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Organized Labour bows, as Senate wades in to broker peace

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The Senate on Wednesday pleaded with the organized labour to shelve the protests and the industrial action they started on Monday morning for the upper legislative chamber to mediate between it and the Federal Government over the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy withdrawal.
Despite governments clandestine moves to throw spanners in the works, including court injunctions and long-drawn negotiation meetings, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made true its threats to protest and commence a nationwide industrial action.
However, at the gate of the National Assembly the security barricaded the entrance to prevent then from gaining entry, but the workers broke down the barricade as they matched through to the arcade of the National Assembly where they addressed the leadership of the national Assembly
The Chief Whip of the senate, Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume representing Borno South Senatorial District spoke on behalf of the Senate leadership along with senator Tony Nwoye representing Anambra North and Senator Ireti Kingibe representing the FCT.
Ndume in his speech pleaded with the protesters that they sebate has a motion on ground concerning Labour adding that the Senate is going to be involved.
“Please give us one week and we will report progress. So I am begging you to call off the strike and give us one week and we would report progress and if you are not satisfied with the progress we would be making then you can take further action.

“I come here in solidarity, let me say one thing, please I beg you in the name of God let us take what we are doing seriously. Let us know that God is watching us, let it not be that we came here and wave banners, let us be able to solve the problems in this country once and for all.
“I speak because I know what I went through to escape poverty. The immediate past President of NLC is from my constituency and he knows me very well. I am a son of the poor that became somebody without knowing anybody.
He said at that time when Nigeria was working, he was able to go to public school, “I was able to public higher institution, I was able to get three jobs at a time but now things have changed. “Who changed, it is we and we are supposed to do the change, the members of the national assembly are your representatives. I came here by the grace of God and our people especially the workers. I am a sixth term member of the national assembly by the grace of God and the support I received from people like Waba therefore comrades please let us be serious, we have a problem in this country.
“The problem has to be solved by ourselves. Let me tell you that whether we like it or not as your representatives we must represent you. In response to what the leadership is doing, the National Assembly has been following keenly what is going on.
“When we realized that there was a breakdown in the discussion between the Presidency and the NLC, on Monday one of our colleagues brought a motion on this Labour crises that we are facing and the need for the Senate to intervene.
“The motion came up before we started the screening of Ministers and all the senators were cosponsors and that is to look at what is happening and why the discussion was stalled.
He declared support for what the NLC president Joe Ajaero said, “I understand now he was saying before that the NLC should be negotiating with either the President or the Vice President.
“And if because of their schedule the acceptable representation would continue the negotiation. We stand with you on that and as I said please have confidence in the National Assembly, give us a trial, let the leadership of the senate be involved in the negotiation.
“Two senators here are from the Labour Party. While I am from the ruling APC, they cannot afford to disappoint you or fail you. If they do that after 1400days that is four years they will come back to look for your votes so they know what they will loose if they fail you.

He said he will take the letter to the leadership of which he is one adding that as the President was reading he was paying attention.
“Senate will make this their demands their terms of reference and please as I said, this is a very strong message but we are all Nigerians.
“This country belong to all of us. As long as we are involved the negotiation we should also be mindful of the consequences of our action unfortunately the people that will suffer more are our people”

He said those who harass them at the gate are also poor as there is no son of a senator that is a sergeant or a constable.
He said the problem is with the ordinary people who fight themselves.
He said the serjeant At Arms came to tell him that there were Labour people out there and the police had blocked them, “I told him to allow them to come in and wait for us to come and address them. It is not that we are completely insensitive we are Nigerians.
“As I said, unfortunately most of those who are fond of maltreating people are from the poor.
“How many are rich as Nigerians they are very few. Majority of our senators are from the poor, the police harassing us are from the poor, majority of those people are the poor.
“They are just lucky to be part of the security and you are in the labour that is the difference. Mr President I give you my words and I give the leadership my word and then you should let Nigeria know, we should carry Nigerians along.
“We should be considerate on the impact or effect of our actions on Nigerians, so that if you are fighting somebody and you are not supposed to kill him, please beat him but don’t kill him.
“So if you are beating to teach that person a lesson, don’t kill us please, beat us but don’t kill us.”
Ndume’s speech was greeted with applause from the organised labour who were in agreement with the Senate’s position.
The National President of the Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero had earlier read a summary of their message to the Senate listing their issues to include the fuel price increase and Naira devaluation killing Local industries.
Ajero said they want an end to high cost of transportation as he also demanded for CNG buses
“Let the poor breathe by stopping the reckless price increases, pay living wage and give support to informal workers.
They also demanded that government stop the increase in school fees as education is the right of the people
Ajaero also demanded that government pay University workers their 8 months salary arrears.
“Nigerians are suffocating, Tinubu let Nigerians breathe, Listen to Nigerians not IMF or World Bank.
He also demanded that the refineries in the country should be made to be functional so that Nigeria do not need to import fuel.

The Protesting workers driven by anger, had torn down the entrance gates of the National Assembly in Abuja.
 
Led by Organised Labour figures Joe Ajaero from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Festus Osifo from the Trade Union Congress, had requested security personnel stationed at the legislative building to open the gates, to give the agitated workers a chance to voice their discontent.
 
When the security officials failed to comply, the irate protesters forcefully dismantled the gates and swarmed into the assembly complex to air their grievances.
 

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FCT News

Group denounces attack on Military, says it can trigger Anarchy, Unrest

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A Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMICO) group has condemned the incessant attacks on the military and security forces as dastardly and condemnable trend capable of triggering anarchy, unrest in the country.
A viral video seen trending in the social media had shown a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all at Banex.
The FCT Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, later said the police had restored peace in the affected area, adding that a buyer had gone with four soldiers to demand a refund after the purchased phone developed faults, which the shop owner resisted.
The action resulted in a confrontation and squabble with the military officer. This development led some irate youths to attack the military officer which led to an uproar in the environs.

At a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the group stated that the attack, especially the one witnessed recently at Banex Plaza, Abuja, is not just an attack on individual soldiers, but an affront to the collective sensibility of the Nigerian State.
Speaking on the topic: “Incessant attacks on Nigerian Military and security forces: a dastard and condemnable trend that can trigger anarchy, unrest and national security distabilization,” the Chairperson of Conference of Civil Societies Coordinator Civil-Military Cooperation, Adams Otakwu, called for a respectful and cooperative stance towards the military personnel to prevent unintended military responses.

He said: “The Nigerian Civil Society roundly condemns the infamous trend of attacks on our military and security forces by civilians as witnessed recently at Banex Plaza, Abuja.

“This incident is not just an attack on individual soldiers, but an affront to our collective sensibility and the Nigerian State, because the military is an institution that embodies our collective strength, unity and resilience. Any assault on the military is an assault on the very fabric of our Nation, that can trigger anarchy, unrest and national security destabilization.

“Before we forget, the experiences of Udi, Zaki-biam, and the recent Okuoma community in Delta State, were widely reckoned as unpleasant, and underscore the necessity of maintaining a respectful and cooperative stance towards our military personnel to prevent unintended military responses.

“This accounts for our intensified efforts to galvanize Civil-Military Cooperation across the country in the bid to foster good relationship between the civilian populace and our military forces.

“We urge all citizens to remember that the military exists to protect and serve the Nigerian people, hence fostering a harmonious relationship with them is crucial for our collective security and progress.

“It is pertinent to state that the current leadership of the Armed Forces has shown commendable dedication to promoting this relationship as evidenced by the establishment of Civil-Military Cooperation Departments and Human Rights Desks across various services of the Armed Forces.

“These initiatives are designed to entertain civilian complaints, and mitigate potential conflicts between military personnel and civilians, a reflection of how democratically compliant our military has evolved in upholding human rights and fostering mutual respect.

“Again, we reiterate that that the military is our collective institution, and any assault on it is an assault on the Nigerian people. It is essential to recognize that the military is not biased towards any tribe, religion, or region. Nations like France, Germany, Egypt, the UK, and the US have demonstrated this understanding and emerged stronger and more resilient.

“Let us draw inspiration from these examples and work together with our armed forces in the overall interest of National Security and Development.”

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FCT News

FCT minister for State urges for investment in intellectual development 

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The need for investment in the intellectual development of staff for the growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory has been canvassed by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mamoud.
The Minister made the call at the maiden edition of the FCTA book exhibition organised by the Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RC&SI).
A statement by the special adviser Austine Elemue quoted
Mahmoud to have identified books as windows to the world, offering insights, knowledge, and perspectives that transcend boundaries and time, stressing that the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated.

The Minister who was represented by the permanent secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Hajia Asma’u Mukhtar, called on the staff to equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges of the present situation and to enhance the value proposition to provide the needed services to the residents of the FCT.

“This book exhibition serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of learning and growth within our administrative framework.

“It is a reflection of our belief that investing in the intellectual development of our staff is not just a noble endeavor but a strategic imperative.

“The diverse array of books on display covers a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from public administration and governance to urban planning, sustainability, economics, and beyond.

“Each volume holds within its pages the potential to inspire, educate, and empower us to become better leaders, decision-makers, and agents of positive change,” she affirmed.

Speaking in the same vein, FCT Head of Service, Dr. Samuel Attang, said books have always been a cornerstone of knowledge and wisdom, and their role in shaping minds and societies is unparalleled. 

Represented by the Permanent Secretary Women Affairs, Mr. Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawale, the Head of Service said the theme of the exhibition; “Enhancing Intellectual Capacity for Effective Service Delivery” underscores the critical link between knowledge and performance.

According to him; “As public servants, educators, and community leaders, we understand that the quality of our service delivery is directly proportional to the depth of our understanding and the breadth of our skills.

“Intellectual capacity is not merely about acquiring information; it is about nurturing the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions that benefit our communities”.

He used the occasion to applaud the good leadership of the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for their developmental stride to make FCT a heaven on earth. 

Earlier, the Ag. Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvements, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, stressed that the exhibition was to enhance the professional capabilities of civil servants in line with the 6th Pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25).

She emphasised that by investing in intellectual development, civil servants would not only enrich themselves, but also enhance their value proposition as individuals and as an organization. 

In her words; “By embracing life long learning, we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead”.

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FCT News

FCTA pays out N6.3b March statutory allocation to Area Councils, Stakeholders

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has paid out the sum of N6,316,621,045.37 to the six area councils and other stakeholders as statutory allocation for the month of March, 2024.

Special Adviser on Media To FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue in a statement indicated that the March allocation is said to be 40 percent higher than the N3,938,092,102.92 paid out in the month of February, 2024.

According to the Statement the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting was presided over by FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who expressed satisfaction with the 40% increase.

She, urged the Area Council Authorities to carryout meaningful projects to justify the monthly allocation

“The allocation to the area councils as its stands today goes beyond payment of staff salaries. It is, therefore, expedient and instructive for the chairmen to carryout people orientated projects to justify the resources that goes to the councils”.

Thebbreakdown analyses of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicated that the sum of N3,814,043,951.50 was made available for disbursement to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,502,577,093.87 was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N6,316,621,045.37.

Similarly, distributions to the six area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N796,985,326.39, while Gwagwalada got N606,666,131.20 and Kuje received N635,903,823.41.

Other area councils which includede, Bwari Area Council received N598,406,880.71, Abaji got N564,901,838.77 while Kwali received N611,179,951.02, bringing the total sum to N3,814,043,951.50 disbursed to the six area councils.

On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders included Primary School Teachers which gulped N2,115,855,089.92, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57, One percent Training Fund gulped N52,394,108.75, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63, bringing the total sum to N2,502,577,093.87.

Those present at the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting included the Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy to FCT Minister of State, Dr. Abdullahi Isa Kauramata, Mandate Secretary Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Bitrus Garki, Permanent Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Dr. Olusa Olusegun, Ag. Director of Funds, Mr. Muhammed Aris, Commissioner FCT Revenue Mobilization Fiscal Allocation Commission, Hon. Ismail Ajaka and the representative of the Accountant General’s Office, Mr. Muhmud Nasiri.

Others included the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Maikalagun, Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya and representatives of the chairmen of Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Council amongst others.

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