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NLC Shuts Corporate Affairs Commission

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has picketed the headquarters of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Abuja.

The protest which is to last for three days was led by the NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba. The protest started in the morning with the premises of the Commission blocked, members of NLC carrying placards, dancing and chanting solidarity songs and preventing workers from gaining access into the building.

Speaking at the protest, the President Nigeria Labour Congress , Comrade Ayuba Wabba alleged that the Commission’s Registrar General, Garba Abubakar stalled staff promotion and brought in environmental experts to fumigate the agency for N35million in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, including contracting someone to paint the Zone 5 annex office for N25million.

Ayuba further alleged that the Registrar transferred married women who are staff out of the Commission.
He further alleged that the commission forbids staff from unionizing which is against the labuor laws.

“The right to negotiate, the right to respect collective bargaining. Basically, we are saying that you cannot refuse to implement the collective bargaining agreement and respond by transferring Union officials with impunity, including married women from their husbands. That cannot be accepted and that is why we are here.
He has also tried to deploy thugs. We have seen some trying to set fire on our vehicles using fuel. We have captured their pictures and he will be held responsible.We have also exposed the nefarious activities that have been going on here”.

“Car park N250 million, fumigation alone he spent N35 million. He said that he used N70 million to train Directors during COVID-19 and painting of CAC in Wuse, zone 5. The money that is meant for workers salary is what he is using to spend on bogus contracts that does not have direct bearing to the lives of this organisation.
He should come out before Nigerians and defend himself” he said.

Reacting to some of the allegations, the Director, Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs Commission Mr Duke Ukaga who spoke on behalf of the commission said the allegations are false as the Commission is law abiding and is doing everything possible for the betterment of the organization.

On the issue of unionization, He said that the Commission is only obeying the Court judgement and till date, there has been no injunction or stay of execution order.

“The claim that management has refused to allow them unionize freely and are being compelled to join a particular labour union is not true. The Commission, being a very law abiding organisation is obeying the rules of the National Industrial Court, which gave a ruling in December 2019 and May 2020 stating categorically that the union which most of the staff had joined Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), was a junior staff union and not applicable to senior staff. This is in line with the Trade Union Act 2004 and 2005”.

Reacting to issue of transfer, he said “there is a standing rule in the public service about spouses working in the same department and office. For the reorganisation of the organisation, the management might in their wisdom post any staff anywhere. Even in their letters of appointment, it’s stated clearly that their appointment is at the pleasure of the Commission and they may be sent to work in any of the branches. So, for one to say that there have been unjustly sent somewhere, it’s not true”.

On the issue of embezzlement, he strongly refuted the claim saying “Though I’m not into fumigation, we have a standard for fumigation considering the type and size of the building. I can assure you that our management cannot embezzle any government money.

Aliyu To Dethrone Any Erring Traditional Ruler Over Insecurity

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has vowed to dethrone any erring traditional ruler aiding and abetting criminality in his domain.  

While confirming the security report recommending the suspension of  the chief of Anagada, Malam Alhassan Musa, in Gwagwalada Area Council.  

She made this known during an emergency meeting of all the graded chiefs in the territory, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Aliyu, who expressed confidence in the traditional institution, however, stated that with the recent insecurity challenges in some parts of the territory, the graded chiefs should be in constant touch with the village heads.  

She, however, assured that the FCT Administration would soon embark on “operation know your neighbour, stay safe, and stay alive”, stressing that such move would enable the administration to profile total strangers who do not have any business staying in the nation’s.  

Her words; “Regrettably, we are starting this gathering with security report indicting one of the royal fathers in Gwagwalada Area Council. I don’t know how it will end, but we must begin to look closely at ourselves or activities.  

“Royal stools are now being bastardised by some traditional rulers. The security agencies in their reports indicted one of you and we tried as much as possible to see how we can get to the bottom of the matter. Unfortunately, it was overruled because the report is not ours, it came from one of the security agencies. Therefore, we are not in a position to look into his case.  

She continued; “It is not in our character, no matter the level of poverty to betray the trust bestowed on you as a traditional ruler and the custodian of our traditions. This will not be acceptable in the seat of government where Mr. President is the Governor General.  

“Go and and discuss with your various village heads and give them a sound warning that those found wanting will not be spared. And no one has the right to accommodate total strangers or group of people especially now that we are facing challenges of insecurity.  

” You cannot accommodate strangers you do not know. The people you accommodate can betray you. The people you habour in your communities can be informats or bandits. At the end of the day, we battle with insurgents,” she warned.  

Responding on behalf of the graded chiefs, the Chairman of FCT Traditional Council of Chiefs and the Ona of Abaji, HRM. Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, assured the minister that her message would be handed down to the village heads.  

The royal father also used the opportunity to appeal to the authorities concern to do anything possible with a view to filling the gaps in some chiefdoms.  

Sirika Assure Persons With Disabilities Of Rights Protection, Facilitation At Airport

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has promised to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded all rights and support at the nation’s airports in accordance with the provisions of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

The Minister gave the assurance in Abuja when the Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, David Ayaele and his team paid him a courtesy visit.

In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Mr James Odaudu and made available to journalists, the minister said that equipment and facilities that will help the movement of persons with disability at the airports would be provided, adding that no form of discrimination and mistreatment of persons with disabilities at the nation’s airports would be tolerated henceforth.

The Minister further directed all airline operators in Nigeria to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded all rights and support in the course of their travels.

The Statement further states that Sirika told the team that he was sure that the mandatory 5% employment quota enshrined in the Disability Act has been surpassed, as the Ministry and its agencies do not have any record of discrimination against people with disabilities.

Earlier the Executive Director Centre for Citizens with Disabilities Mr. David Ayaele complained to the Minister about the incessant discrimination experienced by persons with disability at the nation’s airports and called for the full implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) 2018 Act.

Ayaele urged the Minister to speedily investigate the increasing human rights violations against citizens with disabilities by airlines operators in Nigeria with the view of bringing perpetrators to book and elimination of all forms of violence against such persons at the nation’s airport.

He equally appealed to the Minister to ensure that in accordance with Act, all airlines operating in Nigeria ensure the accessibility of their aircraft to persons with disabilities by making available presentable and functional wheelchairs for the conveyance of persons with disabilities to facilitate their movement to and from the aircraft and ensure that disabled persons are accorded priority while boarding and disembarking from aircraft.

The Executive Director also appealed to the Minister to ensure that the implementation of the 5% employment recommendation in the Disability Act is implemented in the Ministry and its agencies.

Cattle Merchants Demand #475billion Compensation Over Members’ Killings,

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

Threatens Nation Wide Strike

As the present insecurity situation bedeviling the country heightens, the Amalgamated Union Of Foodstuff and cattle merchants of Nigeria has given the federal government seven days ultimatum to respond to its demand of #475billion as compensation over the killings of its members and loss of properties during the Sasa crises and endSARS protest.

Briefing journalists in Abuja over the incessant killings of its members nation wide, the General Secretary of the Union Comrade Ahmed Alarama said 151 of its members were killed during the Sasa crises, while more than 100 members were killed during the endSARS protest.

He expressed worry over the incessant members of their members across the thirty six states of the Federation including the FCT.

The union added that it has forwarded several complains and also had several engagements with the Presidency, security agencies and other relevant authorities with none taking adequate measures to address their plight.

He said failure of government to address the issues within the seven days ultimatum, the union will be left with no option than to embark on a nation wide strike.

“To add to voices of what is going on in the country, we have written the National Assembly of the problem we are having in Nigeria, specifically there is disunity, there is distrust among Nigerians and we feel it is time for the authorities to do something about it, otherwise it will create a situation where the country will go into chaos and that is what we are trying to avoid.

“In fact we have written to the United Nations, American Embassy, British Parliament, German authorities complaining of incessant killings that has been going on from the period of the hashtag #EndSARS to this recent one that took place at Shasha. In fact, earlier we have given 21 days ultimatum within which something should be done otherwise, we will have to take an action,”he threatened.

NLC Calls For Commitment In Addressing Insecurity

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a new verve of zeal and commitment in the war against insurgency that is currently bedeviling the nation.
The President Comrade Ayuba Wabba made the call in Abuja at the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting.
He said that with the new set of Service Chiefs in the country, there is need for the security lapses of the past to be identified and corrected.
Ayuba further said that, the NLC will revisit the resolutions made at the last delegate conference which called for strong proactive steps by congress to promote the security of lives and property, particularly those of workers and their families.
He however cautioned that the country should never get to the point of surrendering the initiative and paraphernalia of sovereignty to autonomous state actors and to forces of state capture.

He said “to this end, we will revive our efforts last year to convene a national peace and security summit that which preparations were scuttled by the outbreak of COVID19 and the associated lockdown.”

NAFDAC Approves AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine For Use

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for use the in Nigeria.

Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye made this known at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

While noting that the vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8-degree centigrade.

She further stated that, the vaccine was recently approved by the WHO for emergency use, saying, it got the dossier of the vaccine a week ago, and the NAFDAC safety committee went to work immediately to evaluate its safety and efficacy for Nigerians.

While adding that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, also known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, or AZD1222, is a viral vector vaccine. Scientists used an adenovirus, originally derived from chimpanzees, and modified it with the aim of training the immune system to mount a strong response against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

The NAFDAC Boss, however, stressed that the South African variant has not been reported in Nigeria, while the agency has over 30 herbal medicines undergoing review for listing.

According to her , the evaluation on Astrazeneca shows that the vaccine is effective against the United Kingdom variant of the virus which has been reported in Nigeria.
Finally, NAFDAC received the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine dossier from Serum Institute of India on February 10, 2021. The NAFDAC Vaccine Committee commenced the expedited review immediately and the members of the committee have worked assiduously to ensure that review was done as planned. The recommendation for Emergency Use Authorization was based on rigorous scientific considerations as summarized below.

Speaking on the quality of the vaccine, she said the active substance is manufactured and controlled by Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SIIPL). A GMP certificate and manufacturing license issued by the India National Regulatory Authority (NRA) has been presented and found to be authentic and valid.

On the vaccine safety and efficacy,the NAFDAC boss hinted that from the Phases 2/3 conducted, COVISHIELD was found safe and well-tolerated in adults above 18 years of age. The incidence of solicited, unsolicited AEs and SAEs was comparable in the study control. groups. No causally related SAE was caused by the study vaccine

Adeyeye noted that, “the agency will be using its recently launched Med Safety App for Active Pharmacovigilance of the vaccines in collaboration with the sister agencies. The App is free, and millions of healthcare workers can download it free for Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting. In-country training on the use of the App has begun for the healthcare givers.

“NAFDAC plans to also use the Traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This is to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and to ensure there is no diversion. This effort will create a reliable and predictable supply chain.

“At the continental level, NAFDAC is on the Regulators Steering Committee of African Union -3S (Smart, Safety Surveillance) with Ghana, South Africa and Ethiopia. The committee was formed as a preparatory caucus for safety monitoring of medicines but using COVID-19 vaccine as a pilot”.

FCTA Director Hails Former Permanent Secretary, Says He’s Down To Earth

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Director, Human Resource Management (HRM) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Malam Mohammad Bashir Mni has described as down to earth the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the administration, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa.

He made this revelation while speaking on the person of Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa to celebrate his exit from the civil service on Tuesday in Abuja.

Bashir hinted that , ” Talking about Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa is an understatement , I have never meant someone like him, I have a good working relationship with him when he was the head of bureaucracy in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

” The first time I set my eyes on him was when I came to FCTA in 2017, I was sent to attend the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Study, Kuru. It was when I was there that Sir Ohaa reported as the Permanent Secretary . When I return from school on the 27th of November, 2017. When I resumed, I reported to the Minister and he said i should take my file to the Permanent Secretary , as I was coming down from the Minister’s office I meant him on the way and he said gentleman where are you going, I said to see the permanent secretary, he turned back and said follow me, I thought, he was the Personal Assistant to the Permanent , we entered the office and he said sit down here and wait for me , I am the permanent Secretary , u was amazed with his kind of humility.

“He made me comfortable in his office and said I will be right back , that was how the relationship started . I was then at the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board as a Director . We held the 2019 Hajj when he was in charge while acting as the FCT Minister, the he was the one that pilot the affairs of the nation’s capital, there was nothing we requested logistically that was not granted.

“Another instance was when I was about to be moved from the Pilgrims Board , he insisted that I must be given an office , saying, I cannot just be removed without an office , I was taking to Archive and History Bureau Department , by God’s grace and his hand work today I am the director in charge of Human Resources.

He continued; “He created an enabling environment for me to excel as Director Human resource , he gave me all it takes to make the job easier for me. He place me above all other directors, if he is not available I deputize for him , he has never for a day find me wanting during my acting capacity , even when I do mistake, he takes responsibility for my action and later caution me , he will defend you beyond the relationship of boss and subordinate . He is a leader to the core.

“Very recently, when he buried his late mother, I was so amazed to see all the retired secretaries, for secretaries and directors, everybody sponsors themselves to grace the occasion , the occasion was full of FCTA staff the same thing happened last week when the power ministry organized a sent foth party in his honour to celebrate his exit from the service”, he buttressed.

He, however, hinted that the only thing we can do for him is to pray for God’s guidance and protection over him and pray God see him through his future ambition.

President Buhari Flags Off $1.96billion Kano-Maradi Rail Line Project

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

…Says 80million Nigerians To Benefit

As parts of his administration’s transformation agenda in the transport sector, to link the entire country by rail, President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the $1.96billion Kano-katsina-Jibiya- Maradi rail line project.
The rail line is said to traverse the major commercial and administrative centre of Kano, and passes through other economic hubs of the country including Kazaure, Daura, Katsina and up to the border town of Jibiya and the Niger Republic city of Maradi.
Speaking virtually during the Groundbreaking ceremony of the rail line project in Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari said the Kano-Maradi rail line connecting Niger Republic would foster Trans-Sahara trade and contribute immensely in the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

The president further said that the vital infrastructure line would establish an end-to-end logistic supply chain in railway transport services between Northern and Southern regions of the country, reaching Nigerian southern ports of Lagos and Warri.
He noted that the entire route encompasses territory inhabited by close to 80 million people across 10 states of the country. The project has a branch line to Dutse the capital of Jigawa state to open up this corridor which is endowed with vast resources.
According to the President, the project when completed, would serve import and export of goods for Niger Republic and other countries in the sub-region through Nigerian ports. The country would earn revenue through expansion of trade and commerce, while the people of Niger Republic will benefit from ease of transportation logistics at affordable cost in their import and export business.
He noted that construction company handling this project, Messrs Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited was supporting knowledge and technology transfer by investing in the establishment of a learning Institution for Transportation and Railway Science, while commending the gesture.

“We have in the rail sector embarked on the completion of the 1,424 Kilometer Lagos – Kano rail line to join the one being flagged-off today for the country’s Western axis.
“On the Eastern corridor of the country, the Port Harcourt – Enugu – Makurdi – Maiduguri rail line with branches to Owerri, Imo state and Damaturu, Yobe state have been awarded for reconstruction to include a deep sea port in Bonny Island and a Railway Industrial Park in Port Harcourt with the objectives of achieving a vibrant and functional railway infrastructure in the Eastern part of the country”.

He added that “the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance have been directed to vigorously act on engagement and concluding financial arrangement with appropriate co-financiers to partner with the Federal Government for the development of the West – East Coastal rail line from Lagos to Calabar and linking Onitsha, Benin, Warri, Yenegao, Port Harcourt, Aba and Uyo”.

Also, in his welcome address, the Minister of Transportation Honourable Rotimi Amaechi said the approximately 284Km traversing Kano – Dambatta – Kazaure – Shargelle – Mashi – Daura – Katsina – Jibiya – Maradi will move passengers in cities of Kano and Katsina and stations of standard category in Kazaure, Daura, Jibiya and Dutse and minor stations in Dambatta, Shargelle and Mashi as well as halt stations in Kunya, Kano airport, Muduru, Dadara and in Niger Republic at Annol Mata and Maradi.
The Minister gave an assurance that the project will reach a substantial completion in year 2023 when it will be ready to handle passenger and freight daily traffic forecast of 9,364 passengers and approximately 3,000 metric tons of freight on return trips between Kano and Maradi.

Amaechi said “There is no doubt that this route when linked with the ongoing Lagos – Kano railway project on completion, will generate higher traffic volumes and revenue.”

He further disclosed that President Buhari has approved the development of other railway infrastructure and related projects that are of significance to the nation’s socio-economic development and bring the Nigerian economy to become a key player in the region and globally.

“The objective here is to establish railway network that is sustainable and strong to serve as a transportation backbone and open a new path to positive economic transformation,” he stated.

Chief Executive Officer, Mota-Engil, Manuel Mota, described the project as competitive opportunity for the firm considering its vast experience in railway projects.
Speaking on the economic benefits, he said the fact that the connecting country, Niger would be connected to the Sea in eight hours or less, it has a huge impact on competitive business of the capacity to import and export.
Similarly, the state Governors of Katsina, Kano and Jigawa, Aminu Masari, Abdullahi Ganduje and Mohammed Abubakar respectively commended federal government’s foresight in sighting a major railway project that would link their states and Maradi region, in Niger Republic.

The governors said the project, when completed, would enhance the socio-economic development of the three areas.

JOHESU Threatens Industrial Disharmony Over Medical, Dental Council of Nigeria Bill

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has demanded an unreserved apology from the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe over the bad treatment of its members during the Public Hearing on Five Health Bills held on 1st February, 2021.


JOHESU condemns in its entirety the harassment and intimidation of health workers and professionals during the said public hearing by Senator Oloriegbe.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the President of the Union, Comrade Biobelemoye Josiah who expressed displeasure over the bad treatment of health workers at the said occasion, went further to state that the action is not only unfortunate but undemocratic, discriminatory, and unparlimentary.


He went further to describe the action as a violation of their members’ rights to freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in Chapter IV of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.


Biomelemoye further stated that apart from apology on the unfortunate incidence, the union is also demanding that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria repeal and re-enactment bill, 2020 under consideration be stepped down until all litigations on the existing Act are decided and resolved.

He warned that if the burning issues and other demands of health workers are not resolved as soon as possible, the union would not guarantee industrial peace in the health sector nationwide.

” That the purpose of the public hearing was defeated because other critical stakeholders who submitted memoranda ahead of time were not allowed to make presentations even though sufficient time was given to medical practitioners and their affiliated bodies. Furthermore, he totally disregarded the arranged list of presenters during the public hearing and hand-picked presenters instead, while barring his perceived antagonists.

“That Senator Dr Oloriegbe as a sponsor of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria MDCAN bill displayed high level of bias against other health professionals during the public hearing.

INSECURITY: FG ASSURES ON RESUSCITATING AIRSTRIPS IN THE COUNTRY

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to resuscitate and ensure functional airstrips all over the country, in a bid to combat insecurity and boost commercial activities.


He stated this when a delegation sent by Emir of Hadejia and led by a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Senator Ibrahim Hassan visited his office.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Sani Datti on behalf of the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry Of Aviation, Mr James Odaudu and made available to journalists.

The statement stated that speaking specifically on Hadejia airstrip, the Minister said many reasons have pushed for the resuscitation of airstrips among which was historical purposes and to combat insecurity in the country.

Hadi Sirika said “As we are faced by security challenges, siting functional airstrip in Hadejia will help in combating insecurity as the airstrip can be used by the Nigerian Airforce, Police and of course civil aviation”.

He further added that Hadejia once doubled as a centre of learning, trade and commerce in Northern Nigeria.
The Minister further said “we are starting now by engaging aviation experts and consultants to come up with an assessment. In our plans, the airstrip is going to be managed in such a way that there is a plan for future expansion in terms of landmass and commercial activities”.

He assured the delegation that everything would be done as soon as possible by the Ministry to actualize it and the Ministry will also find an appropriate way of funding the project.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Senator Ibrahim Hassan told the Minister that they were in his office to appreciate the Ministry’s effort towards resuscitating Hadejia airstrip.

According to him, the Ministry had shown seriousness towards the rehabilitation of the airstrip by sending experts and consultants to conduct an assessment.

He assured the Minister of the Hadejia Emirate’s support towards actualizing the project and commended him for the giant strides he has made in the aviation sector since his assumption of office as Minister of Aviation.

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