Creation of rival Motorcycle Union: MOUN says Delta state government lacks the legal right

The national body of the Motorcycle Operator Union of Nigeria, (MOUN) an affiliate body of the Nigeria Labour Congress has rejected in totality the latest move by the Delta state government to create an illegitimate rival union known as the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA).

The Delta state government in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu on Saturday noted that COMTOA has been given approval to coordinate and supervise the activities of motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state henceforth.

The SSG also noted that COMTOA will commence the management and collection of levies from motorcycle and tricycle riders effective Monday, 8th January 2024.

Meanwhile, reacting to the new order by the Delta state government, MOUN president, Comrade Julius Ogenewevgba Bobi, FCPAN called on security authorities in the state and at the Federal level to call the government to order, in other to avoid a situation where anarchy would be created in the state.

“The law is at our bosom and we shouldn’t allow the secretary to the Delta State Government to breach it if not our members will confront them and we shall be protected by Section 24 of the Trade Unions Act. So we’re soliciting that he should be called to order before there’s breakdown of law and order and its attendance consequences. We’re most obliged please”

Bobi maintained that the issue had long been judiciously settled in MOUN favour in the High Court of Justice at, Udu Judicial division, Delta state, when Hon. Justice C E Achilefu, (MRS) ruled…… “That the Defendants are hereby restrained from further collecting Passengers Welfare scheme levies and motorcycle and tricycle taxes in Delta State as same contravenes Part II of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, 2004 (as amended) The Defendants are hereby restrained from further collecting taxes and levies in Delta State that are not listed in Part II of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved list for Collection) Act, 2004 (as amended).f. The Defendants are hereby restrained from further using private tax consultants or private individuals or bodies for assessing and collecting taxes and levies on behalf of the Defendant in Delta State as same negates the provisions of Sections 2(1), 3 and 4 of the Taxes and Levies…”

MOUN president lamented that the new move is an an attempt by the government to set the State on fire, “That’s an impunity and illegality taken too far by the Delta State Government. We’re commencing our operations on Monday to counter them,” Comrade Bobi stated unequivocally.

Comrade Bobi also cited a recent judgement where Justice Nelson Ogbuanya of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Port-Harcourt Division, has held that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by extant laws, lacks the power to register organisations under Incorporated Trustee, which has aims and objectives of a Trade Union.

He now wondered where the Delta state government is deriving their power to create a rival motorcycle Union in the state.

Betta Edu, issues around the palliatives money scam is deeper than what Nigerians are been told-CUPP

……the saga, there is more to it than meets the eye.

…….CUPP calls for open public investigation.

……. Any attempt to use political consideration to sweep this monumental corruption under the carpet will be resisted by the Nigerian people.

CUPP welcomes the suspension and investigation of the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Dr. Beta Edu and hereby urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go beyond Edu and fish out anyone that is connected to or partake in the stealing of our collective patrimony.

It our belief that the suspended Minister could not have carried out that heist without the urging of a stronger and perhaps high-ranking member or members of the present government.

The whole issue surrounding the palliative and the larger Humanitarian Affairs ministry has become a sore thumb in both this government and the previous one.

The former minister Sadia Umar is still under probe for embezzling close to forty billion naira before the present minister is fingered for her ignoble role in the transfer of five hundred and eight five million naira to a private back account.

CUPP does not really believe in giving people fish to eat, which the ministry stands for, but in teaching people how to fish and become self-sustaining. CUPP imagines what the budgets of over five hundred billion would provide in the areas of cottage industries with the attendant employment it will generate, or farm settlements that will spring up, food produced, and employment that go with it.

The federal government should rethink the role and mandate of the ministry and save the nation from this embarrassment.

High Chief Peter Ameh
National Secretary CUPP

Civil Society Council Of Nigeria Commends Minister Of Interior On Launching Automated Passport Registration, Others

……..Charges him to remain focused on mandate delivery

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [NCSCN] has commended the Honorable Minister of Interior and the entire team of the Nigerian Immigration Services [NIS] for the successful launching of the Automated Passport Registration System.

In a Press Release signed by Amb. Blessing A. Akinlosotu and Dr. Raymond Edoh, the Executive Director and Executive Secretary respectively on Monday 8th January, 2024, the Council disclosed that the automated E-Passport Processing System initiated by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo is intended to enhance security by timely identification of fraudulent passport applications, through smart document verification officers stationed nationwide.

“The system will ensure thorough scrutiny of passport applications across all Local Government Areas, contributing to strengthening our national security. The enhanced passport application process represents a significant advancement in the country’s security and migration frameworks. It promises quicker detection of fraudulent passport applications, aimed at reducing crime and illegal migrations, while reinforcing the overall efficiency and reliability of the passport issuance system”. The Press Text asserted.

Further recounting the achievements of the Minister, the Leadership of NCSCN applauded Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo over some of his overwhelming landmark accomplishments that have awakened the hope of Nigerians in and outside the Country.

“His swift clearance of 204,000 backlog of passport applications within two weeks is a highly commendable, coupled with the removed of stringent bottlenecks in the acquisition of passports and other immigration documents. Moreover, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s few days in office has witnessed an unprecedented promotion of about 32,361 personnel across the Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. This move underscores the commitment of the Renewed Hope Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in prioritizing the welfare of officers, a feat unprecedented in the history of paramilitary service in Nigeria” the Text continued

“Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo introduced User-friendly e-platforms for visa applications, allowing passport photo uploads via the immigration portal, under an Innovation called E-Platforms for Visa Processing. This initiative promises increased accessibility and convenience for Nigerians seeking visas. Furtherance, the unveiling of enhanced e-passport facilities in key Nigerian Embassies across Europe stands as a testament to his commitment to improving service capabilities for Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly in Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

He also went steps ahead to advocate for equitable compensation and initiated plans for a functional Pension Board, thus, boosting morale and productivity within the ranks. His efforts signifies a pivotal step towards aligning paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ensuring fairness and equity. The proposal of Pension Boards for various security apparatus highlights his dedication to ensuring better welfare and equity within the sector” the NCSCN Press Text stated

“His Collaborative efforts led to the release of 4,000 inmates from correctional centers, showcasing his commitment to rehabilitation and social justice through strategic partnerships and financial assistance. His few days in office has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped the landscape of service delivery, reformed policies, and placed the welfare of Nigerians at the forefront. In recognition of his sterling performances, he was awarded the Public Service Person Of The Year 2023 by Leadership newspaper. According to Leadership, he was found worthy for finding his way into the hearts of millions of citizens for whom obtaining or renewing the Nigerian passport had become a nightmare; for his bold, extensive, and exceptional reforms in tackling the perennial passport booklet debacle at NIS in less than five weeks into his assumption of office. In tandem with these accomplishments, Tunji-Ojo’s engagement with agencies, stakeholders, and international partners underscores his commitment to tackling illegal migration and organized crime, ensuring a safer and more secure nation”. The Text went on

The Civil Society Council, while throwing its weight behind him charged the Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to remain focused on his national assignment as Nigerians believe in him and his leadership prowess, which has metamorphosed into tangible results.

Sadiya Umar-Farouq returns home after hours of interrogation by EFCC operatives

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq returned home on Monday night after hours of interrogation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

She had arrived at the Jabi Headquarters of the EFCC about 10.18 am on Monday to honour the invitation to offer clarifications on some issues that the Commission is investigating.

The former minister had a long session with the EFCC interrogators. The Monday session ended about 10.30 pm after which she was allowed to return home.

She is expected to return on Tuesday for further clarifications on sundry issues that the Commission has flagged in the course of its preliminary investigations.

NiMet DG/CEO Anosike Harps On Improved Service Delivery

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that the focus of the new management is to strengthen the operations of the agency and reposition it for improved service delivery.

Professor Anosike was speaking on Monday, 8th January, 2024, while declaring open a 3-day NiMet management retreat in Abuja.

“The overriding objective of the 2024 NiMet management retreat is to strengthen collaborative relationships amongst staff of the agency. It’s time to dismantle the imaginary walls and silos built internally over the years which has been stifling productivity. The retreat will give us all a good understanding of the work NiMet does. The science of meteorology should be treated and handled with all seriousness because of its importance and impact on lives, properties and on the economy”.

Continuing, Professor Anosike encouraged the participants to be active during the retreat and make contributions that will help NiMet to achieve its mandate efficiently. “Despite prevailing economic challenges, there are opportunities in the external environment for NiMet. We should aim to reduce wastages in our operations, prioritize spending, and improve our internally generated revenue”.

Concluding, Professor Anosike reminded the participants that although NiMet’s services are directly related to weather and climate in Nigeria, however, forces that drive environmental changes have shown that NiMet’s activities impact all aspects of the Nigerian economy”.

Civil Society Council says No to Nonsense in Nigeria, stands up for Nigerians


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By Emmanuel Daudu

Civil Society in Nigeria has stood up to its multifaceted responsibilities as It represents organizations, groups, and individuals that exist outside of the government and the private sector, working for the betterment of society.
Its responsibilities which include, Advocacy and Watchdog, Social Services Provision, Promoting Democracy and Human Rights, Policy Development and Research, Community Mobilization and Social Change, Capacity Building and Training amongst many others has geared the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) to investigate and interface with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on behalf of a Nigerian business man after which retracted the 48-hour ultimatum it previously issued to the Chinese Government. The ultimatum was made in response to allegations of visa denial and a conspiracy against Mr Kingsley Okpala, the CEO of New Age Mobile Concepts Limited.

Earlier, the NCSCN had claimed that Mr Okpala was denied a visa by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria without any valid reason. They alleged that this act was part of a broader conspiracy to hinder his business activities in China.

The issue of visa denials and alleged conspiracies against foreign businessmen is a serious concern, as it can impact bilateral relations between countries. In this case, the NCSCN’s withdrawal of the ultimatum suggests that they have obtained new information or reassurances from the Chinese Government regarding the visa denial and alleged conspiracy.

It is important for both governments to transparently address such claims and ensure that the visa application process is fair and unbiased. Additionally, it would be beneficial to establish open channels of communication to address any concerns or grievances raised by foreign businessmen.

Earlier, the NCSCN had on December 28, 2023, held a world press conference urging the Chinese government to look into an alleged visa denial and business conspiracy against a young Nigerian businessmen, Mr Kingsley Okpala.

Nevertheless, speaking at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary, NCSCN, Dr. Raymond Edoh lauded the swift actions taken by the Chinese Government on the said matter, after the complainant Mr Kingsley Okpala reached out to the Council to relay the outcome of meeting with the Embassy of the Asian country and the amicable steps being taken to find solution to the issues in question.

According to Edoh, “ Your Excellency will recall our letter dated December 28, 2023, with reference number: NCSCN/HQ/ABJ/2023/12/022 signed by the Executive Director and Executive Secretary respectively.

“We wish to convey our gratitude for your kind and prompt response to the matter in less than 12 hours of receipt of our letter.

“This has gone a long way towards showcasing the responsiveness and responsibility of the Chinese Government to the relationship shared with the people and Government of Nigeria. NCSCN highly appreciates this positive development, Your Excellency.

“The complainant has reached out to us after a meeting with the Chinese Consulate General at the embassy and briefed us of the outcome and amicable steps being taken to find solution to the issues therein, which sheds light of hope and satisfaction on the side of the civil society community of Nigeria.”

“ We are watchdogs. We will continue to watch the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and not just them, every other country that is unjust to our citizens will be looked into.

“We have numerous complaints that we will be addressing as well. We will inform the media about the extensive number of issues we are facing. If the Chinese Embassy is unable to resolve these complaints, we will return and address them once again.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director, NCSCN, Comr Blessing Akinlosotu stated that, “We express our appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria for taking swift action by contacting the young man in less than 6 hours and reaching out to us in less than 12 hours. We acknowledge and commend their efficiency and commitment to addressing the matter promptly. Such prompt response is a testament to their dedication towards maintaining a strong bilateral relationship and resolving issues in a timely manner”, Blessing said.

Nigerian Airforce Set To Support Humanitarian Ministry In Delivering More  Relief Materials to Hinterlands Across Nigeria

By Emanuel Daudu

  ….As Minister Provides  More Relief Response, Job Opportunities for Plateau Christmas Eve Attack Victims

The Chief of  Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar,has re-emphasized the readiness of his office to partner with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to help in delivering relief materials across the country with its military helicopters and aircraft.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR ), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA, in a press release on 05/12/2023, disclosed that Abubakar was speaking through the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) of the  Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal,
Edward Gabkwet, who visited the Minister in her office, on Thursday.

The air chief assured the Minister of support to move both humanitarian aid workers and relief materials to states and hinterlands where they are most needed across the country.

Abubakar said his position was in line with the security organisation’s civil/military relationship and humanitarian service to the people of Nigeria.

According to him, as part of the Nigeria Armed Forces responsibilities, the Airforce was willing, able and ready to partner with relevant government MDAs.

“Beyond security, the Nigerian Airforce provides humanitarian support to communities working with relevant government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs)”, he said.

In the same vein, more relief materials activated by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, have arrived at Plateau State.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH ), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Traditional Rulers, religious leaders, as well as youth leaders, have all confirmed the arrival of the items.

“The relief materials include food and and non-food items as part of the immediate humanitarian response, more are still coming”,  Dr. Edu said.

The relief materials were taken to Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State in line with the President’s directives.

The Minister also announced Job opportunities for humanitarian aid workers in the affected communities.

“These workers are expected to work with the security agencies on the ground to ensure protection and fair distribution of items to all affected persons in the affected local government areas.

“As part of the New Year’s plans, the Ministry will be hiring temporal humanitarian aid workers and deploying them to every location where humanitarian crises are going forward.

“This will not only reduce unemployment but will improve our response time and the quality of our intervention going forward.

“These people will be hired for three months in the first instance, and if the criseareis are protracted in their location, they may be made to stay six months one-year maximum.

“The person who has skills and experience working in humanitariacrisesns will have greater advantages and the method of applications which is free will be announced soon,” the Minister added.

NEMA deliver relief supports to Plateau State for victims of attacks

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered relief materials for distribution to provide immediate succor to persons affected by the recent attacks on some communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
 
According to Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA Press Unit, in a press release signed on 4th January 2024, the materials were delivered in line with NEMA’s mandates for timely intervention to save lives in disaster and emergency situations. These consisted of food items that include bags of rice, beans and garri, cartons of powdered milk beverages, tomato paste and seasoning cubes. Others are bags of iodized salts and kegs of vegetable and palm oil.

The non-food items are cartons of detergent and toilet soap, bundles of mosquito nets and blankets. Also delivered are pieces of foam mattresses, nylon mats, plastic buckets and cups. Moreover, the Agency has provided some building materials to build VIP toilets at the camps for the displaced persons.
 

Recall that Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima had said during his visit last week to Plateau State that NEMA should provide relief materials to cushion the impacts of the attacks. The Governor of Plateau State Mr Caleb Mutfwang is personally supervising distribution of the relief items to ensure equity and fairness amongst the displaced persons.
 

The Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed in the wake of the unfortunate incident deployed senior directors led by the Director Planning Research and Forecasting Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele to Plateau State to coordinate assessment and provide support to the affected persons.
 

NEMA through its north central zonal office has been working with other stakeholders and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency in continually providing basic support to the persons displaced by the sad incident and those receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state. 

Insecurity: Matawalle Presents  Two Hi-tech Unmanned Water Vessels to President Tinubu

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr.Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON  has presented two  Hi-Tech unmanned water vessels to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the Villa to help in the fight against insecurity on our waterways in particular and the nation in general. The two unmanned ships were a donation by Swift ship Company in USA to Nigerian Government.

Presenting the two versions of the equipment,  the S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, he said that the hi-tech equipment are latest technologies that would be deployed in fighting insecurity in Niger Delta, Lake Chad region and other maritime regions of the country.

According to a press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director ( Press & Public Relations), It could be recalled that the Minister recently had a working visit to the USA and inspected  NEANY, Swift Ships, and the OCR Global a hi- tech Military producing hardware Companies in the US.
Furthermore, the Minister said that this is the gain of his working visit to some companies in USA.
Matawalle intimated Mr. President that the tour was aimed at promoting innovative technologies that would enhance the Nigerian military’s efficiency in addressing contemporary security challenges.

In addition the Minister said that the idea was to encourage partnership with the US companies in the production of Military hardware locally in Nigeria in collaboration with Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Dr. Matawalle, said that the new found partnership would afford Nigeria the opportunity to learn the innovative ways of Military hardware production which is in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Agenda in bringing peace and security to our dear nation.

The Minister further briefed Mr. President that part of the facilities he inspected while in the US  included rapid deployment mobile RADAR system, unmanned water vehicle, drone ground control station, and compact biometric search-scan system, among others.

He reassured Mr. President that the  cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware capabilities presented would go a long way in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Steel Development Minister Condoles Attah Igala over Sister’s demise

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the paramount ruler of Igala kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa over the death of his sister, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani and her granddaughter.


According to a press release signed by Lizzy Okoji, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development
Federal Republic of Nigeria, on January 5, 2024, Prince Audu in his condolence message made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji on Friday in Abuja described the deaths of the late Mallama Opaluwa-Sani and her five-year-old granddaughter as tragic and sacrilegious.

The Minister of Steel Development said that that the death of Mallama Opaluwa-sani, Akwuma Attah Igala was a loss to the entire Igala Kingdom, urging everyone to remain strong.

Prince Audu also called on security agencies to investigate the alleged arson and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“It is with a heavy heart that I condole with our father, HRM, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa and the royal family over the deaths of his sister and her granddaughter, whose lives were taken in the most painful manner.

“I also commiserate with the entire people of Igala Kingdom at this time because this is a loss to every one of us.

“I call on security agencies to investigate the alleged arson and bring the perpetuators of this act to book so that it would serve as a deterrent to others. Such acts of sacrilege must be discouraged in our land.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grant the souls of the late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa, and her granddaughter, Onechojo  Aljanah Firdaus. I also pray Almighty Allah grants the family the heart to bear the loss,” Audu stated.

Late Mallama Opaluwa-sani, Akwuma Attah Igala, died on Thursday, January 4, at the age of 75, alongside her five-year-old granddaughter, Onechojo, when her home in Idah, Kogi State, was allegedly set ablaze by some assailants.