Connect with us

News

KSIP Staff Raise Concerns Over Non-Implementation of N71,000 Minimum Wage, Seeks Kano Government Intervention

Published

on

 

 

Employees of Kano State Investment and Properties (KSIP) have raised concerns over the non-implementation of the newly approved N71,000 minimum wage in their salaries.

The Kano State Executive Council, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, approved the wage increase, scheduled to take effect from November 2024. However, KSIP workers are yet to receive the revised salary, despite the growing economic pressures caused by inflation.

*Allegations Against the Managing Director*

Reports indicate that KSIP’s Managing Director, Auwalu Muktari Bichi, has already adjusted his own salary in line with the state government’s new policy, while the same adjustment has not been extended to other employees.

A source within KSIP questioned the Managing Director’s decision, stating:
“How can he claim the budget has not been approved, yet he increased his own salary? This is unfair to the workforce.”

Employees argue that, as a corporate entity operating a five-day workweek with professional standards, they are entitled to the salary increment approved by the governor.

*Calls for Investigation Amid Staff Complaints*

Discontent among KSIP employees has fueled calls for a thorough investigation into the administration of Auwalu Muktari Bichi. Allegations against him include frequent threats of dismissal against staff over minor issues not classified as violations under the company’s Conditions of Service.

There are also claims that he has involved family members in the company’s operations, a situation reportedly well-known within KSIP. The Kanawa Taxi Association controversy, already under investigation by the state’s anti-graft agency, has been cited as another instance of alleged misconduct.

One concerned staff member urged the authorities to intervene, stating:
“The state anti-graft agency and the supervising ministry must investigate these claims to prevent abuse of power. Ignoring these issues could undermine public trust in the administration.”

*Government’s Stance on the Minimum Wage*

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had previously received a report from the State Minimum Wage Committee, which was tasked with reviewing and recommending salary adjustments. However, no official update has been provided on the implementation process.

A similar delay was previously experienced by workers at the Kano State Water Board, who also faced uncertainties regarding their wage increase.

*Managing Director Responds to Allegations*

Speaking to some Journalists, KSIP Managing Director Auwalu Muktari Bichi confirmed that he had adjusted his own salary in compliance with state government policy.

Justifying his decision, he stated:
“Political appointees have a different status from regular staff. I directed the Finance and Accounts Department to implement my adjustment accordingly.”

Despite his explanation, KSIP employees are urging the state government to intervene and ensure that all staff members benefit from the approved wage policy, as stipulated by the Kano State Executive Council.

#

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