Featured
Reps Probe PH Airport Project Abandonment …Okays Upward Review Of Minimum Wage
The House of Representatives has commenced investigations into the remote and immediate causes of the abandonment of the remodelling of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, by the Federal Government.
The investigation follows a motion brought to the floor of the House by Hon Kingsley Chinda and supported by all members of the House from Rivers State.
In the motion, the House specifically noted with great concern and dismay, the abandonment of work on the remodelling (or rehabilitation) of Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
It also noted that the said Port Harcourt International Airport was of strategic commercial importance not only to the people of Rivers State, but also to other States in the South-South and South-East regions of the country, including Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Abia and Imo States amongst others, and indeed, Nigeria in general.
Presenting the motion, Chinda noted also that “the Federal Government under former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan sometime in 2011, awarded contract for the remodelling of some airports across the country, including the Port Harcourt International Airport; adding, however, that whilst remodelling work was ‘substantially’ completed at Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Sokoto, Yola, Ilorin, Enugu and Owerri airports, for instance, that of Port Harcourt was abandoned and has till date remained ‘under rehabilitation’ at a slower-than-snail-speed rate.
The motion reads, “Aware that the Port Harcourt International Airport is at present in a very poor state; and no concrete work is on-going at the site; air passengers are received in tents, and even the departure halls which is claimed to have been completed is full of structural faults with noticeable cracks on the walls, suspended ceilings and leaking roof, yet the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) collects tolls and other very high charges for entry into and overnight parking at the airport.
“Also aware that budgetary allocations have always been made for the modernisation and re-modelling as well as airports projects maintenance, yet, the proper utilisation of such funds falls short of expectations of teeming Nigerians.
“Further aware that budgetary provisions were made since 2011, including the recently passed 2017 federal budget, for maintenance and re-modelling of airports.
“Worried that social, economic and commercial activities in Rivers State, and indeed, the South-South and South-East parts of the country have been negatively affected as a result of the poor state of the Port Harcourt International Airport.
“Greatly worried that unless urgent steps are taken to resume rehabilitation work on the said Airport, the primary aim for which the contract was awarded would be defeated and the social, economic and commercial lives of the people would be negatively affected and the sum already budgeted and advanced for the project would be frittered away; while the number of Federal Government’s abandoned projects continue to increase”, the motion added.
While deliberating on the motion, the House resolved to “urge the Federal Government to urgently commence and complete rehabilitation work on the Port Harcourt International Airport.”
It also directed that “the House Committees on Transport, Aviation, Anti-Corruption and Public Accounts to investigate all monies released for the upgrading and maintenance of the Port Harcourt International Airport from 2011 to date.”
The House also sought explanations on the reason for the abandonment of rehabilitation work at the airport, with a view to ensuring that same is completed.
It further directed the committees to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chis Ngige to commence the process of negotiating an upward review of the current minimum wage.
The call was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Peter Akpatason (Edo-APC), during plenary, yesterday.
Akpatason, in the motion, urged the Federal Government to hearken to calls for a review of the national minimum wage figure to avert the looming nationwide strike action threatened by workers.
“The Minimum Wage Act of 2011 set the lowest payable salary at ¦ 18,000, but the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the National Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Federal Government have agreed to set up a joint review team to study and recommend an appropriate rate.
“Labour unions have submitted names of their nominees and have made several requests for commencement of the review process, but government is yet to respond positively to the requests,” he said.
Akpatason, while noting that payments of outstanding debts to contractors and arrears of salaries and pensions to workers had contributed to the reflation of the economy, said that an upward adjustment of the minimum wage would have similar positive effect on the economy.
The lawmaker told his colleagues that a combination of high inflation rates and the weak exchange value of the Naira had eroded the purchasing power of fixed income earners in the country.
“Such fixed income earners are the bread winners to millions of jobless Nigerians and the aged.
“A nationwide strike action embarked upon by workers at this time is capable of rolling back recent economic gains.
“Such strike could return the nation’s fragile economy into recession that will further exacerbate the suffering of the masses,” he explained.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity to ensure implementation of the directive.
In another development, members of the House of Representatives, yesterday, moved that the alleged deplorable state of the Presidential Villa Clinic should be investigated by the Committee on Health Services and report back within three weeks.
This was sequel to a motion sponsored by Rep Henry Archibong, PDP, Akwa Ibom, entitled: ’Need To Investigate The Deplorable Condition Of The State Clinic And The Alleged Deductions From The Salaries And Allowances Of The Medical Staff’.
The House unanimously voted in support of the investigation as the presiding officer, Speaker Yakubu Dogara put the motion to a voice vote.
However, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has committees with pending bills of about six months to forward to them to “Committee of the Whole’’ within one week.
Dogara gave the ultimatum at plenary, yesterday, and said that it was in line with the rules of the House.
He directed the Committee on Rules and Business ‘to do the needful’ should any committee fail to meet the deadline.
Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, had drawn the attention of the House to bills pending consideration at committee level.
He had said that no fewer than 150 “very important bills’’ were lying unattended to, and that some of the bills had been pending for two years.
Orker-Jev said that the rules of the house stated that any bill that remained at the committee level for up to six months should be referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
Featured
I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.