TheNewsGuru

Tag: Committee

  • Ihedioha sets up committee to review Imo laws

    Ihedioha sets up committee to review Imo laws

    Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has begun the process of reviewing all laws made by the House of Assembly.

    The governor, who has set up a committee to review the laws, said the review is to strengthen the laws and make them in tandem with the expectations and desires of the people.

    Ihedioha, who spoke yesterday at a retreat for members-elect of the House of Assembly in Oguta, said the committee, which will be headed by the Chief Judge, Justice Pascal Nnadi, will harmonise all laws enacted by the House of Assembly to give the state a new beginning.

    He urged the members-elect to be abreast of their responsibilities, stressing that he does not intend to run a propaganda government, but a government based on rule of law and due process.

    “As a government, we will take a radical departure from the past. I will not run a government of propaganda, but one anchored on due process and rule, and so you must be ready to do your work. I will fire you with executive bills and we must adhere strictly to the budgetary process.”

  • Ambode inaugurates 20-member Transition Committee

    Ambode inaugurates 20-member Transition Committee

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday inaugurated a 20-member Transition Committee to ensure a smooth transition to the next administration.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, Ambode pointed out that the committee would ensure that the machinery of government continued to roll smoothly to maintain stability, build on the solid status of the state and ensure seamless transition to the incoming administration of the All Progressives Congress Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor elect, Obafemi Hamzat.

    In his response, the Lagos Deputy Governor-elect and Co-Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat assured that the handover would be a seamless one.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola described the Committee as imperative.

  • BREAKING: NJC constitutes committee to review Onnoghen, Acting CJN Muhammad’s response to petitions

    …Issues fresh query on Onnoghen

    …to decide suspended CJN, Acting CJN’s fate on Wednesday

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up a preliminary complaints assessment committee to review the responses given to it by the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, and the Supreme Court Justice Ibrahim Muhammad who is acting in his stead.

    Onnoghen is accused of failing to fully declare his assets, while Mr Muhammad is facing allegations of misconduct in allowing himself to be sworn in as a replacement for Mr Onnoghen, whose suspension by President Buhari critics say violated the constitution.

    Both men are being investigated by the NJC as required by the law.

    The council sat on Monday and was expected to give its verdict after hearing the responses of the two accused judges. Both had been given seven days to respond to the allegations against them.

    A spokesperson for the NJC, Soji Oye, said in a statement Monday that the NJC reconvened and resolved to constitute into the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017.

    The committee is to report its finding to the council on February 13 when it will reconvene.

    “Council also received a new petition written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Hon. Mr. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and forwarded it to him for his response within seven (7) working days,” Oje said.

    “Council reaffirmed its confidence in Hon. Mr. Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON and continues under his Interim Chairmanship.”

    Petitions

    The petition against Mr Onnoghen was written by members of a group, Resource Centre For Civil Education, while the allegation against Mr Muhammad was written by a former Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, and another group, Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative.

    Onnoghen was suspended on January 25, 11 days after his trial on alleged false asset charge began at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on January 14.

    If both officers are found liable by the council after today’s meeting, the consequence may include the appointment of a new CJN for the country.

  • JUST IN: Senate sets up ad hoc committee to investigate $3.5bn NNPC subsidy

    The Senate says it has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the use to which the sum of $3.5bn alleged subsidy was put.

    This was contained in a tweet on the verified Twitter handle of The Nigerian Senate, @NGRSenate.

    “Senator Bassey Akpan cited Orders 43 and 95 and drew the attention of the Senate to the various emails and complaints from the general public on the unauthorised withdrawal of $3.5bn by NNPC from the NLNG account,” the Senate added

    “I ask that the Senate Committee on Gas immediately investigate this matter,” Senator
    Bassey Akpan said; while Senator Emmanuel Paulker urged that “The ad hoc committee that was set up should carry on with their work, while the Committee on Gas should also investigate the matter.”

     

  • Minimum Wage: Labour proposes N65,500 as committee holds nationwide public hearing

    Minimum Wage: Labour proposes N65,500 as committee holds nationwide public hearing

    The federal government’s Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage is to hold public hearing across the country, and gather inputs from stakeholders on a new minimum wage.

    Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said this while briefing journalists at the end of the Central Working Committee meeting on Wednesday, in Abuja.

    Mr Wabba said the zonal hearing was expected to be conducted in the six geopolitical zones, including Lagos and Abuja beginning from April 23, 2018.

    The public hearing is to consider memorandum from organised labour, governors and employers of labour.

    It was reported that the organised labour had recently presented a new demand of over N66,500 to the federal government.

    Mr Wabba, who confirmed the upward review of the demand of organised Labour, however, did not state the new figure presented to the tripartite committee for consideration.

    According to him, he will not be drawn to mentioning figures because it is not relevant at the moment, as the organized Labour is considering the current realities in the country.

    “As certain variables and current inflation in the country have made us to make an upward review of the demand.

    “The new submission from Labour is not different from the initial submission. We made a demand almost two years ago and that demand was the beginning of the process.

    “So, the demand of Labour was based on the agreement we had on the five year circle which we believe was due and also considering the level of inflation, we made a demand of N56,000’’ he said.

    He said that the committee after its constitution by President Muhammadu Buhari requested state governors, employers, private sector and organised Labour to resubmit their memoranda for discussion to commence.

    The NLC president said that in furtherance to the request, states, federal government, NECA and Labour had submitted their memos.

    “But what we did was to look at the dynamics of the times because the discussion will be evidence-based.

    “So, we undertook a study and made a submission. This is the logic and not that we have submitted a new position.

    “It was the same memo that we submitted, but what we did was to look at the indices, because a lot has changed between 2015 and 2018.

    “So that cannot be regarded as a change of position because the process of arriving at a minimum wage in line with convention 121 is evidence based.

    “Everybody submitting memo or document will have to back it up with logic and not just quote figures from the air,’’ he added.

    He, however, said that all variables needed to be looked at for discussions on the new minimum wage had been considered.

    “Clearly, what I want to inform you about is that we are committed to what we have,’’ Mr Wabba said.

    He added that the next Tripartite Committee meeting would be held on April 17, to discuss procedures for the public hearing.

     

  • Self-defense: Army sets up committee to probe T.Y. Danjuma’s allegation

    The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Monday, inaugurated a 10-member committee to probe the allegation leveled against the army by a former chief of army staff, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma.

    Danjuma, a retired Lt.-Gen., on March 24 at the convocation of Taraba State University in Jalingo, said that the armed forces in Taraba and other states colluded with killers and marauding herdsmen and did not protect the people against attacks.

    “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people; if you depend on the armed forces to protect you, you will all die.

    “I ask all of you to be on the alert and defend your country, defend your state,” he admonished.

    Danjuma said the unnecessary killings, which is akin to “an act of ethnic cleansing” being perpetrated against the people of Taraba, specifically, and Nigeria, at large, must stop.

    “This ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba, and it must stop in Nigeria. These killers have been protected by the military; they cover them and you must be watchful to guide and protect yourselves because you have no other place to go.”

    Danjuma’s call ignited mixed reactions around the country, with many backing him while others criticised him.

    Inaugurating the committee, Mr. Buratai said the allegation by Mr. Danjuma could make Nigerians lose confidence in the army, hence the need to investigate to determine its veracity.

    According to him, the deployment of soldiers in recent military operations, particularly in Taraba state has been criticised by individuals and interests groups from different sectors of the society.

    “Some of these concerns have come from the state government, Non-Governmental Organisations and very senior citizens from the state.

    “Most recently on the 24th of March, 2018, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), speaking during the convocation of the Taraba State University, alleged that the Armed Forces of Nigeria colluded with the armed bandits and another criminal element in the society.

    “Statement of this nature could damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and thus cannot be ignored if the Nigerian Army is to continue to earn the trust of the populace.

    “Thus, it became imperative for the Nigerian Army to set up this panel to confirm the veracity or otherwise of this allegation,’’ Mr. Buratai said.

    He said the army was well spread across the country and deployed in virtually all the states for internal security operations.

    “So, here lies the need for the army to get it very clear and to get its name out of this unnecessary allegation.’’

    The army chief said the army was “ready to take responsibility if found to have colluded with criminal elements as alleged.

    Mr. Buratai, therefore, charged the committee to do a thorough job as members were carefully selected.

    He also charged them to visit all flashpoints, particularly in Taraba and interact with stakeholders and interest groups, as well as other states to come up with a comprehensive report.

    According to him, the task at hand is a burning national issue. He urged the committee to treat this assignment with all the seriousness it deserves.

    The head of the committee, John Nimyel, a retired Maj.-Gen., thanked the chief of army staff for the confidence reposed in members and promised to do a thorough job.

    “We are going to try to present to you an acceptable report for the good of the Nigerian Army and nation. This is all I can say for now,’’ Mr. Nimyel said.

    The committee has 10 days to submit its report.

    The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) were represented on the committee.

  • What Gov. Obaseki wants from newly inaugurated advisory committee

    What Gov. Obaseki wants from newly inaugurated advisory committee

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated an advisory committee and revealed plans to develop a policy document on forestry and set up a Forestry Commission, as part of ongoing reforms to boost economic growth through agriculture.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he inaugurated the 16-man Advisory Committee on Forestry at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    According to him, “In my inaugural address in November 2016, I promised to focus on agriculture to drive socio-economic transformation, as agriculture remains strategic in attaining economic development. This committee will help drive one of the cardinal programmes we have outlined for the agricultural sector.”

    He said, “The Advisory Committee will assist the state government draft a policy document on forestry; advice the government on issues on forestry it plans to put in place, and structure for the forestry commission. This would aid the state government develop effective frameworks in managing its forestry assets in line with international best practices, as its relate to forest reservation, preservation, conservation and regeneration.”

    Obaseki noted that the state government intends to unveil a policy document on forestry at an International Conference to be held in Accra, Ghana, in May 2018, where the state government will showcase how it intends to work with international partners in managing its forest assets.

    He said the advisory committee will “develop a workplan and budget for the forestry commission as well as guidelines for monitoring and implementing its mandate. It will also assist the state government to re-build the forest management and operation plans, and advice government on steps to take.”

    Obaseki said it was regrettable that the state’s forest resources have been depleted over the years with inevitable consequences, charging the committee to work assiduously to help reverse the unfortunate trend.

    “We are determined to set up a framework to safeguard the resources God has endowed us with in terms of our forest assets. As part of the design of the Benin Industrial Park, a section of the park will be built on inputs from the state’s forestry sector,” he said.

    The Chairman of the advisory committee, Dr. Felix Idumah, expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment. He assured that the committee will deliver on its terms of reference in a timely manner.

     

  • Senate decries recurring mass failure in WAEC, inaugurates committee to investigate cause

    The Senate has directed its Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) to interact with the Minister of Education to identify the causes of the recurring failure in the WAEC results with a view to finding remedies.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Umaru Kurfi (Katsina Central), who described the recurring mass failure of West African Examination Council (WAEC) results in the country since 2009 as embarrassing.

    The senator expressed worry that the rate of failure remains high, saying it was prejudicial to the interest of Nigerian secondary school students and their parents.

    According to him, in both 2009 and 2010 WAEC, only 25.99 and 24.94 per cent respectively passed with five credits including Mathematics and English, while the remaining others constituting 70 per cent failed.

    “In 2011 May/June WAEC, only 86,612 out of the 1,540,250 candidates that participated in the examinations got credit in mathematics and English language.

    “Also in 2011 May/June WAEC, only 86,612 out of 1,540,250 candidates that participated in the examinations got credits in Mathematics and English Language.

    “In 2012 May/June WAEC, only 649,159 out of 1,672,224 candidates that wrote the examinations which represents just 38.81 per cent got 5 credits and above including in the core subjects of Mathematics and English language.

    “In 2013 WAEC, only 29.17 per cent candidates actually passed the Nov/Dec WAEC examinations while 70 per cent failed.

    “In both 2017 and 2018 recent January/February private examinations, only 26.01 per cent and 17.13 per cent candidates have passed with 5 credits including Mathematics and English language respectively, while the remaining over 70 per cent candidates failed,’’ he said.

    Kurfi regretted that the future of the country would continue to be bleak if urgent action were not taken to address the situation.

    Contributing, Barau Jibrin said urgent steps must be taken to find reasons for the failure and remedies.

    Emmanuel Paulker said the situation called for a grave concern, attributing the development to the problem from poor quality of education received at the primary school level.

    “And it is this same crop of students that will move to the secondary school. Some of them can hardly write or read; without a foundation, there is no way a house can stand.

    “Those formulating our school curriculum must sit up, if not, we have our future doomed,’’ Paulker said.

    On her part, Biodun Olujimi emphasised the need to evaluate the entire value chain in the education sector, saying, “There is need for revaluation to understand where the missing link is.

    “There is also the need to look at teacher education because we have some teachers who are not properly trained, who don’t do research and cannot read or write.

    “So, how can they teach our children well,’’ Olujimi said.

    In his remark, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki stressed the need to increase the value of human resources to promote quality education in the country.

    “I am sure the committee will work assiduously to get to the bottom of this matter and see that it is addressed.

    “Indeed the education sector need some reforms,’’ Saraki said.

     

  • JUST IN: Obaseki appoints 6 new permanent secretaries

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of six permanent secretaries in the state Civil Service.

    A statement signed by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor, said the state governor approved the appointment of Mrs. Oboh Akongie Usiriedo, Mrs. Imasuen S. I, and Ms. Enakhimion D. O. as permanent secretaries.

    Others are Engr. Enabulele Ferguson, Mr. Oigboke B. O., and Mr. Ogbebor R. O.

    Mrs. Idahor said the date for their swearing-in will be announced later.

    In a recent development in the State, Governor Obaseki inaugurated the state’s Food and Nutrition Committee to develop sustainable strategies to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the state.

    Governor Obaseki, who inaugurated the committee at the Government House in Benin City, said, “The committee will assist the state government to identify and encourage the consumption of nutritious food in the state. Eating highly nutritious food goes a long way in ensuring that people not only get needed energy to work but also sustain good health to contribute to development.”

    “We are concerned about the health status and nutrition of our people, particularly among very young persons and old people. Therefore, setting up this committee is important,” he said.

    Explaining the role of nutrition in development, he said, “We are aware that there is a connection between healthy eating, preventive medicine, girl-child education, women empowerment and childhood development. And we don’t want to leave all of these issues to chance.”

    Obaseki said, the terms of reference for the committee include to identify the problems of nutrition in the state; coordinate efforts to improve nutrition and ensure adequate resource allocation towards addressing issues bothering on malnutrition.

    He noted, “The committee has the mandate to identify measures to be put in place by various stakeholders and institutions to tackle malnutrition in the state. They will also review strategies to tackle malnutrition and their impact on the society.”

    Obaseki called for synergy among various stakeholders in the food and nutrition sector to avoid duplicity of roles, as this will allow for optimal use of resources.

    Chairperson of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Vera Obadan, said, “The initiative will put nutrition on the front burner, which is key to human development.”

    Obadan, who was represented by Vice Chairman of the committee and Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, said the bedrock of nutrition is breastfeeding, noting that the rate of breastfeeding in the country is low.

    She said the committee will embark on massive sensitisation campaign to educate mothers on the importance of breastfeeding which will ensure healthy childhood development.