than the basic minimum wage, and that is the position of the law anywhere”.

    However,  he said,  some people instigated by the governors were saying they would not be able to pay N60,000 even when their members were in the meeting with labour, saying this was being done in bad fate.

    “We have put our members on notice that if these people succeed in coming up with such unpatriotic and obnoxious law. This democracy they are playing with, we have enough in this country in terms of hardship. Some people, based on their privileged positions want to inflict more Injuries on the workers and citizens of this country and that will not be accepted,” he stressed.

    He added that the labour movement will not accept “slave wages”.

    “Every worker in Nigeria across the country is seen as Nigerian workers and any attempt to discredit them in a federation will first be resisted by the NLC.

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    “There is no governor that is not receiving the same thing nationwide, they are not receiving according to their revenue in their states, but they want that of the workers to be so. So, the issue of using revenue as a basis for the payment of minimum wage is a lame one. If any governor is making that argument, then he doesn’t know what governance is all about,” he stated.

    Such a governor, Ajaero emphasised, must use his capacity and acumen for the prosperity of the state.

    “Governors can do better, and they should stop lamenting; because lamentation year in and year out that they can’t pay will not pay as far as there is a lot of money for them to control,” he cautioned.

    Ajaero further argued that an average family of six live within N60,000 in a month and still go to work.

    He submitted that NLC had proposed many options apart from the amount of the minimum wage, which if the government had addressed long before the removal of oil subsidies would have saved Nigeria from the current challenges.

    Meanwhile, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, said there is a proposal before the National Assembly Committees on Constitutional Review to move the minimum wage from the exclusive list to the concurrent legislative list.

    The minority leader’s clarification came against the backdrop of Ajaero’s position that the parliament had begun moves to decentralise minimum wage to enable states fix what is convenient for them to pay.

    Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH in Abuja on Tuesday, Chinda stated that there were different opinions and views on whether minimum wage issues should be on concurrent or exclusive list, noting that “There is a proposal to move it to concurrent list where  states could  legislate on labour matters.”

    While noting that federal laws prevail when they clash with state laws, the Peoples Democratic Party stalwart, however, advised that labour matters should remain on the exclusive list.

    He continued, “On minimum wage, the Federal Government should consider a minimum living wage for all workers, both public and private. States or firms can go above the set wage, but not below.

    “Labour disputes should be standardised and industrial courts should have precedents. The implication of making it a state responsibility is that states will set up their own industrial courts.”

    He also added that a decentralised system “will weaken the labour movement and affect checks on the government. Governors  are more likely to pocket the labour union in their states.”

    According to him, international labour issues are treated on countries basis, stressing that “It will be complex if state labour groups become independent.”

    Punch

  • Suit challenging Arabic inscriptions on Naira notes dismissed by court

    Suit challenging Arabic inscriptions on Naira notes dismissed by court

    Justices Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed a suit by a Lagos-based lawyer, Malcom Omirhobo, challenging the use of Arabic inscriptions on Naira notes.

    According to the judge, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is empowered by Section 53 (1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) to print, design and issue the currency and compels the need to establish bad faith before an action can be brought to challenge the act or omission of the Federal Government or the apex court.

    The court also held that the suit challenging the Arabic inscriptions on Naira notes failed to establish that the CBN’s powers were exercised in bad faith.

    Omirhobo had filed the suit against the CBN in Jan. 2020 contending amongst other things that Arabic is not one of the four official languages of Nigeria namely English, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. In the suit, the lawyer contended that Arabic is not indigenous to Nigeria and to have it on our country’s currency offends certain provisions of the Constitution.

    The CBN, in its response, had filed a preliminary objection insisting that Omirhobo had no locus standi to file the matter. The bank also filed a defence.

    Three other interested persons joined the suits as defendants, the Incorporated Trustees of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), its Founder, Ishaq Akintola; and a Kebbi-based legal practitioner, Umar Kalgo.

    After listening to all the defendants in May 2024, the court fixed its judgement for Tuesday.

    Ruling on the case, Justice Bogoro first dismissed the CBN’s preliminary objection and held that Omirhobo had the locus standi to institute the action of being a taxpayer. The court also held that public interest actions must be encouraged.

    The court, however, held that Omirhobo failed to prove that the CBN acted Mala Fide, in bad faith and accordingly dismissed the suit.

    In his reaction to the judgment, Omirhobo said he had applied for a Certified True Copy of the judgement and would study the same to decide his next line of action.

    The lawyer also said the court noted that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and religious country and that no ethnic group or religion is superior to the other.

    The lawyer claimed that the court held that Arabic is not Nigeria’s official Language and advised that for Nigerians to coexist in harmony, perhaps it is time for the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government to remove the Arabic inscription on the N200, N500 and N1000 naira notes since it has been removed from the N5, N10, N50 and N100.

    Reacting to the judgement, MURIC described the judgement as far-reaching, profound, didactic and monumental.

    Akintola, in a statement, said, “This is a sweet victory. Once again the Nigerian judiciary has demonstrated courage, intellectual excellence and jurisprudential exactitude. This judgement is far-reaching, profound, didactic and monumental.

    “Omirhobo’s approach is not only naïve, it is pedestrian and kindergarten. This suit against Arabic on naira manifests acute desertification of religious tolerance… We have been vindicated.”

    Tribune

  • Kano: Gov Yusuf Appoints 2nd Class Emirs For Karaye, Rano, Gaya

    Kano: Gov Yusuf Appoints 2nd Class Emirs For Karaye, Rano, Gaya

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the appointment of second class Emir of Rano, Alhaji Isa Umar, and emir of Karaye Alhaji Muhammadu Karaye, as well as the reinstatement of Emir of Gaya Aliyu Gaya.

    According to a statement issued by Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Spokesperson to the Governor and made available to journalists in Kano on Wednesday, the new emirates are to serve as second class emirates with Kano as first class emirate.

    “The newly appointed Emirs are: Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, as Emir of Karaye who until his appointment was the District Head of Rogo; Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, as Emir of Rano (who until his appointment, was the District Head of Bunkure; Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, as Emir of Gaya (who was the emir of the defunct Gaya Emirate).

    While congratulating the newly appointed Emirs, Governor Abba K. Yusuf enjoined them to be custodians of culture, peace and unity of the people in thier respective emirates.

    It could be recall that the Governor had Tuesday the 16th of July, 2024, signed into law three second class emirates in the state with Rano covering only Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Local Government areas; Gaya covering only Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Local Government areas’and Karaye covering only Karaye and Rogo Local Government areas.

    The statement added that all the appointments are with immediate effect.

    Arise News

  • NECO releases 2024 examination results for Unity schools

    NECO releases 2024 examination results for Unity schools

    The Federal Government has released the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) results for admissions into JSS1 of the Federal Unity Colleges.

    The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who announced the results at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said one candidate scored the highest mark of 203 in the examination.

    Sununu said that of the 71,291 candidates who registered for the exams, 66,931 sat for the examination, while 4,360 were absent.

    “Out of the maximum obtainable score of 210, one candidate obtained the highest score of 203, while 13 candidates obtained the lowest score of one.

    “This year, an unprecedented number of 52 candidates (two candidates from Lagos State and 50 candidates from Rivers State) were involved in examination malpractice.

    “For the examination conducted for the Federal Government Academy  (FGA), 2,649 candidates registered for the examination, 2,336 candidates sat for the examination, while 313 candidates were absent.

    “The highest score for this examination is 180 while the lowest is five,” he said.

    The minister said that the admission criteria for selection of qualified candidates into Federal Unity Colleges remained the same.

    According to him, admission requirements are 60 per cent merit, 30 per cent equality of state and 10 per cent exigency.

    He therefore charged the Senior Secondary Education Department in the ministry to ensure that all admission processes were concluded timely, and it should be done in line with the above criteria.

    “As you are all aware, it is a common knowledge that our Federal Unity Colleges have become the first port of call for most parents in the country.

    “I want to assure all Nigerian parents that government will continue to do her best to improve on infrastructural development, feeding and teacher quality for effective teaching and learning in our colleges,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCEE was conducted in Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo on June 1, 2024. (NAN)

  • FG Distributes 20 Trucks of 25kg Rice To 36 States, Abuja

    FG Distributes 20 Trucks of 25kg Rice To 36 States, Abuja

    Nigeria’s Federal Government has taken immediate step to address the issue of food shortage across the country by dispatching 20 trailer loads of 25kg rice to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Briefing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja on Monday,  Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, said the bags of rice which had been received by the various state governments are meant to be shared among the most vulnerable in the society.

    According to him: “Each state of the Federation and the FCT have received  20 trucks of rice for onward distribution to the most vulnerable to ease the food shortage being experienced”.

    The Minister also announced that another meeting will be held on Thursday between President Bola Tinubu and labour leaders to discuss issue of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    The proposed meeting,  he said, which is a follow up to the one held between the President and labour leaders last week will finalise discussions on the new minimum wage.

    Idris further told newsmen that visa ban on Nigerian passport holders have now been lifted by the United Arab Emirates with effect from July 15, 2024.

    The Minister added that an agreement has been reached between the governments of Nigeria and the UAE on the issue.

    His words: “You are aware that Nigeria has been discussing with the United Arab Emirates on the issue of Visa for Nigerian passport holders going to the United Arab Emirates.

    “Today, an agreement has been reached on that, and effective from today 15th July, Nigerian passport holders are able to obtain to go to the United Arab Emirates.

    Details of that will be provided to you later today when we put out a statement. But I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so”.

    It will be recalled that the UAE imposed a blanket visa ban on Nigerians in October 2022 while Emirates Airlines suspended flight operations to Nigeria in November of the same year.

    Arise News

  • Abia Gov’t Partners FG To Construct Ariam/Usaka Ikwuano/Ikot Ekpene Road

    Abia Gov’t Partners FG To Construct Ariam/Usaka Ikwuano/Ikot Ekpene Road

    Abia State Government is set to partner with the Federal Government to reconstruct the Ariam/Usaka Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road.

    Governor Alex Otti disclosed this on Sunday 14th July, 2024 during a church service at Christ Embassy along Library Avenue, Bank Road Umuahia.

    While addressing the joyous congregation, l Otti said, “I want to reassure the pastor that we are doing something about the Ikot Ekpene-Ariama/Usaka all the way. Just like we are partnering with the Federal Government on the Airport Project which will be advertised very soon, we are also partnering with the Federal Government on the Ikwuano Road all the way to Akwa-Ibom and, I can assure you that very soon work will start there”.

    Governor Otti told the members of the church that he came just to worship and also thanked the church for their prayers and other supports in the journey of rebuilding Abia. The Governor said that his Government does not discriminate, saying that the body of Christ is one.

    “So, this is an opportunity to thank you all for the support that you gave before the election, during the election and after the election. And, the body of Christ was united in saying enough is enough”.

    “So we don’t discriminate because the body of Christ is one. You may have your different churches that you attend. That’s why you will see me in the Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Anglican and today I’m in Christ Embassy”.

    Governor Otti said it was important to thank the Church and also very important to thank God because it is God who made all things possible. He cited a portion of the Bible (1 Cor. 2:6) that says “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”.

    The Church Pastor, Pastor Chika Alex said that Abia State is a blessed State that was neglected and poorly governed for a very long period by past leaders who chose to work for themselves instead of working for the people who would also work for them in return. He said that God brought Governor Otti to bring the State to the limelight.

    “Abia State is a blessed State… that is why it’s called God’s own State. It is prophetic and I told them in this church that, that word will come to pass. And God is using you (Governor Otti) to fulfill that prophecy. Abia State has been neglected but God has ordained you to bring the State to limelight”.

    The Governor was joined in the worship by the Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Obioma, Member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, Hon. Chinasa Anthony Onyemere, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba PhD, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle K.C. Wiper, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce & Industry, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukegbu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, the Mayor of Umuahia South Obike Ejike Nnokiri and others.

    Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
    Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

  • Govs Kefas, Makinde Inaugurate LG Autonomy Advisory Committee

    Govs Kefas, Makinde Inaugurate LG Autonomy Advisory Committee

    Following the judgement of theSupreme Court on local government Autonomy, Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, have both inaugurated committees to advise on the best way to implement the decision of the apex court.

    While Gov. Kefas stated that even before the Supreme Court verdict, he had already granted full autonomy to the local government chairmen through the bureau for local government, traditional and chieftaincy affairs for the management of the joint account and other administrative affairs of their respective domains, Gov. Makinde noted that his government will not allow the people of the state to suffer from the fallout of the verdict.

    According to Kefas at an event to inaugurate the state’s local government areas autonomy advisory committee, he said: “It is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that we are here today to inaugurate the Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee.
    “This event marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more democratic, accountable, and efficient governance system in Taraba State.

    “The Supreme Court’s recent judgement which aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to decentralization and local empowerment, sets a clear path for the full autonomy of our Local Government Areas.
    ”This judgement reaffirms my earlier decision to conduct the Local Government Council election on the 18th of November 2023 and to proceed with the needed swearing-in of the elected council chairmen on the 23rd of November 2023.

    “Furthermore, to enhance the capacity of the newly elected Council officials, we organised a comprehensive workshop and induction programme for the council chairmen before the assumption of duties in their respective Local Government Areas.

    “This initiative was to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the myriad of challenges they may face, particularly, the security issues that have plagued our state in the past. We are committed to equipping our local leaders with the tools they need to succeed.

    “It is also worth noting that for the first time in our state’s history, a Local Government Election Tribunal was established without receiving a single election petition.

    “This unprecedented achievement speaks volumes about the transparency, fairness, and credibility of the electoral process we have put in place. It is a confirmation of our collective commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and justice.

    “By the power conferred on me as the Governor of Taraba State, I hereby inaugurate this committee as the Taraba State Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee with the following terms of reference; Implementation Oversight, Capacity Building, Financial Autonomy, Administrative Reforms, Security Coordination, Community Engagement, Evaluation and Feedback, And any Other Areas that are Deemed Necessary”.

    For Makinde, the governor on Monday set up two committees saddled with the responsibilities of reviewing the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy and coming up with recommendations that will ensure that the change does not affect the people of the state negatively.

    Makinde maintained that the judgement has created a constitutional lacuna that will throw up different challenges at the local government level.

    He said though he is not opposed to transparency in the councils, the Supreme Court judgement “is not a silver bullet that will wash away” Nigeria’s problems.

    The governor said, “I called this meeting because I felt that even though we have not seen the Certified True Copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court, we have to be proactive and discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns financial autonomy of the local government councils because I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that we all swore to uphold.

    “The law is the law and when there is a conflict, yes, we should go to the court. But it behooves on us to look for our own homegrown solutions that can ensure that we have transparency and that our people do not suffer. This is because when two elephants are fighting it is the grass that will suffer.

    Makinde noted that his administration inherited a local government system that owed a backlog of salaries, gratuities and pensions.

    He added, “I am saying this because Oyo State will get out of this even stronger. We are people that know what is good for our people.

    “Before we came in, leave bonuses were last paid in 2017 and we have paid for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Primary Health Care facilities, inner roads were all in bad shape. But we have been working collaboratively with the LGs to deliver dividends of democracy to our people.

    “We were able to clear those salary arrears. We paid N18bn in pension and gratuities over this period. We upgraded about 209 PHCs, equipped about 264, and completed 60 model schools. We constructed and renovated hundreds of primary school classrooms and fixed some of our roads.

    “But there are still challenges that we have to address. We still have a backlog of gratuities and pensions. The local governments owe about N55bn in pension and gratuities. We are developing infrastructure that would push the economy and raise the living standard of their people and push their economy towards sustainable goals.”

    Briefing newsmen shortly after the closed door meeting, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, stated that the two committees set up by the governor had been given a frame time of four to six weeks to come up with the homegrown approach to addressing the lacuna created by the Supreme Court judgement.

    Channels TV/Pacesetter

  • Enugu Gov’t begins construction of new International Motor Spare Parts Market

    Enugu Gov’t begins construction of new International Motor Spare Parts Market

    …Coal Camp traders hail Gov Mbah

    The Enugu State government has announced the construction of a new International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Market, even as the traders at Coal Camp, Enugu, hailed Governor Peter Mbah for his innovative mindset.

    This announcement was made by the Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo during a meeting with the expanded leadership of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Association, Coal Camp, Enugu.

    According to him, the market which is being sited at 9th Mile, along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway was in line with the electoral promises of Governor Peter Mbah made to traders at Coal Camp that his administration would build a world-class market for them.

    He further regretted that the present condition of the traders at Coal Camp was pathetic and prone to environmental hazards, stating that no business could thrive in such an unconducive environment.

    “The present condition of the traders at Coal Camp is nothing to write home about. During the last campaign period, they asked the state government to provide them with a more conducive environment that could accommodate all of them. Today, as we speak, work has commenced on the site. The governor is fulfilling the promises he made to the traders, and he is relentless in making sure that their businesses grow,” he said.

    Speaking on the key facilities that would be in place, he said; “It is going to be an ecosystem that supports modern businesses, commercial and light industrial activities. There will be facilities like modern shops and warehouses, police post, fire protection architecture, sufficient conveniences, banks, parks, school, health facility, union centre, recreational facilities, and other things that will enable business growth.”

    Dr Ogbu-Nwobodo said the choice of 9th Mile was strategic because it is a major business hub in the state and the building of the market there would give more impetus for further development around the area, adding that it would create easy access for shoppers coming from the Northern States, Ebonyi and Cross River states, Central Africa, and other locations, saving dealers the stress of navigating through the city before offloading or exporting their goods.

    “9th Mile is a major business hub in the state, and this will give more impetus for further development around the area. We should equally recall that there is already a free trade zone built by the state in the area. This site will accommodate all the traders and leave more room for expansion in the future,” Ogbu-Nwobodo said.

    In his reaction, the President, Enugu Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Mike Nomeh, said that Enugu had had numerous administrations which did not treat the welfare of traders at Coal Camp with the priority it deserved.

    According to him, the relocation of the market was long overdue as they had written to past administrations to look into their welfare, appealing to the Governor Mbah to ensure the speedy delivery of the market as their present location at Coal Camp called for mercy.

    “We have been praying for this since previous administrations, but thank God a visionary governor is fulfilling his promises to us. We are looking forward to finding ourselves in this promised land. All the traders at Coal Camp were very happy to receive this news because we have been suffering for a long time. We have suffered neglect in that Coal Camp, and I tell you that everyone is happy with this move by the governor to relocate us to a better place. We are so much grateful to His Excellency,” the president said.

    On his part, Mr. Eze Benjamin, a sectional/line chairman at the Coal Camp,h applauded the governor for the initiative. He said he had spent over 30 years at Coal Camp and had been yearning for adequate accommodation for all the traders, adding that what was happening was like a dream.

    “I know that the governor is capacity-filled. I urge him to keep up with this pace because it will benefit all of us,” Eze said.

    NSCDC Arraigns 4 for Vandalisation of Enugu Electricity Agency Underground Cables

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, has arraigned four persons, namely, Moses Timothy, Joefrey Lawrence, Augustine Abila, and Caleb Kamiru before a Federal High Court in Enugu on two-count charge of alleged vandalisation of underground, amoured cables belonging to the Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency.

    The NSCDC said the Defendants committed the act on 1st July 2024, lamenting the awful impacts of vandalisation on water and electricity delivery in the state.

    The charge marked FHC/EN/CR/140/2024 read in part, “That you, Moses Timothy, Joefrey Lawrence, Augustine Abila, Caleb Kamiru and others at large on or about the 1st day of July, 2024, at Kingsway/Aria Road, GRA, Enugu north LGA in Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Court, conspired to willfully remove underground amoured cables belonging to Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency without appropriate authority, thereby committing an office contrary to Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17 L.F.N 2004 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

    Count number two states that the accused also violated the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17 L.F.N 2004 and therefore punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Section of the Act.

    The Defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded in correctional facility, as the presiding judge, Justice F.O Ogunbanjo, adjourned the matter to 24th, 25th, and 26th of September for hearing.

    Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen after the court proceedings, counsel to the NSCDC, Amaka Ekoh, said that the agency and the Enugu State Government were now out to stamp out vandalism in the state and ensure that those involved end up in jail.

    The lawyer regretted that the activities of vandals were gravely affecting social services such as pipe borne water and street lightins in the state.

    “The Enugu State Government and our office, the NCDC are in partnership to make sure they fish out all the vandals in the state. We have street lights everywhere, but in many places they are not working because the unscrupulous ones have been vandalising all the underground armoured cables,” she concluded.

    “So, from now onwards, our officers are doing their best. They will be getting the vandals and be charging them to court for the law to take its course.

    “If they are found guilty at the end of the day, they will be jailed,” she said.