Author: The Nation

The National Industrial Court on Monday urged management of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and its 110 staff members to proceed to file their terms of settlement.

Justice Rakiya Haastrup gave the directive when the matter slated for report of settlement came up.

The staff members’ counsel, Mr Femi Adedeji informed the court that he proceeded to PTAD along with the defendant’s counsel, Dr. Abubakar Is’haq after the court sitting on June 6.

Adedeji in addition stated that he assured PTAD of his clients support for the release of the needed documents to ABU.

Is’haq on his part submitted that PTAD on June 14 scanned a memorandum of understanding for indemnity that will exonerate it from any issue that may arise as a result of releasing the claimants pension records to his client.

He added that PTAD will release the said documents after the MOU is signed.

Adedeji said that documents sought will enable the defendant to computate the claimants’ pension and gratuity benefits rid of discrepancies that is currently the bone of contention.

He further said that he was optimistic that before the next adjourned date, the parties will be able to meet and settle on the computations that will have been carried out by the defendant after getting the records from PTAD.

The court therefore adjourned the matter until Oct.23, after the court’s annual vacation,
for report of settlement.

The court in addition urged parties to proceed to file their terms of settlement.

News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the defendant is seeking documents from PTAD that will correct discrepancies in the computations of the claimants’ pension and gratuity benefits.

The claimants appointments were terminated in 1996, however as part of the order of the court, the institution converted the termination letters to reinstatement or retirement letters as applicable to each staff.

The parties as part of terms of settlement have agreed on arrears of salary computations, but have failed to reach an agreement on the pension and gratuity computations.

(NAN)

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Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says his cabinet will be made up of youths, middle-aged and the elderly.

Oborevwori made this known on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Service in honour of his Deputy, Chief Monday Onyeme, at the St. John’s Anglican Church, Ibabu, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.

“The appointments are coming. We will mixture of the young, average and the old. God is leading us, nobody is directing this administration.

”We will do the right thing for our people at the right time,” Oborevwori said.

He said that the state government would be fair and just in the appointments and distribution of projects across the state.

He urged the people of the state to continue to pray for him and his adminstration to enable him deliver on his campaign promises to the people.

Oborevwori accompanied by his wife, Tobore, noted that his administration was a product of the grace and mercy of God.

He reminded the people about the importance of thanksgiving in perfecting the acts of God upon any man.

”I overcame so many challenges to become governor. I am happy to be here to join my friend and brother, the Deputy Governor and his wife, Catherine to give thanks to God for our successful inauguration as governor and deputy and for all our victories at the election and in the courts.

“We have come to thank God for finding us worthy to serve at this time in the history of our dear State.

“We will continue to give God thanks for giving us the opportunity to lead Delta at this time inspite of several challenges, which we overcame by God’s grace.

“Thanking God is very important and that is why we will continue to appreciate the hand of God upon our lives and state,” he said.

He commended the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for his skills training and entrepreneurship programmes, while assuring that his administration will do more to touch the lives of the people of the state.

The governor pledged to deliver on his M.O.R.E Agenda for the state.

Earlier, Bishop of Ika Diocese and Supervising Bishop of Ndokwa Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Godfrey Ekpenisi congratulated Sir Onyeme and his wife, Catherine.

Ekpenisi, in a sermon titled; “Seven Principles of Starting and Finishing Strong”, urged leaders to seek wisdom, promote excellence, be good and disciplined leaders, show love to the people, nurture their families and honour God throughout their tenures.

He called on leaders to be disciplined and show empathy to the people they are leading, adding that “a leader does not force leadership on people, he earns it by his actions.

Read Also: Oborevwori tasks traditional rulers on security

In attendance were, Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; immediate past Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith; former Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was represented by his daughter, Orode; former Deputy Governors, Sir Benjamin Elue and Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E  stands  for Meaningful Development,     Opportunities for All,  Realistic Reforms, and  Enhanced Peace and Security.

(NAN)