News

Will court compel Adamu, Ogbeh to account for spending on water?

Published

6 years ago

June 25, 2018

grassroots

There is prospect Nigerians keen on knowing why the country’s water and sanitation infrastructure have continued to deteriorate despite budgetary allocations on the sector may soon have some answers, as Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has won the latest round in the legal battle to compel the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh to account for the spending of trillion of naira on water projects between 1999 and 2016.

Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos last week ruled that “I have looked at the papers filed by SERAP and I agree that leave ought to be granted in this case to apply for judicial review and an order of mandamus, in the interest of justice.” The Court also ruled that the Defendants be put on notice and adjourned the matter to Friday, 29th June 2018 for mention.

Justice Shagari granted the order for leave following the hearing of an argument in court on exparte motion by SERAP counsel Ms Bamisope Adeyanju.

The suit number FHC/L/CS/632/18 filed in April followed Freedom of Information requests by SERAP requesting Mr Adamu and Mr Ogbeh to “explain why millions of Nigerians have to resort to drinking water from contaminated sources with deadly health consequences, despite the authorities claiming to have spent trillions of naira of budgetary allocations on the sector since the return of democracy in 1999.”

Although Mr Adamu in a letter with reference number FMWR/LU/S/374/I, and dated March 12 responded to the FOI request, saying that “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources will work hard to provide SERAP with the details of spending, and the information requested as they relate specifically to Water and Sanitation projects from 2010 to 2016”, the organization told Justice Shagari that the Minister has so far failed to fulfil his commitment, hence the suit.

Mr Ogbeh has so far failed to respond to the FOI request.

The order by Justice Shagari has now cleared the way for SERAP to advance its case against the Minister of Water Resources and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The suit read in part: “The interest of the public in making this information released is far greater than any other interest Mr Adamu and Mr Ogbeh may be trying to preserve, considering the grievous consequences associated with lack of access to clean and potable water and its impact on other sectors of the economy and on the realisation of other human rights.”

“Many toilets in public offices are out of order because of lack of water while millions of Nigerians remain desperate for water in their homes, often resorting to contaminated sources and drilling their own boreholes that can become easily mixed with sewage, with negative environmental impacts, and devastating for people’s health.”

“Millions of Nigerians do not have access to clean and potable water and adequate sanitation. There is no water to show for the huge budgetary allocations and purported spending and investment in the sector since the return of democracy in 1999. Successive governments have failed to improve the affordability of water for millions of low-income Nigerians, thereby denying them access to water.”

“The right to water to which the information requested relates is a human right which places certain responsibilities upon the government, and in this case, Mr Adamu and Mr Ogbeh to ensure that people can enjoy sufficient, safe, accessible and affordable water, without discrimination.”

“The alleged stealing and mismanagement of large sums earmarked for water projects may be responsible for the lack of access of millions of Nigerians to clean and potable water, with its attendant consequences. Due to inadequate maintenance of water facilities, Nigerians have contacted various water-borne diseases like typhoid fever, cholera, hookworm, infections and Hepatitis A; and some others have died because of these diseases.”

“Democracy cannot flourish if governments operate in secrecy, no matter how much open discussion and debate is allowed. The very nature and quality of public discussion would be significantly impoverished without the nourishment of information from public authorities and to guarantee freedom of expression without including freedom of information would be a formal exercise, denying both effective expression in practice and a key goal which free expression seeks to serve.”

“In its General Comment 15, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights asserts inter alia that the human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses, noting that an adequate amount of safe water is necessary to prevent death by dehydration, to reduce the risk of water-related diseases and to provide for consumption, cooking, personal and domestic hygienic requirements. Nigeria has ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”

The suit is seeking the following reliefs:

A DECLARATIONthat the failure of the 1^stRespondent to urgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 (1999-2010); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period is unlawful as it contradicts and is in conflict with the obligations of the 1st Respondent under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
A DECLARATION that the failure of the 2ndRespondent to urgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 (2010-2016); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period is unlawful as it contradicts and is in conflict with the obligations of the 2nd Respondent under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
AN ORDER OF MANDAMUScompelling the 1^stRespondent tourgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information, including wide publication on a dedicated website, on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 (1999-2010); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period.
AN ORDER OF MANDAMUScompelling the 2nd Respondent to urgently compile and furnish the Applicant with information, including wide publication on a dedicated website on the details of its expenditure and budgetary spending on specific water and sanitation projects, with details of their locations across the country, for the years covering: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 (2010-2016); as well as details of allocations to the 36 states of the federation, for the period.
AN ORDER OF MANDAMUScompelling the 1st & 2nd Respondents to immediately explain to Nigerians why Nigeria’s water and sanitation infrastructure have continued to deteriorate and millions of Nigerians have resorted to drinking water from contaminated sources with deadly health consequences, despite the authorities claiming to have spent trillions of naira of budgetary allocations to the sector since the return of democracy in 1999.
ANY OTHER ORDERS that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances in this suit.

News

Penpushing Media congratulates IPI new leadership

Published

3 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.

News

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.”