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LG Polls: PDP Begins Campaigns In Enugu

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has commenced campaign for the state’s November 2 council elections.

Handing over the party’s flag to the various candidates in Enugu, Gov. Sullivan Chime urged them to strive to replicate the dividends of democracy in their council areas.

Chime, who lamented the inability of many states to conduct council elections, said the state had complied with the constitutional provisions.

“Right from inception, it was a policy of this administration to take the issue of local government administration seriously. We decided quite early to keep to the tenets of the constitution of this country.

“So many states in this country decided to run the local governments as if they were departments of the state government. We still have states in this country that appoint caretaker chairmen.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think anybody has been able to challenge any of these state governments. It is wrong. It should be challenged. I urge serious minded democrats to challenge it.

“That is the only way you can ensure that we have democracy at the grassroots level. You must seek legal redress; it is not a favour. People are entitled to preside over their affairs,’’ the governor said.

On the low participation of women in the council polls, Chime said the election was the decision of the people.

“I urge the women not to be discouraged but do not think you will become a chairman because you are a woman. It is the people’s choice. In Enugu State, we treat everyone equally. When it comes to appointive positions, we can consider more women.’’

In an address, the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Vita Abba, expressed optimism that its candidates would sweep the polls at the elections.

He called on the candidates to run an all-inclusive government if voted into power on November 2.

“Enugu State is PDP and no other party can survive here. I am certain that the 17 council chairmen will take the state to the next level.

“I urge the chairmen to run an open government; carry everyone along because; I am sure you have won already,’’ the chairman said.

Speaking on behalf of federal legislators from the state, Rep. Stella Ngwu (PDP-Uzo-Uwani/Igbo Etiti), assured the candidates of their support at the elections.

Responding on behalf of the 17 chairmanship candidates, the candidate for Nkanu West Local Government, Mr Afam Okereke, assured the people of their commitment to bring developments to the grassroots.

“On behalf of my colleagues and I, the 17 PDP flag-bearers , we are so overwhelmed by your trust, your confidence and belief in us and we stand here boldly to assure you that we will never let Enugu State down,’’ Okereke said.

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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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