Front Pix
Labour Suspends Warning Strike …As FG Agrees To NLC, TUC Demands
Just as indications were getting clearer by 12.00midnight, yesterday, that Nigerian workers would embark on a planned three-day warning strike to press home their demand for full implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage across board, leaders of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) called off the strike after long hours of dialogue with officials of federal and state governments.
Though details of the negotiation were sketchy at press time, a labour official said “ we have suspended the strike for Wednesday. The Federal Government has agreed to the implementation of the national minimum wage”. By that statement, it was gathered that the contentious issue of payment of minimum wage had been settled
According to reports monitored by The Tide, the Federal Government had agreed to comply with the new minimum wage amended Act 2011.
The report said that detailed negotiation on relativity implementation of the minimum wage would not be later than July 31, 2011. The minimum wage, it said, would be implemented from August 1, 2011 and arrears paid by the end of October, 2011
The industrial action became effective following the insistence of the government to pay from Grade levels one to six only, with the promise to include Grade levels seven to 17 next year which the organised labour described as laughable.
At a meeting attended by the Minister of Labour, Director of Budget, Chairman of Income and Wages Commission and Permanent Secretaries among others which began on Monday and lasted till late yesterday night, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim argued that the government had not made provision for Grade levels seven to 17 in the 2011 budget.
However, the organised labour is insisted that as a democratic government founded on the rule of law, the implementation of the new minimum wage which in itself is an Act of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be obeyed in its totality and not to be negotiated.
NLC President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, said that the meeting was not to negotiate any salary for the workers as there was already a law in place.
“I do hope that we would all be working and talking with every stakeholder with sincerity towards coming out of this problem.
Nigerian workers have been patient all this period only to come to the tail end and begin to get a different story entirely. I think that is not fair to the workers,’’ he said.
Comrade Peter Esele, TUC President, said that it was unfortunate that the issue was still being discussed one year after.
“We should not be thinking of waiting till January next year for budget. I think if there is an emergency, we will rise up to it and I think right now, Nigerian workers have an emergency,“ he said .
Speaking on the issue yesterday, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka urged the Federal Government to listen to the agitations of Nigerian workers and proceed with the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage across board.
Soyinka spoke with newsmen in Lagos, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were poised to begin the three-day warning strike today over the issue.
Soyinka said: “I am on the side of labour. The voice of the people is the voice of God. They should be listened to for once.
“Why should they wait till 2012 before the minimum wage is implemented?”, he asked
According to him, what the workers are asking for is not extraordinary and so, it should not become an issue for an unnecessarily long debate.
In his comment, a former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande advised President Goodluck Jonathan to approach the issue with maturity.
“I hope that the President will look into it and consider the plight of the workers,’’ Jakande told newsmen in Lagos.
He said that government must take responsibility if it should allow labour to embark on the strike.
“Why wait for the disruptions and at the end of many days wasted, agreements will still be reached,” he said.
In his reaction, the Lagos State Chairman of APGA, Chief Adesina Olayokun said that the party would support labour’s action.
Olayokun told newsmen that there was no justification for the non-implementation of the minimum wage agreement from March 2011, going by how much elected officers take home.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Chairman of the Citizens Popular Party (CPP), Chief John Uche urged Labour not to rescind their decision until all their demands were met.
Uche noted: “The new minimum wage is an agreement that Nigeria can afford to keep, judging by the country’s revenue that is wasted on elected public officials”.
However, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) have urged Labour to continue to dialogue, rather than go on strike.
South West Secretary of the CNPP, Mr Austin Nnorom told newsmen: “There was need for Labour to rescind its decision to go on strike and continue to negotiate in the overall interest of the nation’’ .
In a similar situation, some lawmakers in Abuja yesterday urged President Goodluk Jonathan to pay the new National Minimum wage of N18,000 signed into law across board.
In separate interviews, Rep. Samson Osagie (ACN-Edo), said government had no option than to implement the new wage across board.
“As far as I am concerned, government has no option than to implement the wage it has pledged to Nigerians before the elections and cannot renege on its promise after the elections.
“The way and manner it is being done looks as if it was an election gimmick by government.
“We, on our part as legislators, have done our bit by passing the bill. It is very ridiculous for government to refuse to implement it across board.”
He said that government had no excuse not to pay the wage as the oil price and revenue expectations on which the budget was predicated had not dropped.
According to him, it is the responsibility of government to do budget, and if it discovers that the wage was not captured in it, it can always come up with an alternative.
“It is the responsibility of government to do budget, if they discover that they did not capture it in the budget , they can come up with a supplementary budget.
“The oil price has not reduced in terms of our daily production, revenue expectations have not dropped in spite of the economic and security challenges.
“If they are sincere about it, the National Assembly is ready to assist by passing a supplementary budget.“Let government calculate what it will take and come up with a supplementary budget. They should not hide under the excuse of budget.”
Rep. Akpan Umoh (PDP-Akwa Ibom), said it was important for agreements to be honoured.
According to him, the situation at hand was critical enough for government to source for fund to deal with the matter.
He said that the seventh National Assembly would not compromise on issues affecting national development.
Valentine Ugboma, Amieyeofori Ibim & Isaac Nwankwo
From Right: Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chubuike Amaechi, Former NBA President, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and the current President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Joseph Daudu,SAN, discussing at the NBA Conference on Criminal Justice Reform in Abuja On Monday.
Front Pix
DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.