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Labour Kicks As NCS Okays N27,000 Minimum Wage …OBJ, Jonathan, Abdulsalami, Others Attend Meeting
The National Council of State (NCS) has approved N27,000 as the minimum wage for all workers in the country.
The council approved the amount at its meeting in the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, yesterday.
Following the council’s approval, a minimum wage bill is expected to be sent to the National Assembly, today.
According to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, the Federal Government is topping the approved amount by N3,000 to N30,000 for its workers.
He said the states were at liberty to augment the new agreement as they deem fit.
The amount approved by the Council of State is N3,000 short of the N30,000 that the Tripartite Committee on Review of National Minimum Wage recommended.
The committee, chaired by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Ms Ama Pepple, had submitted the report, which contained the recommended figure, to President Muhammadu Buhari on November 6, 2018, after many months of deliberations.
Prior to the committee’s recommendation in October, state governors had offered to pay N22,500 as minimum wage.
Nine days after the committee recommended N30,000, on November 15, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) insisted that the states cannot pay the amount, leading to criticism by organised labour, which insisted on N30,000.
On January 8, 2019, the Nigeria Labour Congress held a nationwide protest over what it said was the delay by the Federal Government to transmit a new minimum wage bill to the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has rejected the N27,000 new national minimum wage adopted by the National Council of States yesterday.
The NLC Secretary-General, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, made this known to newsmen in Abuja.
According to him, the council has no jurisdiction determining another amount after a Tripartite Committee had submitted its report.
“It is abysmal of government to be delaying the submission of an Executive Bill to the National Assembly and by wrongfully adopting N27,000 through the council of states,” he said.
However, Ozo-Eson said the NLC has scheduled an emergency National Executive Council meeting for Friday to weigh on the deadline given to government within which to submit an executive bill to the National Assembly.
The NLC scribe added that the Federal Government was only projecting a shutdown of the economy with its latest action.
“This is because workers should not be held responsible for any development after its NEC meeting on Friday,’’ he said.
The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, started at 11.a.m prompt at the Council Chamber.
Buhari went round to shake hands with some of the past leaders, including Obasanjo as soon as he arrived at the Council Chamber.
Obasanjo also offered the opening Christian prayer while Mohammed Uwais said the Muslim prayer.
One minute silence was observed in honour of former President, late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and late CJNs Aloysius Katsina-Alu and Idris Kutigi.
Without listing the details of the agenda during the opening session, the Secretary to the SGF, Boss Mustapha said that the meeting will discuss five-point agenda.
But issues expected to be considered at the meeting include the national minimum wage, and confirmation of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The forthcoming general elections and security of the nation were also expected to engage the attention of the Council of State.
It would be recalled that the Council of State is comprised of past presidents and heads of state, former and present Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN), leadership of the National Assembly, state governors, among others.
But at the meeting were former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and former military President, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Others at the meeting were the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and former CJN, Mohammed Uwais.
Also present were the state governors from Osun, Kebbi, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Edo, Lagos, Niger, Borno, Ogun, Ekiti, and Kogi.
State deputy governors at the meeting were those from Bauchi, Kaduna and Rivers, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello and Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige in attendance.
Former Heads of State, Gens Yakubu Gowon and Ibrahim Babangida, and former CJN, Mariam Muktar sent apologises for their absence at the meeting.
The present CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen was conspicuously absent at the meeting.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the N27,000 new National Minimum Wage adopted by the National Council of States, yesterday.
The NLC General Secretary, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, made this known to newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja.
According to him, the council has no jurisdiction determining another amount after a Tripartite Committee has submitted its report.
“It is abysmal of government to be delaying the submission of an Executive Bill to the National Assembly and by wrongfully adopting N27,000 through the council of states,” he said.
Ozo-Eson, however, said the NLC has called an emergency National Executive Council meeting for Friday to weigh on the deadline given to government within which to submit an executive bill to the National Assembly.
The NLC general scribe added that the Federal Government was only projecting a shutdown of the economy with its latest action.
“This is because workers should not be held responsible for any development after its NEC meeting on Friday,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Organised Labour in Bayelsa State has commended the approval of N30,000 minimum wage for federal workers and N27,000 for the states by the National Council of State.
The unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), told newsmen, yesterday, in Yenagoa, that the approval would improve living conditions of workers.
TUC Chairman in the state, Mr Tari Daunana, said it was good, and urged workers to be more diligent and committed to their duties.
“Yes, with this approval and increase, Nigerian workers will be able to take care of their basic needs.
“The new minimum wage will add value to the lives of workers; we urge workers to be more diligent and committed to duties.
“So, we are all happy, we believe the National Assembly will give it (minimum wage bill) a speedy passage, so that it will come into effect as soon as possible.
“I quite believe that the government’s action will boost the input of the workers and motivate them for optimal productivity,” Daunana added.
Also, the Chairman, Baylesa chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr John Ndiomu, urged the state governors to comply with the approval.
Ndiomu recalled that Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa promised to pay any approved amount as minimum wage.
A civil servant, Mrs Joy Owei, hailed the approval but expressed worries over paying N27, 000 to states’ workers.
Owei described it as “short-changing” workers in the states.
News
Don’t Panic, We’ll Protect Rivers Interest -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has told the people of the State not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his administration to protect lives and property of residents while improving the collective aspirations of the people.
Fubara gave the assurance when he addressed members of the Family Support Group, who were on solidarity visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to declare their unalloyed support to his administration.
Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, men and women drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.
He assured that his administration would not disappoint their expectations, but would deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.
Fubara said it was gratifying to see ebullient youths showing undying interest in government, and were also willing to defend their votes, and see him completing his tenure without interruption.
The governor explained that so many development projects had been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.
He specifically noted the readiness of the administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration.
“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract”, he said.
Fubara emphasised that his administration is pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offers succour to the people.
“I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people”, he stated.
In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.
“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ coordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.
News
11 GDI Coordinators Declare Support For Fubara
The support base for the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, swelled up on Wednesday when 11 Ward Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the State pledged unalloyed support and loyalty to his administration.
Ahoada East, which is the local government area of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie, has a total of 13 electoral wards.
The 11 GDI Coordinators, who were in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday on solidarity visit, said that they have now realised that they had been deceived and misled in the past few months, and decided to retrace their steps, and join the mass of Rivers people to defend and protect their votes and mandate freely given to Governor Fubara.
The coordinators, who were received by the Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie, pledged to mobilise all their supporters and associates to give the State Government the necessary support and encouragement to deliver good governance and sustainable development to Rivers people.
They said that having watched the actions and policy direction of the governor, they have come to the realisation that sitting on the fence while detractors undermine the government was not in the best interest of the State.
The coordinators, who were accompanied by the former LGA Coordinator of GDI, Hon. Christian Abu, and Ahoada East LGA Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Handsome Ekelechi Agile, said that they were resolute in their decision to join millions of well-meaning Rivers people who had solidified their membership of the SIMplified Movement to protect and defend the governor in the face of unwarranted attacks and campaign of calumny.
They said that with their movement to the SIMplified Family, the GDI structure in Ahoada East has completely collapsed.
They warned that anybody fighting the governor and the Chief of Staff would incur the wrath of the land.
In his remarks, Hon. Ehie assured the coordinators of the State government’s commitment to the wellbeing of all Rivers people and the consolidation of the gains of the infrastructure revolution of the administration.
He said that the Fubara-led government was operating an open door policy and running an inclusive administration, assuring that every Rivers man and woman will be touched positively by the actions, policies, and programmes of the government.
The GDI Coordinators included Chinwe Okorji representing Ward 1; Henry Uhor for Ward 2; Hon. Muzan Otuza of Ward 3; Hon. Elvis Ishikaku representing Ward 4; and Hon. Johnson Monday of Ward 5.
Others are Mr. Evidence Adi for Ward 6; Emmanuel Ochu of Ward 7; Hon. Fidelis Ikebuluwa representing Ward 8; Martins Odoi of Ward 9; Hon. Mackson Ekpeye representing Ward 10; Hon. Ambrose Ile for Ward 12.
With this development, the leadership of GDI at the Ward and LG levels have now dumped the group to join the Governor in efforts to transform the State.
News
Fubara Recommits To Human Capacity Building In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed the determination of his administration to build and strengthen the capacity of workers in the State’s Civil Service.
The governor said this during a meeting held behind closed doors in Government House, Port Harcourt, with the national leadership of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, yesterday.
After the meeting, leader of the delegation and National President of NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, told newsmen that Governor Fubara, a fellow of the Institute and astute manager, excited them with his plans on human capital development and other development initiatives.
Dr. Atako, who is also the Chairman of Council of NIM said, “In fact, he was talking so much about the civil service. I have told you that one of our strengths is to develop capacity of the workforce, and we told him that we are interested in the civil service of this State.
“We are interested in building capacity of the workforce because we believe that if you have the right workforce, you’ll be able to have successful system. And if you have a successful system, leadership will be very easy.”
She emphasised that, “And when we told him, he bought the idea. He said he was happy about that. He wants a situation where, apart from the infrastructure that he was putting in place, he also wants to build the capacity of the people.”
Atako stated that as an Institute, they were impressed with the giant strides of the leadership of the governor, the many infrastructural projects, both ongoing and completed, including the welfare packages for civil servants, particularly the Christmas bonus of N100, 000.00.
She pointed out the distinguishing attributes of a great and good leader, which include exhibiting empathy and motivating the workers to become more productive, which she said, were evident in the leadership shown by Governor Fubara.
Atako said they also informed the governor of their forthcoming annual national conference slated to hold in Port Harcourt, which is always used to discuss issues that are of interest to the growth and development of the country.
Those in the delegation were Registrar/Chief Executive of NIM, Mrs Taiwo Olusesi; former National Vice President, Dame Christie Toby; Council Members, Engr. Beniah Ojum; Prof. Sylva Opuala-Charles; Zonal Chairman and Chairman LOC NIM ANMC, Pastor Eyo Okpo-Ene; former National Treasurer, Chief Grant Orugbani; and Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Imperial Majesty, Kelvin N. Anugwo.
Others are former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and Member LOC NIM ANMC, Rt. Hon. Marshall Stanley-Uwom; AGM, Hotel Presidential, Mr. Rex Yakpogoro; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Engr. Eze Egwurugwu; Sir Mike Elechi; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Dr. Kelechi Belinda Udeogu; Secretary, South South Zone and Secretary LOC NIM ANMC, Mr. Christian U. Abu; Emeritus Professor Simeon Chituru Achinehu.
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