Connect with us

Labour

Ndume, Ireti, Nwoye Lead Dialogue with Protesters

Published

on

Share

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate Wednesday nominated the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, Senator Heebah Ireti Kingibe of the FCT, Anambra South Senator, Tony Nwoye, among others, to lead a Committee that would dialogue with the aggrieved workers’ unions after they forced their way into the National Assembly Complex to protest fuel subsidy removal by the federal government and its attendant adverse effects on the citizens.

The protesters in their hundreds had marched from the Unity Fountain in Abuja to the National Assembly Complex in protest against the “anti-poor” policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The highly enraged workers had first pulled down the Main gate of the National Assembly when they observed that security men had locked it, before marching to the arcade of the legislative Complex.

Being alerted of their presence, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, immediately entered into a closed-door session with Senators, and at the end of the meeting, he said that the Red Chamber had set up a three-man committee to meet with the protesters at the National Assembly arcade.

The Committee was led by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, and was joined by the Senator representing FCT, Heebah Ireti Kingibe, Anambra South Senator, Tony Nwoye, among others.

The Senate also resolved that it would, in the shortest time possible, meet with the NLC and TUC leaderships to find an amicable resolution to the current impasse.

Addressing the protesters, Senator Ndume said, “Come here in solidarity, let me say one thing, please I beg you in the name of God let us take what we are doing seriously. Let us know that God is watching us; let it not be that we came here and waved banners, let us be able to solve the problems in this country once and for all.

“I speak because I know what I went through to escape poverty. The immediate past President of NLC is from my constituency and he knows me very well. I am a son of the poor that became somebody without knowing anybody. That time Nigeria was working, I was able to go to a public school. I was able to go to a public higher institution, I was able to get three jobs at a time but now things have changed. Who changed? It is we, and we are supposed to do the change; the members of the national assembly are your representatives.

“Let me tell you that whether we like it or not, as your representatives, we must represent you. In response to what the leadership is doing, the National Assembly has been following keenly what is going on. When we realized that there was a breakdown in the interplanetary between the Presidency and the NLC, on Monday one of our colleagues brought a motion on this Labour crisis that we are facing and the need for the Senate to intervene. The motion came up before we started the screening of Ministers, and all the ministers were co-sponsors, and that is to look at what is happening while the discussion stalled.”

Continuing, he said, “We have a problem, the NLC is discussing with the Presidency. I understand now what the President is saying, which I am in support of and I said it before that the NLC should be negotiating with either the President or the Vice President.

“And if, because of their schedule, the acceptable representation would continue the negotiation. We stand with you on that, and as I said, please have confidence in the National Assembly, give us a trial, let the leadership of the senate be involved in the negotiation. Two of us here are from the Labour Party. While I am from the ruling APC, they can afford to disappoint you or fail you. If they don’t understand that after 1400 days that are four years, they will come back to look for your votes so they know what they will lose if they fail you.

Please let us be serious, not just to wave flags, wear reg pull-overs, and just lose this thing like that, let us get permanent solutions to this, and the solution can be achieved, refineries are not working, Dangote started a refinery and nothing was there, and it is not enough to give money to the refineries, how much has been given to them and what happened?

So let us find a concrete solution to our problems. I am taking this letter to the leadership of which I am one, and as the President was reading them, our I was paying attention. The Senate will make this their demands, their terms of reference, and please as I said, this is a very strong message, but we are all Nigerians.

This country belongs to all of us. As long as we are involved in the negotiation, we should also be mindful of the consequences of our action. Unfortunately, the people that will suffer more are our people; the people that will harass you at the gate are the poor. There is no son off a senator that is a sergeant or a constable, so where is the problem, the problem is with us.

“Mr President reconsider this and give the Senate the chance, and then if we fail you, then of course you can go back to your position. This should serve as a warning to the Presidency, to the National Assembly, to everybody then if nothing tangible comes out of our effort you can take action.”

JUDICIARY

LG Autonomy: Supreme Court Judgment Meets Constitutional Order- Edeoga

Published

on

Share

 Former Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party(LP) for the 2023 elections in Enugu State, Hon Chijioke Edeoga has hailed the Thursday ruling of the Supreme Court, which granted financial autonomy to the nation’s 774 LGAs.

Edeoga, in reaction to the judgment said in a  statement in Abuja that the judgment was in line with the existing constitutional order.

“While it is suspected that the judgment may not meet the approval of advocates of political restructuring in Nigeria, there is no doubt that it accords with the demands of the existing constitutional order.

“The violation of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by governors of Nigerian states has been going on with flagrant impunity for many years and under different administrations since 1999.

“Local Government Areas, recognized in the Nigerian Constitution as the third tier of government and the one closest to the people, have been deprived of the funds needed for grassroots development, thus existing at the mercy of state governors,” he  remarked.

He regretted that over the years, state governors have made local government funds their cash cows, receiving and dispensing as they deemed fit, and without regard to the development imperatives of the councils, their employees, and their respective peculiar development challenges.

“This abuse has given rise to situations where local councils are forced to queue on a strange breadline, where governors favour some local governments while sidelining others.

“The offices of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies are stacked with files bursting with evidence of abuse of local council funds by state governors, whose prosecution has been hindered by red tape and other inexplicable reasons” he noted.

The former Governorship candidate recalled that during  his campaign for the Governorship of Enugu State, he highlighted the deplorable management of local council funds in Enugu State and vowed that council funds would be sacrosanct if he won the election.

He said as a former local government Chairman, he knew the importance of those funds and the leverage they provide for rural development, employment generation, and economic empowerment. 

 “My belief is that rather than treat council funds as a source of free money as most state governors see them, I would ensure easy and direct access to it by council chairmen as a means of ensuring that local government councils become complementary to the state government’s development efforts,” he stressed. 

He said his intention upon assumption of office was to empower Local councils and noted that the judgment will minimize the tendency of some governors and state officials to favour their local governments of origin while sidelining others.

“I am particularly relieved that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken this rare positive step towards restoring the glories of local administration in Nigeria. “Those of us in the Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party see this as a step in the right democratic direction and must single out President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for pursuing this judgement with a single-minded determination and patriotic purposefulness. 

“While we commend the current administration for the rare courage and vision deployed in pursuit of this case, we must also advise against allowing the judgement to form another layer of entry in our Case Laws. Nigerians are excited by the judgement and are looking forward to the restoration it would bring to bear on rural development across the country, and would be displeased if deliberate political, judicial, and institutional efforts are not made to ensure that implementation.”

“This judgement, it must be emphasised, is a PUBLIC INTEREST MATTER and has reignited hope of a possible grassroots development renaissance among the progressive-minded people that are interested in the development of Nigeria and the wellbeing of everyone” he stated.

Continue Reading

COVER

Minimum Wage: Labour Rules Out Strike, Awaits Tinubu’s Nod

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ruled out strike action earlier scheduled for Tuesday (today) to demand a new national minimum wage.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known yesterday during the ongoing International Labour Conference taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ajaero said organised labour cannot embark on strike today because the figures presented by the tripartite committee on minimum wage were with President Bola Tinubu.

He clarified that the submission of N62,000 as proposed by the government and the organized employers’ body with labour proposing N250,000 does not translate to labour accepting N62,000 as the new minimum wage.

“The tripartite committee submitted two figures to the President. Government and employers proposed N62,000 while labour proposed N250,00o. We are waiting for the decision of the President. Our National Executive Council (NEC) will deliberate on the new figure when it is out.

“We cannot declare a strike now because the figures are with the President. We will wait for the President’s decision.

“During the tenure of the immediate past President, the figure that was proposed to him was N27,000 by the tripartite committee but he increased it to N30,000. We are hopeful that this President will do the right thing. The President had noted that the difference between N62,000 and N250,000 is a wide gulf,” he said.

The NLC president also berated state governors under the umbrella body of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for rejecting the N62,000 minimum wage proposal.

“How can any governor say he cannot pay? They cannot also be calling for the decentralization of the minimum wage.

“Are there wages decentralized? Governors whose states are not contributing a dime to the national purse and who generate pitiable Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) are collecting the same amount as governors whose states are generating billions of dollars into the FAAC.

“They should decentralize their salaries and emoluments first.

“So, where is the governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki getting his money from? He is paying N70,000 minimum wage. This is the type of governor that should be emulated and not the lazy ones,” he added.

Continue Reading

COVER

Labour Suspends Strike over Minimum Wage for One Week

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

The Organised Labour yesterday suspended its ongoing indefinite strike action for one week over a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike.

A joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of both Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has approved to relax the industrial action for one week with immediate effect.

It was gathered that the development followed a tentative agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Organised Labour on the new national minimum wage on Monday night with a resolution to further engage daily for the next one week at the level of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage until a final agreement is reached.

The Federal Government had assured the Labour leaders that President Bola Tinubu was committed to paying a new monthly minimum wage above the initial offer of N60,000.

This was disclosed late Monday night at the end of a marathon meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, in furtherance to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of the Organised Labour from the negotiation table.

Members of the NLC and TUC earlier on Monday embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike to press home their demands for a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike, a development that paralysed activities in both public and private sectors across the country.

In a statement issued at the end of the meeting endorsed by the Ministers of Information and that of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Idris and Nkiruka Onyejeocha, respectively, on the part of the Federal Government, and NLC and TUC Presidents, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively, on the part of the Organised Labour, the meeting agreed on a four-point resolutions as a pathway to ending the ongoing industrial dispute.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000;

“Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet every day for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;

“Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and

“No worker would be victimised as a result of the industrial action,” the resolutions read.

In a statement issued at the end of the meeting endorsed by the Ministers of Information and that of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Idris and Nkiruka Onyejeocha, respectively, on the part of the Federal Government, and NLC and TUC Presidents, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively, on the part of the Organised Labour, the meeting agreed on a four-point resolutions as a pathway to ending the ongoing industrial dispute.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000;

“Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet every day for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;

“Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and

“No worker would be victimised as a result of the industrial action,” the resolutions read.

Tinubu Gives Finance Minister 48 Hours to Present New Minimum Wage Template

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to come up with the cost Implications on the new minimum wage within two days.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known while briefing State House Correspondents after a meeting the negotiation team had with the president at Aso Rock, yesterday.

“All parties to the negotiation of the new minimum wage would work together with the organised labour to present a new minimum wage for Nigerians in one week.

“All of us will work together assiduously within the next one week to ensure that we have a new wage for Nigeria that is acceptable, sustainable and also realistic.”

Idris also disclosed that the President had given a marching order that all those who have negotiated on behalf of the Federal government and all those who are representatives of organised private sectors, the sub nationals to come together to have a new wage award that is affordable, sustainable and realistic for Nigerians

The minister said Tinubu was committed to accepting the resolutions of the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage.

“We were all there to look at all issues, and the president has directed the minister of finance to do the numbers and get back to him between today and tomorrow so that we can have figures ready for negotiation with labour. Let me say that the president is determined to go with what the committee has said, and he’s also looking at the welfare of Nigerians.

“The government is not an opponent of labour discussions or wage increases.”

The minister said the president directed that the committee should work together to give Nigerians an “affordable, sustainable, and realistic” minimum wage.

“All of us will work together assiduously within the next one week to ensure that we have a new wage for Nigeria that is acceptable, sustainable, and also realistic,” he said.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had summoned labour leaders to an emergency meeting after the strike which crippled economic activities on Monday.

At the end of the meeting, it was announced that the Federal Government had offered to pay higher than N60,000 minimum wage.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS1 hour ago

Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is...

NEWS2 hours ago

Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

Share The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property...

NEWS2 hours ago

NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

Share The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages,...

NEWS2 hours ago

CHAN: Nigeria, Ghana Clash Ends in Goalless Draw

ShareThe Nigeria, Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship ends a goalless draw in...

NEWS2 hours ago

FG Lifts Ban on Mining to Boost Zamfara IGR – Minister

Share Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in...

NEWS2 hours ago

Kaduna’ll be Secure During Yuletide-CP

Share The Police Command in Kaduna State said it  has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state....

NEWS2 hours ago

IG Visits Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody in Ilorin 

ShareThe Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death...

NEWS2 hours ago

2024 was Turbulent for us But God Strengthened us, Makinde Says

ShareGov. Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go...

SPORTS2 hours ago

NPFL: Late Penalty Kick Helps Kwara United to Narrow Win

ShareA penalty kick awarded late in the game on Sunday helped hosts Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin to a...

Missing N500bn: Probe CBN, Falana, Others Tell PMB Missing N500bn: Probe CBN, Falana, Others Tell PMB
POLITICS2 hours ago

Poverty, Behind Deadly Stampedes Across Nigeria, says Falana

ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Sunday attributed the deadly stampede that claimedmore than 105...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc