Connect with us

Headline

Edo govt writes Okpebholo, APC on formation of transition team

Published

on

The Edo State Government has written to Senator Monday Okpebholo to initiate the formation of his transition team, which is expected to interface with the transition team of the outgoing administration.

In a letter dated October 10, 2024, Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, said, establishing the team will allow both parties to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that will ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance.

Recall that in July 2024, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, had inaugurated a 20-member transition committee chaired by Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, to pilot the smooth transition of power and knowledge to the next administration.

The letter reads: “I hope this message finds you in great spirits. As we prepare for the transition of power, we believe it is crucial to establish a smooth and effective collaboration between your team and our current administration.”

According to Eboigbe, “To facilitate this process, we invite you and your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to initiate the formation of your transition team at your earliest convenience.

“Establishing this team will allow us to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that will ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance.”

The Secretary to the State Government noted, “We are committed to providing you with the necessary support and resources to make this transition as effective and efficient as possible. Consequently, 14th October, 2024 is proposed for the inaugural meeting for members of both Transition Committees.”

“We look forward to your prompt response and to working closely with you and your team in the coming weeks. Together, we can set the foundation for a successful administration that meets the expectations of our constituents. Thank you for your attention,” he added.

The letter by the Edo State Government to Senator Monday Okpebholo which was received by an admin secretary at the Secretariat of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Joy Oyere, has not yet been responded to.

Loading

Continue Reading

Headline

#EndBadGovernance Protest: No Law Prohibits Prosecution Of Minors – AGF

Published

on

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the arraignment of young #EndBadGovernace protesters for treason.

Speaking in Abuja during the commissioning of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the presentation of a book on the modern Nigerian legal system, the AGF said the arraignment of the minors was within the confines of Nigerian law.

“No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court,” Fagbemi noted.


The trial of 119 protesters, including minors aged between 14-17 years, had been condemned by Nigerians and international organisations.

The minors had since been released and reunited with their families following the order by President Bola Tinubu.

The AGF insisted the matter was serious and commended the president for ordering the release of the protesters.

He said Tinubu Tinubu was compassionate, hence his order on the release of the minors despite “facts” that security agencies possess on the protest.

The attorney general said: “The study of the law and the constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the federal high court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues. So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.

“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.

“But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.

“So the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.

Loading

Continue Reading

Headline

NLC Backs NUPENG’s Nationwide Strike Threat Following Allegation Against Military

Published

on

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind threat by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to embark on a nationwide strike over the alleged use of military personnel to eject workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.

A statement signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero on Friday condemned the allegation against the military by the oil workers, adding that it stands solidly behind NUPENG.

NLC threatened to escalate its response to the dispute should the breach of agreements and the use of military and other security agencies to interfere in industrial relations matters continue.

Ajaero’s reaction comes following a lingering industrial dispute between the owners of the Oritsetimeyin oil rig and NUPENG over an alleged breach of the agreements freely entered into by the two parties.

NUPENG had earlier in the week petitioned the Federal Government, and warned of the consequences of using military personnel and others to evacuate or eject its members and side employers, refusing to honour agreements freely entered into by parties.

However, on Thursday morning, a special naval personnel team was allegedly flown into the Oritsetimeyin oil rig to eject the workers.

Following the incident, NUPENG threatened to declare a nationwide strike if the government failed to call both the management of the oil rig and the security personnel involved to order.

Ajaero’s statement read “NLC stands in unequivocal solidarity with the NUPENG in condemning the deployment of military and security operatives to forcefully evacuate NUPENG members from their work site on the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.

“This disturbing action, reportedly orchestrated by certain corporate interests, is a direct affront to the principles of democracy and industrial relations, which demand respect for workers’ rights and the sanctity of negotiated agreements.

“The use of the army in Oritsetimeyin oil rig is an abuse of the instruments of state security as it runs counter to the dictates of unfettered workplaces free from all forms of coercion. It should be noted that we cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces.

“It is counterproductive and very capable of contaminating the nation’s workplaces, which may lead to further crippling and undermining an already troubled economy.

“According to NUPENG, workers were subjected to unlawful eviction due to their rightful demand for the implementation of agreements reached and signed with their employers. This agreement, which included severance benefits for workers, was established through multiple mediatory meetings convened by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“It is therefore alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labour contractors have chosen to ignore these legally binding agreements and instead opt for intimidation and coercion through the use of armed forces.

“The NLC calls on the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members. This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue and does not warrant the involvement of military personnel, who should focus on protecting the nation rather than being employed as enforcers for corporate agendas.

“The realisation of the sensitive nature of the world of work made it imperative for our nation to create special processes for handling workplace-related matters, which are encoded in our various statutes.

“The tenets of these industrial relations extant statutes must be allowed full expression by all parties to avoid creating a situation of anomie that will further harm our nation’s economy.

“We reiterate our unwavering support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to escalate our response should these unacceptable actions continue. The protection of workers’ rights and their safety remains our utmost priority, and we call on the nation’s gatekeepers to immediately speak up before the situation degenerates.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of the Nigerian military and security agencies in safeguarding our nation. However, we remind them that their mandate is the defence of our country’s sovereignty and people, not the suppression of workers’ legitimate demands.”

Loading

Continue Reading

Headline

Ember Months: Report Reckless Driving To Curb Accidents — FRSC

Published

on

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Friday called on travellers to report reckless driving on roads to reduce accidents during the 2024 ember months.

The commission made the call as it concluded a series of activities for its nationwide ember month sensitisation campaigns.

The campaign is tagged “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers”.

The Plateau State Command of the FRSC kicked off on its campaign on November 6, 2024, in Jos.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Maxwell Plateau, emphasised the need for behavioural change among drivers.

He stressed that passengers have the right to a safe drive and encouraged them to caution drivers who violate road rules.

“We must appreciate the selfless services the transport subsector in the country ensures that the movement of people, goods, and services get to their destinations safely.

“However, we must be deliberate in playing our role to maximize safety. As such, FRSC will, at this critical moment, intensify, increase visibility, provide prompt response to rescue, and add more gravity to the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to ensure our safety. However, passengers also have their own roles to play.

“By reporting reckless driving and adhering to road safety guidelines, travellers can contribute to a safer ember month period. Remember, safe arrival is everyone’s responsibility, ” the Sector Commander said.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the FRSC for the good work it is doing to sanitise the nation’s roads and reduce road traffic crashes and clearance of obstructions on the roads.

The state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Yakubu Dalyop, said the union would do everything possible to support road safety efforts in the state.

He disclosed that NUTRW had mapped strategies in that regard, including setting up a task force to ensure that any vehicle loading at their parks is fully inspected and also ensure that the tyres are good enough for the journey.

“No vehicle will be allowed to carry overload. All passengers must complete the passenger manifest,” he added.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Noel Nkup, the governor said he is so much aware of the challenges faced by commuters, considering the state of the roads in the State and assured that very soon there will be positive changes on the roads for people to have safer roads”.

Loading

Continue Reading

Recent Posts




JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Trending