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Protest: Demand For Implementation Of PAI Our Legitimate Right, Itsekiri Chiefs Declare

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

Editor

A cross section of Warri Chiefs with the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief, Engr, Oma Eyewuoma at the middle

…Commend Iwere Sons, Daughters For Resilience, Sacrifices

The Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Oma Eyewuoma has said, the agitation by Itsekiris in demanding for the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is their legitimate right.

Chief Eyewuoma disclosed this in Warri when he and the Warri Council of Chiefs stormed the venue of the ongoing peaceful protest by the Itsekiri sons and daughters at the office of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulation Commission, Warri,( NNPC ) Zonal office to appreciate the protesters.

He commended the Iwere sons and daughters for their resilient and peaceful conduct on the day three of the protest for the non compliance and implementation of the Petroleum industry act (PIA).

While speaking, the Ologbotsere who spoke in unison with the other chiefs lauded the protesters for their sacrifices and resilience under the rain and the sun.

The chiefs who took turns to commend the protesters and to also pray for the progress in Warri Kingdom, spoke with one voice that, Itsekiris have been shortchanged for too long hence, it is pertinent to give all the necessary support to His Majesty, Ogiame, Atuwatse III (CFR) for the development of iwere land.

According to him, the on going struggle is not just for them, but for the future generations, therefore, there is need to for perseverance.

He said: “We are only demanding what is rightfully ours as Itsekiris and we should be given. The land is blessed with oil and should be for all and not for a few handful of people. The monarch has taken the step for everyone to benefit from the largesse of our God-given wealth. They were so many lies and falsehoods told before now and decision would have been taken if not for this protest as we say enough is enough”

He added, “The world should hear, listen and sympathize with us so when justice is given, others will benefit and Nigeria will move forward and develop as itsekiri will show the light through the leadership of our monarch”

Also speaking, Chief Francis Omatseye, while lauding them for their support and commitment, said the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) was applicable in the past but today is the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which is of more important and meets the needs of the people.

“Itsekiris should move forward in oneness and solidarity, Itsekiri cannot and will not fight war against themselves, it’s a peaceful protest”

He said the Monarch cannot be confined to the palace, according to some school of thoughts, adding that if an individual feels he has a right to speak concerning what affects Itsekiri people, the Olu who is the overall lordship is not in contention, therefore has the right to speak on issues that affect his Kingdom by playing the leadership role.

They called on Shell and Chevron Nigeria limited to respect the constituted authority, while saying that there is only one King in Warri and should be accorded the maximum respect if they want to enjoy the peace of the land.

Chief Brown Mene, Chief Solomon Areyenke, Chief (Mrs) Esther Okotie-Eboh were amongst those present.

News

JUST IN: FG Enforces No-work-no-pay On Striking ASUU Members

Published

1 hour ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.

The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, according to The PUNCH.

The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC.

According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that government would no longer tolerate non-compliance with extant labour laws.

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular reads.

The minister directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions.

He also instructed them to submit a comprehensive report indicating staff members who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.

Alausa further directed that salary payment for the period of work stoppage be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.

He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempted from the directive and will not face any salary deductions.

The minister also tasked the National Universities Commission to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.

“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads.

The federal government had threatened to enforce the policy amid the ongoing nationwide strike by the lecturers.

The lecturers on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

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BREAKING: Rev Uma Ukpai Is Dead

Published

3 hours ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

Rev. Uma Ukpai, an international evangelist who is the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, is dead.

Rev. Uma died at the age of 80.

News

ASUU Declares Two-week Strike, Orders Members To Down Tools On Monday

Published

16 hours ago

October 12, 2025

Editor

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the commencement of a two-week ‘total strike’ and ordered its members to withdraw their services across the country, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday.

The development comes after the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to address their long-standing demands expired.

Prof. Piwuna expressed dismay that nothing significant had happened since it issued the two-week ultimatum. “Government has been asking for time with nothing concrete on the ground to resolve it,” he said.

According to him, the decision to embark on the total strike was reached after several rounds of meetings with government representatives ended without any tangible commitment.

He noted that the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue and patience, emphasising that the strike action was the last resort to compel the government to fulfil its promises.

He further explained that the union had consistently shown restraint in order not to disrupt the academic calendar, but the government’s insensitivity had left them with no alternative.

“Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight (12:01 a.m.) on Monday, 13 October 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting,” he said.

He also called on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the media to prevail on the Federal Government to address the lingering issues once and for all. The union warned that unless concrete steps are taken within the two-week period, it will not hesitate to extend the strike indefinitely. “This struggle is not just for university lecturers; it is for the soul of public education in Nigeria,” Prof. Piwuna declared.

The seven-point demands include: re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement; sustainable funding of universities; revitalisation of universities; victimisation of ASUU members in Lagos State University (LASU), KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Others are outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears; promotion arrears for over four years; as well as third-party deductions.