NEWS
35% Affirmative: Buhari Backs Judgment, Congratulates Nigerian Women
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President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his support for the Federal High Court Abuja judgment on the 35 per cent affirmative action.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a world press conference organised by the Nigerian Women Trust Funds (NWTF), Women Radio 91. 7FM, Women in Politics Forum, among others.Justice Donatus Okorowo had, on April 6, delivered judgment in favour of some women groups asking the Federal Government to implement the 35 per cent affirmative action.
The minister, while speaking at the event titled: “The Landmark Judgment on 35% Affirmative Action for Women on April 6, 2022,” said President Buhari congratulated the Nigerian women on the victory.
She said the president restated his commitment to ensuring that the victory was not only sustained but the policy implemented. “The 6th of April, 2022, has gone in history as a day Nigeria women made history on 35 per cent Affirmative. “I thank Mr President for his support.
Mr President sends his congratulatory message to Nigerian women. “He was happy with the judgment and when I told him this morning that I am coming to join you at this world press conference, he was happy. “So Mr President is happy with us and I know very soon, the implementation will not only be 35 per cent but 50/50. “So on behalf of Mr President, I congratulate Nigerian women,” she said.
She said the victory was already being witnessed as a number of women were inaugurated into two boards of federal agencies during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday.
Tallen also said that the last congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) witnessed an increase in the number of women elected into its National Executive Committee (NEC).She said prior to the congress, the ruling party had only national women leader in the NEC but now, the deputy woman leader and the deputy treasurer, a woman, are now members.
“We will be pushing and pushing, and Mr President has always given us audience and we are seeing significant changes and we know we shall get there. “President Buhari has demonstrated that he is ‘He-for-She’ and he is in support of the women.
“We will join you to sustain the victory and I want to assure you of Mr President’s commitment to the course of Nigerian women,” she said. The minister, who said that the victory came at the time women’s spirit was low as a result of the National Assembly’s rejection of the five gender bills, said the development was a game changer.
“We are already changing the minds of National Assembly members. “Just three days ago, their wives visited me and they have also leaned their support to women’s course. “A journey of thousand’s miles begin with a step,” she said.
She was hopeful that the lawmakers would review their stand on the gender bills after the Easter break. The Chief Executive Officer of NWTF, Mufuliat Fijabi, said the journey to the victory was both challenging and successful.
Fijabi said the history made on April 6 was being documented and upon completion, it would be widely disseminated as a learning point for other strategies and other countries of the world to emulate and learn from.
She said as soon as the certified true copy of the judgment is received, the women groups would build a database of qualified Nigerian women, mapping of existing vacancies and several more.
Representative of Open Society Initiative for West Africa, Peter Ocheikwu, said the organisation took pride in the court victory because it would set a precedence.
Ocheikwu said this would also have a direct impact on women’s political representation and reinforce “the commitment to building open societies where citizens enjoy the benefits of inclusive policies, good governance, vibrant democracies, transparency, accountability that are particularly inclusive and equitable.”(NAN)
NEWS
NATCOMS Asks NCC to Sanction MTN, Others for Breach of Agreement
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The National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) has urged the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to sanction any telecom operator which may have already implemented the tariff hike, for breach of agreement.
The National President, NATCOMS, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo told newsmen on Wednesday that any telecom operator which had implemented the tariff hike was actually breaching the agreement by the NCC and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Report says that, following the NLC objections to the tariff hike, the Federal Government established a 10-man committee to deliberate on the proposal and report back to it in two weeks before any final decision would be made on the new telecom tariff structure.
Ogunbanjo said that the NCC had agreed to hold a stakeholders’ meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), subscribers and the telecoms operators represented within two weeks to discuss the issue of tariff hike.
He said that the stakeholders meeting was yet to be held neither had the two weeks elapsed before the telcos started implementation of the 50 per cent tariff hike.
According to him, this is an affront and defaulters should be sanctioned.
“I am sure you are aware that NATCOMS was prepared to head to court to challenge the 50 per cent tariff hike but decided to wait for the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting.
“This is the advice that was given to the subscribers association by its national general secretary who happens to be a lawyer.
“So why should the hike be implemented when the stakeholders’ meeting is yet to be held?
“The NCC should, as a matter of urgency, sanction the telcos for implementing an upward review of tariffs,’’ he said.
Report says that a check using the *312# code on the MTN network showed that the telco had revised its data prices.
For the monthly plans, MTN 1.8GB now goes for N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000; the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, a rise from N4,500.
The 20GB monthly plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, among others.
Further checks show that all the networks had reviewed their text messaging price from N4.00 to N6.00.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory body had approved a maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments to operators in January.
The Commission said its approval, though less than the 100 per cent hike demanded by operators, was in response to prevailing operational costs.
It said that its decision was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.
However, NATCOMS had threatened to sue the NCC, while the Nigeria Labour Congress had pledged to start an industrial action if the 50 per cent proposed tariff hike was not reviewed downwards.
This prompted the Federal Government to constitute a 10-man committee to deliberate on the tariff hike within two weeks and report back before any final decision was made on the new telecom tariff structure.
Despite this agreement, telecom firms have proceeded with the increase, prompting the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariff hike are not reversed. (NAN)
NEWS
Abia Governor Flags Off Key Road Reconstruction
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Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development as a key driver of economic transformation in the state.
Otti gave the reaffirmation on Wednesday during the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the 5.5-kilometre Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road in Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA).
He emphasised the importance of road infrastructure in societal and economic development, describing roads as historical markers and economic indicators.
The governor said economic transformation across Abia remains central to his administration’s agenda, with road infrastructure acting as a key benchmark for progress.
Otti revealed that in recent months, his administration had initiated over a dozen new road projects, covering more than 200 kilometres across the state.
According to him, these projects aim to improve connectivity, attract investments, and enhance Abia’s overall economic landscape.
The governor assured residents that his government prioritises financial discipline and project execution, ensuring road projects are fully funded before commencement.
He stated, “What sets us apart is that before a flag-off ceremony, plans are made to ensure funds are available for effective execution and timely delivery.
“I am pleased to report that Abia now ranks among the few states with zero debt to contractors. The National Bureau of Statistics confirmed this.”
Otti noted that this prudent approach had eliminated abandoned projects in the state.
He added that his administration had set a new standard for infrastructure delivery, ensuring funds are secured before work begins and using only reputable contractors.
In his address, Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, said the road aligns with the government’s vision to transform Abia’s entry points into modern, well-structured gateways.
“This road forms the western gateway into Abia, and its dualisation will make a grand first impression, improving aesthetics, safety, and accessibility,” the commissioner said.
He added that the project would revitalise surrounding communities, facilitate smoother travel, and expand the area’s potential as an industrial hub.
Oti explained that beyond improving connectivity, the project would create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, boosting the state’s internal revenue.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, described the road project as a welcome development.
Nwachukwu said the government had resolved to build the first medical city of the state in the area.
In separate speeches, the First Deputy Chairman of Abia Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, and elder statesman, Dr Gershion Amuta, commended the governor for his commitment to infrastructural development.
They called on Abia residents to continue supporting and praying for the governor.
Lawmaker for Isiala Ngwa South Constituency, Mr Rowland Chinwendu, and Labour Party stalwart, Mr Dannie Ubani, praised the governor for redefining leadership in the state.
They urged residents to take ownership of the project and support the administration’s rebuilding agenda.
Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Mr Nnadozie Nwogwugwu, described the project as a sign of the government’s unwavering commitment to developing the state.
Nwogwugwu said the project would greatly promote socioeconomic growth across Abia. (NAN)
NEWS
Amotekun Rescue 16 Women from Trafficking
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The Ogun Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, confirmed on Wednesday the rescue of 16 women and girls allegedly forced into prostitution.
While parading the victims and their trafficker in Abeokuta, Amotekun Corps Commander, Alade Adedigba, said the girls were rescued after an intelligence report.
Adedigba explained that the victims, aged between 12 and 27, were rescued from Rail Line Hotel in Ifo, located in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, mostly teenagers, were paraded alongside their alleged “carer,” identified as Mrs Idem Joy.
Adedigba confirmed that 14 of the victims were from Akwa-Ibom, while one each came from Cross River and Delta.
The commander added that N819,600 was recovered from the alleged trafficker, who kept the victims at Railway Line Hotel, Ifo, owned by Mrs. Yemisi Oguntoro, now at large.
“Some victims revealed they were forced to swear an oath while naked with holy books, promising not to disclose their situation or attempt to escape,” Adedigba said.
Adedigba emphasised the commitment of Gov. Dapo Abiodun to improve security and residents’ welfare. He reiterated that Ogun would not harbour criminals.
“The Amotekun Corps will hand the case over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further action,” Adedigba said. (NAN)