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Tag: Nasarawa State

  • Nasarawa NLC impeaches embattled chairman

    Nasarawa NLC impeaches embattled chairman

    The Executive Council of the Nasarawa State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has impeached its embattled Chairman, Abdullahi Adeka.

    A statement signed by Ahmed Naibi, the Secretary, said that Adeka was removed for announcing the suspension of the strike, immediately after his reinstatement.

    It said that the “surprising” action violated the resolutions reached at the NLC headquarters as a condition for his reinstatement.

    “In the meeting held at our national secretariat in Abuja on May 23, we all agreed that Adeka must sustain the strike. That was a condition for his reinstatement.

    “We also agreed that his mother union, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, and all other affiliates of the NLC, must join the strike to maximise its effect.

    “But, instead of sustaining and widening the strike, Adeka announced its suspension, a day after he was reinstated,” the statement said.

    The statement declared that Adeka, by that action, had demonstrated that he was not a trustworthy leader.

    “We have resolved that he stands impeached; Bala Umaru, his deputy, is now the substantive Chairman of NLC in Nasarawa State,” the statement declared.

    It said that the strike action would continue and advised workers to await further directive from the new leadership.

    Some executive council members, who spoke with NAN, accused Adeka of “clearly taking sides with the government”, with many describing his action as “shocking”.

    Adeka had been suspended from office on May 21, when he suddenly declared an end to the strike without due consultation.

    He was reinstated on May 23, after the headquarters intervened, but went on air on May 24, to announce the end of the strike without consulting with other members of the executive council.

    The workers have been on strike since May 12, over the non payment of their salaries.

  • Commission donates items to refugees, promises empowerment

    Commission donates items to refugees, promises empowerment

    The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) on Thursday donated food and non-food items to refugees and asylum seekers in Nasarawa State with a promise to empower them.

    Hajiya Sadiya Farouk, Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI made the donation to the refugees and asylum seekers living at Nyanyan-Gwandara Transit Camp, Nasarawa State.

    Farouk said the distribution of the items was in line with the mandate of the commission to alleviate the sufferings of displaced persons, refugees and asylum seekers with a view to protect and ensure a better life for them.

    She said that plans were underway by the Commission to commence programmes to support the refugees and asylum seekers through economic empowerment.

    “Bearing in mind the critical condition of these vulnerable groups, it has become imperative to intensify our efforts to provide protection, assistance as well as provide durable solutions.

    “Finding durable solution is our aim and priority such as re-integration in host communities, rehabilitation of lives and livelihood to help them to be self-sustainable until they return to their countries.

    “ We are going to profile them to know what they can do; we will empower those that have skills in their areas of speciality and for those without skills we would engage them in skills acquisition programmes.

    “Afterwards we will equip them with starter packs so that they can become self-sufficient as we want to discourage the ideas of encampment.

    “The commission will continue to play its role in accordance with its mandate and principles of international protection by providing care, maintenance and durable solutions for persons of concerns,’’ Farouk said.

    She said that the commission had put in stringent measures under its Refugees Status Determination Programme data to ascertain those who are refugees and asylum seekers.

    She said that the commission had set up a team that would supervise the distribution of the items to ensure that they reach the beneficiaries and are judiciously used.

    Farouk said that the commission would soon commence distribution of relief items to IDPs from Taraba who fled to Nasarawa State as a result of communal clashes.

    In his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Almakura, commended the commission for its unrelenting efforts in addressing the plights of the refugees, asylum seekers and IDPs.

    Almakura, represented by his deputy Mr Silas Agara, noted that refugees, asylum seekers and persons of concerns were only victims of circumstances who were forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

    He said that the state government was committed to supporting the efforts of the NCFRMI to ensure the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons in the area.

    The governor said that the state recorded had success in its rehabilitation programme as it had no record of its indigenes as IDPs since most of them were happily resettled.

    Responding on behalf of the refugees and asylum seekers, Mrs Germaine Ukwunu from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), appreciated Nigeria for accepting, supporting and integrating them into the country.

    She said that inspite of the challenges of insurgency and internal displacement, Nigeria had played the role of big brother.

    Ukwunu pleaded with the government to create an enabling environment where they could have job opportunities, education for their children, access to health care and a monthly stipend.

    She promised that the refugees and asylum seekers would continue to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner and pledged their loyalty and be law abiding.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items distributed include 24 bags of beans, 21 bags of rice, 24 bags of garri, 10kg of 24 bags of salt, 25 bags of sugar, 30 set of cooking pots and 30 set of stoves.

    Others are 25 kegs of four litres palm oil and vegetable oil, one bale of mosquito nets, blankets, wrappers, children clothing, detergents among others.

    NAN also reports that transit facility is currently hosting 23 families from Chad, Cameroon, Eritrea, DRC, Niger with most of them having lived there for more than 15 years

  • Nasarawa House of Assembly summons six LG chairmen over bridges

    Nasarawa House of Assembly summons six LG chairmen over bridges

    Chairmen of six local governments in Nasarawa State on Wednesday appeared before the  House of Assembly Committee on Works, over the delay in the construction of bridges and culverts already paid for.

    Mr Mohammed Okpoku, Chairman of the committee, who summoned the officials, told the News of Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the invitation was to also caution them against allowing the handlers to compromise standards.

    “We are not on a witch hunt; we represent the people and only want to be sure that projects meant to improve their welfare are not toyed with,” Okpoku told NAN shortly after meeting with the officials in Lafia.

    NAN quotes the legislator as telling the officials that the House of Assembly members were surprised that the projects were being delayed “long after Gov. Tanko Al-Makura released full payments”.

    He gave the officials two weeks to complete the jobs, saying that the committee would visit the areas to inspect the state and pace of work after the period.

    The legislator advised the officials to be “very prudent” with resources, and warned against frivolous expenditure and unnecessary trips.

    He also commended the governor for the prompt release of the funds for the projects, saying that the measure would open rural areas for development to flourish.

    NAN reports that Al-Makura, in February, approved the release of N700 million to the 13 local governments and 18 development areas to construct bridges and culverts to open up rural communities.

  • Al-Makura urges workers to call off strike

    Al-Makura urges workers to call off strike

    Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has urged striking workers to call off their strike in the interest of peace and for the socio-economic development of the state.

    Al-Makura made the appeal on Monday in Lafia during a meeting with some stakeholders to commemorate 18 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

    “As far as I am concerned, there is no strike in Nasarawa state now and any worker hiding in his bedroom is doing that at his or her own risk,’’ he however warned.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the NLC Chairman in the state, Mr Abdullahi Adeka, had on May 26 announced the suspension of the strike, saying the state government has started implementing their demands.

    However, on May 27, a factional NLC Chairman, Mr Bala Umar, asked workers to continue with the strike, insisting that the government was yet to meet up with their demands.

    The workers are demanding for full payment of their salary arrears, promotion and enhanced condition of service.

    Commenting on the development, the governor said that the meeting was aimed at appreciating, recognising and acknowledging the contributions of those that served and are still serving the state since when he assumed office in 2011.

    Al-Makura said that the strike, which was embarked upon by the organised labour, has a political motive.

    “As a matter of fact, the master minds behind the strike are people completely belonging from opposition political parties.

    “The strike is only to sabotage government efforts; if not why is that children whose parents are APC, PDP, APGA, Labour Party, among others, want to be denied opportunity to studies.

    “We thank the Ministry of Education and the government that make the necessary arrangement to make sure that the students study without hitches,” he said.

    Al-Makura pointed out that his administration in the past six years have recorded landmark achievements in the areas of development in the state capital and with a drive in rural areas through the provision of basic social amenities and infrastructure to curb rural/urban migration.

    He assured the stakeholders and the people of the state on his unalloyed drive for development which, according to him, has resulted to key infrastructural improvement.

    “The contributions of various stakeholders in the state have help in bringing to success the gains of democracy which we all celebrate today,” he added.

    According to him, since the birth of his administration, road network, construction of schools, hospitals and markets, among other key infrastructures, has in no small measure top government programmes.

    The governor renewed the commitment of his administration to continue to create infrastructures that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.

    NAN also reports that the meeting brought together past and present political office holders who served the state at various levels.

  • Rainy season: NURTW caution drivers against reckless driving

    Rainy season: NURTW caution drivers against reckless driving

    The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nasarawa State chapter, has advised motorists against over speeding and reckless driving to prevent accidents during the rainy season.

    Alhaji Salihu Adamu, the state NURTW Chairman, gave this advice on Wednesday in an interview with newsmen after he paid homage to the Osu Agwada, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, in his palace at Agwada, Agwada Development Area of the state.

    He said that the visit was to seek for his royal blessings and support to enable the union succeed.

    Adamu also advised passengers to always call the attention of drivers while speeding, driving recklessly and overtaking wrongfully for their safety.

    “Members of our union and motorists generally should always observe traffic rules and regulations and avoid reckless driving, speeding and wrongful overtaking to avoid unnecessary accidents especially now that rainy season has set in,’’ he said.

    Adamu attributed the high rate of road crashes in the country to over speeding and reckless driving.

    He, therefore, urged motorists to avoid speeding in the interest of their lives and the lives of other road users.

    The chairman restated the commitment of the union to continue to sensitise its members in order to obey traffic rules and regulations as well as support government policies on transportation.

    “We will not relent in our efforts in educating, advising and sensitising our members and other motorists on the need to do the right thing while driving, as we are working to minimise road crashes,” he added.

    The chairman appreciated the people of the area for their support towards the activities of the union in the state and called for its sustenance.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Abubakar Kana (APC-Kokona West) state constituency, expressed gratitude to the state leadership of the union for approving a branch of the union in the area.

    He said that he would continue to collaborate with the members of the union in order to boost transportation system in the area and the state at large.

    Earlier, Sadiq, who is the paramount traditional ruler of Agwada chiefdom, urged members of the union to continue to be law abiding and respect constituted authorities in the interest of peace.

  • Maku condemns demolition of Breeze FM Radio Station in Lafia

    Maku condemns demolition of Breeze FM Radio Station in Lafia

    Labaran Maku National Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance has condemned the demolition of Breeze 99.9 FM Radio Station, Lafia by the Nasarawa State Government.

    Maku, a former Information Minister, who condemned the action while speaki ng with newsmen in Lafia on Monday, said the demolition was an attack on the media.

    He said that in a democracy where the press had the freedom to operate freely backed up by the law nobody should try to suppress the media.

    Maku said that the demolition of a private station by the government was an affront to the Freedom of Information Act in the country.

    He said that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) needed to protest against the impunity and protect its members to prevent more of such actions against the media.

    Maku described that the destruction of the first private radio station ever established in the state capital as “unfortunate’’.

    He noted that it was the state governor himself who  commissioned the station in March.

    “So why will the same government demolish the same station it commissioned after two months,” Maku said.

    He said that the excuse that the station was operating in a private residence should have been resolved amicably.

    In his reaction, the Proprietor of Breeze FM, Nawani Aboki said the action of the government was highly questionable as the reason given for carrying out the demolition was absurd.

    Aboki threatened to take legal action against the government, adding that the station would come out stronger and vibrant.

    Mr Adamu Sule, the Managing Director of Nasarawa State Urban Development Board also reacting, said that the radio station was among other buildings demolished for not complying with approved land laws.

    The state government officials demolished Breeze 99.9 FM. on May 20.

  • Nasarawa NLC suspends planned strike

    Nasarawa NLC suspends planned strike

    The Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its strike action which was scheduled to start Friday.

    The suspension was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the NLC and the Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Abdullahi Adeka and Sule Usman Ode respectively.

    The statement said: “In the light of several appeals from well-meaning individuals, including traditional rulers and the request of the head of civil service to be allowed to take up the matter with the state government”.

    “After careful consideration of the appeal, NLC at its state executive council meeting of Thursday, 11th May, 2017 had heeded to the appeal and hereby suspends the planned strike action forthwith to pave way for dialogue”.

    The labour leaders therefore called on workers to continue with their normal official government obligations pending further directive.

    They also called on government to “reciprocate magnanimously so as to bring the lingering faceoff in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.”

    It would be recalled that organized labour in the state had on 4th May issued an ultimatum to commence industrial action if government was unable to fully comply with the tripartite collective bargaining agreement reached in December, 2016.

    In a related development, teachers in the state, under the aegis of Concerned Teachers of Secondary Schools, had earlier dissociated themselves from the proposed strike.

    The chairman of the group, Comrade Salisu Mustapha, expressed displeasure over the insincerity of the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) by willfully misleading the members of the union.

    It would be recalled that Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees had pulled out of NLC in the state accusing the leadership of NLC in the state of pursuing only the interest of state workers and not those of local government employees.

    President of NULGE, Comrade Abdullahi Abubakar said:  “I want to state categorically that in Nasarawa state NLC injury to one is no longer injury to all, but injury to any individual is injury
    to that individual alone.

    “As a sensitive union, NULGE represents the interest of workers at the grassroots and would not condone such double standards, corruption and insensitivity meted out on its members.”

  • ‘Nasarawa’s commitment to footballers’ welfare is a morale booster’

    Nasarawa State Government says its commitment to prompt payment of male and female footballers’ emoluments and allowances boosts their morale on the field of play.

    Mr. Bamaiyi Anangba, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, made the assertion while speaking with newsmen in Lafia on Thursday.

    According to him, the government’s commitment to players’ welfare had encouraged both the male team, Nasarawa United FC and the female, Nasarawa Amazons FC to put up impressive performances.

    “His Excellency has made the welfare of both teams a priority. He has already fulfilled his promise by paying their sign-on fees and the money was paid to them in full.

    “You can see their recent performances. It’s a major improvement,’’ he said.

    He also explained that the players’ attitude buoyed the government to ensure that both teams go the extra mile to attain laudable heights.

    “The management, coach and players of Nasarawa United are eager to win something this season and play continental football.

    “Likewise, Nasarawa Amazons, who have been coming second for the past seasons have said that anything less than being champions, is not good enough.

    “Imagine the governor hearing such commitments and seeing the players working hard to achieve their goals.

    “The governor would not want to be held responsible for any shortcoming. That is why their welfare is taken very seriously so that they can make the state proud,’’ he said.

    Anangba held the view that players’ welfare should receive priority attention if the best should be expected from the teams.

    “What mostly affects a team today is when you have their welfare and you are not giving them in due time, you will find it very difficult for them to play for you.

    “As you can see, both teams’ recent performances are good,’’ the commissioner added.

    Anangba said that plans were underway to inject new players into the teams to enhance their current performances.

    “I want to tell you with all seriousness, that as we are resuming on May 21, you will see that we will be up and doing and we seriously thank the governor for all his support.

    “He is one the few governors sponsoring both male and female teams in the premier league,’’ he said.

     

  • LG gets ultimatum to complete abandoned culverts

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has given the management of Nasarawa Local Government a 10-day ultimatum to complete four culverts abandoned at Okoh community in Loko Development Area.

    Its Committee on Works gave the ultimatum on Tuesday in Lafia, during a meeting with the Chairman of the local government’s Interim Management Committee, Mr Ayuba Wandai.

    Also at the meeting was Mr Iliyasu Aliyu, the Overseer of Loko Development Area.

    Mr Mohammed Okpoku, chairman of the committee, while handing down the order, said that the decision followed a petition written by a traditional ruler, the Oche Agatu of Loko, Mr Ahmed Guto.

    He quoted the traditional ruler as alleging that work on four culverts had been abandoned in his domain, a development the ruler said had affected movement at the affected sites.

    The committee chairman said that the meeting was to offer the officials the opportunity to defend themselves, “especially since Gov. Tanko Al-makura has released the funds required to complete the jobs”.

    Okpoku warned government officials against sabotaging efforts to improve the living standards of the people, and restated the lawmakers’ commitment to improved living conditions for rural dwellers.

    He said that the committee would continue to visit ongoing projects, especially the construction of bridges and culverts, so as to ensure that they met specifications.

    “The exercise is not a witch hunt; we only want to ensure that quality is not compromised,” he said.

    NAN reports that Wandai had, in his defense, claimed that measures had been taken to complete the projects.

    Al-Makura had released N700 million to the 13 local governments and 18 development areas to construct bridges and culverts in February 2017, as part of measures to open up the hinterlands for development to flourish.

  • Man in court for threatening residents with deadly weapon

    The police on Wednesday arraigned a man, Mohammed Awal, 38, in an Upper Area Court, Mararaba in Nasarawa State, charged with threatening to kill a group of residents with deadly weapons.

    Awal, who is a businessman and a resident of Nyanya, FCT, is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful assault, unlawful possession of deadly weapon and intimidation.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, told the court that Abdulhamid Yakuba and four others of Anguwan Yerima, Mararaba, reported the matter at A Police Division, Mararaba, on April 29.

    Donald said the defendant conspired with Nura, Yahaya, Mohammed Matawale and others currently at large, armed themselves with deadly weapons like cutlasses and knives and went to the complainants’ houses.

    He added that the defendant and his gang threatened to kill the complainants and members of their households without any cogent reason.

    He said the offences contravened sections 97, 291 and 396 of the Penal Code.

    However, the defendant denied committing the offence and the judge, Ibrahim Shekarau, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.

    Shekarau said that the surety must present two recent passport photographs and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case till May 22 for further hearing.