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Category: News

Salary Cut: We’ve An Understanding With Wike, Say FCT Workers

*Debunks Media Report Alleging Fracas With Minister

The Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) say workers have nothing against the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, over alleged salary cut.

JUAC President, Mr Matilukuro Oluwakorede stated this in Abuja at the weekend, while reacting to a social media publication alleging that, “workers in Nigeria Capital, Abuja groan as Wike cuts salaries, allowances amid inflation”.

Olyuwakorede said, “The public should disregard the information in circulation as it is not emanating from us. We have an internal issue; we had a meeting and agreed on the best way to manage the issue.

“We have nothing to do with what is trending online currently.

“We love our minister. We don’t have any issue against him as at this moment that I am talking to you, and I wish to be quoted anywhere.”

On the issue of the salary, he explained that JUAC had fought for some allowances, adding however, that the allowances were not budgeted for in the 2023 budget.

He identified the allowances as peculiar allowance, hazard allowance and “one or two other allowances like that.”

He explained that the allowances overshot FCTA and FCDA personnel budget, adding that in view of the development, the FCTA management called the leadership of the committee over the challenge.

He added that they all agreed at the meeting, that the remaining funds in the vault should be used to pay October salary but may affect peculiar allowances.

“We realised that the little fund remaining may affect peculiar allowance, and we say we don’t mind stepping it down by one month, while the FCT Administration does the needful against the remaining months.

“So that by November, we return to normalcy. So, I don’t know why journalists are just cashing out on this.

“But I wish to say unequivocally, that we don’t have any problem with our distinguished honourable minister or the minister of state or even the permanent secretary of FCTA.

“We are in good relationship and this decision that we have taken, is for the best interest of staff generally,” the president said.

JUAC leadership had on Friday issued a circular, signed by its President and General Secretary, Mr Akuh Sunday, intimating their members on salary shortfall for October.

JUAC explained in the circular that FCTA and FCDA that management had asked the committee to sensitise all staff on the inability to pay salary of all staff in the months of October.

The development, it said, was because FCTA personal budget vote has been exhausted following the payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, hazard allowance and other allowances.

The committee, however, noted that the payment of the allowance in some Departments, Secretariat and Agencies were not budgeted for.

“In view of the above, JUAC insisted that instead of not paying salary at all in October, management should handle the matter in this manner.

“First, the October salary be paid without the peculiar allowance which is what the current personnel cost vote can carry.

“Secondly, between now and November, virement will be made to transfer funds from other votes to beef up the personnel cost vote to enable management to pay November Salary in full.

“In addition, the arrears for the peculiar allowance of October will be paid in November alongside the arrears for the N35,000 wage award.

“JUAC agreed to these terms because it believes that this is the best bargain and decision that it could take in the best interest of the entire staff of FCTA and FCDA, given the current situation we have found ourselves,” JUAC had said in the circular.

10/29/2023
Military Hardware: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Visits Turkey, Seeks Bilateral Cooperation

In his drive to equip the Nigeria Armed Forces with high tech hardware and other Military equipment, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, has paid a bilateral visit to Turkey to further discuss and explore how best Nigeria can partner with Turkey on the production of Military hardware and equipment.

Badaru, accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashal Hassan Abubakar visited the Turkish Aerospace Industries in the capital city, Ankara to see things for himself.

He inspected various sections of the firm in charge of the manufacturing of modern military aircraft and other defence equipment.

Furthermore, in the course of taking him round the facility, the CEO of the company, Engineer Temel Kotel informed the Minister that the industry was established in 1973 with the primary goal of manufacturing military aircraft, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

At the conclusion of the tour, the Hon Minister commended the company for its over five decades of successful ventures in the manufacturing of military facilities.

According to him, Nigeria would explore the possibility of partnering with Turkey in intelligence and information sharing for the mutual benefit of both countries in Defence cooperation.

10/29/2023
FG Inaugurates Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles pilot conversion centre in Lagos State, through the Presidential-CNG Initiative (P-CNGi).

Mr Micheal Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer of P-CNGi, while speaking at inauguration of the FEMADAC Station on Saturday, described the step as significant development.

Oluwagbemi said the CNG centre would bring more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria. The facility is situated at KM 42, Lekki-Epe

The P-CNGi Steering Committee has announced that seven CNG conversion centres have been established in the country.

He said the initiative had also at the weekend handed over converted buses to State House in Abuja.

Oluwagbemi said the event was immense significance for Nigerians and the global movement towards responsible energy choices.

“Today, as we officially open the Lagos Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and affordable future.

“We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time.

“The commissioning of the first of Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres is historic, as it is the first of many such facilities planned under the P-CNGi initiative,” Oluwagbemi said.

The engineer said that the initiative with the theme: “Energy Revolution: Powering Tomorrow, Today,” represented Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.

The P-CNGi chief executive officer said that CEO said that the conversion centre was not only a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to environmental responsibility, but also a beacon of hope for its citizens.

He said that the initiative would create jobs and greener opportunities.

“More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Program that have kicked off, designed to reduce the cost of transportation, especially mass transit for poor Nigerians.

“This works by collaborating with private sector is to expand the conversion centre network of Nigeria from seven to at least 70, while creating over 2,000 jobs converting vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel that runs cheaper, cleaner and better.

“By embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, the initiative addresses the twin challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which have become integral in the modern world.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs,” Oluwagbemi said.

According to him, the conversion of vehicles to CNG is not just a transition to cleaner energy, it is a promise to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

The CEO said that the inauguration aligned with the overarching goal of P-CNGi to foster innovation in the energy sector, ultimately benefitting the people of Nigeria.

He added: “In a world where environmental consciousness and responsible energy choices are paramount, P-CNGi’s efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leading this global movement.

“The initiatives programme director aptly noted, “Challenges will emerge, but with our unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and collaborative efforts, we are poised to overcome them.”

10/29/2023
COAS Lagbaja Inaugurates Computer Lab Donated By Old Pupils

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has inaugurated an ultra modern Computer Laboratory at the Command Children School, Chindit Cantonment, Zaria.

Lt. Christian Onyemachi, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Military School, Zaria, Kaduna State, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Zaria.

Onyemachi said the inauguration was part of the activities organised by the Army Staff School, Zaria, Old Pupils Association (ASSZOPA), to commemorate the golden jubilee of the school.

He said Lagbaja was represented by the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Mohammed Aminu Abdullahi, at the event.

He said the COAS expressed joy in the celebration and commended the Old Pupils Association for being socially responsible by giving back to their almamata.

He commended members of the association for donating the ultra modern laboratory to the school in commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the school.

““This will no doubt go a long way in preparing our children for the competitive world we live in.

“You would all agree with me that technological advancement has made computer literacy compulsory as we can no longer function effectively without it in the world today,” Lagbaja said.

The army chief acknowledged the ASSZOPA for selflessness, sacrifices and ingenuity in remodeling the school; adding that the Old Pupils Association understood the significance of primary education as the foundation of every successful person.

The COAS expressed delight that the school has produced many successful men and women in Nigeria and Diaspora in all works of life.

He, therefore, called for concerted and collaborative efforts of parents, teachers and various stakeholders, including alumni associations, to harness available opportunities to build a better future for the children.

The special guest of honor emphasised that teachers should be conscious of the fact that they have a great responsibility and a delicate one towards the learners.

He asserted that teachers have been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping and moulding the destiny of the children because they spend a significant time of the day with them.

He stated that the foundation you lay today would be what they would build on to the future, and if that foundation is faulty, the rest of the structure is in danger of crumbling.

10/29/2023
Troops Neutralise Terrorists In Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo Operations

Troops of “Operation UDO KA II” in the South East conducted a clearance operation on terrorists’ hideout in Orsumoghu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, who stated this at the weekend in Enugu, said the troops neutralised two terrorists.

He added that the clearance operation centred on suspected hideouts of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Unuakhalu stated that the terrorist group deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to slow down the troops, but the latter were undaunted.

“The troops were able to dislodge the group; neutralised two of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered from the camps included a pair of military boots, one military belt, five mobile phones, one binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer.

“Others were one locally-made handheld IED and four locally-made IED launchers (Ogbunigwe),” he stated.

Unuakhalu added that troops of Sector 2 of the “Operation UDO KA II’’ arrested a suspected gunrunner on Thursday while on a search-and-rescue mission at Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

He stated that the suspected gunrunner, one Francis Nwekire, 63, was arrested in his house with 48 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

“Additionally, a suspected Effium Militia in Ebonyi was arrested and he led troops to their hideout.

“Items recovered from the hideout were one AK 47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one AK 47 magazine.

“Both suspects are presently in troops’ custody for further interrogation,’’ he stated.

Unuakhalu also stated that troops of Naval Base, Oguta, under “Operation UDO KA II’’ began “Operation IRON TETE’’ on Friday to flush out IPOB/ESN elements from Agwa community in Imo.

He added that during the operation, an identified member of the group, a known local gun fabricator nicknamed “Packing Store’’ was neutralised.

He stated that items recovered during the operation were one pump-action rifle, one locally-made pistol and a head warmer with IPOB inscription.

“Operation UDO KA II calls on law-abiding citizens of the Southeast not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information that will assist in ending this menace in the region.

“Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,’’ Unuakhalu stressed.

10/29/2023
Police, Army Rescue 4 Kidnap Victims In Katsina

Police in Katsina State have rescued four kidnap victims in Dandume Local Government Area on Saturday in collaboration with the military.

Police spokesman in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, stated in Katsina on Saturday that the rescue was achieved during a routine patrol around Dankolo village.

“In a bid to ensure the safety of lives and property police, in collaboration with troops, rescued four persons kidnapped at different locations in the state.

“The relentless efforts and dedication of our security forces paid off, resulting in the rescue,’’ ASP Sadiq-Aliyu stated.

He added that the victims had undergone medical examinations to ensure their well-being, and had been reunited with their families.

10/29/2023
Doctor To Patient Ratio In Jigawa Now 1:21k — NMA Laments

*Says Jigawa has highest record of braindrain in Nigeria

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed concern over shortage of doctors in Jigawa, with the current ratio of one doctor to 21,000 patients in the state.

The NMA Chairman in the state, Dr Aminu Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday to commemorate the 2023 Physicians Week, said “Jigawa has the highest record of braindrain in the country.”

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard is one doctor to 600 patients.

The chairman, therefore, lamented how brain drain negatively hit the state, which allocated 16 per cent of its 2023 annual budget to the health sector.

He said that the association is worried about the sad development.

“This is because ours is a bi-directional bran drain, both within the country, that’s to other states of federation and outside the country.

“We have about 350 doctors working in both state and federal health facilities.

“The NMA chapter in Jigawa has 350 doctors catering for seven million people in the state.

“Currently, the doctor/patient ratio in Jigawa stands at about 1: 21,000, against the WHO standard of 1/600 patients.

“The ratio is similar to that of nurses and other health workers in the state. This is one of the worst ratios in the country, which will significantly affect our health indices.

“It is also worthy of note that Jigawa was among the early states to implement CONMESS and CONHESS salary structure for healthcare workforce back in 2011, which made it one of the highest paid states in the country back then.

“The current challenges bevelling the health sector as a whole honestly call for sincere, deliberate and fact guided discussions concerning our healthcare delivery system.

“With the current economic realities the nation is going through, there is no better time to make the healthcare delivery system in our dear state more efficient and responsive than now.”

The NMA chairman said that the theme of the 2023 Physicians’ Week — “This is our chance to get it right in the health sector” and the sub-themes “The Abuja Declaration 22 years after” and “Ethical issues in human organ donation” — are in tune with the current realities in the health sector.

10/29/2023
Matawalle Condoles With Zamfara Communities Over Bandits’ Attacks

The former Governor of Zamfara state, Dr. Bello Muhammad, Matawalle Maradun, has condoled with the people of Maru and Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara State, over the recent bandits’ attacks.

Matallela said he received with shock, the news of recent attacks of marauding bandits in their numbers, killing innocent people and abducted several others, and left many with various degree of injuries.

The former governor said he was saddened by the news of the attacks and called on the people of various communities in the state to report any suspicious movements of the bandits to security agencies.

This is contained in a statement by the media coordinating office of the former governor, signed by the Coordinator, Ibrahim Dosara.

It said “on behalf of myself, my family and political gladiators, I would like to extend my deep sympathy and condolences to Maru and Kaura Namoda Emirates; local government councils and indeed, the Zamfara State Government over these ugly attacks, killings and kidnapping of innocent lives across the two local government areas.

“I must say we are utterly shocked and dismayed at the terrible human loss incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues. May Almighty Allah ease your pain and grant you patience.

“We are all terribly sorry to witness the mindless acts of banditry in the two local government areas and other parts of the state, resulting in so much death and destruction. No words are enough to condemn such acts.

“Let me hope that the state government and the detachment of troops the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government deployed to the state, along with other security operatives will work together, assert themselves, and ensure that such callous and barbaric attacks, killings and kidnappings are stopped in all parts of the state.

“We share the grief of our countrymen and offer our sympathies.

“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and other victims of the attacks.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the relatives of those who were killed in the latest waves of the tragic attacks.

“I write to you on behalf of my family and political associates to express our shock, horror and profound distress at the appalling events and tragic loss of life in the two local government areas and beyond.

“What happened was a dreadful blow to us all and to the civilized values which we share and cherish.

“I am deeply shocked and filled with grief over the terrible atrocity and losses brought on to your respective communities and people.

“The unbelievable disregard to our community values, of human life and dignity, that exhibited in the ferocious plans behind these acts comes as a horrifying awareness to all of us, a threat to humanity and humankind.

“All of us have been impressed by the courage and dedication of our security operatives and rescue workers, and for the dignity and resilience which lies behind the commitment and determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, to prevail against such monstrous evil.

“We, who value democracy and freedom, stand shoulder to shoulder with the the government of Zamfara state at this time.”

“As the son of the soil and the minister of state, Defence, I would like to reassure you of my commitment and resilience to implement the far-reaching decisions and policies of the Tinubu administration to defeat these monsters and to bring back the lost glory of our dear state in particular and the country in general.”

10/28/2023
Ground Battles Rage In Gaza As Israel Escalates Bombing

Battles raged in Gaza on Saturday as Israel’s army said it expanded ground operations after intensifying its bombardment of the Palestinian territory three weeks after the deadliest attack in the country’s history.

The United Nations warned of a looming “unprecedented avalanche of human suffering” inside the Gaza Strip, after weeks of relentless Israeli bombing, while the General Assembly called for an “immediate humanitarian truce”.

“We are confronting an Israeli ground incursion in Beit Hanoun (in the northern Gaza Strip) and east Bureij (in the centre) and violent engagements are taking place on the ground,” Hamas’s armed wing the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said.

Israeli military spokesman Major Nir Dinar told AFP: “Our troops are operating inside Gaza as they did yesterday.”

Israel launched its bombardment of Gaza after Hamas gunmen stormed across the border on October 7, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking nearly 230 others hostage, according to Israeli officials.

The health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip said Friday that Israeli strikes had now killed 7,326 people, more than 3,000 of them children.

With tens of thousands of troops massed along the Gaza border ahead of an expected full-blown invasion, Israeli forces had also made limited ground incursions on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

“The ground forces are extending the ground operations tonight,” military spokesman Daniel Hagari said late Friday.

The Israeli army said it had increased its strikes “in a very significant way”, while the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said on Telegram it responded with “salvos of rockets”.

In overnight raids, Israeli fighter jets hit 150 “terror tunnels, underground combat spaces and additional underground infrastructure” and “several Hamas terrorists were killed”, the army said on Saturday morning.

10/28/2023
Akpabio Breaks 59-Year-Old Jinx, Secures IPU Executive Committee Slot

Nigeria’s Senate President, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpiabio has been elected into the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Mr Anietie Ekong, his Special Assistant on Media and Communication said this in a statement in Abuja.

Ekong said that Akpabio was elected by delegates across the world to emerge as an executive committee member of the global parliamentary union for a three-year mandate.

Anietie said Akpabio, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, broke a 59-year-old jinx, with his election into the executive committee of the global parliamentary body.

He said the last time a Nigerian was elected into the executive committee of the parliamentary union was in 1964.

“Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU is the global organization of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.

“It has grown over its 135 years into a truly global organization with 179 country members out of 193 countries in the world.

“The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

“The 147th IPU Assembly was held in Luanda, Angola, from 21st to 27th October 2023 and hosted by the National Assembly of Angola,” he said.

Anietie said the union in the week-long assembly deliberated on important issues affecting nations across the world and considered actions to strengthen trust between people and governance structures.

He said the deliberations were designed to make public institutions more effective, accountable and representative to better equip parliaments to address multiple geo-political, economic and environmental crises facing the world.

10/28/2023