Anambra Govt, PDP Fight Over Deduction In Workers’ Salaries

May 14, 2021

The government of Anambra State, controlled by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are fighting over deduction in the salaries of the workers in the state.

While the state Chairman of the party, Ndubuisi Nwobu, asked the governor, Willie Obiano to immediately stop the deduction, the government described the PDP claim as a total ignorance

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C-Don Adinuba, in his reaction to what he called “PDP’s tantrum,” described is as an example of profound ignorance, driven by mischief.

“It’s an example of profound ignorance, driven by mischief. Ndiolu Microfinance Bank is owned by the workers and not the government.”

The PDP chairman, Nwobu had, in a statement today, May 14, said: “Anambra State under the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano has practically been run underground.

“The level of infrastructural decay in our dear state is unprecedented and the All Progressive Grand Alliance -controlled government is unperturbed.

“It is on record that Anambra State civil servants belong to the class of least paid workers in Nigeria.

“States across the country that are not as endowed as Anambra State have since upgraded the salaries and entitlement of their workers in line with the nation’s minimum wage policy.

“It has come to our notice that deductions are being forcefully made from the workers’ meagre salaries for the recapitalisation of Ndiolu Micro Finance Bank.

“We at PDP are genuinely concerned about the welfare of Anambra State Civil Servants who are coerced to part with certain percentages of their meagre take home salaries.

“The development has raised more questions than answers and of course has demonstrated the insensitivity of the APGA controlled government to the plights of Anambra workers whose real income has suffered depreciation because of the galloping inflation in the nation.

“What a responsible and responsive government should be doing by now is to think of what to do to alleviate the suffering of the workers and not making things harder for them through illegal deductions from their salaries.”

But the commissioner said that it the workers who voluntarily “decided to recapitalize by deducting certain amount of money from their salaries, just the way some labour unions deduct check-off fees from workers.”

Source: Punch

There’re Powerful Corrupt Nigerians Buhari’s Govt Can’t Arrest, Bauchi Gov Alleges

Editorial staff

May 14, 2021

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has alleged that there are corrupt influential people in the Nigeria who the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration cannot arrest or prosecute.

The governor said that the government is not fighting corruption appropriately by keeping some as sacred cows, even as he claimed that the government is not innovative on how to redeem the economy.

Speaking to news men yesterday, May 13, Bala Mohammed said: “I think the federal government is not even fighting the corruption they claimed to be fighting. There’s more corruption; perceptions are built that there are sacred cows; there are gods in this country who cannot be touched.”

How To Know Good Muslims, By Abuja Imam

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2021

The Imam of Chibiri Central Mosque in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Ustaz Mohammed has listed the characteristics of good Muslims.
In a sermon he delivered at Eid ground to mark the end of 30-day Ramadan Fast, Ustaz Mohammed said that good Muslims don’t tell lies and don’t steal.
He said that such Muslims would not like to cause harm to fellow human beings, whether or not they are Muslims like them.
“They are those who respect other peoples rights without making noise about it. And they take joy in doing justice amongst the people.”
According to him, any Muslims who always bear in mind that he can die at any time and is always conscious of meeting God in good condition is a good Muslim.
The Imam cautioned Muslims who participated in the 30-day Fast against relapsing into bad ways after the month.
“We should not allow our good deeds to end with Ramadan Fasting. We should not be like those who regard Fasting as leave only to return to bad ways after the month.”
Ustaz Mohammed prayed to God to assist the nation’s security operatives defeat the enemies of State that have created security challenges to the country.

400 Alleged Boko Haram Financiers To Be Tried In Special Courts – Justice Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2021

Recently arrested 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers and other terror suspects in Nigeria will be tried in Special Terrorism Prosecution Courts, to soon be reconstituted.

The nation’s Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a statement yesterday, May 13 his spokesman, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, said that the move is part of the many measures to address insurgency and growing insecurity.

The minister gave assurance that the Federal Government is committed to end insecurity in the country.

He said that in addition to prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the government has taken more measures to counter the twin trouble of insurgency and insecurity.

Malami said that very soon, the Federal Government will, through the Federal Ministry of Justice’s Complex Case Group, resuscitate and reinvigorate the existing special terrorism prosecution courts in the country in order to bring to book all those found guilty so as to serve as deterrence to others.

Buhari Describes Dogonyaro, Who Overthrew His Military Govt, As Legendary General

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has described retired Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Joshua Dogonyaro, who died yesterday, May 13, as a “legendary general.”

Dogonyaro was he, that read the coup speech overthrowing Buhari in 1985, ushering in Ibrahim Babangida as military Head of State.

In a message of condolence, President Buhari said that the death of Dogonyaro is “a great loss not only to the Nigerian military, but also to the country because of his patriotic sacrifices in defence of its unity and territorial integrity.”

“The death of Dogonyaro comes as a great shock to me because as a soldier, I know what it means to lose such an officer and a gentleman who gave his best in the service of the country.”

Buhari said that Dogonyaro was a thoroughbred soldier who had professionally distinguished himself in the course of his military career.

“Laying down one’s life for the country is one of the greatest sacrifices any citizen can make to his country. General Dogonyaro’s incalculable contributions will be remembered for years to come.”

President Buhari extended deepest condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State on the passing of “this legendary general.”

WHO Gives FCTA Pass Mark On Its Rapid Response To COVID19 Pandemic

Greenbarge Reporters

May 14, 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO), has described the response by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health challenges as one of the best in Nigeria.

The Country representative of WHO, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo who spoke today, May 13, when he led a delegation on a visit to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello said “we will like to appreciate your leadership in the ongoing COVID-19 response, which clearly demonstrates your commitment to attaining the highest state of health for the FCT residents”.

“This is demonstrative in the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 and robust outbreak response which you set up, leading to the highest containment, the highest testing rate per million as well as high vaccination rate of 2.1% of targeted population. It’s one of the highest in Nigeria and even in the world.”

He also commended the public private partnership through the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee which established the Molecular diagnostic laboratory and which, according to Dr Mulombo, “Will improve access to testing for COVID-19 and other diseases and will go a long way in supporting early detection and response to diseases outbreak in the Territory”.

He applauded the Administration for its commitment to the improvement of maternal and child mortality rate in the FCT, saying that the establishment of a task force to address the issue in the Territory, will go a long way in identifying group causes of high maternal and child mortality rates and the development and implementation of programmes to address the challenges identified.

Dr. Mulombo said that WHO Is proud of the FCT’s achievement in this regard because its programmes “really aligns with the UN Secretary General’s strategy for women, children and adolescent health 2016 – 2030, which is articulated around survive, thrive and transform, building on enabling environment.”

Responding, the Minister commended the WHO office in the FCT for its successes and pledged the Administration’s support for it and other UN programmes within the Territory.

The Minister also said that emphasis will be placed on budgetary, support and counterpart funding in order to improve funding for WHO and other public health related programmes.

He however advised the World Health Organisation to continuously engage relevant private sector stakeholders and encourage private donors, within the country for improved funding of its polio and other programmes.

“As you can see, the coalition of the private of sector people did very well with respect of rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine. So, the same thing could be done for the maintenance and sustainability of what has already been established on polio eradication.”

Insecurity: Know Who Live Amongst You, Minister advises Communities

Editorial staff

May 13, 2021

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has advised communities to know the people that live amongst them as a way of helping ensure adequate security for the residents, especially during the ongoing Sallah festivities.

“We have to ensure that communities make efforts to know who they stay with and also ensure that information is gathered and sent appropriately to the right people.”

The Minister, who spoke today, May 12 at the monthly FCT Security Committee meeting in Abuja also called on residents to always collaborate with security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of lives and property within their communities.

He said that community, traditional, political and religious leaders should encourage their members to understand that security should not be left to the security personnel alone but should be a collaborative effort of all.

Musa Bello said that the issue of security in schools was discussed extensively during the meeting and that measures are being taken to ensure safety in all educational institutions in the FCT.

This was even as the minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said that the issue of beggars on FCT streets which she said, constitutes security risks is being addressed.

The FCT Commissioner of Police assured residents that the Command would ensure the safety of lives and property during and after the Eid El- Fitr celebrations saying that the police has been re-jigging its strategies to meet ever evolving challenges.

After 3 Months Of Manhunt, Army Arrest IPOB Commander In Abia

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

After three months of intensive manhunt, the Nigeria Army has announced the arrest of the Second-in-Command to the neutralised commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Awurum Eze.

The Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement today, May 12 said that the 48 years old Eze was arrested after escaping from his village on May 4 when the operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.

The statement said: “the Second-in-Command to the neutralised IPOB/ESN Terrorist leader Ikonso, Awurum Eze, has been arrested by security operatives in Aba, Abia State.

“The 48-year-old Awurum Eze, a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano LGA, Imo State, had on the 4th of May, 2021 escaped when operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.

“Intensive manhunt was thereafter launched towards tracing and arresting him. He was eventually apprehended on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.

“Awurum Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than 3 months.

“Many of the arrested IPOB /ESN terrorists had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and Second-in-Command to the late Ikonso. According to them, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu. He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.”

Economic Future Of Nigeria Is Extremely Bright, Says Vice President Osinbajo

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

“The economic future of our nation (Nigeria) is extremely bright. Yes, we have challenges today and they may look daunting. But let me assure you that these issues will be resolved. The march of this nation to its manifest destiny as Africa’s leading economic power will not be aborted. We are more than able to overcome.”
these were the words of optimism by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo during his tour of SecureID company’s premises in Lagos yesterday, May 11.
he said that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, “in following the recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, has determined that manufacturing will be our main focus in bringing about dynamic growth, jobs and exports. This will mean retooling our business environment for greater competitiveness, especially with the take off of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
“We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities; SON, NAFDAC, and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators rather than policemen or revenue generators. Our environment must be friendly for local businesses first, foreign investments will follow enthusiastically.”
On the efforts of the administration to position the country as a leading economic beacon on the continent, the Vice President said that the administration is ramping up efforts in improving the country’s infrastructure and digital space.
“Aside from the work we are doing with other infrastructure such as rail, roads and power we are committed to a plan of democratizing broad band connectivity. Our programme, which we have reiterated in our Economic Sustainability Plan, is broadband connectivity for all by 2023.
“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25mbps in urban areas and 10mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population at affordable prices by the target date. Broadband connectivity is as important as electricity in the digital age unlike electricity we do not have to make several mistakes before getting it right.”
Osinbajo commended the efforts of the founder and Managing Director of SecureID, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, Prof. Osinbajo described SecureID facility as a place of history, innovation and creativity.
“This world-class manufacturing facility is reputed to be the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, the only smart card production and personalization plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent and one of only 80 in the world.
“The facility serves 21 countries across Africa and is fully certified by major commercial card companies – VISA, Verve and MasterCard. SecureID has shown that this country can be at the cutting edge of development in technology and digital enterprises. The world in which companies like SecureID operates, providing comprehensive end-to-end payment, identity management and digital security solutions is one that thrives on innovation.

Police Boss Admits: Security Ecosystem In Nigeria Is Challenged, But Surmountable

Editorial staff

May 12, 2021

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has admitted that the Nigeria’s security ecosystem is challenged, but that these challenges are not insurmountable.

A statement today, May 12 by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, quoted the police boss said that the Force under his new policing vision is already implementing new, improved, tailored-to-suit and robust security solutions aimed at tackling crimes and neutralizing both existing and emerging security threats in the country.

Usman Baba, who spoke against the background of Eid-el-Fitr celebration beginning in the next few hours, ordered a nationwide deployment of Police officers and other operational assets of the Force for water-tight security.

The IGP’s order was directed to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and other strategic commanders of the Force as part of efforts by the Police leadership toward stabilizing security, improving public safety and making the country a safer place for all citizens.

He restated his belief that the nation will soon overcome its security challenges, adding that the Force is equally upscaling its collaboration with the military and other law enforcement agencies in both intelligence sharing and other target-oriented missions and operations.

He enjoined citizens to support the Police to stage a common front in tackling the challenges.

The IGP reminded the citizens of the newly introduced Phase-4 National Response on COVID-19 Health Protection Regulation and called for voluntary compliance with the protocols.

He equally directed Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure full enforcement of the Protocols.

He however warned that Police officers deployed for such enforcement must do so with utmost professionalism, while exhibiting compassion, decorum and due respect for the fundamental rights of the citizens.

1...666667668...2,499 Page 667 of 2,499