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Tag: Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello

  • May Day: Niger workers’ demands cancellation of Pension Scheme

    May Day: Niger workers’ demands cancellation of Pension Scheme

    The absence of the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the Workers Day parade Monday in Minna has been attributed to the fear of being berated by the workers of the state over his reluctance to cancel the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Comrade Yahaya Videos Ndako who disclosed this during the Workers Day Celebration at the 1,2,3 Parade Ground in Minna stated that the Organized Union in the state are calling for the total cancellation of the Contributory Pension Scheme and would not accept its implementation.

    Addressing the representative of the Governor, the Secretary of State Government, Hon. Ibrahim Isah Ladan and workers of Niger state, the Chairman said that the new Bill sent by the Governor to the House of Assembly seeking to amend the law establishing the contributory pension is unacceptable adding that Labor will no longer allow its retirees to be subjected to untold hardship.

    Ndako stated that this latest action of the government is capable of flaring up the anger of both serving and retired workers to an unimaginable proportion whose consequences may be unhealthy to the state.

    “We are Nigerlites, we voted for the government in power and we need to enjoy our rights. This new Bill is vehemently rejected by the Organized Labor in Niger state. We are saying this gently so that when we start reacting, it would not be said that hope have started.

    “We will fight our cause based on the law of the land. I can say categorically that the Governor and I spoke after a programme in Radio Niger and I told him about our rejection of the new Bill. I am sure that that is what prevented Me. Governor from coming to the parade today.”

    Ndako who insisted that they had no problem with the state Governor neither are they enemies of the Governor pointing out that there are sycophants in the Governor’s cabinet who take delight in causing chaos in some sectors in the state.

    The NLC Chairman then called on Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to carry out reshufflement of his cabinet due to its numbers of sycophants and unproductive members stating that, “the earlier he reshuffles his cabinet, the better for him.”

    He then advised the state government to dedicate the allocation of N200 million from the N400million monthly Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) and set up a Board of Trustee to that effect for its effective and efficient management.

    In his speech read by the Secretary of the State Government,  Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said that his administration is not unaware of the skepticism and apprehension of the civil servants in the state hence the welfare of worker would be given the required priority.

    Ladan stated that the state government will continued to pay its 10.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent of workers in to the Contributory Pension Scheme adding that the Governor believe in dialogue in resolving matters.

    However, the workers did not allow him to finish as they interrupted him saying it was unacceptable, shouts of “no no no go and seat down” “we will not accept it” filled the air.

    But the SSG continued his speech saying that the state government has paid over N2.6 billion outstanding Pension and gratuities of workers assuring the workers that the payment would continue but in batches.

     

  • I’ve failed in cutting down my staff strength – Sani Bello

    I’ve failed in cutting down my staff strength – Sani Bello

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello Thursday lamented his inability to cut down the staff in his employ despite the financial challenge the state is currently facing.

    According to him, all moves to cut down on the staff both at the civil service and appointed staff have proved abortive.

    Bello stated this Thursday when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright in Government House in Minna.

    The Governor who advocated that people should go into agriculture or learn a trade said that there are so many staff in the Niger state civil service to the extent that most of them are redundant and not functioning.

    “Already, we have so many staff and it have been difficult to cut down on the staff. Even politically, it is difficult to cut down on the staff. I have tried to cut down on the staff in so many ways but I have failed”, he lamented.

    The Governor then asked that the British High Commissioner partner with the state in the area of building up technical and vocational institution in a bid to reduce youth restiveness and the search for blue collared jobs.

    He appealed for a long term relationship with the British government adding that it will be beneficial to the state and the United Kingdom.

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright had earlier expressed the interest of the United Kingdom in partnering with the state government in the area of mining and agriculture.

    He said that Niger state have a large potential in agriculture if the potentials are properly harnessed pointing out that the agricultural sector can take the state out of its current economic challenges.

  • Supreme Court upholds Sani-Bello’s election

    Supreme Court upholds Sani-Bello’s election

    The Supreme Court has on Friday upheld the election of Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

    According to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, the case lacks merit especially when the appellant did not participate in the election.

    An aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mustapha Babangida had asked the apex court to nullify the election of Sani Bello and called for a fresh election claiming that the emergence of Governor Sani Bello as the APC flag bearer was biased.

    Ruling on the case with Suit No. FHC/Minna/255/2015 and dated 3rd of February, 2016, Justice Onnoghen said after considering the issues, citing the case of Audu and Nyako and section 87 sub-section 9 of the electoral Act, 2010 the appellant did not participate, neither did he fail in the elections.

    The CJN Onnoghen prepared the led judgment as he mandated the Presiding Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs to read the judgment saying the appellant had no right to take the matter to court.

    Counsel to the appellant Mohammed Mohammed however called for an amendment of Section 87 of the electoral act which denied his client the right to sue.

    However, Counsel to the APC, Yunus Usman hailed the ruling of the apex court.

  • Babangida remains relevant to Nigeria – Bello

    Babangida remains relevant to Nigeria – Bello

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has stated that former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has continued to remain relevant in the Nigerian Project

    He described the former leader who marks his 75th birthday as an indispensable leader and adviser.

    The governor in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace said that the roles the former President have been playing for the growth and development of the country is unquantifiable.

    “Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has remained a good man, a father, a role model and a pride to Nigerlites in particular and Nigerians in general.

    “The role he has been playing towards the consistent growth and development of this country in general and Niger State in particular are unquantifiable. His dogged commitment to the corporate existence of Nigeria as one indivisible country has been unique and unparalleled.

    Bello who appreciated Babangida for his fatherly and advisory role prayed Allah to continue to bless the General with many more years of robust health for continued distinguished service to the state and nation at large.

    The governor then expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the former Military President a life of great accomplishment and fulfillment.

  • Lagos, Niger mull partnership on agriculture

    Lagos, Niger mull partnership on agriculture

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday kick-started discussions on partnership for the development of agricultural commodity value chain with Niger State aimed at ensuring food security and job creation for the two States and the country at large.

    The partnership, which is the second of its kind that the Lagos State Government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is entering, was said to be directed at considerably boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of not just the two States, but the the country.

    Addressing journalists after paying a courtesy visit on Governor Ambode at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, said the discussion basically centered on how to explore the comparative advantage of the two States to the benefit of Lagos and Nigeria.

    He said: “It was a private discussion. It was just to say hello to him (Governor Ambode) and we did not discuss much. Part of our conversation, we discussed agriculture and we specifically discussed how we can partner with Lagos State to support agriculture to the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.”

    It was gathered that discussion on the partnership is still at the preliminary stage, while more would be revealed on modalities as to how things will pan out as regard the partnership going forward.

    Governor Ambode had earlier entered into partnership with Kebbi State also on development of agricultural commodity value chain. The agreement, aside being aimed at the production of 70 per cent of Nigeria’s rice requirements annually, also principally centres on boosting the production of wheat, ground nut, maize, millet, sorghum, sugar cane, cows among others.

    He said: “This relationship is visionary and it is also a pointer to the fact that the two states have decided to openly support the vision of Mr. President, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “The change mantra which President Buhari has been preaching is what this whole relationship is all about that we must look inward. We must start to reintegrate our economy in such a manner that we must not continue to import what we can produce and we must create a value chain where we have comparative advantage to do so,” Ambode had said.

  • NLC to Sani-Bello: Resign if you can’t pay salaries

    NLC to Sani-Bello: Resign if you can’t pay salaries

    The Niger state chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress has asked the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to resign or quit the seat if he cannot pay the salaries of workers in the state.

    This is just as the Governor accused the Organized Labor for being unnecessarily rigid despite knowing the financial and economic status of the state.

    The stand of the Union was disclosed to newsmen by the state chairman of NLC, Comrade Idris Yahaya Ndako after a failed meeting with various stakeholders including the Niger state Jumaat mosque Imams Forum at Labour house in Minna.

    “It is baffling for someone who prides himself as a governor and who keeps saying he is a business man to the core. It is not the business of civil servants or Nigerlites to know who he is. Governance is governance and if Mr. Governor lacks the knowledge, experience and good frame of mind, to govern, the door is wide open for him to either resign or quit,” he said.

    Ndako expressed dismay over the decision of the state government to take organized Labor to court adding that this development is happening for the first time since the creation of the state.

    He added that Labor was not unaware of all the assembly approvals for government palliative measures of  N4.6 billion, N10 billion, N1.8 billion and N14.6 billion which is awaiting expressing fear that the funds have been diverted by the governor.

    Ndako then reiterated that they will not relent until the government agrees to pay the full salary of workers adding that even 95 per cent will not be acceptable.

    He said that the strike continues urging workers to remain at home and be law abiding until they get directive from the union urging them not to be intimidated by anyone

    Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello who described the strike embarked upon by the state civil servants as unfortunate accused the Labor of being unnecessarily rigid.

    He said that government has shifted ground to pay 90 percent salary in July as against the 70 percent that was paid in June adding that the strike action was detriment to the development of the state.

    Speaking during an enlarged state executive council meeting in Minna Wednesday, Bello said that there were wide consultations with all stakeholders about the new salary regime adding that it was not unilaterally decided.

    Bello lamented that Labor was not ready to reason with government but during the five-hour meeting with the leadership of Labor on Monday, they still refused to accept government gesture at the meeting.

    He said the leaders of the Union were shown the details of the incomes of the state and the ongoing developmental projects during the meeting with labour in a bid to seek for their understanding but they still resorted to their action.

    “I had a meeting with the Labor and I gave details of our incomes, the on-going developmental projects and why we have to sacrifice today for the future of our children, who are leaders tomorrow but from the action of the workers it is clear that they are only interested in their salary alone.

    “They are not bordered about the state of our schools, all the labour wants is for us to use all we have for their salaries. I told them that we have to attend to the critical areas as highlighted in our cardinal priority programmes. I have made it categorically clear that the 70/30 percent ration is not a policy. It is a temporary arrangement. If tomorrow our FAAC is increases, workers take home will also increase.”

  • NLC, TUC begin indefinite strike over salary cut

    NLC, TUC begin indefinite strike over salary cut

    Civil servants in Niger State have been directed to proceed on an indefinite strike by the state chapter of Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) following expiration of two weeks ultimatum given to the state government to pay full salary to workers in the state.
    In a bulletin titled, “Clarion Call” which was signed by the Organized Labour union in the state and made available to The Nation in Minna, all civil servants were directed to sit at home and await further directives.

    The directive of strike action shows that the negotiations between the state government and organized labor failed.

    “The Niger State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Union Congress (TUC) hereby directed all Niger State Civil Servant to proceed on an indefinite strike action from Monday 11th July, 2016 (midnight)”.

    According to the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Idris Ndako, the Union has decided to embark on indefinite strike due to state government reluctance to reverse its decision of cutting workers’ salaries adding that there will be no form of protest.

    He however added that the Organized Labour will not allow anybody to intimidate them, “This time around no going back the strike is inevitable”.

    However, the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has insisted that there is no salary cut of workers in the state adding that some mischief makers have misconstrued government good intention.

  • Niger NLC set for show down over proposed salary reduction

    Niger NLC set for show down over proposed salary reduction

    …we can’t go on borrowing to pay salary – Gov. Sani-Bello

    The Niger state chapter of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) have given the state government a two week ultimatum to reverse its 70 per cent salary proposal stating that only the payment of full salary can stop workers in the state from going on strike.

    The Congress stated that there will be no shifting ground or going back until government pays the full salary of the workers.

    This is coming after  the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello had proposed a reduction in the workers salary in a bid to meet up with infrastructural development in the state.

    At a stakeholders meeting in Minna, the Governor proposed that 70 percent of the state earnings from federation allocation will be used to service workers salaries while the remaining 30 percent will be for capital projects.

    The Niger state NLC Chairman, Comrade Idris Yahaya Ndako while addressing the congress of workers in Niger State yesterday said that the proposal is unacceptable to Labor and Labor is not going to take it.

    He added that it was unfortunate that those who contributed to defrauding Niger State in the past administration had the right to call for the payment of workers salaries by percentage.

    “It is unfortunate the comment of the former Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly who was in PDP and part of the people who caused the problem to come out and say that workers should be paid on percentage.

    “The proposal is unacceptable and Labor is not going to take it. There is no going back, no shifting ground until government pays full salary to the workers.”

    During a stakeholders meeting held in Minna, the state Governor disclosed that the state has incurred over N3 billion loan to meet up with the payment of workers salaries due to the drop in the federal allocation received by the state.

    The Governor then proposed that 70 percent of the state earnings from federation allocation should  be used to service workers’ salaries while the remaining 30 percent will be for capital projects  arguing that government cannot afford to use the entire resources of the state in paying salary of the civil service at the expense of infrastructural development.

  • Niger NLC set for show down over proposed salary reduction

    Niger NLC set for show down over proposed salary reduction

    The Niger state chapter of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) have given the state government a two week ultimatum to reverse its 70 per cent salary proposal stating that only the payment of full salary can stop workers in the state from going on strike.

    The Congress stated that there will be no shifting ground or going back until government pays the full salary of the workers.

    This is coming after the state governor; Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello had proposed a reduction in the worker’s salary in a bid to meet up with infrastructural development in the state.

    At a stakeholders meeting in Minna, the Governor proposed that 70 percent of the state earnings from federation allocation will be used to service workers salaries while the remaining 30 percent will be for capital projects.

    The Niger state NLC Chairman, Comrade Idris Yahaya Ndako while addressing the congress of workers in Niger State Wednesday said that the proposal is unacceptable to Labor and Labor is not going to take it.

    He added that it was unfortunate that those who contributed to defrauding Niger State in the past administration had the right to call for the payment of workers’ salaries by percentage.

    “It is unfortunate the comment of the former Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly who was in PDP and part of the people who caused the problem to come out and say that workers should be paid on percentage.

    “The proposal is unacceptable and Labor is not going to take it. There is no going back, no shifting ground until government pays full salary to the workers.”

    During a stakeholders meeting held in Minna, the state Governor disclosed that the state has incurred over N3 billion loan to meet up with the payment of workers’ salaries due to the drop in the federal allocation received by the state.

    The Governor then proposed that 70 percent of the state earnings from federation allocation should  be used to service workers’ salaries while the remaining 30 percent will be for capital projects  arguing that government cannot afford to use the entire resources of the state in paying salary of the civil service at the expense of infrastructural development.

  • Niger invests N900m to tackle water challenge

    Niger invests N900m to tackle water challenge

    Over N900 million has been invested to alleviate the lingering challenge of acute water shortage in the state, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has disclosed.

    According to the Governor, a comprehensive Drinking Water Investment Plan is being developed to address issues of investment in water in a sustainable manner.

    The Governor who disclosed this during his Democracy Day speech said the perennial water problem that has bedeviled the state over the years is now receiving prompt attention.

    He said that the N296 Million will be released for the completion of the Gawu/Lambata water treatment plant, the signing of an MOU for a comprehensive Water Supply Treatment Plants for Bida, New-Bussa and Kontagora.

    Bello who said he is aware of the great expectations of the people with the hope that a new era of peace, progress, development, prosperity and security would be enthroned stated that their decisions and actions have yielded some positive and enduring achievements for the state.

    “May I therefore seize this opportunity to thank you all for your abiding faith, patience, understanding, support and encouragement. Be assured that we are on course of building a state of our dream and by the grace of Almighty Allah; we shall come out of the present situation stronger, united and prosperous people”, he said.

    The Governor who highlighted some of his administration’s achievements in the past one year said that all the abandoned projects inherited by the administration are currently at various stages of completion.

    He reiterated that despite the gloomy economic situation, government has no intention of retrenching its workers or cutting down salaries of workers by 70 per cent.

    The Governor stated that arrangements for biometric data capture of unemployed graduates in the state under the Youth Employment Program to prepare them for employment outside the civil service adding that his government has a target to cultivate 5,000 hectares of Shea and Palm tree plantation.