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Kanu Agabi frowns at the relegation of the deputy governor’s office

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, has expressed displeasure with the political class over the lack of respect for the constitution as it has to do with the relegation of the office of the deputy Governors.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of a two day National Conference by the ⁹0g Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), he said the lack of observance of the constitution and inability to observe the constitution to the later does not in any way demean the constitution.

He reiterated the importance of a deputy governor in the joint ticket in any State, adding that if the deputy governor is not validly nominated, it will affect the election of the governor.

He said it is the Governors who relegate their deputies so that the constitutional provision, which vested power on them, is made redundant.

“There are some of us who feel that the constitution is an invalid document, it is illegitimate, it is a product of the military.

“It is a good constitution. There is nothing wrong with it.”

However, he said no matter how good a constitution is, it is not a self executing document, it doesnt enforce itself. 

“It requires good people to enforce it, and of course, it is not intended to be a perfect document. This nation must begin to respect the constitution. 

“There is no nation that is not artificial. All nations are artificial, and this country is good as it is, from North to West, from North to South, christains and Muslims together, that is how it ought to be

“I am happy that this forum of former deputy governors is made up of Christains and Muslims, from East to West, from North to South. This is how it is.

“There is hope for our country, those who proceed on the basis that they don’t have hope, they are wrong. 

He urged the Federal Governmemt to immediately release “dissidents” as part of the move to consolidate national unity.

He also canvassed for the federal government to establish a National Integration Commission.
Agabi said that Nigeria “can teach them peace and unity,” upon their (dissidents) release.
 The former Attorney General said that “Nigeria has been on a mistake making course since independence,” and that it was time to intentionally and collectively redirect the country.

He bemoaned successive governments’ handling of protests by citizens, “warning that corruption in public offices is the reason for violence on the streets.”

Agabi, who was the Chairman of the conference, while declaring it open amid attendance by past and serving deputy governors, pointed out a faulty education system, and inability of the country to be self-reliant in relevant sectors as part of forces militating against national development

He further called on the President to use “the power of his office as a binding factor to unite the country,” even as he maintained that “the country’s presidential system does not allow unity to be an option. 

“Countries with our kind of peculiarities adopt the presidential system of government. So, Nigerians must work on uniting the country. We will  get there,” he maintained.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Gov Yusuf Visits National Security Adviser, Ribadu

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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.

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