Nation

PENGASSAN Threatens Strike

Published

12 years ago

July 12, 2013

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has threatened to suspend operations over the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.
PENGASSAN’s President, Mr Babatunde Ogun, gave the warning in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday.
The statement warned that if politicians cannot conduct themselves in a manner expected of their status, the union would not hesitate to withdraw the services of oil workers to ensure their safety.
“‘The state of fear that pervades Rivers is a threat to the lives and safety of oil and gas workers and the entire industry.”
It said that the crisis was an indication that the government may not be able to guarantee the security and protect the lives and property of the people.
It condemned the violent action in the assembly on Tuesday, describing it as ‘a slap on Nigeria’s democracy and the constitution.’
The statement said the crisis could lead to breakdown of law and order that could affect not only the state, but spread to other parts of the country if not nipped in the bud.
It stated that the violent action showed that some politicians lacked respect for the Constitution and elementary democratic decorum.
“That is why we would not risk the lives of our members and may have to withdraw them until the situation is under control”, it stressed.
The statement said it was regrettable to note that those trying to subvert democracy never fought for it.
“Several people, especially labour leaders, died for our democracy to be achieved. Some of us were incarcerated during the struggle to attain this democracy.”
The statement urged all parties and individuals involved in the crisis to take cognizance of the root causes of the crisis and pursue the path of peace by reconciling their differences.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has described the crisis which broke out in Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday as unparliamentary.
The congress stated this in a statement signed by Mr Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal, its President and General Secretary respectively, yesterday in Lagos.
It said that while Nigerians were yet to recover from the shock occasioned by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), another crisis has come from the Rivers lawmakers.
The congress said it was sad that the world watched agape as two factions in the assembly openly engaged in fisticuffs, and used dangerous weapons.
“The spectacle of honourable legislators turned pugilists can best be described as very dishonourable and a show of shame.
“They are proving that politics in Nigeria is seen more as a most lucrative business than a call to service.”
TUC said that the reasons for the crisis were not far from interests and aspirations in the 2015 elections.
It observed that the action of the lawmakers showed there was deep corruption in the nation’s political sector.
“The conclusion of any onlooker will be that the lawmakers have compromised with some form of political inducement or the promise thereof from either of the political gladiators.
“Little wonder that the honourable members cannot manage themselves properly and proved that are very dishonourable.
“TUC says ‘NO’ to any continuance of this show of shame, and insist that respective misguided yes-men in the River State House of Assembly cease forthwith from embarrassing Nigeria with their ill-advised power-play”.
It, however, commended the House of Representatives for passing a resolution that would enable it take over the functions of the assembly until peace returns.
The congress called on the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, to maintain total impartiality and the highest level of professional conduct in the matter.
It also said that officers who overshot the limits of their lawful authority in the crisis should be disciplined to serve as deterrent to others.

Nation

NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers

Published

2 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

1 week 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

1 week 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