Workers Day: FENRAD Decries Non Payments Of Pension For 38 Months In Abia, Calls For Improved Workers’ Welfare

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May 1, 2022

“Disqualify Malami, Others Now For Refusal To Resign“- Prof Suleiman Tells APC

Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has come under intense criticism for encouraging Political appointees to disobey the amended electoral acts that was duly passed into law.

A Professor of Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Bala Suleiman said Malami and others who are holding political appointment but refused to resign should be disqualified during the screening of candidates.

In a statement signed by the erudite scholar and made available to newsmen on Sunday , Suleiman expressed regrets over the attitude of Malami whom he said “was breaking the law instead of protecting it”.

Part of the statement reads, “The expected responsibility of Malami as the Attorney General of the Federation should be to see that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law.

“Rather than the above, Malami has become not only a supporter of breakers of the law but a breaker himself.

“It was hoped that the provisions of 2022 Electoral Act will be judiciously implemented to enable Nigerians enjoy the exercise of their political franchise before and after the 2023 general elections.

“I understand that Malami intends to run for Governor of Kebbi state but the right thing he should have done is to respect the law by tendering his resignation. Rather he encouraged other appointees not to resign citing judgment of a lower court on the matter. If he could rely on the judgment of a High Court , he should as well obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal,“ Prof Suleiman said.

Noting in his statement, he said, “I encourage all political parties to stand on the path of the law by not fielding any political appointee who refused to abide by the law . Any party that ignores section 84(12) of the Electoral Act is doing so at its detriment because they will lose fortunes in the end.

Lambasting Malami for adopting the judgement of Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court Umuahia and ignoring that of a higher court , Suleiman said that at Malami’s position “he should have known better that such judgement will not stand legal scrutiny anywhere . The judgement confused the persons who are political appointees as used in Section 84 (12) of the New Electoral Act and persons who are employed in the public service of the federation or of any state as used in Section 66 (1) f, 107 (1)9, and 182 (1)g.

“If the judge had painstakingly studied the plethora of cases that had been decided which clearly distinguished between public officers or persons employed in the public service of the federation or any state from political appointees who does not enjoy some permanency in their jobs or appointment, she would have arrived at a different verdict,” He said.

It will be recalled that Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act bars serving political office holders, including commissioners, ministers and special advisers, from participating as delegate of the primaries in their respective parties or as candidates for any election. It further prescribes a reprimand in Section 84 (13) as a consequence for the disobedience of the Act, thus, “Where a political party fails to comply with the provision of this Act in the conduct of its primaries, its candidate for election shall not be included in the election for the particular position in issue.”

Against the judgment delivered by Justice Evelyn Anyadike of Federal High Court Umuahia, The Court of Appeal has ordered Attorney-General of the Federation and others to suspend the execution of the judgement of the Federal High Court which struck down section 84 (12) of the newly amended Electoral Act.

Malami, had shortly after the Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, delivered the judgement on March 22, foreclosed possible appeals by vowing to promptly enforce the verdict.

But the Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal has now issued an order putting the execution of the High Court’s decision on hold.

Workers’ Day: Nothing To Celebrate In Abia But Sober Reflection — Udensi

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May 1, 2022

Workers' Day: Nothing To Celebrate In Abia But Sober Reflection — Udensi — Sir Chikwe Udensi

A governorship aspirant in Abia State on the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA Sir Chikwe Udensi has hailed the resilience of workers in the state at the 2022 Workers’ Day, expressing dissatisfaction with the poor welfare package available to them.

While acknowledging their contributions and hard work in the state, he said the state of their welfare is pathetic and unacceptable.

In a felicitation message on Sunday, he gave thumbs down on the state and federal government for not doing enough to ensure that workers are treated with dignity.

The Interpol Systems Consultant said instead of celebration, today is a day for sober reflection over the plight of workers in Abia and nation at large.

While praying for good welfare package for Abia workers, he insisted that they elect a leadership that will care for them, which he said he represents.

End Of Battle Against Insurgency Near, Buhari Assures Nigerians

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May 1, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion.

The President said this Sunday while sending his best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world celebrating the occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan that reached its end and they marked the Eid.

Buhari, who said “The fight has been long and hard. Final victory is within sight. Boko Haram and its offshoots’ final embers are now fading, added that “After a period of fasting and reflection, this year, we have cause to welcome the occasion in hope.”

The President, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, further directed increased coordination and cooperation among security agencies.

Buhari, who said an end had been brought to a silo approach among the agencies, assured that there would be no shortage of funds to provide security for the citizens.

The President, who appraised the security situation across the country, said: “Last month, the leader of ISWAP was killed in an airstrike. Since the New Year, thousands of fighters have surrendered to enter rehabilitation programmes. The territories they used to occupy are now seeing the return of those who were forced to flee their barbarity. Normality is finally beginning to return to the Northeast. It is a long process. Yet it is one we are, together, now embarking upon.

“With the designation of bandit groups as terrorists, the challenges of banditry and kidnapping are being tackled differently in the North-western and North Central states where the latest military acquisitions and the Armed Forces are being fanned out across the region to thwart acts of terror.

“The administration is equally getting impressive reports of the special operations to curb crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the South-South, with millions of illegally refined products being impounded and illegal refineries destroyed.

“While we are making progress cleaning the environment, some evil people are busy causing more pollution and destruction. ‘In response to the disturbing rise in criminal attacks targeting law enforcement and public facilities in the South East, concerted military operations to rid the region of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements have, in recent weeks, led to the overrunning of IPOB/ESN bases, the seizure of weapons and the arrest of a large number of suspects.’’

Arrest Politicians Buying N100million Forms, 102-year-old Female Presidential Aspirant Tells EFCC, ICPC

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May 1, 2022

Arrest Politicians Buying N100million Forms, 102-year-old Female Presidential Aspirant Tells EFCC, ICPC — Josephine Ezeanyaeche

A 102-year-old presidential aspirant, Chief (Mrs) Josephine Ezeanyaeche, has called on anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to arrest and prosecute any politician or group buying N100million nomination form of any political party.

Ezeanyaeche said if the anti-graft agencies were truly independent and alive to their responsibilities, they should not be reminded that no politician would cough up the amount of money without stealing public funds.

According to PUNCH, the centenarian stated this on Saturday when she presented the nomination form of her party, African Action Congress, to her people in Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

She also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and every other relevant agency to create laws to peg the amount spent on nomination forms and electioneering as part of measures to reduce corruption.

She lamented that current politicians had run the country aground and as one of the founding members of Nigeria, she cannot continue to keep quiet while the country degenerates further.

She said her joining the 2023 presidential race was to bring a disruptive change as the youth of the country have failed to take up the challenge.

She noted that many aspirants from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party are running to the AAC, her party, because of the exorbitant price of their nomination form.

Despite this, she said she was still optimistic about making an appreciable impact in the party’s primaries taking place on June 30.

Ezeanyaeche, who is also the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Voice of the Senior Citizens of Nigeria, pointed out that the huge price some parties place on nomination forms is a means of eliminating good people from participating in politics, as by so doing, throwing up “potential criminals with the tendency to go into offices to steal.”

She said, “I have come to tell my people that I have picked the nomination form of my party, AAC. Although, the party has been flooded by aspirants who ran away from the APC and PDP because of the huge price of their nomination forms.

“But despite this, I am very optimistic that I will make an appreciable impact because the 2023 general elections will bring disruptive change in this country. So, the youth must come out of hiding on social media and take their destinies from the politicians.

“I have never seen a thing like this all over the world that politicians will pay such amount on the nomination form. It shows they are a group of potential criminals with the intention to go and steal because the remuneration of the office they are paying such amount for cannot recoup the money back to them in the four years without them stealing.”

The 102-year-old politician added that an enabling environment should be created for the youth to conveniently come on board in the polity.

“It is also surprising that our anti-graft agencies are watching as politicians will be paying as much as N100million buying nomination forms. This is a deliberate means of excluding the youths. Since 1999, we have never heard of such a thing like this, but Nigerians should be wiser.

“Our votes must count in the 2023 elections, although you can’t have a totally free and fair election anywhere in the world, but Nigerians must demand that their votes count in the next election,” she added.

ASUU Strike: Group Carpets Minister Of State For Education For Purchasing APC’s N100m Nomination Form

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May 1, 2022

Nwajiuba Apologises For ASUU Strike, Says His Children Are Also Affected — Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba

A Yoruba youth group, Oodua Youth Coalition, has condemned the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, for buying the N100 million APC presidential nomination forms amidst the strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The OYC, in a statement signed by its National President, Oluyi Tayo, described the action of the junior Minister as condemnable and reckless.

The group also questioned Nwajiuba’s motive for showing interest in the country’s top job despite failing to resolve the education crisis.

Tayo lamented the plight of Nigerian students who would have to spend more than the stipulated time for their course of study after the strike grounded the country’s tertiary education sector.

The statement read in part, “ASUU has been on strike since mid-February and we have all watched on hoping they will recall students who have been at home since.

“It is now saddening that instead of us to receive news that the ASUU strike is over, what we have heard is the junior education Minister purchasing a ₦100 million form to contest for the Nigerian Presidency. One wonders what is the priority of the Minister and what legacy he hopes to build on when he has failed Nigerian students over time.”

“The incessant ASUU strikes have grounded the education sector and have further disrupted the hopes and dreams of Nigerian students. A course of four years is now running into six years for students.

“We have not stopped asking ourselves what Nwajiuba hopes to achieve by purchasing that form when he has failed the country woefully as a Minister but now deems it fit to run for the highest office obtainable in the land? Is he contesting to put Nigerian students permanently at home?” the statement read.

OYC wondered with what education would Nwajiuba hopes to lead the country had those who were empowered to pilot the education system been this nonchalant and lackadaisical like him.

The OYC, however, urged the Minister of State to focus on stabilising the education sector and reminded him that if his predecessors had not taken education as a priority, he would not be able to consider contesting for President.

“Nwajiuba is contesting to lead Nigeria but would he have had that opportunity at all if his predecessors were nonchalant like him? Education is the bedrock of every civilisation and development and ours won’t be different.

“Nwajiuba should refocus and concentrate his energy on firstly getting Nigerian students back on campus and the education system devoid of the disruptive academic calendar before aspiring to lead Nigeria. He has nothing whatsoever to campaign with as long as students remain at home, hopeless of when they will go back to their classes.

“Let this be a warning to him and others who have failed the Nigerian populace in whatever capacity they find themselves but asking Nigerians to reward them with bigger offices. We will be here waiting for them!” the statement concluded.

May Day: Omoluabi Salutes Kogi Workforce, Assures Govt Commitment To Improved Welfare

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May 1, 2022

Hon. Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi, the Special Adviser on Civil Service and Labour Matters to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has congratulated workers in the state at the occasion of 2022 Workers’ Day.

Hon. Adeyemi said workers are key component of governance and bureaucratic chain in the state, assuring that the government appreciates and values their roles in the efforts to build a new Kogi under the administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello.

In a release in Lokoja the state capital on Sunday, Hon. Adeyemi while noting that the government will continue to treat the welfare of Kogi workforce with utmost importance added that the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has demonstrated this by ensuring that workers in the state are on the same salary scale with workers at federal civil service.

Hon. Adeyemi who was present at the workers day celebration also added that the approval and implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage by Gov. Bello is a pointer to the worker-friendly environment which Kogi State government has instituted and sustained. He said the government is also conscious, concerned and responsive in the promotion of welfare of workers by providing home and vehicle renovation and refurbishment facility to workers in the state.

“I join our most resilient and hard working labour movement in Kogi to celebrate this day set aside to appreciate the numerous contributions of workers globally,

“You are indeed the bedrock upon which the business of governance and development thrives. It is on this premise that His Excellency governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has continously made the issue of workers’ welfare a top priority.

“The prompt payment of salaries, capacity building, promotions, enhanced salary structure and indeed the approval and implementation of N30,000 minimum wage is an eloquent testimony to the government commitment to ensure that Kogi workers are the happiest in the country.

“Against all odds, including dwindling revenue and increasing demand for developmental structures in our state, the government has ensured that Kogi workers are treated with the needed dignity. This we will continue to sustain as part of the government’s resolve to build a robust workforce” he said.

Hon. Adeyemi also urged workers in the state to reciprocate to these gestures by shunning truancy, shenanigans and strive towards improved productivity, noting that the existing harmonious relationship between government and the labour unions will be sustained.

Sen. Kalu Greets Workers On May Day, Urges Sustained Productivity

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May 1, 2022

Sen. Kalu Greets Workers On May Day, Urges Sustained Productivity

Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has applauded Nigerian workers for their contributions to national development at the occasion of May Day, a day set aside to celebrate workers.

Describing workers as the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy, Kalu urged the labour force to sustain their productivity in a bid to build a prosperous nation.

While tasking the political class to make the welfare of workers a top priority in the policy thrust of government at all levels, the former Governor noted that workers deserve the support of stakeholders in the organized private sector and public sector, adding that the working conditions of workers must be encouraging in order to maximize their productivity.

In a goodwill message, Kalu commended workers for their hard work, sacrifice and resilience.

He said, “I congratulate workers across the country on the occasion of this year’s labour day.

“Workers are the bedrock of the economy.

“The role of the labour force in building a productive nation cannot be undermined.

“Workers should be respected and as such, deserve good working conditions.

“The political class and employers must embrace workers as strategic partners in nation building”.

The former Governor admonished workers to demonstrate best global practices in their endaevours, stressing that employers and employees must work harmoniously in achieving common goals.

VP Osinbajo Attends Gov. Uzodimma’s Daughter’s Wedding, Preaches Love, Unity

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May 1, 2022

Nigerians have been enjoined to imbibe the spirit of unity and love if the country would meaningfully forge ahead as a nation.

The Vice President, VP, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, made the plea weekend in Owerri, at the solemnization of the holy matrimony of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s daughter, Oprah and her husband, Henry Ohaeri, at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.

While tracing all the problems facing Nigeria to a lack of unity and love, the VP said: “We need unity and love in Nigeria. These are the necessary ingredients that will make Nigeria better and greater. We all need to learn from the realities and principles of marriage.

“In marriage, two different people from different backgrounds, are brought together and they become one. This should be a lesson for Nigerians.”

Earlier in a homily, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony J. V. Obinna, again raised the alarm that “insecurity still pervades the land”, adding that there was nothing on the ground to show that the end was close.

His words: “We live in a land almost overtaken by insecurity and with no end in sight. Nigeria is in distress and the palpable distress also reaches us here.

“We have since observed that all the security personnel in the land, appear largely unable or incapable of securing the citizens. In spite of the massive security personnel around us, we still have reports of massive insecurity in the country.

“Today, Nigerians are moving faster to eternity than what it used to be before now. We have sinned terribly in this land.

The traces of sin abound in Igboland, Yorubaland and even Fulani areas. No area is free from our terrible sins. We all have to repent, go down on our knees in total penitence and ask God to forgive us and bless our land.”

Continuing, Archbishop Obinna decried the glaring inequalities and marginalization in the land.

His words: “These inequalities have sadly generated a lot of misgivings in the land. Our country has been steadily going down, from 1966 till date.

“I am in love with the elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo. I don’t know him personally. I am, however, in love with his persistent call on the Yoruba people to support Ndigbo in 2023.

Welcoming his guests, Governor Hope Uzodimma commended them for gracing the event, despite their crowded schedules.

Apart from the Vice President, other dignitaries that attended the ceremony included the Senate President, members of the National Assembly, some serving and past governors, ministers and traditional rulers, including Etsu Nupe, Ooni of Ife and Obi of Onitsha.

Sen. Kalu Hails Muslim Ummah At Eid-El-Fitr, Urges Peaceful Co-Existence

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May 1, 2022