Month: August 2022

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Civil Service not a dumping ground for job seekers – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, August 19, stressed that the Nigerian Civil Service is not a catch-all for job seekers.

Innocent Bola-Audu, president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and Folashade Yemi-Esan, head of the Federation’s civil service, were both present when the president issued the warning. He did so at the state house in Abuja.

In order to address the socioeconomic issues facing the country, Buhari claimed that the civil service should be an ecosystem that draws in the best and the brightest.

The president reminded those in attendance that the government is overwhelmed by restrictions like declining revenue and crude oil theft, which is a significant contributor to the nation’s revenue base, even as he acknowledged the urgent need for a review of civil servant salaries across the country due to the skyrocketing inflation rate and the depleting power of the naira.

While still speaking to the civil services, President Buhari requested that the Oransanye white paper report be reviewed right away and that the Secretary send the harmonised paper to the Government of the Federation.

He claims that the review’s findings will result in significant future adjustments to the civil service’s organisational structure.

Meanwhile, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, has stated that Christians in Nigeria should not be concerned about the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fani-Kayode, before defecting to the APC from the PDP was outspoken against the current administration’s plans to Islamize and Fulanize Nigeria.

However, he claimed that after praying about the issue; he has come to the decision that the Muslim-Muslim ticket does not put Christians in risk. Asserting that Bola Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate was the right choice and that the choice was taken with the best interests of the nation in mind; Fani-Kayode defended the same faith ticket of the party.

He made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

The former minister acknowledged that no true Christian would approve of such a choice. However, he insisted that there is nothing wrong with the choice.

Because Fani-Kayode has consistently spoken out against the ruling party and its presidential candidate before joining the APC; his most recent remarks have elicited a range of responses, with some claiming that his current position cannot be trusted.

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M.I Abaga – The Guy Album

M.I Abaga – The Guy Album Zip File & Mp3 Download Audio

Nigerian Remarkable Heavyweight Rapper & Incredible Music Leader, M.I Abaga has released his highly anticipated project titled “The Guy Album”.

M.I Abaga’s latest project, “The Guy Album” houses 12 great songs with features from Nas, Olamide, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince Zamani, The Cavemen., Wande Coal, Phyno, BNXN, Duncan Mighty and Others.

Check tracklist below, Download M.I Abaga – The Guy Album below & enjoy!

  1. The Guy
  2. The Hate
  3. Bigger (feat Olamide & NAS)
  4. Soft Life Tony (feat. Lord Vino)
  5. The Front Door (feat. Duncan Mighty)
  6. Crazy (feat. Ossi Grace)
  7. The Love Song (feat. Wande Coal)
  8. The Inside (feat. The Cavemen & Phyno)
  9. Daddy (feat. Chillz)
  10. Soldier (feat. Tomi Owo)
  11. Oil (feat. BNXN (Buju)
  12. More Life (feat. Jesse Jagz & Ice Prince)

M.I Abaga – The Guy Album Zip (41MB)

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ASUU reveals reason for breakdown in negotiations with FG as strike continues

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has advanced reasons why its meeting with the Prof. Nimi Briggs-led committee of the Federal Government on August 16 ended in deadlock.

The union explained that the deadlock came into being because of a certain award of Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) said to have been prepared by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to it.

Specifically, the union made this known in a press statement signed by its President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke; on Thursday, August 18, 2022. Osodeke expressed anger that the “award”, presented by the Nimi Briggs-led team came in a manner of “take-it-or-leave-it’’; adding that came in ordinarily sheet of paper.

The ASUU president said the ‘award salary’, was against the principle of collective bargaining; based on the Wages Boards and Industrial Council’s Decree No. 1 of 1973, the Trade Dispute Act (1976).

Also, he said it was against the ILO Conventions 49 (1948), 91(1950); 154 (1988) and recommendation 153 (1981); Udoji Commission Report of 1974, and Cookey Commission Report of 1981. According to him, the report also provided a platform for resolving such important issues as special Salaries and Conditions of Service of University Staff, University Funding, roles of Pro Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors, and National Universities Commission (NUC).

He said that a key outcome was a special salary scale for university staff known as University Salary Structure (USS).

Osodeke, therefore, said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, should return to the New Draft Agreement of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Renegotiation Committee, whose work spanned a total of five and half years, as a demonstration of good faith.

According to the statement, tagged: “Why ASUU Rejects Governments Award of Salary”; the union claimed that government imposed the ongoing strike action on them; adding that it has encouraged it to linger because of its provocative indifference.

“The Munzali Jibril-led renegotiation committee, submitted the first Draft Agreement in May 2021 but government’s official response did not come until about one year later.

“Again, the “Award” presented by the Nimi Briggs-led Team, came across in a manner of take-it-or-leave-it on a sheet of paper. No serious country in the world treats their scholars this way.

“Over the years, particularly since 1992, the union had always argued for, and negotiated a separate salary structure for academics for obvious reasons.

“ASUU does not accept any awarded salary as was the case in the administration of Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar. The separate salary structures in all FGN/ASUU Agreements were usually the outcome of Collective Bargaining processes,” he said.

He said the major reason given by the Federal Government for its miserly offer, which was paucity of revenue, was not tenable.

“This is because of several reasons, chief of which is poor management of the economy. This has given rise to leakages in the revenue of governments at all levels.

“There is wasteful spending, misappropriation of funds and outright stealing of our collective patrimony.”

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Police bust ritualists’ shrine, arrested 3 with 20 mummified bodies

The Edo Police Command has busted a suspected ritual shrine in Benin and arrested three suspects with 20 mummified bodies.

Specifically, Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, made this announcement on Thursday in Benin.

Also, a police official said the bodies were found in a building on Asoro hill, off Ekenhua road, Uzebu quarters, Benin.

“In pursuance of its operational mandate of nipping crimes in the bud; Operatives of the Edo State Police Command unravelled a suspected ritual shrine.

“Following credible information at the Command’s disposal that some corpses were discovered in a building along Asoro slope off Ekenhua road, Uzebu quarters, Benin city, operatives of the command immediately swung into action and mobilised to the scene.

“At the scene, three suspects were arrested while others fled.

“An intensive effort is ongoing to arrest the other suspects who were at large,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said items found at the location include 15 mummified male corpses; 3 mummified female corpses, and 2 mummified children bodies.

“To this end, the state Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of state CID to carry out a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the discovered corpses.”

She urged the populace to be calm, saying that the command would continue to protect all law-abiding residents of Edo.

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Plateau Peace Building Agency launches Incident Reporting & Database Website

The Plateau State Peace Building Agency has relaunched its robust website (HERE) with Incident Reporting & conflict database for the general public.

Mr. Patrick Jan Jepang, ICT Team Lead for the Agency disclosed this on Wednesday 17th August 2022 at Hotel Ronicon hall Jos, during an engagement with ICT and Social Media enthusiasts as well as Bloggers on “the use of evidence-based information to change the narrative on farmer-herder conflict in Plateau state.

Mr. Jepang, while making a presentation on the Agency’s redesigned Website (HERE), stated that the site was in furtherance of the Agency’s mandate, which is to coordinate conflict prevention and peacebuilding interventions in Plateau State through collaborative approaches and credible partnership with non-state actors.

He said the website provides an avenue for an immediate incident report which will then be collected and verified by the Agency’s research team. The general public can now report issues, ranging from kidnapping, boundary disputes, communal conflicts, cattle rustling, farm invasion and other issues that escalate tension of crises.

The ICT lead also stated that the website was providing 5 major databases which include reports of conflicts and attacks, a comprehensive list of state and non-state actors, a breakdown of conflict issues, timelines of conflict in Plateau State and Trauma processing organizations in Plateau State.

He stated that the general public can use the hotlines provided on the website for incident reports as well as other peace workers also take advantage of the easy access to the database for their work.

In his remarks, Head of Strategic Communications, Mr. Kenneth Dakop said the agency is concerned with identifying potential issues of crisis and addressing them proactively.

He said the Agency has over the years continued in bringing stakeholders to work together to resolve conflicts and prevent new ones. “Through systematic dialogue, mediation, conflict transformation, peace education, sensitization, advocacy and community outreaches, they speak to strengthening community social cohesion and strengthening of structures that promote and enable healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.” He said

Mr. Dakop also stated that the Agency is a dedicated institutional mechanism created to fill the gap in the state architecture for Peace, with the role of Promoting the culture of peace and harmonious co-existence among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the state; Develop a functional arrangement for coordination and cooperation between government and CSOs, NGOs, CBOs in the field of conflict prevention, peace and security through policy dialogue, research, and the development and implementation of peace and conflict prevention programs.

“The Plateau Peace Building Agency has facilitated conflict settlements through multi-track diplomacy and negotiations, conflict resolution training, mediation services, and peace education over the years with tremendous successes recorded.” Mr Kenneth said

The Participants were encouraged to effectively use its new incident reporting system to report issues for prompt actions to address conflicts capable of escalating into violence.

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Jos South residents reject Lalong, Jaiz Bank Jos Main Market Deal

Residents of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have rejected a plan by Governor Simon Lalong for the rebuilding of the burnt Jos Main Market by Jaiz Bank.

Citizens of the area made their submission on Monday during a town hall meeting convened by a lawmaker representing Jos South State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Dalyop Gwottson Fom, as directed by Governor Simon Lalong, held at Langfield event Centre, Jos.

The town hall meeting which had in attendance the representatives of CAN, JNI, traditional rulers, ethnic associations, market women, community leaders and all pressure groups in Jos South kicked against the rebuilding of the market under the present security challenges.

Most residents who spoke against the reconstruction of the market cited insecurity as a major factor which led to the burnt down of the market 20 years ago.

Another resident who re-echoed insecurity, argued further that Plateau people will be short change by the Jaiz Bank which is billed to rebuild and operate the market for 40 years before handing it over to Plateau State Government.

He said the project is going to mortgage the future of Plateau youths and advised Plateau State Government to rethink the reconstruction of the market at the said location.

He advised the government to concentrate on the completion of Legacy Projects across the state and allow the next administration to consult widely among the citizens on whether to rebuild the Jos Main Market or not.

Prof David Yakubu of the University of Jos, who narrated the imperative of rebuilding the market by Jaiz Bank said the project will boost the economic well-being of the people.

Hon Fom, who presented the position of the people after voting, said his constituency rejected the rebuilding of the market.

“The town hall meeting was well attended by CAN, JNI, traditional rulers, various ethnic groups, community leaders and all pressure groups in Jos South and the people voted overwhelmingly against the reconstruction of the Main Market.

“The position of Jos South constituency is loud and clear that the people do not want the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market under the present circumstances.

“Some of the residents who spoke cited insecurity as their reasons while a lot are worried because they don’t have confidence in the present administration. Some said if the Main Market was important, the Governor would have converged the resources used for the ongoing flyover bridge to construct the market,” he stated.

Fom explained further that his constituents took their position without any form of sentiment but in the collective interest of peace and unity of the state and in protecting the Plateau heritage.

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Electricity workers suspend strike for two weeks

Nigerian electricity workers have suspended their nationwide strike, which led to total blackout in different parts of the country.

The electricity workers under the joint umbrella of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEC) agreed to suspend the industrial action, following the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.

Ngige had summoned an emergency conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the electricity workers on Wednesday to resolve the issues that precipitated the industrial action.

The issues are the alleged contravention in their Conditions of Service and Career Progression, stigmatisation of electricity staff by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and refusal of the market operators to fund the payment of entitlements of ex-PHCN staff as agreed in the December 2019 agreement.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, which lasted about four hours, the President of NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajero, said they have been asked to suspend their strike action.

Ajaero expressed hope that the Federal Government would act in good faith on the issues in dispute which have lingered for years, to a very dangerous point.

He said they would take a pause on the industrial action and wait for two weeks as agreed in the meeting for the government to address their grievances.

The President of SSAEC, Comrade Chika Ben assured the nation that the matter would be nipped in the bud before it escalates, adding that there would be no further blackout in any part of the country.

Briefing journalist on the outcome of the meeting, Ngige said after exhaustive deliberations on the issues in dispute, they agreed to constitute a bipartite committee to look into the grievances of the electricity workers and report back in two weeks.

According to Ngige, the members of the bipartite committee include the Minister of State for Power, Jeddy Agba (Chairman), Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, representative of BPE and two representatives from NUEE and SSAEC.

The Minister said the committee has two weeks to report back to the whole house.

He said the meeting afforded them opportunity to thrash out all the issues in dispute, adding that his ministry has apprehended the dispute.

In attendance at the meeting were the Minister of State, Power, Prince Jeddy Agba, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ms. Daju Kachollom, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz and the Chairman of TCN Board , Imamuddeen Talba.

Also represented were the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

Also represented were the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

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Plateau Got Talent Season 1: winners received cash and other consolation prices (Details)

Plateau Got Talent Organizers present prices to the winners of the first edition of the Plateau Got Talent which took place on the 14th August, 2022 at crest hotel where Singer, Nadii emerged winner, Son Of Magma 1st Runner Up, and Ultravinci 2nd Runner Up.

Amb. Cletus, the convener of the Plateau Got Talent congratulates and appreciated all participants and winners, giving assurance of improvement in the next edition of the Plateau Got Talent, he commended and charged them to stay woke and keep the passion burning, he stressed that hard work and dedication is very key to a successful career

He also promised to keep the top 6 and work with them and provide more platforms for them to take advantage of

Amb Cletus pray that this Platform in the future will produce global stars that would present Plateau State and Nigeria at large to the international entertainment industry and beyond, after which he presented the cash and other consolation prices to the winners.

The winer of the contest, Nadii gives God the glory for the wonderful opportunity he has given to her, she appreciated the organizers of the Plateau Got Talent season 1, lauding them for giving her such platform to display her God given talent to the extent of her emergence as the first winer of the Plateau Got Talent season 1

Nadii appreciates other contestants, saying she is proud of them and wish them success in their future endeavors and encourage them never to give up on their dreams and career

Lastly, she applauded her family and fans all over the world and promised to utilize the money she got to promote and push her music career to the next level.

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Plateau youths seek justice as Police arrests hikers, tagged them as kidnappers

Reports making the rounds have it that about 13 youths who went on hiking in Jos Plateau were wrongfully arrested and branded as kidnappers on Saturday 13th August 2022.

The Plateau state command of the Nigerian Police Force reportedly arrested 13 youths that went for their routine weekend hike at a hill around ECWA Staff School, Jos with reports of no incriminating item or weapon found, even when they told the police they were residents of the area and were ready to take the police to their houses, their pleas fell on deaf ear with the police saying where they went to hike was a black spot.

They were detained since Saturday afternoon despite the fact that nothing incriminating was found on them, they were then charged to court and later ordered to be remanded in prison and the case adjourned to September 19 for hiking.

Speaking to an eye witness:

Prior to their arrest, eyewitnesses say that a resident within the community was kidnapped on Thursday (August 11, 2022) hence the alleged “distress call” that led to the arrest of these hikers. Sources tell us that even after they were searched, no incriminating weapons were found. “We involved Bello Lukman, a Journalist with Unity FM Jos who went to the station. When he asked the Police what the charge against them was, they said that there was no charge and nothing incriminating was found on them even after their houses were searched,” a source close to the matter whose identity has been hidden to avoid victimization said. 

However, these youths have now been charged with “criminal conspiracy, assembling for purpose of committing brigandage an unlawful society”. On Monday (August 15, 2022) the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Jos (SCID Jos) for prosecution, according to documents seen by Jay FM. The case has been adjourned to September 19, 2022, and bail was not granted to these hikers who have currently been reprimanded at the Jos Prison.

What really happened?

Being hikers doesn’t completely exempt one from committing a crime, but this was not the case here. We spoke with Tony Brown Ndukwe, the caretaker of the compound at Down Base around ECWA Staff School Jos where these 15 hikers reside. “The hike was planned by members of the compound, in fact I was supposed to join them but I had some delays on my end,” he narrated. 

According to Ndukwe, the “distress call” was made by local vigilantes in the community—”It is surprising because these vigilantes know these guys,” he said. 

The particular spot of the hill which has been alleged to be a “black spot” is a popular hiking spot in the community. Prior to this hike, other groups of young people have used it for recreational and religious activities. Ndukwe added that there has not been any informal or formal notice banning persons within/outside the community from using the hill for recreational activities. 

Police warrants are not required for recreational hikes in Jos

Ephraim Freezle, a Jos-based Tourism Consultant said that “It is not necessary to have a police warrant before going for hikes. However, it’s important for organizers to carry out a security survey of the location majorly to boost the confidence of the hikers.”

Freezle further stated that hiking has been used as a tool to unite the “polarised Jos metropolis”, the diversity in the ethnic and religious affiliations of these 15 hikers that have been wrongly arrested underscores this submission. “Criminalising hiking will affect the peace-building process and the growth of tourism in the state,” he added.

For youths living in Jos, Plateau state, hiking is a usual activity every weekend, in fact, some youths have created hiking communities—such as the #JosHikeIt that allow them to not only hike within their localities but travel to other tourist attractions in the state.