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Oluomo eyes NURTW presidency, cautions NLC against blackmailing FG
Oluomo eyes NURTW presidency, cautions NLC against blackmailing FG
Chairman, Lagos Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo) has cautioned the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against using the crisis at the NURTW’s national body to blackmail the Federal Government.
Oluomo, who hinted about contesting for the president of the Union later in the month, faulted the inclusion of the NURTW crisis among the issues raised by the labour leaders during the recent negotiation with the FG over workers’ planned nationwide strike.
He said in a statement Tuesday night that the NURTW crisis was used as a ploy by the NLC to blackmail the government.
According to him, the union crisis should not have come up during the negotiation with the government’s representatives on whether or not to embark on strike due to fuel subsidy removal.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had issued a strike notice meant to commence on Tuesday October 3, 2023 but was called off last minute.
The labour unions had tabled the NURTW and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) crises among other issues during the negotiation with the government’s representatives.
The meeting later agreed that “the matters be handled in line with relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.”
Oluomo urged he labour leaders to allow the transport union to organise themselves in line with their constitution.
The NLC, he said, could not impose the erstwhile President of NURTW, Tajudeen Baruwa, whose tenure elapsed on August 28.
He condemned the undue interference and what he called biased disposition of NLC, noting that such actions “vehemently negate the ideals and principles of the Trade Union Act.”
The statement
Akinsanya said, “As I’ve rightly postulated that (Tajudeen) Baruwa tenure has elapsed. For there not to be any form of lacuna, the union’s Board of Trustees inaugurated a 24-man Caretaker Committee to steer the ship and conduct a generally acceptable Zonal and National Delegate Conferences to usher in a new leadership at the national level.
“According to our union constitution, all elective posts are zoned to each of the six zones making up the NURTW.
“For instance, Zone 2, which comprises the South-West states, has three elective positions – National President, Vice President and Trustee – zoned to it. Before anyone can aspire for national position, such a person must make recourse to his zone for endorsement or election.
“After the tenure of Alhaji Usman Yasin, Baruwa and Tajudeen Agbede showed interest in the presidency of the union and Baruwa won the election at zonal level, hence became the National President.
“Since his (Baruwa’s) tenure expired on August 28, he needs to be re-elected or endorsed by Zone 2 to return to the office. Let him pick a form.
“As I speak, four persons have indicated interest and purchased forms to contest for the office. They are my humble self, Alhaji Agbede; Alhaji Akeem Adeosun Jango and Ekiti State Council Chairman Omotayo Falope.
“The purported kangaroo election held by Baruwa in Nasarawa is dead on arrival because virtually all states of the federation have aligned with the 24-man caretaker committee to conduct Zonal and National Delegate Conferences slated for 5th and 25th of October respectively. “The door of the union is still open to all prospective members of the union to seek and aspire for elective positions.
“So, Baruwa is free to come down to the zone to contest. The zone can as well endorse those to represent them as President, Vice President and Trustee at the Zonal Delegate Congress.”
Akinsanya appealed to the NLC to allow the union go through peaceful transition without any interference.
This, he said, would enthrone a popular candidate who will serve the interests and aspirations of the members.
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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
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13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
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