Connect with us

NEWS

Workers Shut Down Delta State Assembly Over Unresolved Grievances

Published

on

Delta State’s Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) members have staged a forceful protest at the State House of Assembly, decrying unfulfilled pledges of a new salary structure by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Operations within the Assembly have ground to a halt as workers barricaded entrances, obstructing entry for lawmakers.

Their discontent stems from the protracted delay in implementing the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), unresolved for three years.

Additionally, grievances include the lack of progress on casual staff regularization, employee training, and outstanding entitlements.

During a meeting on Tuesday, workers voiced frustration at what they perceive as deliberate stalling tactics, denouncing the Assembly’s leadership and the government for their perceived inaction.

In a communique addressed to the Speaker and copied to various stakeholders including directors, the national President of PASAN, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta State, Emmanuel Edozie, the state chairman of PASAN, and Emmanuel Osubor, the secretary, the Delta State PASAN executives outlined their grievances.

Recalling a prior suspension of a strike action slated for February 28 of this year, the workers emphasized that they had granted a grace period to facilitate the full implementation of financial autonomy and payment.

Despite interventions from the Conference of Speakers and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the situation remained stagnant.

The workers expressed disappointment as the two-week appeal granted by the speaker to a committee established by the governor to devise a payment plan for CONLESS had elapsed without significant progress.

Furthermore, they voiced displeasure at the lack of attention given to other pressing matters raised during the March 28 meeting, including training, funding for the DTHA clinic, and the regularization of casual staff.

Despite a two-month timeframe, these critical issues remained unaddressed and unacknowledged.

The communique concluded by asserting that the workers had demonstrated considerable patience and restraint, especially given the challenging economic circumstances.

However, they declared that their patience had been exhausted, prompting this decisive action to demand what is rightfully theirs.

In response, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, characterized the strike as unnecessary.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker emphasized that the timing of the strike was ill-advised, particularly as it coincided with the first-year anniversary celebrations of Governor Oborevwori.

He highlighted that during this time, Deltans were commemorating the state’s progress and the governor’s achievements within the past year, attributing them to divine grace.

The Speaker expressed concern that certain media outlets exploited the situation to misinform the public.

He clarified that the issue at hand did not pertain to salary payments, as the state government had maintained up-to-date salary payments across all branches of government.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS

Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

Published

on

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.

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

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

Published

on

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.”

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

Published

on

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.

 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.