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Saturday, 8 September 2012
Global Week of Action on Swaziland
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE ON PEACE SUMMIT BY PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), COMRADE ABDULWAHED OMAR, HELD ON 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2012
Protocols
You will recall that one of the resolutions of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at its meeting of Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in Benin City, Edo State was to confront the security challenge in the country through organizing in the second week of September in Abuja, a peace rally and summit entitled, Labour for Unity, Peace and Development.
This resolution was informed by the deteriorating security situation in spite of the measures taken by the government: the assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, cyclical communal and sectarian violence which have led to painful loss of lives, massive displacements, injurious interruption of productive activities with prospect of acute food shortages, destruction of properties estimated at billions of Naira and capital flight.
But much more worrisome are general panic in the land and calls for the dismemberment of the country largely due to concern about government’s capacity to deal with these challenges.
Deeply saddening, is the growing perception of tacit or complicit support for some of these horrendous crimes by some of our elders who have suddenly found comfort in reduced space. To our horror, some have made bold to offer in the open, ideology, philosophy and justification for these misadventures.
This may probably provide the rationale why previous efforts by individuals, organisations and even government have not offered the needed respite, suggesting that something somewhere must have gone fundamentally wrong and if not properly addressed could do irreparable damage to our nation.
It is therefore apparently clear today that the nation needs the vision and drive of nationalistic individuals and institutions to pull the polity away from the brink of disaster and hopelessness.
One of the few surviving pan-Nigerian institutions today is the Nigeria Labour Congress. From the struggle for independence till date, it has played a leading role at critical moments in Nigeria’s history. We believe history beckons on it once again. Accordingly, it feels obliged once more to throw its weight on the side of efforts at finding a solution to the current challenges facing the nation, hence this Rally and Summit.
You will recall at the height of the militant activities in the Niger-Delta, the Congress did convoke a similar summit in Asaba, and the consequent application of some of the suggestions, contributions and resolutions from that summit such as amnesty, were found to be helpful.
Today, in line with this NEC resolution we are happy to invite you to this press conference, which we believe, will avail us the needed opportunity to unveil the programme and content of the summit and rally to you
In line with the above, we wish to formally inform you that our summit, entitled Labour for Unity, Peace and Development will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Venue: International Conference Centre
Time: 10:00am
The objectives of the summit are to:
· provide a space for the exchange of ideas, information, experiences and mutual guidance towards peace, unity and security of the country;
· facilitate a people driven re-engineering of the polity for peace, unity and security and Development;
· develop common positions and strategies among the elite and the mass of our people so as to pursue a common vision for peace, unity, security and development;
· examine recent happenings across the country and their consequences on the Nigerian people and their development;
· project a strong and coherent voice towards the resolution of the current security challenges in the country;
· showcase our belief in a united, prosperous and peaceful Nigeria which will outlive its challenges;
· restore hope in a virile, viable Nigeria.
Lead paper will be presented by an eminent Nigerian Scholar which will be exhaustively discussed by equally eminent scholars, statesmen and women. In order to properly diagnose our problem, effort has been made to invite participants of all ages from every sector of the economy.
In addition to discussion sessions, participants shall take a walk for peace as a practical demonstration of commitment to the peace effort.
We believe the forum will offer all of us a great chance to speak out frankly with a view to finding a common ground for peace and development.
Thank you for coming.
Friday, 17 August 2012
TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), COMRADE PROMISE ADEWUSI, HELD ON FRIDAY AUGUST 17, 2012.
“ON GOING CRISIS IN THE PHCN”
Gentlemen of the Press.
Welcome to this Press Conference, which is called to respond to some of the antics of some government officials on the impasse in negotiations between the workers of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the Federal Government.
Since the last meeting with government on the issue on Wednesday August 15, 2012, we are surprised at the negative utterances of the Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, and his consultants.
We recall that at the meeting, anchored by the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, it was agreed that the July salary owed PHCN workers should be paid, and that government will take immediate steps to remove the presence of soldiers in PHCN offices nationwide.
The Minister of Labour had also undertaken to advise his Power Ministry counterpart to desist from grandstanding that would affect the process of genuine resolution of the PHCN crisis.
We are however, taken aback, and even scandalized at the various orchestrated propaganda and misinformation peddled by the Minister of Power. It is highly irresponsible for the Minister to incite the public against workers demanding for their legitimate right with a view to criminalizing them to justify his crude militarization of the workplace.
It will be anomalous and unacceptable for the Labour Movement to sit back and allow workers to be physically intimidated at gun point into signing off their legitimate entitlements. We condemn the thoughtless and unhelpful utterances and underhand tactics employed by Professor Barth Nnaji.
It is also becoming apparent that the Minister of Labour, who anchored the meeting of August 13, 2012, does not have the capacity to drive a process that would require the curtailing of the excesses of the Minister of Power for resolution of the issues in contention.
We call on the Federal Government to do the needful by creating the enabling environment for meaningful dialogue to resolving the issues by calling the Minister of Power to order, withdrawing soldiers from PHCN offices nationwide, and setting up a high powered Committee to sincerely address the legitimate concerns of the PHCN workers.
Promise Adewusi
Ag. President
Friday, 10 August 2012
THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AT THE END OF ITS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE ON AUGUST 8, 2012
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Congress met at the Royal Marble Hotel, Benin City, on Wednesday 8th August, 2012, to discuss matters of national interest including the following:
1. Security situation in the Country;
2. Budget face-off between the National Assembly and the Executive;
3. Corruption;
4. Crude Oil Theft;
5. Legislative Amendments;
6. Murder of Olaitan Oyerinde;
7. Situation in the Power Sector;
8. Trial of Fuel Subsidy Suspects;
9. The Nigeria Railway Corporation;
10. Centenary Celebration;
11. Leadership of the Congress.
After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC resolves as follows:
1. Security Situation
NEC notes that in spite of the measures taken by the government, the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate. Kidnappings, assassinations, resurgence of armed robberies, bombings, communal and sectarian violence have led to painful loss of lives, massive displacements, injurious interruption of productive activities with prospect of acute food shortages, destruction of properties (in excess of billions of Naira) and capital flight.
NEC believes that government’s continuous display of incapacity to confront these problems has eroded the confidence of the citizenry in their government to protect them, leading to general panic in the land with not a few questioning the continued existence of Nigeria as one country. Accordingly, NEC calls not only on the government to do more to secure the lives and properties of its citizens in fulfillment of its social contract, but also to quickly find solutions to end this spate of alarming insecurity.
Convinced that Nigeria’s existence as one indivisible entity is inviolable, irrevocable and inalienable, the Nigeria Labour Congress, as part of its contribution to ensuring the continued peaceful co-existence of our people, has decided to organize in the 2nd week of September in Abuja, a peace rally and summit entitled, “Labour for Unity, Peace and Good Governance.
2. Budget Face-off
NEC observes that the face-off between the National Assembly and the Executive on the implementation/ non-implementation of the budget as healthy for the operation of democracy as it represents checks and balances in the system.
NEC urges the National Assembly (NASS) to continue to perform its functions (law-making, oversight etc.) as prescribed by the constitution but advises that this not be tainted by partisan politics, especially when national interest is at stake. It urges state houses of assembly to redeem their honour by resisting the lure to be governors’ rubber stamps, and adds that a compromised state house of assembly defeats not only the principle of separation of powers but betrays the electorate.
Convinced that a performing budget is a necessity for growing the economy, NEC calls on the government to overhaul the entire budget process as well as criminalise willful budget offences through the amendment of the Appropriation Act.
It urges its affiliates and civil society allies to devise and put in place, budget-tracking mechanisms to monitor budgets.
3. Corruption
NEC condemns the rising incidence of corruption in government and government’s ambivalence towards it and warns that this ambivalence is capable of destroying the nation.
Accordingly, it urges the government to demonstrate the necessary will and skill to combat corruption in all its ramifications, especially the cases of Halliburton, Siemens, Pension Fund, Oil Subsidy Fund, Mahlabo Oil etc.
NEC is similarly worried by the inability of the judiciary to speedily dispense justice in high profile corruption cases. Citing the cases of James Ibori and Erastus Akingbola who were convicted in the UK with the same set of evidence that Nigerian courts could not secure conviction, NEC advises the judiciary not to sacrifice justice on the altar of technicalities.
4. Crude Oil Theft
NEC acknowledges that illicit activities in the form of occasional illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation have been familiar features of oil production in the Niger-Delta but wishes to reiterate that the same cannot be said to be the situation at the moment as nearly 50 per cent of Nigeria’s crude is stolen by the high and the mighty.
NEC is outraged by this heinous crime and calls on Mr. President to speedily take the necessary action(s) to stop this show of-shame.
NEC warns that in the event Mr. President fails to act within a reasonable time, it will take all the steps necessary, including mobilizing its members to stop oil production.
5. Amendments
NEC notes with dismay, the attempts by the government to remove the minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list.
NEC advises government not to embark on this unhelpful journey.
The logic of a national minimum wage is informed by the need to ensure a minimum floor which is nationally guaranteed to avoid or minimize the incidence of the working poor.
It wishes to remind elected government functionaries, especially governors and Mr. President, of their electioneering promises to the electorate, especially workers, to whom they pledged to improve the quality of their lives through payment of improved wages.
NEC holds the view that corruption, and not workers’ salaries is the drain on the nation’s resources.
NEC notes with concern the gale of de-membership of Congress from institutions and organizations in which it hitherto was a member. Citing the case of the National Industrial Court (NIC) among others, including the proposed de-listing of NLC/TUC from the board of the PPPRA, NEC wonders what government intends to achieve by this act of belligerence.
Vowing to fight back, NEC has given its approval to the Congress to mobilize all the necessary resources to reclaim its membership of the NIC.
6. Murder of Olaitan Oyerinde
NEC commends the effort of the police and other security agencies for their prompt investigation of the murder of its Deputy General Secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde seconded to the Governor of Edo State as Private Principal Secretary but expresses concern at the conflicting reports from the Police and the Directorate of State Security Service (SSS) on who his murderers are.
NEC holds the view that these conflicting reports further lend credence to the long-held view that Olaitan was a victim of cold political murder and that those behind his murder are shielding his killers.
NEC is alarmed that two national security agencies would work at across purpose and without coordination in carrying out investigations of a crime of this magnitude.
This situation raises doubts in the minds of most discerning Nigerians as to the motive of the investigations. Are the grounds being laid for confusion with a view to preventing the apprehension and successful prosecution of the actual perpetrators?
NEC calls on Mr. President and the National Assembly to get to the roots of this seeming game of the security agencies and have this crime resolved urgently to prevent a complete loss of faith in them by Nigerians. Such a loss of faith has the potential of worsening the security situation in the country.
7. Situation in the Power Sector
NEC condemns in its entirety the military takeover of the corporate headquarters of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), over an industrial relations issue.
NEC calls on the federal government to within the next one week, withdraw the army from PHCN installations and commence negotiations with the unions on outstanding labour issues.
Congress reiterates its earlier position that the New Pension Act did not abolish gratuity and that the 25 percent contributions by the workers should be paid up to date.
NEC holds the view that there cannot be retroactive contribution, hence if the PHCN management intends to migrate to the new pension policy, they should go into an agreement with the unions and agree on the commencement date to start the contribution.
Accordingly, NEC considers the current gun-point deductions directed by the ministry of power as illegal as the new Pension Act 2004 provides for the worker to open an account with a PFA of choice and submit same to their employer for remittance.
NEC warns that if by the end of one week, government and management of PHCN refuse to commence negotiations with the unions, Congress and its allies may be forced to commence a nationwide industrial action in support of the unions. To prosecute this action, NEC directs that strike committees be set up immediately across the country.
NEC directs the unions in the power sector to commence actions to compel the management of PHCN and government to implement agreements as contained in their collective agreements.
NEC condemns the recent attack on the NUEE National Secretariat and calls on the law enforcement agencies to commence the prosecution of the persons arrested in connection with this act.
NEC condemns the style and manner of intervention in the PHCN imbroglio by the Honourable Minister of Labour. His bye-passing of the unions and attempting to deal directly with workers, which appears to be a regular occurrence, portrays him as a minister always seeking to take the side of employers, instead of the expected role of arbiter.
NEC believes that the Minister of Labour for effective performance, ought to enjoy the confidence of the social partners.
NEC warns that if the Minister carries on like this, Congress will be compelled to boycott all government activities involving him.
NEC also warns that any attempt to disregard the clear provisions of the law by any government functionary, no matter how highly placed, will be massively resisted in the best traditions of trade unionism.
8. Trial of Fuel Subsidy Suspects
NEC commends the government for finally bowing to public pressure to commence the trial of the fuel subsidy suspects but condemns the selective trial of the suspects as most of those arraigned before the court are people with least sums of money illegally paid to them from the subsidy funds.
NEC is outraged by government’s attempt to shield the main culprits most of whom are believed to be friends or funders of the campaigns of people in corridors of power.
NEC calls for diligent and robust prosecution of all the accused and warns against the frustration of the trial process in any way or form, as given the outrage that greeted the discovery of these crimes, anything to the contrary could attract grave consequences.
NEC holds the view that with the facts of the subsidy fund in the open, government should commence the process of reviewing downward the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
9. The Nigeria Railway Corporation
NEC urges the management of Nigeria Railway Corporation and the federal government to in line with the provisions of the monetization policy of the Federal Government, give the staff of the corporation the first right of refusal in respect of the sale of the quarters of the corporation.
NEC resolves to give all the necessary support to the staff of the corporation in their struggle to acquire these quarters and warns that it will resist any action to thwart this objective.
10. Centenary Celebration
NEC resolves to mark the 100th year anniversary of trade unionism in Nigeria with a series of activities in conjunction with the Nigeria Civil Service Union.
NEC pays tribute to the pioneer role of the Nigeria Civil Service Union which came into being in August 1912 and acknowledges the historical and contemporary contributions of its leadership.
11. Leadership of the Congress
NEC re-affirms its total and unalloyed confidence in the national leadership of the Congress.
Abdulwahed I. Omar
President
1. Security situation in the Country;
2. Budget face-off between the National Assembly and the Executive;
3. Corruption;
4. Crude Oil Theft;
5. Legislative Amendments;
6. Murder of Olaitan Oyerinde;
7. Situation in the Power Sector;
8. Trial of Fuel Subsidy Suspects;
9. The Nigeria Railway Corporation;
10. Centenary Celebration;
11. Leadership of the Congress.
After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC resolves as follows:
1. Security Situation
NEC notes that in spite of the measures taken by the government, the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate. Kidnappings, assassinations, resurgence of armed robberies, bombings, communal and sectarian violence have led to painful loss of lives, massive displacements, injurious interruption of productive activities with prospect of acute food shortages, destruction of properties (in excess of billions of Naira) and capital flight.
NEC believes that government’s continuous display of incapacity to confront these problems has eroded the confidence of the citizenry in their government to protect them, leading to general panic in the land with not a few questioning the continued existence of Nigeria as one country. Accordingly, NEC calls not only on the government to do more to secure the lives and properties of its citizens in fulfillment of its social contract, but also to quickly find solutions to end this spate of alarming insecurity.
Convinced that Nigeria’s existence as one indivisible entity is inviolable, irrevocable and inalienable, the Nigeria Labour Congress, as part of its contribution to ensuring the continued peaceful co-existence of our people, has decided to organize in the 2nd week of September in Abuja, a peace rally and summit entitled, “Labour for Unity, Peace and Good Governance.
2. Budget Face-off
NEC observes that the face-off between the National Assembly and the Executive on the implementation/ non-implementation of the budget as healthy for the operation of democracy as it represents checks and balances in the system.
NEC urges the National Assembly (NASS) to continue to perform its functions (law-making, oversight etc.) as prescribed by the constitution but advises that this not be tainted by partisan politics, especially when national interest is at stake. It urges state houses of assembly to redeem their honour by resisting the lure to be governors’ rubber stamps, and adds that a compromised state house of assembly defeats not only the principle of separation of powers but betrays the electorate.
Convinced that a performing budget is a necessity for growing the economy, NEC calls on the government to overhaul the entire budget process as well as criminalise willful budget offences through the amendment of the Appropriation Act.
It urges its affiliates and civil society allies to devise and put in place, budget-tracking mechanisms to monitor budgets.
3. Corruption
NEC condemns the rising incidence of corruption in government and government’s ambivalence towards it and warns that this ambivalence is capable of destroying the nation.
Accordingly, it urges the government to demonstrate the necessary will and skill to combat corruption in all its ramifications, especially the cases of Halliburton, Siemens, Pension Fund, Oil Subsidy Fund, Mahlabo Oil etc.
NEC is similarly worried by the inability of the judiciary to speedily dispense justice in high profile corruption cases. Citing the cases of James Ibori and Erastus Akingbola who were convicted in the UK with the same set of evidence that Nigerian courts could not secure conviction, NEC advises the judiciary not to sacrifice justice on the altar of technicalities.
4. Crude Oil Theft
NEC acknowledges that illicit activities in the form of occasional illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation have been familiar features of oil production in the Niger-Delta but wishes to reiterate that the same cannot be said to be the situation at the moment as nearly 50 per cent of Nigeria’s crude is stolen by the high and the mighty.
NEC is outraged by this heinous crime and calls on Mr. President to speedily take the necessary action(s) to stop this show of-shame.
NEC warns that in the event Mr. President fails to act within a reasonable time, it will take all the steps necessary, including mobilizing its members to stop oil production.
5. Amendments
NEC notes with dismay, the attempts by the government to remove the minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list.
NEC advises government not to embark on this unhelpful journey.
The logic of a national minimum wage is informed by the need to ensure a minimum floor which is nationally guaranteed to avoid or minimize the incidence of the working poor.
It wishes to remind elected government functionaries, especially governors and Mr. President, of their electioneering promises to the electorate, especially workers, to whom they pledged to improve the quality of their lives through payment of improved wages.
NEC holds the view that corruption, and not workers’ salaries is the drain on the nation’s resources.
NEC notes with concern the gale of de-membership of Congress from institutions and organizations in which it hitherto was a member. Citing the case of the National Industrial Court (NIC) among others, including the proposed de-listing of NLC/TUC from the board of the PPPRA, NEC wonders what government intends to achieve by this act of belligerence.
Vowing to fight back, NEC has given its approval to the Congress to mobilize all the necessary resources to reclaim its membership of the NIC.
6. Murder of Olaitan Oyerinde
NEC commends the effort of the police and other security agencies for their prompt investigation of the murder of its Deputy General Secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde seconded to the Governor of Edo State as Private Principal Secretary but expresses concern at the conflicting reports from the Police and the Directorate of State Security Service (SSS) on who his murderers are.
NEC holds the view that these conflicting reports further lend credence to the long-held view that Olaitan was a victim of cold political murder and that those behind his murder are shielding his killers.
NEC is alarmed that two national security agencies would work at across purpose and without coordination in carrying out investigations of a crime of this magnitude.
This situation raises doubts in the minds of most discerning Nigerians as to the motive of the investigations. Are the grounds being laid for confusion with a view to preventing the apprehension and successful prosecution of the actual perpetrators?
NEC calls on Mr. President and the National Assembly to get to the roots of this seeming game of the security agencies and have this crime resolved urgently to prevent a complete loss of faith in them by Nigerians. Such a loss of faith has the potential of worsening the security situation in the country.
7. Situation in the Power Sector
NEC condemns in its entirety the military takeover of the corporate headquarters of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), over an industrial relations issue.
NEC calls on the federal government to within the next one week, withdraw the army from PHCN installations and commence negotiations with the unions on outstanding labour issues.
Congress reiterates its earlier position that the New Pension Act did not abolish gratuity and that the 25 percent contributions by the workers should be paid up to date.
NEC holds the view that there cannot be retroactive contribution, hence if the PHCN management intends to migrate to the new pension policy, they should go into an agreement with the unions and agree on the commencement date to start the contribution.
Accordingly, NEC considers the current gun-point deductions directed by the ministry of power as illegal as the new Pension Act 2004 provides for the worker to open an account with a PFA of choice and submit same to their employer for remittance.
NEC warns that if by the end of one week, government and management of PHCN refuse to commence negotiations with the unions, Congress and its allies may be forced to commence a nationwide industrial action in support of the unions. To prosecute this action, NEC directs that strike committees be set up immediately across the country.
NEC directs the unions in the power sector to commence actions to compel the management of PHCN and government to implement agreements as contained in their collective agreements.
NEC condemns the recent attack on the NUEE National Secretariat and calls on the law enforcement agencies to commence the prosecution of the persons arrested in connection with this act.
NEC condemns the style and manner of intervention in the PHCN imbroglio by the Honourable Minister of Labour. His bye-passing of the unions and attempting to deal directly with workers, which appears to be a regular occurrence, portrays him as a minister always seeking to take the side of employers, instead of the expected role of arbiter.
NEC believes that the Minister of Labour for effective performance, ought to enjoy the confidence of the social partners.
NEC warns that if the Minister carries on like this, Congress will be compelled to boycott all government activities involving him.
NEC also warns that any attempt to disregard the clear provisions of the law by any government functionary, no matter how highly placed, will be massively resisted in the best traditions of trade unionism.
8. Trial of Fuel Subsidy Suspects
NEC commends the government for finally bowing to public pressure to commence the trial of the fuel subsidy suspects but condemns the selective trial of the suspects as most of those arraigned before the court are people with least sums of money illegally paid to them from the subsidy funds.
NEC is outraged by government’s attempt to shield the main culprits most of whom are believed to be friends or funders of the campaigns of people in corridors of power.
NEC calls for diligent and robust prosecution of all the accused and warns against the frustration of the trial process in any way or form, as given the outrage that greeted the discovery of these crimes, anything to the contrary could attract grave consequences.
NEC holds the view that with the facts of the subsidy fund in the open, government should commence the process of reviewing downward the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
9. The Nigeria Railway Corporation
NEC urges the management of Nigeria Railway Corporation and the federal government to in line with the provisions of the monetization policy of the Federal Government, give the staff of the corporation the first right of refusal in respect of the sale of the quarters of the corporation.
NEC resolves to give all the necessary support to the staff of the corporation in their struggle to acquire these quarters and warns that it will resist any action to thwart this objective.
10. Centenary Celebration
NEC resolves to mark the 100th year anniversary of trade unionism in Nigeria with a series of activities in conjunction with the Nigeria Civil Service Union.
NEC pays tribute to the pioneer role of the Nigeria Civil Service Union which came into being in August 1912 and acknowledges the historical and contemporary contributions of its leadership.
11. Leadership of the Congress
NEC re-affirms its total and unalloyed confidence in the national leadership of the Congress.
Abdulwahed I. Omar
President
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
EFCC names suspected oil subsidy thieves, get set to prosecute them.
From: Wilson Uwujaren-EFCC Media & Publicity Unit
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has concluded arrangements to prosecute the first batch 20 suspects implicated in the oil subsidy fraud. The suspects, comprising six oil companies and 11 individuals, will be docked in Lagos courts.
The companies involved are: Nasaman Oil Services; Eternal Oil and Gas Plc; Ontario Oil & Gas Plc; Nadabo Energy Limited; Pacific Silver Line Limited, Axenergy Limited and Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited.
The 11 individuals involved in the scam are: Mamman Nasir Ali; Christian Taylor; Mahmud Tukur; Ochonogor Alex; Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele; Abubakar Ali Peters; Jude Agube Abalaka, Abdulahi Alao and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo.
The 11 individuals involved in the scam are: Mamman Nasir Ali; Christian Taylor; Mahmud Tukur; Ochonogor Alex; Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele; Abubakar Ali Peters; Jude Agube Abalaka, Abdulahi Alao and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo.
Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele is director of the accounting firm, Akintola Williams Deloitte while Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer is a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency, PPPRA.
Nasaman Oil Services; Mamman Nasir and Christian Taylor are to face charges bordering on obtaining N4, 460, 130, 797. 94 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Naira, Ninety Four Kobo) from the Federal Government of Nigeria under false pretence. The sum is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 30.5million litres of Premium Motor Spirit from SEATAC Petroleum Limited of British Virgin Islands.
Nasaman Oil Services; Mamman Nasir and Christian Taylor are to face charges bordering on obtaining N4, 460, 130, 797. 94 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Naira, Ninety Four Kobo) from the Federal Government of Nigeria under false pretence. The sum is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 30.5million litres of Premium Motor Spirit from SEATAC Petroleum Limited of British Virgin Islands.
In the same vein, the anti-graft agency will equally prosecute Abdulahi Alao and Axenergy Limited for allegedly obtaining the sum of N2, 640, 141, 707.75 (Two Billion, Six Hundred and Forty Million; One Hundred and Forty One Thousand; Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Seventy Five Kobo) being payments received from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 33.3 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Others include Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex; Abdulahi Alao and Eternal Oil And Gas Plc who will be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 899, 238, 946. 02 (One Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Six Naira, Two Kobo) from the Petroleum support Fund for a purported importation of 80.3million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Others include Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex; Abdulahi Alao and Eternal Oil And Gas Plc who will be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 899, 238, 946. 02 (One Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Six Naira, Two Kobo) from the Petroleum support Fund for a purported importation of 80.3million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Also, Nadabo Energy Limited, Abubakar Ali Peters, Jude Agube Abalaka and Pacific Silver Line Limited are to be prosecuted for allegedly obtaining the sum of N1, 464, 961, 978.24 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Four Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Twenty- Four Kobo ), being payments fraudulently received from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 19.4million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo -Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele and Ontario Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited will be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 959, 377, 542, .63 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Two Naira, Sixty Three Kobo) from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 39.2 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
Lastly, Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo are to be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N979,653,110.20 ( Nine Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira, Twenty Eight Kobo), from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 33, 627, 84 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
The 20 suspects are among the over 140 individuals and organisations involved in the on- going investigations into the subsidy payments by the EFCC. More suspects will be arraigned periodically as the investigation progresses.
The 20 suspects are among the over 140 individuals and organisations involved in the on- going investigations into the subsidy payments by the EFCC. More suspects will be arraigned periodically as the investigation progresses.
This investigation is massive and extensive; and the Commission wishes to reassure Nigerians that every effort will be made to bring all those who defrauded the country in the guise of subsidy for imported fuel to book.
Press Statement By the NLC We Can’t Be Financially Inducedb
July 24, 2012
Our
attention have been drawn to a
thoughtless statement credited to the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo
State Branch of the Peoples Democratic Party alleging that Labour leaders and
other prominent Nigerians have been
financially induced by the Governor of
Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who is seeking re-election as governor of the
state on the platform of Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship election
in the state to attend his declaration events.
We
are surprised that such reckless
statements can be made by an official of a political party that wields the
realm of power not only at the federal
level, but overwhelmingly dominates power at other tiers of government. Are we to believe that the PDP has succeeded
thus far through financial inducement and not principles to gain such tremendous power in our
political landscape? A party that does
not believe in the acknowledgement of performance and people-oriented
programmes?
For
the avoidance of doubt, neither the Nigeria Labour Congress nor its officials
will ever consider monetary benefits in the choice of who to support in our
collective quest for good governance.
It
is an obviously confused, crass
opportunist that will conclude that we would need to be financially induced
before we openly endorse and and give support to the candidate of a party we
are well known to have associated with from inception.
We
supported Dr. Mimiko during his campaigns for his first term in office; we have
been supporting him in the course of his ongoing first term, and we have no
reasons, given his remarkable
performance so far, not to campaign for him to be re-elected.
Our
support for any candidate is based on certain principles, and performance and
background is very high on the list. In this particular case, Dr. Mimiko is of
a political party nurtured, and sustained by Nigerian workers. It will
therefore be surprising that anyone in his right senses will assume we have to
be financially induced to endorse our
own candidate.
No
political party should assume everyone is for sale. If anyone or organization
is, we are certainly not.
We
vigorously campaigned for our immediate past president, who has been re-elected
Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole because it was our collective
decision that he runs for that office in the first instance aside from the fact
that he has proven beyond doubt that he
is well focused on running a people-driven government that has translated into
massive development of the State.
We
will continue to give the same support to
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who in less than four years has also transformed
Ondo State beyond what other parties could do in eight years of
maladministration.
We
are not politicians, but we know who can fulfill our collective desire for good
governance and accountability, and we are ready to support the candidate
without descending to the pedestrian considerations of bereft and largely inept
politicians such as the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo State branch of the
PDP.
We
will never be blackmailed out of this desire.
Nigerians
know which party should be held responsible for turning them into commodities
that can be purchased at will for political brigandage. Nigerians also know
which persons or organisations are purchasable. We are certainly not one.
Abdulwahed Omar
President
Monday, 23 July 2012
Address Delivered by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar at the Opening Ceremony of the Nigeria Labour Congress 2012 Rain School held at Workers Solidarity Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom on 23rd July, 2012
Protocols
I sincerely wish to welcome you all to the Nigeria Labour Congress 2012 Rain School. I welcome His Excellency Mr. Godswill Akpabio the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and members of the State Executive Council here present and other members of the Governor’s entourage to this opening session.
I am quite delighted that our international guests have kept to the commitment of solidarity with us by identifying with our programmes with their presence here. I commend them for leaving their other engagements and home countries to be with us.
For me, it is once again a privilege to be here with you at this year's 2012 Rain School, the 20th in the series of NLC National Schools, with the theme; Labour, Popular Power and the Quest for a New Nigeria.
The 2012 Rain School theme is apt given the current challenges that threaten the unity of the nation. Today, rather than integrating into a cohesive community with a common sense of national identity and destiny, citizens of Nigeria are returning more to primordial affiliations for identity, loyalty and security. Instead of forging a united front and presenting a concerted effort to face the challenges of development in an increasingly competitive and globalized world, Nigerians are busy waging ethnic and religious wars, struggling for the control of resources, struggling for the control of religious territories. While the ruling class engrosses itself with obsessed struggle for primitive accumulation, the masses struggle with doses of poverty, deprivation and frustration, as well as diverse problems of basic survival such as food, housing, water, sanitation and security.
The 2012 Rain School is aimed at providing training for the participants who are from the affiliate unions and state councils of the NLC so that they can be equipped and prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge that would empower them to be more productive in order to contribute to building a stronger economy that is capable of improving the standards of living and alleviate the poverty situation in Nigeria. The School is also focused to equip them in organising for better improvement in working conditions and to face the challenges of national unity posed by recurring violence in the country.
It is the belief of the Congress that members of affiliates should be exposed to thorough intellectual training through education programmes and forums like the Rain School so that they can be emotionally and intellectually prepared to enable them face the challenges of building a strong economy. Conscious of the fact that no nation grows without first growing knowledge of the citizens, the NLC is making deliberate effort in making education of its members a cardinal priority and a cornerstone of its policies towards building a strong human resource base that can defend its members and also contribute immensely to building a vibrant economy for the nation where everybody can benefit.
In addition to forums like the Rain School, Congress also has another National School called Harmattan School, which holds in the northern part of the country in the month of November every year. The School provides similar training like Rain School. Congress equally runs State Level Schools which hold in the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for ten weeks every year since its commencement in 2005. The State Level School mainly provides training for trade union leaders and union activists at the state levels. The modules of the State Level School are designed in such a way as to prepare the activists and trade union leaders at the State level with skills and knowledge in order to prepare them to face the challenges of defending their members and also to contribute to the development of their States. The Congress will not relent, but continue to carry out those programmes and training that impact positively on the working class and the society, in general.
The NLC condemns in very strong terms the continuous bombings and killings in the nation, most especially, the recent massacre that took place in Plateau State. The Congress calls on those in government and the security agencies to rise up to the occasion by defending the lives and property of Nigerians and foreigners alike. These incessant violence and general insecurity, which are engendering fear and restlessness in the citizenry is taking a negative dimension and is inimical to growth and development, as no nation can grow in a chaotic and anarchical situation.
As part of its contribution to the process of peace building, the Congress intends to organise a Peace Conference sometimes in September, 2012. The Conference will create a platform for stakeholders to come together face to face and take head on the issue of the nation's security and possibly come out with suggestion that can endear lasting solutions that can bring back smiles on the faces of our dear people of Nigeria.
We recall that in the past, the Congress had held a similar conference on the Niger-Delta militancy and today the insurgency has reduced and amnesty has been granted and there is relative peace in the region. We urge all progressive organisations to add voice for the need for peace and stability in the country.
At this Rain School, we shall have the opportunity to take a hard look at the January mass protests and general strike against deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry which translated into unprecedented increase in the price of fuel, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Throughout the eight-day strike, the gallant and unrelenting forces of the working people led by the labour movement and mass organisations rose up as one and galvanised the Nigerian people into action to check the excessiveness of a reckless and corrupt ruling class.
The outcome of that historic protest is there for all to see. There have been mindboggling revelations of theft, fraud and rapacious greed. Thus, Congress is uncomfortable and worried at the way and manner the Federal Government is handling the report of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee that probed the Petroleum Subsidy regime, which was an attempt to sanities the oil sector. Despite the ongoing drama between the Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Farouk Lawan and Mr. Femi Oteloda, we reiterate our call on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation of the report and reports of other committees set up on the oil subsidy rip-off in order to bring those found guilty to justice.
We look with optimism the appointment of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN), Justice Aloma Muktar. Her antecedents in the Judiciary gives us hope for a better, and improved people-driven Judicial system. With a background of fearlessness and incorruptibility, we hope the new Chief Justice will be capable of conducting credible reforms in the Judicial arm of government to the yearnings and aspiration of the Nigerian people who have been clamouring and advocating for reforms that will ensure justice and fairness to all as well as positively impact on our collective desire for a corrupt-free society.
We commend President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for appointing Justice Muktar, the first woman CJN in the history of our country. This remarkable gesture has demonstrated Mr. President's commitment to the delivery of quality governance and merit-driven justice system.
Another issue of importance and of critical concern to the working class in Nigeria is the issue of the implementation of the new National minimum wage. We must particularly commend His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Chief Godwin Akpabio for keeping faith with the minimum wage implementation.
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is worthy to mention at this platform that a significant high point was made in the annals of the country's history. On Saturday July 14, 2012, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past President of the NLC, despite all odds, trounced his opponents by a landslide victory to be returned elected as the Governor of Edo State. Comrade Oshiomhole did not only win the overall vote cast, but overwhelmingly won in all the Local Government Areas in Edo State.
For all those who followed the trauma and tragic events during the campaign, the victory resulted from the resoluteness of the Comrade Governor, workers and other patriotic Nigerians, as well as the determination of the good people of Edo State to ensure he continued in office as Governor. This victory is not only a triumph for the people of Edo State, but a demonstration of working peoples power, and a significant milestone for democracy in our country. A true testimony to performance, dynamism, truth and justice in governance.
For this victory, let us commend the security agencies for not interfering in the process, but ensuring protection of lives and property of the people for them to freely express themselves at the polls.
Of course this victory will not be complete if we do not acknowledge the significant role played by President Jonathan. He did not only keep to his word of guaranteeing a free and fair election, but added voice to the "One man, One Vote" campaign slogan of Comrade Oshiomhole.
Mr. President was also among the first to congratulate Comrade Oshiomhole, a few hours after declaration of the results against the grain of his party candidate who lost at the election. This singular remarkable demonstration of statesmanship, deserves commendation.
At the international level, the NLC is worried by the turn of events in Mali and the persistent conflict between Sudan and Southern Sudan, and if urgent steps are not taken by the international community to put in place measures that would curtail these crises and the proliferation of arms , a new threat is hanging on the entire continent of Africa, which is already reeling from extremist violence and organized crimes. We urge the international community to hasten and come to the aid of Malians with sustainable support that would bring lasting peace and democracy in that country.
Finally, I wish to sincerely thank the affiliate unions of the NLC, invited guests and our international sister labour organizations and their institutions for solidarising with us by attending our programmes. I also want to commend the National Secretariat of the NLC, and in particular, the Education Department for the efforts put into making sure that, the 2012 Rain School is a success.
Our commendation also goes to our team of Facilitators drawn from the affiliate unions for their commitment and efforts in making sure that the educational activities of Congress are sustained, improved upon and implemented.
To the Government and people of Akwa-Ibom State, we express our appreciation for playing host to the fourth Rain School to be hosted in the state, and we look forward to your continued support.
Finally, we wish to express our profound appreciation to our Partners, the Canadian Labour Congress, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, TrustFund Pensions PLC, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies and the American Centre for International Labour Solidarity, for their support and solidarity in sustaining the School. We highly appreciate your continued partnership.
Thank you for your attention.
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