Month: October 2023

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned leaders of political parties, especially the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, against unguided statements and conduct that could heat up the polity.

Mr Yekini Nabena, the APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, particularly cautioned Secondus on his political language and conduct

“The national chairman of a political party is expected to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism, decency and decorum in public conduct and discourse.

“Regrettably, the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has not lived up to these basic expectations,“ Nabena said.

He noted that the PDP national chairman weeks ago, took the internal matters of the country’s politics to the international scene by writing letters to various international organisations.

Nabena further noted that soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared last Saturday`s Osun governorship election inconclusive, the PDP national chairman accused it of conspiring with the APC to declare the election inconclusive.

This, the APC spokesman said , the PDP national chairman did without basis.

He maintained that the APC would as a rule, ignore irresponsible and baseless utterances and actions as exhibited by opposition political parties, especially the PDP national chairman.

He, however, said that as the nation prepared for the forthcoming 2019 general elections, it was necessary to give word of caution on expected behaviour required of all political sides.

Nabena said Secondus’ “unfounded allegation on the inconclusive Osun governorship election is not expected from such highly placed party official. Accusing the APC of conspiring with INEC, without proof, is taking mudslinging too far”.

“We advise Secondus not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt,“ Nabena said.

The APC spokesman stressed that Secondus` action would only bring him personal attacks and ridicule, adding that a word was enough for the wise.(NAN)

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday insisted organised labour would commence strike from early hours of Thursday, Sept. 27, following Federal Government’s failure to honour its ultimatum on the new minimum wage.

A statement signed by Mr Musa-Lawal Ozigi, TUC, Secretary General in Abuja stated that the decision to embark on strike was sequel to the resolve of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of TUC on September 24.

Ozigi said that following the mandate of the CWC, TUC leadership would take all necessary action to effect the ultimatum on the new minimum wage in collaboration with other stakeholders.

“Strike is hereby declared to commence from early hours of Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018,” the Secretary General said.

He noted that as a result of the TUC’s decision to embark on strike, mobilisation of members would commence immediately.

According to him, all workers, civil society organisations and the masses are hereby put on notice to stockpile their houses for all necessary provisions and food items.

Ozigi, however, called on state councils to form joint state strike implementation committee that would comprise the TUC, NLC and other stakeholders in the state to ensure effectiveness.

He further called on union members to be alert for further directive on or before Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the labour leaders had on September 12 cautioned the Federal Government against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage and allow the tripartite committee to conclude its job to avoid action.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, had said that the committee was not pleased with the comments allegedly made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

The Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige had earlier told the committee to adjourn indefinitely to give room for further consultations with the government on the new minimum wage.

The Federal Government had assured the organised Labour that the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage would conclude its negotiation before the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum.

Ms Amal Pepple, Chairman, Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen on recently in Abuja.

According to Pepple, we do not want strike and I am sure that even the Federal Government does not want strike, and also Nigerians.

“So, we pray that everything will be resolved before then so labour do not have to embark on any strike,” she said.

Ngige said that the organised labour’s 14-day ultimatum was “a subtle blackmail” to stampede the Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage.

According to him, it is not true that the Federal Government is trying to stall negotiations. (NAN)

All Progressives Congress (APC) of Bauchi state chapter has described the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon.  Yakubu Dogara, as an ingrate saying he used the party as a ladder to achieve greatness and later dumped APC. (more…)

Following the presidential directive to reform the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) now known as FSARS to give it a human face, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Abubakar, has put up measures to refine the outfit. (more…)

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and INEC Director of Operations, Mrs. Amina Zakari, following the fallout of the inconclusive governorship election in Osun State. (more…)