Connect with us

National

Transparency Group urges Buhari to investigate Hos over stalled selection of Substantive Accountant-General

Published

on

Transparency and Open Policy Initiative group under the Aegis of, National Intervention Group of Nigeria(NIGN) has urged president Muhammadu Buhari to immediately investigate
the activities of the Head of Service, Folashade Mejabio Yemi-Esan and the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Okolie-eboh Sylva
over their alleged attempt to stall the appointment and selection process of a new substantive Accountant-General of the Federation.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Coordinator, of the group Akinloye Oyeniyi questioned the audacity of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation Folashade Mejabio Yemi-Esan to undermine the Presidency over the appointment of a substantive Accountant General of the Federation for selfish reasons

He said he was shocked to find out that 5 months after a Presidential directive was set in motion for the appointment of a new Accountant General of the Federation, the process is allegedly being undermined by the Head of Service and other persons in her office.
Oyeniyi noted that even though 8 qualified Directors (Accountants) on Grade level 17 in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation have been interviewed and screened for the job, the new plans being allegedly proposed by the Head of Service(HoS) to extend the selection process to the first quarter of next year arouse suspicion and quiet disturbing.

According to Oyeniyi, the move by the HoS may not be far from trying to sneak in new candidates who did not participate in the stalled exercise and also keep the current holder of the office, Okolie-eboh Sylva even though he is due for retirement in charge in acting capacity until the first quarter of 2023.

The NIGN Coordinator said it has become even more important for the President to take keen interest in the activities of the HoS in the light of her recent intervention that allowed the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Amos Olatunde Ojo to retain his office while proceeding on his retirement leave.
Oyeniyi also asked the President Buhari to conduct a similar probe into on the activities of Sylva as they relate to the selection process for a substantive Accountant-General.
The transparency and accountability driven Civil Society Organization(CSOs) subsequently called on President Buhari not to relent on his anti-corruption drive at this time by ensuring that he stops the Head of Service from stalling the appointment process he started since last June.

“It is pertinent to say here also that the Outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Olatunde Ojo, is set to spend his three months’ pre-retirement Leave in office following the intervention of the same Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, in defiance of the Public Service Rule (PSR) 100238 which states:

“Officers are required to give three months notice to retire from service before the effective date of retirement. At the commencement of the three months, officers should proceed immediately on the compulsory one month preretirement, workshop/seminar”.
The Clerk, who is supposed to commence his mandatory three months Pre-retirement Leave on Monday November 14, preparatory to his final exit from office on February 14, 2023, when he would have attained the retirement age of 60 years, will be in office till that same last day because of an embarrassing manipulation of rules.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National

Strike: NASS Leadership, Labour Leaders, others in closed meeting to avert industrial action

Published

on

By

In last minute effort to prevent indefinite industrial action declared by Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and affiliate bodies from tomorrow, Monday, June 3, 2024 , the leadership of the National Assembly led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, are currently in closed door meeting with the labour leaders and some Ministers at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Minister of Finance , Wale Edun, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi and some other Ministers are also at the Emergency meeting.
Labour welcomes negotiations for “survival wage “NOT “starvation wage” for workers. Akpabio cautions Labour to be mindful of possible “collateral damage” that might lead to massive job loss
Thesewere just before they went into a closed door meeting.
The National Assembly had had earlier indicated that it would engage the organized labour as part of moves to avert the industrial action due to commence on Monday.
It said its decision of to intervene followed the deadlock between the federal government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs. The National Assembly stressed that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
A statement issued Sunday and jointly signed by the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and the spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi revealed that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, are taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action.
The legislative arm was of the opinion that the strike action would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy

It said: “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.

“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.”

It added that the 10th National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.

Continue Reading

National

Strike is not in the interest of Nigerians, Labour Minister cautions organised labour

Published

on

By

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, has caution the organised insisting that embarking on a nationwide strike is not in the best interest of the country and its people.
In a statement by her Special Adviser (Media) Emameh Gabriel the minister
Minister advised the workers unions to have a rethink as declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their daily endeavors.
Explaining further the Minister noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour.
She pointed out that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.

“These proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Additionally, the government has pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
She however cautioned that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce

“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country.
“The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.

“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic progress.
“This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.

The Minister expressed disappointment that in a surprising turn of events, organised labour abruptly exited the negotiations yesterday, despite the government’s flexibility in rescheduling the meeting from Monday to Friday, May 31st, to accelerate the talks.
“Labour unions remained adamant in their demand for a staggering 1,547% wage increase, after the government’s proposed 100% increase, accompanied by various incentives for workers.

“It is widely acknowledged that the labour unions’ demands are unrealistic, given the country’s current economic position. The government takes into account the nation’s fiscal constraints and the need for sustainable economic growth. In contrast, labour’s demands seem disconnected from the economic realities, potentially jeopardising the very gains they seek to achieve”.

“The government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and its demonstrated flexibility in the negotiations underscore its commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution. However, labour’s inflexibility and unrealistic expectations may hinder the progress made thus far, ultimately harming the workers they represent and the nation as a whole, the minister added.

She however, urged the unions to reconsider their decision and continue engaging in constructive dialogue to find a solution that benefits all, as strike will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable segments of our society. She concluded by asking
organised labour to continue to respect the principles of social dialogue, engaging in good-faith.

Continue Reading

National

Gov Yusuf Visits National Security Adviser, Ribadu

Published

on

By

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday met with the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribado at his Office in Abuja
The meeting which was ocasioned by the recent happenings in Kano following the dissolution of five emirates by the Kano State House of Assembly through the repeal of the state emirate law, the governor’s assent and the subsequent restoration of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II by the
Governor.
The Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a statement indicated that the two political leaders deliberated on various matters relating to state/national development and the peaceful coexistence of the nation during their discussions in Abuja.
Recall that the NSA had been accused of involvement in the Kano crisis for allowing a substantial military presence to protect the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, a position the Office of the NSA debunked
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, had apologized to the NSA for his implication in the Kano crises, attributing the error to flawed intelligence.
Recognizing the respected professional background and integrity of the NSA throughout his time as an Officer and Anti-corruption campaigner, the state deemed it necessary to retract the allegation and offer a sincire apology.
In harmony with these events, the Governor’s meeting with the NSA coincided with Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II’s six-day stay at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and kingmakers already pledged their allegiance and loyalty to the newly consolidated Kano Emirate under the leadership of the 16th Emir.
The state assured that Kano has been characterized by peace and tranquillity, and thus urges all residents to continue their regular activities in compliance with the rule of law.
“It was a fruitful discussion between myself and the National Security Adviser, his role is critical for the harmonious existence of our nation, so I briefed him on the recent developments in Kano,” Governor Yusuf confirmed.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 National Update