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Zamfara: Why We Chased Bandits From Their Hideout, Gov Matawalle

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By Augustine Akhilomen

Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, has denied reports that his convoyed was attacked on Sunday by bandits in Gusau Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Spokesman, Yusuf Idris, on Monday, he said that the team of security operatives that accompanied the governor chased the bandits from their hideout.

“Our team chased bandits at their camps during the unannounced visit to the area.”

“Despite this, the governor did not feel discouraged and moved ahead to Lilo village for the condolence visit,” the statement added.

“As chief security officer of the state, l have to show a good example, I have no option than to lead security agencies for this operation. As a leader, I have to show commitments to my people toward addressing this problem.”

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#EndBadGovernanceProtest: Reps minority caucus demands compensation for minors

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The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has called for compensation for minors arrested for allegedly participating in the hunger protest that took place in major cities across the country.

On 1 October, some Nigerians took to the streets to protest hardships exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023.

Last week, images of children arrested in connection with the protest sparked local and international condemnation, with many accusing government officials of starving them while they were in custody.

In a statement issued on Friday, signed by Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa, Aliyu Madaki, and George Ozodinobi — Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, respectively — the caucus called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and alleged ill-treatment of the protesters.

The caucus also commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the immediate release of the minors, who were charged with terrorism, treason, and arson by the Nigerian Police Force.

The statement read, “While we commend the President for his timely intervention, the caucus strongly advocates for a thorough investigation, prosecution, and disciplinary action against the individuals and government agencies involved in this despicable, callous, and inhuman act that has led to national disgrace and global condemnation.

“Any person or institution responsible for detaining these children in cells for around 95 days — when they should have been attending school, learning trades, or practising vocations — must be held accountable, with punitive measures issued to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Considering the psychological trauma and health challenges the children may have endured, we urge that quality reformatory therapy sessions and medical support be provided as they reunite with their families. We also call for immediate reparations for the children and their families to alleviate the hardships, pain, and emotional distress suffered during this period of unlawful detention.

“Following the recent release of about 76 young people charged with terrorism, treason, and arson by the Nigerian Police Force for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives praises President Bola Tinubu for being responsive to calls from Nigerians and the international community.

“We commend President Tinubu for his prompt directive, which came just days after the children’s arraignment and led the Attorney-General of the Federation to seek full control and termination of the case.”

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

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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.”

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Ember Months: Report Reckless Driving To Curb Accidents — FRSC

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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”.

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