I Was Not A Dictator, IBB Protests

August 20, 2022

Former military President of Nigeria, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has made it clear that he was not a dictator when he was in charge of the country.
Answering questions on a special programme of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the former leader said that there was no decision he took alone.
He said that members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) then used to have regular meetings, the way the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is currently doing, to discuss issues of national interests.
Babangida stressed that most times, the views of the members of the military Council over-rode his own, and that such superior views were often implemented.

According to him, even the views of Nigerians through social media across the country would form the basis of the decision and action of his government.
He cited the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) saga and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan issue as examples, saying that despite his opinion to the contrary, the views of the majority members of the AFRC), via the views of Nigerians expressed through social media were implemented.
Babangida said that the Armed Forces Ruling Council took the decision to prepare the country for a democratic civilian rule by renaming his position as Military President and that of the Supreme Military Council to Armed Forces Ruling Council. He added that many decisions were taken after thorough deliberation at the Council meetings.

Splinter Academic Group Promises To End ASUU’s Incessant Strikes If…

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2022

A splinter academic group, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has promised to put an end to the incessant strikes by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if it is registered by the government.
The National Coordinator of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, who spoke at a media briefing yesterday, August 19 in Abuja, confirmed that liberalization of academic unions would end incessant strikes in universities.
According to the coordinator, the liberalisation would also engender cross-fertilisation of ideas, nurture healthy competition and protect the interests of all stakeholders.
He said CONUA is poised to ensure cross-fertilisation of ideas took place before a strike could be embarked upon.
“What we have noted over the years is that ideas are usually muffled.”
Sunmonu stressed that there was nothing wrong in having two to four unions in universities as Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution assures of freedom of association.
He said that CONUA is birthed by academics across universities in February 2018 and applied for registration as a trade union at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in April 2018.
He recalled that the minister held a public meeting with CONUA delegates on November 19, 2020, where he appointed a committee to conclude the review of registration of CONUA.
“We are aware that the committee has since submitted its report. We have therefore been waiting to hear from the government about our registration.
“CONUA is not a frivolous union, but an assemblage of visionary and courageous academics with immense potential to stem decline in university image.”
He said that further delay in the registration of CONUA would amount to undermining the fundamental rights of the people.
In his remarks, CONUA’s National Publicity Coordinator, Dr. Ernest Nwoke, said the that monopoly enjoyed by the Academic Staff Union of Universities had been responsible for incessant strikes in universities.
He stressed that the liberalisation of academic staff unions in the universities was the only solution so that lecturers would be free to belong to unions of their choices.
“For more than 40 years, ASUU has enjoyed a monopoly in Nigerian universities.
“There is no ripe time than now for the liberalisation of academic unions to put an end to strikes in the universities.”
Information at our disposal shows that ASUU has gone on strike for more than 1,417 days since 1999, translating to almost four years cumulatively.
The current strike, which began on February 14, 2022, is in its sixth month.
The union is demanding that the Federal Government executes agreements entered into with the union in 2009 before its members would return to lecture theatres.
It is also demanding that government adopts the University Transparency Accountability Solution, a pay system designed by the universities to pay salaries of academic staff.
The union says it prefers UTAS to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System designed for salary payment to all government workers.
ASUU equally wants payment of promotion arrears and the release of withheld salaries of academics.
Source: NAN.

Group Blames Inability Of Shutdown Stations To Renew Licenses To Harsh Economy

Editorial staff

August 19, 2022

Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has blamed the harsh economic environment for the shutdown TV and Radio stations to renew their operational licenses to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

In a statement today, August 19, Head of its Legal Department, Ms. Obioma Okonkwo, said that by the revocation of the broadcast licenses of so many stations for alleged non-payment of their licence fees, the NBC is prioritizing its desire to make money off the broadcasters over the interest of citizens as the ultimate effect of its action is to deprive millions of Nigerians access to information as well as their rights and ability to freely express themselves through these stations.

“The action of the NBC has only worsened the prevailing lopsidedness in the broadcasting landscape in Nigeria which was already dominated by government-owned broadcasting stations but is now under the monopolistic control of Federal Government-owned stations, which will be almost unchallenged, with the result that citizens will now be fed unmitigated propaganda by these remaining stations.”

Ms Obioma accused the NBC of being insensitive to the harsh economic environment under which the broadcast stations have operated over the last two and a half years as the national economy has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic itself and the measures taken by the government in response to the pandemic.

According to him, the broadcasting stations are also negatively impacted by the inability of the government to create a conducive environment for them to operate, such as providing appropriate infrastructure like electricity supply, adding that with the stations having to find alternative sources of power supply even as the price of diesel continues to skyrocket daily, they are simply struggling to survive.

“The fact that so many broadcasting stations have been unable to pay the license fees raises serious questions about the fairness and appropriateness of the fees being imposed on broadcasters by the NBC in such a challenging economic environment. As the NBC, which imposes the fees and collects them for its own use, there needs to be an independent inquiry into this apparent conflict of interest where the motivation of the commission is apparently to make as much money for itself as possible.”

Ms Obioma called on the NBC to reverse its decision in the public interest to avoid creating a society of predominantly ignorant citizens, advising that the need to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed through the media should supersede any other consideration by the NBC.

She called on the commission to liaise with the broadcasting stations to identify the challenges facing the industry and come up with realistic solutions to the identified challenges.

Buhari’s Government Is “worker-friendly” – Nigerian Senior Civil Servants

Editorial staff

August 19, 2022

The Central Working Committee of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has described the government of President Muhammadu Buhari as “worker-friendly.”

The President of the Association, Dr. Tommy Okon, who spoke when he visited the President at the Presidential villa today, August 19, drew attention to the implementation of far-reaching reforms, that include regular payment of salaries and allowances, increase in minimum wage, extension of retirement age for some workers, like teachers, and sustenance of the size of public service in spite of constraints of financing.

Okon however, called for an increase in salaries of civil servants as a result of the increasing cost of living.

He also requested for the restoration of the full payment of gratuity at retirement, harmonization of public service salaries and allowances, and increase in the budget of the National Housing Fund.

He said that the increasing cost of living has made it difficult for many public servants to carry on in spite of the minimum wage review, advising that benefits of all public servants should also be harmonized for fairness.

“There should be equal pay for jobs of equal value,” he added.

The President of ASCSN commended President Buhari for ensuring access and inclusivity in governance, adding that it is the first time the Association is meeting with a President of the country.

Buhari Acknowledges Urgent Need For General Salary Review In Public Service

Editorial staff

August 19, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari received in Courtesy Visit, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged the urgent need for a general salary review in the Federal Public Service due to worldwide problems of high inflation amidst general economic disruption.

The President who received in audience today, August 19, members of the Central Working Committee of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)

The President said that a Committee has been set up under the Minister of Finance to work on the harmonization of salary in the Public Service.

“A report is being expected, to be submitted at the conclusion of its assignment, which would be studied for appropriate action.’’

The President said the Head of Service of the Federation has been directed to liaise with other relevant government agencies to see how the 2023 budget estimates can accommodate an increase in the budget of Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.

Buhari however said that the existing revenue constraints being presently faced by Government, caused mainly by the activities of unscrupulous citizens through the theft of our crude oil, a major contributor to the revenue base has been a big setback to the idea of increase in workers’ wages.

“This is compounded by global economic downturn as a result of the on-going Russian – Ukrainian war, which has led to price increases not just in the costs of goods and services globally, but also in the transportation of these goods and services across the globe.

“You are also aware of the enormous burden placed on our finances by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Furthermore, let me note the significant investment we have had to make in security over the last seven years, which means other sectors of the economy have not been able to receive as much funding as we would have liked. Only when our country is secured that we are able to proceed and take on other aspects of our economic challenges.”

President Buhari explained that investment in security assets has been at a huge cost, after several decades of negligence.

“However, my confidence in the Nigerian Armed forces is unshaken, and I have tasked the Chief of Defense Staff and his service chiefs to take the war to these criminals who have made life difficult for many Nigerians.

“Recent reports have shown the message is now being heard and the dividends of our seven years of investments are now maturing. I implore our forces to continue with the current effort and determination until we rid our land of these miscreants.

“I also wish to reiterate that we will not allow a few criminals to have unfettered access to the nation’s crude oil supply hence I have directed our security agencies to speedily bring to a halt the activities of these vandals in the Niger Delta.”

President Buhari said that criminal activities on seas, where large vessels seek to hide in neighboring countries will be checked, stressing: “there should be no hiding place for such criminals, and our cooperation with neighboring countries in halting these crimes is being strengthened and tightened.”

The President said that request for restoration of the payment of gratuity to public service employees was one of the landmark provisions addressed in the 2004 Pension Reform Act.

“Therefore, implementing your request for the payment of a bulk sum of gratuity to retired civil servants would negate the intent and provisions of the Act.

“It should be acknowledged that a change in the implementation of the Act would require an amendment by the National Assembly. But more importantly, the Pension Reform Act is a better designed and robust system that allows for safety of pensioners funds and its payment.”

He reassured his guests that his administration would not tolerate any policy that would destabilize the service even as he implored them to always acknowledge their very important role as the engine room of government, no matter the political party that is in power.

“This is the main reason why you must remain non-partisan in the discharge of your duties.”

Why We Prolonged Implementation Of Orosanye White Paper Report – Buhari

Editorial staff

August 19, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has given reasons why the federal government prolonged the implementation of the Orosanye White Paper Report.

He said that he had continued to insist that the White Paper Report should be subjected to immediate review to enable the Government take the most appropriate decision on its general recommendation.

The President said, when he spoke to members of the Central Working Committee of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) at the State House today, August 19: “while some may complain about the length of time it has taken thus far, the outcome of the various review teams would lead to some fundamental changes in the structure of our Civil Service and as such it must be subjected to rigorous review and scrutiny before presentation and implementation.”

Buhari said that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will submit the harmonized white paper once it has been concluded.

He assured that the administration remains focused on strengthening the service and ensuring it helps the government fulfill its objectives.

The President said that the government understands the role of the Civil Service in policy formulation and implementation towards the provision of socio-economic and political benefits to our citizens.

“This administration remains focused on strengthening the service and ensuring it helps the government fulfill its objectives. The Civil Service must not be seen as a dumping ground for job seekers, but must attract the best and the brightest who will contribute fresh ideas and a determination to solving our socio-economic problems,’’ the President added.”

NUJ Regrets Actions Of Shutdown TV, Radio Stations, But Insists Govt’s Action Is Hasty

Editorial staff

August 19, 2022

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has regretted the inability of the 52 TV and Radio broadcasting stations to fulfil their obligations to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), but that shutting them down now is not the best.

The Union’s national President, Chris Isiguzo, in a statement today, August 19, said that NBC’s decision to shut the stations down is hasty, ill-timed and reckless, saying that said that such a decision appeared to have been taken without careful deliberation.

“Media Release NBC: A hasty decision The decision today by the Industry Regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission – NBC, to revoke the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide over-indebtedness to the Commission was ill-advised. The affected stations, according to NBC, are said to owe arrears of licence fees amounting to N2.6 billion since 2015.

“Although the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah claimed that this development had no political motives, yet we insist that the action was ill-timed and reckless. It should be noted that this wholesale revocation of licences at this critical time of insecurity in the Country appears to be a decision taken without careful prior deliberation, consultation or counsel.

“While we regret the inability of these broadcast stations to fulfil their obligations to NBC, in view of dwindling resources, we caution against such a large-scale clampdown of broadcast stations in disregard to security issues and the attendant consequence.

“We cannot afford the unpleasant outcome of such a media blackout at this time. We call on NBC to exercise more restraint on this issue in consideration of national security and allow for more dialogue and consultation to find a better way of dealing with the situation.”

NBC had revoked the broadcast licences of Silverbird TV, AIT/ Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM, amongst others.

The Director-General of the NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu, who made the disclosure today, said that the development followed the failure of the media houses to renew their broadcast licences.

He directed its state offices to liaise with security agencies to ensure the shutdown of the operation of these stations within the next 24 hours.

Broadcasting Commission Shuts Down 52 TV, Radio Stations – Their List

Greenbarge Reporters

August 19, 2022

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has shut down 52 television and radio stations over none payment for their license and thereby violating National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.
The list of the stations so shut down and given 24 hours to stop operation, at a news briefing today, August 19, by the Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, are as follows:

Silverbird TV (Silverbird Communications Co. Ltd) Network
Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Abuja
3. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Lagos
4. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Yenagoa
5. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Port-Harcourt
6. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communications Ltd) FM Jos
7. Rhythm FM (Silverbird Communication Ltd) Benin
8. Greetings FM (Greetings Media Ltd) FM Network
9. Tao FM (Ovidi CommunicationS Ltd) FM Okene
10. Zuma FM (Zuma FM Ltd) FM Suleja
11. Crowther FM (Crowther Communications Ltd) FM Abuja
12. We FM (Kings Broadcasting Ltd) FM Benin
13. Linksman International ltd Keffi
14. Bomay Broadcasting Services ltd Abuja
15. MITV (Murhi International Group Ltd) Ibadan
16. Classic FM (Pinkt Nigeria Ltd) Port-Harcourt
17. Classic FM (Pinkt Nigeria Ltd) Lagos
18. Classic TV (Pinkt Nigeria Ltd) Lagos
19. Smoot FM (Fenchurch Invest Consortium ltd) Lagos
20. Beat FM (Megalectrics LTD) Lagos
21. Cooper Communications ltd Lagos
22. Splash FM (West Midlands Ltd) Ibadan
23. Rock City FM (Boot Communications ltd) Abeokuta
24. Family FM (Kalaks Investments Nig. Ltd) Ilugun
25. Space FM (Creazioni Nig. Ltd) Ibadan
26. Radio Jeremi (Radio Jeremi ltd) Effurun
27. Breeze FM (Bays Water ltd) Akure
28. Vibes FM (Vibes Communication ltd) Benin
29. Family Love FM (Multimesh Broadcasting Co. Ltd) Port-Harcourt
30. Wave FM (South Atlantic Media ltd) Port-Harcourt
31. Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation
32. Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation
33. Niger State Broadcasting Corporation
34. Gombe State Broadcasting Corporation
35. Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation
36. Lagos DSB
37. Osun State Broadcasting Corporation
38. Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation
39. Ondo State Broadcasting Corporation
40. Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation
41. Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation
42. Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation
43. Imo State Broadcasting Corporation
44. Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation
45. Borno State Broadcasting Corporation
46. Yobe State Broadcasting Corporation
47. Sokoto State Broadcasting Corporation
48. Zamfara State Broadcasting Corporation
49. Kebbi State Broadcasting Corporation
50. Jigawa State Broadcasting Corporation
51. Kaduna State Broadcasting Corporation
52. Katsina State Broadcasting Corporation

Balarabe Ilelah recalled that in May this year, the NBC published in the National Dailies, the list of licensees that are indebted to the Commission, and granted them two weeks to renew their licenses and pay their debts or consider their licenses revoked, frequencies withdrawn and the withdrawn frequencies reassigned to others who are ready to abide by the necessary requirements.
“Three months after the publication, some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.
In view of this development, the continued operation of the debtor-stations is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security.
“Therefore, after due consideration, the NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the under-listed stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.

The Director General said that Broadcast stations that are not affected and whose names are not on the list should renew their licenses for their current duration within the next 30 days or get their licenses also revoked.

FG Moves To Shut Down 195 Illegal Colleges Of Education

Greenbarge Reporters

August 19, 2022

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded arrangement to shut down 195 illegal Colleges of Education across the country.

The minister of education, Malam Adamu Adamu made this known yesterday, August 18 at a news briefing in the State House, Abuja.

Details later.

Reps Grills Abuja Officials Over Demolition Of Structures In Kuje

Editorial staff

August 18, 2022

The House of Representatives Committee on area councils, has subjected the officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to questions on the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Kuje area council.

The House Committee, in response to a petition today, August 18, by victims of the demolition, wanted to know why the action was being embarked upon at the time the country is going through economic hardships.

And, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Umar Shaibu, said that the exercise is being undertaken by the administration to identify areas that have been used as hideouts by criminals thereby constituting threats to national security, peace and order.

According to him, in carrying out the demolition, careful procedure is being followed and that all extant laws are being adhered, adding that critical stakeholders are being engaged at different times to ensure human rights are not bridged.

This was even as the Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to FCT Minister, Ikharo Attah, said that the administration has been worried about the security breaches that had taken place in Kuje in recent time.

According to him, the breeches could not be tolerated, as such activities of the underworlds put the administration in bad light.

Attah added that certain people have disregarded earlier warnings that they should stop converting the reserved railway corridors and public abattoir site to residential homes.

Also, the director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, said that area councils have the right to allocate lands in FCT after the reforms that were introduced in 2005.

He added however, that local chiefs do not have the legal right to transfer any valid title to anyone.

The representative of Kuje area council chairman, Ishaku Habila, who is also the chief surveyor of Kuje area council, confirmed that the council followed the illegal developments, especially at the railway corridors with concern.

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