Television Nigerian

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate for governor, Hon. Leke Abejide, will not be detained, according to the Kogi State Government.

Kingsley Fanwo, the State’s Commissioner for Information, made this information public.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja’s Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed had commanded the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide the ADC candidate with the highest level of protection.

Read Also: Agbese Philip: A PEEK AT HIS 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

The DSS, the Police, and Kogi Governor Yayaha Bello were all forbidden by the court from approaching Abejide, detaining him, or endangering his life or property while the suit against them was being heard and decided.

“No one is attempting to have any of the governorship candidates arrested.

“Leke Abejide, a candidate for governor in the ADC, has no pursuers.

Fanwo said on Channels TV on Monday, “We don’t know why he’s running around like he shouldn’t be detained.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) stated Tuesday that the federal government has till Friday to abide by its demands or face further labour unrest.

The government was pleading for more time to address the labour movement’s complaints when this occurred.
The labour movement’s leadership, it was learned during the Ministry of Labour and Employment and NLC meeting, told the government explicitly that no one could accuse it of not providing the government more than enough time to address its demands.

Among the demands are wage awards, tax exemptions and allowances for public sector employees, a decrease in the cost of governance, the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, the release of modalities for N70 billion for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the release of officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by the police, and the vacating of occupation by police-backed intruders.

One of the NLC leaders present at the meeting claimed that, among others, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed hope that the government would accomodate the union’s demands before the 21-day deadline, which was about to expire.

“Exactly, this Friday, September 22, our 21-day ultimatum expires. Recall that on September 1, 2023, we gave the ultimatum. Comrade Ajaero has therefore clearly stated that the administration has till Friday to respond to our demands or risk yet another round of labour unrest.

He referred to the National Union of Road Transport Workers’, or NURTW, “quagmire and requested that the Police and Federal government be called to order to grant the union a reprieve.

“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), which is responsible for handling the NURTW issue, has immediate authority to do so.

“Ajaero responded that nobody can accuse the congress of not giving the government a reasonable amount of time because we have given the government more than enough time to act when the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, who called the meeting, asked for more time from the NLC to address our demands.

“Asking us to grant the government a reasonable amount of time when we have already done so is unfair. He exhorted the minister to take swift action before the ultimatum’s remaining days expired.

The congress cannot adjourn the meeting without accomplishing any of our goals, he told the minister. We won’t suggest to Nigerians that they give the administration a reasonable amount of time given what we have.

“The administration has until Friday to comply with our demands. The NLC will take whatever industrial action it considers necessary after Friday to meet the demands of the moment, the source said.

The Federal Government is dedicated to resolving the legitimate complaints raised by the NLC, according to earlier comments made by Labour Minister Simon Lalong.

Lalong, who was accompanied by Minister of State Nkeiruka Onyejecha, told the NLC that it recognised and valued the crucial part the organisation played in promoting the rights and welfare of workers in the nation. He also pleaded for cooperation and understanding, saying that efforts were being made to address the teething issues.

Ajaero bemoaned the lack of confidence between the government and the NLC in a post-meeting interview with journalists.

He declared: “The strike is a result of a policy that lacks a human face. Prior to the end of the fuel subsidy, there was no strike. The government was the one who told us to ask for painkillers and wages, and we did. Up until now, frustration had resulted in that warning strike.

“CNG, operating refineries, wage awards, and financial transfers are all issues. You want us to meet every day, but of all these agreements, not single one has been addressed by the administration.

“Some of us have been here a while; it is not our job to go on strike; rather, when an agreement is reached, it should be carried out,” one of us said. We brought up the problems of palliative care, pay awards, and the NURTW prior to the warning strike.

Nobody with a weekly income of N30,000 or N60,000 will purchase fuel. All of these issues require answers, and we have identified them. They want for more time each time we finish.

“We granted their request for eight weeks. We granted them their request for four weeks. Again, we are unsure of what to say to our colleagues or members.

The government is dedicated to addressing all of the issues brought up by the NLC in a just and equitable manner, according to Simon Lalong, the minister of labour.

He added that as the government works to meet the expectations of the labour force, it must be careful to strike a balance that fosters economic growth and ensures sustainable progress for the country.

Read Also: Ondo APC suspends chairman for beating commissioner

Lalong went on to say, “We acknowledge the legitimate grievances that have fueled the recent labour crisis, and we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.”

He expressed gratitude for the NLC’s attendance at the meeting intended to address the current labour problem and foster the nation’s economic development.

“Our nation has recently experienced growing pains, characterised by strikes and other forms of turmoil that have had a negative impact on the economy.

“I appear before you today not just as a representative of the government, but also as a proponent for constructive dialogue, striving to understand your concerns and working side by side to find long-term solutions that benefit all Nigerians,” he continued.

Hon. Philip Agbese entered the House of Representatives with an expansive agenda that includes people-oriented legislation, youth empowerment, job creation, crisis resolution, and peace efforts among others.

Political officeholders have often been measured by the 100-day standard. As Agbese inches closer to crossing the milestone, here is a look at where he stands on some key benchmarks.

Legislative Oversight

Chapter One, Section Four of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution vests the House of Representatives with the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federation. Legislative oversight, meanwhile, is a tool for lawmakers to perform its role of checks and balances in a democracy and involves keeping an eye on the activities of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the sole aim of informing the public as well as correcting ills in governance.

Agbese has done this with aplomb. He has held the executive accountable for its actions, ensuring that it implements policies following the laws and budget passed by the legislature. He has been a vocal member of the parliament, raising people-oriented motions and bills. For instance, Agbese was instrumental in the approval of palliatives and other measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

Record Bills

Agbese not only hit the ground running but showed that he came prepared for the job. The Enone Servant was among the first lawmakers to sponsor a bill in the 10th National Assembly. Charismatic, articulate, and focused, he is a constant feature during plenary.

Eleven of his bills have passed first reading – a record for a first-timer. That figure puts him among the top five in the entire 10th House of Reps. A trailblazer, he has shown an exceptional appetite for the welfare of Nigerians.

Half of the proposed legislation is targeted towards the creation of institutions of learning across the country, a testament to Agbese’s drive for youth empowerment and poverty alleviation through skills acquisition and formal learning. He recognises knowledge as a tool to end insecurity and hardship.

One of the schools will potentially be sited in his constituency to bring development and education closer to his people. He also sorts the creation of medical and other infrastructures. Another bill could see the establishment of a Federal University of Information and Communication Technology, keeping up with the internet revolution and IT global reawakening.

But perhaps, Agbese’s biggest statement yet is the Bill on Non-Oil Mineral Resources Producing Communities Development Commission (Establishment). This legislation will potentially cater for the neglected natives of non-oil-producing communities – which Benue people will directly benefit from.

Standing/ Ad Hoc Committee

When Agbese was named as the Deputy Charman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs/ Deputy Spokesman of the House, it didn’t come as a surprise. The Enone Servant has carved a niche for himself in the media space as a reputable writer, social critic, public affairs commentator, and human rights activist.

These attributes beamed in the House. Agbese is not afraid to delve into perceived bellicose issues as long as it is for the good of the common man. He is likened to the Class Reps of the House who speak his mind no matter who is involved. In one instance, he raised a motion to probe the alleged theft of crude oil.

This was immediately accepted by his colleagues and an ad hoc committee was set up to look into the debacle. With Agbese’s depth of knowledge and guidance, the Reps have already uncovered the mystery that has wrecked eternal leakage to our economy. He also served on the committee investigating TETFund projects across the nation.

Job Creation/ Youth Empowerment

Agbese pledged to empower Enone youth to succeed in different endeavours and has already set the ball running. No fewer than 1,000 young natives will benefit from his mini-bursary scheme and the list of beneficiaries is still being collated.

The Enone Servant has also opened his doors to innovative ideas and potential business partnerships with his constituents. He describes it as intellectual-based projects, in which he recommends or referees eligible persons for jobs and appointments.

Peace Talks / Crisis Resolution

Agbese believes if his people must thrive, it must be in a serene and peaceful environment. He reckons that crises are never the way forward. Hence, the lawmaker has already initiated peace efforts to end needless killings in his constituency.

One of his first steps was a meeting with the member representing Ebonyi/ Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Agbese has also met with other stakeholders to bring lasting solutions.

FINAL WORDS

The pace of the 10th NASS has been precluded by numerous litigations and recesses. Agbese, himself, was dragged to court on four different occasions. This is enough to distract even the most immersed lawmakers.

However, the Enone Servant has remained resolute. While acknowledging the enormity of the tasks, he is well on track to surmount them. His victories at the tribunal meant he was destined to bring progress to his people. Let’s keep hope alive!

The Ondo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has suspended Mr. Olumide Awolumate, the party’s ward chairman in the state’s Akoko North-West Local Government Area, for allegedly assaulting Mrs. Juliana Osadahun, the state commissioner for woman affairs and social development.

In an altercation with the commissioner that was captured on camera, the embattled chairman was seen allegedly injuring the latter’s head during the Sunday distribution of remedies for the elimination of oil subsidies in Arigidi Akoko.

Speaking about the event with our correspondent on Monday, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, the party’s state chairman, voiced his resentment at the alleged assault on the commissioner and said that the party had met that day to discuss it.

He claimed that once the party’s leadership met to discuss the incident, it was decided that Awolumate should be expelled from the organization.

The party would not accept any indiscipline, the chairman declared. Such behavior is something I absolutely detest, and after the party discussed it, the ward’s chairman was suspended. How can a woman be beaten? Please be quite clear and loud if you want me to stop tolerating it. The party must respect a lady, regardless of the offense committed by that honorable commissioner.

“Our party is known for its welfare policies; all of the local governments can attest to that; nowhere was the party involved in this event. The individual has now received a sanction.

The state’s police commissioner, Mr. Asabi Abiodun, has denounced the attack and called for an investigation, according to a statement from the state command’s police public relations officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami.

According to the force PRO, the Commissioner was attacked by an assailant named Awolumate Olumide while having a meeting with some of their party members in the Akoko region to oversee the distribution of the aforementioned palliatives.

The matter has been sent to the SCID (State Criminal Investigation Department), Akure for further investigation into the circumstances leading up to the assault, per the CP’s instruction for a complete investigation to be conducted.

Similar to this, Oluwatosin Ajirotutu, the deputy majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has denounced the alleged assault on the commissioner. She urged the state police command to detain and charge the APC leader.