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APC C’ttee on Restructuring Recommends Scrapping of LGs

Published

7 years ago

January 26, 2018

grassroots

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) Committee on True Federalism inaugurated last August by the Chief Odigie Oyegun led the national working committee on Thursday submitted its report with far-reaching recommendations.

Kaduna state governor and chairman of the Committee, Nasir el-Rufai, told the gathering of the party chieftains and leadership that his Committee has recommended that local councils be scrapped while the nation should run two-tier system of government.

The Kaduna state governor premised his Committee recommendations on views of Nigerians who sent memoranda and spoke with his team across the country. His team also recommended State Police.

Giving further insight into the report, Mallam el-Rufai said the predominant position of Nigerians on resource control was that states should be vested with rights to issue a prospecting license for mining of mineral resources, oil and gas.

He said: “Local government autonomy is a very interesting subject in which we were surprised at the outcome. There were divergent opinions on this issue.

“We recommend that the current system of local government administration provided for by the constitution should be amended and that states should be allowed to develop and enact laws to have local government administration system that is peculiar to each of them.

“What we heard from Nigerians is that as far as local government is concerned, there is no one size fits all. We all come from different histories, different cultures, different administrative systems and we believe that the constitution should ensure that there is a democratic local government system in every state but the details of, and the nature of that local government system, the number of local governments should be left to the states and states houses of assembly.

“We proposed amendments to Sections 7, 8, 162, the first schedule, part one and the first schedule of the constitution to give effect to our recommendations. The section that lists the local governments and their headquarters should be removed, so local governments are no longer named in the constitution. States can create their local governments and determine the structure of their local governments.

“We are by this, recognising that in a federal system, you cannot have more than two tiers of government. Having three tiers of government is an aberration. There is nowhere in the world where our research has shown us that you have more than two federating units.

“We have proposed that mining, minerals, oil should go to the states. Then there will be certain constitutional amendments. The Petroleum Act will be amended to show that states can now issue oil mining licences; the Land Use Act, Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act, the Petroleum Profit Tax Act 2007 would all need to be amended. So, we have proposed an amendment that will ensure that minerals, mining and oil are vested in the states except for offshore minerals.’’

“Derivation principle, it is recommended that the revenue mobilisation and fiscal commission act be amended to vest it with the power to periodically review the derivation formula and make a recommendation to the president who shall table the same before the National Assembly for necessary action.

Physical federalism and revenue allocation. We propose an amendment to subsection two of the constitution to give more revenue to the states and reduce the federal government share.

There was an overwhelming popular demand that there should be devolution of power to the states and the committee recommended same. We have recommended that the first schedule, part one and two be amended to

transfer some powers to the states.”

Besides the scrapping of local councils, another controversial recommendation of the Committee is the merger of existing states, as Governor el-Rufai, even as he admitted that majority of Nigerians were against it.

“The first item that we felt needed legislative action is the merger of states. It is pertinent to note that only 36% of Nigerians wants more states created while the majority of Nigerians don’t want more states. For us, since the creation of states is already in the constitution, there is no action needed than to implement that.

“So, the first recommendation for which we have proposed a draft bill for a constitutional amendment is the merger of states. Though there was no consensus’ from stakeholder on the merger of states, we felt that we should propose a bill that allows states to merge and it is left for the National Assembly, the party and the people of Nigeria to decide on that.

The Kaduna governor equally revealed that his team ‘’proposed an amendment to create the State Judicial Council that will appoint and discipline judges within a state while the National Judicial Council will exercise control over the appointment, the discipline of judges of the federal government only.

We have proposed the creation of the state court of appeal so that from the High Court, you can first appeal to the state court of appeal before it goes to the Supreme Court of the federation. Again, this is consistent with federal practice all over the world.

“We also propose a constitutional amendment to allow for a referendum to be conducted on burning national or state issues before decisions are taken. Right now, the constitution has no room for a referendum, but

only in the creation of states.’’

Receiving the report, APC national chairman, Chief Oyegun, expressed delight over the report and assured the Committee that its recommendations would be given the needed attention by all the statutory organs of the party.

He said: ‘’From the presentation of the chairman of this committee, everybody now has an idea of what the APC stands for with regards to true federalism and restructuring. This is the totality of our views,

but it is still going to go through the mill.

“What I will promise you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee who have put in so much hard work -you have not only provided the details, but you have gone ahead to provide the mechanism for implementation both in terms of law and necessary presidential action, is that this report is going to get the expeditious consideration of

this party, the APC.

“I am going to promise that before the middle of February, it would have been considered and decided upon by the major structures of this party, the National Executive Committee, the Caucus of the party. And whatever is thereafter agreed, will be presented to the authorities as the considered views and decisions of the APC for appropriate implementation.

“What you have done is very challenging. What you have done will be controversial but what you have done still has given the basic foundation for the building of a new nation and a new way of doing business in this country; that we will not only devolve power and spread the wings of development nationwide but that will enable the people of this country to not only hold the president accountable but to also hold the states accountable because once this report is approved and implemented, states will become important routes of economic activities and development nationwide.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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Penpushing Media congratulates IPI new leadership

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

grassroots

IPI Nigeria

The Management and Editorial Board of Penpushing Media, owner of online newspapers and television have congratulated the newly elected leadership of International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria Chapter led by Musikilu Mojeed of Premium Times to run affairs of the global organisation for next three years.

The media outlet in a congratulatory letter signed by chairman Editorial Board, Olufunke Fadugba said the organization rejoiced with the team on renewal of their tenure, and equally encouraged them not to only sustain the previous visibility and interventions on behalf of the media but to do more

“We rejoice with you on the renewal of your tenure as leaders of International Press Institute Nigeria. This congratulatory message is to encourage you to not only sustain the previous visibility and interventions on behalf of the media but also to do more”, the letter read.

Fadugba pointed out that the past months have been challenging for journalists, stressing that as the democracy in the country move closer to 2027, it is expected that the great battle for freedom of expression will be more intense.

“The International Press Institute Nigeria and other stakeholders will need to be more creative, determined, and build positive networks to guard the media from existential threats both from within and outside the media ecosystem”, the letter stated.

“However, judging from your previous performances and renewed impetus, we in Penpushing Media have no doubt that you will make a success of this tenure, in the interest of the media, the people and the country”, Fadugba emphasized

“On behalf of the Board, Management, and members of Penpushing, we wish the newly elected Executive Members a successful tenure. Congratulations, as we urge you to continue to carry the members along in order to enjoy their much-needed support”, the letter said

The other elected officials include Ahmed Shekarau of Media Trust as Secretary, Fidelis Mbah of Al Jazeera Television as Deputy President, Rafatu Salami of Voice of Nigeria as Treasurer, Yomi Adeboye of Herald Newspaper as Assistant Secretary and Tobi Soniyi of Arise News as Legal Adviser.

The President of International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed in response to the congratulatory letter expressed appreciation to the management of Penpushing Media, as well as commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.

“We are deeply grateful for your congratulatory statement on the recent IPI Nigeria election. Your consistent support for IPI means the world to us, and we appreciate your commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism”, Mojeed wrote.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and members of the Institute, I extend heartfelt thanks for your encouragement. May God continue to bless you abundantly”, he added

“Your support and encouragement inspire us to continue promoting ethical journalism, advancing media pluralism, and defending press freedom. We look forward to collaborating with your administration to expand access to information and reinforce Nigeria’s democratic ethos’, the President stated.

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Pensions and other Military Entitlements: Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Prompt Payment

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

grassroots

*Minister Bello Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has expressed his gratitude to H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his decisive action in ensuring the prompt payment of military salary increase with three months arrears and also today’s release of funds for the payment of Pension and other owed entitlements of retired military Personnel

Dr. Matawalle confirmed that alerts regarding the three-month salary increase for military personnel have begun to be received.

The Minister commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel, emphasizing that the payment of pension arrears owed to retirees will continue to receive critical attention. This initiative reflects the President’s dedication to enhancing the living standards of those who have served the nation.

Furthermore, the Hon minister acknowledged the efforts and support of the Honourable Minister of finance and Coordinating minister of Economy Mr Wale Edun who was very committed in the actualization of these payments.

Dr. Matawalle urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties, reassuring them that President Tinubu is fully committed to boosting their morale and providing the necessary support to combat insecurity in Nigeria. “Despite initial setbacks, be rest assured that Mr. President will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he affirmed.

Highlighting the significant contributions of the Nigerian military in combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminality, the Minister reiterated the vital role that these brave men and women play in ensuring the nation’s security.

He assured the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed forces of President Tinubu’s unwavering resolve to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, bolstered by the readiness and resilience of the military.

News

We Received N80,000 Minimum Wage in November – Enugu Labour Leaders

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

grassroots

Enugu Labour Leaders

The Organised Labour in Enugu State has refuted the media reports that the new minimum wage was yet to be paid in the state, saying that the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage, which is above the N70,000 national minimum wage, commenced in November 2024.

The workers also said that they had no plan to go on strike since. They said that observed discrepancies in consequential adjustment in the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage had already been conveyed to Governor Peter Mbah and nursed no doubts that it would be addressed subsequently, as he had already earned workers’ trust by his commitment to their welfare since his assumption of office.

This was made known in a joint statement in the state capital on Tuesday by the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Enugu State Council, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo; Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ben Asogwa; and the Chairman of the state’s Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, JNC, Comrade Ezekiel Omeh.

The statement read, “The Orgaised Labour in Enugu State wishes to make clarifications in several media reports, which wrongly project Enugu among the states that are yet to pay the national minimum wage.

“We want to acknowledge the fact that the Enugu State Government paid the N80,000 minimum wage approved by the governor in the November 2024 salary.

“However, the minimum wage paid did not reflect the consequential adjustments inherent in minimum wage implementation.

“As labour leaders, we have already communicated to His Excellency the observed discrepancies and in his usual magnanimity to the welfare of workers, we strongly believe that he will address this subsequently.

“Our confidence in the governor remains intact, considering his usual dispositions to the wellbeing of workers.

“It is worthy of note that he continued to pay wage award of N25,000 he approved for workers from December 2023 till October 2024 when the new minimum wage of N80,000 was approved and consequently reflected in the November salary.

“We also recall his good faith in ensuring that local government employees were included from the onset in the new minimum wage of N80,000, having earlier upgraded them to full N30,000 minimum wage upon assumption of office after several years of waiting.

“Likewise, he approved the payment of the N1.9bn four-year accumulated leave allowances owed to teachers of public primary schools in the state and eight-month salary arrears valued at over N467m, which were also owed the academic, non-academic, and casual staff of the Enugu State College of Education Technical, ESCET, Enugu, before his assumption of office.

“Consequently, in the same culture, we trust him to address all the concerns regarding consequential adjustments in the implementation of N80,000 minimum wage.

“So, we have not gone on strike. We do not also contemplate or foresee any strike in the near future because there is no need for that yet.”