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NLC/TUC STRIKE, IN WHO’S INTEREST?

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NLC/TUC STRIKE, IN WHO’S INTEREST?

 

 

Barring last minute change of decision by the organized labour unions in obeisance to the restraining court ruling on its strike, the Nigeria society from the 3rd of October 2023 might witness another round of industrial unrest as championed by the NLC/TUC arising from their national executive council meeting, in reaction to the federal government response to the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian worker.

 

 

NLC/TUC STRIKE, IN WHO’S INTEREST?

 

Before we proceed in this exercise, it is important for us to situate the issues in proper perspectives for understanding and clarity of purpose. However, in doing so, one is not oblivious of the fact that sentiments and emotions might becloud the reasoning of some persons whose only idea of objectivity, truth and pro people, is if one takes or support positions against government actions or policies in the absence of rationality, fact and logic. Nevertheless, we are unmoved and cannot be cowed from expressing our views on national issues which is a fundamental human right, no matter whose ox is gored.

On the issue of fuel subsidy removal, it’s an indisputable fact that Nigerians are collectively on the same page over the removal of this virus that has ravaged the Nigerian economy to our collective detriment and which must be exterminated to allow the economy and Nigerians breathe.

It is not in doubt that strike action by labour unions is one of the legitimate instruments employed to ventilate its grievances to employers or government over work conditions. From that premise, the resort to strike is a legitimate and fundamental right of the worker or workers which is indisputable and non-negotiable.

In addition, an indisputable truism is that strike action is a serious business that ought to be employed as a last resort and must not be turned into a blackmailing tool, else it becomes trivialized and loses its cherished import.

As regards the threatened latest round of strike by the organized labour, the question that should bother any discerning mind, is in whose interest is this strike?

One recollects that immediately after the presidential pronouncement of the removal of fuel subsidy, Mr. President also made a public announcement of the need to effect a positive change in the welfare of the Nigerian worker in line with economic reality and to put in place measures to ameliorate the conditions of not only the working class but the generality of Nigerians in the immediate and long term through the retooling of the economy for national prosperity.

Thus, following the removal of fuel subsidy and the attendant economic distortions, the federal government constituted a committee comprising representatives of the federal and states governments, the organized private sector and the organized labour to come up with recommendations on the way forward with regards to the economic conditions of the working class population.

Even while the constituted committee was work in progress, we are all living witnesses to the palliatives programmes of states governments like Kwara, Ogun, Edo, Lagos, Bornu, Oyo, etc who came up with policies such as reducing the official working days from 5 to 3, award of N10, 000 per month to workers, reduction of transport fares in BRT buses, purchase and deployment of mass transit buses at subsidized boarding costs among other relief measures to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

In the midst of the economic dislocation and inconvenience caused by the removal of fuel subsidy which was expected and affecting all strata of the society, as a way forward, the federal government relinquished and decentralized some aspects of the distribution of the relief measures or palliatives to states governments and it’s a fact, that we are living witnesses to the distribution of the palliatives in some states of which we have seen reportage in the media, but in some others, we are in the dark about what is being done, but it is expected that in due course, all the states governments will be made to render account of stewardship in this regard.

One must also add that in Lagos State, where yours sincerely lives, one has experienced as an eye witness, distribution of palliatives not only by the state government, but also by local government council and local development council areas administrations.

Even as Nigerians battle the economic hardship which is a global phenomenon, the organized labour at every turn of its engagement with the federal government on the aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidy, threatened going on strike, went on a one day strike and rally and later, on a 2 days strike and public rally to ventilate it’s anger over the plight of workers and it’s disapproval of government response to the issue of the palliatives and other matters.

However, an aspect of the labour statement on why it is going on strike is its claim that it’s action is because of the suffering of the generality of the Nigerian people over the removal of fuel subsidy, which needs to be examined to determine the truth.

This statement in view of our present economic circumstances looks more like an attempt to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians who have become traumatized by the broken record threat of strike by the organized labour at the slightest opportunity. That the Nigerian people are going through a lot because of the economic hardship is not in doubt, but the present situation though painful, is one in which the people have exhibited patience and understanding and are only looking for relief rather than the pains which the proposed strike portends.

So one wonders why the organized labour is trying to deflect from the truth that the primary focus of its present agitations at the federal level is the interest of federal workers which is legitimate and in order? In sincerity, one might be safe to assume that workers at the state and local government levels don’t need to be part of this strike, because some of the palliatives which the federal workers are clamouring for through the organized labour, is already being enjoyed in the states even by the federal workers too, save for wage issues which is a national matter and is already being looked into by the tripartite committee.

But this is not to assert that the society as a whole has not benefitted from the struggles of the organized labour in the past, absolutely not. Infact, we must commend the organized labour for its sacrificial role in nation building which is indelible and must continue to constructively engage with this institution of national unity for our collective benefits.

But on this planned strike, we must affirm that it is not in the best interest of the generality of the Nigerian people and her economy that will be at the receiving end of this action. At the moment, over 80% of our working population are in the informal sector where they live on daily earnings, without which, it will be economic catastrophe and so we ask, how will the interest of this mass of our population and their dependents be ameliorated by an indefinite strike? Also if workers go on strike, the economy that is being retooled for optimal governmental responsibility will be deprived of the expected returns of the retooling process for the good of the people.

As at the last count, the organized labour went on a 2 days warning strike between September 5th and 6th 2023, the effect of that strike on individuals, businesses and the economy was incalculably in the negative in all ramifications.

If the ideals of labour is to create wealth for a better and prosperous society for all, then the planned indefinite strike needs to be rethinked, shelved and the federal government given more time to engage with labour on all the issues.

Therefore, without doubt, the proposed indefinite strike by NLC/TUC is not in the interest of Nigerians and Nigerian workers.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

E-signed,

Nelson Ekujumi,

[email protected]

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TAIWO OYEKAN To Empower Lagos Island Vulnerable Residents With N20 Million

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*TAIWO OYEKAN To Empower Lagos Island Vulnerable Residents With N20 Million*

*• Nigeria Police Force To Receive Patrol Vehicle*

*• Others To Be Gifted Assorted Food Items, Filled Gas Cylinders*

In his continued effort to upscale the Standard of Living of Residents across Nigeria”s Premier Local Government Area, Hon. Prince TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN has concluded plans to gift Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000) to Widows, Elderly Locals, Physically Challenged Persons, Petty Traders, Artisans and Technicians.

In addition, The Deputy Leader of Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm will donate a Patrol Vehicle to the Nigeria Police Force to improve security architecture on the Island.

Hundreds Of Bags Of Rice and Filled Gas Cylinders will also be distributed.

According to Hon. Oyekan, the Socioeconomic Intervention Initiatives are designed to complement the efforts of the State and Federal Governments in Poverty Alleviation and Security of Lives and Property.

“I am passionate about uplifting the vulnerable in our communities and I will not relent. We must brighten the hope of the people and make the world a better place”. He said.

Recall that the Iconic Council Legislator had in March disbursed N10 Million and in May, N5 Million respectively to the Indigents and Small Scale Business Owners to promote local economy and Residents’ standard of Living.

In December 2023, A Utility Bus was presented to a Lagos Community Security Outfit (The Isale-Eko Community Security Team,
Folumo), an intervention geared towards promoting community Policing.

Hon. OYEKAN’s Action Plans were commended by Community Leaders, Party Chieftains and Stakeholders in the State.

The Date and Venue of the much-talked about MEGA PLUS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT will be announced soon.

… It’s About The People And Our Communities

… Determined To Do More For Betterment Of Humanity

*© PTO Media & Strategy Centre*

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Christmas In Delta: Organizers Announce Second Edition Of Africa’s Most Anticipated Event

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Christmas In Delta: Organizers Announce Second Edition Of Africa’s Most Anticipated Event

 

 

The organizers of “Christmas in Delta” have officially announced the second edition of the much-anticipated 45-day Christmas festival.

Set to take place in the oil-rich Delta State, the sequel of the inaugural edition of Christmas in Delta follows a highly successful inaugural edition celebrated in 2023, attracting about a million enthusiastic guests.

Scheduled to run from December 1, 2024, to January 14, 2025, the festival is expected to attract over one million visitors, promising a season of celebration, community, and unforgettable memories.

Organised by Omu Resort, a respected name in entertainment and event management known for creating immersive theme parks and unique experiences, this year’s festival is expected to further establish Delta State as a prime holiday destination in Nigeria

Synonymous with Christmas, this year’s festivities will begin with a grand Christmas light-up ceremony at Asaba’s Christmas Village, graced by the presence of Delta State Governor, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori. The event promises a rich mix of entertainment, culture, and commerce, with the potential to significantly contribute to Delta State’s economic growth.

Festival highlights include a friendly soccer match featuring Super Eagles players of Delta origin against Delta Nollywood stars, as well as the captivating “Asaba Art Exhibition”. Additional events lined up to delight attendees include an exhilarating Car Drifting Show featuring top drifters, the colorful “Warri City Carnival” on December 22, and an immersive “Warri Christmas Experience’, complete with the inspiring “Shekere Praise & Worship” on December 24. The festivities will culminate in a grand synchronized fireworks display, lighting up all local government areas in Delta State during the much-anticipated “Delta Fireworks Display Night”. Further excitement will be provided by a DJ Rave and the “Osubi End-of-Year Concert” to bring the celebration to a spectacular close.

Project Manager, Daniel Eguyenga, highlighted several exciting new attractions for this year’s edition. Among the fresh additions are car drifting exhibitions, thrilling bike displays, and a novelty soccer match, promising an even more engaging experience for all attendees.

Eguyenga also noted the expanded schedule of events in Warri, with “The Warri Experience” added as a new centerpiece. This includes a vibrant gospel concert and the inaugural “Warri Festival”, a celebration of the rich cultural diversity of the region. Combined with returning favorites, such as Africa’s tallest Christmas tree, these additions ensure an enchanting experience at “Christmas in Delta”.

Emmanuella Osakwe, a member of the “Christmas in Delta” organising committee, expressed similar excitement, assuring that the Delta festival will be a memorable event. “We’ve made every effort to ensure that guests will enjoy a wide array of exciting activities and experiences,” she shared.

With the upcoming “Christmas in Delta”, this festive season promises a dynamic blend of tradition, celebration, and community spirit for all in attendance.

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EFCC: AS THE NATION AWAITS THE SUPREME COURT By Tunde Nasir

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EFCC: AS THE NATION AWAITS THE SUPREME COURT

By Tunde Nasir

Since the new EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede assumed office about one year ago, the fight against corruption, financial and cyber crimes, has taken a new heightened and reinvigorated dimension to the admiration of those who are genuinely concerned about fighting the cankerworm of corruption that has bedeviled our nation almost to a standstill.

Ola Olukoyede, a Pastor, seems to be following the Biblical injunction, as he declared from the outset his intention to combat the evil of corruption vigorously as a means of fostering economic development of the nation.

Perhaps, following the promise of God in Joel 2:25: “I shall restore to you the years of the locust, the cankerworm and the caterpillar have eaten…”

However, knowing the certification, experience, prowess and international connection that Olukoyede was armed with and bringing into the office, it was not surprising that opposition to his appointment started as soon as his name was announced by President Tinubu on October 12, 2023 and his confirmation by the Senate on October 18, 2023. Those who did not object to Olukoyede’s previous appointments as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of EFCC and also as a Secretary to the Commission, suddenly turned around to say that he was not qualified to be appointed as chairman!

However, Olukoyede has continued to soldier-on, delivering on his mandate, undeterred and undaunted. Within 12 months, a record 3,455 convictions were secured and monetary recoveries from October 2023
to September 2024 stood at
N248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Millon, Forty- Nine Thousand, Three hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two Kobo), $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents) and £53,133.64 (Fifty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty- Three Pounds, Sixty-Four Pence); apart from recoveries in other foreign currencies.

On the Issue of corruption trials, Olukoyede revived or initiated court cases against high-profile politically-exposed persons, including former Ministers and Governors. Among the politically-exposed personalities who were hitherto considered untouchable and now on trial for corruption are former governors Yahaya Adoza Bello(Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba). Former Ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye have been put on trial too.

Correspondingly, the Commission has faced the biggest ever campaign of calumny, blackmail, public protests by sponsored NGOs, simulated attacks in the media and well-oiled, sponsored litigations to undermine the operations of the Commission and its unrelenting Chairman.

Chief among the litigations against Commission is the lawsuit initiated at the Supreme Court by Kogi State Government challenging the establishment and constitutionality of the EFCC. The suit, according to the plaintiff, posited that the establishment of EFCC was an affront on principles of federalism.

About 15 other states reportedly joined Kogi State in the suit and asked that their grievances against the EFCC be consolidated. There have also been comments and actions for and against the court action instituted by Kogi State Government and its collaborating governors.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has written to the National Assembly about constitutional issues related to anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria and factors inhibiting the government’s objective of abolishing corruption, as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.
In two separate letters to the Senate and House of Representatives, dated October 14, 2024, he said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was “an unlawful organisation that he believed was unconstitutionally established.”

However, in the contrary, respected lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), countered Agbakoba. Falana said: “For me, the ICPC and the EFCC like the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) have come to stay. What we should be demanding are measures to make these institutions autonomous and not under the control of any government,”

He added: “And the Supreme Court has maintained rather repeatedly concerning the EFCC and ICPC, that these are crime fighting bodies, and should not be under the control of the Federal Government. They are agencies to fight economic crimes in our country, to fight financial crimes in our country, to fight corruption in our country.”

However, with the controversy generated by the Kogi State’s suit against the EFCC and its discussion in the court of public opinion, some states who initially applied to join the suit have beaten a quick retreat, applying to the Supreme Court to withdraw from the suit. Among the states that have withdrawn are Jigawa, Anambra, Adamawa, Ebonyi and Benue states, who have separately filed motions before the Supreme Court, saying they are no longer interested.
In the case of Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bemsen Mnyim, for acting “unilaterally in joining the suit without the approval of his principal.”
The development came on the heels of the declaration by the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, that the state was neither aware nor part of the suit challenging the legality of EFCC.

In the case of Ogun State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwashina Ogungbade denied ever initiating any case or being part of Kogi State’s suit against the EFCC.
Speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogungbade wondered why some sections of the media continued to include Ogun state in the list of the states in court against the EFCC.

“We don’t have a suit against EFCC. We never filed any action against EFCC challenging its constitutionality. We already issued a statement to that effect clarifying that we never had any suit attacking the EFCC’s constitutionality and that we did not join the suit filed at the Supreme Court filed by some other states in that regard. So, I am surprised that some media outlets are still running reports that include and mention Ogun State as one of the states challenging the EFCC’s existence when that is not the case.“

According to the statement by Ogun State government, “the constitutionality of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had since been determined by the Supreme Court, and Ogun State considers discussions on the issue closed.”

The Ogun State government stated that it had “no factual reason or recent development to reopen the question of the EFCC’s constitutionality.”
It added that “as a federating unit with law enforcement agencies of its own, it had no desire to undermine the Federal Government’s law and order objectives.”

One of the vociferous anti-corruption groups, the Vanguard for Credible Representation (VCR) has lauded those states that have withdrawn from the Kogi’s suit against EFCC at the Supreme Court. In a statement signed by VCR’s Head of Mission, Onche Ugbabe, the group said it was “heartwarming that some state governors were dissociating themselves from the suit and lending their support to the fight against corruption.”

The statement reads: “It is heartwarming that Governors Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal have publicly dissociated themselves from the suspicious move orchestrated by some state governments. We also commend the Governments of Anambra, Adamawa and Ebonyi states for heeding the voice of reason and withdrawing from the suit.”

The group hailed erudite lawyers like Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Kayode Oladele who have faulted the suit and its backers.
“It is highly gratifying that erudite lawyers like Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Hon. Kayode Oladele have publicly condemned the unpopular move, citing a plethora of judicial decisions of the Supreme Court on the legality of the anti-corruption agencies.

“It is in the light of this that all well-meaning individuals and institutions should lend their support to the war against corruption and not seek to thwart it by any scheme or schism,” the group said.

As the nation awaits the Supreme Court verdict, it is expected that more Governors will see reasons and withdraw like others who are not participating, or have withdrawn from the suit. As at now, there are more state governments that have distanced themselves from the suit than those who are before the Supreme Court. The bell ticks!

Tunde Nasiru, a Public Policy Advocate based in Abuja, sent this through [email protected]

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