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CSJ Calls on FG to Ensure Proposed Strike is Averted
CSJ Calls on FG to Ensure Proposed Strike is Averted
By: Michael Mike
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has advised the Federal Government to ensure that the proposed indefinite industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) is averted in public interest.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) gave the advice on Wednesday in a statement signed by its Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere
He stated that the strike slated for October 2 by the workers unions could have been averted through more considerate and humane engagement by the Federal Government in the post petrol subsidy removal and floating of the Naira negotiations, but noted that: “It is still not too late for the Federal Government to act in the public interest.”
The CSJ acknowledged the importance of President Bola Tinubu’s policy reforms, notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the floatation of the Naira, but nevertheless, the Lead Director of CSJ, Eze Onyekpere, insisted that: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu missed an opportunity to gain widespread support for his two main policy reforms – the fuel subsidy removal and the floatation of the Naira – by not adequately addressing the hardships that followed these policy pronouncements. The expectation was that President Tinubu would announce corresponding relief programmes alongside these policies, and these programmes should have been implemented either simultaneously or immediately after making the policy and reform declarations. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.”
He added that: “For instance, the proposed salary increase for workers, which has been pending for three months now, remains unresolved in a country where the minimum wage is Thirty Thousand Naira ($30) per month. This starkly contrasts with fellow African nations like Algeria, South Africa, and Morocco, where minimum wages are $170, $242, and $360, respectively.”
He noted that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns that the government-appointed committee responsible for negotiating cushioning measures for workers has either intentionally delayed or neglected to commence negotiations, a situation deeply troubling to CSJ.
CSJ argued that the deployment of the Minister of Labour as the chief negotiator with the organised labour is misplaced, considering the financial nature of the negotiations. High-level discussions involving significant political and financial decisions should be chaired by the President, Vice President or in their absence, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), insisting that the team must include the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Labour, etc.
The NGO said in such situations, the Minister of Finance is in the best position to present the government’s financial standing to labour representatives and to recommend decisions including wage increase based on affordability.
The CSJ firmly placed responsibility on the government for the current developments, asserting that the decision to announce the removal of fuel subsidies without proper consideration of the consequences reflects an unacceptable level of arrogance towards the Nigerian people,
while acknowledging that these policy reforms were intended to address issues like fuel subsidy corruption, petroleum smuggling, foreign exchange market manipulation, and fiscal constraints, but stressed that such reforms cannot exist in isolation. “They should be accompanied by strategic interventions across various economic sectors to alleviate hardship, boost productivity, and curb fiscal leaks.”
CSJ also contended that the Federal Government should have taken swift action to combat rampant oil theft and prosecute those responsible for subsidy fraud, as revealed in recent reports by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and previous reports of the Auditor General for the Federation.
Meanwhile, it called upon the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the NLC/TUC to resolve the proposed industrial action and implement measures to mitigate the impact of recent policy reforms on the Nigerian populace.
Onyekpere said: “CSJ remains unwavering in its commitment to advocating for social justice and equitable policies that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians.”
CSJ Calls on FG to Ensure Proposed Strike is Averted
Gombe Breaks Barriers, As Governor Inuwa Signs Disability Protection Bill into Law
…Appoints PWDs Leader, Dr. Adamu as Disability Commission Executive Secretary
By: Ismaila Uba
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has signed into law, the Gombe State Disability Protection Bill 2024, which paves the way for the establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission.
The landmark law establishes a framework for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities, ensuring social justice, protecting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state, as well as ensuring accessibility, and participation in the society like every other human being.
During the signing ceremony of the bill which held at the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, announced the appointment of Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Gombe state chapter, as the Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission.
“The establishment of the Disability Commission will serve as a platform to address the needs and aspirations of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities”, the Governor said.
He remarked that since coming onboard, he has been supporting the growth of the PWDs community, saying he previously appointed Special Adviser and Special Assistants to coordinate the activities of the PWDs and serve as liaison between them and the government.
The Governor used the occasion to inform the Disability community of his recent directives for the renovation and remodeling of the only Special School in the state, adding that his administration will build two additional Special Schools so each senatorial district can have one.
He commended members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their commiment in passing the bill and acknowledged the contributions of advocacy groups and stakeholders who championed the cause.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, noted that the House had meticulously scrutinized every aspect of the bill to ensure its passage aligned with the aspirations of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) community.
Responding on behalf of the disability community, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Disability Commission, Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling a promise he made to the PWDs during the electioneering campaign in 2019.
“Today, you’ve set a record. I remember when we met with you during the electioneering campaign you made a promise that this bill would become a reality. And here it is today, we have witnessed this historic moment of signing it into law”, he stated.
“This commission will among others, promote education, healthcare and the well-being of persons with disabilities. Fifteen years ago, we took the same bill to the State House of Assembly, and it was rejected. Today, it has been passed and assented to. We will never forget this history. We thank the Governor, the State House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders for making this possible”, Dr. Adamu added.
He informed the Governor that by signing the bill into law, Gombe has become the second state in the Northeast geo-political region to achieve this, assuring that he would work to ensure World Bank and other development partners support the commission in its activities.
The new Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission,
Dr. Adamu is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Gombe State University.
Gombe Breaks Barriers, As Governor Inuwa Signs Disability Protection Bill into Law
News
BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT TO SCHOLARSHIP AND LIBRARY BOARDS
BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT TO SCHOLARSHIP AND LIBRARY BOARDS
By: Our Reporter
In a move to enhance the operations of educational institutions, the Borno State Ministry of Education has provided two Golf cars each to the Borno State Scholarship Board and the Library Board, along with a Hilux van for the Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board.
This initiative aims to facilitate the boards’ daily activities and ensure efficient service delivery to students and other beneficiaries.
The Scholarship and Library Boards play vital roles in supporting the education sector, and the provision of these vehicles addresses logistical challenges, enhancing their capacity to deliver services effectively.
Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving education and empowering administrative bodies to operate at optimal levels. He explained that the procurement of the vehicles reflects the government’s dedication to strengthening educational services across the state.
Wakilbe further stressed the importance of equipping these institutions with the necessary tools to meet the increasing demands of students and the academic community.
The Executive Secretary of the Scholarship Board, Bala Isa, and the Director of the Library Board, Isa Adamu, expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the positive impact the vehicles will have on their operations and the smoother coordination of activities.
This initiative underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure by addressing logistical barriers and ensuring that every student in Borno State has the opportunity to succeed.
BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT TO SCHOLARSHIP AND LIBRARY BOARDS
Chairman Potiskum LG commended on providing a water point to herders
By: Yahaya Wakili
The executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area of Yobe state, Hon. Salisu Muktari, has been commended for providing herders of the Potiskum local government area with a water point.
The commendation was made by the National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, when he and his entourage paid him a courtesy call in his office, in continuation of the association’s community-to-community peace sensitization campaign in the state.
In addition to his previous excellent performances with regards to providing his pastoralists with water points. The executive chairman also promised to provide more water points for Potiskum local government herders in the 2025 fiscal year.
The national president called on the pastoralists in the Potiskum local government area and its environs to continue to live in peace with one another by avoiding the destruction of anybody’s farmlands.
According to Khalil Bello, the sensitization is part of the proactive measures taken by the association to prevent herder and farmer conflicts in the state and the nation in general.
The national president reinstated the need for harders not to destroy farmlands during the ongoing harvesting period and noted that pastoralists and farmers are partners in progress.
Khalil Mohammed Bello acknowledges the government’s commitment under the able leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, towards ending the premium crises between farmers and cattle rearers in the state.
He appreciates the warm reception and the hospitality accorded to him and members of his entourage by the executive chairman of the council, Hon. Salisu Muktari, and the people of the Potiskum local government area.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Chairman of Potiskum local government area, Hon. Salisu Muktari, assured the readiness of the local government council towards supporting the association to achieve its desired objectives.
The chairman pledged to construct more water points for pastoralists in the area and call on the leadership of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) to identify the point where the water facilities will be constructed.
Chairman Potiskum LG commended on providing a water point to herders
Gombe Breaks Barriers, As Governor Inuwa Signs Disability Protection Bill into Law
BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT BOOSTS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WITH VEHICLE SUPPORT TO SCHOLARSHIP AND LIBRARY BOARDS
Chairman Potiskum LG commended on providing a water point to herders
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