MINIMUM WAGE: 2018 BUDGET CANNOT ACCOMMODATE MINIMUM WAGE AS PROPOSED BY NLC –Akabueze

                        
Director-General, Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze

The director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, says the 2018 budget, at present, cannot accommodate the minimum wage as proposed by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

He stated that the Federal Government might go for supplementary budget to implement the new minimum wage if approved by the law.

Akabueze disclosed this at the Media and CSOs Dialogue on the 2018 budget on Wednesday in Abuja.

“When an agreement is reached, the financial implication would be quantified and if need be, there would be a supplementary budget.

“The only provision that exists is what we call public service wage adjustment, but that is barely over N40bn provided on that line, and that may not be enough to cater for any adjustments that may be necessary.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Muhammadu Buhari, in November 2017, inaugurated a 30-man Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee, calling on the members to come up with a fair and decent wage for Nigerian workers.

Buhari said the re-negotiation of a new national minimum wage had become imperative because the existing minimum wage instrument had since expired.

“We all know that the last minimum wage instrument has expired.

“It is in recognition of the need to ensure a fair and decent living wage that the Federal Government put in motion necessary mechanisms so that we can, today, inaugurate this large committee with a big task ahead of you.

“You are all aware that during the period following the increase in petrol pump price in May 2016, a technical committee was established to examine and make recommendations to government.’’

Buhari, at the time, said the measures to be adopted would cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large. 

-NAN

HOW WE EXTRACT BANK DETAILS FROM STOLEN PHONES TO WITHDRAW MONEY —SUSPECTS

THE Lagos State Police Command has smashed a syndicate that specialised in dispossessing victims’ phones for the purpose of getting their account details and making withdrawals without the account holder’s knowledge.

Arrested were six suspected members of the gang, among them: a staff of one of a bank (Bank name withheld) and a pickpocket.

Before the arrest, security agents in particular and Nigerians in general have been inundated with complaints from persons who fell victims to these fraudsters. Some personal experiences were even circulated via whatsapp and other social media platforms, warning Nigerians to guard their phones.

The arrest is the first since the hoodlums devised this fraudulent means to make ends meet.

Identities of the suspects are : Akeem Apejoye (29) Nelson Mathew (26) Ohiozoye Joseph (30)Henry Omogbemi (31) Chris Amaechi (26) banker and Mona John (27)

Members of the syndicate in this exclusive interview with Crime Guard made starling revelations on their respective role in the fraudulent act. They disclosed that those who have Automated Teller Machine cards are at a disadvantage whenever their phones are stolen, as well as those who store their account numbers on their phones or receive alerts on their phones.

To get victims phones, the syndicate liaise with pick pockets who steal phone and bring the sim cards to them, at the end of which they are paid.

Confessions

According to Ohiozogie Joseph , an Edo state indigene , “ My role is to get details of the Bank Verification Number from stolen sim cards. Thereafter, I will contact Oracle and Hunter ( still on the run) who are into internet fraud. They would deactivate the settings and withdraw money from any available ATM machine or transfer online to a Merchant bank. I get at least N50,000 at the end of each transaction. “

Banker’s connection

On his part, Chris Amaechi, a banker with one of the second generation banks who admitted to be working with some members of the syndicate, disclosed that he had done six transactions with one of the members. The graduate of Banking and Finance from Saint Paul University, Awka , Anambra state also revealed that he got N15,000 at the end of each successful deal. His major role was to give full details of victims account, particularly those who have accounts with his bank.

He said, “A friend Ayobami, popularly called AY, gave customers details to me to withdraw money. At times I gave them the exact account, if owner of the account banks with us. I met AY in December 2017.

I have so far done six transactions with him but not all went through. In my own bank, the stolen sim must have an ATM cards, for withdrawals of such to be possible. One Gabriel also approached me for same deal . We have been talking but he was yet to give me any deal before I was arrested.” Asked if he had ever received complaint from victims, he replied “ I do not work in the unit where customers lodge complaints. I work in Cards Services department. I was employed as a contract staff 11 months ago and I earn N75,000 monthly”

As for Nelson Matthew, he stated that he only accepted sim cards of a particular bank ( name withheld) from pickpockets. Explaining, he said that his role was to “do USSD transfer by rolling victims SIM cards. For instance when such sims are given to me, the first thing is to get the person’s account number and the code.

All I need to do is dial *901#. This is followed by a request to create a pin and another request for code. Again, I will dial *565 # which will reveal the ten digits of the account holder’s BVN . From there I will take the last four digits and create another pin. Thereafter, I will make transfer online, to a merchant account. I have done this over 15 times last year but this is my first attempt this year”.

Asked how much he had made so far, he said “ that depends on the withdrawal limit. In my case, the account limit of the bank I can access is N20,000”.

Our targets

“Our targets are those who store their account numbers on their phones. We also get account details through alerts on phones “, said the 2015 graduate of Wedding and Fabrication from the Yaba College of Technology.

Another suspect, Henry Omagbemi, said he was a lone ranger and that he was also into USSD transfer of accounts of two particular banks which daily withdrawal unit is N200,000.

He said , “I get between N40,000 and N50,000 on each withdrawal . All I need is the sim card which are brought to me by pickpockets. I only know one of the pickpockets, Obinna, his share is N70,000 on each successful withdrawal. At times, when I get a sim, I will contact AY who will get the banker that will give us the last four digits of the account holder. At the end, the banker (Ameachi ) gets N20,000”.

During investigation, one of the suspects Muna John was discovered to have had his last transaction two weeks ago where N200,000 was withdrawn from the victim’s account.

But in his case he stated that a relative of the victim brought the sim to him. “Somebody called and said he had his brother’s sim card in which was an alert of N360,000. I contacted AY who told me that he was not around. I had to call Gabriel because I do not know how to go about it. He ( Gabriel) collected the sim and sent it to the banker, from where N200,000 was withdrawn.

“I AM NOT IN A HURRY TO DO ANYTHING” – BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari diclosed on Thursday that his experience in the military is one of the major reasons he is not “in a hurry to do anything.”

The president said he prefers to seriously reflect on issues placed before him and ensure that his conscience had been satisfied prior to granting approval.

“I decided to drop the uniform and come back here (to be President of Nigeria), so I have gone through it over and over again. This is why I am not in a hurry to do anything. I will sit and reflect, and continue to (operate) with my clear conscience,” President Buhari disclosed during a Thursday afternoon meeting with his party leaders and supporters which was covered by Channels TV in Abuja.

“I had to invite you to let us eat together and I tell you that I am sitting here very much aware of the problem in this country. I will always reflect on historical antecedents,” the president added.

President Buhari regularly attracts criticism for his slow approach to national issues, including issues that may be deemed urgent by many, like reacting to tragic incidents or updating citizens about his government’s activities.

President Buhari delayed setting up a cabinet for about six months after he assumed office, an outcome that analysts partly blamed for plunging Nigeria’s economy into recession in August 2016.

The country had since emerged from recession after posting growth for two consecutive quarters in a row.

Lawmakers alarmed by the historic delay immediately moved to curb such occurrences in future by passing an amendment to the Nigerian constitution.

The amendment, passed last year, gave a newly-elected president a maximum of 30 days to appoint ministers and get the federal cabinet running.

The amendment was part of the more than 30 areas of alterations that the National Assembly entered into the constitution as part of its ongoing measures to rework the governing document and make it more acceptable to the citizens.

The amendments have been pushed to the 36 states of the federation where at least two-thirds are required to concur with each amendment before pushing it to the executive for presidential assent.

A political analyst, Eluma Asogwa, said the president’s comments were laughable in the face of his activities within the last two years.

“A president that promised to hit the ground running took more than six months to set up a cabinet, saying he wanted to get the best hands,” Mr. Asogwa said. “But when he eventually announced his ministers, we discovered that the majority were those that had long polluted our political space in this country.”

Mr. Asogwa said the president’s failings emanated largely from his inability to critically analyse issues and take prompt actions in line with the requirements of the modern age.

“Nigeria’s problems under President Buhari are largely about inactions than actions that were taken in earnest but wrongly,” added Mr. Asogwa, an Abuja-based legal practitioner.

Mr. Asogwa also cited the national embarrassment over the release of board appointments last month.

“He took more than two years to appoint board members only for him to end up with ‘dead people,”‘ the analyst said. “Even to remove the dead people and replace them with those still alive has taken him nearly one month and counting.”

Mr. Asogwa said he still believes that the president could still record significant achievements for the country within the remaining time in his tenure.

“I believe he could still do something even though many have written him off that he can’t do anything within the remaining one year of his government.

“The president means well for this country and I believe he could still deliver for those of us who believe in him,” Mr. Asogwa said.

The president’s supporters have asked him carry on with his style, which they described as “slow and steady” adding that it had made it difficult for would-be treasury looters to perpetrate their ignoble acts.

Channels Tv reported that President Buhari thanked his guests and assured them of unwavering thought of their loyalties and efforts.

“I thank you very much for honouring my invitation and I am telling you that if I don’t call you, it is not because, for a moment, I ever forgot how you supported me at one stage or the other over the years.”

NOLLYWOOD FILMMAKER, KASVID, KILLED IN AUTO CRASH

              Chukwuka Emelionwu

A Nollywood filmmaker, Chukwuka Emelionwu, popularly known as Kasvid, is dead.

Emelionwu, was reported to have been involved in a fatal accident along Oraukwu, on his way to his village in Anambra State on Wednesday.

Reports say he, however, came out of the accident alive, but was knocked down by a hit and run driver, while attempting to cross to the other side of the road.

Kasvid is famed for producing some of Nollywood biggest hit movies like Mr Ibu in London, Issakabba and AKi and pawpaw. He is also the owner of the famous Kas-Vid Pictures.

Some of his colleagues have taken to social media to pay glowing tributes to the film maker.

FUNKE AKINDELE’S NAME REMOVED AS CAST ON AVENGERS, GENEVIEVE TAKES OVER ROLE

                               Funke Akindele

We earlier brought you a report that Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, will star alongside international movie stars Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth, in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity Wars.

We told you that Akindele’s name was published on popular movie review website, IMDB, where it was revealed she will be a member of Dora Milaje, a team of women who serve as personal bodyguards of the Black Panther, the spiritual leader of Wakanda.

We also told you that other big names in the movie set to be released later in 2018 are Scarlett Johansson, Bernicio Del Toro and Chris Evans. Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel feature in voice acting roles.

A brief summary of the movie reads: “In the sequel to Avengers: Age of Ultron , Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet — the evil Thanos. On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality. The fate of the planet and existence itself has never been more uncertain as everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment.”

However, a new twists just emerged indicating that Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s name has been removed from the cast list of upcoming superhero movie, Avengers: Infinity War and replaced with her colleague, Popular actress Genevieve Nnaji.

The new development also revealed, according to IMDb, Akindele was to play a member of the Dora Milaje, a team of women who serve as personal bodyguards of the Black Panther, the spiritual leader of Wakanda.

 

However, a check on the official website shows that Funke’s name has been deleted from the cast list and replaced with Genevieve Nnaji who will be playing same role, Dora Milaje.

As at the time of filling this report, Both actresses are yet to speak on this development.

We shall bring you developments as they unfold....

AMAECHI WEEPS, SAYS PUNISHMENT AWAITS MURDERERS IN RIVERS

                Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi

The immediate past governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rt.Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has assured the people of the state that those involved in the killing of Rivers people on New Year Day will face the wrath of the law.

Amaechi gave the hint in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, when he paid a condolence visit to the bereaved families.

The minister, who wept when addressing the people said, “The only thing I can assure you is that the perpetrators of this act will be brought to justice. They cannot run away from it. They can’t get away with this.

“I was at the hospital to see a little boy that was shot, and his father and mother killed. How do you want that little boy to live? How would he cope in life? They must pay for their actions.”

Meanwhile, the minister has again, accused the Nyesom Wike-led administration in Rivers State of failing to protect the lives of Rivers people.

He spoke in Isiokpo, same day, at a grand reception held in his honour by the Ikwerre Youth Movement.

A statement signed by the Media Office of the former governor quoted him as saying, “The first responsibility of a leader is to keep his subjects alive. The reason why the constitution puts every governor on oath, to swear that you will protect lives and property is because if there are no lives, there will be nobody to lead.

“If there is anybody on earth that said that I have met with him as a cultist to take lives, let him come forward. If there is anybody on earth that will tell you that I have sat with him in a meeting and we planned to go and kill people to win election, let the person come forward.

“Let me tell you why I will not do such; it is not because I’m afraid of anybody, it is because I’m afraid of God.

“I doubt that God was happy the day they killed 23 persons in Omoku. I doubt that God was happy the day they killed people in Omerelu or at Egbeda or at Andoni or at Ogbunabali or wherever.”

Earlier, the President-General of IYM, Sir Azubuike Nwanjoku, had said that the reception was organised to honour the Transportation minister, fondly called the Lion of the Niger Delta.

He said that Rivers State should be saved from crime and cultism and appealed to Amaechi to take their plea to President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that they want to live and work in peace in Rivers State.

NYSC ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION DATE FOR NEW SET OF CORP MEMBERS

The National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, has fixed January 16 for the opening of orientation camps for prospective Batch B, Stream 2, corps members nationwide.

The NYSC announced this on its Facebook page on Saturday .

The management of the Scheme said the 2017 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course is scheduled to hold in 15 NYSC Orientation Camps which are Abia, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Enugu, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and the FCT.

NYSC says highlights of the exercise are as follows :

(a) Commencement and Registration: Tuesday 16th January, 2018

(b) Cut-off date for Registration: Midnight Wednesday,17th January, 2018

(c) Swearing-In Ceremony: Thursday, 18th January, 2018

(d) Closing: Monday, 5th February, 2018

The Scheme urged prospective corp members to report promptly to the orientation camps in their states of deployment at the camp addresses indicated in their call-up letters.

It must be noted that the NYSC scheme was created in 1973 to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war".

According to the NYSC, the purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youth the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.

GOVERNOR NYESOME WIKE RELEASES NAMES OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, CULTISTS, ARMED ROBBERS IN RIVERS, CALLS FOR THEIR ARREST [SEE LIST]

In furtherance of his efforts to stem the tide of crime and violence in Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike has given marching orders to security agencies to hunt down cult leaders terrorizing the state.

Governor Wike in a comprehensive list released during his state wide broadcast on the killing of Don Wanny, said security forces should not spare any of the listed suspects.

He said the suspects have refused to take advantage of the Amnesty offer of the state government thereby causing mayhem in different Local Government areas of the state.

The Rivers state Governor also announced a twenty million naira bounty for anyone who offers information about the whereabouts of the suspects.

Wike in the broadcast further blamed the All Progressive Congress led by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for allegedly dissuading some cult groups from accepting the state’s amnesty.

He also accused Amaechi of politicizing the security situation in the state just as he revealed that the Anti-kidnapping Law will be amended to prescribe death sentence for criminals in Rivers state.

The Broadcast Reads:

On the first of January 2018, the entire State and the country at large was traumatized by the callous murder of 23 innocent persons at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area by the notorious cultist, kidnapper, terrorist and murderer Don Wanny and members of his doomed gang.

2. When I visited the families of the victims, I placed a prize tag of N200 million for any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of this most heinous crime against humanity.

3. I also assured the security agencies of our further determination to continue supporting them with whatever it would take to have these criminals apprehended and brought to justice.

4. Yesterday, 7th January 2018, we all received the news about the death of Don Wanny and two of his fellow gang members in their hideouts in Enugu State while trying to escape arrest from the security agencies that were closing in on them.

5. Although we would have wanted Mr. Don Wanny and his gang members to have been arrested alive and put to trial for their numerous crimes and atrocities against his own people. His death, nevertheless, is a huge relief to the entire State, and therefore, most welcome development.

6. For years the security situation in Omoku in particular, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government area in general, has been most challenging because of the criminal activities of Don Wanny and his gang.

7. We therefore wholeheartedly thank President Muhammadu Buhari for rising to the occasion and not politicking with the issue of security. We also commend the security agencies, particularly, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Security, for swiftly rising to the challenge in the most professional manner.

8. There is no doubt that this heroic success has proven what is possible when our security agencies are willing to discharge their constitutional duties with unadulterated commitment and professionalism.

9. Since 2015, we have been calling for tackling security issues devoid of political considerations in Rivers State in order to achieve maximum result. This level of commitment and professionalism as demonstrated in the Omoku case is exemplary. Therefore, we will continue to demand no less from our security agencies to keep our State safe and secure for residents, visitors and investors.

10. As a government, we have invested heavily on the security of the State and will continue to do everything within our powers to guarantee the security and safety of lives and property throughout the State. As a fact, we will spare no cost in ensuring that nobody will have peace if the lives and property of our people make no meaning to them.

11. However, we are deeply worried when our investments in security are deliberately prevented from yielding the desired results due largely to the recurrent tendency to politicize the federally controlled security agencies and services in the State. This is the reason why we must thank the President for doing things differently and with the support of all, a different result has been achieved.

12. The aftermaths of crime and insecurity affect society as a whole, and not only the direct victims. Accordingly, the duty to fight crime and criminality remains collective and no right thinking person should ever indulge in politicizing security issues under any circumstance.

13. In deed, at a time such as this, we expect political leaders to eschew political sentiments in their reactions and utterances and join forces with the State Government to address the situation and bring justice to the victims.

14. Regrettably, instead of showing respect for the dead and genuine sympathies to the bereaved families, the leader of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of the State prefers to exploit the unfortunate incident for political ends by disseminating wild, unguarded and inciting statements to the unsuspecting public.

15. Contrary to his false claims and posturing the security challenge in Omoku predated our administration and Rivers State was never peaceful when he held sway as Governor. In case he has forgotten, this same Don Wanny tragically killed 32 persons in Omoku on the 14th of December 2014 under his watch as Governor. Yet, he failed to bring Don Wanny to justice.

16. We reiterate our zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and reassure all residents of our determination to be tough with those who choose to violate our criminal laws and undermine peace and security in the State.

17. To underscore the seriousness we attach to the fight against violent crime, we shall be amending the Anti kidnapping law to prescribe the maximum sentence for engaging in cultism, robbery and kidnapping.

18. Our decision to offer amnesty to all repentant cultists, militants and criminals was done in good faith and in the best interest of the State. Regrettably, while the programme was on course, the former governor and his ilk dissuaded some of these criminals from sincerely embracing the amnesty. The result is the recent escalation of cult and criminal activities in parts of the State.

19. At all times, our position on the amnesty offer is clear: those who genuinely embraced the offer are bound to fully, completely and perpetually renounce all forms of criminality and be of good behaviour in order to enjoy terms of the amnesty. The full weight of the law will be released on those who failed to embrace it.

20. Consequently, based on reliable information by the security agencies, I hereby direct them to immediately arrest and prosecute the under-mentioned persons who have either reneged on the terms of the amnesty and or refused to embrace same by continuing with cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery in the State:

OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. OLUCHI IGWEDIBIA (a.k.a. Obatosu)
2. Eze (a.k.a. Ugly Vulture)
3. AUSTIN – 6i/c Iceland Omoku)
4. Evidence
5. TOMPOLO from Obuboru – Greenlander

ASARI TORU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. IDAYE GRANVILLE (a.k.a. Egbele)
2. MPAKABOARI DALABU (a.k.a. Parker)

ANDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. ETENGO ETNEGO – MEND
2. VICTOR EKENS – MEND

AHOADA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. HAPPY HARRY ODULU (alias Chief Priest) Egbema-Ogbogolo
2. AHOADA AUGUSTINE OBENE (alias Sunshine, Okogbe village)
3. TU-MAN, P (from Idoha village)

ELEME LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. MBAJO – DEYGBAM

EMOHUA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. GOODLUCK IGONIKA – ICELAND
2. JUSTICE ORDAH (a.k.a. ADC) – ICELAND
3. SUNNY KEMJIKA WOVODO – DEYGBAM
4. ONYEMA UWOBO – ICELAND

IKWERRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. JONATHAN NKEMIJIKA (alias School Boy)

GOKANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. BARIJASI FRIMA (DAYWELL) – BOMU
2. ELVIS KOOYA (DAYGBAM) – BODO
3. GIOBARA POIBA – K/DERE
4. BONIFACE PAAGO (a.k.a. Chairman) – BODO

OMUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. JOHN WALA – DEYWELL
2. IHECHIMERE NWAYINWU – DEYWELL
3. BRIGHT OKERE – DEYWELL

AKUKU TORU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. OSELA JACK – GREENLANDER

DEGEMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. LUCKY MILLER – DEYGBAM
2. SOMINBA BIABO –
3. OROLOBO NELSON – ICELAND
4. WATER BABY – ICELAND
5. DANIEL BOBMANUEL – GREENLANDER

ETCHE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
1. UCHECHKWU OKERE (A.K.A TOGO – DEYGBAM

21. The Rivers State Government will pay N20 million to any person who volunteers useful information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of any of the afore-mentioned persons.

22. Finally, we wish to reassure Rivers people once again of our commitment to support the security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of lives and property across the State.

NEW MINIMUM WAGE: NLC FAULTS NGIGE, REVEALS WHEN NEW PAY WILL COMMENCE

The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has said that the new minimum wage will be announced earlier than the third quarter as stated by Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment.

We brought you a report earlier that the Hon Minister of Labour and employment had told news men that the new minimum wage will be made public before the end of the third quarter of 2018.
That the 30-member tripartite committee headed by former Head of Service of the Federation, Ms. Amal Pepple is billed to conclude its assignment by the third quarter and submit its report to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The organised labour, however, said all wage-related issues would be resolved not later than the third quarter.

According to the NLC, “The delivery and the adoption of the new minimum wage is expected to take effect before the third quarter.”

NLC President Ayuba Wabba, said the union will reject any attempt to delay the adoption of a new wage for workers, adding that the prevailing minimum wage of N18, 000 (about $46) per month can no longer sustain the Nigerian worker.

Wabba told reporters yesterday, “It is our expectation that all issues pertaining to the new minimum wage will be concluded before the end of third quarter of 2018 to give Nigerian workers a new hope that the government and other employers of labour have not totally abandoned them.

“This is something that workers have long anticipated and our expectation is that we want a speedy process now that the facts of the issues are very obvious.

“If you look at the exchange rate”, Wabba said, “the N18, 000 minimum wage of 2011 when we signed the agreement, it was almost equivalent to N110 dollars. Today, the N18, 000 is less than 46 dollars.

“So, this is the reality and with the purchasing power of the ordinary worker, with the high cost of transaction, our expectation is that the committee should look at the conditions of workers and pensioners.’’

OMOKU NEW YEAR MASSACRE: NOTORIOUS CULTIST DON WANEY AND GANG SHOT DEAD -PHOTOS

The notorious cultist and kidnapper Mr. Igwedibia Johnson, aka Don Waney, who has been on the run since he masterminded the New Year’s Day killing of 17 worshipers after crossover service in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, has been shot dead by soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), along with two of his lieutenants: Ikechukwu Adiele and Lucky Ode.

The bodies of Johnson, Adiele and Ode were on Sunday morning displayed at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, by the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, who was accompanied by Rivers Director of DSS, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, and Rivers Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed.

Udoh said: Intense surveillance activities on him (Johnson) and his gang by the DSS, Rivers State Command, revealed that after committing the atrocities, he relocated to a neighbourhood within Enugu Town in Enugu State, where he rented an apartment and started living among unsuspecting neighbours within the community. “From the relative safety of his newly-rented apartment, Don Waney was already perfecting plans to wrought another mayhem in Omoku, in which he was to attack churches, schools, army and police locations and the residences of the generality of the already-traumatised people of Omoku.

“However, following his successful geo-location to his new Enugu neighbourhood hideout by the DSS, Rivers State Command, a combined team of troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu and personnel of DSS, Rivers State Command, raided the hideout to arrest him and his other accomplices.

“Incidentally, on sensing that the combine team were closing in on his residence, Don Waney, his Second-in-Command (Ikechukwu Adiele) and another gang member (Lucky Ode) attempted to escape through the back exit of the apartment and were shot down by the eagle-eyed troops in the process. One of them died on the spot, while the other two, who sustained gunshot wounds, eventually died, while being evacuated for medical attention.

 “The remains of Don Waney and his cohorts were brought back to Port Harcourt by the combine team and handed over to the Rivers State Police Command, for further action.”

While also speaking, Rivers police commissioner assured residents of the state of the safety of their lives and property, declaring that other members of Johnson’s gang and other criminals in Rivers would be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to other criminal-minded persons.