TheNewsGuru

Tag: Simon Lalong

  • Strike: What we discussed with NLC – Labour Minister

    Strike: What we discussed with NLC – Labour Minister

    The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed to continue talks over post-subsidy removal palliatives for workers before the 21-day ultimatum issued by the NLC.

    Both also pledged to find solutions to key demands tabled before the government by organised labour before the deadline.

    Mr Simon Lalong, Minister of Labour and Employment said this while addressing newsmen at the end of a closed door meeting with the NLC on Monday in Abuja.

    The meeting was called by the minister to avert the organised labour’s planned strike and other issues.

    It would be recalled that the NLC had threatened to embark on strike from Sept. 21, over untold hardship on the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

    According to him, we had a fruitful discussions on many of the items, that the NLC had been tabled previously before the Federal Government.

    “Many of the items presented by Labour were still under consideration before the final agreement,” he said.

    The minister, however, said that the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of workers as raised by the NLC.

    He noted that the government acknowledge the valid grievances that had fuelled the recent crisis , and were committed to addressing the issues in just equitable manner.

    He also urged the NLC to also consider the economic reality of the nation, as they take actions in ensuring the wellbeing of workers.

    “As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation,” he said.

    He called on organised labour to work with government to explore strategies that would enhance working conditions and benefits of workers while also nurturing a robust economy.

    “Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue.

    “This will enable us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement,” Lalong said.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC Pesident said that both parties have agreed to continue to deliberate to arrive at a meaningful agreement before the ultimatum ends.

    According to Ajaero, we equally discussed frankly the issue bordering the coup floated and executed by the Nigeria Police against the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

    “That has led to the detention of their democratically elected national officers and both parties agreed to show concern towards the resolution of the matter.

    “On the other issue you can see that there is no agreement or implementation on any. There is no CNG anywhere.

    “Refineries are not working. No agreement on wage award. Those are the issues we believe that something will happen before the ultimatum expires. It is possible that something will happen.

    “We had a convivial deliberation with the minister and we hope that even if it is remaining one day we will get to the root of all these problems,” he said.

    He added that, whenever we are invited we will be there. Both parties will work towards the realisation of these objectives before the last minute of the ultimatum.

  • Proposed indefinite strike: Again, FG invites NLC

    Proposed indefinite strike: Again, FG invites NLC

    The Federal Government has again invited the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for another meeting over its planned indefinite strike.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment.

    Recall Lalong had on September 4 invited NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a meeting to avert the earlier two-day nationwide warning strike.

    Only the TUC showed up for the meeting.

    Lalong said that he had directed the Department of Trade Unions Services and Industrial Relations to convene the meeting with the leadership of the NLC  on Monday.

    He said it was important for the unions to sit with government to resolve all pending matters to avert further disruption to the economy.

    “The administration of President Bola Tinubu will always engage the organised labour and respond to its concerns after due consultation and negotiations.

    “This is in order to guarantee industrial harmony which is critical to the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Lalong said.

    Also, the NLC National Executive Council had on Sept. 1, in a communique threatened to embark on an indefinite strike within 21 days of the issueance of the communique.

    The NLC demanded that the minimum wage of workers be increased to N200,000 among other demands.

  • PDP reacts to tribunal judgement declaring Lalong Senate seat winner

    PDP reacts to tribunal judgement declaring Lalong Senate seat winner

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau has rejected the judgement of the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal that gave the Plateau South Senate seat to Mr Simon Lalong.

    Its Chairman, Mr Chris Hassan, rejected the judgement while briefing newsmen  on Tuesday in Jos.

    The tribunal chairman, Justice M. B. Tukur, on Monday declared Lalong winner of the Feb. 25 national assembly polls.

    It also nullified the election of Mr Peter Gyendeng of Riyom/Barkin Ladi Federal Constituency and declared Fom Dalyop of the Labour Party (LP), who came second, as the winner.

    The duo had approached the tribunal to challenge the emergence of Napoleon Bali and Gyendeng, both of the PDP, as Senator and House of Representatives member respectively.

    The tribunal, in knocking off the winners, relied on the petitioners’ claim that they were wrongly nominated as the PDP had no structure when they emerged as its candidates.

    Hassan, while rejecting the judgement, insisted that justice was not served by the Judges’ opinions.

    ”The PDP watched with dismay and trepidation the nulification of the elections of our Senator representing Plateau South and House of Representatives Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency.

    ”We reject the outcome of the judgement in its entirety because justice was not served and it did not reflect the law and the interest of the majority of the people as freely expressed at the election.

    ”The judgement was an electoral robbery which is unacceptable to the people of Plateau because it is contrary to the will of the people of the constituencies which was freely expressed via the votes we got in the election,” he said.

    Hassan maintained that the tribunal erred to have relied on the internal squabbles of the PDP to deliver its judgement in favour of the petitioners.

    He explained that his party had since complied with the judgment of Justice S.P. Gang and conducted a fresh congress, insisting that the party currently has “a solid and valid structure”.

    He added that the decision of the tribunal on the matter had utterly fallen short of expectation, saying that it was bereft of an iota of justice.

    The chairman described the judgements  as a diversion of the undiluted will and choices of the people in the light of the consolidated judgements recently delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

    ”In this case, the PDP had since complied with the judgement of Justice S. P. Gang through a repeat congress in September 2021 which was dutifully monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.

    ”This same congress was affirmed by the Federal High Court sitting Jos in a judgement delivered by Justice D. V. Agishi in the case of Augustine Timkuk versus PDP validating the state executive of the Party as duly elected.

    ”This same judgment was also unanimously affirmed by the court of Appeal, Jos in favour of the PDP in a ruling by Justice T. Y. Hassan, Justice I. A.  Andenyangtso and Justice O. O. Goodluck, delivered on 11 Feb., 2023.

    ”The fact remains that PDP has a valid and solid structure through which our mandate was given and we are optimistic that by the special grace of God, it will stand.

    ”This is because same position was affirmed by the seven judgments of panel two of the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal which is a sister panel to this one,” he said.

    Hassan, however, said that the party would explore legal means to retain its mandate, adding that the judgement would not destroy its confidence in the judiciary.

    He called on the supporters of the party to be law abiding and support Bali and Gyendeng to succeed in office.

  • Tribunal: Declaring Lalong as Senate winner “strange”- PDP rejects judgement

    Tribunal: Declaring Lalong as Senate winner “strange”- PDP rejects judgement

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau has rejected the judgement of the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal that gave the Plateau South Senate seat to Mr Simon Lalong.

    Its Chairman, Mr Chris Hassan, rejected the judgement while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Jos.

    TheNewsGuru.com reported that the tribunal chairman, Justice M. B. Tukur, on Monday declared Lalong winner of the Feb. 25 national assembly polls.

    It also nullified the election of Mr Peter Gyendeng of Riyom/Barkin Ladi Federal Constituency and declared Fom Dalyop of the Labour Party (LP), who came second, as the winner.

    The duo had approached the tribunal to challenge the emergence of Napoleon Bali and Gyendeng, both of the PDP, as Senator and House of Representatives member respectively.

    The tribunal, in knocking off the winners, relied on the petitioners’ claim that they were wrongly nominated as the PDP had no structure when they emerged as its candidates.

    Hassan, while rejecting the judgement, insisted that justice was not served by the Judges’ opinions.

    ”The PDP watched with dismay and trepidation the nulification of the elections of our Senator representing Plateau South and House of Representatives Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency

    ”We reject the outcome of the judgement in its entirety because justice was not served and it did not reflect the law and the interest of the majority of the people as freely expressed at the election.

    ”The judgement was an electoral robbery which is unacceptable to the people of Plateau because it is contrary to the will of the people of the constituencies which was freely expressed via the votes we got in the election,” he said.

    Hassan maintained that the tribunal erred to have relied on the internal squabbles of the PDP to deliver its judgement in favour of the petitioners.
    He explained that his party had since complied with the judgment of Justice S.P. Gang and conducted a fresh congress, insisting that the party currently has “a solid and valid structure”.

    He added that the decision of the tribunal on the matter had utterly fallen short of expectation, saying that it was bereft of an iota of justice.
    The chairman described the judgements as a diversion of the undiluted will and choices of the people in the light of the consolidated judgements recently delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

    ”In this case, the PDP had since complied with the judgement of Justice S. P. Gang through a repeat congress in September 2021 which was dutifully monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.

    ”This same congress was affirmed by the Federal High Court sitting Jos in a judgement delivered by Justice D. V. Agishi in the case of Augustine Timkuk versus PDP validating the state executive of the Party as duly elected.
    ”This same judgment was also unanimously affirmed by the court of Appeal, Jos in favour of the PDP in a ruling by Justice T. Y. Hassan, Justice I. A. Andenyangtso and Justice O. O. Goodluck, delivered on 11 Feb., 2023.

    ”The fact remains that PDP has a valid and solid structure through which our mandate was given and we are optimistic that by the special grace of God, it will stand.
    ”This is because same position was affirmed by the seven judgments of panel two of the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal which is a sister panel to this one,” he said.

    Hassan, however, said that the party would explore legal means to retain its mandate, adding that the judgement would not destroy its confidence in the judiciary.
    He called on the supporters of the party to be law abiding and support Bali and Gyendeng to succeed in office.

     

  • Tribunal declares Ex-Plateau gov. Lalong winner of senatorial election

    Tribunal declares Ex-Plateau gov. Lalong winner of senatorial election

    The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has declared a former governor of the state, Simon Lalong, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the duly elected person for Plateau South senatorial district.

    Chairman of the three-member panel, Justice Mahmoud Tukur held that the votes scored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Napoleon Bali, in the February 25 election were wasted votes as he was invalidly nominated.

    The unanimous Monday judgment held that as of the time of the nomination, the PDP had no valid structure in the state.

    On the other grounds of over-voting and non-compliance with the electoral laws, the panel ruled that the petitioners could not prove the allegations.

    The tribunal also sacked Peter Gyendeng as member representing Barikin Ladi/ Riyom federal constituency of the House of Representatives and declared Fom Dalyop of the Labour Party (LP) who became second in the February 25 general elections in the state, as winner.

    In their separate rulings, Justice Omaka Elekwo and Justice Muhammad Tukur nullified the election of the two PDP candidates because of the party’s refusal to respect the order of a Jos High court to conduct ward congresses before the last general elections.

    The Justices therefore said the evidence presented by the APC and LP candidates were relevant and admissible.

     

  • FG begs NLC to suspend proposed nationwide strike

    FG begs NLC to suspend proposed nationwide strike

    The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its proposed 2-day nationwide warning strike over economic hardship.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

    Recall that the NLC in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NLC) said it would commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6.

    The NLC also threatened to embark on indefinite nationwide strike within 14 working days or 21 days from when the communique was issued unless the Federal Government addressed the excruciating suffering of Nigerians.

    Lalong said that the appeal had become necessary in order to ensure robust line of communication with Nigerians and in particular the organised labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace.

    He noted that the planned industrial action would no doubt reverse some of the gains already made by the administration.

    According to him, in this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend its intended two days warning strike.

    “As such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large.

    “Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the NLC gives this government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.

    “It should be realised that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs.

    “Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon,” he said.

    The minister however reassured Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

    He also said that this administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy.

    Lalong added that this would enable government look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of its policies, saying “we cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.

    He also said that as a Minister of Labour and Employment, he was yet to be served official communication of the NLC communiqué, following its NEC meeting as required by law.

    He further urged the NLC to do the needful by following laid down processes for handling such matters since the cabinet was on ground.

    He assured that all the issues raised by the NLC would be looked into one after the other.

    “Allow me to first express my sympathy and that of the government of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians and in particular the workers.

    “That is over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of petrol subsidy and other policies of the government aimed at renewing hope for the future of our dear nation.

    “In light of these matters, I would like to reiterate my appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend the warning strike and subsequent future actions.

    “To allow us to work together to amicably resolve these issues rather than embark on actions that would further worsen the conditions of the citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

    He therefore announced that government would be meeting with the NLC by 3 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 4).

  • Labour Minister Lalong urged to address minimum wage

    Labour Minister Lalong urged to address minimum wage

    Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, has urged new Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to brace up to address civil servants’ minimum wage issue in the country.

    Gagdi who represents Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State made the call in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

    Gagdi, described Lalong’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole, urged him to ensure that the wages of Nigerian workers could be dignifying for their labour to their fatherland.

    He also urged the minister to tackle headlong the prevalence of unemployment among Nigerian youths.

    The lawmaker expressed confidence that Lalong would justify the trust reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu and make Plateau proud in the  assignment given to him.

    He described Lalong’s appointment as Minister of Labour as a testament of the labour-friendly policies, which he had demonstrated as governor of Plateau.

    “On this occasion of your inauguration as the Minister of Labour and Employment in the ‘Renewed Hope’ cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, I celebrate you and dare say it is a testimony of your unrivaled record.

    “As the leader of All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, we do not doubt your competence and capacity to represent the state in the Federal Executive Council.

    “You have always proven your capability in every task assigned to you; the most recent being successfully leading APC’s presidential campaign to a resounding victory in the 2023 election,” he added.

  • See why Akpabio refused to ask Lalong questions at ministerial screening

    See why Akpabio refused to ask Lalong questions at ministerial screening

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, jocularly told ex-Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, that he would be biased if he asked the ministerial nominee any question during ministerial screening.

    Lalong who was the Director General of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections is one of the nine former governors that made the 48-man ministerial list of President Bola Tinubu.

    Appearing before the senate on Friday, the ex-Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum applauded Akpabio as an “uncommon Senate President”.

    Lalong also enthused that “a lot” of his former colleagues are in the 10th Senate.

    He used the “opportunity” to thank the lawmakers for working with him to bring in the Tinubu government

    Responding, the Senate President described Lalong’s speech as a “valedictory (and) acceptance speech” despite that he has not been confirmed as a ministerial appointee.

    Akpabio said, “Distinguished Chairman, when you were the chairman of the last campaign, I was actually the vice chairman of the last campaign. So, I will be biased if I ask you any question because I can attest to integrity, I can attest to your capacity.”

    The Senate President, however, proceeded to ask Lalong a question that “somebody asked”. Akpabio asked the ex-Plateau governor on what he would do differently for people to sleep peacefully in Benue and in the Plateau where herders’ crisis and communal clashes have been ubiquitous for years. He urged the nominee to give a “generic answer” and take a bow.

    In his response, Lalong stressed the need for advanced technology, training and retraining of security agents, as well as constitutional role for traditional rulers, amongst others as solutions to the security challenges in the North Central geopolitical zone. He said the “best way” to handle ethno-religious crises is dialogue.

  • Gov Mutfwang reveals huge debt burden inherited from Simon Lalong

    Gov Mutfwang reveals huge debt burden inherited from Simon Lalong

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau says his administration inherited a debt burden of N307 billion from the immediate past administration in the State.

    The Governor disclosed this shortly after receiving the reports of the committees on Transition and   Strategic Development Framework for Plateau, on Monday in Jos.

    The two committees were headed by Prof. Ganyir Lombin.

    The Governor expressed his determination  to take the state to greater heights, in spite of its huge debt profile.

    Mutfwang particularly expressed his readiness to tackle the current security challenges in the state.

    “Throughout the campaign season, we were under the mistaken belief that our debt burden was around N200 billion; to hear that it is  N307 billion is quite intimidating and worrisome.

    “But, by the special grace of God, these challenges we are confronted with are surmountable.

    “Of particular concern is the issue of insecurity which, unfortunately, has become a major distraction for us.

    ”But we are confident that with the new security chiefs on the ground and the Special Adviser on Security assuming responsibility, we will see a difference not too long from now,’’ Mutfwang said.

    The governor promised to meticulously study the document presented to him, adding that further investigation would be conducted and appropriate action would be taken as well.

    Earlier, Lombin explained that some operational challenges prevented the two committees, which had appointees of the past administration as members, from jointly presenting their report.

    He said that the  handover notes presented to the governor on May 29 was not in consonance with the agreed template developed by the joint committee.

    He said in the note, the revenue, which accrued to the State Government from May 2015 to May 2023, stood at N872 billion, adding that the report only gave the total expenditure from May 2015 to December 2022 and excluded that of January to May, 2023.

    “There is no clear figure for the state’s monthly wage bill, however, this administration has inherited a backlog of four months unpaid salaries to public servants amounting to over N11 billion.

    ”Outstanding gratuity and pension arrears of N24 billion was also inherited.

    “The Legacy  Projects are marred in controversies and unresolved legal cases which have stalled their completion.

    ”Currently, the sum of N12 billion for these projects is still in the custody of the Trustees of the funds,” he said.

    The chairman called for more investigations on the 3,692 government’s assets and properties  allegedly sold and auctioned within and outside the state.

    ”It is a thing of deep concern  that this  government inherited a near-bankrupt state, with weak institutions, low public morale, and a high level of insecurity, but with high expectations from the people,”he said.

    Presenting a Four-Year Strategic Development Blueprint for Plateau, Lombin  expressed confidence on Mutfwang’s determination to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people.

  • Lalong to inaugurate 32 projects – commissioner

    Lalong to inaugurate 32 projects – commissioner

    The Commissioner for Information in Plateau state, Mr Dan Manjang, says Gov. Simon Lalong will inaugurate 32 completed projects across the state before the end of his administration.

    Manjang announced this in Jos on Monday while inspecting the remodelled Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat; one of the projects to be inaugurated.

    He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari would inaugurate 12 out of the 32 projects which were spread across the state.

    “I am glad to inform you that Lalong is set to inaugurate 32 projects across the state before his tenure elapses.

    “The ministry has come as an advance party to inspect the project at the NUJ Press Centre before its furnishing which will be completed in two days.

    “The president will inaugurate the British-America interchange, the Jos High Court Complex and the Multi-Door Court House, Kalong Bridge in Shendam, three general hospitals in Kwall, Kanke and water project in Riyom’’, he said.

    Manjang commended the journalists in Plateau for adequately reporting activities of the government, adding that the incoming government should prioritise journalists’ activities and carry them along.

    He called for better remuneration and insurance for journalists to help them to discharge their duties effectively and objectively.

    The state chairman of the NUJ, Mr Paul Jatau, thanked the state government for remodelling the centre and charged journalists to make use of the facility.