NEWS
Workers’ Day: PMB Seeks Partnership On Fight Against Corruption, Shun Workers
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday disappointed the leadership of the Nigeria organised labour comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as he shunned the 2016 Workers’ Day celebration.
The president who was physically absent at the event, however, called on the workers to partner with him on the fight against corruption in the public service as he lamented 16 years of “national squander, bad governance, unbridled corruption and economic woes by the previous administration”.
President Buhari, who was represented by the minister of labour and productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, further decried the economic woes of the country which he attributed to the decline in the price of oil, which according to him, “further exacerbated our economic woes”.
He said, “In this fight against corruption, I need you all to be very willing partners. Fighting corruption in the Public Service in particular, requires the workers to play major roles by cooperating with the Government.”
Some of the labour leaders expected that the president would have sent the Secretary to the government of the federation, David Babachir to represent him.
Minimum Wage: Labour Urges FG To Set Up Tripartite Committee
Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s organised labour on Sunday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to constitute a tripartite committee for the upward review of the proposed N56,000 new National Minimum Wage.
President of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, the made the call at the 2016 May Day celebration with the theme: “Working Class and The Quest for Socio-Economic Revival’’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC and the TUC had on Tuesday submitted a formal proposal of N56,000 new National Minimum Wage to the Federal Government.
Wabba said that the tripartite committee should comprise government; Federal and State, NECA, the organised private sector, and labour to begin the negotiations.
“During the last May Day, we had stated that as soon as the new government to be sworn in on May 29, 2015 settled down, we would table a proposal for a new National Minimum Wage demand.
“The National Minimum Wage Act which former President Jonathan signed into law in April 2011 has a five year re-opener clause for new negotiations to review the new minimum wage.
“Our proposal of N56,000 is just N4,000 more than the figure we put out for negotiation in December 2008, which was N52,000.
“This represents our awareness about the prevailing economic situation in the country,’’ he said.
Also speaking, the TUC President, Mr Bobbio Kaigama said the present economic hardship and its attendant effects on workers had made nonsense of the National Minimum Wage of N18,000.
He said that the N18,000 National Minimum Wage had been operational for over five years and called for an upward review of the existing minimum wage to N56,000.
“This has become necessary as the present one formally lapsed on 24th March, 2016.
“Indeed, even before we submitted our proposal, we had expected the Federal Government to appoint a committee to handle the issue.
“We anticipate that no state governor would dare claim that his state cannot afford the increase.
“Each state government should be proactive and look inwards to the state’s bountiful alternative sources of income rather than relying only on statutory monthly allocations from the federation account.”
He called on the Federal Government to start the negotiation for a new National Minimum Wage, adding that any further delay would be counterproductive.
READ the speech the president
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER – IN – CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2016 NATIONAL MAY DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT THE EAGLE SQUARE, ABUJA ON SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016
Great Nigerian Workers!
Great Nigerian Workers!
I bring you greetings.
It is with great pleasure that I honour the invitation by the two Federations of Trade Unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to attend the 2016 National May Day celebrations.
As you all know, this is my first outing in this forum which has a long and historical tradition that are noble and progressive. The efforts of all the heroes past who had fought for the workers of all nations to have a ‘voice’ in determining the course and direction of both national and international issues affecting the state of their being, are commemorated today, the first day of May all over the world. Labour remains unarguably an important element in any policy, programme and project propagated for national development.
This year’s celebration is significant in a number of ways. First, it marks the first May Day celebration under the All Progressive Congress (APC) Administration which brought an end to the sixteen (16) years of national squander, bad governance, unbridled corruption and economic woes by the previous administration.
Second, it is coming at a time when the whole world is experiencing some form of economic crisis or the other. For us whose main foreign exchange comes from oil, the global decline in the price of oil has further exacerbated our economic crisis. The resultant effects of this are noticeable in government dwindling resources, reduction in operational capacities of most companies especially in the Oil and Gas Sector, threats of workforce reduction by multinationals and the escalations of volatility amongst others.
These developments no doubts, have socio-economic implications for the economy as well as the working class. I therefore appreciate the theme you have chosen for this year’s National May Day celebration – The Working Class and the Quest for Socio-Economic Revival. A quest it is, and the realization of the revival is not farfetched. It only requires reasonable time to remedy the maladministration and put forth a change so desired by all of us.
I make no excuses as this Government of the APC is determined to tackle headlong all socio – economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well being and the realization of sustainable development as well as growth anchored on equity and social justice.
Development must be sustainable for it to benefit society in general. It is therefore the responsibility of those in the citadels of power to align themselves with the working class who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum of positive change. That is why the present Administration has sought and will continue to seek the hands of Labour so that together we can attain the enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.
It is for this very reason that I aspired to become President which the Nigerian people have now made a reality. This Administration shall effect positive Change in the lives of average Nigerians, to ensure that the downtrodden are elevated and most importantly to fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians who groan under the overwhelming weight of poverty and all the superstructural and infrastructural maladies resulting from corruption.
In this fight against corruption, I need you all to be very willing partners. Fighting corruption in the Public Service in particular, requires the workers to play major roles by cooperating with the Government.
I have listened to the speeches made by both the Presidents of the TUC and NLC. By the speeches, you have without any equivocation affirmed your faith in the greatness of Nigeria as a nation. The challenges facing Nigeria have been highlighted and I assure you that they shall be accorded due consideration. It is worthy to note that solution to some of those issues and requests are already being considered and would be made public in the near future. The times may be tough, but we Nigerians are by nature resilient and strong and it is that nature that propels us to overcome adversities and still thrive as a nation.
Let us use this National May Day to celebrate the workers and Nigeria as a Nation. There will always be challenges in the life of a man and what defines greatness is the way and manner such challenges are tackled and overcome. I assure you, great Nigerian workers that this Administration is able and willing to constructively handle the challenges.
In so doing, I request your cooperation and understanding, as partners in progress. The need to ensure a conducive atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions becomes paramount to ensure no loss of man – days and accordingly promote high productivity which is perquisite for sustainable development based on increased investments, creation of jobs as well as protection of jobs. I further assure you that working together, this Administration protect workers rights and shall promote incentives for great productivity and hence greater prosperity.
Thank you and I wish you all happy May Day celebrations.
God Bless.
The Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and the police in the interest of national security and public trust.
Hundeyin made this appeal during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council.
He explained that his job as police spokesman would be difficult without strong support from the media.
“I cannot succeed in this role without the collaboration of the press,” he told the gathering.
Hundeyin used the occasion to call for balanced reportage stressing that the ripple effect of negative stories can damage public confidence in the police.
“Policing relies heavily on information,” he said. “Officers can’t be everywhere at once, which is why people’s tips and shared intelligence are so important. But when the public loses trust in us, those vital sources of information dry up, and that puts everyone at risk.”
On our own part we will continue to do everything humanly possible to protect lives and property “ he said
He added that insecurity in one part of the country can affect the whole nation. Hundeyin stressed that his message was not about controlling the press, but about encouraging balanced and responsible reporting.
“I am appealing to you today, help us build trust,” he said. “Let’s work together through open communication and partnership to make both the police and the country stronger.”
Hundeyin also promised to respond quickly and fairly to any issues journalists face while doing their work, especially in their interactions with police officers.
In response, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike welcomed Hundeyin’s visit and expressed readiness to work closely with him.
“On behalf of the NUJ FCT Council, I warmly welcome you,” she said. “We truly value this effort by the police to connect with the media directly. It shows your commitment to open dialogue and better understanding.”
She went on to say: “The NUJ FCT does not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation of journalists. Press freedom is a right, not a privilege.
“As journalists, we recognise the key role the police play in keeping the peace and upholding the law. At the same time, the public needs timely, accurate, and honest information to have confidence in the police and other security agencies.
“That’s why our relationship must be built on trust and cooperation.
Together, we can stop the spread of misinformation and promote reporting that helps society move forward.”
Comrade Ike pledged the support of the NUJ FCT Council in working with the police for the good of the public.
“We are ready to partner with you,” she said. “Let’s make sure information flows freely and responsibly, so that both our institutions can serve the people better.”
Hundeyin was warmly received by the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, along with other council members including Secretary Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Assistant Secretary Ms Sharon Emefia, Auditor Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, Financial Secretary Henry Daniel Abimiku, and Ex-Officio 1, Ebriku John Friday.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to the state on Friday, landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 11:55 a.m. to the cheers of his supporters who trooped out to welcome him.
His return comes hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, following a political crisis that saw Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, suspended from office.
Despite his arrival, the governor had yet to resume at the Government House office as of Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened, but hundreds of Fubara’s supporters who had gathered at the Government House in anticipation of his return waited in vain.
During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday, Ibas handed over power and urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
The crisis in the state began after Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of Rivers’ political structure. The feud split the state assembly and escalated into violent confrontations.
In June, Tinubu convened a reconciliation meeting with Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other key stakeholders.
By July, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, which conducted council elections across the state on August 30.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.
NEWS
Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds
Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.
As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.
The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.
“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.
The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.
Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.
About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.
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