The Nation News

Category: News

  • Ebonyi commissioner for LG suspended over alleged gross misconduct 

    Ebonyi commissioner for LG suspended over alleged gross misconduct 

    By Uchenna Okeh

    The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru on Monday announced the suspension of the commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy matters, Uchenna Igwe over alleged gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.

    Nwifuru announced the suspension of the embattled Commissioner, Igwe while briefing journalists at his office, new government house centenary city Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the suspension of Igwe, brings it to a total of four commissioners that were recently suspended by the governor, Francis Nwifuru for allegedly indulging in gross misconduct.

    It was gathered that the embattled commissioner, Igwe failed to carry out effectively an assignment given to him by the governor, on issues bordering on the payment of local government pension by council chairman in the state. 

    Investigation revealed that, Igwe is proceeding on some months suspension, just like others; Chinedu Nkah of water resources, Francis Ori of housing estates and Moses Ekuma of the ministry of health, and will be missing Xmas largesse meant for commissioners in the state.

    Details soon…….

  • Nwifuru, NLC’s war deepens, as labour President, Ajaero orders workers to ignore sack threats

    Nwifuru, NLC’s war deepens, as labour President, Ajaero orders workers to ignore sack threats

    ….orders private sectors to join the strike action 

    By Daniel Usman

    The acclaimed war existing between the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, state chapter on Monday deepens, as the national president of the union, Joe Ajaero has ordered workers to ignore the purported sack threat by the state government.

    Recall that the leadership of NLC, Ebonyi State chapter, led by Ogugua Egwu had declared seven days warning strike action over an alleged failure by the governor, Francis Nwifuru to pay minimum wage to workers.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the governor, Nwifuru who responded to the strike action declared by the labour leaders in the state, gave 72 hours to workers to resume work or risk being sacked and forfeiting their salaries.

    According to him: “If you didn’t go to work. Not only that I will not pay you salary, but I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.

    “If I didn’t see you in your office, as far as I am not guilty. I am not owing you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid. 

    “And according to agreement and constitution, I am not owing you. If you didn’t go to work within 72 hours, I will replace you” he threatened.

    But, the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, who responded to governor, Francis Nwifuru’s statement, however ordered workers in the state to ignore the purported sack threats.

    He, however directed all the affiliate unions, including those in the private sector in Ebonyi state to immediately join in  the strike action.

    Ajaero who made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Monday said: “We are dismayed by the statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Nwifuru that except the striking workers in the state over non-payment of the National Minimum Wage resume work immediately they should consider themselves sacked. 

    He blamed governor, Nwifuru of failure to invite the labour leaders in the state for dialogue, rather than, being the first governor in the country to draw blood in a matter of which he is “completely guilty”.

  • Bauchi: ‘Shun being used as thugs by dubious politicians – lawmaker tells youths

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

    The Chief Whip of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Wakili Musa Nakwada has urged youths in the state to shun being used as thugs by dubious politicians.

    Nakwada is the member representing Bogoro local government area in the state of assembly made this known at the Bogoro local government area secretariat.

    He said that indulging in thuggery will tarnished their future, if care is not taking.

    The Lawmaker, however advised them to work for the unity and peace of the local government area, Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

    Nakwada commended the local government Chairman and its ward councillors for the good works they are doing for the people of Bogoro LGA.

    He also applauded the council chairman for the wonderful developments he is bringing to the area, especially in the area of health, education, agriculture and rural water supply, which according to him has brought relief to the people of the local government. 

    “I am here to pay a courtesy visit to the chairman of Bogoro and his council members. I want to commend them for their good job”

    “They are the first to initiate community development projects. The rehabilitation of boreholes by councillors, is highly commendable”

    “I appeal to our youth not to allow themselves to be used by dubious politicians to achieve their personal interests” he stated.

    Nakwada further urged the people of the local government to give maximum support to the council chairman, Surveyor Yakubu Lawi Sumi and all the 13 ward councillors to succeed.

  • Strike: Gov. Nwifuru gives 72 hours for workers to resume work or risk sack

    By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki

    The governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru on Monday gave 72 hours ultimatum for civil servants in the state to resume work or risk being sacked.

    Recall that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ebonyi State chapter, led by Ogugua Egwu had declared one week warning strike action over alleged failure of the governor, Nwifuru to pay minimum wage.

    Nwifuru who made this known during in a press briefing that took place at his office located at the new government house Centenary city Abakaliki, threatened to sack all civil servants that would fail to come to work on Tuesday.

    According to him: “If you didn’t go to work. Not only that I will not pay you salary. But I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.

    “If I didn’t see you in your office. As far as I am not guilty. I am not owing you.

    I am paying you what is supposed to be paid. And according to agreement and constitution Iam not owing you. If you didn’t go to work within 72 hours I will replace you. And I have called the chairman civil service commission.

    “I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices.All the agencies, all the department of government must be in their office. And record the people that come to work.

    “And that is the people I will pay through table payment. By the number of days you attend to your duty in your office. 

    If you don’t want to come to work. You will forget about state government” he stressed.

  • NLC shuts down Ebonyi, blames Gov. Nwifuru for pronouning wage award without consultation

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter, has blamed the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for failure to consult the association before the pronouncement of wage award instead of ‘minimum wage’ and therefore, declared warning strike.

    The state chairman of NLC, Egwu Oguguo who spoke with newsmen in Abakaliki at the weekend, said that there is no agreement reached by both the  government and the organised labour, before the pronouncement of wage award instead of ‘minimum wage’.

    Oguguo, noted that the governor, Francis Nwifuru unilaterally pronounced a wage award of N75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across board award for 

    Grade levels 3-16 which according to him,  is averse  to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent.

    He argued that when a minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours process of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement which would be signed by both the  government and the organised labour, 

    According to him: “On behalf of the entire State Council, we convey a notice of a one week warning strike action by  Nigeria Labour Congress in Ebonyi State beginning from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024. 

    “This is in line with the directive of 8th November 2024 by our national body to all State Councils in States yet to comply with extant procedures based on collective bargaining and eventual 

    implementation of the New National Minimum Wage. 

    “Recall that on the 2nd of October, 2024, through the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, you inaugurated a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. 

    “Just about when the Committee was fine-tunning its presentation, Your Excellency, unilaterally pronounced a wage award of N75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and N40,000 across board award for Grade levels 3-16. This was done in a church service (Holy Mass in Government House  Chapel) on the 27th October, 2024.

    “This wage award which you christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which 

    you made the pronouncement. When a Minimum wage is pronounced.

    “It goes through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the government and the Organised Labour.

    “The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that lead to the said pronouncement.

     “To make matters worse for Ebonyi workers, the salary chart forced on workers and currently used did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the takehome pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression. This led to our dear state being mentioned as one of those that never implemented the N30,000 minimum wage of 2019.

    “Your Excellency Sir, the Implementation Committee, which we are all part of, has arrived at an acceptable salary chart with consequential adjustment and substantial progression. Even the cost implication when compared with the award of October, 2024 has been generated and discussed with you.

    “Your Excellency, all efforts made by the Chairman of the Committee you set-up to bring these facts to your notice have yielded no positive results. Even our candid, civil and appealing  efforts have also yielded no results as you have vehemently ignored that kind inner drive of ours to better the lives of Ebonyi Workers.

    “Our last interaction with you on the 27th November, when we passionately appealed that you rescind your decision and take the path of goodwill to the people in line with your People’s

    Charter of Needs mantra, appears to be an interaction that crushed the hearts of the workers most, because you unequivocally said a capital “NO” to our friendly appeal. 

    Your Excellency, that was strange to us, giving your fatherly disposition that has always fetched your children a  good opinion. Despite the excruciating pains of a depressed economy and low income of workers, we have been informed that workers are asked to pay the sum of N2,100 to participate in a staff audit exercise, which the Government approved without any discussion and commitment from the side of workers.

    “As we convey this position Sir, most workers at the Local Government Councils are yet to receive their October, 2024 salaries. 

    “Teachers who are being paid are paid through a different  bank channel creating confusions as most statutory deductions are not effected. This is an anomaly that needs to be corrected before our poor teachers are further plunged into debilitating and abject poverty. And delays in the payment of monthly salaries of these Local Government  Councils have become perennial and consistently weighed down on the psyche of the workers.

    “Congress therefore met on 27th November and critically reviewed the flow of events and noted with 

    pains, these actions and inactions, and unanimously resolved to embark on a one-week warning strike with effect from 00:00 hours of 1st December, 2024 for Government to reconsider its stance on the issue of minimum wage as well as engage the Committee set-up for this purpose as due diligence. 

    “Yes, Congress noted that our wonderful relationship with your government should have been an avenue for us to resolve these issues before any form of industrial disharmony. Even as we embark on this action, we still believe in your kind disposition as a workers-friendly Governor”, he said.

  • ‘Seek ways of tackling Nigeria’s problems, not only Northern region – Gowon urges LND

    ‘Seek ways of tackling Nigeria’s problems, not only Northern region – Gowon urges LND

    By Yagana Ali, Yola 

    The former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has urged the  League of Northern Democrats (LND) to expand vision and plans on how to tackle the challenges facing the country, not only the northern region.

    He made this known during a courtesy visit by the league’s executives that took place at his hometown, Yola, capital of Adamawa state.

    Gowon expressed his admiration for the League of Northern Democrats efforts to unite the Northern region and address its challenges.

    The former head of state, Gowon however urged them to diversify and ensure all inclusive membership. 

    “I’m impressed with the League of Northern Democrats, particularly with the careful selection of your membership, which clearly represents all interests in the region,”.

    He commended their efforts, acknowledging the great job they’re doing in trying to unite the North and resolve its numerous problems.

    Gowon also emphasized the importance of expanding the league’s vision beyond regional boundaries, urging the League of Northern Democrats to adopt a national focus.

    “Please try to go beyond the North and make the democratic league national. Whatever it is you have in mind, your ultimate focal point should be Nigeria. We all have to come together and solve Nigeria’s problems.” He stressed.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the visit marked a pivotal moment for the League of Northern Democrats, reinforcing their commitment to fostering unity and addressing Nigeria’s socio-political issues. 

    The LND’s leadership expressed gratitude for General Gowon’s encouragement and pledged to continue their efforts towards national integration and development.

  • ‘Nwifuru’s 2025 budget is apt, will address shortfalls in various sectors – Ebonyi lawmaker, Ezeali insists

    ‘Nwifuru’s 2025 budget is apt, will address shortfalls in various sectors – Ebonyi lawmaker, Ezeali insists

    By, Uchenna Okeh 

    Ebonyi State lawmaker, Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali P Noble, representing Afikpo North/ East Constituency in the state house of assembly on Friday said that the governor Francis Nwifuru’s 2025 budget estimate is apt and will address shortfalls in various sectors.

    The Chairman House Committee on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, commended the governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for presenting a worthy budget estimate for the year 2025, titled ‘budget of economic and social development’ to the state house of assembly for approval.

    He made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

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    The statement reads in part: “The appropriation bill which is tagged ‘Budget of Economic and Social Development’ is apt as it aims to address the shortfalls in various sectors such as Health, Housing, Infrastructural development, Agriculture, Education, Water Supply, Human capital, Commerce, Industry and Business development, among others.

    “Your proactive approach in outlining the fiscal strategy for the upcoming year demonstrates your unwavering commitment to enhancing the people’s charter of needs and promoting transparency and good governance. 

    “The budget estimate of N396.58 billion is quite huge, and  the detailed planning and thoughtful allocation of resources reflect a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of our people.

    “The emphasis you placed on key areas such as the economic and social sector to guarantee industrialization, economic growth, and improved standard of living for the people of Ebonyi showcases your dedication to fostering the well-being and prosperity of our state. It is evident that you have prioritized initiatives that will have a lasting positive impact on our communities.

    The 2025 revenue projection under Independent Revenue IGR, Tax revenue and Non Tax revenue totaling N28.499billion representing 7.19%, is impressive and will guarantee the achievement of the budget of social and economic development. 

    “Moreover, your engagement with the Assembly members and willingness to collaborate, foster an environment of unity and progress. This collaborative spirit is crucial as we work together to address the challenges we face and seize the opportunities ahead” he stressed.

    The Lawmaker, Ezeali however urged the governor, Francis Nwifuru to ensure that the positive outcome of the budget enhances the quality of lives of Ebonyians.

     “I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of your budget initiative and your continued efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Ebonyi State” he stated.

  • Ebonyi: Nwifuru budgets #396.58billion for 2025 fiscal year 

    Ebonyi: Nwifuru budgets #396.58billion for 2025 fiscal year 

    By Uchenna Okeh

    The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru on Thursday, presented a total of #396.58 billion budget estimate to the state house of assembly for the 2025 fiscal year for approval.

    Nwifuru who presented the budget on the floor of the Ebonyi state house of assembly for approval, said that the 

    recurrent expenditure is

    N112,073,861,620.00, while the capital expenditure is N284,515,148,000.00.

    He said that the budget is titled “Budget of Economic and Social Development’ adding that ‘It is our hope that if we do our best as we plan to, this budget would guarantee industrialization, economic growth and improved standard of living’ he stated.

    According to him, the five sectorial budget, economic sector got highest budget of N200.132 billion representing 50.46 percent followed by social sector with N141.180 billion representing 35.60 percent.

    Others include Administration sector with N50.947 billion representing 12.85 percent, then law and justice sector with N4.143 billion representing 1.04percent and regional sector with N185.500 million representing 0.05 percent.

    The governor said that the budget will be funded mainly from the capital development fund of N181.0 billion representing 45.64 percent, statutory allocation of N133.39 billion representing 33.64 percent, aids and grants of N45.690 billion representing 11.52 percent, Internally generated revenue of N28.499 billion representing 7.19 percent and  opening balance of N8 billion representing 2.02 percent.

    He said that education and health sectors received the highest budget for the 2025 fiscal year with education receiving the highest budget of N70.143 billion against the 2024 budget of N59.566 billion while health sector got N39.012 billion for 2025 against 2024 budget of N18.487 billion. 

    Nwifuru said: ‘ The task of governance is not an easy one, and the task of meeting people’s needs is even more challenging due to multiplicity of human wants. But we are determined to steadily pursue our commitment as outlined in the People’s Charter of Needs, the guiding compass  our  to logical conclusion. 

    “We are acknowledged that we are not yet where we ought to be, but we have made significant progress. We will not relent until we reach the shore. My administration therefore solicits understanding and cooperation of of all Ebonyi people” he stated.

    Responding, the Speaker of the Assembly, Moses Odunwa received the proposed budget after the governor’s presentation.

    The budget was read for second reading at the floor of the House while speaker promised for the speedy passage of the budget. 

  • Ex- UNIZIK VC, Odoh drags FUGUS to court over denial of professorship

    Ex- UNIZIK VC, Odoh drags FUGUS to court over denial of professorship

    By Daniel Usman 

    The former Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, UNIZIK, Benard Odoh has dragged the management of the Federal University, Gusau, FUGUS, to court over alleged denial of his professorial appointment and employment status.

    Odoh made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Charles Otu, said he instituted the legal action at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), with suit number NICN/ ABJ/ 434/ 2024.

    Recall that the embattled ex-7th vice chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik, Odoh was sacked by the presidency, through the minister of education, Tunji Alaussa as a result of alleged issuance of fake professorial appointment by the management of Federal University, Gusau, FUGUS.

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    Odoh, in a seven paragraphs petition, vowed never to leave no stone unturned to seek legal redress in a court of competent jurisdiction, “on the very weighty and damaging allegations against his person and unblemished records.

    He accused the management of the Federal University, Gusau, FUGUS, of conniving with politicians to nail and pitch him, not just against the academic community, but the rest of Nigeria and the world.”

    The statement reads in part: “That every facts, documents, evidences, including Court depositions made by Odoh so far in the matter were never fraudulently obtained or manufactured but were availed me upon diligent enquiries to those who held sway when he worked with and  for the said institution. 

    “To further buttress this, he had earlier written to the Pro-Chancellor of the university to cause clarifications on the matter so as to clear the name and reputations of both institutions and particularly Odoh, whose image and accomplishments both as a former public office holder of high standing and a thorough-bred academic has been at the epicenter of the entire storm. May we place on record that Odoh has never forged, falsified or caused to be altered, any document even when in public office.

    “That despite officially receiving those correspondences from Odoh and even acknowledging receiving the same, no official reply has been sent to him either in a hard or a soft copy. Rather, the university for the same strange reasons claimed they have no records of his files and other staff profiles in their records.

    “It is therefore now very clear from their reactions in the media that there are some fifth columnists working for some other pecuniary interests on the matter to not only indict Odoh but rubbish his long-standing reputation.

    ” Both the current Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar have failed in the estimation of reasonable minds to tow a path of academic professionalism all in their desperate attempts to implicate and indict Odoh at all costs and to a large extent, the institution through their insinuations that he was issued with a ‘fraudulent’ employment and promotion letters as a Professor. 

    “Odoh wishes to restate his earlier submissions that he was a Staff of the Federal University, Gusau with Staff number: SP. 048. And he was consequently and duly captured for payment of salaries by the Bursary Unit of the institution only after he had met every other condition precedent set out in the terms and conditions of service by the institution. 

    “This is evident in his payslips done via the NIPPs by the Federal Ministry of Finance with a payment description which clearly reads: ‘ Salary from the Federal University, Gusau.

    “He never colluded with the Bursar or any other Staff for that matter as insinuated by the Management of the institution to cause to be paid or for any other matter whatsoever.

     “On the claims that, Odoh was not appointed a Professor by the University, it is trite to reassert that he was not only promoted to the apex rank but was duly assessed by three assessors; out of which two are still alive and active, namely: Professors P.O. Okeke (now retired) formerly of UNIZIK and the Enugu State Universities and Isaac Aiyegbogun of Edo State University, Ekpoma. 

    “The erudite duo, disturbed by the allegations against Odoh in public domain have separately approached the High Courts in Enugu and Ekpoma respectively and deposed to affidavits attesting to all the processes in my assessment and consequent promotion. All these, which are already Court certified documents, would be tendered in the course of our litigation” he stated.

  • Gross misconduct: Gov. Nwifuru replaces suspended commissioners, others 

    Gross misconduct: Gov. Nwifuru replaces suspended commissioners, others 

    By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki

    The governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru on Wednesday, replaced the three commissioners who were suspended for gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.

    The suspended commissioners; Chinedu Nkah of the ministry of water resources are to be replaced by the S.A on Water Resources, Franklin Ukah, and the former commissioner for health, Moses Ekuma are to be replaced by the SA on Primary Health, Sabinus Nwibo.

    While the former commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori is to be replaced by the SA on Water Resources, Franklin Ukah.

    The commissioner for information and state orientation, Mr. Jude Okpor made this known while addressing newsmen on Wednesday.

    Recall that the governor had suspended Commissioner for Water Resources, Chinedu Nkah and his Housing and Urban Development counterpart, Francis Ori indefinitely for misconducts and dereliction of duties.

    Okpor explained that the directive  was to ensure that the business of governance does not suffer in the absence of the suspended Commissioners

    He disclosed that the council has approved funds for the procurement and supply of 100 drums of 200 litres chemical foams compound for the state fire service to adequately equip the service in readiness of any eventuality in this dry season.

    On rural electrification and  dualization of a section of Abakaliki-Ogoja highway from Onuebonyi to Nwezenyi junctions in the state, the Commissioner said “the Commissioner for Land and Survey approached the council with a memo on the schedule of compensation assessment on the unexhausted improvement/facilities affected by the dualization of a section of Abakaliki-Ogoja highway (from Onuebonyi junction to Nwezenyi junction).  

    “The council considered the same and approved the sum of Three Hundred and Seventy-five Million, One Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Ninety-six Naira Fifteen Kobo), (#375, 119, 096. 15) only for the purpose.  

    “Exco further approved that it should be handled by the Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara-led Exco committee handling the payment of compensations for those affected by the ongoing construction of a flyover at Vanco. Reports on these assignments are to be presented separately to Exco.

    “In furtherance of the State Government’s determination to restore public power supply to the entire Ebonyi South Senatorial zone and also boost economic growth in the state through the energization of the long abandoned 132/33KV substation at Amasiri, the council approved the release of a recoverable TCN guaranteed loan of USD781,235,67 N130,258,048.24 to ensure the completion of the double circuit 132KV line from Mile 50 to the Amasiri substation”.