N30,000 MINIMUM WAGE: PRESIDENCY MOVES TO APPEASE ORGANIZED LABOUR

• Asks govs to plug waste to accommodate workers’ demand

• Pleads with NLC for more time to resolve logjam

Following organized labour's threat to call out workers to embark on indefinite strike come Tuesday, 8th January, 2019 to protest non-implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage as recommended by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, the presidency has moved to pacify the workers, appealing to them to tarry a while on their planned action.

The organized labour had asked President Muhammadu Buhari to submit the N30,000 minimum wage implementation bill to the National Assembly for passage by December 31 last year or face a nationwide strike action.

With the deadline unmet, the NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, had said the Tuesday strike had become imminent despite a federal government offer for a resolution meeting schedule for January 8.

Authoritative presidency sources, however, told our correspondent, Wednesday, that the president is making efforts to resolve the wage dispute, which threatens to further obstruct the nation’s fragile economy should the strike hold.
State governors under the auspices of Nigerian Governors Forum had objected to N30,000 as the baseline wage bill for the federation on the grounds that most of the states could not afford it.

Offering N22,500, the governors said anything more would send most of the states into insolvency.
But labour disagreed, contending that N30,000 was a compromised figured, which if diligently pursued would be realisable.

Buhari, according to sources, had intervened, asking the governors to reconsider their stand and find ways of acceding to the workers’ demand.

“The president met with the representatives of the governors and appealed to them to plug areas of waste as a way of securing the funds to meet the workers’ demand,” a source disclosed.

He said the governors had agreed to heed the advice of the president and had gone back to evaluate their finances, adding that what was needed was some more time for the governors to report progress to the president.

“Certainly, the governors need to come back to the president with their revised position before he could proceed to the National Assembly with an implementation bill,  the source added.

Stating that time, though now a scarce commodity, was what was needed to resolve the logjam, he explained that even if the president was minded to proceed to the National Assembly with the bill as requested by labour, the federal legislators had been on Christmas break, adding that there was no way the NLC’s demand could have been met.

“The National Assembly had been on break. And so, even if the president is to overrule the governors on this, there is no way the National Assembly can reconvene before the Friday deadline given by labour,” he said.

Wabba had called on the federal government wednesday to urgently transmit the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly for a speedy passage.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the federal government is yet to transmit to the National Assembly an executive bill for the enactment of N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

“Government’s dilly-dallying on the issue has strained government-labour relations with a potential for a major national strike, which could just be days away.

“I want to appeal to the government to do the needful by urgently transmitting the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

“We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.”

Explaining that the strike would become inevitable as the last option for labour, the NLC president called on all Nigerians and businesses to understand and support it.

He, however, assured workers that their labour, patience and diligence would not be in vain.
Wabba said the NLC leadership remains committed to giving all it takes to ensure workers get just and fair wages in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being.

He added that the NLC leadership is similarly committed to social protection for workers.
According to him, “The new year presents great opportunities for workers, pensioners, civil society allies and their friends and families to put their numbers to good use.

“This is by voting out, not on the basis of tribe or religion but purely policy, any candidate that cannot serve their interest.

“In the year that is ahead of us, the NLC remains unequivocally committed to the national and workers’ goals which include the campaign for industrialisation, against selective enforcement of “No Work, No Pay” policy of government, among others.”

The N30,000 new minimum wage, which was a compromise figure arrived at by the Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee comprised of the government (federal and states), organised private sector and the organised public sector was contained in the report forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari. Labour had initially proposed N66, 500, while the federal government proposed N24,500 at the negotiation meeting before the N30,000 was adopted.

However, wednesday the federal government said it would meet with the union on Friday.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said government had invited executives of the organised labour for a meeting at the Conference Hall of the ministry.

General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, said the labour had received letter from the labour ministry for a meeting on Friday.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a notice to all its structures and organs to commence mobilisation for mass action against the federal government, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).

This was contained in a statement signed by the association’s president, Danielson Akpan.
The ASUU commenced a nationwide strike on November 4 after the lecturers accused the federal government of not implementing previous agreements.

The association had earlier issued an ultimatum of two weeks to the federal government, ASUU and ASUP on December 23, to call off the strike or face confrontation.

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*Biochemistry:*
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*Geology:*
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*Botany:*
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*Pure and Applied Mathematics:*
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English, Chemistry, Biology /Agriculture and any one of Physics and Mathematics.

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English Language, Chemistry, Biology/ Agricultural Science and Mathematics.

*Africa extension:*
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English, Chemistry, Biology or Agriculture and Physics or Mathematics.

*Animal Production and Science:*
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*Crop Production and Science:*
English, Chemistry, Biology /Agriculture and Mathematics or Physics.

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English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

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[27/12, 12:22] ‪+234 803 266 5513‬: *Guide your children on 2019 JAMB Subject Combination For Science Courses.*
*The full list of JAMB Subject Combinations for all courses are as follows:*

*Medicine and Surgery:*
Use of English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

*Agricultural Engineering:*
Use of English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

*Computer Science:*
Use of English, Mathematics, Physics and one of Biology, Chemistry, Agric Science, Economics and Geography.

*Biochemistry:*
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*Biological Sciences:*
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics.

*Physics:*
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*Mathematics:*
Use of English, Mathematics and any two of Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Biology and Agricultural Science.

*Chemistry:*
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*Nursing:*
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*Food, Science and Technology:*
Use of English, Chemistry, Mathematics / Physics and Agricultural Science.

*Pharmacy:*
Use of English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

*Industrial Chemistry:*
Use of English, Chemistry, Mathematics and any of Physics /Biology /Agricultural Science.

*Fisheries:*
Use of English, Chemistry, Biology/ Agricultural Science and any other Science subject.

*Geology:*
Use of English and any three Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology and Geography.

*Geography:*
Use of English, Geography and any two of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Agricultural Science.

*Surveying an Geoinformatics:*
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*Statistics:*
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*Building:*
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*Microbiology:*
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and either Physics or Mathematics.

*Botany:*
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and any other Science subject.

*Zoology:*
Use of English, Biology and any two of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

*Pure and Applied Mathematics:*
Use of English, Mathematics, Physics and Biology or Agric Science or Chemistry or Geography.

*Agriculture:*
English, Chemistry, Biology /Agriculture and any one of Physics and Mathematics.

*Agricultural Economics:*
English Language, Chemistry, Biology/ Agricultural Science and Mathematics.

*Africa extension:*
English, Chemistry, Biology/ Agricultural Science plus Mathematics or Physics.

*Agronomy:*
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*Animal Production and Science:*
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*Crop Production and Science:*
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*Soil Science:*
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*Veterinary Science:*
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*Forestry:*
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*Civil Engineering:*
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*Marine Engineering:*
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*Mechanical Engineering:*
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*Metallurgical and Materials Engineering:*
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*Petroleum and Gas Engineering:*
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*Systems Engineering:*
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*Structural Engineering:*
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*Production and Industrial Engineering:*
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*Architecture:*
English, Physics, Mathematics, and any of Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology and Economics.

*Quantity Surveying:*
Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and any of Chemistry, Geography, Art, Biology and Economics.

*Urban and Regional Planning:*
English, Mathematics, Geography and one of Economics, Physics, Chemistry.

*Estate Management:*
Use of English, Mathematics, Economics and one other subject.

*Anatomy:*
English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry or Physics.

*Dentistry:*
Use of English, Chemistry, Biology and one Science subject.

*Medical Laboratory Science:*
English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

*Medical Rehabilitation:*
Use of English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

*Physiology:*
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*Physiotherapy:*
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*Radiography:*
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*Veterinary Medicine:*
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*Accountancy:*
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*Public Administration:*
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*Banking and Finance:*
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*Economics:*
Use of English, Mathematics, Economics and any of Government, History, Geography, Literature in English, French and CRK/IRK.

*Demography and Social Statistics:*
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*Geography:*
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*Library Science:*
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*Sociology:*
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*Political Science:*
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*Philosophy:*
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*Psychology:*
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*Religious Studies:*
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*Social Works:*
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*Sociology and Anthropology:*
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*Industrial Relations:*
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*Human Resources Management:*
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*International Relations:*
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*Business Management:*
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*Cooperative and Rural Development:*
Use of English, Mathematics, Economics plus one other subject.

*Tourism:*
English, Mathematics, Economics and any other subject.

*Marketing:*
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*Insurance:*
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*Arabic and Islamic Studies:*
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*Christian Religious Studies:*
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*Fine and Applied Arts:*
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*Theatre Arts:*
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*Linguistics:*
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*History and International Studies:*
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*Igbo:*
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*Mass Communication:*
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*Music:*
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*Philosophy:*
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*Religious Studies:*
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*Yoruba:*
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*Anthropology:*
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*Criminology and Security Studies:*
English, Economics, Government, and any one of the following: History, Geography, Literature in English,‎ French, IRK, Hausa.

*Law:*
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*Civil Law:*
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FULANI HERDSMEN KILL MANY AS THEY ATTACK BARKIN LADI IN JOS, BURNT DOWN CHURCH & HOUSES

A pastor identified as Ezekiel knelt down to pray after Fulani herdsmen attacked Barkin Ladi Local Government in Plateau State and killed many. 

From the pictures, it appears that they also burnt down his church and other houses. According to him, they are killed by the terrorists with alleged backup by the military.

See photos below and watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au2qnyjd9-Q

2019: YOU’RE AN AGENT OF SATAN, FANI-KAYODE BLAST REV FATHER MBAKA FOR ENDORSING BUHARI

Ejike Mbaka, the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, has been blasted for endorsing President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office.

The blast is coming from Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister who described the cleric as an agent of Satan.

Mr Mbaka, a Catholic priest, had on Tuesday endorsed Mr Buhari who is seeking a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, (APC).

Prior to the 2015 election, the cleric had endorsed the APC flag bearer while he was in the opposition.

Buhari who ran the race against an incumbent president defeated former president, Goodluck Jonathan, in the historic election. It was also the first time an opposition candidate would win a presidential election in the country.

Kicking against the cleric’s endorsement, the former minister said he was now convinced Mbaka is of the devil.

He quoted where the cleric said if God did not prefer the president to go back to office, the almighty being would have took the life of the Nigerian leader.

“If God does not want Buhari he could have died”- Father Mbaka.

“Short man devil has spoken! I am convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that this creature from the 7th circle of hell is an agent of satan,” Fani-Kayode said in a tweet on Wednesday.

“He is worse than Rasputin: he thrives on falsehood and reeks of sulphur!” he added.

The former minister is a known critic of the Buhari administration. He attacks virtually anyone who supports the government.

ASUU STRIKE UPDATE: FG PROVIDES FUNDS TO MEET ASUU DEMANDS

The protracted strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may soon to be called off.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who gave the hint in Onitsha, Anambra State said that funds had been provided to meet most of the demands of the union.

He said the Federal Government would make necessary efforts to ensure that the strike comes to an end this January.

“The Federal Government had released N15.89billion to universities on New Year’s Eve( Monday) for the payment of shortfall in salaries of universities,” a source told The Nation.

“The cash is expected to hit the account of all the institutions on or before the close of work today (Wednesday),” he added, pleading not to be named.

“The government has also set aside N20billion as revitalisation funds for varsities. The National Universities Commission( NUC) has been directed to work out the modalities for allocating the funds to all institutions.

N30,000 MINIMUM WAGE SAGA: LABOUR FINALLY DECLARES PROLONGED STRIKE

The organized labour has asked workers across Nigeria to fully mobilize for a prolonged national strike.

The labour Union came to this conclusion due to the inability of the government to commence the process of implemention of the N30,000 new minimum wage.

The decision also came against the backdrop of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, rejection of the proposed new minimum wage of N30,000.

The organized labour conveyed its position in a New Year message by the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba.

The lengthy statement reads, “Government’s dilly-dallying on the issue has strained government-labour relations with a potential for a major national strike which could just be days away.

“Accordingly, we would use this opportunity to appeal to the government to do the needful by urgently transmitting the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

”We also would like to use this opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilize for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.

“This strike becomes the inevitable last option for us and we crave the understanding and support of all Nigerians and businesses.

“We would want to assure workers that their labour, patience and diligence will not be in vain and that this leadership remains committed to giving all it takes to ensure that they get just and fair wages due to them in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being.

“This leadership is similarly committed to ensuring there is social protection for workers.

“In the year that is ahead of us, the Nigeria Labour Congress remains unequivocally committed to national and workers’ goals.

“It saluted the contribution and sacrifice of the entire workforce, great men and women, saying:

“We use this occasion to reach out to all workers, pensioners and other citizens in Nigeria and elsewhere with the message of love, joy, hope and goodwill.

“This day is an opportunity for celebration and stock-taking. Pursuant to this, our reflections on the year 2018 are both positive and negative.

“Throughout 2018, the NLC completely invested in the struggle to protect workers interests, promote democratic values, advocate the rule of law and defend human cum trade union rights. We sustained our fight against anti-labour practices at the work place and insisted on the observance of the rules of decent work and fair wages.

“We kicked against the rising incidence of unemployment, especially, youth unemployment and the danger it portends. We canvassed the preservation of existing jobs and creation of new sustainable ones through alternative policy options with potential for expanding the economy.

“Aside from the regular commemoration of May Day, the year was remarkable and memorable for the observance and celebration of Congress’ 40th anniversary. Many of our affiliates were to follow suit.

“One of the major activities in the year was the renewed strengthening of our relationship with our civil society allies through regular collaboration and mutual engagement.

“Congress remained vigilant and responsive to national issues as they unfolded and frequently made its position known through press statements, comments, communiques, state of the nation comments, etc which relatively influenced policy and legislation.

“Congress, for instance, always condemned prevalent violence in some parts of the country and called on government to bring this to an end. “Congress sustained its robust engagement with the National Assembly, especially on issues of concern to Labour or great national importance.

“At the international level, the year remains one of the most remarkable through deepened interactions, engagements, programmes and activities, culminating in the election of the President of the Congress to the headship of ITUC Global.

“In spite of these relative successes, the year remains one of the most traumatic for workers, especially given the failure of government to enact and implement the new national minimum wage of N30,000.

“This is in spite of the unimpeachable tripartite process leading to the agreement by the social partners on the new national minimum wage. It is unfortunate that the Federal Government is yet to transmit to the National Assembly an executive bill for the enactment of N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.’’

On campaign for industrialization, labour said: “We will work assiduously to promote and advocate the removal of all barriers to industrialization, growth and productivity. We should be able to build a country where we produce what we consume.

“We cannot continue to export precious jobs away to other countries through successive poor policy choices of government and expect to change our unfortunate status as the poverty capital of the world.

“In 2018, government at different levels in Nigeria tried to use the “No Work… No Pay” to hound and victimize workers. This policy actually arises from clear violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement by the same government that seeks to use the policy against workers.

“The fact is that the obnoxious policy of “No Work… No Pay” is derived from Decree 54 of 1977 which even military regimes that promulgated it refrained from deploying against workers. It is unfortunate that such cruel policy is being used against workers by a democratic government.

“There is no place in modern industrial relations for workers to be owed arrears of salaries. A case in hand is the recent shutdown of the government of the United States owing to disagreements between the executive and the legislative arms of government over budget issues.

“Most workers whose salaries were affected by the budget impasse were asked to proceed on leave until government is able to pay their salaries.

“In worker-sensitive climes, even our West African neighbours, it is unthinkable that workers would go home in a month without their salaries. We have tolerated this evil culture of prolonged salary indebtedness for a long time and government has taken advantage of our patience to extend the frontiers of this impunity to the policy dump site of “No Work… No Pay”.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress will continue to resist such unjust, draconian and insensitive policy and insist that workers’ salaries, pension and gratuity must be paid as when due.

”In furtherance to this, the Nigeria Labour Congress will intensify the struggle for regular, predictable and appropriate payment of salaries, pension and gratuity. This struggle will continue to be our topmost priority.

“In 2018 and the years preceding it, we demonstrated our commitment in this regard with rallies in defaulting states. We also demanded the probe of governors of such states.

“We went further to call on the federal government to make subsequent release of further bail-out funds or Paris Club refund contingent on clear evidence of judicious use (for payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities) of previous releases. We will continue to insist on accountability.

“Furthermore, the NLC will continue to promote worker-education and mobilization through Congress education programmes and other union training programmes. These activities would be religiously held with the objective of positive impact on workers.

“Therefore, we urge government at all levels to consider workers as assets and partners in development rather than liabilities.”

MELAYE: POLICE BREAKING MY HOUSE DOORS WITH TOOL BOXES

Sen. Dino Melaye, who is currently  wanted for homicide after allegedly  killing a police man during his political campaign.

The Senator whose house has been surrounded by the police for refusing to surrender himself, cries out as police is about to break into his house and arrest him.

He wrote: 

Police bringing in tool boxes to break doors and vandalize my house. Police EOD truck just brought them. Media take note

DESPERATE MIGRANTS FOUND HIDING IN MATTRESSES STRAPPED TO THE ROOF TOP OF A VAN IN AN ATTEMPT TO REACH EUROPE FROM AFRICA

Men were found at check-point between Spanish enclave Melilla and Morocco. The migrants were found hiding in two bed mattresses strapped to a van roof. Footage shows guards cutting through plastic and fabric to reveal men inside 

This is the extraordinary moment two migrants emerged from inside mattresses during their bid to reach Europe from Africa.

The sub-Saharan men were arrested after border guards found them at a check-point between Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the north African coast, and Morocco.

It is understood to be the first time the method has been used to smuggle migrants and there are fears criminal gangs could increasingly use the tactic, according to Spanish media.

Footage captures the extraordinary moment two migrants emerged from inside mattresses during their bid to reach Europe from Africa

The sub-Saharan men were arrested after border guards found them at a check-point between Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the north African coast, and Morocco

Men in Guardia Civil uniforms can be seen using a knife to cut through plastic wrapping and fabric after lifting the mattresses from the roof of a van

Men in Guardia Civil uniforms can be seen using a knife to cut through plastic wrapping and fabric after lifting the mattresses from the roof of a van.

Two men then emerge from inside as guards watch on in the footage, which was shared on the Twitter page of Spanish senator Jon Inarritu.

The Basque senator: 'As long as there are no safe routes to request asylum, situations like this will continue to occur in the southern border of Europe.'

Despite having been concealed in mattresses, the men appeared to be in good health and did not need medical help.

The driver of the vehicle who used to transport them is said to have fled into Morocco before he could be detained.

Spain has become the main entry point for migrants and asylum-seekers looking for a better life in Europe as other EU countries tighten up controls at their borders. A smuggling route through Libya to Italy has also been complicated by conflict and violence there.

Melilla, together with a second Spanish enclave, Ceuta, have the European Union's only land borders with Africa.  

FG TO BEGIN MANDATORY USE OF NIN

In line with federal government directive, the implementation of mandatory usage of the National Identification Number (NIN) takes effect on January 1, 2019, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced.

DON’T BLAME US FOR THE LOOMING JANUARY 8 STRIKE - NLC

- The NLC said it is ready to go on strike on January 8

- The union blamed the government for the looming strike

- The NLC vowed not to go lower than the proposed N30,000 minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked Nigerians to blame the Muhammadu Buhari-led government for the looming strike over the N30,000 minimum wage.

The Punch reports that the NLC has frowned at President Buhari’s proposed establishment of a technical committee to look into the minimum wage issue.

It said the only recognised panel was the tripartite committee that had already submitted its report on the minimum wage.

In a communiqué issued on Friday, December 21, the union said it would embark on a nationwide strike on January 8, 2019 over what it described as the “Federal Government’s delay in transmitting, enacting and implementing a new national minimum wage of N30,000 for workers.”

Peter Ozo-Eson who is the general-secretary of the NLC said the workers would not accept anything lower than N30,000.

He said: “After the statement we issued on the coming industrial strike, we have not heard anything from the Presidency. The day we submitted the report, he (Buhari) promised that he would speedily transmit a draft bill to the National Assembly; but till today, about two months after, he has not transmitted that to the National Assembly.

“What we heard during the budget presentation at the National Assembly is that a high-powered technical committee will be set up. We find that very unfortunate because the technical committee in relation to minimum wage is the tripartite committee that has finished its work and made recommendations.

“Talking of any committee, be it low-powered, medium-powered or high-powered at this stage is unacceptable to us. We formally reject it and call on Mr President to send the bill to the National Assembly. The ultimatum we gave is for the bill to be sent to the NASS. The House took a resolution calling on the President to bring the bill; what is the difficulty he is having? If he cannot do it, nobody should hold organised labour in the country responsible for the industrial chaos that is likely to follow.”

He also lashed out at governors for their lavish expenditure saying the NLC was not blackmailing them as they claimed.

“The minimum wage issue is not a partisan issue. It is one of the issues that will determine the next elections. Workers are not slaves; politics is about interest and seeking one’s own interest. If workers in their states are saying that they will not vote for them because they have not taken care of their interest, you don’t call that blackmail. I have a different name for it; that is democracy. That is how democracy works. They can go and mourn till high heaven; we will continue to work in that direction.”

Meanwhile, Isaac Gbadero, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Sabongari, Zaria, Kaduna state, on Tuesday,December 25, advocated a slash in political office holders’ remuneration to comfortably accommodate the N30,000 minimum wage demanded by organised labour.

Gbadero made the call in a message to the Christian faithful in commemoration of the 2018 Christmas, shortly after Christmas Church Service in Zaria, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

(NAN)