News

Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother Blasts Southeast Govs Over IPOB Leader’s Incarceration

Published

2 months ago

April 5, 2024

Editor

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has carpeted the five governors of the Southeast over their silence on the prolonged detention of the agitator.

In an open letter to the governors, Emmanuel said it was unfortunate that under their watch, his brother has been wrongfully held against his will and his fundamental human rights violated.

The letter reads, “I am writing this with utmost urgency and deep concern regarding the unlawful and unjust detention of my brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“In recent events, it has become abundantly clear my brother, a law-abiding citizen and a prisoner of conscience, has been wrongfully held against his will and his fundamental human rights have been violated under your watch.

“As a concerned family member, I implore you to rectify this grave injustice without delay.“Kanu is a man of impeccable character and a strong advocate for justice, freedom, and equality. He has consistently stood up for the righteous causes in our society, challenging the status quo and working tirelessly to bring about positive change.

“It is truly disheartening to witness his unwavering commitment to safeguarding human rights being met with such callousness and disregard for basic principles of justice.“The details surrounding my brother’s arrest and subsequent detention are deeply troubling and indicative of a systemic failure within our justice system.

“The charges brought against him are baseless and appear to be nothing more than an attempt to silence his voice and undermine his campaign for social justice. His detention is politically motivated, solely aimed at suppressing his activism and preventing him from continuing his valuable contribution to our society.

“As a concerned family member, I strongly condemn the unlawful detention of my brother and the blatant violation of his rights. It is your duty as governor to ensure the protection of every individual’s civil liberties, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations. Your obligation to uphold the principles of justice and fairness should guide your actions in every decision made.

“I demand you take immediate and decisive action to secure the release of my brother. I call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention, holding accountable those responsible for these egregious violations. “Furthermore, I urge you to ensure all charges against him are dropped, as they lack any substantiated evidence.

“Kanu is gravely ill and dying slowly. Biafra land will hold you all accountable should anything happen to him.”

News

Edo Govt Presents Confirmation Letters To 200 Education Managers

Published

43 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Editor

The Edo State Government has confirmed the appointment of 200 Education Managers into the State Civil and Public Service to strengthen its workforce and ensure effective service delivery.

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Ozavize Salami, said this during a one-day engagement with over 400 education managers including education Secretaries and other basic education sector managers drawn from the 18 local government areas in the State, at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.

She noted that over the last quarter, SUBEB had an increase in students’ enrolment following engagement with different stakeholders in various communities, which led to an addition of 50,000 pupils in just over a term.

While presenting some of the confirmation letters to the beneficiaries, she said the State values performance and would continue to reward those who work hard.

The SUBEB Executive Chairman commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support for Edo SUBEB to undertake deep-rooted reform of the basic education sector.

Salami said the government has over the years, worked on ensuring the sustainability of the reforms of the basic education sector, noting: “As part of that sustainability plan, we employed and brought into the Edo State Civil Service Education Managers in the first phase of the EdoBEST programme, which kicked-off in 2018.

“In 2020, 200 staff were employed to strengthen that function. Two years later, many of them have completed their probation period as required by the Civil Service and today, we have given them their confirmation letters.”

Salami commended the education managers across the 18 local government areas of the State for the successes recorded in the enrolment of students in EdoBEST programme.

She noted: “Our success today has been made possible because we have the political will and backing of Governor Godwin Obaseki. EdoBEST has been stabilized over the years and the programme is working in Edo State.”

News

Oba Of Benin Accuses EFCC Of Corruption

Published

58 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Editor

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.

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.

“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.

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

1 hour ago

May 20, 2024

Editor

The 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.

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.

“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…