Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Friday 1st April 2022
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 01/04/22
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MTN, GLO, Other Telecoms Companies In Nigeria Threaten To Increase Tariffs
Amid the crisis rocking the industry, telecommunication operators, including Globacom, Airtel, MTN and others, have threatened to raise tariffs within seven days if the Nigerian government does not find a solution. The position of the companies was made known by Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), during a press briefing on Thursday.
Adebayo highlighted the seizure of cellular sites in Kogi, concerns about degrading quality of services in Abuja, high cost of diesel, inflation and safety of telecom workers as part of the issues presently bedevilling the telecoms industry.According to him, over 70 sites within Kogi State and environs have shut down causing members’ inability to access and maintain them amid the disputes arising from taxes and levies demanded by the Kogi State Government through the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS).“The action by KIRS was hinged on an ex parte court order obtained by the KIRS over unsubstantiated allegations that our members are in default of tax payments to the state government (which is not the truth) and access to these critical telecom sites has been denied.“This issue is likely to lead to a total communications blackout in the entire Kogi State, parts of Abuja the Federal Capital Territory and possible impact on service availability in some parts of the following States: Nassarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Niger States.“These are states sharing borders with Kogi State,” the ALTON’s chairman, who also doubles as the joint spokesman for all the telecom operators, said.He also said the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the office of the Director for Signage and Advertisement had refused to grant telecommunication service providers a permit to build infrastructure in the Federal Capital City.This, he said, was affecting the quality of services around FCT and Abuja.He added, “The problem is created by the governing authorities in the FCT. Telecommunications services drive on the terrestrial infrastructure. We hereby call on the Federal Executive Council to prevail on the FCDA in granting approval/permit to our members to deploy infrastructure. “ALTON and its members will no longer tolerate discriminatory charges against the sector. The industry is planning to begin a study on varying tariffs to some of the unfriendly telecommunications states in other to accommodate their demand.” ALTON also expressed concerns about the rising cost of diesel and its implications on the general high cost of business.Adebayo said, “We are concerned that unless there is an intervention to save this sector, operators will have no choice but to begin a process of price review.“The state of security in our country is of concern, while we commend all our security agencies for the work they do to keep us all safe, the impact of the general state of security in the country is that we are not able to provide 24/7 support in certain areas as it is unsafe to send out service personnel to some parts of the country and at certain times of the day.”
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2023: Ex-Anambra Governor, Peter Obi Picks PDP Presidential Form, To Contest Against Atiku
The vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2019 general election, Peter Obi, has picked the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the 2023 Presidency.Obi who had joined the presidential race barely a week ago, will now contest against his former boss, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had earlier obtained the form to vie for the same position.
The nomination and expression of interest forms were said to have been purchased by group, the Like Minds (LM) led by Ekene Nwakuche.Nwakuche described Like Minds as a group of young Nigerian professionals that feel the country is not going in the right direction and needs “a seasoned technocrat that can steer the affairs of the country in the right direction”, Daily Trust reports. He said if the country can cut down the cost of governance, things will be better “and we believe the person that can do that is Peter Obi.” The group comprising of professionals, businessmen, public servants, a different category of contractors, artisans said, “We want the country to move forward. We think Peter Obi can steer it forward and we believe in him because we’ve seen what he did in Anambra when he was a governor. And we have heard him talk; he has the wealth of experience to lead Nigeria to the promise land. “We are doing this because of our children because if we don’t get it right this time around, this 2023, I don’t know where we’ll be. Each and every one of us here knows how the country is, and we want a better Nigeria. I believe that if you are from Nigeria, be it from the north, south, east, west, you want a better Nigeria.”The leader said they are working with other groups like Take Back Nigeria, which had promised to mobilise 10 million votes for PDP and Peter Obi. “The Nigerian dream we’re all looking for can be achievable and the only person that we believe that can give us the Nigerian dream is no other person than Mr. Peter Gregory Obi,” he said.
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Failure To Foresee Unintended Consequences Of Policies By Dr Nasir Aminu
Dr Nasir Aminu
They claim to know the cost of everything but know the value of nothing – Oscar Wilde
The first quarter of the fiscal year of 2022 has been full of terrible news for Nigerians. There is oil scarcity and new stories of oil thievery. The persistent terrorist attacks around the country remain a challenge for the government. Thecountry also experienced a double electricity grid collapse in less than 48 hours. These three issues have added to the existing hardship in the country, regardless of one’s ethnicity, age, social status, or religion.
The highlights of this government are full of examples of policies producing dramatic unintended consequences. The problem is that they do not want to take a step back to understand why things are happening badly. From insecurity to transportation to the economy, they have failed to foresee the unintended consequences of their policies. These series of outcomes are dark moments for the country. As usual, whenever terrible things happen to Nigeria and Nigerians, this government never takes the blame. We know this government does not like being held accountable, and we will not stop, especially during this election season.
Dr Nasir Aminu
The issue of fuel is causing more misery to Nigerians. The stakeholders are still debating the fuel subsidy removal. The country is still not clear about how subsidy payments are being made. The country’s rising debt profile worries those who understand public finance. Bad fuel importation is being investigated, and queues at fuel stations continue to grow due to fuel scarcity. Then we have the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation reporting that the country is losing an average of 200,000 barrels per day of its crude oil production to theft. Lawmakers have summoned the General Managing Director of NNPC to explain these problems. When journalists questioned the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, about the oil theft case, he referred them to Petroleum Minister. I hope Nigeria’s Lawmakers are getting the message.
Another poor policy that will further burden Nigeria and Nigerians is the purchase of a 20% stake in the Dangote refinery for $2.76 billion. Nigerians would have benefitted from the investment if the refinery had been operational. But, based on experts’ projections, the refinery will not see operation during this government’s term. So, it would have been better to invest the $2.76 billion in an operational business that will immediately improve the country’s current situation. Also, the investment is overpriced. An American company, HollyFrontier, acquired Sinclair Oil for $2.6 billion. Like the Dangote refinery, Sinclair oil has a refinery with a processing capacity of 678,000 barrels per stream day. These are not well-intended policies that can push the country back to a growth path.
The transportation industry is one particular industry that has been in the news in the past few days as terrorists attacked an airport and blew up a moving train. Before the Minister of Aviation could explain the terrorist attack on Kaduna International Airport, a Kaduna-bound train was also attacked by the terrorists. The vocal transportation minister was quick to deflect the responsibility back to the government for refusing to buy the equipment the ministry requested. He clearly explained how such types of equipment would have helped with the insecurity challenges. The unintended consequences of refusing to spend just N3 billion to buy security equipment have led to many Nigerians’ death and injuries from the recent train attack. Many others were kidnapped for ransom, including Sadiq Ango – a prominent youth who aspires to contest for public office. I pray for theirsafe return.
With foresight, the government should have purchased these pieces of equipment. But it seems it is not a priority. Thegovernment had spent N8.51 billion on presidential aircraft only in 2020. Last year, Buhari and Osibanjo’s presidency spent N3.4 billion on feeding and travel expenses. Since we can continue to pay for such costs, I believe we should find the money to secure the lives of the common people if the government truly cares about us.
The issue of electricity supply has been a huge challenge for the country. The two episodes of grid collapse in less than 48 hours are just the outcome of the problem. In 2018, Tony Elumelu, one of the owners of the country’s generating companies, advised the government to recapitalise the power companies by increasing its stake from the current level. The Vice President quickly rebutted the suggestion by saying the government did not have the money. But in 2019, Osinbajoreported that the government had pumped about N1.5 trillion in intervention funds into Nigeria’s power sector in the last two years. It is a clear demonstration of inconsistency in decision-making.
The inability to recapitalise the power companies is one of the problems that must be addressed to improve the electricity supply in the country. Many of us who have lost faith in this government understand that they will not focus on solving problems at their root sources. Based on the government’s responses to issues, I predict they will struggle to deal with the present outcomes of the electricity problems in the country. But I hope I am wrong for the sake of the common people.
In summary, the government is struggling to developprogressive policies. One can deduce that they see theprosperity of ordinary citizens as a luxury that people have to pay for. They treat poverty as an offence for which people are being penalised. Their actions are producing dramatic unintended consequences. As things stand, the public moodwill not get better in favour of this government. It will only decline. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, this government claims to know the cost of everything but knows the value of nothing.
Dr Nasir Aminu
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Nigerian Workers Union Demands Resignation Of River Basin, LNRBDA Managing Director Over Corruption Allegations
The Nigerian Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has demanded the removal of the Managing Director of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (FMWR/RBDAS) due to allegations of misapplication of funds on “frivolous projects.” The workers in a communiqué obtained by SaharaReporters in Abuja also accused the MD of the LNRBDA, Dr Saheed Aremu, of “gross misappropriation and misapplication of funds on frivolous projects and the bastardisation of the anti-corruption drive of the Nigerian government.”
The workers issued the communiqué after an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, requesting the MD to vacate his office within 14 days of their resolution or face labour action from the River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria. The statement jointly signed by the chairman, Mudi Olayinka Raji and secretary, Nwafor Nkiken, stressed that the MD had allegedly indulged in several misdemeanour that resulted in the erosion of the ethics and cordial relations expected from his office. The workers said, “The forum-in-session has observed with dismay the activities of the Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin (LNRBDA) and it reads as follows: “That the Managing Director, Dr Saheed Aremu, has indulged in several misdemeanours that have resulted in the erosion of the ethics and cordial relations required for smooth administration of Government Resources.”That the mode of operation of Dr Saheed Aremu is divisive reducing the effectiveness of LNRBDA in fulfilling its mandate. That under the direction of Dr Saheed Aremu, the Area and Project offices have been reduced to shambles and rendered non-viable.”That Dr Saheed Aremu has caused an agency of government (LNRBDA) to employ government allocation in non-core mandate endeavours to the detriment of projects furthering the major mandates for which the agency was established.”That under the watch of Dr Saheed Aremu there has been gross misappropriation and misapplication of funds on frivolous projects and the bastardisation of the anti-corruption drive of this administration. This has impeded Mr President’s effort at ensuring food security and sufficiency.”That Dr Saheed Aremu’s incompetence at managing human resources is being evidenced in his lack lustre attitude to staff welfare and his targeted victimisation of staff he considers uncompromising in their pursuit of excellence in the discharge of the Authority’s Mandate.”That the Auditor General of the Federation’s report of 29th March, 2021 with reference number OAGF/FIAD/FMWR/LNRBDA/2021/30 has indicted him and the forum-in-session hereby requests that the appropriate anti-corruption agencies investigate and take appropriate action as confirmed by that report.”The forum-in-session hereby condemns in the strongest terms Dr Saheed Aremu’s conduct and demand his immediate removal from office within 14 days of this resolution to avoid labour action across all River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria. “The forum-in-session urges the Management of all RBDAS to allow the oversight visit of the Branch Union Executives to projects in the various RBDAS that has effect on the proposed partial commercialisation of the River Basins. 3. The forum-in-session appeals to the Federal Government to increase funding of all projects and programmes in all River Basin Authorities and to ensure proper monitoring.”
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Chairman Adamu And The Broken Broom! By Ozodinukwe Okenwa
The broom is an essential traditional domestic instrument used to clean our homes and surroundings. There are of course other modernized tools which could equally serve as instruments of domestic or environmental sanitation. The broom is still popular in many African homes, especially in the hinterlands. Every other morning the broom is useful in rendering our immediate environment agreeably clean to our visual senses.In Africa sweeping in the night is often associated superstitiously with bad omen. But scientifically nothing has yet been proven to render such stone-age superstition credible. Therefore, domestic or environmental sanitation is a natural duty imposed on the Adamic elements as they seek to safeguard the vast garden otherwise called earth we all live in. Filth or dirtiness could trigger diseases so it is appropriate that we keep our immediate surroundings clean at all times.The (mis)ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria has the broom as its symbol. And the umbrella represents the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) symbol. Now, both the broom and the umbrella had proven (given their shared decades in power) to be ‘useless’ to Nigeria and Nigerians in terms of improvement of their welfare and the security of their lives and properties.For sixteen uninterrupted years the PDP held sway with ex-Presidents Obasanjo, Jonathan and the late Yar’Adua in the presidential saddle. The PDP squandered the natural resources of the nation to the tune of billions of Dollars (including Baba Obasanjo’s wild claim of investing 16 billion Dollars in the power sector!)Today, it is perhaps only in Aso Rock, Obasanjo’s Presidential Library Complex in Abeokuta and Ibrahim Babangida’s Minna Hill-top Mansion that you have steady uninterrupted power supply. The rest of us can murmur and grumble all day and night long over constant power failures or lack of it altogether.The APC under Buharism is posting a worse performance than the PDP. For the past seven years we have been treated to unprecedented security challenges, economic recessions and social upheavals bordering on secessions and grievances of marginalisation. The well-oiled propaganda machinery of the ruling party has proven to be very good at delivering outright lies and duplicity.If performance should be the yardstick to elect the next President (as it should ordinarily be in saner climes) then the APC are bound to lose power at the centre and all levels. But Nigeria being Nigeria (with our electoral manipulation skills and rigging techniques) the broom may well pull off a magical sweeping victory by accident of electoral shortcomings and/or loopholes.Last weekend in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja the APC, hitherto mired in leadership crisis, had organized its National Convention. The Convention held at the Eagle Square was reportedly thrown into chaos as hoodlums and organized criminals had a field day dispossessing delegates of their personal belongings. Security was a huge challenge as outlaws exploited the confused tensed atmosphere to get richer.The former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, (75), was unanimously ‘elected’ as National Chairman. He succeeded the Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. Buni became controversial for his political schemes. Prior to the convention controversy had raged over his sacking and subsequent reinstatement.Otunba Iyiola Omisore emerged as the National Secretary. The former Deputy Governor of Osun State is a man with many baggages of corruption and scandals. Senator Omisore is qualified for the post but his antecedents are steeped in mystery and controversies. He had had a date with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for graft-related offenses. But by far his alleged involvement in the cold-blooded murder of former Justice Minister and Attorney-General, Chief Bola Ige, must have ranked as the biggest scandal trailing his political career. Though he had strenuously denied his involvement many critics are yet to be convinced otherwise.Yet, he must have found a new ‘home’ in the APC where high-profile membership could be a source of ‘immunity’ against any sin or transgression. If in doubt ask the Femi Fani-Kayodes of this world!Since inception before the 2015 presidential poll the APC has had three National Chairmen and all of them had left the stage in controversial scandalous circumstances. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the former Governor of Edo State, was relieved of his duty as National Chairman following accusations of high-handedness and corruption. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole took over after his gubernatorial stint in Benin City. The beloved Comrade mesmerized the APC stalwarts with his oratory power to the extent that his no-nonsense leadership quality was shot down by allegations of favouritism, corruption and political manipulations.Enter Buni! Gov. Buni tried his best to reposition the APC but his efforts hit a wall due mainly to the different forces pulling the party to different directions. Now, Adamu is in charge and the 2023 presidential election presents itself as a challenge worth surmounting.Implosion could still occur if the presidential primary is not organized to the satisfaction of all members. If Tinubu wins then nothing guarantees that everyone would follow and support him. If he is defeated then more problems lie ahead! If VP Osinbajo wins then Asiwaju Tinubu might pull out with his large followership. If the two fail to clinch the ticket then the broom could be broken into pieces.Between Chairman Adamu and the broken broom (nay, broken system) the ruling party is at crossroads much like Nigeria itself. The staggering mediocrity into which the party has sunk under Buharism would take more than stolen money to launder its dented image.The APC’s fall from power next year would historically mark the defeat of mediocrity and authoritarianism in a duplicitous federation. The prayer of many Nigerians is that the APC should ‘die’ with Buharism come next year. And God may have hearkened to that supplicaton!SOC Okenwa
soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr
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Nigerian Policeman Tenders Resignation Over Poor Pay, Inability To Feed Self, Take Care Of Other Basic Needs
A Nigerian policeman, Ugwu Chiemezie, has tendered his resignation over his inability to feed himself and also take care of other basic needs.The police constable serving at Igbo Eze South Police Station, Ibagwa Aka, Nsukka, Enugu State, in a letter to the area commander and other relevant police authorities, said he was quitting the Nigeria Police Force as a result of hardship occasioned by poor remuneration, welfare and general working conditions.
The letter dated March 25, 2022, reads, “I, PC Ugwu Chiemezie with force 528089 posted to Igbo Eze South Police Station, Ibagwa Aka, humbly put down this letter to request for resignation of my police job.”The purpose of my resignation is as a result of poor remuneration which is unbearable to me because I find it hard to feed myself with three standard meals let alone self maintenance as a man.”I appreciate being given the opportunity to join the organisation. Thanks for your approval in anticipation.”The poor remuneration, working and living conditions of policemen across Nigeria have been a subject of debate in recent times.Earlier policemen threatened to protest and embark on strike action over their poor remuneration on March 26.In an open letter addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, the aggrieved policemen stated that they would not accept any pay rise below N100,000 monthly.The rank and file said that they were being treated like slaves even when they protected other people’s lives at their own risk.The strike, which they said was long overdue, became an option, according to them, due to the “lackadaisical attitude of the police authorities in representing us before the Nigerian Government”.Though the strike action did not go ahead as planned, discontent among police personnel over the issues raised remains rife despite denial by the authorities.
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E2%80%99-treatment-shameful-%E2%80%93-students Kaduna Train Bombing: Asking Nigerians To Raise Money For Patients’ Treatment Shameful – Students Association, NANS Slams Buhari Government
The National Association of Nigerian Students (Zone D) has accused the Muhammadu Buhari-led government of disregarding its basic responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerians.This followed a statement by the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, asking Nigerians to assist in raising money to cover the cost of treating the victims of the recent train attack.
Nine persons were confirmed dead and 26 injured after terrorists attacked a Kaduna-bound train on Monday evening.Amaechi, who visited the victims who are being treated at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna on Wednesday, said the army treated them free of charge.Reacting, Adegboye Emmanuel Olatunji, Coordinator of NANS (Zone D), lambasted the President and his minister, adding that it was embarrassing the statement came from a government that recently donated $1 million to the “terrorist Afghanistan government.” The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had recently commended the Nigerian government for donating one million dollars to the Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan.NANS in a statement said, “The Nigerian government through the minister for transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has once again raised a public disgrace, embarrassment and total disregard of its responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerians through the unpopular statement issued by the minister over the recent attack on Kaduna-Abuja railway. “We are highly disappointed in the way in which the federal government has been ridiculing our dear nation. Firstly, it is of high disregard to Nigerians who lost their lives and got injured in the attack by the way the Minister emphasised the monetary value of damages over the people affected. “The government of Buhari regime also compounded the disgrace by asking Nigerians to contribute money for the medical treatment of victims. This statement coming from a government that donated $1 million to the terrorist Afghanistan government, spent billions on Yusuf Buhari’s wedding and other excesses is not only worrisome but also deserves total condemnation. “We should also point it out that this government therefore has the resources to fund education but deliberately aimed to destroy it. This reaction of the Buhari-led government has further proven that Buhari and his cohorts in Aso Rock have forgotten the basic reason Nigerians voted them into power. This becomes the reason the government has failed to provide security and other basic needs for the Nigerian people. This is the highest form of irresponsibility. “Essentially, we are demanding that the federal government apologises to the Nigerian people for what its recklessness has caused, and take utmost responsibility to take care of the survivors of the attack with worthy compensation for the family of the dead. This should be consolidated with provision of adequate security for the Nigerian people as a whole.”
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E2%80%93-ipob-slams-secret Where Was DSS Intelligence When Terrorists Bombed Abuja-Kaduna Train? – IPOB Slams Secret Police Over Claim Of Planned Bombing Of Abuja Stadium
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of fabricating an intelligence report claiming the group planned to bomb the MKO Abiola Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja during Tuesday’s World cup qualifiers between Nigeria and Ghana. Prior to the World cup qualifiers between Nigeria and Ghana, an intelligence report had emerged from the DSS that IPOB had plans of bombing the stadium in Abuja.
“Intelligence available to the Service indicate sic imminent attack on M.K.O Abiola National Stadium, Abuja by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) using prime improvised explosive devices on 29th March, 2022.“The attack was hatched to target the return world cup qualifiers match between Nigeria and Ghana, aimed at causing maximum casualty and embarrassment to the Government, thereby drawing local and international attention to the secessionist agenda of the dissident group.“In view of the foregoing coupled with the planned attendance of President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and other important dignitaries to honour the national team, there is the need for adequate deployment of counter security measures before and during the slated match with a view to preventing, detecting and neutralising the threats,” the memo had read.The President was initially billed to be amongst the audience for the live World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana in the Nigerian capital.Reacting in a statement on Thursday, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, accused the DSS and the Nigerian government of trying to create confusion and panic in the country.The group said its members are peaceful agitators struggling to restore Biafra and not a terrorist organisation that plants bombs.The statement read, “Where was your ridiculous intelligence when terrorists successfully planted the bombs that destroyed the Abuja-Kaduna bound passenger train, killing many and wounding scores after abducting others? “It is very stupid of the Nigeria security agencies to think that IPOB that is peacefully agitating for the restoration of Biafra in the Eastern region will come to Abuja to wreak havoc. We are not mass murderers like most groups that derive joy in bloodletting.“IPOB has no intention to launch any attack in Abuja or any part of the North. We also do not have plans to attack any part of Nigeria because we are not terrorist organisation. Our mandate is the peaceful restoration of Biafra and not launching of attacks.“Nigeria security agencies should stop making mockery of themselves by using the name of IPOB to scare people. Terrorists have already destroyed the North. They should stop creating confusion and insecurity in the country especially South Eastern region and Biafraland.“Fraudulent Nigeria security agencies are using the name of IPOB to create tension and confusion in the land. Shame on the Nigeria security agencies especially DSS by concocting the lie that IPOB planned to attack Abiola stadium in Abuja during the World Cup encounter between the Super Eagles and the Black Stars of Ghana.”
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Nigerian Polytechnics Lecturers, ASUP Issues One-Month Strike Ultimatum
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has said it is planning for resumption of strike action.The union had suspended its industrial action which ran for 61 days in June 2021 after reaching an agreement with the government.
The union on Thursday issued a one-month ultimatum to government for the strike action, in Yola at the end of its 102nd National Executive Council meeting.ASUP’s national president, Anderson Uzeibe, while speaking with newsmen, noted that the decision became necessary after the government failed to implement important aspects of the memorandum of action signed with the union nine months ago.Uzeibe said, “The government is yet to release the sum of N15billion as the first tranche of the N800billion revitalisation fund nine months after the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari.”Other issues include non-payment of outstanding arrears of minimum wage, non-release of reviewed normative instrument for institutions, management and accreditation, breach of the provisions of the Federal Polytechnic Act as amended in 2019 and delay in the appointment of rectors.”So long as the government and other proprietors in the polytechnic system continue to violate laws and signed agreements, the union would not hesitate to down tool, saying industrial action had become the most potent way for workers to pressurise the government.“Following exhaustive deliberation, the union’s National Executive Council has resolved to give the government a further one month as an ultimatum to address the outstanding issues as listed or face a review of the suspended industrial action by our union.”
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BREAKING: Lawless Nigeria Police Re-arrest Enslaved 21-year-old Woman, Glory Okolie Weeks After Release From Suleja Prison
The Nigerian police have arrested a 21-year-old woman, Glory Okolie who only got out of the Suleja correctional centre in Niger State last week after more than eight months of incarceration.SaharaReporters learnt that Okolie was arrested by the Imo State Police Command acting through the Divisional Police Officer of Shell Police Station.
SAD STORY OF GLORY OKOLIE -Turned Into A Slave In @PoliceNG Custody After Illegal Arrest, Now Facing Terrorism Charges ‘For Being Friends With A Member Of IPOB’ pic.twitter.com/184mwZ8oTR— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) November 10, 2021
A source revealed that Okolie was arrested when she went to her bank branch in Owerri to withdraw some of her money.“The NPF through the Imo State Police Command, through the DPO of Shell Police Station, rearrested Okolie, who was only granted bail out of Suleja Prison last week,” the source said. “When we reached the police spokesperson on phone, he said Okolie was arrested because she went to her Owerri bank to withdraw money, after it was flagged down by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Unit before her arrest and eventual bail.”SaharaReporters learnt that her lawyer, Samuel Ihensekhien and others were still making frantic efforts to secure her release at the time of filing this report.On March 23, SaharaReporters had reported that Okolie perfected her bail conditions and got out of the Suleja correctional centre.Okolie had been arrested and enslaved since June 17, 2021, by the operatives of the IGP IRT in Imo State.Okolie was illegally detained and held in a cell by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team unit of the Nigeria Police Force for months on allegations of spying for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
SaharaReporters on November 23, 2021, reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted bail to Gloria Okolie in the sum of N150 million with two sureties.Ruling on the bail application, the presiding judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo admitted her to bail with sureties one of whom must be at least a level 14 civil servant while the other must own landed property and must have lived at the present address for at least 2 years.Okolie who was accused of an offence bordering on terrorism was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly being friends with a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).She was later transferred to Abuja, despite efforts by her family members to secure her release.While reacting to the bail conditions her lawyers, Ihensekhien Samuel commended the judge for admitting her to bail though the terms were stringent, they would apply for variation in due course.Okolie was later released on bail.
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