The chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, has revealed that governors are not against the review of minimum wage but lack the capacity to pay for it.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) are demanding N30,000 as minimum wage but the governors proposed N20,000 while the federal government said it could afford N24,000.
Speaking to newsmen after the NGF meeting on Wednesday, the Zamfara governor said the issue was not just on the agreed figure to be paid by the governors but the “ability or resources to take care of that agreed minimum wage.”
Yari said: “The problem of the state is the capacity to pay what is agreed. As we are talking today, we are struggling with N18,000. Some of the states are paying 35 percent, some 50 percent and still some states have salary arrears.
“So, it is not about only reviewing it but how we are going to get the resources to cater for it.”
The chairman of the forum said Ayuba Wabba, national president of NLC, was invited to brief the forum on states’ performance in the use of London and Paris Club refunds which the federal government disbursed for payment of salaries.
He said some states had recorded some progress in line with the condition they signed with the federal government but some were still owing arrears.
Tag: Governors
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Why we can not pay new minimum wage – Governors
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Buhari, APC governors, ministers, others storm Ekiti on Tuesday for Fayemi’s inauguration
…as inauguration committee rolls out one week long programme
President Muhammadu Buhari will lead other eminent Nigerians to the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday.
Fayemi will be sworn in alongside the Deputy Governor-elect, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.
Buhari, who had promised to attend Fayemi’s inauguration shortly after the latter won the All Progresse Congress (APC) primary, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Inauguration Ceremonies, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference to herald to mark week long activities to usher Fayemi into office.
Oyebode revealed that others expected at the inauguration include governors, ministers, military and paramilitary top brass, traditional rulers, diplomats, clergymen, party leaders, civil society groups, artisans, market women and general public.
Speaking on the significance of Buhari’s personal attendance of Fayemi’s inauguration, Oyebode described the President as a “lover of Ekiti and father of the nation.”
He added that Fayemi served under Buhari as Minister and supervised the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, a sector that was dear to the heart of the President.
The Chairman of the Security Committee, Brig. -Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), said the military will be part of the security arrangements adding that security operatives will be drafted from neighbouring states.
Events to make the milestone, according to Oyebode, commence on October 15 Inauguration Lecture to be delivered by eminent poet and literary icon, Prof. Niyi Osundare and Book Presentation, Photo Exhibition and presentation of prizes to Essay Competition winners.
Besides the swearing-in ceremony on October 16, reception will take place at the same venue, Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.
Fayemi, after being inaugurated, will hold a Town Hall meeting at Ekiti North senatorial district at Odo Udo Primary School, Ido Ekiti in the morning of October 17 while that of Ekiti South will hold at Ereja Park, Ikere Ekiti in the afternoon.
On October 18, an interfaith thanksgiving service holds in Ado Ekiti in the morning to be followed by Ekiti Central town hall meeting at Aramoko Motor Park, Aramoko-Ekiti.
A Thanksgiving Jumat Service holds at Ado-Ekiti Central Mosque on October 19 while on October 20, Ekiti Arts, Culture and Talent Fair at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.
Inauguration activities will be rounded off on October 21 with a Thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Old Garage.
On the same day, a reception will hold at Fayemi’s personal residence, Eyiyato Lodge, Isan-Ekiti.
Oyebode added: “It would be a new dawn on October 16 as Dr. Fayemi will be back on track to take the government back to the people again for accountable government that will also make Ekiti people active participants in the way they are governed.
“This knack for institutionalisation of participatory governance by Fayemi has reflected in the stakeholders forum commissioned by him where Ekiti people spoke I’m conference on their expectations from the government.
“Now, the journey for the actualisation of Ekiti dreams starts on October 16, 2018; the date fate has chosen for Ekiti State to recover her destiny and turn around her fortune.
“Suffice to say that this kind of historic and historical occasion held to celebrate the freedom of a people cannot go without pomp and drums with dignitaries in attendance to join the celebration.”
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Buhari must hasten trial of past corrupt governors – SERAP
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has sent an open letter to Muhammadu Buhari urging him touse his “good offices and leadership position to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN to without delay take over and expeditiously prosecute grand corruption cases involving all indicted former state governors and to prosecute indicted serving governors at the expiration of their tenure as governors.
The organization said, “the trial of several former state governors accused of corruption and money laundering have continued to linger in different high courts in the country. Some of the grand corruption cases involving former governors started in 2007 are yet to properly commence.”
In the letter dated 5 October 2018 and signed by SERAP deputy director Timothy Adewale, the organization said, “We are concerned that the continuing delay in the prosecution of former governors suspected of committing acts of grand corruption to logical conclusion has sent a negative message that the governors are untouchable. The delay is also contributing to perception among Nigerians that many of these influential and powerful past governors are being protected by the power and political set up.”
According to the organization, “instructing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN to take over and directly and expeditiously prosecute all cases of grand corruption involving former governors, would be entirely consistent with his duties under the Constitution, and contribute to upholding the majesty of law and vindicating the rule of law.”
The organization warned that, “should the Attorney General not take over the cases of corruption against all past corrupt governors as requested, SERAP would, on account of the public interest involved, and to ensure that no further time is lost in the completion of these cases, consider appropriate legal action to compel the authorities to discharge their constitutional duties, consistent with the basic tenet of the rule of law, the concept of equality and the cause of justice.”
The statement read in part: “the continuing delay in the prosecution of former governors alleged to have committed acts of corruption is a significant factor contributing to impunity of those engaging in grand corruption, thereby posing a serious threat to probity in public life, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The delay in the prosecution of former governors who no longer enjoy constitutional immunity also suggests that they are above the law.”
“Nigerians deserve to see the prosecution of all indicted former governors to logical conclusion if your government is to demonstrate the credibility of its commitment to combat grand corruption and eliminate any impression of bias or lack of fairness in the fight against corruption. Everyone accused of corruption should be brought to justice in accordance with the law and irrespective of the height at which those involved are placed in the power and political set up.”
“The delay also has serious implications for human rights because the lack of effective prosecution of grand corruption cases involving former governors has created the tendency among many serving governors to engage in corruption, which would ultimately have deleterious effects on the enjoyment of human rights including the rights to healthcare, water, quality education and regular electricity supply.”
“SERAP believes that everyone against whom there is reasonable suspicion of committing a crime of corruption has to be treated equally and similarly under the law situation with a view in ensure proper implementation of the rule of law. This is the need of equality guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.”
“The right to equality in a situation like the corruption cases involving former governors is that of the Nigerian polity and not merely of a few individuals. The Attorney General is constitutionally empowered to take over and expeditiously prosecuted the cases against former governors to ensure justice and enforce the concept of equality.”
“The continuing delay in the prosecution of former governors accused of corruption amounts to a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the UN Convention against to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“Many of the 31 past governors accused of corruption are escaping justice, some of the cases dating back to 2003. “The Attorney General is a defender of public interest and has the powers under Section 174(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against anyone suspected to be responsible for acts of corruption.”
“The delay can no longer be justified. Unless there is proper prosecution of indicted former governors, the effort made to investigate their cases would not bear fruition. Cases of corruption against high-ranking public officials, particularly all indicted former governors must be conducted and completed expeditiously if the government is to retain public confidence in the impartiality of its fight against corruption.”
“Any taking over and prosecution of the grand corruption cases involving former governors should not dilute adherence to the essentials of a fair trial and the basic principles of our constitutional jurisprudence including the presumption of innocence of the accused unless found guilty at the end of the trial.”
“SERAP also notes that Governors control about 47 per cent of accruals to the Federation Account – both its own share and that of the local governments. Also, the Attorney General once started that “It is the position of the present administration that these suspected governors must be prosecuted in line with the anti-corruption agenda of the government.”
“Ending corruption by state governors would contribute to respect for human rights including ensuring adequate medical and health facilities for all persons in the country; which would help to protect the health of the people and ensure that they receive medical attention when they are sick.”
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WTD: Buhari blasts governors for diverting funds meant to pay teachers' salaries
…promises to clear and end issues of unpaid salaries
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigeria’s Teachers that his heart is with them over the issue of unpaid salaries, assuring that unpaid salaries would soon become an issue of the past.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said Buhari gave the assurance in a message to this year’s World Teachers’ Day.
The President disclosed that he was aware that in some states and local councils of the federation, teachers were being owed salaries of several months.
He revealed that it was specifically to mitigate the situation of unpaid teachers and pensioners that his administration doled out billions of naira as bailout funds to various states.
“Sadly, the issue of unpaid salaries remains,’’ he lamented.
Buhari, however, assured that the Federal Government would continue to work with the state governments to ensure that “all salary arrears are not just cleared, but that unpaid salaries become an issue of the past.’’
The President used the opportunity of this year’s World Teachers’ Day to express his appreciation to all Nigeria’s teachers, “the usually unsung heroes of our country whose skill and commitment daily mould the minds of our country’s youth, our leaders of today and tomorrow.’’
While highlighting some of the measures put in place by his administration to improve education and better the welfare of teachers, Buhari regretted as “grave and unfortunate” that the country’s teachers were often treated unfairly despite their essential services.
According to him, Teachers are the most important segment of workers in the country, invaluable for the essential work they do towards building the country’s future.
He said: “Teaching is a noble profession, wielding a strong influence by inspiring and educating our children. The values they inculcate stay with them for a lifetime.’’
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EXCLUSIVE: PDP governors in crucial meeting
By Mideno Bayagbon
The 14 Governors under the Peoples Democratic Party have gone into a crucial meeting to further chart the way forward and ensure that the party’s primary holding today at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, is not only seen to be fair but also transparent and credible.
Meeting under the chairmanship of the outgoing governor of Ekiti, Oyo Fayose, the governors will also try to see if they can reach a consensus on who to back for the presidential ticket of the party as a way of avoiding a rancorous outcome.
It is widely known that unless the party manages its presidential primary very transparently, the outcome could lead to the implosion of the party.
One of the major reasons which made the governors meeting urgent is the pressure being piled on them by the various aspirants and groups, especially that led by General Aliyu Gusau, on the prompting of the retired Generals and some northern elders.
The retired Generals which include the likes of Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim BAdamasi Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and TY Danjuma are said to be canvassing for a candidate who can beat the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election next year.
Late last night, into this morning, the representative of the generals and elders, headed by General Gusau, have been going round all the aspirants, leaders and delegates trying to impress it on them why the Waziri Adamawa, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, should be given the nod to fly the party’s flag.
The PDP Governors Forum, among whom are two presidential aspirants: Aminu Tambuwal and Ibrahim Dankwambo, has the herculean task of deciding whether to back one of their own, or acquiesce to the demand of the Generals and the northern elders. -
Ekweremadu insists on single term for president, governors, others
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday, proposed that governors and president spend only a single term of six years in office.
Ekweremadu shared his thoughts on his social media handles, revealing that many nations across the world had adopted the single term presidency until their democracies were matured enough to transit to other options.
“In the 1970s, many Latin American democracies faced the same challenges we face in Nigeria today. As many of them transited from military and autocratic regimes to democratic regimes, they discovered that the politics of succession, including incumbents’ penchant for self-perpetuation, overheated their polities and threatened their democracies. They adopted the single term presidency until such a time their respective democracies matured and stabilised.”
He added that the proposal was shared in the national assembly, however, it wasn’t well received: “In Nigeria’s case we proposed a single term for the President and Governors with several transitional options during the constitution amendment exercise in the 7th National Assembly.
Unfortunately, it was misunderstood by various political and sectional interests for various reasons and the proposal did not succeed.”
Sharing his stance, Ekweremadu said: “However, I strongly believe a single term of five or six years for President and Governors, even if for a stipulated period as was the case with several Latin American democracies, is something Nigerians should revisit after the 2019 general elections. This will substantially reduce the political tensions and executive excesses that come with self-succession.”
See his post on Facebook below:
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Minimum wage: We are not elected to pay salaries alone – governors
The Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, has reacted to the call for the implementation of minimum wage.
NGF said they were not voted into power to pay salaries alone.
The chairman of the NGF and Zamfara state governor, Abdulaziz Yari, said they were voted to also provide good roads, electricity, education and other necessary amenities.
The governor said this was part of the discussion the Forum had at a meeting on Wednesday night.
He noted that governors cannot perform any magic as funds were needed “for these things”.
The NGF Chairman lamented that states governments have been limited to only paying of salaries while other sectors such as health, electricity, education, among others, are not getting enough attention.
He said, “We have a committee of six which represented us in discussions in the committee headed by labour minister.
“The committee is yet to give us the final report. When they give us the final report, for which they have our mandate to present our position, and the position most likely is to look at the record of up to 14 years.
“For instance, in global practice, in your income, how much are you spending as salary? So that we can start from there. They have given us interim report, that at the federal government level, over 82 percent is being spent on overhead which cannot move the country forward in terms of infrastructure development and development that we need now.
“So, on our own part, we are saying we are going to look at how our income are trained from our final account from 14 years ago so that we can come up and stay in the middle.
“I don’t think you people voted us for only to pay salaries. You are looking for good roads, electricity, education and others. So, we can’t do magic. It’s only when we have the funds do all those things.”
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Miyetti Allah angry with S/East governors over rejection of ranches
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria on Wednesday described the rejection of ranches by South-East governors as shocking and lack of discretion.
The South-East leader of the group, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, stated this in a press statement in Awka, Anambra State.
He said the group least expected such decision from the Igbo who he described as “the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria.”
He added, “It was surprising to us considering the cordial relationship that had existed in the zone between us and the state governments.”
Siddiki said Miyetti Allah had never failed to appreciate the commitment of the host governors in ensuring the safety of his members.
The South-East Governors’ Forum had at a meeting in Enugu on Sunday unanimously agreed not to donate land for ranching in the zone.
But Siddiki in his statement said the governors’ decision did not show exemplary leadership.
He said,”It is our candid view that the South-East whose citizens are the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria would provide exemplary leadership in accommodating other Nigerians in their midst.
“It is evident that our organisation’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence among indigenous farmers and herdsmen is increasingly making successes in the South-East.
“This explains our surprise at the latest stand of the governors which would not only frustrate our people from carrying out our legitimate livestock rearing business in this part but might be suggestive of a kind of suspicion that might undermine the mutuality of the claim of brotherhood.
“We are mindful of the various negotiations and consultations still going on in respect of the contentious issues of ranching, colonies and grazing areas across the country, we are hopeful that these issues are considered dispassionately in the interest of Nigeria and the generality of its citizens.
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Bring governors to justice over alleged stealing of security votes, SERAP tells Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has sent an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to use his “leadership position to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, and/or appropriate anti-corruption agencies to without delay investigate widespread allegations of mismanagement and corruption in the spending of security votes by several state governors in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.”
The organization said, “If there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, for former governors to face prosecution and serving governors to be prosecuted at the expiration of their tenure as governors.”
The organization also urged Buhari to “instruct the Attorney General and/or appropriate anti-corruption agencies to publish the report of any such investigation including the names of governors that may have benefited from the public funds, and to ensure the recovery of proceeds of corruption. We request that you take this step within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel your government to act in the public interest.”
In the letter dated 6 July 2018 and signed by SERAP deputy director Timothy Adewale the organization said, “Pursuing this matter would ensure that public funds are used properly, and mean state governors would be less likely to misuse or steal security votes, and ultimately improve the ability of state governments to promote, enhance and ensure the security and safety of all Nigerians in their states.”
The organization said, “The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of security votes is the real cause of many of the security challenges confronting Nigeria. State governments across the country are failing to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and residents despite huge yearly allocations of security votes to governors. These funds are purportedly appropriated for State security.”
The letter read in part: “However, despite these huge expenditures on security, many state governors are failing to prevent kidnappings, cultism, assassinations and other unlawful killings, maiming of residents and destruction of property.”
“SERAP is concerned about the growing allegations of mismanagement, waste, and corrupt practices in the spending of security votes by several state governors. Rather than using security votes to promote, enhance and ensure peace and security in their states, many governors have allegedly used and/or still using it as conduit to divert public funds for private gain.”
“Yet, the most general purpose of state power is to provide security for citizens and other residents and to enable them to lead a life that is meaningful to them. In fact, the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) states clearly in Section 14 (2b) that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
“Many state governments do not include security vote expenditures in their appropriation laws, as they prefer to apply extra-budgetary measures in the allocation of such funds. This ensures that the public is kept out of the loop on this bogus and suspicious expenditure.”
“State governments cannot on the one hand appropriate huge funds each year under the security vote expenditure head while on the other claim that ensuring the security and safety of Nigerians is the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government. Rather than serving the public interest in terms of enhancing the security and safety of all Nigerians in several states, the allocation and appropriation of security votes would seem to serve the personal, political and pecuniary interests of public office holders entrusted with security votes.”
“SERAP is concerned that majority of states do not disclose how much funds are allocated and expended as security votes by governors. Referring the allegations of mismanagement and corruption in the spending of security votes by several states would help to remove the secrecy and lack of accountability associated with security votes, improve the level of security in several states and contribute to good governance in the country.”
“Apart from contributing to the level of insecurity across several states, corruption in the spending of security votes is also taking away the much-needed resources to provide education, healthcare, clean drinkable water and other essential public services by these states.”
“SERAP notes that each year since the return to civilian rule in 1999, huge public funds are budgeted at all levels of government in Nigeria in the name of security votes. According to our information, the amount appropriated as security votes by state governments in Nigeria range between N400 million and N2 billion monthly. Over N1.5 trillion is allocated and expended annually as security votes by governments at all levels in Nigeria, virtually all of which is lost to corruption primarily because the spending of such funds is entirely at the discretion of the public office holder.”
“The allegations of mismanagement and corruption in the spending of security votes by many state governors suggest a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and several provisions of the UN Convention against Corruption including articles 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 20, to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“We note that the Attorney General is a defender of public interest and has the powers under Section 174(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against anyone including governors, suspected to be responsible for acts of corruption.”
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2019: PDP summons BoT, Govs, NASS members, others for ‘crucial meeting’ today
…As R-APC, other new members demand waivers to contest in 2019
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has summoned a meeting of the top hierarchy of the party to discuss demands by those planning to join the former ruling party before the 2019 general elections.
Those expected at the meeting, according to a notice circulated by the National Secretary of the party, Senator Umaru Tsauri, are the party’s presidential aspirants, all PDP governors, former governors, members and former members of the party in the National Assembly.
Others are members of the Board of Trustees, PDP former Ministers Forum and all the 37 state chairmen of the party, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The meeting, according to Tsauri, holds in Abuja on Monday (today) afternoon.
Termed “crucial meeting “, the national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus would use the occasion to explain the interim report of the party’s Contact Committee to the attendees.
The committee, which is headed by a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, was asked by the National Working Committee of the party to talk to aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress and also liaise with former leaders in the country on how to wrest power from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
The committee was said to have met with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Secondus said the Imoke committee had been working hard and that he would brief the party’s leadership “soon,” when asked last Saturday.
Though details of the Monday meeting remained secret as of the time of filing this report, investigations however, revealed that Secondus would use the opportunity to brief the leaders of the party on the reconciliatory report by the Imoke committee.
A top source in the party said that the demands by those expected to return to the party or join afresh from other political parties would be tabled for deliberation.
The source said that majority of those aggrieved in the APC had agreed to return to the PDP but were said to have given some conditions.
The source said, “The meeting on Monday afternoon will discuss the report of the Imoke committee and the demands of those who had agreed to return to us (PDP) or join us afresh.
“These people want to extract some commitments from the PDP before coming. They are likely to have learnt from how they were treated in the APC as they were actually never accommodated and seen as crucial partners in the running of the party and the government they collectively formed.
“So, they have tabled some demands which we will all discuss and agree on.”
Asked if it would not be wrong to assure fresh members of positions before joining, the source said that negotiations were part of politics.
“We all negotiate and agree on positions and offices. Besides, negotiation is a critical part of politics and life. So, their position is not strange, “the source added.
It was learnt that some members of the National Assembly were rooting for automatic tickets from the party to contest in 2019.
It was also gathered that some others were asking that they should be allowed to nominate their loyalists to join the members of the State Working Committees in their states and even at other levels.
Among those who were said to have agreed to return to the party is a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.
It was also gathered that the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, is being expected in the former ruling party.
It was gathered that the meeting, which is an expanded caucus meeting, would also agree on waivers for the returnees to the party and its new members.
Specifically, the PDP constitution says its new members are to spend six months before being allowed to contest any position.
The Monday meeting, it was gathered, would empower the Secondus-led National Working Committee to grant new entrants automatic waivers to vie for any office of their choice in the party.
Secondus however confirmed in an interview that the party would grant the newcomers the waivers.