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Tag: governors

  • Letter to APC Governors’ Forum

    Letter to APC Governors’ Forum

    SIR: For the All Progressives Congress (APC), its governors and legislators to be truly progressive and move Nigeria forward, as those controlling the reins of power today, they must help to create a constitution that will make Nigeria equitable and sustainable, thereby putting Nigeria on the path of progress. Religion that has been cause of disunity, violence, and retrogression must be boxed into privacy, since the constitution prohibits “state religion” so that religious people can take care of their religions in their shrines, temples, synagogues, churches, and mosques, while Nigerians unite to build a country of peace, progress and stability, where no one is oppressed.

    Nigeria can also not be progressive and sustainable if key positions are not taken care-of, rotationally among the federating zones or regions. We must forestall a feeling of marginalization. Restructuring is imperative. A return to the regional/district structure as it used to be before the military era will drastically reduce administrative centres and costs of administration.  Increasing Nigeria’s states to 54 from 36 will only worsen the economic situation.  Already, many states and local governments are unable to pay workers or owing workers several months of unpaid salaries and emoluments. Returning to the old region and district structure will minimize costs of administration and make funds available for infrastructure necessary for industrial advancement.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, is quoted as calling for dialogue as the solution to the agitation for the breakup of Nigeria. The All Progressive Governors Forum has also asked the federal government to commence negotiations with all agitators.

    I am suggesting that the governors should not call on the federal government to engage in dialogue, but itself to help Nigeria find solutions along the line of equity and fairness, and use its influence on the APC and the legislators who are positioned to initiate change.

    APC governors and legislators can help, and I believe opposition legislators will cooperate for positive change. Let the political powers that be bring change now. In addition to the foregoing there should be change to roaming of animals in crop farms. Animals are better reared in private places by their owners. The governors’ forum should not under-estimate its own power and influence, please.

     

    • Prof Oyeniran Abioje,

    University of Ilorin.

  • Five governors endorse plan for zero hunger by 2025

    Five governors have endorsed a peer advisory mechanism to enable them to monitor the implementation of their state-grown agricultural plans with a view to ending hunger by 2030.

    The peer advisory mechanism is a brainchild of the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum (NZHF) is aimed at reviewing, monitoring, and advising states on the ways by which the states themselves, using available resources, can achieve zero hunger by 2030.

    The five pilot states, which have given their nod include Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Ogun and Sokoto state.

    “More states will be involved as we make progress,” according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Goodwill Ambassador, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is chairing the NZHF.

    According to a communique issued at the end of the maiden edition of the NZHF in Makurdi, members of the NZHF, which cut across the private sector, government and development partners agreed to hold its advisory meeting on quarterly across the states.

    The Forum also adopted a template for its future advisory meetings: The first day should be dedicated to a welcome address by the state followed by presentations of what is going on in the host state related to achieving zero hunger (challenges, successes, and lessons learnt). The next day, should be dedicated to field visits to engage with large, medium, and small scale farmer groups; medium and large scale agriculture related industries such as food and feed processors, and fertiliser blending factories, and programs to improve the health and nutrition of infants and children. The day should end with reflections of the day and a communique.

    IITA Deputy Director-General for Partnerships for Delivery, Dr Kenton Dashiell, who also manages the secretariat of the NZHF at IITA, explained that the peer advisory mechanism of the NZHF would encourage states to focus on the commitments they made towards agriculture so they could by themselves achieve their set targets.

    He commended the maiden meeting in Benue state, noting that the state has the capacity to feed the country if its agricultural potential was fully tapped.

    Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, described the Nigeria Zero Hunger initiative as a tool that would accelerate the agricultural development of states through peer learning.  He noted that through the instrumentality of the Forum the state was able to purchase fertilisers in good time for distribution to farmers.

    “Again from the NZHF meeting, we have been given advice on how to handle certain areas and in some cases the former president personally made contacts through the phone on our behalf to persons who have the answers,” Ortom explained.

    The meeting in Benue, had in attendance Ortom, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi; Deputy Governor of Borno State, and representatives of the Governors of Ogun and Sokoto states, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Food Program (WFP), the private sector, farmer groups, members of Benue State Executive Council, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), and members of the press.

    The NZHF is supported by IITA, African Development Bank (AfDB), WFP and the OlusegunObasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

  • VON chief hails Emir of Katsina as APC praises Northern governors

    Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu has commended the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir for his uncommon patriotism in the face of unfortunate crisis being simulated by fringe groups and politicians whose objective is personal and imimical to our collective existence.

    The Emir, had, while addressing leaders of the Igbo community and other Nigerians residing in Katsina said, “Nigeria will continue to remain one and that am ready to sacrifice my last drop of blood to ensure peace and protection of all Nigerians residing in the state. I am ready to protect Igbos with my last blood.”

    Okechukwu said: “I salute the Emir of Katsina and all those patriots in both south and north, who preach peace and recognise the truism that the hardship and misery in the land today is temporary and cannot truncate our corporate existence. For history tells us that many decades after the American civil war frictions between north and south more serious than as we currently have dominated discussions. America is strong and united today, ours cannot be different.”

    “We cannot fall victim to minority and fringe groups in the south east who call for secession and their ilk in the north who gave the quit notice. Civil war is not a panacea to the misery and hardship in the land, which is temporary and transient, given the infrastructural renewal going on in our dear country.” Okechukwu quipped.

    On the rumour that some unscrupulous politicians are fanning the embers of Igbos Must Return, and indeed raising money for that, Okechukwu in a rage said, “I don’t respond to rumour, but if there is any truth in that, it becomes the business of the security agency to track them down.”

    Similarly, South- East chapter of the All progressive Congress (APC), has condemned in its entirety, the recent three months quit notice given to Igbos residing in parts of Northern Nigeria by the Coalition of Arewa Youths.

    It described it as “a joke taken too far”, just as it applauded governors of the Northern region for condemning the statement.

    A press statement by the zonal chairman of the party, Chief Emma Enukwu, said: “The attention of the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in South East has been drawn to recent outbursts by some youths in Northern Nigeria under the name “Coalition of Arewa Youths” urging the Igbos to vacate their habitats in the North on, or before 1st October 2017.

    “In our opinion, this call is a joke taken too far, it is an ill wind that blows no good to anyone. And we hereby, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn this and other outbursts by some people from other sections of this great country, Nigeria.”ý

    The statement which was released by the Zonal publicity secretary, Hon. Hycienth Ngwu stressed said:  “It is high time we all stood in one accord to put a stop to the growing hate speeches and bickering going on now in our dear country from all quarters.

    The party said, “Let us love all and hate none, as love is the panacea to peaceful co-existence, economic and social growth. We have faith in the ability of the APC led Federal Government to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians living within Nigeria.

    “Consequently, we urge all Igbos living in any part of Nigeria to go about their normal businesses without fear, but in loving disposition toward their neighbor and environment.

    “We hereby thank the Governors of the Northern States of Nigeria for their quick condemnation of this act by the Coalition of Arewa Youths. We particularly, thank the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal for his love to the Igbos in this trying period.”

  • Quit notice: Governors broker peace in North, East

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his Imo counterpart Rochas Okorocha yesterday assured Nigerians living in every part of the country of their security.

    They urged them to disregard the hate messages of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Arewa youths.

    At a meeting with Igbo leaders living in the North, El-Rufai restated that the Arewa youths would be arrested because of their hate speeches. He assured the Igbo of their safety in the North.

    In Owerri, the Imo State capital, Okorocha said the Hausa community in the Southeast would enjoy his administration’s protection.

    Receiving the Igbo resident in the North under the auspices of Igbo Delegate Assembly and Northern Igbo Chiefs, El-Rufai said they and their property would be protected.

    The governor assured the Igbo leaders that no matter how long it took, the youths, who signed the quit notice to the Igbo would be arrested and prosecuted to deter  others.

    El-Rufai urged Igbo leaders to prevail on their youths against agitations capable of dividing the country.

    He said: “Kaduna State government is grateful to the Igbo for coming. Kaduna has suffered so many crises, so we are very sensitive to comments that incite and cause disaffection among the people. Therefore, the Northern youths behind the ultimatum will not only be arrested but will be prosecuted.

    “Kaduna used to be a home for all, but so many crises have divided the state and the metropolis across religious lines. As a government that is why we abolished indigeneship; once you live in Kaduna you are an indigene.

    “We have arrested so many people for hate speeches and we are trying them. We are going to arrest the Arewa Youths and bring them to justice no matter how long it takes. Since the press conference was done in Kaduna.

    “If they had done it in any other place we would have just condemned them, but since it is in Kaduna we are going to arrest them no matter how long it takes.

    “I have the mandate of the Northern Governors Forum under the chairmanship of Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima to reassure the Igbo in the 19 Northern states and Abuja that their lives and properties are safe in the North,” El-Rufai said.

    Igbo Delegate Assembly President-General Chief Chikezie Nwogu hailed the Federal government and El-Rufai for their swift reactions to the northern youths’ quit notice.

    Nwogu, who led the Igbo traditional rulers from the 19 Northern states to Kaduna to visit El-Rufai, said the Igbo were ready to remain in the north.

    He said: “We are here in Kaduna to hold a meeting based on what has been happening in the North, especially with the Arewa Youths and the ultimatum given to the Igbo and the agitations by IPOB. We are not here to condemn anybody. We thank Governor El-Rufai and other Northern governors, traditional rulers and the Federal Government for their interventions at the heat of the issue.

    “We want the government to tackle the root cause of agitations and subsequent quit notice by Northern youths and find solution. Let us look at the problem of the youth when there are complaints. Also it is good to restructure in a way that will benefit everyone.

    “We are not happy with the call for division. we want Nigeria as one so that all of us can benefit. Northern youths have been our brothers. The Igbo are not going anywhere, we will remain with our Arewa brothers in the north.”

    Okorocha said every Nigerian, irrespective of his tribe and religion, was free to live and do business in any part of the country without any fear of molestation.

    Spkeaking while breaking fast with Muslims at the Government House, Owerri, the governor said:  “We should also be our brothers’ keeper as preached by every religion. I want to assure all Muslims in Imo State that you are safe in the State. Let no one leave the State for any reason at all. This is Nigeria and Nigeria is one nation, indivisible and indissoluble.

    “Every part of Nigeria is home to every Nigerian. It is totally wrong for the Arewa Youths to have asked Igbo in the North to go back home. Nigeria should have grown beyond all these petty sentiments. Nigeria is a country to every Nigerian and every part of the country should be  home to every Nigerian and that is why the Igbo live and also marry in the North and ditto, Arewa people and the Yoruba and so on.

    “We are here as a tradition to break the fast with our Muslim brothers who have been fasting for so many weeks now. We are here to dramatise unity and love for one another. We Nigerians must learn to respect one another’s religion because religion has a lot to do with every individual or society”.

    Okorocha added: “When we heard about the call by the Arewa Youths asking the Igbo to go back home, I said to them which home? Nigeria is our country, Nigeria is our home and as such we must love one another. I tell all of you here that Imo State is your home irrespective of your religion. Feel free and keep the laws of the land because we are one and shall remain one in God’s name”.

    Alhaji Yusuf Nwaoha, leader of the Muslim Community in the state and his Abia State counterpart, Alhaji Usman Mohammadu, thanked Okorocha for sustaining the breaking of fast with Muslims and enjoined him to handover the legacy to his successor in 2019.

    They also thanked the government for the peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims.

    The two Muslim leaders conferred awards on the governor. Alhaji Yusuf presented him with the most Muslim Friendly Governor in Nigeria award, Alhaji Mohammadu gave him the National Bridge Builder award.

  • Good Governance: Honour for eight governors

    A leadership development organisation based in Pretoria, Leadership Academy South Africa (LASA) has nominated eight Nigerian governors for its maiden Leadership Awards for Excellence (LAE).

    The awards would hold next month.

    A statement by the Nigerian partners of the event, Abuja-based Bulfol Services Venture and signed by its Managing Director, Mr. Segun Abdulsalam, said the awards which will take place at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, is conceptualised, “to recognise and reward leaders in government and business, who have distinguished themselves in different areas of good governance and leadership.”

    The statement named the awardees as: the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Zamfara state Governor Abdulaziz Yari (Good Leadership); Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (Infrastructural Development & Housing) and Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (Urban Renewal & Commerce).

    Others are Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Agriculture & Food Security) Akwa Ibom State Governor  Udom Emmanuel (Good Governance); Adamawa State Governor Jubrilla Bindow (Road Infrastructure & Poverty Reduction); Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong (Peace Ambassador); and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello (Security).

  • Southeast governors, IG: Igbo are safe in the North

    Southeast governors, IG: Igbo are safe in the North

    APC: rein in separatists

    The dust raised by the ultimatum issued by some groups for the Igbo to leave the North was yet to settle yesterday.

    But Southeast governors told their citizens not to panic, stressing that they are free to live anywhere in Nigeria.

    Besides, the police assured the Igbo living in the North of their safety.

    Police chief Ibrahim Idris ordered top officers to keep the peace nationwide after a meeting of the top brass in Abuja.

    The House of Representatives also urged the police and other security agencies to ensure that everybody is safe.

    The youths, who issued an October deadline for the Igbo to quit the North, claimed that their action was due to the unchecked agitation for secession by Southeast groups, led by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    But the Federal Government, North’s governors, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and others have condemned the quit order as “provocative” and “uncalled for”.   The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) vowed that members of such groups would be stopped.

    Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi called on northern leaders to take actions would counter the intended plot of the youths to ensure that the grim history of the past is not repeated.

    He said: “We must call on all serious-minded patriots, particularly the religious leadership in Nothern Nigeria; the leadership of other socio-cultural groups in Nothern Nigeria; the Nigerian Governors Forum; and all the service branches to rise up with voices of peace and wisdom to counteract the mischievousness and exuberant excesses of the northern youth.

    “The ugly lessons of history are too grim to be stoked with carelessness. As leaders, we must exert the full measure of our powers and influence to forestall a repetition.

    “We call on all Igbo sons and daughters resident in Nothern Nigeria to go about their lawful daily activities without fear of intimidation, hindrance or molestation.”

    Umahi reiterated the governors’ commitment to “the existence of a virile, united prosperous and progressive Federal Republic of Nigeria where justice, fairness, equity, mutual respect and equality of opportunity to all citizens, regardless of creed, ethnicity or gender, will reign supreme under the inflexible rule of law”.

    The governor also denied insinuations that a meeting resolved to send buses to evacuate Igbo in the North.

    “The rumours being peddled on conventional and social media platforms that we, the governors of the Southeast have met and agreed to mobilise vehicles and cash for repatriation of Ndigbo resident in Northern Nigeria must be disregarded, as they are nothing but tissues of lies.

    ”No amount of provocation would lead us to such precipitate and irresponsible action at this time. Those exploiting such vacuous tittle-tattle as a basis for divisive rhetoric in public spaces are simply playing juvenile politics and we urge them to cease and desist.”

     

    In Abuja, the IGP ordered Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Commissioners and other senior officers to ensure peace nationwide.

    He told them that “the issue that is becoming a concern is the issue of threat by some tribal and regional groups”.

    “Yesterday, a group issued threat to some groups in this country and, like I observed, no individual has authority to stop any Nigerian from pursuing his daily bread in any part of this country because these are rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution.

    “We are not going to allow the groups to carry out the threat,” Idris said, adding:

    ”I want us all to be alert and stop anybody, group or individual that attempts to prevent any Nigerian from carrying out his daily activities; we have responsibility to ensure that those groups are stopped by all means. Being a Nigerian, no group has the right to prevent anybody from his rights either movement, association or whatever.

    He added: “The Nigeria Police Force has the right to stop such groups. The group called themselves northern youth group; nobody has that authority to stop any Nigerian from participating or residing in any part of this country; it is a constitutional right and I believe it is illegal to prevent people.

    “When the IPOB came out last month, we adopted a procedure and we are adopting the same procedure with this new group. We are trying to ensure that no individual or group causes confusion in this country because the threats constitute a subversive activity against the security of the state and we cannot allow that to happen.

    “We are going to conduct investigation into it and the state government has issued a directive of arrest to security agencies and you are aware that the State Security Council includes the Commissioner of Police; so definitely under that cover, CPs are to ensure that the directive given by the state governor is carried out as far as there is an impediment in the law of this country.

    “It is a directive and an authority on them to ensure that where these groups are seen, we have the responsibility to arrest them. The groups mentioned some dates, so we have to be very conscious of the date and ensure that no individual or group goes round this country to actualise the threats made. We will not allow them to carry out their threat.”

    On whether any arrest has been made, Idris said: “So far, I am not aware of any arrest that has been made but I want us to be mindful of the fact that to conduct an arrest is very easy, but there are so many factors that have to be taken into consideration.

    “There is no arrest yet but we as Force men have to make sure that no individual or group is seen physically either on our street or inside towns or villages trying to disturb any Nigerian from carrying out his activities on those dates mentioned”.

  • NLC threatens governors, lawmakers

    NLC threatens governors, lawmakers

    The stage appears set for a clash of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with governors and lawmakers pushing the bill which seeks to remove the National Minimum Wage from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list.

    The NLC leadership yesterday threatened to mobilise Nigerians against governors and some National Assembly members.

    NLC President Ayuba Wabba, who spoke with The Nation last night, accused some members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum of sponsoring such an anti-workers’ legislation.

    The bill which scaled through the first reading before the House embarked on Easter recess, is set for second reading on the floor of the House where members will debate on it.

    Wabba, who kicked against fresh moves to “strangulate workers”, who have been frustrated by the lingering socio-economic hardship, said labour would explore every legitimate legal means to protect workers. “We have done in the past and we are going to deplore it,” he said.

    The Congress plans to mobilise its affiliates to campaign against all political office holders linked with anti-workers’ legislations and policies ahead of the 2018 and 2019 general elections.

    Wabba said: “All over the world, minimum wage is on the exclusive list. We are talking about protecting the most vulnerable group, that is the principle and philosophy. It is an ILO core issue under decent work agenda. It is a core ILO issue that all countries are conformed to.

    “So, first is that it is the level of ignorance because he thinks that it is only for the state. No. It is for the self-employed for those that are from the private sector to protect the most vulnerable people from being exploited from false labour and slavery. That is why minimum wage law is there.

    “It is a core ILO convention and in many countries of the world, including capitalist economy. As capitalist as the United Stated (U.S.) is, they have a minimum wage law.

    “So, we must first understand the concept. It is not the state government. It is all employers of labour generally, both private and public. So, for public sector, who fixes their own? That is why it is a tripartite issue. I think that there is a level of ignorance he has demonstrated in this without even knowing what minimum wage law is all about.

    “First, we condemn it in its entirety. We are going to respond immediately and effectively. Two, let him also go back to the archives. This issue was introduced even by some cabals within the Governors’ Forum at the last constitution amendment and it was defeated.

    “It went to a referendum and it was defeated. So, we should start from where we stopped and not to take us back to areas we have actually advanced on.”

    Wabba said that millions of Nigerians who are self-employed and those working in the private sector will be subjected to undue exploitation if the national minimum wage is removed from the exclusive list to the concurrent list.

    “Who will regulate the case of the self-employed; for instance now, you are self-employed, you are not working under either the state or the federal government where you can even negotiate.

    “So, the implication is that once you remove that from the exclusive list, workers will be exploited. We are not even talking of the maximum, we are talking about the minimum.

    “Assuming the alteration bill sells through in the National Assembly, what will organised labour, especially the leadership of the NLC, do? It will not said through because we will stop it at all cost. Nigerian workers will not accept this.

    “The proponent of the bill, Ayeola Abayomi Abdulkadir (APC-Lagos), seeks to alter the Second Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by deleting item 34 from the exclusive legislative list and renumbering the existing item 35 as item 34 and subsequent items accordingly.”

    Also yesterday, the President, United Labour Congress (ULC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, said moves to remove minimum wage from the exclusive to concurrent legislative list would be protested.

    Speaking at the pre-2017 May Day seminar organised by ULC, in Lagos, Ajaero described  the move is ill-motivated to deny workers their right to live well which is what some of the governors have been advocating but we will mobilise against them.

    He said that if the planned delisting of wages from the exclusive legislative list succeeds, the country would no longer have a national minimum wage.

    Ajaero said: “It means that each state of the federation will be empowered to legislate and arrive at what should be their respective minimum.’’

    The current N18, 000 minimum wage became effective in 2011 and subject to a review every five years.

    Labour has been agitating for a review since last year citing hyperinflation and the devaluation of the Naira.

  • APC, governors, others greet workers on May Day celebration

    APC, governors, others greet workers on May Day celebration

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday celebrated with workers on the occasion of May Day celebration.

    Others, who also greeted workers, are: Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, former Abia State Governor Dr. Orji Kalu, a civil rights group, United Action for Democracy (UAD)and telecommunications firm Globacom.

    Saraki described workers as the life-blood and driving force of the nation’s growth in view of their invaluable contributions.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Saraki lauded the resilience and commitment of workers in both the formal and informal sector, describing their contribution to the nation and the economy as priceless.

    “As we mark this year’s Workers’ Day, all Nigerian workers should be proud that their significant contributions keep this nation moving forward – as they are the lifeblood of our country, an integral part of the fabric that makes up our society,” he said.

    APC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, thanked the workers for their strong support in the task to build a new Nigeria and bring about the change much desired by the citizenry.

    He said: “Without doubts, the economic recession has had a telling effect on the livelihoods of many working families and businesses in the country.

    “We are, however, happy to note that the country’s economy is gradually coming out of recession and the APC assures Nigerians that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to work hard to improve the livelihood of every citizen.”

    The party, therefore, called on workers to continue to support government’s effort to better the lives of the citizenry and return the country to its deserved heights.

    Akeredolu hailed the resilience of workers in the state.

    He described their determination and undying spirit in the face of the tough economic challenges in the country as commendable.

    Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Segun Ajiboye to mark the Workers Day said he values the civil servants’ unflinching support for his administration.

    He urged them to continue to give their best towards the progress and growth of the state.

    Okorocha commended the workers for “their perseverance and immense contributions to the development of the nation.

    The  governor, who is also chairman, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, hailed the state leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headed by Comrade Austin Chilakpu for the “understanding and harmonious relationship between the workers and the Rescue Mission Government in the state”.

    Okorocha noted that “although there had been few cases the leadership of NLC and the state government had disagreed over certain labour-related issues, but the truth remains that, at the end of the day, such issues had ended up being amicably resolved. And this lofty trend must continue to be the order of the day”.

    Ndoma-Egba lauded workers’ patriotic sacrifices and unbroken faith in Nigeria, even in the face of tough times.

    In a statement to commemorate Workers’ Day, the NDDC chairman said “undoubtedly, workers the world over are the greatest assets of every nation because, the human capital is the bedrock upon which development revolves and thrives”.

    Kalu lauded the workers for their contributions to national development, adding that their steadfastness and patriotism were remarkable.

    According to the ex-governor, Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources and as such, the country must take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

    Kalu, who is also founder/Chairman of Slok Group, made these remarks while feasting with management staff of his business conglomerate at his Abuja residence yesterday in commemoration of this year’s International Labour Day

    The business mogul urged government at all levels to improve the welfare of workers as a way of motivating them to be more productive in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, stressing that the role of workers in nation building cannot be undermined.

    UAD called on the labour centres to unite and fight for improved working conditions for Nigerian workers.

    The group advised the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and United Labour Congress (ULC) to form a joint action committee (JAC) to mobilise Nigerian workers, students and youths to push for a new minimum wage.

    At a conference addressed by the Convener, Mr. Gabriel Ojumah, UAD called on JAC to declare a 48-hour strike to back up demand for unpaid salaries, decent and full time jobs, decent and affordable housing for all and proper funding of the education and healthcare sectors.

    Globacom congratulated the workers, encouraging them to continue to reinforce the virtues of hard work and excellence in their duties.

    In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom hailed the resilient spirit of workers despite of daunting challenges and urged them to continue to uphold the dignity of labour, adding that they remain the bedrock of the nation’s economic growth.

  • Southwest governors set to tackle militants

    Southwest governors set to tackle militants

    SOUTHWEST governors are set to tackle militants who have made seaside communities unsafe.

    The governors of the six Southwest States of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti are to meet in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital next Monday.

    They are to deliberate on measures to tackle the increasing challenges posed by the militants.

    According to the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, some of the thematic areas to be discussed include: “export development initiatives for the Western region, security, in view of the current contemporary unwholesome activities of some criminal elements parading themselves as militants now ravaging parts of the region.”

    The meeting, being convened under aegis of the South West Governors’ Forum, would also afford the governors opportunity to discuss the security of the zone “in view of the current contemporary unwholesome activities of some criminal elements parading themselves as militants now ravaging parts of the region.”

    In a statement, the SSG stated that the meeting would also evaluate the key areas of cooperation for the unity, progress and development of the region as well as collaboration that would engender good governance.

  • ‘Southeast governors afraid of UPP’

    ‘Southeast governors afraid of UPP’

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) has said Southeast governors are afraid of the rising influence of the party, ahead of  the governorship election in Anambra state.

    The reason, according to the party, is their sudden interest in the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi kanu after many months of nonchalant attitude by them.

    In a statement in Awka, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Uche Amaku, described the governors as rudderless.

    He said the governors were frightened by the romance between UPP, IPOB and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

    Amaku said the party had a cordial relationship with the Biafran agitators, debunked the claim that the party was being sponsored by the groups.

    He said: “however, the governors’ belated interest in the unjust punishment being meted to Kanu stems more from concerns for their political future than genuine discomfort over the IPOB leader’s fundamental human rights”

    “As a political party we do not know how to tell the rudderless Southeast governors good morning in the evening of Kanu’s travails, because we do not know where the governors have been all these while even when one of them collaborated with security personnel to undermine the rights of IPOB members”

    ”It is on record that a member of UPP, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, was the first Igbo leader to bring the injustice against Kanu and IPOB to the public domain, especially at a time when none of the governors or political leaders could mention the word Biafra”

    Amaku added: “Based on the foregoing, we are inclined to believe that the latter-day concern of the erstwhile moribund Southeast Governors Forum stems from their apprehension over the growing influence and clout of the UPP in Southeast, particularly Anambra State where UPP has become the party to beat in the November 18, 2017 governorship poll”

    “It is an open secret that Ndigbo, including youths and women enamoured of Biafra, have identified UPP as their special purpose vehicle to ventilate their desire to assert their political identity and independence”

    “They are therefore, not deceived by the empty promises of Southeast governors most of whom got into office through a debatable electoral popularity, most especially when they show manifest disconnect with the aspirations of the masses” Amaku said.