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Category: Governance

  • FG moves to sanction hospitals rejecting emergency patients

    FG moves to sanction hospitals rejecting emergency patients

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has issued a strong warning to hospitals rejecting emergency patients.

    The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s stance to go after the management of any hospital that refused to attend to patients rushed into their facilities in an emergency.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye gave the warning at the ‘Unlock Grants Award’ ceremony in Abuja on Sunday.

    In October 2023, the media was awash with the viral report of how a victim of a road traffic robbery popularly called ‘one chance’, Greatness Olorunfemi, died after being denied treatment when she was rushed to Maitama Hospital in Abuja.

    A similar thing happened a few years ago when two gunshot victims were rejected at a Lagos hospital, leading to their eventual death.

    The growing concerns compelled the House of Representatives earlier this year to task the Federal Ministry of Health to take decisive action against hospitals and healthcare facilities that refused to treat accident or gunshot patients without a police report.

    But Kennedy-Ohanenye said the FG would no longer allow such incidents to go unpunished, saying hospitals have been directed to start putting out signposts reflecting ‘No more rejection of emergency patients’ outside their facilities.

    The minister also revealed that a mobile court has been set up to start adjudicating on such cases.

    She said, “Our hospitals will also put a sign of ‘No more rejection of emergency patients.’ These are some of the major issues we have in this country. I am in touch with Maitama Hospital. But now, I have a mobile court for any hospital that does that. I use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to be vigilant.

    “Let me also say that I am proud of Nigerians. I love the way they are using social media to tackle issues. But focus and continue to tackle the main issues as you are doing. Keep it up. But this is the time for action.

    “Let all of us buckle up to prevent emergency patients from being rejected. I am still going to keep calling on Nigerians. This fight is not for one person alone. It is for all of us.”

  • Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Scores of residents, particularly youths in Ondo State, have protested the sting operation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at some night clubs in Akure, the state capital.

    Over the weekend reported, operatives of the EFCC stormed the popular Alba Royale Club and Signatures Club located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, raiding the fun-seekers.

    The anti-graft agency also arrested a groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve, confiscated mobile phones and seized vehicles belonging to those arrested.

    However, in a swift reaction, the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate said it arrested 127 persons who are suspected to be internet fraudsters. 

    In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, claimed that the suspects were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the clubs.

    “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC,” Mr Oyewale said.

    But the invasion of the operatives of the EFCC did not go down well with residents of the state, who have been protesting the action of the anti-graft agency.

    Protesting against the EFCC invasion, Mr Olawale Odeyemi said the midnight raids on the clubs, the arrest and assaults of the youths were illegal and unacceptable.

    A renowned youth advocate in the state, Oluyemi Fashipe, condemned the action of the operatives of the anti-graft agency, describing the invasion as an abuse of citizen’s rights.

    Another protestor, Ewatomilola Emiola explained that the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation.

    She demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.

    Meanwhile, Abiola Makinde, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, has condemned the raid on the nightclubs and lounges in the state.

    Hon Makinde, who also is the Chairman, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, and made available in Akure, Makinde urged the residents of the state to remain calm while the invasion is investigated and resolved.

    He specifically noted that the EFCC as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.

    “However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

    “Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

    “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

    “The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

    “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies,” he said.

  • Labour may resume strike Tuesday after rejecting N62,000, insists on N250,00

    Labour may resume strike Tuesday after rejecting N62,000, insists on N250,00

    The Organised Labour has said it will not accept any N62,000 or N100,000 “starvation wage” as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    It insisted on N250,000, being its latest demand at the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage on Friday, as the living wage for an average Nigerian worker.

    This was made known on Monday by Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, while fielding questions on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show.

    Onyeka said the one-week grace period given to the Federal Government last Tuesday, June 4, 2024, would expire by the midnight of Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

    According to him, should the Federal Government and National Assembly fail to act on the demands of workers by tomorrow (Tuesday), the organs of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, would meet to decide on the resumption of the nationwide industrial action relaxed last week.

    “Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting N62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what we know is able to take Nigerian workers home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage.

    “We have never contemplated N100,000 let alone N62,000. We are still at N250,000, that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation. We are not just driven by frivolities but the realities of the market place; realities of things we buy every day, bag of rice, yam, garri, and all of that.

    “The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for them (the government) to look at and send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various fact of the law, and then come up with a National Minimum Act that meets our demands.”

    He continued: “If that does not meet our demand, we have given the Federal Government a one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow (Tuesday). If after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the Organised Labour will meet to decide on what next.

    “It was clear what we said. We said we are relaxing a nationwide indefinite strike. It’s like putting a pause on it.

    “So, if you put a pause on something and the organs that govern us as trade unions decide that we should remove that pause, it means that we go back to what was in existence before.”

  • JUNE 12: FG Presents Programme Outline For 25th Democracy Day Celebration

    The federal government has unveiled a lineup of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Democracy Day, marking twenty-five years of continuous democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The announcement was made in a notice issued by Abdulhakeem Adeoye, acting on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

    The notice outlines that the celebration will start on Tuesday, June 11, with a symposium held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, commencing at 9:00 am.

    Following the symposium, a youth conference is scheduled to take place at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, starting at 6:00 pm.

    The agenda for Wednesday, June 12, includes a grand parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, at 8:00 AM, followed by a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM.

    “The programmes lined up for the celebration include a symposium on Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 AM at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “Later that day, a youth conference will hold at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00 PM.

    “A grand parade will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 8:00 AM at Eagle Square, Abuja,” followed by “a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM,” the noice read.

    Furthermore, the notice assured to provide additional updates as the celebration comes closer.

  • Presidency Announces N60m grants for youths

    Presidency Announces N60m grants for youths

    The Presidency on Saturday announced that the sum of N60 million has been disbursed to 120 youths selected from across the country.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (SSAP-TVEE), Abiola Arogundade, made this known in Abuja at the award of grants and Solar Kiosks as well as Certificate of Completion to deserving participants of ‘Unlock Training Programme’.

    She noted that the programme was the outcome of a six-week campaign initiated by the Presidency during which Nigerian youths were asked to record and submit a one minute video on their current TVET skills, what their plans are for the future on such skills and how they want the government to assist them achieve their plans.

    Arogundade said during the programme, both online and physical participants were trained on the components of a good business plan including executive summary, business overview and marketing strategies, pricing, money management and risks, among others.

    The presidential aide added that at the end of the campaign, about 10,000 participants were trained in a 10-day intensive training session on how to write and execute business plans.

    Her words: “After the course, participants were asked to write and submit business plans. Today, we are giving out N500,000 grants each to 120 winners with the best Business Plans.

    “We are also giving out honourary awards to 80 persons seen to be doing very well in their Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship skills but need support to upscale their businesses.

    “As you must have seen on your way in, there are four Solar Kiosks to be given away to winners to support the business development of their TVET skills. They include one designed for hair dressing, one designed for catering and food vending and the other two for general purposes.”

  • Finance Minister, Wale Edun, Speaks After Meeting Tinubu over Minimum Wage

    Finance Minister, Wale Edun, Speaks After Meeting Tinubu over Minimum Wage

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said that “there is no cause for alarm” following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    Edun was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

    The development comes two days after Tinubu directed the finance minister to present a proposed new minimum wage figure and analysis of associated costs to him within 48 hours.

    Although the agenda of Thursday’s meeting was not disclosed, it is believed to be connected to the President’s directive on Tuesday.

    It can be recalled that the Tripartite Committee on new minimum wage met on Wednesday.

    The meeting was inconclusive due to the federal government team’s failure to present a new figure, despite proposing N60,000 as the new minimum wage, which was rejected by the organized labour.

    It is understood that the government team is expected to present a fresh figure at today’s meeting scheduled for 2 pm.

  • Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

    Strike Stalls Court Hearing On Kano Emirate Tussle

    The ongoing nationwide strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has impacted judicial proceedings, leading to a postponement of the much-anticipated hearing on the Kano emirate tussle at the Federal High Court in Kano.

    The court, which is presided over by Justice A. M. Liman, was scheduled to deliberate on an exparte motion concerning the Kano State Emirate Council’s recent upheaval.

    This legal action was initiated by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenging the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

    This law dissolving the five Kano Emirates reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

    Justice Liman had previously granted an order to maintain the status quo ante, effectively pausing any actions to implement the controversial law until a detailed review could be conducted on the Fundamental Rights application filed by the parties involved.

    However, the strike has put a temporary halt to this judicial review, affecting not just the parties directly involved but also the broader implications for governance and traditional authority structures within Kano State.

    As the court awaits the resolution of the labour strike to resume normal operations, the future of the Kano emirate remains uncertain. The legal and social communities eagerly anticipate the next steps in this high-stakes judicial process.

    The court order reads: “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

    “That in view of the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application, which is fixed for the 3 of June, 2024.

    “That in order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an interim injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the 5th 8th Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.

    “That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.

    “That leave is granted to the Plaintiff/Applicant to issue and serve their Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes on the 6th Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.

    “That an Order of this Honourable Court marking the Plaintiff/Applicant’s Concurrent Originating Motion as well as all other court processes to be served on the 6″ Defendant in FCT Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court is granted,” the court order, however, reads.

    The court, however, adjourned the case until June 3, 2024, to hear the Fundamental Rights application.

    However, on the adjourned date of June 3rd, 2024, the court could not hold it as expected due to the strike, as a source at the court informed Vanguard that the matter had been postponed until further notice.

  • FG invites labour to meeting Tuesday

    FG invites labour to meeting Tuesday

    The Federal Government has through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, invited the organised labour to a meeting on Tuesday over the ongoing nationwide strike.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress had on Sunday said the strike would go ahead on Monday as scheduled despite an appeal by the leadership of the National Assembly which held a mediation meeting between the unions and representatives of the Federal Government.

    The two unions and their organs commenced the strike on Monday which paralysed economic and government activities in different states of the federation.

    Ministries, departments, agencies and offices in critical sectors like the courts, government secretariats, airports, and schools were grounded.

    Many bank branches did not open although some in Lagos did not shut down.

    Labour went on strike because it could not accept the N60,000 minimum wage offered by the Federal Government.

  • Nationwide Strike to Go on: Negotiations Between NASS and Labour End in Deadlock

    Nationwide Strike to Go on: Negotiations Between NASS and Labour End in Deadlock

    Efforts by the leadership of the National Assembly to mediate between the federal government and Labour unions hit a roadblock as the latter insists on continuing the strike. Despite last-minute discussions, the unions remained adamant in their demand for a ₦494,000 minimum wage while negotiations persist.

    In a bid to resolve the ongoing impasse between the federal government and Labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly convened a meeting aimed at finding common ground. However, despite extensive deliberations, the parties failed to reach a consensus.

    Labour unions, represented by their leadership, reiterated their stance that the strike action must continue until their demands are met. Central to their demands is the insistence on a ₦494,000 minimum wage, which they argue is necessary to address the pressing needs of workers across various sectors.

    Meanwhile, the federal government has expressed its commitment to ongoing negotiations but maintains that any decision regarding the minimum wage must be approached with careful consideration of economic realities and sustainability.

    The deadlock in negotiations underscores the challenges faced by both parties in finding a balance between addressing the legitimate concerns of workers and ensuring the long-term viability of government policies.

    As the strike enters its next phase, the impact on essential services and the economy at large is expected to escalate, further underscoring the urgency for a resolution to be reached.

    With negotiations at an impasse and the strike set to continue, the onus is on both the federal government and Labour unions to redouble their efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution. The welfare of workers and the stability of the economy hang in the balance as stakeholders navigate this challenging period of labor relations.

  • Indefinite Strike: NASS Makes last Ditch Effort to Avert Strike

    Indefinite Strike: NASS Makes last Ditch Effort to Avert Strike

    In a bid to forestall the impending nationwide indefinite strike by labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly is by now meeting with organized labour in Abuja to avert the strike

    The meeting, attended by key government officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Minister of National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Labour, and the Head of Civil Service, aims to address the deadlock between the Federal Government and labour unions over the issue of a new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs.

    Notable figures present at the meeting include President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, among others.

    A statement jointly signed by the spokespersons of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., highlighted the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the announcement by organized labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024.

    The National Assembly leadership, represented by President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, recognizing the potential severe repercussions on the populace and economy.