Front Pix
Not Popularity CONTEST … Checking Strikes That Stink
President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. John Offia, on an advocacy visit to major political parties in the country was guest of the national leadership of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Abuja, a forth-night ago. His main message for the political class was to help ensure stability of the university education system.
NANS concern was the bastardisation of the academic calendar, resulting in students spending far longer years in school than they normally should, on account of incessant strikes. Bottomline: stakeholders, including leadership of political parties, who are also parents, should join hands in preventing not only strikes but those things that prompt such disruptions of the academic calendar.
The students intension was neither to vilify the near frequently, striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), for which students spend as many as seven years for a course that should last for four, nor the Federal and State governments known for their indifference to needs which often occasion strikes and their concommitant untoward disruptions of the university calendar, but to convey to stakeholders the pains, frustrations and indeed indignation students and parents suffer each time the school system is in chaos.
In the case of ASUU and the Federal and State governments, the facts are clear that some of the strikes were products of long period of frustration by the lecturers on account of government’s reluctance to implement agreements reached with the former. Infact, successive governments paid lip service to the sector without properly weighing the dangers of keeping students away from school and the additional pain it inflicts on parents, particularly, indigent ones who cannot further their wards’ education abroad as would the privileged few.
But not all strikes often meet the basic standards normally set and observed in civilised societies across the globe. Infact, here, in Nigeria Tanker Drivers, for instance, can decide to embark on a strike next day, if any of its members reports the slightest provocation of say, a brush with a ‘stop and search’ police patrol team.
Seriously, in the past many months, strikes of that kind have brought untold hardship on the citizenry, who have had to pay far far more than they ordinarily should for petroleum products, on account of the deadly scarcity, such avoidable impasse creates.
At other times, strikes are called for the right reasons but management of such protests become a major challenge and often creates security and economic problems which labour is often ill-equipped to address. Often, such well-intensioned protests are hijacked by hoodlums who exploit the situation to break into places of business, dispossess owners of their lifeline, molest traders and even vandalise public property.
In such instances, the police would not be left with any other option than to enforce security which often escalates what should have ordinarily been a peaceful demonstration. It is the avoidance of this that labour sometimes insists on a sit-at-home order, which when disobeyed by members also creates violent confrontation between enforcers and willing workers.
In the last nationwide strike called by organised labour, to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy, for instance, some state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) either stayed at home or went about their normal businesses, while others created rostrums exploited by politicians to vent their disappointment and anger against the administration that denied them the opportunity to form government. What should have been a protest by organised labour against what it considered an anti-people policy was turned into an avenue to unleash unsavoury invectives on the nation’s leadership, in ways never ever conceived, or seen.
Placards like ‘Goodluck has become Badluck,’ ‘Go, Jonathan go’ and ‘Boot Jonathan out of Aso Rock’, graced television screens on daily basis in a manner that held the promise of enshrining anarchy and effect regime change.
The NLC leadership, in calling off the strike, days later, made the same point that its action was necessitated by the need to check the malicious hijacking of the protests by politicians for their own selfish ends, apparently hiding under the cover of being people friendly. While denying that labour was sponsored, in view of the free lunch packs daily provided protesters in Lagos and elsewhere, different forms of T-shirts worn by them and, above all, the jamboree platform created for top musical artistes and comedians to vilify government, labour said it reached the conclusion to call off the strike in the interest of the people and for the willingness of government to shift ground from the N140 earlier pegged for a litre of petrol to N97. But by that time, many Nigerians were already fed-up with the long strike, which infact, was being observed in the breach.
The major lesson learnt from that strike was that the decision seemed influenced more by opposition politicians and others with hidden issues to address with the government of the day than Nigerian workers themselves, a point attested to by willingness of workers to return to work even long before the strike was called off. From all indications, many were virtually coerced into participating, while, few did so willingly, if the number of State chapters that enforced the NLC directive in the breach, were any leads to go by.
Simply put, while workers were not against total removal of subsidy on fuel per se, but for the lack of adequate education and proper articulation of palliatives, they did not consider strike as the most appropriate line of action. That reluctance might have stemmed from the appreciation of the prevalent security situation in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly, at a time when government was at war of sorts with the islamist fundamentalist group Boko Haram. That was why many considered the calling of the strike at the time NLC did, as dangerous and inadvertently gave selfish politicians the avenue to advocate regime change, a fact which labour itself, rejected in its call to end the strike.
It is, for examples of this kind that most notable Nigerians think that strikes should be called, only and only when dialogue fails to achieve the change envisioned by labour. That, no single labour leader, or group of labour leaders should choose strike as an option in place of dialogue without inputs from the workers themselves in view of the huge cost on the nation’s economy, security and well-being of others.
It is true also that successive Nigerian governments have and could be out-rightly insensitive to protests of the people against certain policies, it still behoves labour to insist and place its reasons for protestations before the court of public opinion and properly articulate its position with its members before embarking on a strike. That way, no worker is taken unawares.
Apparently, it is to avoid politically motivated strikes, the dangers of genuine protest being hijacked by hoodlums and selfish politicians and indeed the need to put first, national security, economy and well-being of Nigeria, higher and above individual needs, that Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (PDP Bayelsa West) Tuesday, March 13, this year, proposed a bill which sought to check reckless strikes in the country.
In proposing the bill, Lokpobiri held that strikes as contemplated by the Trade Union Act do not accommodate strike against the government except where government is the employer. Cited as ‘A bill for an Act to further amend the Trade Unions Act, Cap T14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004,) the proposed law seeks to make provisions for balloting as a requirement before any strike could be declared by labour unions in the country.
Expectedly, many Senators found, in the introduction of the bill, another opportunity to demonstrate imaginary connect with the poor masses, and without considering properly, the merits and demerits, merely dismissed it as ‘anti-people.” Which people? When were the people consulted on the matter?
Yes, as Senator Chris Ngige rightly said, “these unions have their own constitution which stipulates conditions for going on strike,” it is clear that not in all cases are the ordinary workers of the affected unions given ample chance to appraise issues that could prompt a strike action. Often, it is a monologue by which a circular merely directs workers to stay at home after the leadership might have discussed and agreed upon.
In such instances, the view of a state chapter against the leadership’s position usually proves meaningless because it will be viewed as anti-union. Is this why some workers are often eager to disobey such strike orders as experienced during the last protestations on fuel subsidy removal? Likely or may be not.
Truth, however, is that the incessant strikes need to be checked as is done in other developed economies because the gains of such strikes are often far too paltry when weighed against the huge cost of man-hour loss, security breaches, economic stagnation and public infrastructure vandalisation.
Within the last three months alone Rivers people for instance, have lost count of the number of times Nigerians Tanker Drivers have refused to lift petroleum products for consumer use, over one form of strike or the other. Infact, virtually every scarcity witnessed in recent times, is without further investigation, blamed on yet another strike, a reason that underscores the fact that strikes have become an everyday occurrence without any proper check.
My Agony is, unable to air their views properly through their representatives at the National Assembly, some politicians now consider public protests and strikes as the right fora to vent their anger against the government of the day, to earn an imaginary connection with the people that never exists.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Senate President, Mark, NLC President, Omar.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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