Connect with us

Headline

Order Restricting Rivers Allocation Least Of My Problems, Says Fubara

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday said concerns over the Federal High Court decision that restricted the release of state allocations is “the least” of his problems.


Governor Fubara stated during a special thanksgiving service organised by the state government to celebrate his administration’s resilience amid escalating political crises, which began with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex exactly one year ago.

Governor Fubara assured that despite the court order, his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from tomorrow.

He also confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would be credited, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.

The governor encouraged his supporters to remain resilient, assuring them that all challenges are surmountable.

Reflecting on his administration’s success, Governor Fubara noted that despite predictions that his government would not last even a week, he has successfully led for over a year.

He said his administration has also conducted local government elections against all odds and maintained a full cabinet despite attempts to undermine his leadership through resignations.

Highlighting his administration’s progress, he mentioned ongoing project executions across the state, countering critics who claimed he would be unable to deliver.

He also cited recent reports that position Rivers State as one of the leaders in financial accountability and transparency.

Recalling an incident from October 30 last year, Governor Fubara described a violent confrontation with men in police uniforms as an assassination attempt.

The governor attributed the confrontation to political opponents, whom he accused of ambushing him after he withdrew legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

While he expressed no regrets about seeking peace, he acknowledged that his peaceful disposition may have given his opponents an advantage, as they leveraged the withdrawal to secure judgments against him.

Governor Fubara emphasised that his opponents’ refusal to reciprocate his peaceful gestures has influenced his decisions not to yield to other expectations for the resolution of the political crisis.

The praise and worship session, held at the main bowl of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, was headlined by top gospel singers including Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones, among others.

The guest preacher was the esteemed Pastor Uma Ukpai.

The event drew attendees from all walks of life, including top government officials, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emeka Beke, and his counterpart from the Action Peoples Party (APP), Sunny Wokekoro.

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