Connect with us

News

NLC Declares One Week Strike

Published

on

NLC Logo

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ebonyi State chapter has declared a one week industrial action for all civil servants in the State over the none implementation of the New National Minimum Wage by the State Government.

Comrade Egwu said that the industrial action commenced from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024 adding that the action was signed by all the affiliate bodies.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Oguguo Egwu said that the action was in line with the directive of 8th November 2024 by the National body to all State Councils of States yet to comply with extant procedures based on collective bargaining and eventual implementation of the New National Minimum Wage.

He stated that on the 2nd of October, 2024, through the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru inaugurated a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee adding that Just as the Committee was fine-tunning its presentation, the State Governor unilaterally pronounced a wage award of NGN75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and NGN40,000 across board award for Grade levels 3-16.

“This was done in a church service (Holy Mass in Government House Chapel) on the 27th October, 2024. This wage award which he christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which he made the pronouncement.

Comrade Egwu noted that when a Minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the Government and the Organised Labour.

The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that lead to the said pronouncement.

He noted that the salary chart forced on workers and currently used, did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the takehome pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression.

This led to our dear state being mentioned as one of those that never implemented the N30,000 minimum wage of 2019. The Implementation Committee, which we are all part of, has arrived at
an acceptable salary chart with consequential adjustment and substantial progression.

He maintained that the cost implication when compared with the award of October, 2024 has been generated and discussed with the Governor adding that all efforts made by the Chairman of the Committee, the State Governor set-up to bring these facts to his notice have yielded no positive results.

“Even our candid, civil and appealing efforts have also yielded no results as the State Governor have vehemently ignored that kind inner drive to better the lives of Ebonyi Workers.

Comrade Oguguo maintained that the last interaction with with the Governor was on the 27th November, when the union passionately appealed to him to
rescind his decision and take the path of goodwill to the people.

He expressed the regret that despite the ecrutiating pains of a depressed economy and low income of workers, “we have been informed that workers are asked to pay the sum of NGN2,100 to
participate in a staff audit exercise, which the Government approved without any discussion
and commitment from the side of workers.

He said that workers at the Local Government Councils are yet to
receive their October, 2024 salaries. “Teachers who are being paid are paid through a different
bank channel creating confusions as most statutory deductions are not effected.

“This is an anomaly that needs to be corrected before our poor teachers are further plunged into debilitating and abject poverty. And delays in the payment of monthly salaries of these Local Government Councils have become perennial and consistently weighed down on the psyche of the workers.

“Congress therefore met on 27th November and critically reviewed the flow of events and noted with pains, these actions and inactions, and unanimously resolved to embark on a one-week warning strike with effect from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024.

He said that the decision is for Government to reconsider its stance on the issue of Minimum wage as well as engage the Committee set-up for this purpose as due dilligence.

#

News

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stands Firm on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit.

Published

on

 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing her sexual harassment lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, vowing to see the case through to its legal conclusion.

Despite calls from Akpabio’s lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), urging her to withdraw the suit or provide extrajudicial clarification, Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that such matters must be resolved within the judicial system. She emphasized that the assessment of evidence belongs to the courts alone and rejected any attempts to circumvent due process.

#

The senator further accused Akpabio of leveraging media narratives to manipulate public perception while evading institutional accountability. She warned against efforts to litigate the matter outside the courtroom, stressing that legal proceedings should not be undermined by external pressures or public relations tactics.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit has drawn national attention, with legal experts and political observers closely monitoring the unfolding case. As the legal battle continues, she remains resolute in her stance, advocating for due process and institutional integrity in addressing allegations of misconduct.

Continue Reading

News

Excessive Heat Blamed for Explosion at Giwa Barracks, Army Confirms

Published

on

 

. The Nigerian Army has attributed the explosion at Giwa Barracks to the soaring temperatures in Maiduguri, dismissing speculations of an attack.

In an official statement issued by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, the army confirmed that the incident involved the explosion of ordnance stored in one of their ammunition facilities. “The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some munitions,” Kovangiya stated.

Authorities were quick to contain the situation, deploying multiple fire response units to prevent further damage. “The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,” Kovangiya assured the public in his statement.

In addition to firefighting efforts, troops from Operation HADIN KAI have been mobilized to secure the area and prevent any form of exploitation by miscreants. “Troops have been deployed to protect the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation,” Kovangiya emphasized, highlighting the army’s swift response to secure the affected region.

The army has also urged residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to remain calm and disregard any unfounded rumors of an attack. “The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack and remain calm,” the statement concluded.

As investigations continue into the incident, authorities are expected to assess the impact of extreme weather conditions on military storage sites to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

#

Continue Reading

News

Viral Video Misattributed to ISWAP Sparks Misinformation Concerns

Published

on

 

 

A video circulating widely on social media has sparked controversy and confusion, as it is being falsely linked to ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and attributed to a recent comment by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama has debunked these claims, clarifying on his verified Facebook page that the footage has no connection to Borno State or Nigeria.

According to Makama, the video in question originates from Burkina Faso and features members of JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin), a militant group active in the Sahel region. The misrepresentation of this footage is not only misleading but poses significant risks, as it can fuel unnecessary tension and undermine trust within communities.

Makama emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, especially in sensitive matters like security and governance. “It’s unfortunate how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when people don’t take time to verify facts,” he stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, users are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in consuming and sharing content. False narratives, particularly in matters of national security, can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened anxiety and strained relationships between communities and authorities.

Governor Zulum has not commented on the video, but the clarification from Makama highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the face of viral content. As Nigeria and other nations grapple with security challenges, the spread of unverified information only adds to the complexity of addressing these issues effectively.

#
Continue Reading

Trending