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Niger Delta

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

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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

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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