News
Hardship: Reps Mull 50% Salary Cut For Six Months To Support FG
The House of Representatives has resolved to cut members’ salary by 50 per cent for six months in order to support the Federal Government in providing succour to the citizenry over the current hardship in the country.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka(APC-Ogun) during plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
In an amendment to the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House Rep, Benjamin Kalu pleaded with the lawmakers to cut their salaries by 50% for six months.
This he said was to support the government in providing succour to the citizenry over the hardship, and sequel to the August nationwide planned protest
Presenting his motion, Isiaka said that the citizens of Nigeria had the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances.
He said, “the house presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.
He said that maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government was crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.
He appealed to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration.
He urged them to prioritize peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.
He further said that all stakeholders should uphold the principles of democracy. respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law in their actions and engagements.
“We trust that through peaceful engagement and dialogue, we can collectively work towards building a better and brighter future for Nigeria.”
According to him, it is undeniable that Nigeria is facing significant challenges, challenges that have plagued our nation for far too long.
“The issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian. The desire for change, for progress, for a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all.”
He said that the current challenges were not unique to Nigeria alone, adding that they were issues that countries across the globe grapple with on a daily basis.
“ In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, no nation is immune to the complexities of governance and development.”
He said, “ the road to change is not easy, and the journey towards a brighter future is often fraught with obstacles.
“But we must not lose sight of the incremental steps that have been taken, the reforms that have been implemented, and the strides that have been made towards a more prosperous Nigeria.”
He added that change would not happen overnight, adding that it required patience, perseverance, and a commitment to working together towards a common goal.
He said, “while peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is also important to allow the government the space and opportunity to consolidate the progress that has already been achieved.
He urged the proponent of the planned protest to engage in constructive dialogue, and seek solutions through peaceful means.
“Let us stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us.
“ Together, we can build a future that we can all be proud of.
“The House urge you, our fellow Nigerians, to consider the broader perspective, to act with wisdom and foresight, and to support efforts towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
“Let us reason together. let us listen to one another, and let us work hand in hand towards a brighter tomorrow.
The House said that the motion would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders and the general public to promote a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing our national issues.
The Nigerian rail system generated N1.69billionn in revenue from passengers in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a 53.14 per cent increase compared to the N1.10billion recorded in the same period of 2023.
This data was disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics in its report released yesterday.
According to the report, a total of 689,263 passengers travelled by rail in Q2, representing a growth rate of 45.38 per cent compared to 474,117 passengers in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
The volume of goods transported via rail also saw a significant increase, with 143,759 tons moved in Q2 2024, up from 56,936 tons in Q2 2023. Additionally, the Nigerian Railway Corporation reported a volume of 5,940 tons of goods transported through pipelines in Q2 2024, an increase from the 2,856 tons recorded in the same period of the previous year.
Revenue from goods conveyed via rail stood at N537.36m in Q2 2024, a remarkable increase of 206.68 per cent compared to N175.22m in Q2 2023. The movement of goods through pipelines also contributed to revenue generation, with N42.08m collected in Q2 2024, compared to N12.81million in Q2 2023.
Other revenue receipts amounted to N994.68million in Q2 2024, representing a staggering increase of 5,206.68 per cent from the N18.74m recorded in the corresponding period of last year.
In the first quarter, of 2024, The Tide source reported that Nigeria spent more on servicing the debt incurred for building its railways than the revenue generated by its railway system. The country spent 2,470 per cent more on railway debt servicing than it made from revenue from rail services in the first quarter of 2024.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.
Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta State representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, yesterday by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta.
He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.
“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.
Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.
“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.
The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.
According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual summit.
Tinubu “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed yesterday.
The statement is titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.’
It reads, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
“Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trips to China and the United Kingdom, “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” said Onanuga.
At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.
The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.
-
Rivers1 day ago
NDDC Boss Dismisses Tenure Expiration Reports
-
Nation1 day ago
Jubilation As Rivers Community Gets New Paramount Ruler
-
News1 day ago
Edo Poll: My Vote Won’t Count, Residents Express Mixed Reactions
-
Politics1 day ago
Rivers Council Polls: Opobo/Nkoro Pledges Support For Cookey-Gam
-
News1 day ago
Workers Decry Cumbersome Process Of Accessing FG’s Subsidised Rice
-
Featured1 day agoIndependence Anniversary: RSG Sets Up Planning Committee
-
Rivers1 day ago
CP Gives Parting Gifts To Rivers With Arrest Of Criminal Elements
-
Nation1 day ago
FRSC To Begin 24-Hour Patrol To Curb Crashes