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Tag: governors

  • Union decries non-payment of salaries by governors

    The WAEC/Libraries and other Trade Group Council of Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) has bemoaned the non-payment of salaries by state governments.

    In a resolution by its Deputy President/Chairman of WAEC/Libraries and other trade union group of NASU, Michael Adegoke, and secretary, ‘Damola Adelekun, at the end of its meeting at the National Examinations Council (NECO) headquarters in Bida, Niger State, the body said the unpaid salaries and allowances had impacted negatively on the quality of life of its members.

    It added: “Council expressed worry over the untold hardships being experienced by some workers following the failure of some state governments to pay salaries as and when due, running into several months.

    “The Council insisted that payment of salaries is a statutory obligation, which must be fulfilled by the state governments. It condemned in very strong terms, the reluctance of some state governments to pay workers’ salaries and pension/gratuities as and when due, despite the supports extended to the states by the Federal Government in the form of bailout funds as well as the two tranches of Paris Club refunds.”

    The Council urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to release another tranche of the Paris Club refund to the state governments that owe workers until they had fully accounted for the Paris Club refunds collected.

    NASU called on the workers to team up with like-minded people  to vote out anti-workers in the government.

    The union expressed worry over the high rate of youth unemployment, adding that it is threatening the sustainability of the nation’s economic development and causing increase in the rate of crime and other social vices.

    It noted the increase in population coupled with the rate at which graduates were being churned out of tertiary institutions yearly without employment.

    The union, therefore, urged the government to create the enabling environment for the diversification of the economy. It appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to get  create jobs.

    NASU commended the  government for the fight against corruption, but  noted that corruption was still responsible for the  insolvable problem of poverty, disease, hunger and under development.

    The Council noted that the government had not been transparent enough in the fight against corruption and that every attempt by this government to end the problem had not yielded enough positive result.

    The Council further noted that if care was not taken, this administration that came in as a physician might leave office as a patient because of the prevailing corruption in the system.

    It, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure continuity in the fight against corruption by empowering relevant institutions to fight the cancer as he could not do it alone.

     

    The Council also called on all the anti-graft commissions and agencies as well as the Judiciary to intensify their efforts and make sure that culprits face severe punishment in order to serve as deterrent to others.

  • ‘Governors stockpiling arms’

    Governors and other politicians are stockpiling arms ahead of the elections, a government official said yesterday.

    The Director-General of the National Task Force on Prohibition of Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons, Dr. Osita Okereke, said governors and their collaborators were stockpiling arms and ammunition to kit their thugs. He did not name such governors.

    The director-general spoke at the National Assembly on the need for the Senate to quickly pass the Bill on National Commission on Prohibition of Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons and other related matters.

    He warned that steps should be taken urgently to prevent those in possession of illegal arms from unleashing them on Nigerians during and after the elections.

    Okereke said that apart from stockpiling arms and ammunition, governors were  acquiring police and army uniforms to be distributed to uninformed youth to cause mayhem during the elections.

    He said: “Information reaching us shows that some politicians, including governors, have been acquiring arms and ammunition to be given to the youth during the forthcoming general election.

    “In addition, they are also acquiring police and army uniforms for these youths for use during the lection.

    “If the youths that are likely to be recruited were given the opportunity to serve in the proposed commission before February general elections, they would not fall prey to the evil machinations of desperate politicians.

    “This is why we want the bill to be passed by the National Assembly and assented to by Mr. President before the election date.”

    Okereke, who said that nobody was born a kidnapper and Boko Haram, noted that some of those involved in insurgency or kidnapping were driven by desperation and hopelessness.

    He prayed the leadership of the Senate to fast-track the passage of the Bill on the Establishment of National Commission for the Prohibition of Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons ahead of the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The Bill, he said, will prohibit proliferation of small arms, ammunition and light weapons and other related matters.

    Okereke recalled that on December 7, 2017, the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) gave Nigeria a mandate to pass the Bill into law.

    “After that, nothing was done by Nigeria to honour the directives. There was a reminder on February 8, 2018 by the same sub-regional organisation, giving Nigeria an ultimatum to pass the Bill into law within three weeks and yet our country did not obey the directive and now it is one year that Nigeria has not deemed it  fit to comply with the order,” he said.

    Okereke noted:  “This law has been in existence in 14 countries, except in Nigeria and The Gambia. The treaty was signed in Nigeria and I think it is only proper that our country should expedite action on the process of signing this Bill into law.”

    He said the Bill had been delayed for about six years in the National Assembly.

    Read also: Freke Umoh thrills Benson Idahosa students

    Okereke noted that the commission will go a long way to checkmate electoral malpractices and associated violence.

    He said: “This Bill, if passed and assented to will attract foreign investors into the country, guarantee safety of lives and property of the citizenry, eradicate all forms of criminality, including kidnapping, rape and killings in parts of the country. It will also provide massive employment to our jobless youths and also generate revenue for the government.

    The Bill has a provision for the employment of about 350 youths in each of the 774 local government.

    “This Bill will help to restore security to the grassroots, comprising villages, communities, wards and local government areas like we have never had before now. It will fill the gap created by state police.

    “As I am talking to you, Boko Haram insurgents are in every village in the country. Arms and ammunition are in all nooks and crannies of this country. Kidnappers have taken over virtually all villages and communities in Nigeria and the only way to fish out all these unwanted elements in our midst is through the establishment of this commission in the country,” Okereke said.

     

  • Governors shower encomiums on soldiers, ex-servicemen, fallen heroes’ families

    GOVERNORS yesterday showered encomiums on members of the Armed Forces, other security agencies, fallen heroes as well as those they left behind, in their efforts in sustaining the country’s peace and unity.

    They called on Nigerians imbibe their sacrificial and selfless efforts.

    The governors, who spoke at events marking the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, urged the citizens to show love and care to ex-servicemen and the families of those who lost their lives while defending the country.

    They also urged Nigerians to support officers and men of the armed forces fighting insurgency in the North and other parts of the country.

     

    Ambode seeks support for anti-terror war

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, after the laying of wreath and release of pigeons in commemoration of celebration at Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos, urged the citizens to support officers and men of the armed forces fighting the war against insurgency in the North and other threats against national territorial integrity.

    He said their bravery and patriotism must never be in vain.

    The governor called for prayers for military personnel in the battle-fronts to win the war and keep the country as one indivisible entity.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said January 15 has remained sacrosanct in the political history of the country as it was a time to reflect on the sad memories of the civil war and also to appreciate the gallant warriors for their heroic exploits to preserve the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    “This is also a platform to commend the officers and men of the armed forces, who are engaged in one military exercise or the other to combat insurgency and other threats to our territorial integrity. We remain grateful to you for your bravery and patriotism to put your lives on the line for our country.

    “I call on every Nigerian to rise up to the occasion and support our men and women in theatres of war with prayers so that they would achieve resounding victory over those who threaten our peace and national sovereignty,” the governor said.

    Congratulating the legionnaires and families of late ex-service men for the success of this year’s Armed Forces remembrance activities, Ambode assured that his administration remains committed to their welfare and well-being.

    Read also: Buhari, Osinbajo, others lay wreaths for heroes

    He also called on Lagosians and Nigerians to show love and care to the families and the loved ones of those who lost their lives while defending the country, which according to him, would further reassure them that their loved ones had not died in vain.

    The deputy governor took on the first duty of inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the combined detachments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Nigerian Legion immediately she arrived at the venue of the ceremony.

    After the wreath-laying ceremony, several gun salutes were fired and the deputy governor led others to the pigeon case, where she released the birds to signify peace.

    Other notable personalities, who performed the laying of wreaths, include Secretary to the State Government Mr Tunji Bello, representatives of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly; Chief Judge of Lagos State; Oba of Lagos; Service Commanders of military and para-military formations, a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes, among others.

     

    Fayemi praises military

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi hailed the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in sustaining the peace and unity of the country.

    Fayemi called on Nigerians to take a cue from their sacrificial and selfless efforts.

    He said Nigeria would keep appreciating the sacrifices of officers and men who laid down their lives to ensure that their countrymen enjoy peace.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, spoke at Fajuyi Park, Ado Ekiti.

    The colourful parade was marked with special salute to the unknown soldier and 21-gun salute to the fallen heroes.

    According to him, the fallen heroes had demonstrated their love and honour for the country by laying down their lives.

    Others who laid wreaths at cenotaph of the unknown soldier, were Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Regiment, Akure Brig.-Gen. James Ataguba, who was represented by Col. I.I. Akpan; Commissioner of Police Amba Asuquo; Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Solomon Iyamu and Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps Ismaila Kugu.

     

    Akeredolu gives N3m
    to widows of late

    soldiers

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in commemoration of the day, distributed micro-credit loans to widows of soldiers from the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, who lost their lives in the war against Boko Haram insurgents.

    The governor also doled out a cash gift of N100,000 to each of the 30 widows of the fallen heroes from the cantonment, with a promise that his administration would keep putting smiles on the faces of the dependants left behind.

    Akeredolu, who gave the cheques to the beneficiaries at the parade and wreath-laying ceremony held at the state cenotaph, Akure, the state capital, said the tokens were to cushion the impact of the unfortunate losses.

    He added that no amount of money could replace the lives of the dead soldiers, calling on individuals and corporate organisations to assist in bringing smiles to the faces of the widows and other loved ones.

    The governor also donated an operational vehicle to the Nigerian Legion in the state, in fulfilment of his promise.

     

    N30m business grants for veterans wives

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike yesterday announced a N30 million business grants to the widows of fallen heroes and war veterans in the state.

    Speaking at the courtyard of the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said the grant would help the women expand their businesses and cater for their families.

    The governor also announced a donation of N20 million to the state branch of the Nigerian Legion. He noted that the two donations would be effective after the legion make peace among their members.

    The event was held at the Isaac Boro Park, where Wike inspected a guard of honour and released pigeons of peace.

    The governor, top officials and service commanders laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier, followed by a 21-gun salute for the fallen heroes.

    He said Nigeria deserves the total defeat of Boko Haram instead of the technical defeat being paraded by the Federal Government.

     

    Ortom, Tor Tiv officers lay wreaths

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Tor Tiv V Prof. James Ayatse and senior military officers yesterday laid wreaths in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

    The police and representative of the Nigerian Legion also laid wreaths at the ceremony.

    Twenty-one gun salutes were shot in honour of the late soldiers.

     

    Obiano urges more

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano yesterday told the military not to be deterred despite the challenges they facing.

    Rather, he admonished them to do more for the country.

    He spoke at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State to mark the Armed Forces remembrance day in the state.

    The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rita Maduagwu, Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi, service chiefs and others.

    Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Major Ben Anigbogu hailed Obiano for carrying them along and remembering them each year.

    He, however, said they lacked accommodation, official vehicle among others, while soliciting for help from the state government

     

    Okorocha to Nigerians: honour fallen heroes with credible polls

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha enjoined Nigerians to ensure that the 2019 elections are hitch-free in honour of the fallen heroes.

    The governor also called on those contesting the election to shun violence whether they “win or lose since they are all Nigerians, who want to make the nation great”.

    Okorocha, who spoke after laying wreath at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Heroes’ Square, said: “Great nations are built by heroes, especially men and women who chose the way of sacrifice to their nation and not built by wealthy men.

    “We are here to salute courage and patriotic devotion. We are here to celebrate heroes who decided to give up their lives that their nation might be honoured. We are here to encourage heroism in our nation. Today, we are gathered not because these soldiers of gallant men and women had fallen, not because they joined the army or armed forces, we are here gathered because at the end of their sojourn on earth, they became heroes worthy of celebration. They gave up their lives to protect the integrity and peace of our nation…

    “To the widows and widowers of these great men and women, may I use this opportunity to encourage our nation that as we celebrate our heroes who are no more, may we equally find a space to celebrate these widows because the pains of death is not necessary. We must not only celebrate our heroes gone, but we must remember their loved ones and show them as much love as we can. This is what we owe to our fallen heroes.”

     

    Sani-Bello to support

    families of fallen heroes

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello pledged to support the families of officers and men of the Army, who were killed in active service to the nation.

    The governor stated this at the 2019 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and wreath-laying ceremony in Minna, the state capital.

    He said his government would put up mechanism to enable the families, especially the wives and children to become independent and self-reliant through empowerments.

  • Osinbajo, governors, others eulogise Fasehun at funeral service

    Eminent Nigerians, including Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) yesterday paid their last respects to the founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Fredrick Fasehun.

    They eulogised the late OPC founder for his heroic deeds.

    Fasehun’s remains were committed to mother earth at his Ondo country home.

    His kinsman and former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko as well as all co-ordinators and members of OPC in the Southwest attended the ceremony.

    Osinbajo, who was at the commendation service in Ondo town, also witnessed the interment at Fasehun’s home at Jolaco area of Ife Road in the ancient town.

    The Vice-President said Nigeria had lost a warrior who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.

    He described the deceased as very brave and courageous, stressing that the commitment of the late Fasehun to democracy and rule of law was huge.

    Osinbajo said the late Fasehun was a brilliant medical doctor who contributed significantly to the development of medicine and made useful impacts in the nation’s medical system since his return to the country.

    The Vice-President noted that the OPC founder would be remembered for his service to humanity, especially his roles in founding the group, which was those that fought for the return of democracy in the country.

    He also recounted the roles Fasehun played during and after the 1993 presidential election, which the military annulled.

    According to him, Nigeria will not forget people like Fasehun, who suffered greatly in the hands of military dictator and former Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, for his belief in the rule of law and democracy.

    Osinbajo added that the late Fasehun was remanded for 20 months in Ikoyi prison by the Abacha-led military junta.

    He maintained that the legacy the late Fasehun left behind would be remembered forever.

    The Vice President said beneficiaries of his charity programmes in different parts of the country would not forget him for once.

    “We will definitely miss this great Nigerian. We will miss his contributions to the growth and development of our nation. We will miss his contributions to the medical profession and his life will continue to be an example for many to follow,” Osinbajo said.

    The Anglican Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Rev. Gabriel Akinbiyi, urged the people to live a life that will be worthy of emulation, like that of the late Fasehun.

     

     

  • Governors, labour stand-off on minimum wage continues

    Labour yesterday told workers to brace for a prolonged strike over the new minimum wage.

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has accused Labour of mischief on its claim that governors are unwilling to pay the least worker N30,000.

    Labour is insisting on N30, 000, saying the states could pay with effective management of resources. The Federal Government is proposing N24,000.

    But the NGF described as mischievous and misleading, Labour’s claim that the governors were not willing to pay N30, 000.

    The Nigerians Labour Congress (NLC) urged its members to get set  for a prolonged strike to force the government to accede to their demand.

    The NGF Head, Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, reacting to a report quoting the NLC Secretary-General, Peter Ozo-Eson on the minimum wage, said the NLC’s demand for governors’ probe on alleged diversion of bailout funds was needless, describing it as an attempt to steer the public away from the promise by President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute another committee to review the minimum wage impasse.

    It warned NLC against pitting the workers against the governors.

    The NGF stressed that the N22,500 offer was arrived at after extensive deliberations among the 36 governors, considering the country’s economic situation and the states’ other obligations to the majority of the people of their various domains.

    The forum claimed that the governors were guided by the report of the tripartite committee set up by the President.

    The statement reads: “Governors have collectively made it abundantly clear that they would have been happy to pay workers the N30, 000, but times are hard and because of financial constraints and other limitations, many states cannot afford it for now.

    “The NGF had offered workers a token increment to the sum of N22, 500 from the current N18, 000 after the submission of the report of the tripartite committee set up by the President and headed by a retired Head of Service, Ms. Amma Pepple, on October 6th.

    “Governors also emphasised that N22, 500 is a ‘baseline threshold’, meaning that any governor, who can pay more than N22, 500 is, therefore, free to go ahead and do so.

    “Let it be known that governors have met the President twice on this matter and presented their books to buttress their point. First, a batch of state governors, led by the NGF Chairman, Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State, in company of Governors Ambode of Lagos, Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) attended a closed door meeting with the President, where the financial standing of six states, one each from all the geo-political regions in the country, were shown to the President, after which, on Mr. President’s request, all the states forwarded their books, their revenues, both internally generated and their earnings from the Federation Account along with their other sources of revenue for examination. The president appears satisfied with the governors’ position, thus the decision to set up a new committee.”

    The NGF added: “It is important to add that there has never been a time in this country, when states have embarked on a more aggressive revenue drive than they are doing today. And this is without exception or prejudice to any state.

    “To put the records straight, governors are not under any obligation, by law, to show their books to the NLC. But they have, in their pursuit of the understanding of the union, done so, not once, but several times over, with a view to letting NLC know that what they are asking for is neither realistic nor sustainable. Yet, NLC remains adamant that its will must be done, or the heavens will fall.

    “The President, at his last meeting with governors on December 15, 2018, admonished them (governors) to expect harsher economic tides from New Year’s, thus validating governors’ fears that even those states that had hitherto looked comfortable financially, may in the course of the New Year, falter.

    “Moreover, since that last meeting, of the middle of December, between the governors and Mr. President, the economists of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat have been working closely with the relevant departments in all the states of the federation and looking into other ways of collating financial standing of states that will help the President in ameliorating the situation.

    “Already, revenue to states have dropped drastically while demands by competing needs keep rising astronomically. Last year alone, revenue to states dropped from N800 billion when the tripartite committee was appointed (November 2017) to between N500 billion and N600 billion by the time Ms. Amma Pepple submitted its report in October 2018.

    Read also: Minimum wage: NLC, TUC urge Buhari to emulate ex-president

    ”Moreover, state governors are making concerted efforts to improve education, health and infrastructure and, for this, would not, therefore, dedicate their states’ entire resources to workers’ salaries alone, knowing that workers constitute less than five per cent of the nation’s population.

    “In that regard, governors emphatically announced, collectively, that no state would devote more than 50 per cent of its revenue to salaries.”

    The NLC urged its members to prepare for a prolonged strike to force the government to send a bill on the N30,000 national minimum wage to the National Assembly. It urged the government to do everything possible to halt the impending strike.

    In his New Year message to workers, NLC President Ayuba Wabba said the strike had become “an inevitable last option for workers while craving the understanding and support of all Nigerians and businesses”.

    “Wabba also said that the Congress will embark on a mobilisation of workers against the selective application of the no work, no pay policy of the government which, it said, is in violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement by the same government that seeks to use the policy against workers.

    He assured workers that their labour, patience and diligence will not be in vain and that the leadership remains committed to giving all that it takes to ensure that they get just and fair wages due to them in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being.

    The NLC boss said: “In spite of these relative successes, the year remains one of the most traumatic for workers especially given the failure of government to enact and implement the new national minimum wage of N30, 000. This is in spite of the unimpeachable tripartite process leading to the agreement by the social partners on the new national minimum wage.

    “It is unfortunate that the Federal Government is yet to transmit to the National Assembly an executive bill for the enactment of N30, 000 as the new national minimum wage.

    “Government’s dilly-dallying on the issue has strained Government -Labour relations with a potential for a major national strike which could just be days away.

    “Accordingly, we would use this opportunity to appeal to the Government to do the needful by urgently transmitting the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

    “We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right. This strike becomes the inevitable last option for us and we crave the understanding and support of all Nigerians and businesses.”

     

  • Governors to Nigerians: be hopeful about 2019

    IMO State Governor and Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum Rochas Okorocha, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo, Cross River State Governor Ben  Ayade,  Southeast Governors Forum Chairman and Ebonyi State Governor Chief David Umahi have called on Nigerians to be hopeful about 2019.

    They spoke yesterday in their different new year’s messages.

    Okorocha: 2019 ‘ll favour Nigeria

    Okorocha, in his message, assured that the new year would “favour the nation and its people more than 2018”.

    The governor noted that “no nation grows with the citizenry being negative about the progress of such a nation”.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to see light at the end of the tunnel with regard to 2019, especially the nation’s politics, economy, unity and development.

    According to him, “the year 2018 which had just ended was not a bad year when properly scrutinised. Nigerians should be grateful to God for his goodness in 2018 and also pray that 2019 will be far better than 2018.”

    Wike wishes Rivers’ people prosperous new year

    Wike, in his message, wished Rivers people a prosperous 2019, urging them to use the New Year  to consolidate on the gains of the state’s rapid growth since 2015.

    The governor thanked Rivers people for their support and cooperation, assuring that his administration  will sustain the delivery of projects in the new year.

    He said though the outgoing year had several challenges, Rivers people should march into 2019 with renewed hope for greater accomplishments.

    The governor said the numerous challenges in 2018 did not stop his administration  from recording outstanding achievements in the area of road construction, healthcare delivery, provision of educational facilities, empowerment of the people, administration of justice, economic development  and security of lives and property.

    He said that 2018 would be remembered as a year when several key projects in Rivers State  were commissioned for over two months by eminent traditional rulers, national leaders and top political leaders  from the six geo-political zones of the country.

    Wike noted  that 2019 will witness more projects execution and empowerment  of the people in line with the tenets of New Rivers Development Blueprint.

    Look forward to better Cross River, Ayade tells residents

    Ayade urged Cross Riverians to be hopeful of a better 2019 as the foundation his administration has laid in the last three years is progressively being crystalised through rapid industrialisation.

    Ayade, in his New Year message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, said the herald of a New Year, which comes with new vistas, new aspirations and a revitalised hope, offered Cross Riverians the chance to look forward to a better Cross River in 2019.

    According to Ayade: “Seeing out a year gone by and ushering in a new one is always a moving experience. If we take stock of the year gone by, we have every reason to be happy as our expectations are being fulfilled and our efforts at building a virile, stable and sustainable Cross River is crystalising.”

    Soliciting a hand of fellowship to actualise the dreams envisioned by his administration, the governor said: “Today, I thank you for standing by us so far and for the great support we have received from you. I also urge you to stretch your hands along with me that together, we may force a dawn of greatness on Cross River State.”

    Avoid extreme politics, says Umahi

    Umahi called on Nigerians to be more positive about Nigeria and avoid extreme politics as the country gets ready for the 2019 general elections.

    The governor, in his new year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, acknowledged that the country went through turbulent times in the year 2018, resulting in almost a near doubt about Nigeria.

    He called for a renewed belief in the country.

    Umahi maintained that even as Nigerians approach the polls to elect their leaders in the new year, one thing should be paramount to approach every election with every sense of brotherliness.

    Elections, he said, are not wars, calling for abolition of extreme politics among every political parties participating in the election.

  • NLC’s claims on governors’ unwilling to pay N30,000 minimum wage mischievous, says NGF

    THE Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has described as mischievous and misleading, the claims that the governors are not willing to pay the N30,000 minimum wage.

    NGF Head, Media and Public Affairs Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo stated this in a reaction to a report quoting the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretary General Peter Ozo-Eson on the minimum wage.

    The statement said the NLC’s demand for governors’ probe on alleged diversion of bailout funds was a needless attempt by labour leadership to steer the public away from the promise by President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute another committee to review the minimum wage gridlock.

    It warned NLC not to destroy the existing conviviality that is already building-up between workers and their governors.

    The NGF stressed that the N22,500 proposed by the governors was arrived at after extensive deliberations among the 36 governors, considering the country’s economic situation and the states’ other obligations to the majority of the people of their various domains.

    The forum claimed that the governors were guided by the report of the tripartite committee set up by the President.

    The statement reads: “Governors have collectively made it abundantly clear that they would have been happy to pay workers the N30,000, but times are hard and because of financial constraints and other limitations, many states cannot afford it for now.

    “The NGF had offered workers a token increment to the sum of N22,500 from the current N18,000 after the submission of the report of the tripartite committee set up by the President and headed by a retired Head of Service, Ms. Amma Pepple, on October 6th.

    “The N22,500 was arrived at, after extensive deliberations among the 36 governors, outlining their financial capacities and liquidity, considering the economic situation of the country and the states’ other obligations to the majority of the people of their various domains.

    “Governors also emphasised that N22,500 is a “baseline threshold”, meaning that any governor, who can pay more than N22,500 is, therefore, free to go ahead and do so.

    “Let it be known that governors have met the President twice on this matter and presented their books to buttress their point. First, a batch of state governors, led by the NGF Chairman, Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State, in company of Governors Ambode of Lagos, Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) attended a closed door meeting with the President, where the financial standing of six states, one each from all the geo-political regions in the country, were shown to the President, after which, on Mr. President’s request, all the states forwarded their books, their revenues, both internally generated and their earnings from the Federation Account along with their other sources of revenue for examination. The president appears satisfied with the governors’ position, thus the decision to set up a new committee.”

    The NGF added: “It is important to add that, there has never been a time in this country, when states have embarked on a more aggressive revenue drive than they are doing today. And this is without exception or prejudice to any state.

    “To put the records straight, governors are not under any obligation, by law, to show their books to the NLC. But they have, in their pursuit of the understanding of the union, done so, not once, but several times over, with a view to letting NLC know that what they are asking for is neither realistic nor sustainable. Yet, NLC remains adamant that its will must be done, or the heavens will fall.

    “The President, at his last meeting with governors on December 15, 2018, admonished them (governors) to expect harsher economic tides from New Year’s, thus validating governors’ fears that even those states that had hitherto looked comfortable financially, may in the course of the new year, falter.

    “Moreover, since that last meeting, of the middle of December, between the governors and Mr. President, the economists of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat have been working closely with the relevant departments in all the states of the federation and looking into other ways of collating financial standing of states that will help the President in ameliorating the situation.

    “Already, revenue to states have dropped drastically while demands by competing needs keep rising astronomically. Last year alone, revenue to states dropped from N800 billion when the tripartite committee was appointed (November 2017) to between N500 billion and N600 billion by the time Ms. Amma Pepple submitted its report in October 2018.

    “Moreover, state governors are making concerted efforts to improve education, health and infrastructure and for this, would not therefore, dedicate their states’ entire resources to workers’ salaries alone, knowing that workers constitute less than five per cent of the nation’s population. In that regard, governors emphatically announced, collectively, that no state would devote more than 50 per cent of its revenue to salaries.

    “To, therefore, insist that states must oblige the NLC its demands, regardless of the economic gloom that stares the nation in the face, is most unpatriotic and a deliberate attempt to hold the nation, especially the President, to ransom, this being an election year…

    “This is not the time for the NLC to destroy the existing conviviality that is already building-up between workers and their governors, especially in those states of the federation where governors are stepping up to the plate with the right decisions.”

  • Governors, others to Nigerians: allow Jesus’ message of love, peace to be your guide

    As the world marks Christmas today, governors, senators, ministers and other prominent Nigerians have called for the emulation of Jesus’ message of love, peace and humble living.

    Oyetola

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged Nigerians to emulate Christ’s message of love and peace.

    Oyetola, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary Adeniyi Adesina, rejoiced with Osun indigenes and Nigerians.

    The statement reads: “I rejoice with you fellow citizens of the State of Osun as you celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

    “We should allow Jesus’ message of love, peace and humble living to be our guiding light.

    “I urge our citizens to continue to live in harmony because Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, with a message of peaceful co-existence among the people.

    “As the year 2018 gradually winds down, I promise to continue to run a credible and an all-inclusive government that will make life more abundant for our people.

    “This can only be possible in an atmosphere where everybody is free to contribute their quota to the economic development of our dear state

    “I urge you to show love to your fellow citizens as you go about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ

    “Let us keep the peace and be orderly as candidates canvass for votes ahead of the 2019 elections.”

    Obaseki

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has enjoined Edo people and residents to emulate Jesus Christ as they celebrate Christmas.

    In his Christmas Message issued yesterday in Benin City, the state capital, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I rejoice with all Edo people, at home and in the diaspora as well as residents, as we celebrate Christmas.

    “Christmas season is an auspicious occasion to show love and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, whose birth we are commemorating.

    “As we celebrate with our friends, relatives and neighbours, I enjoin you to spread the message of oneness, love, generosity and hope for greater things as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.”

    He expressed the state government’s gratitude to the people for their support for his administration.

    “As a government, we are grateful to all Edo people and residents who have stood by us in our pursuit of a united and prosperous state, where we all can realise our dreams. It is with great joy that I wish you a merry Christmas.”

     Senator Tinubu

    Lagos Central Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday reminded urged her constituents not to allow the reason for the season to be lost on them as they celebrate Christmas today.

    Mrs. Tinubu described the season as a period for Nigerian to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ, who came into the world as a mark of God’s compassion and love for mankind.

    She also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and committed to the cause of a better Nigeria which, according to her, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration “is working towards”.

    In her message, the senator urged Nigerians to show love and kindness to their neighbours.

    The message reads: “I rejoice with the people of Lagos Central Senatorial District, Lagos State and Nigeria for another season of festivities to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus and God’s love to mankind.

    “Christmas is a time of celebration, joy and love. However, it is also a time to reflect on the purpose of the birth of Christ and ensure that our lives model the exemplary sacrifice of God’s love for mankind.

    “In addition, it is a time to show love and extend helping hands, especially to the less privileged amongst us. It is my hope that we can carry on the culture of giving beyond the festivities and apply these tenets in our everyday lives as Christ enjoins us to.

    “Regardless of whatever challenges we may have faced this year which is fast coming to an end, I urge you all to remain steadfast and committed to the cause of a better Nigeria which the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration  is working towards.

    “With the campaigns in full swing and the general elections fast approaching, we are confronted with choices or decisions to be made as individuals and a nation. I implore you to choose the path of peace for the greater good of our collective future.

    “Whatever you nurture will yield good results. Let us choose to nurture our heritage, communal history and our beloved Country Nigeria. I am certain that if we persist, it will pay off eventually.”

    Kashamu

    The lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Buruji Kashamu, has urged Nigerians, especially the good people of Ogun State to pray for a successful general election.

    In a statement yesterday, Kashamu expressed gratitude to God “for preserving our lives to witness another Christmas. Despite the challenges we face as a people, we should be grateful to the Almighty God for the relative peace in the land.”

    The lawmaker added that, “As we make merry and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us remember to pray for God’s continued guidance, mercy, grace and favour even as we go to the polls to elect a new set of leaders who will preside over our affairs in the next four years. Let us pray for a peaceful election in Nigeria, in general, and Ogun State, in particular, because it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that we can pursue our individual and collective goals.”

    Kashamu reiterated his commitment to the cardinal principles of transparency, inclusiveness and renewal, if elected, adding that it was by transparently involving all the stakeholders in the policy-formulation and decision-making process that the hope of the people would be renewed.

    “That is how we can collectively take Ogun State to greater heights,” he added.

    The Governorship candidate urged the electorate to vote PDP and its candidates during the 2019 general election.

    Ashafa

    The senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga Ashafa, has urged Christian brothers and sisters in Lagos East, Lagos State and Nigeria to have a joyous Christmas.

    His statement reads: “The yuletide season commemorates every good, precious and pure ideals that we share. I encourage each and every one of us to allow ourselves be infected by the spirit of joy this beautiful season as you mark the birth of Christ. It is important that we all remember that behind Christmas is the idea that we are to be our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper; that we should treat others as we would want to be treated and to share our love with all and sundry. It is my hope that this Christmas reminds us of these values as we keep them even after the celebration. While we are in the festive mood, let’s all be consciously reminded that the 2019 general elections is just around the corner. It is on this note that I implore each and every one of us for the good of our dear state Lagos State and great Nation Nigeria to go out enmasse to galvanize support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Ward to the National Level. As we celebrate, it would be a good platform to equally share our support for President Muhamadu Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo, the APC candidate for Lagos State Gubernatorial election Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu and his running mate Babafemi Hamzat as well as all other candidates running on the platform of the APC. Once again I wish us all a merry and joy filled Christmas.”

    FCT Minister

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Malam Muhammad Bello yesterday pleaded with Christians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari for God to continue to grant him wisdom and good health so as to take the country to the next level.

    Bello, in his 2018 Christmas message to residents of the FCT, advised Nigerians to use the occasion of this festive period to meditate and give expression to the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ to neighbours and to humanity.

    His statement reads: “On behalf of the Administration and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, I sincerely convey our felicitations to all FCT residents, especially our Christian friends, on the occasion of the 2018 Christmas celebrations.

    “The occasion also, offers us a unique opportunity to pray for our country Nigeria and our leaders, especially, our President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, for wisdom, courage and good health as he works to take Nigeria to the next level. This becomes more necessary, as we approach the 2019 elections.

    “I enjoin all residents to rest assured that the FCT Administration and law enforcement agencies are doing their best to guarantee the security of lives and property both during and after the festivities. You are therefore, to go about the celebrations and your lawful duties without fear. Residents are, however, requested to keep watch over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to the law enforcement agencies nearest to them.”

    Lagos Speaker

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, tolerance, and sacrifice which made the life of Jesus Christ worthy of emulation.

    Obasa, in his Christmas message, stated that these are qualities essential for the development and growth of the country.

    “Jesus Christ was an embodiment of peace, love, tolerance and sacrfice in his entire lifetime hence he is referred and adored throughout the world. For us to be great as a nation, we must not only imbibe these qualities but we must also put them into practice,” the Lagos Assembly Speaker said in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Musbau Rasak.

    According to him, “throughout his life, Jesus Christ was tolerant even against his most bitter enemies, preached and shared love and peace and ended up sacrificing his life on the cross Calvary which was the biggest supreme price one can pay for others to survive.

    “Vigilance should be our watchword all the time hence we must be wary of any unusual action in our neighbourhood, so that we continue to nip crime in the bud,” he said.

     Globacom

    Telecommunications giant Globacom yesterday congratulated Nigerian Christians on the celebration of Christmas which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

    The company, in a statement in Lagos, urged them to pray for peace and unity of the nation, especially as the next general election comes up in two months’ time.

    According to Globacom, “no time is more auspicious than now to seek and pray for peace, unity and love for one another, because these are the virtues Christ symbolised”.

    It added: “As our brothers and sisters in the Christian faith celebrate Christmas, we rejoice with them and appeal to them to use the occasion of the celebration to seek the face of the Lord and pray for continued peaceful co-existence among the different groups in the country. If all Nigerians imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ and demonstrate these in their lifestyle, the nation will remain united and make more progress.”

    Adeola

    The chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Solomon Adeola, has called on Nigerians to renew their faith in Jesus Christ and pray for a peaceful and rancor-free 2019 General Elections.

    In a Christmas message to felicitate with his constituents and Christendom, Adeola said Christmas symbolised the celebration of the birth of a new dawn for the salvation of souls for all humanity.

    A statement by his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro, said: “While acknowledging that Nigerians in general are going through a difficult gestation period for sustained economic growth that is mercifully not compounded by the usual fuel scarcity as witnessed in time past during Yuletide, the senator urged all Nigerians to be patient and look forward to a better future adding that with abiding faith in Jesus Christ all our challenges will be a thing of the past as we move to next level of our development.”

    Osun APC

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress yesterday urged Christians to love fellow countrymen and women.

    A statement by its spokesman, Kunle Oyatomi, in Osogbo said: “As we celebrate Christmas,  the dominant spirit should be that of love, for the birth of Christ was and is the manifestation of God’s love for mankind, regardless of race, tribe or country.

    “Until we cultivate that love and make it shine through this earthly life, we may not have the full benefit of the grace that God’s love provides.

    “Although we have set a specific period for Christmas  – or the outward celebration of God’s love for us – it should not end with the physical activities of that period alone.”

    Ajibola Basiru

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Osun Central Zone, Dr Ajibola Basiru, has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the celebration of Christmas.

    Basiru, in a goodwill message, urged Christians to imbibe the lessons of Christmas which symbolises humility as Jesus was born in a lowly place.

    The former Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice stated that: “As we celebrate, we shouldn’t forget that the birth of Jesus Christ is more of sober reflection than of outright merry making as the celebrant chose to come to the world in a manger and not a princely place. Therefore, we have to celebrate in moderation”.

    He said celebration of the birth of Christ should accommodate giving and sharing as Jesus is believed to have given his life for salvation of man. He urged people irrespective of faith to live in harmony.

    The APC senatorial candidate also enjoined his teeming supporters to go about their campaign peacefully, avoid and ignore any act of provocation from any quarters to ensure a resounding victory for all APC candidates in next year’s general elections.

  • $2.6b London-Paris Club cash: Governors face fresh probe

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is considering the probe of some state governors for allegedly diverting fees meant for payment to consultants who assisted states on the London-Paris Club loan refund.

    Some states may not be able to access the last tranche of refund of about $2,689,279,365 unless they allow the federal government to deduct the consultants’ fees at source.

    The consultants are insisting on the payment of their $350million before the $2.6billion is released to states.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that while the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) offered to pay its consultants about two per cent for services, most states promised their consultants between five to 10 per cent.

    The NGF had hired Biz Plus Limited and GSL Consulting Limited as its consultants

    Some governors that did not hire consultants are now alleged to have collected consultancy fess between five and 10 percent for themselves.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of N522.74 billion (first tranche) refund to states pending reconciliation of records following protests by states against over deductions for external debt service between 1995 and 2002.

    Each state was entitled to N14.5 billion or 25% of the amount claimed.

    The second tranche of N243.79billion was released in December 2017.

    The release of the cash was trailed by a huge controversy, including payment of N19billion consultancy fees and $86million into the accounts of the NGF.

    The EFCC in the last two and a half years had been investigating the alleged diversion of the N19billion under the guise of consultancy fees.

    About $183,000 out of the N3.5billion was transferred to a jewellery firm in Dubai bring patronized by some ranking Senators.

    About four suspects are already facing trial for alleged conversion of N3.5billion out of N19billion London-Paris Club refund to states.

    But investigation revealed that many governors and past governors are in trouble over the refund.

    Findings revealed that most governors have not paid the consultants they engaged to trace their loan records, repayment and their states’ share of refund.

    A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are still investigating the London-Paris Club refund because there had been issues on the cash. Some governors have diverted the refund and deducted consultancy fees without paying consultants.

    “Most governors have reneged on the agreement to pay the consultants engaged by their states.

    “While the NGF offered to pay consultants about two per cent, some states negotiated five to 10% with their consultants. Yet these governors have deducted the consultancy fees from the refunds made to their states without paying the consultants.

    “There is a case of state which got over N11billion. The governor of the affected state violated the agreement and paid only a pittance of N15million to the consultants.

    “Some state governors did not engage consultants but they paid consultancy fees to themselves through their cronies.

    “So far, about $350million is the accumulated consultancy fees. Despite the approval by the presidency NGF does not want $350million released to consultants at all.”

    The source said: “One of the governors who diverted N500million out of the London-Paris Club refund was uncovered and he has lost the cash to the Federal Government.

    “We have more instances. Some former governors, who had nothing to do with the refund, brought in consultants in order to benefit from the exercise.”

    A government source said: “The position of the presidency is that the $350million out of about $2,689,279,365 final tranche of London-Paris Club refund should be paid to the consultants.

    “In fact the presidency directed that the consultancy fees should be deducted and remitted into a dedicated in CBN.

    “The governors are opposed to deduction from source. They said since the cash belongs to states, the presidency should leave governors to relate with their consultants. They also claimed that the presidency was never part of any agreement between states and consultants.”

     

  • NLC to governors: include N30, 000 wage in your budgets

    GOVERNORS should include the payment of the new national minimum wage in their 2019 Appropriation Bills, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has counselled.

    Labour said doing so remained the only to avoid friction and crisis in the New Year, adding that the state governments are buoyant enough to pay the N30, 000 being demanded for workers as minimum wage.

    NLC President Ayuba Wabba told The Nation in a chat that the minimum expectations from workers as the President presents the national budget “is for provisions to be made in the budget for the implementation of the minimum wage.”

    Wabba, who recently became the first African and the first black man to be elected President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), described as unfortunate that workers continued to bear the brunt of economic hardship, with nobody fighting their cause whenever the economy improves.

    He said that governors only say they cannot implement the minimum wage because of how they have handled the resources at their disposal, saying the issue has nothing to do with the availability of resources.

    Wabba said: “Legally, the minimum wage due and the President has openly told the world that he is committed to it.  Our minimum expectation is that the minimum wage be accommodated in the budget and for workers to actually begin to benefit from it.

    “There is no two way about this because it is legitimately due. So, Nigerian workers should not be made to suffer the consequences of what they are not responsible for. When the economy is doing well, nobody bothers about workers.  But when the economy is worse, the workers will be at the receiving end because in most cases, they are not paid.

    “So, when the economy is doing well and when it is not, we have not actually received the desired attention. So, our expectation is that since everybody mutually agreed, the minimum wage should be a priority.”