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Tag: Edward Pwajok

  • Reps condemn Presidency for starving first line charge agencies of funds

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday condemned the Presidency in strong terms for implementing the 2018 Appropriation Act in breach with regards to agencies of government on first line charge.

    The lawmakers took exception to the failure of the Executive to respect the provisions of the Constitution on first line charge for the Independent Natuonal Electoral Commission (INEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Universal Basic Education (UBEC), the Public Complaints Commission (PCM)  and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

    As a result, the House urged President Muhammadu Buhari  to direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to immediately fully implement the 2018 Appropriation Act with regards to statutory transfers to organizations that are on first line.

    To emphasise the importance of the  issue, the leadership of the National Assembly and the relevant Committees on Appropriation, Finance and Legislative Compliance have been directed to ensure compliance and report back to the House within two weeks.

    This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau), who noted that the 1999 Constitution as amended created and allocated separate powers to the three arms of Government.

    He said the  three arms of Government are co-equal and meant to operate  independently to guarantee the smooth working of the government under the Presidential Constitution.

    He however noted that the executive breached the Constitution  despite being aware that it was amended by the first Alteration Act, 2010 Act No 1 by altering Section 81(3) to place INEC, the National Assembly and the Judiciary on first line charge by stipulating that the amount standing to the credit of those agencies or arms of Government be paid directly to such bodies.

    “These bodies are captured in the annual appropriation Acts under Statutory Transfers.

    “It is worrisome that the Executive arm of Government is currently in breach of the Constitution by refusing or neglecting to implement the mandatory provisions of the Constitution regarding statutory transfers and first line charge requirements, by not releasing the funds to these bodies in line with the Appropriation Act 2013 and the Constitution.

    “In spite of a previous resolution of the House passed in 2018 on the above subject and the appearance of the Minister of Finance before an Ad hoc Committee, the matter has remained unresolved.

    “By the implication of the brazen flouting of the Appropriation Act 2018 and the Constitution, which may make the Legislature and the Judiciary to become subservient to the Executive thereby negating the letters and spirit of the Constitution and the law with dire consequences on the practice of Democracy in Nigeria,” he noted.

    The motion was unanimous adopted after a voice vote, while  the resolution is expected to be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

  • 27,000 minimum wage bill scales second reading

    The House of Representatives has set in motion machinery for the approval of at least N27,000 as the new minion Thursday.

    Majority of the members are however advocating for N30,000.

    The House would receive representations from the 36 State Governors as well as  Ministers of Finance and Labour and Productivity on Monday on the need to approve the most appropriate minimum wage threshold for the Nigerian workers.

    Having committed the bill to an ad hoc Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun, a public hearing on the bill was slated for Monday where representatives of trade unions and other stakeholders would make their input before the bill is passed.

    In his contribution to the debate on the bill, Muhammad Monguno (APC, Borno) said the increment was long overdue as there was need for workers to have a wage commensurate with reality.

    Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau) expressed delight that the bill was specific on the categories of employers that must comply with the law and those exempted from paying the minimum wage.

    He also commended the sponsors of the bill for stipulating sanctions for defaulters as well as those that can enforce the law, which include aggrieved workers.

    Deputy Chief Whip, Pally Iriase regretted that past amendments of the minimum wage laws have always been observed in breach, while government was always in the habit of foot-dragging need for increment until labour union threats of downing tools.

    He however enjoined the House to review the proposal upward to N30,000 being what was initially  agreed on by the Tripartite Committee, “Even President would not denied that the Tripartite agreement was N30,000 until everyone was arm-twisted. We need to stand up as one and pass N30,000,” he added.

    Aminu Shagari (PDP, Sokoto) applauded the clause on sanctions for defaulters, saying it would make employers sit up, while Kayode Oladele (APC, Ogun) said Nigerian workers need living age considering the country’s high poverty level and high income disparity.

    He said the new wage increment would to some extent bridge the gap as it would be capable of spurring employment through increased productivity, while commending the five years review period for wages.

    Oluwole Oke (PDP, Osun) said N27,000 is grossly inadequate while noting that the new tax parameters by the Federal government could be a means of retrieving whatever is added to the current minimum wage.

    On his part, Chika Adamu (APC, Niger) said the proposed wage was a welcome development but inadequate considering the fact that a previous proposed increment was $180 compared to the current proposal of $75.

    He said the five year review period must be reviewed downward to one or two years, while also demanding that the table for the proposed salary structure must be presented to the House to enable it work on the bill from informed angle.

    Ayodele Oladimeji (PDP, Ekiti) said compared to economic reality on ground, N27,000 for a worker  with a family is inadequate. “If we are fighting corruption and giving a public servant this kind of salary, I see this as an incentive to engage in corruption because it is at variance with the economic reality,” he said.

    Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu) urged caution while suggesting that States must be made input into the discussion at the legislative level to ascertain their commitment. Even if you give bailout to States, what gives impression that N27, 000 can be paid?

    “This is where the viability of States comes because we have to find out what makes it impossible for almost all the States to pay the current N18, 000. We have to look for what is sustainable.

    “Why must the issue of minimum wage be a battle that the Labour unions must win? That is why there must be an adequate legal structure for it and we must be mindful of increment and its multiplier effect on the living conditions of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: TUC shifts battle to National Assembly

    “At the Committee stage, the Fiscal Policies of government and frequent changes must be taken in to account, lending rate and exchange rate among others, are key to the increment,” he added.

    Sadiq Ibrahim (APC, Adamawa) said the N27,000 new wage would be eroded as soon as it comes into effect if there are no functional and effective public infrastructures and utilities, “Even if anyone is paid N100m a month, without a functional health care delivery system, adequate power supply, good road network, it would make sense” he added.

    In his ruling, the Speaker, after constituting the ad hoc Committee expressed hope that the bill would be passed on Tuesday before the Hose would adjourn for the general election.

     

  • House of Reps member decamps to APC

    House of Reps member decamps to APC

    The caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) got further depleted in the House of Representatives Wednesday as a member from Plateau State, Edward Pwajok defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is as a December 2017 dateline was given for the final decimation of PDP.

    Plateau State governor, Simon Lalung said though democracy was not about a one-party state but PDP members would be left with no option than to join the ruling party by the end of the year.

    House rules were stepped for the presence of the governor in the chamber to witness the defection.

    This brings to 221 the number of APC member in the House.

    On the 22nd of February, a member of the PDP, Emmanuel Ukoette representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom, defected to APC.

    A month later, on the 22nd of March, two House members, Tony Nwoye (Anambra) and Emmanuel Udende (Benue) defected from PDP to APC on the floor at plenary.

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara read Pwajok’s letter on the floor after which the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor protested saying the movement was wrong since there is a substantive Chairman of the party.

    Pwajok, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) cited irreconcilable differences that have left PDP divided at all levels as part of his reasons for dumping the party.

    Saying that the party secretariat in Jos was not even spared as it was sealed last week, he noted that, “The party is divided in my Local government down to the ward level with parallel structures.

    “On Saturday 13th May, 2017, over 500 delegates from my constituency besieged my residence mandating, directing and authorizing that I quit the party”.

    Minority Leader Ogor protested that the party has a chairman and that until the litigation at the Supreme Court was disposed of, division within the party was not enough reason for defection.

    Ogor also protested when the Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila welcomed Pwajok into the fold of APC but the Speaker placed him saying same privilege would be extended to the Minority Leader if any lawmaker defects to his party.

    Goveneor Lalung, who witnessed the defection of Pwajok on the floor said Nigerians should expect a decimated opposition party in the near future.

    Saying that Pwajok’s defection would open a floodgates of movement to APC, Lalong said he was not planning to muzzle the opposition in the state.

    “We are not planning to turn our State into a one-party state but if APC government is very doing and everybody is moving into our party from the federal to the State, why not?

    “Though we are not saying we want a one party state because we need a strong opposition to check mate the ruling party, but I’m sure, before the end of the year, with the things this government is doing both at the federal and state, we may not have a substantial minority party again.

    “The movement of Pwajok has opened the gate and very soon we will see a lot of defection into APC in Plateau State,” he said.

    On his part, Pwajok dismissed the threat of the PDP caucus in the House saying he was “ready for them”.

    He said his defection was not about 2019, adding that besides his constituents that encouraged him to dump PDP, the party’s chairman, Ahmed Makarfi has also asked members to find alternative platforms to further their political ambitions.

    “PDP is the cause of its own problem and it is irredeemably damaged.

    “Some party stalwarts like governor Fayose have sworn to leave PDP if Sheriff is declared chairman. Is that how to reconcile? Was it not those people that invited Sheriff?  APC did not impose him on PDD.

    “Some of us complained at the initial stage that bringing Sheriff into PDP is like inviting an undertaker.

    “So, I have to look at the realities and if the irreconcilable differences persists, one need to find an alternative platform.

    “That is why this is taking place now and not on the eve of an election,” he said.

  • ASUP calls for end to dichotomy between Polytechnic and University graduates

    ASUP calls for end to dichotomy between Polytechnic and University graduates

    Ogunseye Timothy, National Vice-President, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), on Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government to end the dichotomy between polytechnic and university graduates in the country.

    Timothy made the appeal on the side line of ASUP first International Conference hosted by the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Chapter of the union in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    The conference had the theme: “Africa’s Solution to Africa’s Challenges: Nigeria’s Perspectives’’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a bill for an act seeking to end the dichotomy between polytechnic and university graduates passed its second reading at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

    The bill, which was co-sponsored by Balanga Billiri, Ali Isa and Edward Pwajok, seek to create equal opportunities for graduates from universities and polytechnics, in terms of employment and promotions.

    Timothy said that polytechnic graduates were not inferior to their university counterparts.

    Ogunseye said the unwarranted discriminatory practice of ranking polytechnic graduates lower than university graduates was prevalent among some government agencies and private organizations.

    He commended Kano State Government for its decision not to discriminate but ranked polytechnic and university graduates equally.

    “I do not see any reason why the dichotomy should continue as the same admission requirement applies to candidates choosing polytechnics and universities.

    “Reviewing the curricula of tertiary institutions in terms of practical and other educational contents, polytechnic graduates are far better than universities.

    “Nigerian graduates are equal, notwithstanding the schools they attend. However, this discrepancy between polytechnic and university is worrisome.

    “Without doubt, if the discrimination continues, the country’s technological advancement being the backbone of any economic growth will be negatively affected.

    “As a matter of fact, there is need for employers to change their perception towards HND graduates because BSC holders are not in any way better than them.

    “If care is not taken, competent hands will be short-changed which would handicap the country’s progress,’’ he said.

    Also speaking on the discrimination, former rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr Babatunde Iginla, said removing the dichotomy would encourage economic independence, employment and stability in the labor market.

     

  • Jang’s former aides, others win tickets

    Jang’s former aides, others win tickets

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State conducted a peaceful primary for its House of Representatives aspirants yesterday.

    The State PDP chairman, Raymond Dabo, said at least 45 aspirants across the state were cleared for the exercise.

    Former commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Edward Pwajok, won the ticket for the Jos south/ Jos East Federal constituency.

    Announcing the results at the Old Jos south secretariat, the returning officer, Barrister Samuel Kwankur, said  Pwajok scored 52 votes while the member representing Jos south, Mancha Dalyop, scored 34 votes.

    Rifakatu Lachi scored 4 votes while Bogus Dachum bagged two votes.

    Former Permanent Secretary to Governor Jonah Jang on security, Barrister Istifanus Gyang, won the Barkin Ladi / Riyom federal constituency unopposed following the withdrawal of the incumbent, Simon Madkom, based on the understanding between the two councils.

    Hon Johnbull Shekarau won the ticket for Shendam Federal Constituency while the incumbent occupier of Langtang North, Langtang South Federal Constituency, Hon. Beni Lar, won the primary to seek reelection.

    There was heavy presence of security operatives in all the venues for the eight federal constituencies in the state.

    At the Leadership Institute, venue for Jos North/Bassa constituency and Bukuru for Jos South/Jos East Constituency respectively, delegates trooped out en masse for the primary.

    There was no reported case of violence in any part of the state.

    The chairman of the party’s committee on National Assemblies Primaries in Plateau state, Alhaji Ibrahim Bamalli, who led four other members from Abuja, commended the delegates and supporters of the party for conducting themselves peacefully and maturely during the exercise yesterday.

     

  • Peaceful council polls in Plateau

    Peaceful council polls in Plateau

    The election into 15 local governments of Plateau State was held in a peaceful atmosphere as there was no report of violence in any polling unit.

    Governor Jonah Jang, who cast his vote at his Ladura ward in Du, applauded security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the election.

    But one of the contending political party the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged intimidation of its supporters, resulting in disenfranchising.

    Interim state secretary of APC, Alhaji Salisu Nakande said, “The election was peaceful and we commended the state electoral commission for their preparation, the distribution of electoral material was good and timely but later in the day we began to notice malpractice.

    Garba said: “There was no voting in some polling units in APC stronghold, we noticed ballot box snatching by PDP agents, the security agencies compromised in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

    Commissioner for Justice Edward Pwajok noted that the election is being conducted in accordance to law, adding that, all litigations and injunctions trying to stop the election have been cleared from the State High Court to the Appeal Court.