News
Plateau NLC To Picket Assembly Over Lawmakers’ Pension Bill
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Plateau State has announced plans to picket the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30 over the proposed bill seeking pension and retirement benefits for members of the legislature.
The NLC, backed by the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State, described the proposed legislation as anti-people, self-serving and insensitive, warning that the protest would continue until the bill was withdrawn.
The position was made known on Wednesday during a joint press conference in Jos.
Speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Plateau State Council, Comrade Eugene Manji, said organised labour would resist every attempt by lawmakers to pass the bill, insisting that legislators should focus on making laws that improve the welfare of the people rather than pursuing personal benefits.
Manji accused members of the Assembly of abusing the autonomy granted to state legislatures by promoting policies that serve their personal interests.
According to him, organised labour and civil society groups fought for legislative autonomy to strengthen democratic governance, not to encourage self-enrichment.
“We are picketing the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30, and we will remain there until this bill is withdrawn. We have the capacity to sustain the protest if necessary,” he said.
He called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene and stop the proposed legislation, warning that allowing it to pass could generate unnecessary tension in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Plateau State Council, Comrade Kenneth Shammah, described the proposed pension package as insensitive, particularly at a time the state was still struggling to clear pension arrears dating back to 1986.
“It is unfortunate that while the government is battling to clear pension arrears, lawmakers who have served only four years want to place themselves on lifetime pension.
“Many parents of these lawmakers are still waiting to receive their pensions. We reject the bill in its entirety,” he said.
Shammah argued that legislators remained capable of contributing to society after leaving office and should not depend on lifetime pensions after serving a single tenure.
On his part, the Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State, Mr. Steve Aluko , aligned with Labour’s position, describing the bill as undemocratic, extortionist and against the principles of transparency and accountability.
He said public office was meant for service and not personal enrichment.
“If this bill is not withdrawn, we will join organised labour in shutting down the State House of Assembly until the lawmakers retrace their steps,” he said.
The coalition also warned that it would publish the names of lawmakers sponsoring the bill and mobilise their constituents against them, urging Plateau residents, religious organisations and other stakeholders to support the planned protest.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and dependable defender Michelle Alozie have arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Ijebu Ode ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros.
Also joining the team are midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 22.
Only four players—Comfort Erhabor, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu—are still expected to join the squad.
The Super Falcons will continue their preparations with another training session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, tonight.
Meanwhile, the Comoros senior women’s national team arrived in Ijebu Ode on Monday and held their first training session on Tuesday night as they intensify preparations for the first leg.
Friday’s encounter, which was originally scheduled to take place in Comoros, will now be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, with kick-off set for 6pm.
The reverse fixture will hold at the same venue next week Tuesday.
Players In Camp
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab; Sandra John; Tumininu Adeshina; Valentina Uroko; Glory Edet; Shukurat Oladipo; Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe; Toni Payne; Favour Omenazu; Joy Igbokwe; Jennifer Echegini; Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade; Shakirat Moshood; Blessing Nkor; Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi; Janet Akekoromowei
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.
Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.
The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.
Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.
He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.
“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.
“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.
“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.
“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of several NAF personnel and others.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathies in a letter of condolence addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
In a statement made available to thecolumn.ng by the
Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi
in Abuja on Wednesday (today) Marwa extended the agency’s condolences to the NAF leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
He described the incident as devastating, saying the news was received with profound grief.
The NDLEA boss commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of the country.
According to him, the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the country and the wider national security community.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Marwa also assured the Air Force of the solidarity and support of the officers, men and women of the NDLEA during the period of mourning.
-
Health & Wellness1 year agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News2 years ago
CBN Debunks Fake Circular on New ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 Notes
-
Business6 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
International News6 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business6 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price
-
Trending News1 year agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
-
Opinion2 years agoChampioning the People’s Voice: Obasa’s Dedication to Grassroots Representation By Dave Agboola⁰