Dons EzeENUGU STATE SECRETARIAT PADLOCKED AS LABOUR ENFORCES STRIKE
ENUGU STATE SECRETARIAT PADLOCKED AS LABOUR ENFORCES STRIKE To ensure total compliance with the ongoing nationwide strike in Enugu State, the Organized Labour in the state has sealed the state secretariat. The enforcement team led by the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Fabian Nwigbo has been going around the state to ensure that workers comply with the ongoing strike. After clamping the gate of the state secretariat shut with a padlock, the team went to the Ministry of Lands and drove out workers who were there before the gate was locked. Speaking to some journalists, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Nwigbo said the team was heading to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to stall envisaged activities there. He said there was a nationwide power outage, saying it was enforced by the National Union of Electricity Employees. He advised workers to stay at home to ensure the success of the strike to enable the government to yield to labour’s demands.Meanwhile, there was no flight both local and international at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu since Monday morning, unlike other days, as activities in the airport have been paralysed.
BREAKING: BLACKOUTAS NLC SHUTS DOWN NATIONAL GRID
BREAKING: BLACKOUT AS NLC SHUTS DOWN NATIONAL GRID In compliance with the joint directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to down tools on Monday over the new minimum wage, electricity workers have shut down the National Grid, resulting in nationwide blackout. This was disclosed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday morning. TCN said workers were driven away from their duty posts while others were beaten and wounded at some power facilities. It added that all its efforts at grid recovery were being frustrated by the unionists. “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide. The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024. “At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero. “Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union. “On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am. “At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide. “We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” TCN stated.
MOSQUE COLLAPSES IN LAGOS, MANY FEARED DEAD, TRAPPED
MOSQUE COLLAPSES IN LAGOS, MANY FEARED DEAD, TRAPPED A mosque in the Papa Ajao area of Lagos state has reportedly collapsed on Sunday afternoon leaving many people feared dead or trapped. It was gathered that injured bodies have been removed from the rubble, with many more still trapped. The mosque collapse has caused an unknown number of casualties. The full extent of the damage is not yet clear. The mosque was in use at the time of the collapse, with many worshippers inside for afternoon prayer. It is not yet clear what caused the mosque to collapse, but an investigation will likely be launched to determine the cause.The collapse of the mosque has left the local community in shock, with many still trying to come to terms with the disaster.
BREAKING: FG PROPOSES N54,000 NEW MINIMUM WAGE
BREAKING: FG PROPOSES N54,000 NEW MINIMUM WAGE The Federal Government has reportedly proposed N54,000 as a new minimum wage. This follows a walkout by the Organised Labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress during the last meeting with the Tripartite Committee over the proposed N48,000 as minimum wage. However, a source from the ongoing meeting with the FG in Abuja reported that the government has agreed to increase the minimum wage to N54,000. The source said, “The Federal Government has now proposed the sum of N54,000.” However, it is uncertain whether Labour would accept this offer, as the new proposal is far from the N615,000 proposed by the organized Labour. Recall that the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, insisted on N615,000 minimum wage, arguing that the amount was arrived at after an analysis of the current economic situation and the needs of an average Nigerian family of six. He blamed the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for the breakdown in negotiations, saying, “Despite earnest efforts to reach an equitable agreement, the less than reasonable action of the Government and the Organised Private Sector has led to a breakdown in negotiations.” Ajaero further justified their decision to abandon the negotiation, saying, “The government’s proposal of a paltry N48,000 as the minimum wage does not only insult the sensibilities of Nigerian workers but also falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations. “Though it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receive N78,000 as clearly stated by the OPS, highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards further demonstrating the unwillingness of employers and Government to faithfully negotiate a fair national minimum wage for workers in Nigeria“Furthermore, the government’s failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation. This lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process and erodes trust between the parties involved..’’
BREAKING: TERRORISTS KILL 40 IN PLATEAU VILLAGE
BREAKING; TERRORISTS KILL 40 IN PLATEAU VILLAGE Zurak village in Bashar district of Plateau State has been thrown into mourning following the killing of 40 persons by terrorists. Sources say some heavily armed men attacked the village, located in Wase local government area, shooting sporadically on Monday evening. Residents who survived the attack recounted that over 40 persons, including vigilantes, were killed in the process. The attack also led to the disruption of normalcy in the area. The residents said they could not immediately report the incident due to the poor communication network in the area. According to Sahpi’i Sambo, a youth leader in the area, the terrorists arrived at the community on motorcycles – two on a bike – with sophisticated weapons. “More than 40 people were killed while many injured. Residents of the village have fled to neighbouring communities for cover. As of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived at the community. It was deadly,” Sambo told DailyTrust.Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred was not available for comments on the attack as at press time.
BREAKING: FUBARA LOSES FIVE COMMISSIONERS IN ONE DAY AS TWO MORE WIKE LOYALISTS QUIT GOVT
BREAKING: FUBARA LOSES FIVE COMMISSIONERS IN ONE DAY AS TWO MORE WIKE LOYALISTS QUIT GOVT The Commissioner for Social Welfare, Inime Aguma and Jacobson Nbina, Commissioner for Transport, have all tendered their resignation letters to the state government. Their resignations were contained in separate letters addressed to the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, through the Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government As at the time of filing this report, about five commissioners have notified Fubara of their decisions to quit the government following the lingering political crisis rocking the state. Earlier report indicate that the Commissioner for Education, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Housing, Gift Worlu and the Commissioner for Environment, Austen Ben-Chioma, had announced their resignations.
FG DIRECTS IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY
FG DIRECTS IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY The Federal Government has directed that processes for the resumption of academic activities at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, should commence immediately. Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe who disclosed this during a chat with Vanguard in his office on Monday, said that the processes would commence on Tuesday May 7, and terminate on May 19 when students are expected to return on campus. He said that the Federal Government after studying the report of the investigative panel on the riot, directed that each student should pay a reparation fee of N25,000 before being re-admitted to the institution. The VC further said that students would write a letter of undertaking with an affidavit endorsed by a High Court, and scan same to their respective Heads of Departments ahead of the resumption date when they would return with the hard copy of the letter. Recall that after a violent protest by students on February 6 during which some buildings in the university were set on fire and property worth millions of Naira destroyed, the Management announced a closure of academic activities. ” If any person destroys Government property, that person will answer for it. The students rioted on February 6, 2024, and to rescue lives and remaining property, the university after receiving approval from Government, announced a closure. ” Government gave us mandate to investigate and we went for investigation which lasted for four to five weeks. After the investigation, we submitted the report to Senate on 28th of March, and by April 2nd the report got to Government. ” Government released the report on May 3 and directed that processes towards reopening the institution should commence. I delivered the message to the Senate today (May 6), and Senate has accepted it. ” So, the processes will commence tomorrow, May 7 and terminate on May 19 when our students are expected back on campus. Before their return, they will go through a number of processes articulated in the report “. When prodded further, the VC reeled out the processes to include:”Those still owing the university their charges for 2023/2024 session will pay. The regulation of the university has no room for split payments. But in public interest, students are going to be allowed to pay 70% now, and complete the balance of 30% by the first four to six weeks of the second semester. “Secondly, they have to register for their courses because many of the people that stopped the exam didn’t register their courses. They also have to write a letter of undertaking to be of good behaviour because they have contravened their matriculation oath by rioting. The letter has to be endorsed by a High Court after swearing an affidavit. ” Government has kindly allowed that they pay N25,000 each. The payment has to be done online through an account details that would be posted on the university website tonight. ” We don’t expect students to come back here until May 19. Those who have not done their biometric capturing will be given from May 20 to 23 to do that in their various colleges and get ready for exams that will restart on Monday, May 27.” The Vice Chancellor advised students to shun bad characters, and get ready to face their studies upon return, assuring that the institution is prepared to give them the best of training.” They should line up quietly and do their academic work. We are prepared to give them the best of training. We believe in the best and currency of training so that our students can compete favourably anywhere in the world”.
UNKNOWN GUNMEN AMBUSH MILITARY CONVOY, KILL 21 SOLDIERS ALONG ONITSHA-ENUGU ROAD
UNKNOWN GUNMEN AMBUSH MILITARY CONVOY, KILL 21 SOLDIERS ALONG ONITSHA-ENUGU ROAD In the early hours of today, May 7, 2024, a military convoy enroute Enugu from Onitsha has been attacked by unknown gunmen. Details of the attack is still sketchy, but an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said , a surprise attack was launched on the military envoy thereby causing maximum casualties. Meanwhile, residents of the area could be seen scampering for safety while shop owners where locking up their shops for the day, amid fear of military reprisal. Corpses of soldiers numbering over 21 where littered around the scene. Correspondence learnt that an emergency ambulance had arrived to assist the wounded soldiers while the dead soldiers where taken to the Federal medical centre ,Awka (FMC-A) morgue. Ammunition and other military gears where looted by the enraged force.
IMO GOVERNOR, UZODINMA, BEGINS PAYMENT OF GRATUITIES TO RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS
IMO GOVERNOR, UZODINMA, BEGINS PAYMENT Of GRATUITIES TO RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, is to begin payment of backlog arrears of gratuities to retired civil servants in the State. In the same vein, the governor said he would establish a power generating plant that wouldn’t serve the interest of the people of the State before he leaves office. Addressing stakeholders on Sunday, at the banquet hall of Imo State Government House to mark the birthday of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, the governor said he was determined to leave the State much better than he met it. Governor Uzodinma promised to start payment of accumulated pensions and gratuities of retired Imo civil servants which were left unattended for a very long time. According to him, “from Tuesday next week all civil servants that worked for the state will start receiving alerts of their gratuities. “I want to thank the organised labour in Imo State for their support of government activities.” He said, “there is a special account where I put N200 million every month, and the Accountant General of the State had reminded me of the money and I had told him to leave it untouched. “Today, I want to announce that the money has risen to N10 billion. I tried to resist all temptations to make use of that money. But now we are going to use it to pay gratuities.” On the establishment of a power generating plant in the State, Uzodinma, made reference to the first civilian governor of old Imo State, Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe who built the first independent power plant (IPP) in Nigeria to serve his people. “I want to replicate that novel idea because I believe it is doable under me. My prayer is that before I leave here, Imo will get her own power generating plant,” he stated. In his remarks, the birthday ‘celebrant’, Chief Anyaehie expressed surprise for the love the governor and his wife had shown him, adding that he was not privy of the celebration. “I lack words to express myself, but I pray that God will continue to bestow wisdom and blessings to the governor. Therefore, I urge all Imo people to support his noble ideas to continue to better Imo State. Imo has changed for the better,” he said.
AGAIN, HERDSMEN ATTACK NIMBO, ENUGU STATE, MANY KILLED, OTHERS INJURED: PETER OBI MOURNS
AGAIN, HERDSMEN ATTACK NIMBO, MANY KILLED, OTHERS INJURED: PETER OBI MOURNS Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State has again come under attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The attack which occurred late Sunday evening, claimed some lives, with many others critically injured. Sources disclosed that the herders attacked mourners at Ugwuijoro Nimbo community, leaving behind tears and sorrow. Some of those killed were identified as Okeh Simon Ugwu Oruku, Okeh Chukwuebuka, Julius Ogbonna Odiegwu and Gabriel Ugwor Ezea. A gruesome video Monday morning showed a deserted community. The voice in the video cried out that the invaders took the villagers by surprise and shot sporadically at the mourners. Tables and chairs could be seen scattered in the compound where the mourners had gathered, with lifeless villagers also seen in the pool of their blood. In 2016, herdsmen had attacked Nimbo, leading to the death of scores. The incident attracted a nationwide outrage. Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of some persons in Nimbo. Obi, in a post via his X account on Monday, described the killings as senseless and called for an end to the incessant killings and attacks across various locations in the country. The former Anambra State Governor noted that the area has suffered from repeated attacks, and the government and security agents need to take urgent steps to prevent further killing of innocent and harmless Nigerians. While commiserating with the victims of the attack, Obi stressed the need to prevent future re-occurrences. He said: “I just read reports of yet another senseless killing of harmless and defenseless villagers in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state over the weekend. I find the report very disturbing especially recalling that these terror-mongers have continued to unleash terror on the people of Uzo-uwani over the years. “Uzo Uwani is one of the areas I have closely related with and remained supportive to. I am pained by how these attacks have made the people of the area to live in constant fear of terror and death. “I recall that in 2015, a hostel of one of the best secondary schools in that area, Mater Amabilis, Adani was completely razed by fire, and the students were without a hostel. “When I read the reports, I quickly intervened, rebuilt the hostel and handed it over to the School Management by March 2016. A month after that, the people of Nimbo Community in the same Uzo Uwani were senselessly murdered, and this attracted national attention. “I attended their funeral alongside the Former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. I helped in consoling and rehabilitating the victims. My heart, again, goes out to the people of Uzo Uwani who have continued to experience these incessant attacks. “We must not allow further spilling of the blood of innocent Nigerians under any guise. Enough must now be enough. The government should show visible commitment to the security of lives and property of the Nigerian people. “Uzo Uwani local government area of Enugu state is the main agricultural bed of the state and the continued insecurity there will have far-reaching consequences on food production in the state. “Security agencies should be proactive especially as this area has become prone to these attacks and take necessary actions to avert future occurrences. “I sincerely commiserate with the people of Uzo-uwani who lost their loved ones to this cruel attack and indeed all the many victims of insecurity in our nation.“May God Almighty grant eternal rest to the dead, grant quick recovery to the wounded and heal our land bleeding profusely from insecurity.