Nation

ASUU: Reps Intervene As Students Shut Down Lagos-Abeokuta Road

Published

3 years ago

May 13, 2022

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Wase, has ordered relevant committees of the chamber to intervene in the crisis between the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Wase, who presided over the plenary on Wednesday, mandated chairmen of the House Committees on Education and Labour to resolve the crisis, failing which the leadership of the parliament would step into the matter.
At the close of the plenary, Wase said, “There is something that is still left out and I want to use (this opportunity) and beg our chairmen of committees on Labour and Education to expedite action on the resolution of the crisis in the education industry. This will go a long way in helping our citizens.
“I want to beg that, please, let us do the right thing so that we resolve the matter as quickly as possible. The House has intervened in a number of issues and I think it would not be too much if we can resolve this within a short period of time…or for the leadership to intervene if there is not much progress. I pray that there is very excellent progress, moving ahead.”
Meanwhile, scores of students in Ogun State, on Wednesday, blocked the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to protest the ASUU strike.
The students, under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, invaded the Obada axis of the highway with placards chanting anti-government songs.
The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “End ASUU Strike Now”, “Enough is Enough”, “Nigerian Students are Suffering” and “FG, Listen to ASUU”.
The protest left many motorists stranded as travellers were trapped.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the state chairman of NANS, Kehinde, Simeon, warned that the extension of the strike would worsen the nation’s security challenges.
He said, “It is unfortunate that the Federal government is playing politics with the lives of Nigerian students. We have been clamouring from time past ever since the commencement of this ASUU strike that something should be done with immediate effect, but it is obvious that both the Federal government and ASUU have decided to turn deaf ears to our agitations”.
The Tide learnt that the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Agboola Gambari, alongside the Minister for Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was leading a meeting between the government and ASSUU as well as all other registered trade unions in Nigerian universities yesterday.
Others expected at the meeting were identified interest groups and civil societies.
In an invitation to the media, the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Olajide Oshundun, indicated that Gambari will chair the meeting.
The message read, “The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, will host a tripartite-plus meeting between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other registered trade unions in Nigerian universities, as well as identified interest groups and civil societies, on the on-ongoing industrial actions by the trade unions.
“The Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Agboola Gambari, will chair the meeting”.

Nation

NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers

Published

5 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.

The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.

In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.

The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.

They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.

The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.

“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.

The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.

“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.

The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.

“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.

The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.

“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.

Nation

New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation

Published

2 weeks ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.

Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.

He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.

“We are committed to transparency.

My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.

“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”

“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.

“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.

“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.

“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.

“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.

“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated

CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.

Akujobi amadi

Nation

Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection

Published

2 weeks ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.

“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”

“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”

“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”

“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”

Akujobi Amadi