Sorry We Don’t Have N400 Million To Pay Your Arrears, Drug Agency Boss Tells Striking Workers

November 14, 2014

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii has told the striking workers of the agency that the agency doesn’t have about N400 Million that is needed to pay their outstanding arrears. The workers have embarked on the strike since Wednesday.

The NADAC boss who spoke to journalists today in Abuja said that the agency would need about N400 million to offset such payment “and this we generate from our operations, which has now been shut down.

“As a result of the shutdown, it may not even be possible to pay these outstanding, as no money would come in during the time of shut down.”

Dr. Orhii said that the demand for payment of 2013 13th month arrears by the workers is not statutory but a privilege they had enjoyed in the past, “which we couldn’t meet up in 2013 due to unavailability of funds.

“It wasn’t as if nothing was paid at all; many of the workers had received some percentage and we agreed to pay by instalment because that privilege is not captured by the budget but usually from our internally generated fund so that by the end of December 2014, everyone would have been paid; but they refused,” said Orhii.

He, however, debunked claims of poor condition of service for the staff, saying, “We have made arrangements and discussed with the leaders but they have remained adamant despite the fact that we even have unprecedented trainings for our staff with welfare packages that people even complain they are being over trained.”

And yesterday, the leadership of the Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), picketed the NAFDAC premises at Oshodi, Lagos. Led by the Chairman of MHWUN, Stephen Ibe, their leaders insisted there would be no operations at any of the NAFDAC installations until all the workers’ demands were met.

“We are ready for this strike and it is total, no payment, no going back to work.” [myad]

Nigeria Air Force Loses 3 Officers In Helicopter Crash In Yola

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

Nigeria’s air force has announced that three servicemen have lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in Yola, capital of Adamawa state.

The crash, according to the military authorities, occurred late on Thursday. The military said the aircraft involved was a ground attack helicopter on an armed patrol.

“The crew of three was lost in the ill-fated accident,” a statement said, adding that an investigation will be carried out.

There was no immediate indication that Boko Haram was responsible for the crash, though there has been an increase in Boko Haram activity in the state in recent weeks. Boko Haram has reportedly taken over more than two dozen towns in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. [myad]

If You Have So Much For Campaigns, You Must Pay Us Our Dues, Delta Assembly workers Tell Lawmakers

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2014

The Parliamentary Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Delta State chapter, has given the Delta State House of Assembly 21 days ultimatum to meet their demands or it will go on strike. Members of the association are worried that the lawmakers have so much money to spend in prosecuting their re-election to the House, National Assembly, governorship position and other elective positions but are pretending that the association members don’t deserve to be well treated.

PASAN had, on October 14, given an ultimatum, which the House was said to have ignored, even as the association regarded the action of the House as deliberate.

Members of the association have insisted that their annual wardrobe allowance should be paid alongside that of the political appointees.

State PASAN Chairman of the association, Comrade McCartney Obrotu, and his Secretary, Emmanuel Osunbor, insisted that disruption of legislative business by the association would have no end until the leadership of the House adjusts and starts maintain the status quo.

They accused the House leadership of paying lip service to the welfare of the association’s members by hoarding their allowances unduly, halting training and retraining, staff promotion and car and housing allowances, regretting that as at Wednesday, only five per cent of their demands have been met.

In a letter dated November 11, 2014, addressed to the Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Committee, and signed by Obrotu and Osumbor, they threatened that seven-day notice would further be given for their demands to be met in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act of Nigeria.

“The political class in the House is maltreating the civil servants, treating them as inconsequential beings.” They added that they deliberately refused to see members of the association as complementary part of the system.

“At the expiration of this notice, the union shall embark on a three days warning strike. The congress of PASAN has deliberated on the matters arising from an earlier ultimatum issued on 14th October, 2014 with their demands,’’ Obrotu stated. [myad]

We Fear That Nigeria Soldiers Are Not Capable Of Using The War Arsenals –The US

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2014

The United States has said that it refused to sell its Cobra helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns about the Nigeria’s military ability to use and maintain them.

The cobra attack helicopter is a combat aircraft used by the US marines with the ability to climb at the rate of 8.2meters per second. It is equipped with a 20 mm M197 3-barreled Gatling cannon in the A/A49E-7 turret (750 rounds ammo capacity).

America however said that it had provided and approved sales of military equipment to Nigerian armed forces.

The US State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said this in Washington when she was reacting allegations made by the Nigerian ambassador to US, Professor Adebowale Adefuye that America has not been helping Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram.

Adefuye had told members of the Council on Foreign Relations on Monday that the US refused to sell lethal arms to Nigeria, adding that America was not doing enough to assist in combating the Boko Haram insurgency in North-Eastern part of the country.

The ambassador said: “The U.S. government has up till today refused to grant Nigeria’s request to purchase lethal equipment that would have brought down the terrorists within a short time on the basis of the allegations that Nigeria’s defence forces have been violating human rights of Boko Haram suspects when captured or arrested.

“We find it difficult to understand how and why, in spite of the U.S. presence in Nigeria, with their sophisticated military technology, Boko Haram should be expanding and becoming more deadly.”

Adefuye said that Washington had refused Nigeria’s requests to buy heavy weaponry because of allegations the defense forces have violated the human rights of Boko Haram suspects.

He said allegations of human rights abuses by the military were “rumors, hearsays and exaggerated accounts put about by rivals of President Goodluck Jonathan and rights groups.”

But Psaki in reaction to Adefuye’s allegations, claimed there had been “a great deal” of US aid to Nigeria.

She said there were ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations, adding that these had been discussed with the Nigerian authorities. [myad]

Nigerian Recovers Mubi, Maiha From Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2014

The Nigerian army, aided by local hunters and civilian vigilantes, has recaptured Mubi and Maiha towns in Adamawa state from Boko Haram whose members had earlier over-ran. They took control of Mubi in Adamawa State on Oct. 28, killing dozens of people, burning houses and forcing thousands to flee. The group seized Maiha, some 30 km to the south, on Monday.

Adamawa State Governor, Bala Ngilari said today that an alliance including local hunters and vigilante groups known as the Civilian Joint Task Force had helped the army chase the militants out.

People in the region often complain of feeling abandoned by the state and some have taken up whatever weapons they have to hand – such as hunting rifles – to defend themselves.

“The insurgents have been flushed out of Mubi and are on the run,” Ngilari said.

An official of the Mubi local government, who fled to the state capital Yola following Boko Haram’s seizure of the town, said he had spoken by phone with people in Mubi who confirmed the town had been retaken. He asked to remain anonymous.

The Nigerian army could not immediately comment but a senior officer in the capital, who also asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters the army was “on the verge of recapturing Mubi and other towns and villages taken over by the insurgents”.

Local hunter James Tutu said over 75 militants had been killed in Maiha and several wounded. Officials could not confirm the account.

Nigeria announced last month it had agreed a ceasefire with Boko Haram, which aims to carve out an Islamic caliphate in northern Nigeria. But the group’s leader denied there was a truce and it has stepped up its attacks since.

The taking of the towns was a further embarrassment for the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, who announced his intention to seek another term in office on Tuesday, promising to defeat the insurgents and free some 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in April. [myad]

Boko Haram: Nigeria Catholic Bishops Storm Aso Rock To Make A Wake Up Call On Jonathan

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2014

Leaders of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria today, stormed the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to remind President Goodluck Jonathan of the grave danger the nation is facing in the hands of Boko Haram, whose members they said, are fast taking over many Nigerian territories.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation which comprised, among others, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Cardinal John Oneiyakan and a dozen others, the group’s President, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama said: “we are here (in Presidential Villa) on behalf of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria not to wish the President a bad day but to talk about our nation. We have some concerns about the situation of security in the nation as well as political developments. “So, in general terms.
“We just wanted to remind him of things he already knows; there was nothing we said that was new. We just wanted to lay emphasis and we wanted him to know we are concerned.”
Bishop Ignatius, who spoke to newsmen shortly after the meeting of the Bishops with President Jonathan added: “we feel that things are not right. Territorially, our land is being taken away (by Boko Haram). The people we look after are being displaced. Their homes, their villages, towns are being captured and they are internally displaced. They are refugees in their own land.
“We thought this is not right. We have families that are just stranded.
We thought that the President should know.” The Bishops acknowledged that President Jonathan has been doing his bit and has assured Nigerians that he is on top of the situation but regrtted that the principal aim and concern of Boko Haram has always been to eliminate
Christianity and pave the way for total Islamisation of the country.
“The Boko Haram agenda is very clear: they want to destroy what is not, according
to them, authentic Islam and the Christians fall into that category and so we are the major target. Just like the government is a target, the Christians too are a major target. Other Nigerians are also targets, but we suffer more.
“For instance, the Bishop of Maidugiri will tell you how many of his parishes have all been destroyed. His minor seminary, his convent and clinics where sisters work, have all been destroyed. then the priests are on the run. Reverend sisters have all abandoned their homes. They
are all on the run.
“In Yola, you find that many people are distressed and displaced. When we admit that some muslims are also targeted, we want to believe that concern of Boko Haram is to eliminate Christianity and pave the way for total Islamisation of the country.”
He commended the relief measures for Boko Haram victims but questioned the effectiveness of the distribution of the materials.

The Bishops called on the government to involve them, adding: “as a Catholic, we have laid a good structure for relief and taking care of such situation. We want the government to collaborate with us. We have what we call the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission. We respond when there is an emergency. We know how to technically do registration of displaced people.
“The little funds we gather we buy clothings and materials and are able to reach out very effectively. You would almost say that scientifically, every victim gets something.
“We have many years of experience: as a Catholic church, we don’t discriminate. In fact, 90% of the people we give relief to are not Christians or even Catholics, so we should be brought on board.
“We should combine the skill of registering adequately displaced people and then know the right approach to give them relief so that they can feel the impact. What is being done now is not effective and that is the truth.” [myad]

Eagles Players Need To Work As A Team, Returnee Ikechukwu Uche Says

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2014

Returnee Super Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has advised his colleagues to work hard together as a team to bring the glory of the Eagles back.

“We have to be together and work together for the team because the interest of our nation is what is very important. “I’m happy to be back to do my work. I’m a professional, this is what I do. We have to work hard to win the remaining games. This is a team game; we have to work as a team. I will do my best, likewise my colleagues; we just have to work as a team.”

Uche, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja shortly after he rejoining the team expressed delight at being recalled to the team almost two years on the sidelines.

“I’m happy I’m here again, so that I can contribute to the team success. It feels good to be back. There is nothing much to say. I just hope we all work together to ensure that we win the remaining games.”

Uche, who made brief appearance in the Bolton White hotel arena said that all is now settled between him coach Stephen Keshi, adding that his main focus now is how to help the team out of its present predicament. [myad]

Nigeria Rolls In Debt Again With Total Stock At $10 Trillion

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2014

The federal and state governments have in the last one year borrowed no less than N2.52 trillion, the latest data released by the Debt Management Of¬fice (DMO) has shown.

This value excludes the $1billion debt recently approved for the federal government for the purchase of arms to fight terrorism.

On a year-on-year basis, the nation’s total debt stock rose to $10.84 trillion as at September 30, 2014, compared to N8.32 trillion in September 2013.

Data on external and domestic debt profile for the country, obtained from the agency’s website yesterday, indicate that external debt for federal and state government’s rose from N1.28 trillion in 2013 to N1.48 trillion in 2014.

However, the federal government’s domestic debt remained on the same level of N7.65 trillion, bringing the sub-total to N9.13 trillion in 2013, compared to N8.32 trillion a year earlier.

The domestic debt profile of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was not captured in 2013, accounted for the difference of N1.7 trillion in 2014 which saw the total debt profile rising to N10.84 trillion.

According to the DMO, the actual domestic debt stock for 34 states and the FCT, and the estimated stock for Ekiti and Bayelsa states as at end December, 2013, were used to arrive at the September 2014 figure, an indication that actual figures at the end date are higher than the N1.7 trillion, since some states had accessed the capital market for bonds between January and September.

On a quarterly basis, the total debt has increased by over N800 billion in nine months, compared to N10.04 trillion recorded at the end of December 2013, and over N400 billion compared to the N10.43 trillion recorded as at June 30, 2014.

With the continuous fall in oil prices, which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official figures said stood at $83.12 per barrel as at end of October, $112.75 by end of December 2013, analysts have predicted that government would still borrow more in the last quarter of this year and first quarter of next year, more so as 2015 is an election year.

However, the federal government has maintained that the country’s debt profile is highly sustainable, particularly in view of the rebased gross domestic product which led to Nigeria emerging as the largest economy in Africa and the 26th largest in the world.

The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that following the rebasing, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio declined from 19 per cent to 11 per cent while the tax revenue-to-GDP ratio dropped from 20 per cent to 12 per cent. [myad]

Police Arrest 5 Leaders Of National Assembly Staff For Protesting None Payment Of October Salaries

Greenbarge Reporters

November 12, 2014

Five leaders of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), including their Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Gobina Idrisu, and the spokesperson, Chris Odoh, were today, arrested and detained by the police within the National Assembly complex.

Leaders of the parliamentary workers were arrested for protesting within the complex over none payment of their October salary.

The PASAN, whose members staged the protest during plenary, marched round some of the offices and were heading to the lobby, chanting solidarity song before they were confronted and stopped by the security operatives within the complex.

The protesting PASAN members had put up resistance when the security operatives stopped them from marching towards the floor of the Senate.

A senior Police officer, who was said to have been angered by the action of the union leaders, ordered their arrest.

Drisu, in a statement which he distributed to journalists before he was whisked away, complained about the harsh working condition that his members were being subjected to.

He alleged that National Assembly staff had not been paid their October salary and that the management of the National Assembly had refused to pay them the approved Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure.

He added that both chambers of the National Assembly had passed payment of the CONLESS.

He said that apart from the none payment of one month salary, they were also protesting against what they described as mismanagement, maladministration, misappropriation, corruption and gross insensitivity to the plight of staff by the management of the National Assembly.

“The National Assembly administration has become so bad to the extent that injustice, deprivation and oppression are the order of the day.”

Attempts to speak with the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikashuwa, was however unsuccessful as he could not be reached on the telephone. [myad]

PDP May Not Have Presidential Candidate For 2015 As Mrs. MKO Abiola Wants Court To Disqualify Jonathan

Greenbarge Reporters

November 12, 2014

If the wish of Mrs. (Professor) Akosoba Duke Abiola, wife of the late Chief M.K.O Abiola is granted by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may go into the 2015 elections without a Presidential candidate.
Mrs. Akosoba Abiola filed a suit in the court seeking the disqualification of President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting for the 2015 Presidential election.
Through her lawyer, she is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the PDP and the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC) from accepting any candidate fielded by the party for the purposes of the 2015 Presidential Elections. In the originating summon filed at the Abuja Federal High Court, she is asking PDP to stop President Jonathan from seeking re-election. She seeks a declaration that in view of Section 87 (1), (7) and (9) of the Electoral Act, 2010, the 1st defendant cannot lawfully hold a valid primaries to nominate a Presidential candidate for the purpose of 2015 general elections. The suit is being led by Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo.
Mrs. Abiola wants a declaration that by virtue of Article 3 (1) (a) and (b), “Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections, 2014 of the PDP” the Plaintiff is entitled to obtain the Expression of Interest Form in relation to Presidential Primaries of the 1st Defendant (PDP), having paid the mandatory sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) to the 1st Defendant.
According to her, the failure, refusal or neglect of the 1st Defendant (PDP) to make available to the Plaintiff the Expression of Interest Form code no PD 002/P, despite repeated demands and upon payment of the mandatory N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) is a breach of Article 3(1)(a) and (b) of the “Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections 2014 of the PDP”
She argued that having failed to comply with the “Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections 2014 of the PDP” and in view of the provision of section 87(9) of the Electoral Act, 2010, the 1st Defendant (PDP) cannot validly field any candidate for the Presidential Election in 2015.
She argues that the 2nd Defendant cannot accept any candidate fielded by the 1st Defendant for purposes of the Presidential Election in 2015, by reason of the provisions of Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act, 2010. [myad]

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