Headline

‘Please Suspend Your Planned Nationwide Strike’, NEC Begs NLC, TUC

Published

1 year ago

September 29, 2023

By Augustine Akhilomen

…Urges Labour To Embrace Dialogue

The National Economic Council (NEC) has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend their proposed plan to shutdown the nation’s economy with Tuesday’s indefinite nationwide strike.

This is coming two days after the leaders of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said they will commence an indefinite strike on Tuesday, October 3

Addressing journalists on Thursday shortly after the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, called for more time and the need for the organised Labour to dialogue with the Federal Government.

Mutfwang disclosed that the welfare of Nigerian workers would form part of the issues President Bola Tinubu would address in his maiden Independence Day broadcast to Nigerians on Sunday.

The Plateau governor added: “Council noted the notice by the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress to proceed on an indefinite strike from October 3, 2023.

The Council noted further the implication of this strike for the economy and the nation and thus urged members to continue to engage with their respective states’ leadership and appeal to them to shelve the action and continue on the path of dialogue with the federal government. This is the appeal of the council.”

He expatiated the NEC’s position saying: “NEC actually expressed genuine concern on the situation in the country and appreciates the concern by Labour to have those issues addressed. That is why NEC is appealing for patience, appealing for time to be able to address the concerns of Labour. We also believe that Mr. President will be addressing the nation first of October and some of the concerns of Labour will be appropriately addressed in the President’s speech.

“It is therefore important that… it’s a federation, so whatever happens Labour is represented in all the 36 states and the FCT and NEC is appealing that discussions should continue at the state levels because there will be peculiarities as to the issues to be addressed concerning the demands of Labour, therefore dialogue is the way to go.

“The nation is at a very critical moment at this time, In some of the states, when they took over on May 29, the workers were on strike; some of those issues have just been resolved for the workers to return to work. To ask them to go back immediately, it’s going to damage the economy further.

“Therefore NEC, while expressing genuine concern about the situation in the country, appeals for calm and patience and I want to believe that the leadership across the nation at this point in time wants to truly address the issues that concern Labour and the general populace and move the country forward”, he said.

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Headline

Fubara: I Won’t Stop Rivers Assembly From Carrying Out Its Duties — Wike

Published

3 hours ago

March 16, 2025

The Pledge

LThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has again thrown his weight behind the Rivers Assembly in its tussle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Fubara and the House led by Martin-Amaewhule have made claims and counter-claims over the presentation of the state’s 2025 budget. Their impasse followed a Supreme Court verdict, recognising the lawmakers as legitimate members of the Rivers State Assembly.

That move led the House to ask Fubara to re-present the state’s 2025 budget which he had presented to the sect of lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. Amid the dispute between the legislature and the governor who accused the lawmakers of frustrating his attempts to re-present the budget, Wike has backed the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Let me tell you, I’m not going to stop the Assembly from performing their constitutional duties. The Assembly should be allowed to perform their constitutional role,” Wike said on Saturday during a Thanksgiving Service held in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

“The Assembly people should do their work. Whatever they deem necessary and fit, that is constitutional, they should do. I’m not going to stop anybody from carrying out their functions. I will not do that,” the minister said.

The immediate past governor of the state accused Fubara of seizing allowances and other benefits accrued to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike claimed Fubara was deceived into recognising a group of lawmakers and was wrong assured that “Nothing would happen”.

“You went, and they told you to seize Assembly members’ salaries, and allowances for more than one year. These people have no income to pay their children’s school fees and feed their families, and you were jubilating. You were jubilating and people were encouraging you that nothing would happen. But something has happened,” the FCT minister who is also a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told the jubilant crowd.

“They will lead you to hellfire,” the minister warned Governor Fubara.

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Entertainment

Kiddwaya Meets Ambode, Seeks Leadership Advice

Published

11 hours ago

March 15, 2025

The Pledge

Reality TV star Kiddwaya, has shared his recent meeting with former Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

According to Kiddwaya, the discussion centred on how to utilise influence to empower his community and the essential qualities required to become a great leader.

Kiddwaya took to his Facebook page to express gratitude for the opportunity, describing the meeting as a “great discussion” with the former Governor.

“I had a great discussion with the former governor of Lagos state, His Excellency, Akinwunmi Ambode.

“As someone who had a successful tenure with Lagos state, I was able to get great advice on how to use my influence to empower my people and the qualities needed to become a great leader,” he wrote.

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Headline

Tinubu hails pharmacist, public health icon, Prof. Gabriel Osuide, at 90

Published

12 hours ago

March 15, 2025

The Pledge

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated an academic, pharmacist and public health icon, Prof. Gabriel Osuide, as he celebrates his 90th birthday.

Mr Osuide’s contributions to pharmaceutical education, drug regulation and public health in Nigeria are unparalleled, the President said in a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Mr Tinubu said that Mr Osuide’s work in establishing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and his role in developing the pharmacy education curriculum at the Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Benin were a few examples of his achievements.

The President commended Mr Osuide’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s drug regulatory framework, fostering excellence in pharmaceutical sciences, and mentoring generations of professionals.

He said, “Prof. Osuide has shaped the foundation of pharmacy education and drug administration in Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional reforms and public service inspires all. His leadership in safeguarding the health of Nigerians through rigorous drug regulation remains a cornerstone of our national development.’’

According to him, Mr Osuide has helped to position Nigeria as a leader in pharmaceutical sciences and public health innovation.

“President Tinubu joins Prof. Osuide’s family, colleagues and the Nigerian health and education community in celebrating him, and expresses profound gratitude for his invaluable contributions. He wishes Professor Osuide good health and continued wisdom as he inspires and guides the next generation of health professionals.”

Mr Osuide attained 90 years on Saturday.

(NAN)