The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Ecological Fund: Buhari commissions multi-billion naira erosion control in Jigawa

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned a N1.4 billion erosion control project at Federal University Dutse in Jigawa state.

    The President who was represented by the minister of Interior, General (Rtd) Abdulrahaman Bello Dambazau said the project was founded by the office of the secretary to the government of the federation through ecological ‎fund office.

    President Buhari reaffirmed the present government’s commitment in equal sharing of developmental projects in all parts of the country.

    According to him “No part of the country would suffer any neglect owing to its geopolitical location or political consideration”.

    General Dambazau reassured President Buhari’s commitment to continue with the implementation policies that will improve the socioeconomic lives of citizens.

    Read Also: President Buhari mourns Hajiya Omoti

    He added that, the completion of this project has also underscored the federal government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling environmental problems in the country, making life more meaningful for Nigerians.

    The Minister also promised to construct fire service office and modern equipment for the university adding that, he would do all his best to convince the federal government to release more funds for second phase of the projects in the University.

    While making her remarks earlier, the vice chancellor of the University professor Fatima Batoul Mukhtar ‎said the project include 4.5 km roads and 2.1km drainage.

    The VC commended the federal government particularly the office of the Secretary of the federation for the release of the fund.

     

  • ‘We are optimistic of Atiku, Mohammed’s victory at tribunal’

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chris Uche, who doubles as the lead counsel for Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar at the presidential election tribunal, and Bauchi State governor-elect, Bala Mohammed at the governorship petition tribunal sitting in Bauchi state has expressed optimism of his clients’ victory in court.

    Atiku and his party are challenging the outcome of the election on the grounds of alleged massive rigging, malpractices substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws.

    In the petition, Atiku and PDP are praying that its candidate be declared winner of the February 23 presidential election.

    They are also asking the tribunal to nullify the poll and order for a fresh election that will be conducted in line with the provisions of the electoral laws.

    The legal luminary said all the respondents in Atiku’s cases have all filed their responses.

    He mentioned President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress,APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the respondents.

    Uche added that all processes have been exchanged and very soon, there will be commencement of the pre- hearing session with the actual trial coming after that.

    He, however, queried the APC for not addressing some of the issues raised in the petition filed by Atiku.

    “It is very unfortunate that they have not addressed the issues we raised rather they are raising issues that we feel are mere distractions. Whether Atiku is a Nigerian citizen or not or whether one of the lawyers who signed the petition, whether he abbreviated his name or not”

    “But they are yet to address the issues we raised, mainly the information on the data of INEC, the physical result that INEC gave.  They have not reacted to that and all the anomalies we pointed out.

    “We are very comfortable and confident with the processes that are before the court of appeal. Very soon, hearing will be commence on that. We are optimistic of victory In both cases”

    “Having looked at all the fact in both cases,  our position are very strong, we are very confident of defending the mandate of  Atiku and Bala victory and we shall come out victorious ”

    Read Also: Buhari, Jonathan, Atiku and who?

    Meanwhile, Bala ‘s victory is been challenged by Governor Mohammad Abubakar and the APC over alleged rigging.

    Uche who spoke at the inauguration of the governor-elect’s legal team in Bauchi,   which he heads said Bala has a right to be represented and his mandate defended and protected.

    “As we all know Bala Mohammed won all the election but incidentally his opponent has challenged his victory. We are here as his legal team to defend the mandate given to him voluntarily by the people of Bauchi state.

    “Our legal team is a highly constituted one, and we have about 60 lawyers with 5 SANs which have been chosen to defend him”

    “We have seen a copy of the filed by his opponent, we have also taken a look at it and the area of the complaints and really those are not really complains”

    “Since we have just been filed and served a copy of the petition, we have 21 days to file and reply .We are already gathering our materials, the results from all the local government even though they are challenging result from only 3 out of the 20 Local government areas. We will soon file our response and will also take preliminary steps required before the pre-hearing session which will expect to take place in two weeks’ time” He said

    On his part, the governor-elect has said he would use every legitimate means at his disposal to defend his electoral mandate.

    Inaugurating his legal team, the Governor-elect said, “On behalf of myself, the deputy governor-elect, Baba Tela and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, of Bauchi state, I inaugurate the legal team to fight for us at the tribunal.”

    “I won’t relent in defending the mandate that was freely given to me by the good people of Bauchi State. This is not the first obstacle we have had to cross, and by God’s grace, we will emerge victorious again in court. He said

    The Nation had earlier reported over the weekend that Chris Uche will lead the Bauchi governor-elect ‘s team with 10 senior lawyers which include 5 SANs and 60 indigenous lawyers from Bauchi to compliment the efforts of the Uche- led legal  team in defense of Bala ‘s victory at the tribunal.

  • Clerics task President Buhari on lives, welfare of citizens

    Some clerics in Lagos have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to improve the lives and security of Nigerians during his second term, and also enhance their welfare.

    The clerics gave the advice on Thursday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Amir of the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) Justice Wale Abiru, urged President Buhari to concentrate more on improving the welfare of citizens.

    “The Nigerian society has a lot of problem, and I think that the President cannot resolve that in one term; there are things that need to be done.

    “The issue of welfare, poverty is a big problem and we need to tackle it; poverty breeds insecurity and I hope that it can be curbed,’’ he said.

    The Director of Project, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Mr Jubri Abdullahi, urged the government to ensure that the lives and property of its citizens are protected.

    “We expect a number of things from the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari on security.

    “Kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, Boko Haram are on the increase, so we expect to see an elimination of these, because where there is no security there cannot be development.

    “We commended him on the increase in minimum wage, we expect that it would be constant and consistent, and Nigerians will actually have a living wage,’’ he said.

    Read Also: How Buhari, Dabiri saved Zainab

    The Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Olusola Ore, said that the issue of corruption should be looked into holistically without sacred cows.

    “I think he should up his game in the area of security. The killings, both communal and ethnic killing, should stop. He should look holistically at the issue of corruption, it should not be selective.

    “It might not be intentional, but that is how it seems; there are so many people in the ruling party that need to be probed.

    “The President should look around him and make sure he is not smeared by the people around him.

    Rt Rev Stephen Adegbite, Bishop of the Metropolitan Diocese of Ikeja Methodist Church Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to do more in the area of securing the lives and property of the citizens.

    “If the present situation is not addressed, the sense of unity and togetherness of the Nigerian people from a psychological standpoint could be under threat.

    “The state of the nation, particularly the level of insecurity, is a big concern. We hope that with President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, he will do a lot better than he has done,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Buhari lied about academic credentials – Atiku, PDP tell tribunal

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar have accused President Muhammadu Buhari of making false claims about his academic qualifications.

    The PDP and Atiku argued that Buhari’s claim, in his response to the petition they filed at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), that he (Buhari) was more qualified than Atiku, was also a false assertion.

    They noted that unlike Atiku, Buhari failed to exhibit his credentials, which he claimed to possess.

    The PDP and Atiku raised these issues in their reply to Buhari’s response. They are before the PEPT to challenge the outcome of the last presidential election, which Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), won.

    In the reply filed on April 15 this year, by their team of lawyers, led by Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), the PDP and Atiku argued that, having failed to attach the credentials to the Form CF001, which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), one could safely conclude that Buhari lied that his certificates were with the Nigerian Army.

    Read also: Buhari, Jonathan, Atiku and who?

    They challenged Buhari to, as the incumbent President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, direct the Nigerian Army, where he once served, to make his credentials public, if indeed, they actually exist.

    The PDP and Atiku added: “In further response to paragraph 381(iv) of the  2nd respondent’s reply, aver that the petitioners have no knowledge of any certificates or alleged qualifications issued to the 2nd respondent (Buhari), but contend that 2nd respondent falsely represented that his certificates are in the custody of the Nigerian Army when the 2nd respondent, by his own admission, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “In further response to Paragraph 381(iv) of the 2nd respondent’s reply, the petitioners aver that the 2nd respondent as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria could easily order the Army Secretary to produce the certificates allegedly submitted if they actually exist.

    “Contrary to paragraph 381(i-iv) of the 2nd respondent’s reply, the petitioners aver that the 2nd respondent does not posses the educational qualification he claimed to have in his INEC Form CF001 submitted to the 1st respondent (INEC) having not been attached as required.

    “In reply to the paragraph 383 of the 2nd respondent’s reply, the petitioners aver that the 1st petitioner (Atiku) is eminently qualified to contest election for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and had indeed attached evidence of his educational qualifications to his INEC Form CF001 submitted to the 1st respondent, unlike the 2nd respondent (Buhari) who did not attach evidence of the qualifications he claimed in his INEC Form CF001 because he does not possess them as he falsely claimed.”

    They argued that “the purported training and courses” which Buhari had claimed placed him “head and shoulders” above Atiku in respect to educational qualification to contest the presidential election, “did not culminate in the issuance of any certificates he claimed in his INEC Form CF001.”

    The PDP and Atiku described Buhari’s claim of being head and shoulders above Atiku, in qualification and experience, as erroneous.

  • FG expresses delight over Zainab Aliyu’s release

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama has expressed appreciation to the Saudi Authority for the release of Zainab Aliyu, who was held for alleged drug trafficking offence.

    Ms. Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar were erroneously accused of trafficking hard drugs to Saudi Arabia.

    Reacting to the release, Onyeama disclosed that the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had engaged the Saudi Arabian authorities in a very quiet diplomacy to secure the release of the two Nigerians.

    The minister, in a statement by his media aide, Sarah Sanda further said that the release of Zainab Aliyu by Saudi Authorities is a further sign of the immense goodwill Nigeria enjoys on the global stage under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari whose integrity is widely acknowledged.

    The minister, who received the news of the release while on official assignment in Guinea Bissau, noted all diplomatic channels at the highest levels were explored to achieve the desired results.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been conducting a very quiet diplomacy with the Saudi Authorities for some time now, we provided them with documentation and this has obviously led to the release.

    “It also shows the benefit of quiet diplomacy which has been conducted as opposed to conducting our foreign affairs on twitter and other social media, so we are very happy that quiet diplomacy has proven its worth.

    “In this case we know this is an innocent Nigerian who some criminals had planted drugs in her name.”

    Ms. Aliyu is a Nigerian student who was detained in Saudi Arabia after hard drugs was found in a bag labeled in her name at the Saudi Airport.

    The federal government said she was a victim of drug cartel at the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, North West Nigeria.

    Read Also: Photo: Zainab Aliyu after her release

    The cartel is reported to specialise in placing hard drugs in bags owned by travelers while on their way to destination countries. Some members of the cartel have been arrested.

    On the execution recently of another Nigerian, Kudirat Afolabi in Saudi Arabia for drug smuggling, Onyeama denied allegations that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to do anything to avert that.

    “It was unfortunate that there was another case a couple of weeks ago where a Nigerian lady was executed in Saudi Arabia for drug smuggling.

    “Some people were very unfair, giving impression that  the Ministry was somehow responsible for the execution of this lady because she was innocent, off course that was not true, it was unfortunate the false narrative that was created.

    “In that case unlike this case, that lady was found with drugs, they want to make it look like the same case as the present case.”

  • Lagos lawmaker lauds FG over release of Zainab Aliyu

    A Lagos Lawmaker, Mr Segun Olulade, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for securing the release of Ms Zainab Aliyu, who was arrested by Saudi Arabian authorities for alleged possession of codeine.

    Olulade, a member representing Epe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, also congratulated Zainab’s parents and applauded the Federal Government for the role it played in her release.

    The two-term lawmaker wondered why some individuals would have the guts and confidence to plant drugs in luggage belonging to other people.

    “If not for the swift intervention of the Federal Government and other well-meaning individuals, only God knows what the fate of Zainab and Ibrahim Abubakar would have been.

    “This calls for serious concern, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has a lot to do to ensuring that those responsible for this dastardly act are seriously dealt with.

    “Every other concerned security agency must rise up to the occasion and ensure that security at our airports is tightened.

    “I see no reason why drugs should scale through our security here at our airports and get to another country.

    Read Also: Students protest in Kano over Zainab Aliyu

    “If the security agencies responsible for securing the airports are doing their jobs diligently, then people should not jet out of the country, only for them to get to their destinations and be caught,” the lawmaker said in a statement.

    Olulade, a former Chairman, House Committee on Health Services as well as Information and Strategy, also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for taking up the matter and ensuring the release of the two Nigerians.

    NAN recalls that Zainab Aliyu, a final year student of Yusuf Maitama-Sule University, Kano, was arrested in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 25, 2018, for alleged drug trafficking.

    She travelled to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj with her mother and elder sister.

    NAN

     

  • Zainab: CAN lauds Buhari over release of Nigerian student from Saudi prison

    The Reformed Christian Association of Nigeria (rCAN) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari over the prompt release of Zainab Aliyu from Saudi Arabian detention.
    Aliyu, a Nigerian student, was detained over illegal dosage of tramadol found in a bag labelled in her name at a Saudi airport last.
    On being alerted, the president ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami to forthwith ensure her release.
    Acting on the instructions of Mr Buhari, the AGF hired lawyers on Tuesday in the gulf country to compliment the Nigerian mission in the Kingdom as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    Barely five hours later, Aliyu was set free and an utterly marvelled rCAN can’t help but applaud president Buhari.
    In a statement released on Wednesday by Interim President, Pastor Enoch Atumeyi, the group was particularly impressed by the president’s speedy response in a case that would have potentially led to death penalty.
    “ The Reformed Christian Association of Nigeria (rCAN) is commends President Muhammadu Buhari over the reprieve he got for a Nigerian, Zainab Aliyu, who was being held and facing the prospect of execution in Saudi Arabia over drug running charges,” the statement began.
    “ The freedom procured for Zainab should be a platform from which to launch the primacy of the Nigerian life globally such that Nigerian anywhere in the world are reassured that they will never be left alone.
    “ rCAN makes this charge in the confidence and knowledge that President Buhari secured Zainab’s release not because himself and the young woman are both Muslims neither did the ease of with which the outcome was achieved has anything to do with Saudi Arabia being an Islamic country. The same result would have been gotten from any other country – Islamic, Christian, polytheist, or secular – so long as the government of such country recognizes the ongoing reforms that have set Nigeria on the path of becoming an axis of influence.
    “ We appreciate Mr. President and his proactive efforts that delivered a positive intervention, which freed Zainab. Her experience is a wake-up call on the Federal Government to decisively go after the cartels and syndicates that place innocent Nigerians in arms way by sneaking illicit drugs into their luggage, particularly the cartel discovered to be operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. “
    The Christian group, however, stated that the work doesn’t end there for the Federal Government.
    They opined that all hands must be on deck to ensure the release of other Nigerians languishing in various Saudi detentions.
    “ We demand that the Federal Government take up the cases of other Nigerians currently languishing in Saudi jail over drug running charges for review.
    “ Irrespective of what the government finds out, it should prevail on Saudi authorities to have these citizens repatriated to face judicial processes in Nigeria so that the can be acquitted if found innocent or convicted and punished if found guilty.
    “ As an interim measure, our suggestion is for the authorities to carry out enlightenment campaign with advisory to intending passengers on how to handle their luggage to prevent becoming unwilling drug couriers. Such exercise should be carried out nationwide.
    The reformed CAN didn’t spare the whips for certain Christian groups, especially CAN, which in its usual gimmick leveraged on the release to launch the religious cards.
    “ We are however appalled by the reaction of the Northern Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which attempted to muddle the issues by dragging in Leah Sharibu, the Chibok secondary school girl, and others who are in Boko Haram’s captivity.
    “ CAN’s statement to this effect is a misplacement of priority and further confirmation that it has deviated from its founding objective of evangelism to the extent that it is no longer able to see an individual human being first as a creation of God before ascribing religion and other biases to them.
    “ We advise the leadership of CAN to retrace their steps as they have continued to sow division among the otherwise self-tolerant population of the country, which does not augur well for Nigeria. The kind of statement they issued in the wake of Zainab’s release can only serve to worsen the damages that the association had done in the recent past and this is highly condemnable.
    “ In the meantime, we congratulate Zainab and her family for getting a new lease of life after having faced certain execution.”

  • Ngige to workers: Buhari’ll bequeath buoyant economy

    states bailout, by Ngige

    President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to lifting workers and leaving a legacy of service and buoyant economy, Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Chris Ngige said yesterday.

    In a message to mark Workers’ Day, Ngige said the President gave states bailout to pay salary and pension in his resolve to improve workers’ lives.

    The President, he said, was determined to create an economy that would bring sustainable abundance to the people.

    Ngige said: “On behalf of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment as well as its parastatals, I wish to send warm felicitations to Nigerian workers on the occasion of 2019 Workers’ Day.

    “The theme of this year’s celebration which is “Another 100 years of struggle for jobs, dignity and social justice in Nigeria” aligns with the vision and efforts of President Buhari to not only uplift the lot of the Nigerian worker, but also leave a legacy of a buoyant economy capable of creating sustainable abundance for our people.

    “The uniqueness of this year’s event manifests eventfully in its co-incidence with the centenary celebration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which Nigeria proudly pioneered as the first country office in Africa 60 years ago, in Lagos in 1959.

    “While I sincerely salute the resilience of the nation’s workforce and its numerous contributions to national development, we owe plentiful accolades to the most labour-friendly President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who took practical steps to douse the restiveness in the labour force he inherited four years ago due to unpaid salaries and allowances.

    “He released bailout funds at the state and federal levels, and capped it all with a new national minimum wage for the Nigerian working class in public and private sectors. As we move to the Next Level, I have no doubt that things will get better. I wish you all a productive and fulfilling workers’ Day celebration.”

     

    ‘2.78 million die yearly from

    occupational accident’

     

    At a symposium to mark the 2019 World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Abuja, Ngige said that about 2.78 million people die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases yearly worldwide.

    An additional 374 million are suffering from non-fatal occupational accidents yearly.

    This statistics, the minister said, was alarming, adding that the economic cost in these figures is not only enormous and unquantifiable, but also tragic and regrettable.

    Represented by his Permanent Secretary, William Alo, Ngige said: “This immeasurable human suffering and catastrophe caused by poor occupational safety and health practices and conditions are largely preventable”.

    The minister said free medical screening was being planned for the enhancement of the informal sector’s workers’ safety, health, and welfare.

    He said: “You can attest to the fact that technological advancement including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics nanotechnology, and increasing automation is becoming more common in the workplace and machines are now attempting to take over the role of humans.

    “In a renewed effort at addressing changing patterns and emerging risks in the workplaces, the government has embarked on measures in ensuring safe, healthy and decent work for all.

    “Government has also embarked on measures to promote a culture of prevention through various workplace interventions that include the vigorous enforcement of extant labour laws through conduct and factory inspections of workplace nationwide.

    “In addition, employment patterns and structures are shifting with the introduction of new forms of employment such as outsourcing, contract staffing, and a host of other non-standard forms of employment.

    “All of these now present various threats and challenges to the safety and well-being of workers which must be addressed by the future of work”.

    The ministry, he said, would encourage concerted efforts by all stakeholders toward rising to the transformation challenges and opportunities posed by rapidly advancing technologies which revolutionised occupational safety and health concerns.

    Ngige said the evolving world of work today and in the future called for innovative investments in labour as a major factor of production, through continual learning and skill development, adding that Nigeria as a member-state of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had since 2004, joined the yearly awareness-raising campaign.

    He said the ministry would continue to develop and review policies, legislative and regulatory framework critical to achieving sustainable improvement in safety and health standards in the workplace.

    ILO Country Director Denis Zulu said Nigeria had been consistent in commemorating the World Day for Occupational Safety, adding: “It is an important day for us in the ILO, because we are commemorating 100 years of the ILO and it gives an opportunity to see how much progress has been made in safety and health.

    “I must admit that over the past few years, we have made tremendous progress around policies and we have also made progress towards having an updated law that reflects the changing environment in the world of work.

    “We are delighted that the government is taking this issue very seriously but also the presence of the private sector, trade unions is particularly important. This is because health and safety in the workplace is not just the responsibility of the government but also the employers and the workers who are actually around the workplace”.

    Director of Occupational Safety and Health Dr. Ifeoma Anyawutaku, said it was part of the ministry’s mandate to ensure the safety and well-being of workers in their workplace.

    “It is our mandate that nobody goes to work to meet his death or gets harmed or sustains injuries in the course of doing his or her job. So, the Federal Government under the Ministry of Labour and Employment is doing so much particularly in enforcing standards, laws and regulations by guaranteeing the safety of the health and the well-being of every Nigerian worker in their various workplaces.

    “In addition to enforcement, we are involved in promotional activities and rising awareness to ensure that every worker knows those hazards they are exposed to and to also ensure that every worker knows what steps to be taken”.

     

    Workers mainstay of

    economy, says Saraki

     

    Senate President Bukola Saraki saluted workers on their contributions to the country’s socio-economic development despite what he called the fluctuating economy.

    In his Workers’ Day message, signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki hailed the leadership and members of organised labour for their patriotism in often choosing dialogue rather than industrial action in resolving trade disputes.

    He expressed hope that workers would be encouraged to always put in their best in working to uplift and sustain the economy, following the recent signing into law of the N30,000 minimum wage.

    “No nation can develop without a virile and agile workforce,” Saraki said. “It is trite to say that workers are the mainstay of our nation’s economy, since no policy of government, no matter how remote, will succeed without the commitment and collaboration of workers saddled with implementation.

    “However, having interacted with Nigerian workers and their leadership times without number, I can say without fear of contradiction that the nation’s workforce is among the best on the continent,” he stated.

    “All that is left is to adequately harness their abundant talents and spirit of patriotism to further improve on the nation’s economic and political development through timely and adequate motivation, training and retraining. The public sector should work to ensure that the country realises its potential. It should eliminate tardiness, increase the level of discipline and strive to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive with the resultant broadening of the scope of national prosperity”, Saraki said.

    He called on the leadership of organised labour to continue to discharge its responsibilities in the interest of the country and its people adding that  the government should continue to do its best to meet the yearnings of workers and other Nigerians through sustainable welfare programmes.

     

    Atiku: workers are critical economic partners

     

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the February 23 presidential election Atiku Abubakar has described workers and their unions as critical partners in the country’s economic development.

    In his Workers’ Day message, Atiku said: “The labour and sweat of Nigerian workers constitute the engine and lubricants of our economic growth and national development.”

    The former vice president praised unions for being dependable watchdogs that serve the people’s interest.

    “Over the years, the various labour unions in Nigeria have played pivotal intermediary role between the government and the people and the most recent is the agitation for increased minimum wage of N30,000. I congratulate the labour unions in Nigeria for this feat and I believe that with the same kind of determination, it is possible to further improve the lot of the Nigerian worker.

    “With the efforts and creative energies of Nigerian workers, I believe that it is very possible to create economic buoyancy in Nigeria and redefine our destiny in the world as a centre of prosperity and refuse to be the capital of the world’s poor people.”

    “I want to join several other well-wishers to celebrate with Nigerian workers on today’s Workers Day and also to assure the labour unions of an acknowledgement of their great sacrifices for the country,” Atiku said.

    He urged workers to embrace peace, harmony and national unity in their engagements with their employers and governments at all levels.

     

    Kalu seeks improved

    working conditions

     

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu praised workers for their contributions to nation building.

    Describing them as hardworking, patriotic and productive, the Senator-elect implored government at all levels to improve workers’ welfare for the sake of productivity.

    In a statement issued by his media office, Kalu said: “As we mark this year’s Labour Day, Nigerian workers deserve to be acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated for their efforts in building a prosperous nation.

    “The labour force in Nigeria is a key component of the country and as such must be supported to promote sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria cannot be prosperous if the workers are not carried along in governance and other endeavours.

    “Government must implement policies that will guarantee welfare of workers.

    “As we live in a dynamic world, the capacity of workers must be continually built. Knowledge is key for growth and sustainable development.

    “The right people with the right skills are needed for a productive economy”

     

    ‘Nigeria must tackle

    corruption to save workers’

     

    The Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has asked the incoming Ninth National Assembly to pass into law the Anti-Corruption Bill.

    Its National Secretary, Comrade Abdulrasaq Saidu, said corruption must be tackled to save civil servants.

    According to Saidu, workers are bearing the brunt as politicians continued to milk the country, which he noted, must be sanitised.

    Saidu noted that privatised companies such as, the National Shipping Line, Power Holding Company of Nigeria, among others were sold to enrich few Nigerians. He called for the reversal of their sale.

    Saidu frowned at the poor handling of the National Health Insurance Scheme and the National Housing Fund, calling them conduit pipes for manipulating workers’ funds.

    The ANAP secretary, who described the minimum wage as nothing, said it would be difficult for parents to pay tuition fees because of privatisation of schools.

    Saidu called for the sack of all the heads of parastatals in the aviation industry to give the agencies a new lease of life.

    Conspiracy, he said, remained the greatest problem in the sector, especially the ministry which has failed to order the payment of debts owed various agencies.

    Saidu accused Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika of disobeying the President’s directive to inaugurate the parastatals’ board, saying that is “abuse of office”.

    He blamed the ministry for undue interference in the running of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), warning that the regulator’s autonomy was being threatened.

    “I blame the ministry for interference; the autonomy of NCAA is being threatened by the activities of the ministry. The regulation body is weak and airlines increase fares at will.”

    On the access gate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Saidu called for immediate review of the agreement with the concessionaire.

    According to him, the volume of traffic at the access gate has increased and the contract must be re-negotiated.

     

    Okotie to workers:

    be more productive

     

    Pastor-politician Rev. Chris Okotie has urged workers to be more productive and efficient.

    He said he supported workers’ quest for a decent wage but warned that such demand must be matched with high productivity and efficiency.

    “A productive work force deserves decent pay; employers should also respect labour rights so as to avert disruptive strikes which often harm the economy,” he said, adding: “Nigeria needs industrial stability to grow the economy.”

    Rev. Okotie, the presidential candidate of the Fresh Democratic Party, FRESH, in the just-concluded general elections, called for a comprehensive review of the country’s labour laws to bring them in line with global standard practices as enshrined in the ILO statutes.

    Okotie expressed hope that states and other public sector employers would honour their wage obligations in the face of shrinking revenue.

    He advised the federal, other sub-national governments and public institutions to diversify their sources of revenue. “There’s an urgent need to turn our oil-dependent economy into a multi-product export economy. That’s the only way to sustain our current position as Africa’s largest economy”, Okotie added.

     

  • Wike wins NMA merit award

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has been nominated for the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) healthcare merit award.

    A statement yesterday by the governor’s media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said Rivers NMA visited Wike to congratulate him on his re-election.

    Chairman Dr Obulebra Adebiyi said: “In view of the far reaching impact of your development projects in the health sector, and by the recommendation of NMA Rivers State, you have been nominated by the NMA President, Prof. Francis Faduyile, National Officers Committee and the National Executive Council for the highly esteemed NMA Healthcare Merit Award.

    “This award is conferred by the NMA to governors with exceptional performance, especially in the health sector, evidenced by the improved quality of care in the state, better equipped healthcare centres, proximity of healthcare centres to rural dwellers and better healthcare delivery indices within the period under review.”

    She said the award will be conferred on Wikeat the National Delegates’ Conference at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

    Wike thanked NMA for the award, saying his administration will use the second term to address outstanding areas of development. He said the award will spur him to greater service.

    He said: “We had an interactive session with the NMA before the elections, and the doctors assured me of their support. This victory is not for any particular person; it is for Rivers people.

    “With what happened, it is important for all of us to work together to develop the state.”

    The governor announced that the seven-month entitlements owed House Officers will be settled, even as he directed the placement of the House Officers stipends under the management of Ministry of Finance.

  • Military action yielding results, says Buhari

    Military operations against criminals are yielding the desired results, President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday.

    According to the President, the Armed Forces have, by their efforts within the past four years, restored the pride and honour of Nigeria amongst the comity of nations.

    President Buhari spoke at the Eagle Square, Abuja as the Special Guest of Honour during the Parade/Orbat Flypast/Aerial Display by the Nigerian Air Force to commemorate its 55 anniversary.

    Represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the President was treated to a colourful parade by the Six Commands of the NAF. He inducted two new Agusta 109 attack helicopters recently acquired by the service.

    At the event were: Chief of Defence (CDS) Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; representative of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and Acting Inspector-General (IG) Mohammed Adamu.

    President Buhari said: “I am very delighted to be in your midst today to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the NAF. Since the establishment of the NAF in 1964 by an Act of the Nigerian Parliament, the Nigerian Air Force has been fulfilling its Constitutional mandate of preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity through the employment and projection of air power.

    “As a country, we are particularly proud that in less than 4 years, we have been able to revitalise our armed forces for the full restoration of Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by Boko Haram insurgents.

    “As the air arm of the armed forces, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to play very crucial roles in degrading the fighting capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists in North East where our officers, airmen, soldiers and ratings have performed gallantly.

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    “Once again, I salute the resolve of our Armed Forces and the invaluable contributions of other security agencies towards the defeat of Boko Haram and other security challenges bedeviling our dear nation.

    “Specifically, the contributions of the NAF in addressing the security challenges in the Northwest against armed banditry/cattle rustling and kidnapping is also appreciated.

    “Your efforts in conjunction with other security agents have started to yield positive results thereby restoring our pride and honour amongst the comity of nations.

    “I also want to thank Nigerians for coming together as a united and determined people, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations, to wage the war against terror and insurgency.

    “We are currently in the stabilisation, reconstruction and resettlement phase of the overall effort in the North East, and we continue to solicit for your support and understanding until terrorism is completely eradicated. We will not relent until every trouble spot within our territory enjoys enduring peace and order.”

    Chief Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar commended the President for the support given to the service in the past four years, saying the NAF have been able to acquire new platforms and establish new commands through the magnanimity of the President.

    The CAS said: “The 55 years of the existence of the Nigerian Air Force have been very eventful and during this period, the NAF was confronted with a myriad of challenges. However, we were able to surmount these challenges and progressively maturing in the process.

    “The NAF has also grown in size, spread and equipment holding all in a bid to fulfil its statutory obligation of protecting and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria from the air. The growth of the NAF since the inception of the Service has been particularly outstanding.

    “From having only a few trainers and transport aircraft in the early years of the Service, the Nigerian Air Force currently has an impressive ORBAT comprising diverse aircraft with capabilities to perform a wide spectrum of missions.

    “We have also continued to build upon the foundations laid by our noble predecessors by reactivating several aircraft that were hitherto grounded; acquired and inducted various platforms into service and increased the strength of service personnel by 7,500 airmen/airwomen and 400 officers. Additionally, two new commands and two staff branches were established to meet the evolving security challenges we are faced with.”