Connect with us

Niger Delta

Ewhrudjakpo Reassures NLC, Teachers Of Better Deal In Bayelsa …Says Labour Laws Need Amendments

Published

2 years ago

on

The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has assured the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and teachers of a better working environment.
He also emphasized the need for Nigeria to amend and streamline its labour laws to meet best global practices for peaceful industrial relations.
Ewhrudjakpo made the call recently while granting audience to the state council of the NLC during a courtesy visit on him in Government House, Yenagoa.
The State’s Number Two Man, who identified collective bargaining as the nucleus of trade unions, said the Nigerian labour laws should be amended to make collective agreements enforceable as obtainable elsewhere in other climes.
A statement issued by the media aide to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted him applauding the state council of the NLC for making dialogue and collective bargaining as its tools, while pressing for workers’ entitlements and benefits.
“Our labour laws are too slippery in terms of enforcement of collective agreements. I am one of those who believe our labour laws have to be amended, so that once there is a collective agreement, there is no need to go to anybody for it to be enforceable.
“Our labour laws at present make collective agreements unenforceable, by making them subject to the whims and caprices of the Minister of Labour, which is a negation of the freedom of negotiation.
“In other climes, once a collective agreement is reached, it becomes enforceable.
“The soul of labour is collective bargaining. Without collective bargaining, labour unions end up as social clubs. In fact, what makes trade unions what they are is the principle of collective bargaining”, he said.
According to the Deputy Governor, the present administration in the State neither believes in what he called “locking horns with labour in fight”, nor “suppression of the interest of organized labour”.
He noted that the prevailing industrial harmony in the state was due to effective cooperation between government and labour to ensure mutual benefit for both parties, and the overall development of the state.
He expressed appreciation to the NLC for their understanding so far, assuring the state council of government’s continued support for their programmes and events.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Barnabas Simon, said the visit to the Deputy Governor was to formally introduce the new NLC State Executive Council, which was inaugurated in April.
Comrade Barnabas, who thanked the State Government for rolling out palliatives for Local Government workers without any agitation or negotiation, appealed to government to extend the laudable gesture to workers in the mainstream civil service.
In a related development, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has assured the leadership of the Bayelsa State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) of being carried along in the scheme of things.
Addressing the executives of the NUT at a meeting in Creek Haven, Yenagoa, he assured that the Governor Diri-led administration would make deliberate efforts to tackle challenges confronting teachers and non-teaching staff in the state.
The Deputy Governor, however, condemned the untoward behaviour of some teachers from Ekeremor Local Government Area during a recent restraining programme in Yenagoa, and urged teachers to always conduct themselves as role models in society.
On his part, the State NUT Chairman, Comrade Richman Otobo, acknowledged the labour friendly disposition of the present administration, but appealed for expeditious handling of issues bordering on teachers welfare in the state.
The state Secretary of NUT, Mr Johnson Hector, and the Chairman, All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Bayelsa Chapter, Mr Court Ogboseri Enebibodo, were among those who made contributions at the meeting.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Court Declares DESTMA Activities Unconstitutional

Published

6 days ago

on

January 12, 2026

By

The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has declared the power of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to arrest traffic offenders and impose fines as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday in Suit No. W/348/2016: Chuks Christian Ofili v. Attorney-General of Delta State & Anor, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho struck down Section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013, holding that it conflicts with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court held that DESTMA and its officials lacked the legal authority to impose fines, penalties or sanctions, or to confiscate vehicle number plates without first charging and securing a conviction before a competent court.
Justice Emudainowho ruled that the seizure of the claimant’s number plate and the imposition of a N30,000 fine without trial amounted to a “flagrant violation” of the claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under Sections 36(1) and 41(1) of the constitution.
Among other reliefs, the court set aside the “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the claimant, ordered the refund of N30,000 paid for the release of the number plate, awarded N500,000 as legal costs and N300,000 as damages, with 10 percent interest per annum.
Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, said the ruling affirms constitutional supremacy.
“The court was clear that only a competent court of law can impose penalties. Administrative agencies cannot assume judicial powers”, he said.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

COAS Praises Bayelsa On Military Welfare … As Diri Hands Over Residential Quarters To Army Chief

Published

6 days ago

on

January 12, 2026

By

The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting the welfare of its officers and men as part of efforts to enhance peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led other senior military officers on a courtesy/condolence visit to the State Governor, Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Gen. Shaibu praised the Bayelsa government for constructing and handing over residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The army chief noted that the initiative would greatly ease the brigade’s accommodation challenges.
Shaibu, who explained that he was on a maiden operational visit to the state to assess the combat readiness of men and officers of the Command, also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family on the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“My reason for coming here are two-fold. We are here for my maiden operational visit to the 6th Division area of  responsibility, which also covers Bayelsa State.
“I’m also here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for the 16 Brigade, which is the construction and completion of apartments  made up of nine units of three bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers and two blocks of nine units of two bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.
“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges that the Brigade is facing. It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army”, he said.
Responding, Diri thanked Gen. Shaibu for acknowledging the modest contribution of the state government towards improving the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
He lauded the various security agencies for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
 “I like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for what you are doing to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure. For us in government, we all appreciate and understand that you are making sacrifices for our public safety.
“I implore you to continue to do what you are doing very well at all times. We are always here to support you in whichever form that we can, so that you will also have a conducive environment to enable you discharge your duties creditably.
“l’m equally happy that we were able to start and complete those buildings. We know that, like you rightly said, it will ease the accommodation demands of the officers in the 16 Brigade”, he said.
By; Ariwera  Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Eno Inaugurates Committees On TSA, International Airport Status 

Published

6 days ago

on

January 12, 2026

By

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport, and for the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.
While inaugurating the committees at the Government House, Uyo, Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the committee to achieve the mandate.
“The committees’ establishment marks another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems.
“It will also ensure the fast-tracking and the completion of major development projects in the state”, the Governor said.
He further said the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, who would serve as the Chairman.
Others are the Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director, Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; and Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, among others.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, as Chairman.
“Others are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,  Mr. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang, among others.”
The Governor noted that the members’ expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.
He urged them to intensify efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remained on schedule.
“I charge the committee on the state’s airport with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kick-off in April, 2026.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026″, he said.
Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, saying that no agency of government was permitted to operate a single independent account.
He reaffirmed the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, adding that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.
The Governor urged all MDAs to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance to ensure that the expected results were achieved and on time.
He maintained that tenement rates would be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.
Continue Reading

Trending