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Minimum Wage: Tripartite C’ttee ’ll Beat Ultimatum -FG …We ‘’ll Vote Out Leaders Owing Salaries,Pensions In 2019 -Labour
The Federal Government has assured the organised labour that the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage would conclude its negotiation before the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum.
The Chairman, Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage, Ms Amal Pepple gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen, yesterday in Abuja.
The organised labour had on September 12 issued a 14-day ultimatum that would expire on September 25 to the Federal Government for the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage to reconvene and complete its assignment.
Also, labour said it would commence nationwide strike immediately after the expiration of its 14 days ultimatum if its demand was not met.
According to Pepple, “We do not want strike and I am sure that even the Federal Government does not want strike, and also Nigerians.
“So, we pray that everything will be resolved before then. So, labour does not have to embark on any strike,” she said.
The chairman also noted that the committee have worked hard and have finished its assignment.
She, however, noted that organised labour, organised private sectors and individuals from other sectors have submitted their figures but that the state governors were yet to submit theirs.
“We have some figures from organised labour, organised private sectors and individuals from others sectors.
“But, we still need approval from the Federal Government and some figures from the state governments.
“We do not want to fix a date for the reconvening of the meeting on our own without everyone’s opinion.
“We believe it is better to have all the figures and the government position for the sake of peace.
“So, that we can comfortably say that we have taken everyone position into consideration before the recommendation,” Pepple added.
Meanwhile, the organized labour has threatened to vote out those owing workers salaries, pension and gratuities in the 2019 general elections.
This was part of the resolutions of the National Executive Council (NEC), of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), last Wednesday in Abuja.
The NLC, in a communiqué issued, yesterday, and signed by its National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said that the organized labour would interface with aspirants into different political positions to determine whether they are workers friendly and the welfare package they have for the Nigeria workers.
Commenting on the importance of free, fair and credible 2019 general elections, NLC said, “Given the increased tempo of political campaigns and other activities towards the 2019 general elections, the NEC urges INEC to provide a level playing ground for all political parties.
“Pursuant to the promotion of free, fair, credible and participatory elections, the NEC also posits as follows: 2019 General Elections and Workers’ Participation.
“Workers and pensioners and their families are encouraged to vote only for credible candidates with clear agenda for workers, pensioners and their families.
“There is need to consolidate and deepen our democracy after 19 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. A conducive environment must be created for rancour free and peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections and respect for democratic values and norms. “Nigerians and politicians should shun politics of do or die.
“The attitude towards the 2019 general election should be moderated by issue-based engagements and campaigns. The NLC and its allies will provide a platform to engage aspirants on their agenda on governance issues, as well as their agenda for the welfare of workers and pensioners.”
The NEC frowned that the bailouts from the national treasury given to commercial banks between 2006 and 2008 which was about N2.5trillion equivalent to $7billion were yet to be refunded.
“The NEC resolves that the bailout funds be recovered and invested in critical national infrastructure especially in the power sector.”
It also expressed dismay that the constitution of the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Funds (NSITF), had not taken place almost four years after the dissolution of the last board of management.
The NEC demanded under the Freedom of Information Act for the report of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on its investigation and prosecution.
It also demanded for the report of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Administrative Panel Report and approved that congress leadership takes all necessary action not limited to protest and engagement to ensure that the board of NSITF was constituted to protect the interest of workers.
On Paris Club Refund, NEC noted the conditions attached to the payment of the last batch of the Paris Club refund and applauded the decision.
It urged the Federal Government to implement the decisions to the letter and keep organs of the Congress informed.
The NEC further considered the Electoral Act Amendment Bill as a very important legislation and instrument for the conduct of the 2019 General election and posited that it was important that the rules of engagement for the elections were understood by all stakeholders and Nigerians.
It called on both the Executive and the National Assembly to expedite action on the quick passage of the bill.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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