News
Ijaw Group Declares Seven-day Mourning Over Deaths Of 10 People
Published
11 months agoon
By
EditorThe leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has declared seven days of mourning in Ijaw land following the deaths of 10 Ijaw sons and daughters in separate accidents that occurred on Sunday.
While six of the deceased, who were members of the Barrister Smooth Musical Band died in the crash that happened along the Kogi-Abuja Highway on their way to Abuja, the other four, supporters of Bayelsa Queen Football Club, died in the accident that occurred around the Kwale-Asaba Road in Delta State.
The INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, in a statement on Thursday titled, “Ijaw nation mourns deaths of musicians, football supporters”, on behalf of the pan-Ijaw socio-cultural organisation’s national executive committee and its Board of Trustees, said the entire Ijaw nation was deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss.
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Okaba said, “The INC is deeply saddened by the unfortunate and sad twin tragic incidents that claimed the lives of these talented Ijaw musicians and lovers of football who were following their passion. It was indeed a Black Sunday in the entire Ijaw nation.
“We are particularly pained and sorrowed by the fact that these Ijaw patriots died in their prime and the Ijaw nation and Nigeria in general would not be able to benefit from their huge musical skills, and dedication to the promotion of football as a sport.
“As a result of this calamity that has befallen the Ijaw nation, the INC declares seven days of mourning across Ijaw land. In this regard, we equally advise that all INC flags across Ijaw land be flown at half-mast as a mark of honour for our departed brothers and sisters during this period of sorrow.
“Also, all activities at the international headquarters of the INC in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, remain suspended during this period of mourning in Ijaw nation.”
The INC commiserated with Governors Douye Diri, Sheriff Oborevwori and Siminialayi Fubara as well as the government and good people of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States on the untimely demises of the 10 Ijaw youths.
Okaba also expressed condolences to their families, communities, Barrister Smooth and his band members and the management of Bayelsa Queens FC.
He particularly commended Diri “for demonstrating compassion and love as a great leader of the Ijaw nation concerning the condition of the survivors of the accidents.”
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The INC prayed that the Almighty God would comfort the families of the deceased over the irreparable loss that they have suffered and grant eternal repose to the souls of the departed Ijaw youths.
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The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is aiding crimes in the country.
The monarch made the allegations when he received the new Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim in his Palace in Benin on Monday.
He cited a case involving unnamed former palace officials who were left off the hook after they were arrested for fraud and handed over to EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
The Oba alleged that some EFCC operatives allegedly handled the case with kid gloves, which led to the release of the culprits a few years ago.
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The monarch, who did not name the palace officials, expressed shock that the EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against them (the palace officials) under the carpet.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or favour, the Oba added, “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations”.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
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“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled the case I cited earlier behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it,” Oba Ewuare II added.
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The monarch, however, said the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode is on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.
Earlier in his address, Okim appealed to the Oba to support advocacy against financial crimes with Edo State ranking second behind Lagos State in the financial crime index in the country.
Recalling the historical ties between his state of origin, Cross River and Edo State, he solicited prayers and royal blessings to enable him to discharge his duties diligently.
News
[JUST IN] N30,000 Minimum Wage: Labour Issues Two-week Ultimatum To Defaulting States
Published
22 mins agoon
May 20, 2024By
EditorThe organised labour comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, on Monday, ordered state chapters to issue two weeks ultimatum to states that have failed to implement the old N30,000 minimum wage.
The NLC and TUC took this decision during a jointly held National Executive Council meeting which took place on Monday.
“NEC-in-session further directed all state councils whose state governments are yet to fully implement the N30,00 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments to issue immediately a joint two-week ultimatum to the culpable state governments to avert industrial action,” NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero; and TUC’s National President, Festus Osifo, said in a statement.
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Speaking further, the unions also called for a one-day action in Anambra State following what was described as the failure of the state government to meet the demands of civil servants in the state.
“Consequently, the NEC-in-session accordingly reaffirms the NLC and TUC joint ultimatum earlier issued to the Anambra State Government by its Anambra State councils. It therefore directed all affiliates and workers in the state council to mobilise their members to ensure a successful action in the event the state government fails to meet the demands of workers by Thursday, the 23rd of May, 2024.
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“In the event that the government fails to meet the demands outlined within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC authorises the leadership of the NLC and TUC to take appropriate actions, including but not limited to the mobilisation of workers for peaceful protests and industrial actions, to press home these demands for social justice and workers’ rights.
“NEC therefore calls on all affiliate unions, and workers including Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during this critical period. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a fair and just society that guarantees the dignity and well-being of all its citizens,” the statement added.
Details later…
News
BREAKING: Strike Looms As NLC, TUC Give May 31 Deadline For Electricity Tariff Hike Reversal
Published
35 mins agoon
May 20, 2024By
EditorThe Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress on Monday gave the Federal Government a deadline of May 31, 2024, to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.
The unions took the decision at the end of a jointly held National Executive Council meeting.
“The NEC once again vehemently condemns the unilateral increase in electricity tariff by the authorities. This action, taken without due consideration for the economic hardships faced by the masses and the provisions of the Law, is deemed unjust and burdensome. The NEC reaffirms its demands for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and the vexatious apartheid categorization into Bands to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens and gives the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and the federal government until the last day of May 2024 to meet these demands,” the statement issued at the end of the meeting said.
READ ALSO: Tariff Hike: Nigerians Wallowing In Power Poverty – Ajaero Laments
Recall that the Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and their affiliates recently grounded offices of the NERC nationwide over the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
The NERC announced the hike in the electricity tariff for Band A customers at a press briefing in Abuja on April 3, revealing that those affected would pay N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from the previous rate of N68/kWh.
The hike represented a 240 per cent increase.
The development marked the removal of subsidy from the tariff of customers in the Band A category, who constituted about 15 per cent of the total 12.82 million power consumers across the country.
Based on the tariff hike, the Federal Government said it would save N1.5tn.
The government stated that the decision took effect on April 3, 2024, adding that Band A customers would enjoy up to 20 hours of power supply daily.
Oba Of Benin Accuses EFCC Of Corruption
[JUST IN] N30,000 Minimum Wage: Labour Issues Two-week Ultimatum To Defaulting States
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