All Posts in "Day: May 8, 2021"

Celebrating One Month Of JUSUN Strike:Setting Striking Example In Labour Resistance

Femi Aborisade (@FemiAborisade1) | Twitter
 By Femi Aborisade

Significance of the strike

The 6th of May 2021 marks one full month that the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) started its strike. This is a positive development, particularly within the context of the tendency for some unions to call off strikes within a few days of commencement. JUSUN has shown exemplary leadership for the trade union movement. Someone expressed a pleasant surprise about the solid JUSUN strike by asking me, are the JUSUN leaders imported from another country?

We commend JUSUN’s leadership and its rank-and-file members for setting a striking example in labour resistance. JUSUN has been on an indefinite strike from 6th April demanding financial autonomy for the judiciary. Despite enormous pressures from different quarters that the strike be called off, JUSUN has held its ground. The Government of Lagos State tried to undermine the strike by compromising the JUSUN leadership in the State. The Lagos State Government failed resoundingly. The strike has been overwhelmingly successful on a national basis. All levels of courts, including the Magistrates Courts nationwide, have been shut down in obedience to the strike call by JUSUN. Yet, the strike has nothing to do with increase in salary or allowances. It is a strike to enforce observance of express provisions of the Constitution. JUSUN has shown that the rank-and-file union members are eager to strike and fight for good cause in the collective interest, provided committed, trusted, and reliable leadership is provided.

The strike has also shown that ordinary working people are capable of uniting for a good cause regardless of primordial differences in ethnicity and religion. All JUSUN members, cutting across all ethnic groups and religious affiliations are united behind the banner of JUSUN – financial autonomy for the judiciary. We commend the JUSUN leadership for a marvelous refreshing atmosphere of the festival of the unity of the oppressed as against pre-strike tensions along ethnic and religious divides.

Strike Demand

The JUSUN strike has been called for one singular demand: financial autonomy for the judiciary in accordance with the express provisions of the Constitution. As far as the Courts for the Federation and the States are concerned, Sections 81 (3) and 121 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, respectively, provide that any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned.

Disobedience of court orders

Sections 81 (3) and 121(3) of the Constitution have been judicially interpreted in three cases. They are Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/667/13: Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria vs National Judicial Council & 36 Governors of the States; Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/63/2013: Olisa Agbakoba Vs FG, The NJC & National Assembly; and Suit No. NAD/56/2013: Olisa Agbakoba Vs A.G., Ekiti State & 2 Others.

The failure and/or refusal of the State Governments to observe the constitutional provisions as well as the courts’ pronouncements is fundamentally unconstitutional. It is indeed an aberration, signifying continuation of impunity and lawlessness by the ruling class. If the Houses of Assembly of the States were truly independent, they ought to have set in motion, the process of impeaching the Governors who have refused to observe constitutional provisions.

Bandits in power

The Governors who have refused to obey Constitutional provisions may be likened to bandits in the bush. The bandits in the bush do not accept that their victims have rights under the law/constitution. They kill, maim, rape and dispossess their victims of their properties. To the bandits in the bush, they are above the law. It is the same mentality of the bandits in the bush that the Governors display when they refuse to give effect to constitutional provisions as far as financial autonomy to the judiciary is concerned. Therefore, we can say we have bandits in power just as we have bandits in the bush menacingly subjecting the lives of ordinary people to unbearable agony.

Strike option

Ordinarily, the courts’ pronouncements ought to have curtailed the excesses of the State Governments who are disobeying Section 121(3) of the Constitution. But the Governors have no regard for the Courts. By section 308(1) of the Constitution, no civil or criminal proceedings can be instituted against the Governor. Otherwise, contempt proceeding, which is quasi-criminal, ought to have been instituted against the Governors who have refused to obey court judgments delivered pursuant to an interpretation of constitutional provisions on financial autonomy for the judiciary. The legislature too appears to have been emasculated. Otherwise, the refusal to carry out the provisions of the Constitution ought to have earned the defaulting Governors impeachment under Section 188 on the ground of ‘grave violation or breach of the provisions’ of the Constitution.

In the circumstances, the only weapon available to whip the State Governments into line, within constitutional provisions, is the strike action such as the JUSUN’s.

Popular support

The JUSUN strike has received popular support. Many branches of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) have protested in the streets in support of JUSUN. Other branches are carrying out ‘protest by leadership visits to the Governors on weekly basis’ as directed by the national leadership of the NBA.

Prospects for victory

The Chairman of the Governors Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi, has publicly announced that financial autonomy would be observed by the Governors as from May 2021. Contrary to the undertaking, the Governors have confirmed that Governments are not to be trusted. We can only believe what they do, not what they say. But it should be appreciated that the announcement by the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum was produced on the popular support which JUSUN Strike enjoys. Only yesterday, 5th May 2021, the NBA national leadership, in an email shared with all lawyers in Nigeria, signed by Dr. Rapulu Nduka, the Publicity Secretary, commended  JUSUN and NBA branches. The email stated in part, that:

“Be assured that the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association will continue to engage the various stakeholders in ensuring that the constitutional provisions guaranteeing the financial autonomy of the judiciary, are enforced to the letter, as a condition precedent for calling off the strike action”.

The reiteration of support by the NBA should be an assurance to JUSUN that its cause is the cause of all who cherish to live in a country governed by the rule of law rather than by the whims and caprices of a few individuals. Therefore, JUSUN should not call off the strike until financial autonomy is fully observed in accordance with constitutional provisions. JUSUN should not take mere promises as concession to justify the sacrifices that have been made in the last one month. Only the pressure of strike action can compel the ruling class to be lawful.

Lack of Financial autonomy is related to corruption in the Judiciary

There is a relationship between corruption in the judiciary and lack of financial autonomy for the judiciary. Where the Heads of the Courts are compelled to beg the governors for what has been budgeted for the Courts, many of the Governors are likely to use that opportunity to ask for favours from the courts, in cases where they are interested. His Lordship, the Chief Justice of Nigeria has recently pointed out this tendency in relation to His Lordship’s inability to approach the Governors over the JUSUN strike. In other words, the main source of corrupting influence on the judiciary is essentially from the executive arms of government who starve the judiciary of funds. Therefore, the fight for financial autonomy for the judiciary is also a fight to reduce corruption in the judiciary. Though, it is recognized that except for a few bad eggs, the judiciary is populated by ordinarily honest, credible, and decent persons with integrity.

Room for improvement

While commending the JUSUN leadership for the conduct of the strike so far, we encourage JUSUN to adopt more active methods of strike which involve the initiatives of the rank and file. In this regard, more peaceful street protests should be organized at grassroots levels so that other workers from other unions, as well as lawyers, may have an opportunity to show solidarity in peaceful mass action. This is the secret to enduring victories in labour struggles – concessions won based on the strength of the muscle of industrial action.

Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Opinion 0
‘I Ventured Into Raping Because Of Fraudulent Ladies’

Ovie Michael, a commercial motorcycle rider,who specializes in raping his female passengers in  Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State,has revealed how he ventured into the act of having carnal knowledge of his victims.
Michael,35,made the confession when was  paraded  alongside other criminals at the police headquarters, Asaba on Saturday
According to him,he started raping unsuspecting victims to take his pound on flesh on the girls who  habitually collect money from him and fail to give him sex
“Girls always spend my money without having sex with me that is why I started kidnapping them to rape them.I use my motorcycle to carry female passenger I see at night to a lonely road.
The last lady I raped was the one who reported me the police in Oghara.I have been asking God for forgiveness since I was caught” he said.
Ali Muhammed Ari,the  Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ali Muhammed Ari, disclosed that the suspect was arrested following series of intelligence gathering by cultivation of informant by the men of Oghara Division on the serial rapist, who is a motorcycle rider in the Polytechnic Community.
CP Ari said that the suspect specializes in picking young girls at night as passengers,  and diverting them to dark spots to rape and dispossess  them of their them of their belongings.
The police chief  said an Iphone valued at N400, 000, nine female hand bags, two pair of eye glasses, five phone chargers, two ATM cards and 13 sim  cards were recovered from the suspect.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Crime/Metro 0
Localize Solutions To Insecurity,Cleric Urges FG

Term Herdsmen Terrorists, Bishop Tells Buhari | Sidewap.com.ng, Best Online Portal for Nigerian News, World's top-Notch blog for Latest Entertainment News - Celebrity Gossips - Music Downloads - Movies & Box Office -
 Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, the  Bishop, Diocese of Anglican Communion, Cathedral Church of St. Thomas, has urged Federal Government to tackle insecurity through community leaders in state and local levels.
He gave the advice in his message titled “The Bishop’s Charge”, delivered at the Second Session of the Diocese at Christ Church at Ilogbo-Eremi, Badagry, Lagos State, on Friday.
He appealed to government to engage community leaders in proffering solutions to insecurity challenges in the country.
“The community leaders – Obas and Baales – should be engaged by the local, state and federal governments to discuss and proffer solutions which are implementable.
“At this time, all hands must be on the desk to solve this problem once and for all because it is affecting the immediate and future of this country.
“There is insecuriy all over the nation and it is affecting farmers, schools and other institutions.
“The security officials must upgrade their intelligence gathering to solve this problem before it is too late,” he said.
The cleric called on Nigerian leaders to rise up and save the country at all levels.
“The collapse of this country will affect the West African Sub-region negatively while it will become a shame of the black race that we cannot govern ourselves.
“As much as we will continue to pray, all those who are saddled with securing this nation must do their jobs.
“Nigeria must defeat the terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and the enemies of progress and peace in the country and environs.
“All those who have compromised the security of the nation must be fished out and punished to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
Mr Samson Olatunde, Chairman, Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), urged members of the church to give the bishop the necessary support to enable the work of God to flourish.
According to the LCDA boss, this is the time the country needs to seek divine intervention for the safety of Nigerians in bandits captivity.
The chairman, however, said that “the Federal Government is on top of the situation.”
Olatunde said that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and council chairmen were trying their best to ensure that the situation did not get to Lagos State.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in News 0
Heirs Oil & Gas Appoints New CEO, Board

 Heirs Oil & Gas (HHOG), has announced the appointment of Osayande Igiehon as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 4, 2021, together with a distinguished non-executive board, bringing together leading industry figures, with considerable global and regional experience.
Heirs Holdings Limited’s (HH) portfolio company, HHOG, completed the acquisition of OML17 in January 2021, in one of the largest oil and gas financings in Africa in more than a decade, with a financing component of US$1.1 billion.
The transaction represents a further implementation of the HH Group strategy of creating the leading integrated energy business in Africa. Through a series of strategic portfolio holdings, HH is executing this strategy.
Recently, affiliate company, Transcorp made a US$300 million acquisition of Afam Power, increasing the Group’s installed electricity generating capacity to 2,000MW.
Mr. Igiehon, who joins from the Royal Dutch Shell (Shell), where he was previously a Vice-President with the Group in the Hague, Netherlands. He brings over twenty-seven years of experience and expertise in the oil and gas sector with Shell, where he held a series of senior management positions. Mr. Igiehon previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Shell Gabon, where he led the successful turnaround of the operational, safety and financial performance.
HHOG also  announced  the appointment of the following distinguished private sector and senior industry leaders to the Board:
Tony O. Elumelu, CON is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Sally Udoma,who previously served as general counsel for Chevron Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East Exploration and Production. Previously, she was general counsel for Sasol Chevron Consulting Limited and managing counsel at the London Legal Service Centre for Chevron Global Upstream and Gas. She has also served as general counsel and general manager for Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Anil Dua is a founding partner at Gateway Partners Limited, a private equity fund specialising in dynamic growth markets including Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Prior to this, Mr. Dua worked for over thirty-five years with Standard Chartered Bank in Asia, Africa, Europe and the US, where he held various roles including Regional CEO West Africa and Regional Head of Origination and Client Coverage, Africa.
Ahmadu Kida Musa who previously served as Deputy Managing Director of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, has over thirty-two years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry and brings considerable expertise in Nigerian oil and gas.
Stanley Lawson currently serves on the board of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. He is Managing Partner at Financial Advisory & Investment Consultants Ltd. Dr Lawson previously occupied the position of Group Executive Director-Finance & Accounts at Nigerian National Petroleum Corp.
Samuel Nwanze is the Chief Finance Officer at Heirs Oil and Gas. Prior to this he was the Chief Investment Officer at Heirs Holdings responsible for investment and capital management.
Commenting, Mr. Igiehon stated:”HHOG represents an extraordinary opportunity, to create Africa’s first true integrated energy company, with a mission to ensure that Africa’s natural resources are directed toward value creation in Africa, powered by sustainable, robust and abundant African energy. I am excited to join the Heirs Oil and Gas leadership team and look forward to the opportunity to transform the energy sector, purposefully address Africa’s energy needs and improve the lives of people across Africa.”
The Chairman of the Board, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, stated: “I am delighted to welcome our new board members. We are building a role model institution for African businesses and our investment in human capital is a further strong demonstration of our intent. The regional and global expertise of our board members will serve to further drive value creation to our continent, as we execute our goal of becoming Africa’s largest, indigenous, integrated, energy company.”
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Next Level 0
Empowerment Of Our Host Communities Non-Negotiable-NGC

Nigerian Gas Company (@ngcnnpcgroup) | Twitter
Engr. Seyi Omotowa,the Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company, has said that his  company was committed to the empowerment and development of its host communities.
The development followed the  hand over  of starter packs to forty women drawn from twenty host communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States,
The NGC presented the starter packs to the participants of its women empowerment programme, at a handover ceremony held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
.Omotowa said the NGC organized the empowerment workshop for its host communities because it strongly believes in the development of its host communities.
Engr. Omotowa who was represented by the Executive Director, Support Services NGC, Mrs Uche Ossai said the structure and intent of the workshop  was to train and empower women between the ages of 20-40 to be self reliant in all facets of their lives, providing support to their families  and by extension , the community by which they belong.
He added that:”The handover of these starter packs to the participants of the programme is a reality , this is testament of NGC’s commitment to actualizing it’s promises despite  the time lag, largely due to budgetary constraints and restructuring exercise within the corporation.On our part, we shall continue to solicit for your cooperation and assistance in the maintenance of peace and support for our business growth aspirations, in the interest of our people in these host communities and Nigeria in general.”
Mrs. Ugoeze  Sandra,from Abia State who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the management and staff of NGC for training and empowering the women with various skills as well as handing over starter packs to them. She assured the NGC that the starter packs will be put into good use.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Brands&Marketing 0
INEC Creates  924 More Polling Units  In Ondo

Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in Ondo State has  created 924 additional polling units cutting across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Rufus Akeju,the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr. Rufus Akeju disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised for the implementation of the expansion of voter’s access to polling units ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Akeju,who explained how the commission arrived at the figure,  said the existing voting points that met the minimum threshold of 750 or a maximum of 1,000 voters per polling unit were converted.
According to him, the commission had earlier received several protest letters from voters complaining of being disenfranchised due to the distance between their location and the polling units.
He said: “The results from the field works are currently undergoing verification and the new polling units in their locations will be reflected in the forthcoming Continuous voter registration exercise.We have been receiving letters for the past 25 years over inadequacies of polling units. People trek long distances and some are afraid of likely electoral violence.”
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Politics 0
Gbajabiamila Sees Prospects In Nigeria, Sao Tome & Principe Ties

The House of Representatives’ Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advocated the need  for stronger socio-economic and political ties between Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe in the spirit of African brotherhood.
He said the two countries can partner in agriculture, tourism and commerce sectors
He  disclosed this when he received the President of the Parliament of Sao Tome and Principe, Hon. Delfim Santiago Das Neves, who paid him a courtesy call at the National Assembly.
Gbajabiamila cited an example with the 9th Assembly, which he said had deliberately embarked on “parliamentary diplomacy” since 2019 to help build friendships between Nigeria and other countries, especially on the African continent.
He explained that such parliamentary friendship groups helped to resolve issues through legislative interventions and dialogues.
“I am excited because this meeting will strengthen and deepen economic and socio-political ties between Nigeria and your country…
“Sao Tome and Principe is rich in agriculture and tourism. This is an area Nigeria can tap into.
“In our House here, we have, since 2019, embarked on parliamentary diplomacy.
We have established friendship groups with many countries and I use this opportunity to invite Sao Tome and Principe to be part of this process”, he added.
In his remarks, Das Neves called for improved relations between the two countries, which Das Neves admitted had not grown much in the last 10 years.
He emphasized the  for a partnership to promote free trade zones and the establishment of a joint maritime security force to protect people and goods on the Gulf of Guinea.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Politics 0
UNILAG  Reopens  For Second Semester

UPDATED: UNILAG announces resumption date - Punch Newspapers
The University of Lagos (UNILAG),has announced the commencement of physical resumption for students for the second semester 2019/2020 session.
The university said physical the reopening for 2019/2020 academic session will commence on Monday 10th, May 2021.
Professor Oluwole Familoni,  Deputy Vice-chancellor  disclosed this at the Senate Chamber during a presentation of the report of 2019/2020 first semester online teaching and examination.
He rated the conduct of the first semester examinations for the 2019/2020 session conducted virtually and physically successful following effective steps taken by the university to minimise risks to the health, the safety of staff, students, and students during the outbreak and post-COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him,basic infrastructure put in place by the management of the  University for hybrid semester include development of the e-learning policy approved by the Senate, upgrade of varsity Information Technology Communication(ICT) infrastructures, especially internet  connectivity(wired and wireless) across the campus, compete overhaul of the university data centres with high-end connectivity devices, increased bandwidth connections to 2GB, deployment of customised LMS software and Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment and provision of sponsored Toll-Free Data to students for online examinations.
He said as prescribed by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Protocols, returning students must wear face mask in and outside the hostels at all times, only bonafide students with officially allocated and paid bed spaces registered for 2019/2020 session would be admitted into the hostel, hostels open on Sunday May 9th, 2021 for those who meet above conditions.
He  added that  requirements are proof of hostel accommodation such as hall pass and confirmation slip and a submission of duly endorsed copy of the indemnity form, among others.
He assured parents and guardians of adequate security and safety of lives on the campus and warned returning students against clustered convergence within and outside the campus.
Prof. Ademola Adeleke, Dean of Students Affairs, assured that the university management had received support of the Nigeria Police Force from Sabo, Bariga and the Marine Police for effective surveillance of the campus vicinity.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Education 0
Erosion Of Nigerian Culture,Tradition  Won’t Stand-Group

Emajo Africa Arts Initiative (EMAAI),has expressed its  commitment  to promote  and preserve  arts, culture and tradition which are gradually being eroded by the Western influence.
Margaret Matsimouna,the coordinator of the group, said  that the initiative was popular in the dance entertainment industry in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
She said:“We have risen to the point of using dance as a positive tool in many facets of life.Dance can also be used as a tool for youths development, discovering and nurturing talents, entertainment and training in secondary schools,” she said.
Matsimouna said that part of the group’s goals was to develop and empower young talents in the society.
“We strive to create platforms and expressions, thereby creating a synergy between culture and education, using the arts as the medium of choice.With our passion and drive for greater work, we won’t stop the pursuit to promote African culture and heritage,” the group’s coordinator said.
Besides,Mr John Emmanuel, Co-founder, EMAAI, said that the initiative was organising a project titled: “Nkpo Nkang”, which translate to “Wonders from the Akwa Ibom” tribe of Nigeria.
He described the project as a workshop where opportunities would be opened to different groups and talents.
“We desire to celebrate our indigenous African culture.We believe that by offering this workshop, we are facilitating an area of education and aside from the educational purpose of the project, everyone who comes will leave with memories that last forever,” he said.
He urged the governments, individuals and external bodies to assist the group to achieve the goal of using dance as a tool for enhancing the positive use of talents.
He added that the development will  help  explore  potential without limits, and serve as a tool for educating young, budding minds and self awareness
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Arts/Entertainment 0
Accountants,Others Must Draw Roadmap To Nigeria’s Economic Recovery’

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, im wife Edith Okowa don test positive for Coronavirus COVID-19 - BBC News Pidgin
Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa,the Governor of Delta State,has challenged accountants and other professionals to draw roadmap that would bail out the country from the current economic draw back.
Okowa, who spoke during a courtesy call to his office by the 56th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Dame Onome Adewuyi and her delegation,said the roles of professionals in strengthening the nation’s economy can not be overemphasized.
He said  Nigeria must begin to plan concerning its increasing population, explaining that without proper planning, rising population would continue to retard the country’s economic development and national growth.
According to him, many governments in Nigeria had virtually become fees and salary-paying states, leaving them with no money left for capital development, and its  capital development that truly runs the economy of states and the nation.
He said  budgets of the states and the Federal Government are characterised by huge recurrent expenditures in terms of payment of salaries, overhead, repayment and servicing of debts, leaving virtually very little for the development of the nation.
He added:”There has to be a mix between recurrent expenditure and capital expenditure. If we spend all our monies on recurrent expenditure without having a reasonable amount for capital expenditure, we will not be doing any good to the state and to our nation.The impact is not only on the states; at the level of Federal Government, it’s quite a problem because today, we are almost living virtually on borrowing to be able to execute capital projects.
“It’s a problem all of us have to look into and it’s something you can look into and offer your advice to both the Federal Government and the states.The challenge is there but there must be a process to address it on a gradual basis, because if we do not do so, we will be getting to a situation where we definitely embarrass ourselves as a nation and we hope that we don’t get to that point in the history of this nation,” Okowa said.
He added that as much as possible “Nigerians need to think about what we can do because we are busy everyday planning our expenditure without planning the population of the nation.
“A nation that continues to plan without planning its population is a nation that is not truly planning at all. It’s a big problem because we are in nation today where our economy is dwindling.
“We are not expanding the economy the way we thought we should be able to do, and then the economy is growing at a very low rate and the population of the nation is growing at a very high rate.
“There is no level of planning, no matter how intelligent that person is, that you can truly plan in such a space. I believe that it’s something that all of us who have the knowledge of planning must speak out to let this nation know that wherever we are at the moment there is need to begin to look very closely inward.’’
In her remarks, Dame Adewuyi had commended  the governor for his administration’s massive investment and educational transformation, including the recent upgrade of three existing higher institutions to universities.
She said the nation’s resources can cater for its rising population if they are adequately managed and accounted for.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in News 0