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Anambra Labour Unions Declare 7-Day Strike Warning

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Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Anambra State have delivered a decisive message to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

In a joint communiqué signed by Humphrey Nwafor (NLC) and Chris Ogbonna (TUC) on Wednesday, the labour unions issued a seven-day ultimatum, urging the governor to swiftly tackle critical concerns surrounding worker welfare.

The unions emphasized that the failure to meet their demands within the specified time frame could disrupt the existing industrial peace and harmony in the state.

Notably, they raised concerns about the integrity of the contributory pension scheme, referring to it as a “scam.”

They pointed out instances where workers’ salaries were deducted without corresponding government remittances, resulting in retired workers encountering difficulties accessing the deducted portions of their salaries.

Highlighting a significant revelation, the labor unions underscored that deductions dating back to 2018 had been retained in government coffers without the establishment of a regulatory board for Pension Fund Administrators.

In response, the workers are urgently demanding the suspension of contributory pension scheme deductions from salaries, insisting on an immediate refund of deducted funds.

In a clear stance against alleged inhumane and fraudulent activities, the unions are also calling for the immediate dissolution of the Ndi-Olu microfinance board.

It said, “The organised labour frowned at inhuman and fraudulent activities going on in the Ndi-olu microfinance Bank.

“The organised labour therefore demand for immediate dissolution of Ndi-olu microfinance Board and call on government to set up a panel to investigate the activities of the bank which are not limited to monies deducted from workers salaries for recapitalisation, non remittance of shares accrues to workers of Anambra State etc.

“The organised labour viewed the non-constitution of civil service commission, as negligence and deliberate act by the government to destabilise the system and stagnate workers from being promoted and have access from other entitlements.

“Therefore labour demands immediate constitution of all boards that are due for reconstitution to enable workers to have access to their rights and privileges.

“The organised labour demand for the immediate appointment of permanent secretaries for smooth running and administration of civil service.

“The organised labour feel disappointed over the sudden removal of the N12,000 wage award by Anambra State government even when hunger and hardship in the land persist.

“The organised labour expects the government of Anambra to emulate her counterparts in the federation, who are putting measures to cushion the effects of excruciating pains by providing palliative and upward review of the removed wage award to her workers and sustain the payment till the full implementation of new minimum wage commence.” it added

In addition, the Labor leaders emphasize the urgent need for the immediate appointment of permanent secretaries to ensure the efficient operation of the civil service.

They express concern over the non-appointment of permanent secretaries for two years and the utilization of three permanent secretaries to oversee 22 MDAs, deeming these actions insensitive to the welfare and growth of workers.

In light of these grievances, organized labor issues a seven-day ultimatum, demanding the resolution of these issues from today.

They make it clear that if their demands are not met within the stipulated time, they cannot assure the maintenance of industrial peace and harmony in Anambra State.

In response to these concerns, organized labor issues a decisive seven-day ultimatum, demanding the prompt resolution of these issues from today.

They caution that failure to meet their demands within the specified timeframe will jeopardize the assurance of industrial peace and harmony in Anambra State.

 

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NEWS

Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

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