BREAKING: House Of Reps Throws away Controversial Water Resources Bill

 

According to a story in Vanguard, Reps in shouting match, as Speaker withdraws National Water Resources  Bill

The House of Representatives has withdrawn its controversial National Water  Resources Bill,2020.

The House was thrown into a turmoil on Tuesday, while considering a Matter of Privilege, raised by Rep. Benjamin Mzondu(PDP-Benue) to be heard on the contentious National Water Resources Bill, 2020.

Mzondu’s motion sought the withdrawal of the Bill, owing to the public outcry against it and its breach of House’ Rules.

In presenting his Matter of Privilege, Rep. Mzondu cited Order 6, Rule 1(1), 2 and 3, as he argued forcefully, against the transmission of the Bill to the Senate and its finally becoming law.

According to him, “I wish to refer to Order 6, Rule 1(1), 2 and 3 and Order 12, Rule 18 to state that I was deprived of my legislative Privilege of sighting a gazetted copy of the National Water Resources BillHB 921, and such could not participate in the consideration of the report by the Committee of the Whole, which also deprived me of my rights and privilege of representation to my people.

“Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, it is in the effort to eliminate the “Element of Surprise”, that the House in its wisdom, included in its Standing Rule, that every Bill, must be gazetted or clean copies circulated. It is important to note that the word emphasized here, is “gazette”, which means appearing in the Bills Journal of the House.

“The words used are clear and unambiguous, they ought to be given their ordinary meaning, as stated.

“Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, I was misled by the use of order 12, Rule 18 of our Standing Orders. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, it is an issue of law and procedure, and Hon. Speaker, the onus of interpretation, lies with you. Where the Bill was labeled as Bill 2020, it was not considered as such.

Division, Frustration, Anger, Knocks and commendation among, CSOs, Workers As NLC, TUC suspend Already mobilised Protest and strike.

 

The decision of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour movement to suspend its planned protest and strike, just hours before the action is generating anger and suspicion of foul play

Organised Labour I.e Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC) took the decision early hours of monday, September 28th and the Banquet hall of the presidential villa after several hours of meeting.

The Nigerian government suggested a two weeks suspension of the new electricity tariff and to set up a committee to review the process, which labour agreed with.

Also the Nigerian government set up a steering committee on the deregulation of the petroleum downstream to ascertain the Nation's refineries are fixed to reduce importation, but the hike in the PMS was not reduced, but organised labour also agreed.

All these and more contained in a communique signed by both the government and labour and read out by the conciliatory of the meeting, minister of labour and employment, sen. Dr. Chris Ngige.

First to commend the decision reached is the national secretary of the coalition of civil society Citizen's action against COVID-19 (CCSCAAC)  Victor Itsede

Itsede said the nation cannot afford to pay few companies huge monies running into trillions of naira in the name of subsidy on petroleum products. "...We must begin to invest on the real sector. Agriculture investment should be deliberate. If we do this we can raise millions of Nigerians out of poverty..."

Itsede continues his that "...this should be the real massage that needs to spread accrosa the country, because most of the gullible people are made to believe that the recent action of the full deregulation and sudden increase in tariffs is a wrong action. So we need to come out and educate the populace about this noble action taken by the Government that has a very good impact in the near future..."

Unfortunately CCSCAAC appears to be alone on this turf as the agreement reached between government and labour has not gone down well with several members.

 In Cross RIVER  state for example ,the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have described the suspension of the plan to hold a nationwide protest and strike as shameful following workers readiness for a showdown.

Ben Ukpebi is NLC Cross River state chairman and Monday Ogbodum, is the TUC Cross River State Chairman, who vented their frustration in calabar the state capital said the move by the organised labour's leadership has successfully given credence to the insensitivity of government.

On the streets of Jo's, the plateau state capital some residents say they no longer have confidence in leadership of the NLC and TUC following the suspension of monday's strike .

Meanwhile the story is slightly different in Kwara state north central Nigeria as organised labour in the State worried less about the decision of their national leaders and has gone ahead to issue a 14-day strike notice to the State Government for non-implementation of the thirty (30) thousand naira National Minimum wage

Issa Ore is Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who made the announcement in Ilorin at the end of a congress meeting of the chapter.

Find below the FG/LABOUR MEETING COMMUNIQUE:

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE RESOLUTION OF TRADE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA (FGN) AND THE ORGANIZED LABOUR REPRESENTED BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) HELD AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL ON SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER 2020

A Bipartite Meeting between the FGN and the two Labour Centres  Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),

Having been convened at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja to discuss emerging labour issues arising from recent cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,

Recognizing the public outcry and protest over the recent Federal Government twin policies on Electricity Tariff Reform and full implementation of deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry resulting in the planned nation-wide industrial action by Organised Labour,

Bearing in mind the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world economy,

Further bearing in mind that due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic the world is undergoing socio-economic transition which has affected price stability, sustainability of enterprises, employment, and other socio-economic indices,

Acknowledging that the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy has given rise to the need for a new socio-economic order,

Recognising the need to sustain enterprises for retention and creation of jobs as well as sustainable growth and development,

Acknowledging the need for social concertation between the Federal Government and workers representatives, namely the two Labour Centres  The NLC and TUC,

To aid in the dialogue and communication, the Federal Government side made presentations to show the state of economy and the drive behind the recent cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,

Bipartite meeting to address and resolve the issues in dispute between the FG and Labour Centres were held on September 15, 24, and 27, 2020,

After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.

After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, the following resolutions were reached and mutually adopted: 

ELECTRICITY TARIFF REFORMS

The parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine:

the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC;

metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll  out.

The Technical Committee membership is as follows:

Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN – Hon. Minister of State Labour & Employment - Chairman

Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba – Hon. Minister of State Power  Member

Prof. James Momoh - Chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission  Member

Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari - SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure  Member/Secretary

Dr. OnohoOmhen Ebhohimhen  Member (NLC)

Comrade Joe Ajaero  Member (NLC)

Comrade Chris Okonkwo  Member (TUC)

1no. Representative of DISCOS - Member

The Terms of Reference (ToR) are as follows:

To examine the justification for the new policy on cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate.

Examine and advise Government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters.

To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour.

The Technical sub - committee is to submit its report within two (2) weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as stand  alone items:

The 40% stake of Government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCOs Boards.

An all-inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MOU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with Labour represented.

That going forward, the moribund National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) be inaugurated before the end of the year 2020 to institutionalize the process of tripartism and socio dialogue on socio  economic and major labour matters to forestall crisis 

DOWNSTREAM SECTOR DEREGULATION

Consequent upon the critical review of the various challenges of the downstream sector of the Nigeria oil and gas industry vis a vis the incalculable losses associated with a subsidy regime the Country has been incurring in terms of, stifled growth in the downstream sector, diminished human capital development and massive financial leakages and flight. This is in addition to the dire financial circumstances of the Federation that precludes any ability to sustain any subsidy on PMS and making deregulation of PMS inevitable. Consequently, the Parties agreed to the following:

All parties agreed on the urgency for increasing the local refining capacity of the nation to reduce the overdependency on importation of petroleum products to ensure energy security, reduce cost of finished products, increase employment and business opportunities for Nigerians.

To address (1) above, NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the nations four refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna and to achieve 50% completion for Port Harcourt by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by the inclusive Steering Committee.

To ensure Commitment and transparency to the processes and timelines of the rehabilitation exercise, the management of NNPC has offered to integrate the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) into the Steering Committee already established by the Corporation.

A Validation team comprising the representatives of the NNPC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), NUPENG and PENGASSAN will be established to monitor progress of the rehabilitation of the refineries and the pipelines/strategic depots network and advice the Steering Committee periodically.

Post rehabilitation, NNPC shall involve the PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the Nations refineries.

The Federal Government will facilitate the delivery of licensed modular and regular refineries, involvement of upstream companies in petroleum refining and establishing framework for financing in the downstream sector.

NNPC to expedite work on the Build Operate and Transfer framework for the nations pipelines and strategic depots network for efficient transportation and distribution of Petroleum products to match the delivery timelines of the refineries as agreed.

The Federal Government and its agencies to ensure delivery of 1 million CNG/LPG AutoGas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel. A Governance Structure that will include representatives of organized Labour shall be established for timely delivery.

GENERAL INTERVENTION

To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector, the Federal Government will implement the following:

A specific amount to be unveiled by the FGN in two weeks time will be isolated from the Economic Sustainability Programme Intervention Fund and be accessed by Nigerian Workers with subsequent provision for 240,000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture. The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting. 

Federal Government will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable.

Federal Government will make available to organized labour 133 CNG/LPG driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the Country on a scale up basis thereafter to all States and Local Governments before December 2021.

Housing: 10% be allocated to Nigerian workers under the ongoing Ministry of Housing and Finance initiative through the NLC and TUC.

Consequently, the NLC and TUC agreed to suspend the planned industrial action.

ORGANISED LABOUR;

___________________                                                                    __________________

Ayuba  Wabba, mni                                                                                     Quadri Olalaye

NLC PRESIDENT                                                                                            TUC PRESIDENT

                                                                                                                        

_________________                                                               __________________

Emmanuel Ugboaja                                                                               Musa Lawal Ozigi, mni                                                                                             Secretary General NLC                                                                         Secretary General TUC

_________________                  __________________  

Williams E. Akporeha       Festus Osifo         

NUPENG President PENGASSAN President

___________________           __________________   

Martin Uzoegwu      Chris N. Okonkwo

President NUEE      President, SSAEAC

 

FOR GOVERNMENT:

__________________                                                             _______________________

Timipre Sylva                                                                                     Festus Keyamo, SAN

Hon. Min. of State Petroleum     Hon. Min. of State Labour & Employment                                                              

  __________________ _____________________  

Alh Lai Mohammed                                                                            Godwin Jedy-Agba      

Hon. Min. of Information & Culture                                          Hon. Min. of State Power                            

                                                                                                                        

                                            

                                                   _________________________

                                         Sen. (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, OON, MD.

                                         Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment

                                        

_______________________________

                                                          Boss Mustapha

                                     Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Nigerian Government ignores Labour agitations, says 'no going back' on water resources bill

 

Despite the public outcry against it, the Federal Government has declared it will go ahead with the Water Resources Bill.

EyewitnessMedia gathered that the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed told reporters that the bill was not designed to cause water wars in the country.

He explained that the bill is a panacea to likely water conflicts in the country, noting that critics of the bill have either not read it or might be mischievous.

He said there is no hidden agenda behind the bill, adding that it is not a subterfuge reintroduction of RUGA.

Mohammed made the clarifications at a joint briefing with the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu in Abuja.

He said: “There is nothing new about the National Water Resources Bill. This is because it is an amalgamation of Water Resources Laws that have been in existence for a long time.

These are:

– Water Resources Act, Cap W2 LFN 2004

– The River Basin Development Authority Act, Cap R9 LFN 2004

– The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (Establishment) Act, Cap N1100A, LFN 2004.

National Water Resources Institute Act, Cap N83 LFN 2004

“So, why are the laws being re-packaged as the National Water Resources Bill 2020?

“The answer is that they are being re-enacted with necessary modifications to bring them in line with current global trends as well as best practices in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

“The overall objective of this amalgamation is the efficient management of the Water Resources Sector for the economic development of Nigeria and the well-being of its citizens.

“The Bill provides for professional and efficient management of all surface and ground water for the use of the people (i.e. for domestic and non-domestic use, irrigation, agricultural purposes, generation of hydro-electric energy, navigation, fisheries and recreation).

“The Bill will ensure that the nation’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all persons.

“Critics contend that the Bill is aimed at taking the resources of a certain part of the country for the use of herders. In other words, the Federal Government is seeking to implement RUGA by subterfuge.

We also want to state that the Bill is for the good of the nation, and has no hidden agenda whatsoever.”

Adamu said the bill was sent to all the states for concurrence without any object.

He said the bill predated the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said:” This was never a Buhari bill, it is a bill for Nigeria. It started 2008 long before the President thought of winning election.”

ASUU On Babalakin's resignation as pro-chancellor, University of Lagos.

 

ASUU president, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi in his reaction to the resignation of the pro-chancellor of the university of Lagos, Wale Babalakin said Babalakin has the right to withdraw his services and suspects he feels the panel report will not favour his actions.

ASUU said it will await the recommendations of the panel before making further comments

Babalakin resigned hours after the special presidential visitation panel submitted its report to the minister of education on crisis rocking the management of the university of Lagos.

The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Wale Babalakin, has resigned over allegation of disagreement with the Federal Government on the Visitation Panel sent to the university.

 Babalakin, who was seen shortly at the ministry of education, barely minutes after the education minister received the report said in his resignation letter that there were too many vested interests in university of lagos matter, who were not approaching the issues objectively.

Babalakin said it has become imminent for him to stand by his principles since the Federal Government believed the actions he took may not be right.

The senior advocate of Nigeria said the visitation panel was raised to exonerate the Vice-Chancellor and implicate the Pro-Chancellor, who happened to be himself.

He said although he appeared in protest before the panel, he made it clear that the panel could not determine the issues before it.

While noting that he will also not be available again to serve as the chairman of the Federal Government Negotiation Team on the Agreement reached with university unions in 2009, which he has chaire since January 6th, 2017, insists he had served the university system in Nigeria with his heart and intellect.

Babalakin argued that as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Lagos, he did not receive sitting allowances and other perks of office.

He said he did not allow the two institutions to provide him with food or drinks.

Babalakin’s letter of resignation to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu was dated September 15, 2020 but it was made public barely a few hours after the submission of the report of the Visitation Panel on Thursday, september 17, 2020

Edo Governorship Election: PDP Alleges Security Lays Seige On Hotel Rivers Gov. Wike is Lodging, warns against intimidation of its Campaign Chairman

 

The attention of the entire People of Rivers State has been  drawn to the siege laid at the Hotel where the Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike is lodging while on official assignment in Benin, Edo State.

Recall that Governor Wike was appointed Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election; this is same position Governor Ganduje of Kano State occupies for his party the APC.

Governor Ganduje and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State are all in Benin, Edo State carrying out their assignment for the APC without any molestation or intimidation.

And in a breach of the pledge they made security agencies have decided to harass and intimidate Governor Wike who has not done any wrong.

May I on behalf of entire Rivers People Warn that  we Shall hold the IGP responsible for anything that happens to our Governor.

Signed:

Ambassador Akawor Desmond, Chairman 

PDP Rivers State

Fuel Scarcity Looms As Petrol tanker drivers to cut off northern distribution over Niger’s roads closure

Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, Wednesday, ordered members to halt distribution of petroleum products from Lagos to the northern part of the country from tomorrow (Thursday) till further notice.

PTD, in a statement by its National Chairman, Otunba Salimon Oladiti, explained that the action became necessary following the shut out of heavy trucks, including tankers, from using all the link roads in Minna, Niger State capital, by the state government from midnight September 15.

According to Oladiti, “we want to use this medium to inform the general public that from tomorrow (Thursday, September 17), our members will not be lifting products from Lagos to the northern part of the country because the Niger State government has shut out heavy-duty trucks, including tankers, from passing through the state.

The only alternative road is not motorable. This is Bida- Agai- Lapai-Lambata Road. In fact, this road is a deathtrap.

“When we got wind of the plan of the Niger State Government to shut the roads about weeks back, I spoke to the Minister of Works through one of his aides and he assured that the ministry would do palliative and remedial works on the road.

“Unfortunately, over two weeks after our discussion, nothing has been down on the roads.

“As leaders, we have to do the needful and protect the lives of our members from avoidable accidents and attacks from hoodlums.

“So starting from tomorrow, September 17, our members will not be lifting products from Lagos to the Northern part of the country. Until the Federal Government makes the alternative road motorable, our members will not resume lifting of products to the northern part of the country.

“In the letter to our State Chairman, the Niger State Government, through its Ministry of Transport, dated September 9, by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Abdullahi U. Imam, informed us about its decision to shut out all heavy trucks vehicles from passing through the link and major roads in the state from Tuesday.

“The letter read ‘You are aware of efforts of the Niger State government to rehabilitate Minna-Bida Road and major roads leading to Minna.

“‘These efforts have largely been frustrated because of the heavy presence of heavy trucks plying these roads.

“‘In view of the forgoing, we hereby notify you of government’s decision for a total shutdown of all linking roads to Minna to heavy trucks from 12 midnight of September 15.

“‘You will, please, bring this information to all your members in order to guide them to find alternative routes for their movements’.

“Consequently, we have directed our members (tanker drivers) to stop lifting products from Lagos to the northern part of the country until further notice

Vanguard newspaper

Greenwich Trust Merchant bank gets CBN License to operate in Nigeria

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Greenwich Trust Limited a Licence to operate as a Merchant Bank in the Country. 

The entity is now to be known as Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited. 

This license allows Greenwich Merchant Bank to upscale and offer such diverse services as Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Financial Advisory Services, Securities Dealing, Treasury, Wealth and Asset management etc, making it possible to provide increased value to stakeholders beyond its previous scope.

Ahead of Edo Election, U.S. Ban some Nigerian Politicians

*According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in electoral malpractice.*

*BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKSEP 15, 2020*

Aformer governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, is among top Nigerians slammed with a visa ban by the United States Government on Monday, SaharaRepoters has learnt.

Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, are also among those affected by the latest US sanction, it was gathered.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna on the other hand had his own visa ban extended.

SaharaReporters Media

He has been banned from entering the US since 2010 over a graft case.

According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in electoral malpractice.

Those affected by the latest visa ban have received notification by email and or text messages, it was learnt.

A statement by spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, on Monday said those issued visa bans received the sanction for undermining democracy in Nigeria.

 It reads, “In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa states elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo states elections.

“These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

“The Department of State emphasises that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human Rights"

Organised Labour in Deep As Rivers Government Warns of disgard for court order over tuesday's mega protest by NLC and TUC

 

Rivers state Government dares Organised Labour on planned massive protest and shutdown of the state.

Organised labour had in a press briefing on friday, September, 3, 2020, threatened to shutdown the state from, tuesday, September 7, 2020 over what it describes as anti-labour posture of Rivers Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike.

At a media briefing on saturday, september 5, the Rivers state attorney general and commissioner of justice said a court of competent jurisdiction is already hearing the matter it will be contempt of court should organised labour goes ahead with any protest and or strike.

The commissioner warns organised Labour of inciting workers in Rivers state from going ahead with their work peacefully.

Find a statement signed by NLC and TUC

3rd September 2020

NIGERIAN WORKERS REJECT AND PROTEST THE USE OF STRONG-ARM TACTICS AND DEPLOYMENT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WORKERS BY THE RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT! 

A Press Statement

This is to alert Nigerians on the birth of new progeny of authoritarianism, industrial tyranny and state sponsored violence and terrorism against workers and citizens by the Rivers State Government. The events of the past few weeks confirm to us and many right-thinking Nigerians that there is a full-fledged bloom of despotic rule in Rivers State under the administration and supervision of Mr. Nyesom Wike.

On the 2nd of February 2020, agents of the Rivers State Government invaded and sealed off the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rivers State Council Secretariat at D -Line, Port Harcourt. The premise for the forced take-over was that the government claimed it wanted to do a structural integrity test on the building. 

This same building was only recently constructed and commissioned by the Rivers State Government. The Rivers State government only realized that the building it built and commissioned needed structural test immediately workers started making strident demands for their rightful entitlements to salary adjustment based on the new national minimum wage, release of withheld salaries, promotion, payment of arrears of owed pension and gratuity and remittance of check off dues to unions. 

Not done with the sealing of the NLC Rivers State secretariat, hoodlums suspected to be sponsored by the state government invaded the sealed NLC Rivers State Council secretariat on the night of Tuesday, 21st July 2020. Equipment and installations worth millions of naira were vandalized. Till today, no single arrest has been made.

A few weeks ago, the Chairperson of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Rivers State Council, Comrade Anthony Wachukwu was abducted, taken to the Rivers State Government House Port Harcourt where he was detained. Later, he was charged before a magistrate court on trumped up criminal charges. While he was still being prosecuted, he was kidnapped. He is yet to be seen till now.

The campaign of terror against workers in Rivers State took a very dangerous dimension on August 27, 2020 during a meeting of NLC Rivers State Executive Council meeting at the secretariat of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Road 19, Pipeline, Rumuagholu, Port Harcourt, held there owing to the sealing of the usual meeting venue. 

The attack by hundreds of armed hoodlums was led by a man who identified himself as the Councilor of Ward 7, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, who said he was acting on “orders from above”. Given the clear intention of the mob to injure, maim and kill many of our members, our workers had to take to their heels thus abandoning the meeting. Currently, all labour leaders in Rivers State are operating underground.

The attack on the leaders of the NLC in Rivers State on Thursday, 27th August 2020 was only the tipping of a well calculated attempt by the Rivers State government to eviscerate, incarcerate and decimate the leadership of Labour in Rivers State. The grand design is to muzzle the voice of Rivers State workers who face a despicable industrial ordeal.

Fellow citizens, Nigerian workers have never had it so bad under a state governor as Mr. Nyesom Wike who now sees himself as a demi-god. As the demi-god that he believes he is, Mr. Nyesom Wike has no scruples for the rule of law or basic standards of decency. He has arrogated and appropriated to himself the powers of both the executive, the judiciary, the legislative and the vicious powers of underground non-state operatives who openly identify themselves as thugs loyal to Mr. Wike.

Nigerian workers are not cowed and will never be cowed by the cowardly actions of Mr. Nyesom Wike to cower our voices. Workers will never succumb to his scare tactics. We will continue to demand that the rights of our workers in the workplace, their safety, and the sanctity of their lives must be respected always both by government and private sector employers. We will never shirk from this sacred mandate. 

Nigerian workers under the aegis of NLC and TUC and our civil society allies in the discharge of our constitutional rights will embark on a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on September 8, 2020. The protest is to draw the attention of the world to the following infractions on workers and trade union rights in Rivers State:

1. Act of Lawlessness by sealing off the NLC Rivers State Council

2. Witch-hunting, Persecution and Prosecution of trade union leaders on trumped up charges

3. Non-payment of gratuity and pensions to pensioners since 2015

4. Non-payment of promotion arrears since 2015

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Rivers State government has failed to clear the arears of pension and gratuity indebtedness in the state. This wicked act has become the living nightmare of senior citizens who are being punished for serving the state. These pensioners are dying in droves as a result of neglect.

5. Withholding of workers’ salaries

The Rivers State government is owing some workers in the state up to 7-month salaries. The February and March 2016 salaries of teachers in Rivers state were not paid due to the biometric test ordered by the State Government. Health workers in Rivers State were denied their October 2017 salary due to their participation in the National JOHESU strike.

6. Refusal to negotiate with workers’ organizations on salary adjustments consequent on the new national minimum wage

Since the enactment of the new national minimum wage of N30,000, there has been no collective bargaining agreement and enabling circular for the implementation of the new national minimum wage in Rivers State. The state government has also refused to conclude negotiations on consequential salary adjustments with workers’ in Rivers State and has also excluded all the tertiary institutions in Rivers State from benefitting from any consequential salary adjustment.

7. Use of Hired Thugs

The Rivers state government deployed hired thugs to attack workers both individually and as a group. The attack of trade union leaders and violent disruption of the Rivers State Executive Council meeting on August 27, 2020 was only an icing on the cake of Wike’s malfeasance.

8. Refusal to remit statutory check-off dues to trade unions

By refusing to remit statutory check off dues to unions and the labour centres, the Rivers State government is projecting an overt agenda of suffocating trade unions in Rivers State to death in clear violation of Section 17 of Nigeria’s Trade Union Act.

Fellow Nigerians, if after next week’s protest, Governor Wike continues to hold labour in contempt and fails to redress our concerns, we will be left with no other option than to ground every socio-economic activity in Rivers State until the Rivers State Governor does the needful. 

We wish to remind Mr. Nyesom Wike that the world has seen the rise and fall of even more unconscionable, atrocious, and blood thirsty tyrants. His own case will not be any different. 

Mr. Nyesom Wike should be well assured that Organized Labour in Nigeria and all over the world through our international network will continue to hold him to account and bring him to justice, even after the expiration of his current tenure in office, should any slightest harm come to any worker during our protest.

Aluta Continua… Victoria Ascerta…

Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni                  Comrade Quadri Olaleye, FCIA

President, Nigeria Labour Congress      President, Trade Union Congress

Sacrillage: 4 year old girl raped by 50 year old man in a mosque

 

Copied from CRAZY THINGS HAPPENING BLOG.

Unhealthy reports have emerged from Nigeria in recent times on rape happening in Worship centres.

The hearth breaking stories, sadly involves adult male taking advantage of children; boys and girls

The latest report is coming from  bauchi state, north west Nigeria, where news filtered in that a fifty-year old man has raped a four-year old girl inside mosque

 

The yet to be identified man was said to have come from a nearby community to commit the crime, after he was arrested by vigilant  the members of the community

The suspect is reported to be in the custody of the police, for further investigation.

The report confirmed that the yet to be identified child has since been taken to the hospital for examination.

Meanwhile the police has confirmed the incident through a press statement and a picture.

PRESS RELEASE 04/09/2020

ARREST OF SERIAL RAPIST.

On the 03/09/2020 at about 1130hrs one Jamilu Abdullahi

'M' of Igbo Quarters reported at the Township Police Station that on same date at about 0920hrs One Yusuf Bako 'M' aged 50years of Yakubu Wanka Street Bauchi lured one Hauwa'u Jamilu 'F' aged 4years to a Mosque located at Aminu Street and “had canal knowledge of  her”. Subsequently, the said Yusuf Bako was arrested and he confessed to the crime.

When interrogation he stated that he was arrested and

imprisoned sometimes in the year 2001 and 2015 for the same offence. Further, claimed to be among the fortunate inmate recently pardon by the State on the eve of Corona virus.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State

Command CP Lawan Tanko Jimeta psc, call on the good people of the state to continue exercising their civil responsibility of pointing and giving vital information that may ease police in its operations to steam the state of all form of crime and criminality.

DSP AHMED MOHAMMED WAKIL

Police Public Relations Officer,

For: Commissioner of Police,

Bauchi State Command.