Kaduna Gov, El-Rufai Picks His Commissioners, Sends List To Legislature

July 3, 2019

The Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has selected 11 people for appointment as commissioners with their expected portfolios, and has forwarded the list to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement today, July 3, said that the governor would subsequently forward three more nominees to make up the 14 commissioners that will constitute the Kaduna State Executive Council.

The statement said that upon confirmation by the legislature, the commissioners would run the 14 ministries created in the June 2019 Executive Order.

The statement said: “Malam Nasir El-Rufai nominated 11 persons for appointment as commissioners. The names of this first batch of 11 nominees have been forwarded to the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The second batch of nominees will subsequently be forwarded for the consideration of the legislature.

“All the 11 nominees served in various positions in the first-term of the government. Picking insiders is deliberate decisions to enable the nominees hit the ground running and assist the government to achieve its targets for the second term. Every appointee will be subjected to stronger monitoring based on clear terms of reference and key performance indicators.”

The statement said that the first batch of 11 nominees and their proposed portfolios are: Ja’afaru Ibrahim SaniMinistry of Local Government Affairs, Idris Samaila NyamMinistry of Business, Innovation & Technology and Shehu Usman Makarfi Ministry of Education.

Others are Ibrahim Garba Hussaini Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources, Kabir Muhammad Mato Ministry of Sports Development, Balaraba Aliyu-Inuwa Ministry of Public Works & Infrastructure and Samuel Peter Aruwan Ministry of Internal Security & Home Affairs.

The rest are Fausat Adebola Ibikunle Ministry of Housing & Urban Development,
Mohammed Bashir SaiduMinistry of Finance, Hafsat Mohammed Baba Ministry of Human Services & Social Development and Aisha Dikko Ministry of Justice.

It said that the nominations for the commissioners of Agriculture, Health and Planning & Budget will be forwarded in the second batch.

The statement explained that Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani served as commissioner in the ministries of Local Government and Education in the first-term. Prior to joining the Kaduna State Executive Council, he was Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs.

ldris Samaila Nyam, the statement added, is the current Accountant-General of the State, explaining that he has served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

The statement said Shehu Usman Makarfi is the current Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health while Ibrahim Garba Hussaini is the pioneer Director-General of the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).

lt explained that Kabir Muhammad Mato, a professor of Political Science, has served as commissioner of Agriculture and Local Government, saying that he joined the government as Special Adviser, Inter-Governmental Relations.

“Balaraba Aliyu-Inuwa is the immediate past Commissioner of Works, the first woman in Kaduna State to be appointed to that role. She has served as Special Adviser and subsequently Commissioner for Rural & Community Development.

“Samuel Peter Aruwan is Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) and spokesperson for the state government. He was campaign spokesman in 2015 and 2019. He has been an active member of the Kaduna State Security Council since May 2015.

“Fausat Adebola Ibikunle is the General Manager of the Kaduna State Urban Planning & Development Authority (KASUPDA). Born in Doka district of Kaduna, she studied Architecture at the Ahmadu Belo University, Zaria, and graduated in 1983. She worked with the Ministry of Defence from 1984, until she moved to the Federal Capital Development Authority as Assistant Director in 2005 in the Public Buildings Department. In 2007, she rose to become Deputy Director in Health & Human Services Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration. She joined the Kaduna State Government in 2016.

“Mohammed Bashir Saidu served as Commissioner for Local Government before being appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor. He was appointed Commissioner of Finance towards the end of the first-term.

“Hafsat Mohammed Baba is the immediate past Commissioner of Women Affairs & Social Development.

“Aisha Dikko is Special Adviser, Legal Matters, the role in which she served in the first-term. She will be the third woman to be appointed as Commissioner of Justice by Malam Nasir El-Rufai. She was called to the bar in 1988, and had worked in banking and private law practise before joining the government.”

Private Companies To Contribute To Police Trust Fund, In A New Bill

Editorial staff

July 3, 2019

Private companies operating in Nigeria are to contribute five percent of their net profit as levy to the Police Trust Fund. This was reflected in a Bill, known as Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which President Muhammadu Buhari assented to today, July 3.

The Bill, which was one of the nine the President signed into law, said that an amount constituting another five percent of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account would also be part of the sources of the fund for the Police Trust Fund.

Another source of funding, the new law states, is any take-off grant and special intervention fund as may be provided by the Federal, State and Local Government of the federation, such as may be appropriated “to meet the objective of this Act by the National Assembly in the budget.”

The grant may also consists of grants, donations, endowments, bequests and gifts, whether of money, land or any other property from the sources; money derived from investment by the Trust Fund.

“The Fund is to be listed for meeting the training and re-training needs of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and its auxiliary staff within and outside Nigeria; for the purchase of equipment, machineries, including operating vehicles for the Nigeria Police Force; for the construction of police stations, provision of living facilities such as quarters or barracks for the Nigeria Police Force.”

Others are to finance the procurement of books, instructional materials, training equipment for use at Police Colleges and such other similar training institutions, among others.

“The Board of Trustee shall consist of Retired Inspector-General of Police, Inspector-General or his representatives, as an ex-officio as member and an Executive Secretary as Chief Secretary, (serving) as Chief Executive of the Fund.”

The full text of the nine Bills which President Buhari signed into law is reproduced here:

1. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2019 is established to provide funds for the training and retraining of the personnel of the Nigerian Police Force as well as provide state-of-the-art security equipment and machineries to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Bill provides for funding from the following sources:

(a) An amount constituting 0.05% of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account;

(b) A levy of 0.005% of the net profit of companies operating business in Nigeria;

(c) Any take-off grant and special intervention fund as may be provided by the Federal, State and Local Government of the Federation;

(d) Such money as may be appropriated to meet the objective of this Act by the National Assembly in the budget, among other sources;

The Police Fund shall consist of:

(a) An amount constituting 0.05% of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account;

(b) A levy of 0.005% of the net profit of companies operating business in Nigeria

(c) Any take-off grant and special intervention fund as may be provided by the Federal, State and Local Government of the Federation;

(d) Such money as may be appropriated to meet the objective of this Act by the National Assembly in the budget;

(e) Aids, grants and assistance from international bilateral and multilateral agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector;

(f) Grants, donations, endowments, bequests and gifts, whether of money, land or any other property from any sources;

(g) Money derived from investment by the Trust Fund.

The Fund is to be listed for:

(a) For meeting the training and re-training needs of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and its auxiliary staff within and outside Nigeria;

(b) For the purchase of equipment, machineries, including operating vehicles for the Nigeria Police Force;

(c) For the construction of police stations, provision of living facilities, such as quarters or barracks for the Nigeria Police Force;

(d) To finance the procurement of books, instructional materials, training equipment for use at Police Colleges and such other similar training institutions, among others.

The Board of Trustee shall consist of:

(a) A Retired Inspector-General of Police;

(b) Inspector-General or his representatives, as an ex-officio member

2. The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency has been established to provide research, develop, promote, collate, document and preserve Nigeria’s indigenous (traditional) health care system.

Among others, the Bill seeks to:

– Cultivate and grow medicinal, aromatic and pesticidal plants and ensure proper identification of active substances used in natural medicine practice and translation of relevant information into Nigeria languages;

– Establish model experimental farms and activity centers in each of the six geo political zones of the country;

– Establish and maintain a virtual and digital library and national databank, information references centre on Nigeria’s indigenous (traditional) health systems, medication and non-medication healing arts, sciences and technologies;

– Research, collate, document and disseminate all published and unpublished research works and findings on all aspects of traditional medicine, products and practices including medicinal, aromatic and pesticidal plants indigenous health sciences and technology;

– Support, facilitate and promote the conduct of safety assessment, observational studies and clinical trials of Nigeria traditional therapies;

– Stimulate, support, and facilitate the development of policies and legal instruments for the protection and preservations of the nation’s intellectual property rights, traditional medicines knowledge and biodiversity; and prevent bio piracy;

– Educate practitioners of traditional medicine to improve their products development and practice skills and encourage the documentation of their traditional medicine knowledge through sensitization and interactive workshops and training.

3. Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act, 2019 is promulgated to give effect to the provision of the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 Convention for the suppression of the unlawful acts against the safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) 1988 and its protocols.

One of the key objectives of the Act is to prevent and suppress piracy, armed robbery and any other unlawful act against a ship, aircraft and any other maritime craft, however propelled, including fixed or floating platform.

This Act applies to any person on board a –

(a) Ship or aircraft navigating in, on or above the territorial and internal waters of Nigeria or on or above international waters; and

(b) Fixed or floating platform in, on or above the territorial and internal waters of Nigeria or on or above international water.

The Act states that ‘’where a state of armed conflict exists to which Nigeria is either a Neutral Party or a Party to the armed conflict and the conflict has a maritime aspect involving Nigeria, the Laws of Armed Conflict shall apply in addition to the provisions of this Act.’’

4. Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria Bill, 2019 is charged with the responsibility for advancing the study, training and transport management and administration in Nigeria.

The objectives of the Institute are to:

(a) Set standards of practice and determine the knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become registered members of the Institute and practice as Chartered Transportants and reviewing those standard from time to time as circumstances may require;

(b) Secure, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the establishment and maintenance of register of Students, Associate Members, Members and Fellows of the Institute and the publication from time to time of a list of those members entitled to practice as Chartered Transportants;

(c) Perform such other functions, as may be necessary for the advancement of the Institute and the transport management profession.

5. National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (Establishment) Bill, 2019 is established to provide full time and part-time courses of instruction and training in construction and engineering technology, applied and management sciences and other fields of study, and make provisions for the general administration of the Institute.

The Act empowers the Institute to among others:

(a) Provide full-time and part-time courses in construction and engineering technology, applied and management sciences and other fields of study leading to the award of Ordinary National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, Certificates in specialized programmes;

(b) Provide facilities and encourage research in all areas of focus to aid the development of Nigeria in the areas of industry, commerce, technology and engineering;

6. National Agricultural Seeds Council Act, 2019 repeals the National Agricultural Seeds Act, CAP. N5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and establishes the National Agricultural Seeds Council to promote and stimulate the development of dependable seed industry, regulate and control the released varieties, protect the farmers from the sales of poor quality seeds, facilitate the production and marketing of high quality seeds in Nigeria, and provide legal backing for official testing certification, sales, importation, exportation and use of seed.

This Act also promotes greater private sector participation in the seed subsector in line with the current agricultural seed policy globalization and export trade promotion.

7. Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Act, 2019 amends the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Act CAP. A11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to enhance the capital base, expand the coverage of the Scheme, increase the size of the loanable fund, increase membership and give more powers to the Board.

Section 5 of the Principal Act is amended by –

(a) substituting for the words, ‘one hundred million Naira,’ in line 1, the words, fifty billion Naira;

(b) inserting a new subsection ‘’(2)’’ –

‘’(2) The fund of fifty billion Naira may be increased by such amount as the Board may be determine and that amount shall be distributed in a proportion as the Board may prescribe’’ and

8. Federal Capital Territory Primary Healthcare Board (Establishment) Act, 2019 provides for the development and operation of primary healthcare structure, equitable distribution of primary healthcare facilities and effective access to healthcare services within the Federal Capital Territory.

The Act states that the Board shall:

(a) provide guidance and oversight for the provision and efficient running of PHC systems for all residents of the FCT;

(b) approve all annual work plans, budgets, programmes, capital expenditure, and projects, any other major undertaking that may be necessary to enhance the functions of the Board;

(c) Approve budget for submission to the Health and Human Services Secretariat to be included in FCTA budget estimate proposals to the National Assembly;

(d) mobilise funds necessary for the provision of effective and efficient PHC services;

(e) undertake capital projects as needed to improve PHC services in the FCT.

9. Federal Capital Territory Hospitals Management Board (Establishment) Act, 2019 is aimed at providing for the development and operation of primary healthcare structure, equitable distribution of primary healthcare facilities and effective access to healthcare services within the Federal Capital Territory.

The Nine Acts have come into effect as laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senator Abbo Apologizes For Slapping A Lady, Says He’s Not Brought Up Like That

Editorial staff

July 3, 2019

Senator Ishaku Abbo of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Adamawa North has formally apologized to Nigerians for assaulting a lady at an Abuja sex toy shop.

The Senator, at a press conference today, July 3 in Abuja, said: “my family and religious upbringing do not give approval to such conduct and for this, as a leader, I seek forgiveness before God and all those who feel offended by my action.”

He said: “with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo (SIA) profoundly apologize to all Nigerians, the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my family, friends as well as our mothers – the Nigerian women.

“I personally apologize to Bibra and her family for my action towards her, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity.

“I have never been known or associated with such actions in the past. Regardless of what transpired prior to my expression of anger, I am sincerely sorry and plead that all men and women of good conscience should have the heart to forgive me. To err is human, to forgive is divine.

“To the Church of God everywhere in the world, I am sorry. As an Ambassador of Christ, much is expected of me.”

Senator Abbo acknowledged that the episode has taught him a very great lesson, both as a private citizen and a public officer, “particularly as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon whom public confidence is bestowed.”

He assured Nigerians, especially the people of Adamawa North of his good conduct at all times.

Oba Of Benin, Edo Royal Fathers Storm Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

July 3, 2019

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare 11 in a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari when Oba led all the top traditional rulers of Edo State today, July 3, to pay a visit on the President at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital. Other royal fathers are the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III), Onojie of Orowa, Cyril Aidehoje, Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edehiri, Engogie of Evbuobanosa, HRH Prince, Akenzua, Oliha of Benin Chief Edionwe Oliha and other. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.

Appointment Of Minority Leader, Others Set House Of Reps On Fire Again

Editorial staff

July 3, 2019

Appointment of minority leader and other key officers in the minority political parties has set the House of Representatives on fire again, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rose to challenge the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

An eye witness said that the PDP members had wanted Kingsley Chinda, a PDP lawmaker from Rivers, to be appointed as minority leader, but that the Speaker went on to announce Ndidi Elumelu as the minority leader.

It was learnt that the leadership of the PDP had earlier written to the speaker, listing Chinda as minority leader, Chukwuka Onyema as deputy minority leader; Yakubu Barde, minority whip and Muraina Ajibola, deputy minority whip.

It was gathered that the Speaker, instead set aside the list forwarded by the PDP on the grounds that the PDP alone did not represent all minority political parties in the house. He then went ahead to read a letter signed by 99 members of minority political parties in the house on the preferred persons for the various positions.

The speaker then announced Ndidi Elumelu as minority leader, Toby Okechukwu as deputy minority leader, Gideon Gwani as minority whip and Adesegun Adekoya as deputy minority whip.

It was gathered that after the announcement, some of the lawmakers began to fight each other while some dived for the mace but were prevented from seizing it.

The Speaker has adjourned the house’s plenary to tomorrow, Thursday, July 4.

For Maritime Safety, Buhari Signs Anti-Piracy Bill Into Law

Editorial staff

July 3, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has given his assent to the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill, 2019, in a move aimed at bringing a dramatic improvement in security on the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

The Presidential assent followed the passage of the bill by the Senate and House of Representatives on April 9, and April 30, respectively this year.

The bill passed by the Eighth National Assembly gives effect to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, and the International Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Navigation (SUA), 1988, and its Protocols.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) had facilitated the drafting of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill in 2012, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

It was in a bid to give further credence to the relevant international treaties of the United Nations (UN) and IMO ratified by Nigeria on maritime safety and security and provide a much-needed legal and institutional framework for the country – through its maritime security enforcement agencies: the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA – to ensure safe and secure shipping on Nigerian waters, and prosecute infractions.

A statement from NIMASA Head, Corporate Communications, Isichei Osamgbi, said that apart from addressing maritime insecurity, the new law, fulfills the international requirement for standalone legislation on piracy, as against the approach of using the Maritime Operations Coordinating Board Amendment Bill to criminalise piracy.

The statement said that with the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act, Nigeria has officially become the first country in the West and Central African Sub-Region to promulgate a separate law against piracy, an important international requirement set by the IMO as part of measures to guarantee secure global shipping.

It quoted the Director-General of NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, as describing the move as a step in the right direction, saying: “It marks the dawn of a great moment for world maritime.”

Dakuku was further quoted as saying: “this is not just a victory for NIMASA, but also for all the stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime community. We are determined to continue to deliver on our promise to investors and the international community to ensure an increasingly safer and more secure environment for profitable maritime business.

“And the new law at this very critical stage of our Blue Economy drive is certainly an elixir that will boost our capacity to harness the rich potential of our seas and oceans.”

The NIMASA DG thanked the President for “his commitment and passion for measures that will guarantee safety and security on Nigerian waters.” He also appreciated the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their support. Dakuku assured that the Agency will continue to work with relevant partners and organisations to achieve its aim of ridding the country’s waterways and exclusive economic zone of criminal activities.

“No man is an island; hence NIMASA cannot achieve much without the support of other stakeholders. This is the time we all need to work more closely together, so that we don’t give room to criminals to have their way in our maritime domain,” he added.

Some of the significant provisions of the Act include a distinct definition of piracy and other maritime offences/unlawful acts; punishment upon conviction for maritime crimes; restitution to owners of violated maritime assets or forfeiture of proceeds of maritime crime to the Federal Government; and establishment of a Piracy and Maritime Offences Fund with prescribed sources of funding that will be utilised in the implementation of the Act.

The new law also vests exclusive jurisdiction for the determination of matters under the Act on the Federal High Court. It empowers relevant authorities mentioned under the Act to seize vessels or aircraft used for maritime crimes anywhere in Nigeria and in international waters or in the jurisdiction of any country where the ship is reasonably believed to be a pirate-controlled ship or aircraft.

Atiku Demands Apology From Senator Abbo For Assaulting Lady

Editorial staff

July 3, 2019

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has asked Senator Elisha Abbo of the same party to publicly apologize for assaulting a lady at a sex toy shop in Abuja.

Reacting to the incidence which had generated public condemnation, Atiku said: “I’ve seen the alleged assault video involving Sen. Elisha Abbo. The video is sad, inexcusable,” Atiku said on Twitter.

“I know the Senator quite well. But the law is clear and leaders must lead by example,” Atiku said in a statement on Wednesday.

“I advise him to publicly apologize, voluntarily go to the police and show a good example expected of a young leader. I also call on our party, the @OfficialPDPNig to take necessary disciplinary action and the @PoliceNG to ensure the law takes its full course.”

The PDP senator Abbo, who represents Adamawa North District, was shown in a video assaulting a lady attendant at the sex toy shop.

In the video, Abbo slapped the lady more than three times and ordered his security aide to walk the assaulted lady out of the shop.

The Senator in an interview with Channels Television claimed his sister was beaten at the shop and he was assaulted on arrival at the scene in May, while he was a senator-elect after the elections.

Meanwhile the Senate has called for an investigation into the assault and said while the matter remains an allegation, it will be investigated and all sides should be given a fair hearing.

The Senate president, Ahmed Lawan, however, gave the bi-partisan committee set up to investigate the allegations against the senator two weeks to submit its report.

Nigerians, members of opposition parties and human rights activists have also called for the arrest and arraignment of the lawmaker.

RUGA Project Was Floated By Federal Agric Ministry – NEC Committee

Editorial staff

July 3, 2019

The National Economic Council (NEC), headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has clarified the issue surrounding the controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA), which President Muhammadu Buhari has just suspended.

Speaking to news men today, July 3 shortly after an emergency meeting of the NEC committee on farmers/herders crisis, the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, said: “Ruga programme was initiated and being implemented by the Federal ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.”

The governor, who spoke on the outcome of the emergency meeting, presided over by Vice President Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, said that the idea of Ruga is not consistent with the approved programme of National Economic Council (NEC) and Federal Government, tagged, “ the National Livestock Transformation Programme.”

“We are aware that today that Mr. President has suspended the implementation of Ruga programme, initiated and being implemented by the Federal ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, because it is not consistent with the NEC and Federal Government approved National Livestock Transformation plan which has programmes of rehabilitation of displaced IDPs, resulting from the crisis and also development of ranches in any willing state of the Federation. The word is willing state of the federation.

“The beauty of the National Livestock Transformation plan as approved by NEC and Federal Government is that it is a voluntary programme to all the 36 states who may like to participate.

“So, it is not compulsory, it is for any state that is willing to key into the programme.

“Any state that is interested in this programme is required to bring up a development plan that is keyed towards the implementation in line with our own programme and based on the challenges that each state has in respect of the crisis. That’s the decision of this committee.”

Kidnappers Risk Death Penalty In Taraba, Assembly Amends Law

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2019

The Taraba House of Assembly has amended the state Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition Act 2010, to introduce death penalty and life imprisonment for offenders.

The Majority Leader and member representing Karim Lamido 1 constituency, Charles Maijankai, moved the motion for the amendment of the Act today, July 2, and was seconded by the Minority Leader of the House, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed, during plenary.

The Speaker, Abel Diah said that the bill, upon its assent by Governor Darius Ishaku would become Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition Amendment Act 2019.

Diah, who represents Mbamnga constituency, said that the bill would ensure protection of residents of the state against kidnapping.

The speaker said that the new bill has amended section three, four, seven and eight of the 2010 Act.

He stated that the bill stipulate that any person who kidnap or abduct a person or by other any means of instilling or tricking another person with intent to demand ransom or compel another person to do anything against his wish shall be sentenced to death.

He explained that the person shall also forfeit all property and proceeds traceable to him or her to the State Government.

The speaker also said that any person who attempt to kidnap shall be sentenced to life imprisonment while any person who willfully permit his building or premises to be used for the act shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine.

“The new bill prescribes punishment for violators as; any person, who threatened to kill, maim, injure or cause panic in order to compel another person, corporate or government organisation to do or refrain from doing any act committed an offence and is liable on conviction to 20 years without an option of fine.

“It also said that any person who threatens to kidnap another person by means of phone calls, text messages or any electronic device shall be convicted to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

“And any person who conceals any information or has knowledge as to the existence of a kidnap group or is aware of the planning and execution of a kidnap or abduction without informing relevant security agencies commits and offence and shall be convicted to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine,” he said.

Source: NAN.

Maritime Workers To Shut Ports Operations In Nationwide Strike Tomorrow

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2019

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has directed its members to withdraw their services, shut ports operations and begin a nationwide from tomorrow, July 3 over unpaid wages to Dockworkers, among other issues.

The President-General of the union, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, who addressed officials and a cross section of dockworkers at the Dockworkers’ Branch of MWUN, Lagos, today, July 2, said that the industrial action would not be suspended until all outstanding payments for over a year were fully paid, and other issues resolved.

The union had on June 11 issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to compel the International Oil Companies, (IOCs), to pay over a year outstanding wages to Dockworkers or face nationwide industrial unrest.

In fact, the leaders of the union had last week set up a strike coordinating committee and directed its officials in all port formations nationwide to begin a massive mobilisation of members ahead of the planned strike.

Comrade Adeyanju complained of non-payment of Government appointed tevedores/Dockworkers by the IOCs contravened Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Act 2007.

He lamented that several efforts made for the IOCs to see reason including the stakeholders meeting organised by the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, fell on deaf ears, lamenting that while some of the affected Dockworkers had passed on prematurely due to economic hardship, those alive had been made to become destitute.

“As a responsible union, we cannot continue to fold our arms and watch our members die a premature death because of the nonchalant attitude of the IOCs management toward the welfare of our members.

“In view of the foregoing, we gave a 14-day ultimatum/notice to the Federal Government, through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation to prevail on the IOCs to do the needful by paying our members.

“Ahead of the expiration of 14 days Ultimatum/ Notice, which elapsed on Friday, 28th June, 2019, we issued a reminder letter dated 27th June,2019, informing the government that if at the close of work on Tuesday 2nd July 2019, no evidence of payment is seen, our members shall withdraw service in all the nation’s seaports until all issues in contention are resolved.

“As we speak, there is no sign of payment, therefore, by 6.am tomorrow, our members in all port formations nationwide are to withdraw their services and begin a nationwide strike.”

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