Constitution Review: Drama as Sen Adamu prevents NULGE rep from presentation – Newstrends
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Constitution Review: Drama as Sen Adamu prevents NULGE rep from presentation

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3 years ago

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There was a mild drama on Wednesday in Jos Centre, Plateau State, venue for the North Central Zone public hearing on the proposed alteration of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as the Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu prevented the representative of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE from presenting their position.

It would be recalled that Jos is hosting Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa for the presentation of their memos stating the positions to be included in the expected constitution review.

Senator Adamu was calling different groups to present their memos when it was the turn of NULGE, an activist, Santos Ayuba mounted the podium and introduced himself as the consultant for NULGE to which the Chairman asked, “are you an employee of local government,” and he said no.

At that point, the Chairman refused to listen and as he stepped down, members of NULGE who contracted him to present on their behalf murmured loudly, interrupting the next person that was called.

The unionists marched forward with their spokesman but were still denied the opportunity for him to speak. Piqued by the development, the consultant doubted the sincerity of the process when the voices of the people were being muted.

He told journalists at the Crispan hotel venue of the event, “It is quite disappointing that when I was stepping in, the Governor of the State whispered to the Chairman of the Committee, I wasn’t the only one who saw it, and the first question was to ask me if I was the NULGE person, an employee.

“I have been a labour leader when I was in the University, I was the Secretary of ASUU, I served as a resource person to NLC, I also served and worked with NUJ Correspondents’ chapel, so labour is my field. I am sympathizer of labour activities.

NULGE consulted me, as a consultant, I do research, I do training and even the state government.

“We train the staff of state government with our consulting firm and now the governor was asking me who I was. I am the only person they asked that question. Those who presented on behalf of a non-profit organization, did they ask them, no.

“I was consulted, I was paid and if I was paid, I must deliver the job so now as it is, they got scared without knowing what was to be presented by NULGE. This is an infringement on the right of NULGE as an institution and as an organization. Denying them their own space.”

He pre-empted the process stating, “Considering what is happening, this process will not favour Nigerians, it has started. Others were given 8, 10 minutes but an institution like Human Rights Commission was given two minutes. The truth is that this is the process that will engineer again the rigging in 2023.

“When they talk about the security of Nigerians, they are budgeting billions for this process, is this the most important thing that we should be facing now or insecurity? They are undermining the red flags as we approach 2023, this for me is a wind. The early we begin to know that the country is standing on clear feet, the better for us.

“The demands of NULGE are simple, local government should be given autonomy, they want fiscal federalism, separation of joint account with state government…”

Before the interruption, the Houses of Assembly of the three States, the States Governors, the Traditional institution and others had presented their positions.

Among the issues which dominated their demands were the call for State/Community Police, devolution of power, active inclusion of a traditional institution in governance, judicial review, prohibition of open grazing local government among others.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who declared the even open said, “We hope that this particular exercise will not go the way of previous ones which failed to address some key issues affecting the governance of the nation and in some way even threatening the peace, security and unity of the country.”

Plateau State Deputy Governor, Sonni Tyoden who presented the State position harped on state/community policing, the Chairman of the State Traditional Council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba said the history of each ethnic nationality should not be overlooked.’

His words, “Who are we? The constitution must address the question. The different ethnic groups were in existence before Nigeria, that aspect of history should not be thrown away because if you don’t know where we are coming from, you won’t know where you are going to. Every land in Nigeria belongs to a community, a people…”

It was gathered that so far, over 200 memos have been submitted by the different groups across the three States.

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Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families

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27 mins ago

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April 27, 2024

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Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has characterised the fire incident caused by a tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, as extremely regrettable since it burned motorists and commuters beyond recognition and damaged multiple vehicles.

Fubara pointed out that the collision could have been averted if the drivers had been more cautious.

On Friday night, an explosion occurred between Indorama Gate and Aleto Bridge on the popular and bustling Eleme portion of the East-West Road, which is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment by the Federal Government.

Fubara expressed concern at the terrible sights he witnessed when visiting the scene of the event on Saturday morning, accompanied by the state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, and the commissioner of energy and natural resources, Mr. Uchechukwu Nwafor.

Nelson Chukwudi, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, released a statement to the media.

Fubara stated that he received a call from the Managing Director of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited in Eleme Local Government Area, telling him of the tragedy.

When Fubara learned of the occurrence, he quickly routed a call to security agencies and asked them to visit the location to take command of the area’s security in order to prevent the situation from escalating.

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Fubara stated, “We are here to see for ourselves and get first-hand information about the incident that happened yesterday night.

“About 7.30–8 pm, we got information on the gravity of the incident. I was told that it was caused by a tanker vehicle that was conveying Premium Motor Spirit.

“I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they took control of the security situation in the area.

“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles destroyed and lives lost.”

Fubara explained that he had already requested that the relevant government agencies provide him with a detailed account of their findings so that the state government could make appropriate decisions and actions to significantly improve the situation and reduce the negative impact on the affected people.

“I have already asked the relevant agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing how much we can support the bereaved families and also cushion the effect of the losses, which I believe is no fault of a good number of them.

“We all know the situation on this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should do so with caution.

“I believe very strongly that this situation would have been avoidable if the motorists had behaved properly. But it is late already. The damage has happened. This is the situation we have found ourselves in. We will see how we can control the aftermath,” he added.

Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families

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Yahaya Bello: Prosecute US school over advance tuition fee payments, Sowore tells EFCC

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7 hours ago

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April 27, 2024

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Omoyele Sowore

Yahaya Bello: Prosecute US school over advance tuition fee payments, Sowore tells EFCC

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent Nigerian activist, has called for the prosecution of the American International School (AIS) in Abuja for alleged money laundering involving former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello and his former Chief of Staff, Ali Bello.

In a post on X, Sowore alleged that Bello and his aide laundered close to $1 million under the guise of paying “future school fees” for their children at AIS.

He argued that similar to the American justice system, the AIS should face charges instead of simply refunding the money.

He further urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that the school discloses all such payments made by Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). Sowore believes that investigating such payments could reveal widespread financial misconduct and calls for AIS to be converted into a public school if found guilty.

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His words: “The American International School @AISAbuja , where fugitive former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello @OfficialGYBKogi and his former Chief of Staff, Ali Bello, laundered close to $ 1 million in the name of paying “future school fees” of their wards should be charged and prosecuted for money laundering instead of being allowed to refund the money.

“This is the way the American justice system treats such cases on US soil, the @officialEFCC must also ensure the school discloses all such school fees paid by Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

“I am sure there are a lot of discoveries that would be uncovered such that the school could be converted to a public school instead of its criminal connivance with financial criminals fleecing the Nigerian public across board, these must necessary apply to these ultra-expensive private schools in Nigeria.”

Yahaya Bello: Prosecute US school over advance tuition fee payments, Sowore tells EFCC

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Why we praised Aviation minister Keyamo after Dana Air incident – Northern group

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7 hours ago

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April 27, 2024

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

Why we praised Aviation minister Keyamo after Dana Air incident – Northern group

The Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP) has hailed the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, for prioritising the safety and well-being of air travellers.

The group stated this in a statement signed by its president Kudu Mohammed in reaction to the suspension of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Wednesday, announced the airline’s suspension after its aircraft (MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI) skidded off the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos runway.

In reaction, Mohammed said Keyamo is restoring dignity and confidence to the sector with innovative reforms in line with global best practices, always promoting national security interest as a patriot.

Mohammed said in the aviation business that there is no margin for error. Hence, all protocols must be strictly adhered to, and that is what Keyamo has done.

“The suspension of the operations of Dana Airlines is a welcome development,” the statement said. “As we all know, this is the second time within two years that Dana Air’s AOC has been suspended over safety violations.

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“In 2022, the airline’s operation was halted after the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority came out negative.

“This time around, though, thankfully, we have an Aviation Minister whose priority is the safety and well-being of travellers unafraid to make painful decisions for the good of the nation.

“We have a man who never compromises and strongly holds on to his principles. Mr Keyamo has already introduced some innovative reforms in line with global best practices. He has carried out a thorough cleansing of the polluted sector he inherited.

“We, therefore, pass a vote of confidence on his leadership. Of course, we are aware that he is not the most-loved minister due to his transparent and resolute approach.

“However, we want to let Mr Keyamo know that the masses are with him.”

The group, therefore, urged him to remain a fearless advocate of the masses and never to allow himself to be silenced by detractors.

Why we praised Aviation minister Keyamo after Dana Air incident – Northern group

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