Labour tackles FG over fuel price increase, demands immediate reversal - Newstrends
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Labour tackles FG over fuel price increase, demands immediate reversal

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the latest hike in the pump price of fuel by the Federal Government and demanded an immediate reversal.

This is coming about three days after the announcement by the Petroleum Products Marketing Company Limited of an increase in the ex-depot price of petrol from N147.67 per litre to N155.17 per litre and directed filling stations to sell the product between N168 and N170 per litre.

But the Nigeria Labour Congress said the action was a breach of the agreement it recently reached with the Federal Government.

President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, said it also cast in a bad light “our utmost good faith with regard to government’s explanations that it lacks funds to continue bankrolling the so-called subsidy payments” as such would sooner than later cripple the entire economy, throw the country into severe economic crisis, and cause loss of jobs in millions.

He expressed this position in a statement on Monday in Abuja to condemn the increase, alleging that there was no doubt that there was great disquiet in the land over the extraordinary level of inflation.

It said the Federal Government did this despite an agreement that it would take immediate steps to revamp the nation’s ailing refineries.

It said, “The recent increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) has only exacerbated the current lev­el of pain and anguish in the country.

“The recent increase in the pump price of the PMS is clearly against the spirit and content of what organised labour agreed with the government at the last negotiations over the last fuel price increase.

“While we await the full recovery of our refineries as contained in our agreement with the government, Nigerians cannot be made to bleed endlessly for the failures of successive governments to properly manage our refiner­ies, ensure value for money for the numerous turn around maintenance (TAM) which were poorly and barely exe­cuted and the horrifying lack of interest in prosecuting pub­lic officials and private busi­ness people who have profited from the rot in our petroleum sector and the collective misery they have imposed on the general population.”

The NLC also said there was a limit to what the citizens could bear if the increases in the price of refined petroleum products and other essential goods and services continued.

It stated, “While we fix our refineries, there are a number of options open to the government to stem the tide of high prices of refined petroleum products. One is for the government to declare a state of emergency in our downstream petroleum sector.

“As a follow up to this, the government should enter into contract refining with refineries closer home to Nigeria.

“This will ensure that the cost of supplying crude oil is negotiated away from prevailing international market rate so that the landing cost of refined petroleum products is significantly reduced.

“Government should also demonstrate the will to stamp out the smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria.

“We need to see big time petroleum smugglers arraigned in the court of law and made to pay for their crimes against the Nigerian people. Government has the resources available to it to en­sure this economic justice to Nigerians.

“The question on the minds of many Nigerians is if the government is willing to go headlong against major financiers of the major political parties known to the public as the architects of the current national woe,” he stated.

Labour insisted that information on the distribution of petroleum products to petrol stations be advertised as a way to carry everyone along on with the distribution of refined petroleum products.

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Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship

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Hon. Lukman Kayode Mudashiru

Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship

The member representing Iwo/Ayedire/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, Lukman Kayode Mudashiru, has earmarked N100 million to sponsor indigent students from the constituency for university education.

A statement on Saturday from his media office said successful applicants would be sponsored for four-year undergraduate programmes at Ahman Patigi University, Kwara State.

Mudashiru had set up a scholarship committee comprising respected individuals from the community in order to ensure transparency and efficient selection process.

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He said the goal of the committee was to identify and support indigent students based on merit, assuring that the committee would discharge its duty judiciously “to maximize its impact on the lives of our youths.”

The lawmaker said: “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the educational upliftment of our community. We are determined to ensure that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue higher education.

“Education is the bedrock of development, and I am proud to deliver on my promise to support the aspirations of our youths. This scholarship program is an investment in the future leaders of Iwo, Ayedire, and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, and I am confident that it will yield positive results for our community.”

Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship

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Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

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Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

The House of Representatives say it will monitor the investigation into the military drone attack that killed over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State on Nov. 3.

Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, gave the assurance in a statement titled, “Tudun Biri tragedy elicits profound sorrow” in Abuja on Saturday.

He expressed regrets over the ugly incident, while tasking authorities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations.

He urged them to exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He said: “The unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri community, Kaduna state, has cast a sobre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians; the House Committee on Defence is profoundly saddened by this regrettable incident.

“The loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.

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“We would like to recognise the prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army following the accidental air strike.”

He commended various stakeholders who played crucial roles in alleviating the suffering of the victims.

He said the incident underscored the significance of exercising caution and precision in military operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.

He said the committee acknowledged the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.

He commended the dedication and sacrifices exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of the nation.

“It remains crucial for the public to steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.

“The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents, ” he said.

Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

(NAN)

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Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, commiserated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi on the passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud who died in jet crash Thursday.

The Saudi Royal Court announced that Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz died when the Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15SA fighter plane crashed in Dhahran on December 7.

However, it did not disclose the injuries that led to the prince’s death.

Talal, 62, who was on a training mission died alongside one other pilot.

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The last rituals for Talal will be carried out at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, said the monarchy.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President

Tinubu expressed grief at the loss, acknowledging the departed Prince’s excellent and dedicated service to his country throughout his outstanding career in the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.

According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ the President prayed God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed, and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.

Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals who were either involved in or lost their lives in aviation accidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that killed Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.

Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince

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