MINIMUM WAGE: LABOUR LEADERS MEET NGIGE, VOW TO EMBARK ON STRIKE IF DEMANDS ARE NOT MET

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba.

Labour unions have submitted their preferred percentage on the ‘consequential incremental adjustments in workers’ salaries arising from the new minimum wage of N30,000.

Leaders of the unions held a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, in Abuja on Monday.

The meeting is a preparatory one to the Tuesday meeting after which labour will take a decision on whether to proceed on an indefinite strike or not.

It was reported that the unions had, however, already asked their branches across the country to get set for an industrial action.

The labour unions had earlier issued a communiqué, warning that economic activities would be shut on October 16.

They said they would go on strike if the federal government failed to reconvene a meeting of the committee on consequential adjustments of workers salaries based on the new minimum wage.

The unions, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also insisted that the government should hold a final meeting on October 15 to resolve the disagreements.

THE REAL ISSUE

Recall that the major issue delaying the full implementation of the minimum wage is the percentage salary increase for certain categories of workers.

Labour is demanding 29 per cent salary increase for officers on salary level 07 to 14 and 24 per cent adjustment for officers on salary grade level 15 to 17.

But the federal government had presented a proposal of 11 per cent salary increase for officers on grade level 07 to14 and 6.5 per cent adjustment for workers of grade level 15 to 17.

MINIMUM WAGE IMPLEMENTATION EXCITES KADUNA LOCAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS

Workers of Sanga and Kaura Local Government Councils of Kaduna State on Monday expressed gratitude to the leadership of their respective councils for implementing the new minimum wage.

The workers, under the auspices of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), expressed their excitement in separate interviews with newsmen.

They said the decision to implement the new package ahead of Federal Government by the councils was a demonstration of sensitivity to the yearning and aspirations of the workers.

Mr John Mazo, the acting Chairman of NULGE in Sanga Local Government Area, described the development as heart warming, adding “the move, no doubt, will spur on the spirit of workers especially at the grassroots, towards better performance”.

“While we commend the council Chairman, Mr Charles Danladi, for the bold step taken, we also urge workers to step up efforts in their various offices to ensure that the mandate of the council is attained,” Mazo added.

Similarly, Mr Philip Joseph, the NULGE Chairman, Kaura Local Government Area, appreciated the caretaker committee of the council under the chairmanship of Bege Ayuba for being responsive to the plight of the workers through the implementation of the new salary package.

Joseph expressed optimism that workers would reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best to reposition the area for the good of all.

Also, Mrs Maimuna Dogo, a civil servant resident in Kaura, told NAN that the implementation of the new minimum wage was a morale-booster to workers and their families.

“This is a huge relief to personal and family needs that are not met due to financial constraints,” she said.

However, Malam Abubakar Yakubu, a civil servant resident in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, urged government at all levels to implement the new minimum approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to cushion the harsh economic reality in the country.

“I think NLC could still engage the Federal Government after a year or two on the need for an upward review but in the meantime, we are appreciative,” he said.

WORLD FOOD DAY: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAYS CLOSURE OF BORDERS REMAIN

The Federal Government says it will not reverse closure of borders until neighbouring countries have shown enough commitment to check smuggling of banned commodities into Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Mohammed Umar, said this on Monday during a walk as part of activities to mark World Food Day on Oct 16.

He said the closure was also a response to farmers’ call as necessary measure to boost food production, especially rice production and other food items, saying they had pleaded that it remained so.

According to him, the farmers have attested to the fact that the development is yielding result, adding that the ministry had since the closure received many applications from people indicating interest in farming.

Umar said following the several requests the federal government would start clearing of land across the country to allocate to farmers for agricultural growth.

“I assure you this message is noted and the borders have not been opened. There are so many applications from farmers for the ministry to clear land for them for agricultural activities.

“Your request will be met because the ministry is ready to embark on land clearing between now and next year at community level, local government level and state level, that require our support.

“We will be there to open up land for agricultural activities.

“Our rice association here have been hailing Mr President and they (members) promised government that they will double their production and that there is no need for importation of rice because we have attained food sufficiency in rice production and other products.

“That is why Nigeria had to key in to this day to celebrate along with about 160 countries currently celebrated at UN in New York,” he said.

The PS said the government was ready to assist farmers to go into mechanisation, adding that government had been assisting farmers with tractors, various farm equipment and other farm inputs to boost production of food in Nigeria.

He said the sensitisation work which was part of activities to mark the World Food Day was to reiterate the importance of food to humanity.

He commended the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its support to help reposition agriculture in the country.

The permanent secretary further commended efforts of farmer associations from different states to support the event.

He said “the food day is one of the most celebrated days around the globe. About 160 countries are currently celebrating this day and Nigeria cannot be an exception.

“Agriculture is one of the cardinal objective of this administration to achieve zero hunger in Nigeria.

“This day is the day we must all appreciate because we have heard from the farmers associations, groups and our developmental partners who have been here with us since morning.

“All they are telling me is Nigeria has taken a very brave step by closing Nigeria’s border because they do not want importation of food and that they are ready to produce all Nigeria requires in terms of food and raw materials in terms of agribusiness.”

Mr Suffyan Koroma, FAO Representative in Nigeria, said the focus of the 2019 world food day was on ensuring that people ate healthy.

According to him, it is time to reflect on “what we eat, how we eat it and where we get it from”.

He said World Food Day, celebrated on Oct. 16 each year, was one of the widest UN celebrations because it is celebrated in more than 150 countries.

“It is a day to come together to celebrate the founding of Food and Agriculture Organisation and to reaffirm our commitment to zero hunger.

“This year’s theme for World Food Day, is “Our Actions are our Future. Healthy Diets for A #ZeroHunger.”

“So, it is a day for us to reflect not only on what we eat, how we eat it and where we get it from.”

Koroma assured of the organisation’s continued commitment to improved agriculture in Nigeria.

Mr Manir Umar, President, Association of Nigeria Agricultural Entrepreneurs, commended the federal government for empowering the youth through the ministry of agriculture.

He said the ministry had empowered them through training, provision of start up funds and technical support to go into agriculture, saying agribusinesses set up by participants of the initiatives had grown over time.

He said, “today I can confidently tell you that this association has empowered other young Nigerians just the way we were empowered by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

“We formed an association and we have businesses we are running together. We have dairy programme that we are running in Jere, Kaduna State.

“We were supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture with milk processing equipment and we are collecting milk right now and we are processing it and selling it.

“We also have tractors that we benefitted from the federal ministry of agriculture we are also using to support other Nigerian farmers with our farm implement and mechanisation services, “he said.

He urged the ministry to sustain the youth programme in view of its impact on the youth.

FG BANS IMPORT, EXPORT OF ALL GOODS AT LAND BORDERS

The federal Government has announced a total ban on the import and export of goods at the land borders nationwide in the ongoing joint border operation, tagged: “Exercise Swift Response”. The Daily Trust reports that the operation began on August 20, 2019, involving Customs and immigration with support from Army and other security agencies.

The joint border security is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and covers the four geopolitical zones, including South-south, Southwest, North-central and the North-west. Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) said: “The issue of movement of goods is not the same thing with movement of persons. “Let’s understand that all perishable items are on prohibition whether on export or import.

Therefore, nobody can carry tomato to the border to import or export. So it makes it easier for us to close and ensure that all goods for now are banned from being exported or imported through our land borders. “That is to ensure that we have total control over what comes in and what we do. We are strategizing on how best the goods can be handled when we get to when this operation will relax,” he noted. Ali however, advised local dealers, who want to export or to import items, to use the seaports is the only access at present.

On when the operations, which is nearly two months will end, Ali said, “It is as long as it will take our neighbours to come to the table and agree to execute exactly what was agreed upon during former Olusegun Obasanjo’s time which is simple adherence to ECOWAS transit procedure. That has not happened.” In a response on how the operation is impinging on the fundamental rights of persons to movement, the Customs boss said, “When it comes to security, all other laws take a backseat. Nigeria must survive first then we can begin to consider your rights.”

AISHA BUHARI’S RETURN TO NIGERIA ENDS FAKE NEWS

The Enugu State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the return of First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, back to the country, saying her return has put an end to fake news.

Mrs. Buhari has been away from the country for two months until she returned to the country at the weekend.

Prior to her return, the social media were agog with news of a plan by President Muhammadu Buhari to marry his Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiyya Saddiya Farouk, but the Presidency, however, denied any plans by the President to marry the Minister.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the Enugu State Publicity Secretary of APC, Mrs. Kate Ofor, welcomed the return of Mrs Aisha Buhari back to Nigeria, saying her return has put full stop to fake news.

Ofor said she believed a legitimate means should be used to stop fake news and make people realise that the social media has no gatekeeper.

“I wholeheartedly welcome our dear First Lady back to the country, for her elegant return has put full stop to fake news, which dominated our public domain. I think we have to, not only find legitimate means to curb fake news, but also to come to terms that social media has no gatekeeper. Therefore, we must cultivate the culture of sieving the genuine from the fake news,” she said.

On why the citizens should not believe any news, Ofor quipped, “Is it rational for people to jump into conclusions when Mr, President has not circulated any wedding invitation? Why should they drag the name of innocent Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouk into the mud?

“Can you imagine that even when President Buhari safely returned from medical vacation, which many adjudged a rare miracle, some fake news purveyors still went to town that he wasn’t cloned? It is my considered opinion that we must discern the genuine from fake news, especially the mainstream media,” she said.

Ofor Mrs. Buhari to utilise her membership of the United Kingdom Vocational Training and Charitable Trust and the International Health and Beauty Council to continue her Future Assured humane programme of improving the prosperity of women and youths.

PRESIDENT BUHARI ILLEGALLY EXTENDED SERVICE OF NEPHEW, ABDULKARIM DAUDA, IN POLICE FORCE BY 3 YEARS - SAHARA REPORTERS

A leaked memo has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved and ordered the Nigeria Police Force to extend the stay of his nephew, Abdulkarim Dauda, in the force by three years.

Dauda is currently serving as the Personal Chief Security Officer (PCSO) of Buhari.

Dauda, who is directly related to Mamman Daura, removed the name Daura from his public documents to avoid public suspicion.

Dauda joined the force in 1985 and he is due for retirement from active service in January 2020 but his stay was extended by three years.

It was gathered that Dauda was illegally promoted twice in three years and his promotion was influenced by President Buhari. 

Dauda also gained rapid promotion from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police in 2015 to become the Commissioner of Police in just four years.

The leaked memo, approving his extension in service, which was signed by the Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force, AIG Usman Alkali, with reference number DTO:041500/10/2019, noted that Dauda, a Commissioner of Police, would remain in service till 2023.

The memo reads in part, “Extension of Service P.No 23853 COMPOL Abdulkarim Dauda (CP) X. The President X Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces X Chairman Police Council X has graciously approved the extension of service of CP Abdulkarim Dauda to May 13, 2023, X When he would have attained sixty (60) years of age X COMPOL Info-Tech only X Amend your records X please.”

The extension of Buhari’s nephew has added to the existing spat between the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.

Leaked Memo (SaharaReporters Media)

The PSC had ordered that no recruitment should be done to the force but the inspector general of police continued boasting he has the backing of Buhari.

This spat has stalled the promotion of officers in the force and has affected the administrative duties of the force.

DIG in charge of Training and Development, Yakubu Jubrin, was queried for misconduct by the PSC for the recruitment process.

He has had approached the National Industrial Court seeking an order to restrain the commission from sacking or demoting him.

The PSC also accused the DIG of making disparaging remarks against the commission’s Chairman, Alhaji  Musiliu Smith, and a member of the board in charge of recruitment, Austin Braimoh.

The plaintiff in suit no. NICN/ABJ/294/2019, also sought a declaration of the court that the  PSC could not subject him to further disciplinary measures or dismissal.

The suit filed by his lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SAN), stated that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had informed the police that they had the mandate to handle the recruitment of 10,000 constables as directed by  Buhari.

EKITI STATE TO BEGIN PAYMENT OF N30,000 NEW MINIMUM WAGE OCTOBER ― FAYEMI

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has announced his readiness to begin the payment of N30, 000 new minimum wages to workers in the state from October 2019.

Fayemi said the measure was to stimulate workers, especially teachers,  to be able to deliver the best to the state and reclaim the lost glory and pride of being the education nerve centre of the country.

The Governor spoke at Oluyemi Kayode stadium in Ado Ekiti during the 2019 Teachers’ Day celebration,  with the  theme: “Young Teachers, the Future of the Profession.”

At the event, Mr Henry Olaoluwa Asubiojo of Amoye Grammar School and Tajudeen Olaoye of Anglican Primary School, Esun Ekiti and Mrs Mojisola Ehinafe of Technical School, Ado Ekiti, were awarded cash price of N500,000 each,  for emerging as the best teachers in the state.

Gov. Fayemi said he decided to inject breeds of teachers into the state’s public schools,  by recruiting 2,000 new teachers to safeguard the future of the state.

“We will commence payment of N30,000 to workers in Ekiti with effect from this month. We are determined to reward diligence because the workers, particularly our teachers have done the state proud.

“In this year’s WAEC, Ekiti was ranked 12th. I want to salute our teachers but that is not where Ekiti belonged, we must continually do more to rise to number one.”

He said he was highly determined to protect and preserve the core values of making Ekiti the education capital of the nation.

Fayemi said he decided to establish more schools in Ado Ekiti, the capital city, to depopulate the overpopulated ones and make learning more conducive.

“The only way we can reclaim our lost glory in education is to encourage our teachers in and outside service. I will promote functional and technical education in this state.

“I have also ensured that all students of school age are in schools in line with education law which makes basic education compulsory and in line with global best practice.

In his lecture at the forum, the Provost, College of Education,  Prof. Isaac Adeoluwa, said for Nigeria to move to its pride of place, teachers must be made to be ICT compliant and embrace modern techniques of teaching.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Com. Samuel Odugbesan praised Fayemi for recruiting teachers into public schools across the state, saying this would help in strengthening the future of education.

I NEVER SAID I WILL GIVE TACHA N30M – DINO MELAYE

Controversial Senator, Dino Melaye has disowned a twitter account in his name which quoted him as saying he will give Tacha N30 million for being disqualified from Big Brother Nigeria.

According to Melaye, the account being created in his name was fake.

Below is the fake account

RCCG PASTOR IN PH STABBED TO DEATH DURING VIGIL

An unidentified pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has stabbed to death during a church vigil in Rivers State.

The in incident took place around 3 am on Saturday at the church located on Danjuma Street, off Odili Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A source in the neighbourhood was quoted as saying “The man came through the gates at that ungodly time, stabbed the gateman with a knife he was holding, brushed through the congregation to the altar, stabbed the pastor and walked out with impunity.”

Rivers police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed that “the command is aware” of the incident.

He added that investigation has begun to arrest and prosecute the suspected killer.

LABOUR, FED. GOVT TO MEET AGAIN ON NEW MINIMUM WAGE

Labour leaders and Federal Government officials will meet between tomorrow and Friday to unlock the stalemate over the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage.

Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige said the government had commenced payment of the new wage from Levels 1 to 6 workers.

But Labour leaders accused the government of insincerity. A source described the payments of the new wage to junior workers as “divide and rule tactics”.

The President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, chided the Federal Government for insincerity, adding that its representatives in the negotiation had not shifted ground.

Olaleye said:  ”Up till now , we are still waiting for the representatives of the Federal Government. They promised to consult with the Presidency and get back to us. But we have not heard anything from them. It shows insincerity on their part and we can’t wait further.”

Olaleye said Labour will meet with the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC) on Friday, adding that, if nothing is done by then, labour will take a decision.

He said:  ”You all know the body language already. So, by Friday, we will meet with the JPSNC and a decision will be taken. I want to assure you that, once a decision is taken, there is no going back.”

The JPSNC warned that workers could go on strike over the delayed implementation of the new wage as the meeting between the Federal Government and the council was stalled.

Both parties failed to reach an agreement, despite minor adjustments in their separate positions.

During the meeting, which was chaired by the thenHead of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, government shifted from its earlier position of 9.5 per cent to 11 per cent for grade levels seven to 14 and 6.5 per cent from 5.5 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

But, workers have insisted that government should adjust the salaries of workers on grade levels 07 to 14 by 30 per cent and those on levels 15 to 17 by 25 per cent, having stepped down to 29 per cent from 30 per cent for grade levels 7 to 14 and 24 to 25 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

Expressing dismay over the failed negotiation, the chairman of JPSNC and National Auditor of the NLC, Simon Anchaver,  accused the government team of toying with workers’ interest.

He said the JPSNC had resolved to write to the NLC,  and the TUC for their advice on a possible industrial action.

A member of the JNPSNC, who confirmed the proposed Friday meeting said that the labour team would be led by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba.

He said labour would use the opportunity to discuss the need for the Federal Government to fast track action on the new minimum wage.

The source kicked against the payment of N30, 000 minimum wage to junior workers on levels 1- 6 employed by the Federal Government, describing it as a “divide and rule tactics”.

The source said: “We are meeting the minister on Thursday. The issue of minimum wage will definitely come up. Even the minister will talk about it.

“We want the government to fast track the process. We are not happy over the decision of the government to pay workers on levels 01-6. It is divide and rule tactics by the government.

“We will mobilise against it. In fact, we have already started mobilising our members but we have not fixed a date yet for it.”