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Can Hails Kwara REC Over 2019 Polls

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The leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara have declared the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Malam Garba Attahiru-Madami, as a role model in the conduct of electios.
The CAN chairman, Prof Timothy Opoola, made the declaration yesterday when he led members of the association’s executive on a courtesy visit to Attahiru-Madami in his office, in Ilorin.
The CAN chairman said that they were at the REC’s office to congratulate him on the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections in the state.
Opoola expressed the association’s happiness that Attahiru-Madami kept to his words to maintain his integrity before, during and after the elections, even in the face of temptations.
He said that the commission, under the leadership of Attahiru-Madami, was able to prove sceptics wrong by its conduct, which led to free, fair, credible and acceptable elections conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere.
“We all appreciate your sincerity, honesty and forthrightness as well as the impartial roles you and your members of staff played during the general elections in Kwara.
“You truly displayed your integrity and sense of duty, all of which resulted in free, fair, credible, acceptable and violence-free elections,” the CAN chairman said.
Opoola described Attahiru-Madami as a role model who was worthy of emulation as far as election conduct was concerned.
“I pray that God will give you and your members of staff sound health and abundant wisdom to do better in future elections,” he said.
Responding, Attahiru-Madami commended CAN and other stakeholders for playing their roles in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations, and for their unalloyed support and doggedness which lead to the successful conduct of the elections.
“The elections would not have been successful if not for the insistence by the stakeholders that peace should be maintained at every stage of the exercise.
“I must commend Kwara voters, politicians and the public at large for carrying out their electioneering activities within the confines of the law.
“All the stakeholders joined the commission to carry out voter education. I met CAN and other stakeholders on the field several times. All these led to the success story we are having today,” the REC remarked.
He said that he would convey a stakeholders’ forum in November where he would formally appreciate them and allow them to critique the elections and the commission’s conduct so as to allow it correct possible flaws in future elections.
Attahiru-Madami commended the harmonious religious atmosphere in the state, especially between the two major religions.
According to the REC, religion should be actionable to God and humans, and so, should not be made to cause strife at any given time.
He enjoined the association and other religious leaders in the state not to leave the elected officials alone but to continue to pray for them to always do what is right. (NAN)

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Reps Urge FG To Pay ASUU, NASU’s Withheld Salaries

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The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to pay the withheld salaries of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU).
This followed the adoption of a Motion of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa) during plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Fulata said that the government must accede to the unions’ demands because they were genuine.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the President to direct the relevant bodies to come up with modalities for negotiation with both ASUU and NASU.
The House said this would enable them to come up with workable, implementable and final agreement to be signed by both parties.
The House urged the president to direct the Ministry of Finance, to ensure full implementation.
The House mandated its Committees on University Education, Polytechnic Education, Federal Colleges of Education, Labour and Productivity, Finance, Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

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Bill To Prescribe Salaries, Allowances Of Judicial Officers Pass 2nd Reading

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The bill seeking to prescribe salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of Judicial office holders in Nigeria has passed second reading at the Senate.
This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, Sen. Lola Ashiru (APC-Kwara) at plenary on Thursday.
Presenting the bill, Ashiru said the bill, an executive bill, was forwarded to the two Chambers of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with provisions of Section 58(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
He said the bill, in a nutshell, seeks to prescribe salaries, allowances and fringe benefits for judicial officers in order to nip in the bud, the prolonged stagnation in their remuneration.
This, he said was to reflect the contemporary socio-economic realities of the time.
Ashiru said the bill intends to unify the salary structure, allowances and fringe benefits of judicial officers holders both in the Federal and at the State levels.
“This proposed legal framework, undoubtedly, will bring about significant improvement in the welfare, capacity and independence of the Judiciary, which have been contentious issues of public discourse over the years.”
He said that the intent of the bill was in conformity with the current administration’s resolve to strengthen the country’s Judiciary and the criminal justice system .
This, he said was to ensure its independence in the performance of its constitutional role, as the arbiter of the temple of justice.
He urged the senators to support the expeditious passage of the bill in view of its importance to the socio-economic and political development of this country.
Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), who seconded the motion said it was necessary to ensure adequate remuneration of Judicial officers was in line with the current economic reality.
He said that there was the need to provide an adequate remuneration that would prevent judicial officials from being tempted for corruption.
Sen. Orji Kalu (APC- Abia ) commended the executive for presenting the bill to prescribe a remuneration for the judicial arm of government, saying that no right thinking Nigerian would want to oppose it.
He urged the officials to ensure that justice is dispensed rightly to Nigerians.
He also urged the government to improve remuneration of other sectors given the economic reality.
Deputy President of Senate, Barau Jubrin (APC-Kano) said the President has done creditably well by presenting the bill for remuneration of the judicial officials.
He said the judicial officials had suffered in silence for as they were not disposed to speaking up on the issues, just like the labour unions.
He said it was cheery and commendable for President Tinubu to have brought the bill, which was designed to enhance the salary and welfare of the judicial officials.
President of Senate, Godswill Akpiabio said presentation of the bill was a right step in the right direction by President Tinubu.
Akpabio, referred the bill to the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative inputs and to return back to plenary in four weeks, after the bill was read for the second time.

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Court To Hear Suit Against Ganduje’s Suspension, May 28

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Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, has fixed May 28 for hearing in the substantive application filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Dr Ganduje is challenging his suspension from the party by factional ward executives led by one Basiru Nuhu Isa.
He was first suspended by APC Ganduje Ward executives led by one Haladu Gwanjo on April 15. Another faction emerged and also announced suspension of Dr Ganduje on April 20.
The Tide source reports that the secretary of the party in Kano, Zakari Sarina, said the suspension by the faction was another case of impersonation.
Dr Ganduje is seeking a declaration that his suspension from the party without giving him opportunity to defend himself amounts to violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing.
He is also seeking a declaration that his suspension by the faction was unlawful, null and void.
Counsel for the embattled APC chairman, Hadiza Ahmad, applied for service on the respondents by substituted means which the court granted.
Justice Liman adjourned to May 28 for hearing in the matter.

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