NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Buhari’s renowned anti-corruption posture brought about Judicial reforms – Malami

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By Ebere Agozie

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, says President Muhammadu Buhari’s renowned anti-corruption posture and policies, unsurprisingly, brought to the front burner issues of judicial reforms and independence.

Malami made the disclosure in Abuja, during the 17th Edition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration’s Scorecard Series on Thursday.

He said that adherence to the tenets of the rule of law, deepening democratic governance practices and strengthening institutional reforms across law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies were part of the cardinal policies at the core of the agenda of Buhari’s administration.

“Justice sector transcends the Ministry of Justice or the Office of the Attorney General. The policies and activities in the justice sector are driven by different stakeholders who play assigned roles ranging from enactment of laws, interpretation of laws, to implementation or enforcement of laws, with the ultimate aim of ensuring access to justice.

“The fact that justice is a mandatory requirement of an orderly society means that justice permeates every sector of society and governance’’.

He noted that an efficient justice delivery system is key to ensuring Nigeria’s economic growth and development, as well as ensuring the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens.

“Investors are often attracted to economies that have institutionalized functional judicial systems, and where the rule of law prevails.

The minister said that in recognition of the need to strategically address the challenges facing the sector, the ministry convened the first ever National Summit on Justice.

He said the summit was aimed at building consensus among justice sector institutions and practitioners and evolving a justice system that is fairer, more effective, accessible, efficient and responsive to the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.

“In a federation and constitutional democracy such as ours, collaboration between the Federal and State governments and other stakeholders in the justice sector is critical to drive the reforms of the justice system for national development.

“The result of the summit was the adoption of a National Policy on Justice in 2017, which is a blueprint to guide all justice sector institutions, without compromising the fundamentals of our federal system of government’’.

He said the ministry has been strongly driving the prosecution of sexual and gender based violence, anti-corruption drive, increased transparency with the growth of initiatives like freedom of information, beneficial ownership disclosures and open contracting.

“There have been continued efforts to strengthen dedicated institutions to ensure data–policy nexus and inter-agency coordination and collaboration, especially via the Inter Agency Task Team of anti-corruption agencies (IATT) platform’’.

He added that in line with the cardinal principle of the present administration in the fight against corruption, they have achieved the following successes under the Asset Recovery and Management effort of this Administration.

“In revenue generation through sale of forfeited assets the sum of one billion, eight hundred and twenty three million, seven hundred & eighty-eight thousand, one hundred and forty-six thousand naira, eighty-six kobo has been generated so far by the Ministry, from the forfeited properties.

“In international asset recoveries
in compliance with Presidential mandates and foreign judicial processes, the Ministry has recovered the sum of six million, three hundred & twenty-four thousand, six hundred & twenty seven pounds, sixty-six pence; five million, four hundred and ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and forty-three euros, seventy-one cents; and three hundred and ninety million dollars from various jurisdictions.

“Some of the recovered funds are being utilized in the financing of critical infrastructure including Abuja – Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, and Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.

“Due to the concerted efforts by my office, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including the legislature, the president recently assented to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 (POCA) on May 12 2022.

“POCA is the first legislation in Nigeria that comprehensively provides for mechanisms, processes and procedures for the tracing, restraint, seizure, confiscation, forfeiture and management of properties derived from unlawful activities.

“Its main objective is to take out the profits that incentivize and fund crime, with the ultimate aim of disrupting the cycle of crime and preventing future offences and corrupt practices’’.

He added that the ministry has also been able to enact the following anti-corruption and criminal justice laws:
Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2017, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2018, Mutual Legal Assistance Act, 2018, Company and Allied Matters Act incorporating Beneficial Ownership, 2020, Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and Witness Protection and Management Act, 2022’’.

He concluded that the ministry has relentlessly been contributing its quota to the running of government and fulfilling the promises of delivering good governance based on Rule of Law and sound Democratic values in accordance with best practice.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

School resumption: FCTA decries low turnout of students

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday decried the poor turnout of students in classes for the 2nd term of the 2022/2023 academic session across schools in Kwali Area Council of FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following school resumption on Monday, the FCT Education Secretariat embarked on routine inspection tour to both private and public schools, to asses resumption compliance level in school.

NAN observed that while there was substantial presence of students and pupils in day schools (both private and public institutions), boarding schools recorded very low turnout of students since the resumption.

Some of the schools visited included Government Secondary School, Government Science Technical College (GSTC), FCT LEA Pilot school, and Ambassador Global Academy, all in Kwali area.

Addressing newsman during the tour, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Mr Sani El-Katuzu, said that on the average, about 40 per cent of students have resumed school in the area, leaving a lot to be desired.

El-Katuzu noted that the situation might not be unconnected with the security situation, especially in Kwali and Abaji Area Councils, as such resumption would not be immediate as expected.

He, however, revealed that administrators of Schools in Kwali were asked to use their initiatives to see that they introduce policies that would attract students to resume school immediately, so as to check such kind of lateness.

According to him, the Secretariat has a culture of going round schools in FCT at resumption, to look into it and give advice to students that resumed.

“While we do it in the city centre, we found out that students resumed almost immediately they are asked to, but unfortunately in Kwali, we have some little difference.

“Today, we came to schools in Kwali instead of the normal city centre inspection. We have come to see schools in Kwali, and we have observed that resumption is not too poor, but actually it is not too good.

“On the average, about 40 per cent of students have resumed to school. We expect a situation where students will at least have more than 50 per cent resumption, because you cannot have 100 per cent, as there has to be some issues experienced by both students and parents.”

He admonished students to always be hardworking, in order to be properly develop for the future, as they were the leaders of tomorrow.

On his part, Principal of Government Science Technical College, Kwali, Mr Oyawale Olusegun, who disclosed that the school recorded only 25 per cent resumption, said efforts were on ground to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Principal, Junior wing of Government Secondary School, Kwali, Mr Ogonye Yakubu Shadrach, said that it recorded 95 per cent resumption rate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Vincent Obi

FEMA cautions against sale of petroleum products under high-tension wire

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has cautioned traders and residents of the territory against selling petroleum products like kerosene, diesel and engine oil under the high-tension wire.

The Director, Forecasting Response Mitigation of FEMA, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, issued the warning while sensitising traders and markers at Kubwa Village market on how to prevent fire outbreak, on Thursday in Abuja.

Wenegieme frowned at the return of people who were selling petroleum products in the market after the 2022 fire explosion which was caused by the people selling kerosene.

She said: “Today, we are in Kubwa market, you will recall that sometime ago there was a kerosene explosion in this Kubwa village market and to be specific at this location.

“This is a location where a lady was selling kerosene and another woman was frying bean cake (Akara) and there was an explosion and we were involved in the rescue operation.

“Since, then we used to come here to carry out sensitisation to talk to them and advise them on the dos and don’ts in terms of disasters of different kinds.”

She explained that during the dry season, the agency discouraged traders from selling petroleum products in different locations because such products are supposed to be sold only at the filling station.

“But if you look around you will see people selling petroleum products like kerosene, diesel, engine oil, under the high-tension wire.

“Looking in front of us we have a generator mechanic and somebody selling kerosene right beside a transformer and under the high-tension wire.

“That is why the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, the Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola and the Director-General of FEMA, Abbas Idriss, directed us to come out immediately to advice the residents on how to mitigate the incidence of fire outbreak in the territory’’.

Wenegieme assured that the agency would continue to intensify efforts to rid the territory of all kinds of disasters with a view to saviing lives and properties.

The director said: “What we are doing here is a continuation of the dry season sensitisation which we started in Nov. 2022.

“We have been moving from one market to another to enlighten traders on how they can prevent fire outbreaks in the markets.”

She, however, commended the market management for the provision of fire extinguishers in various locations in the market and urged the FCT Fire Service to carry out comprehensive checks on the market.

Earlier, the Divisional Fire Officer, Kubwa Division, Uwadoneh Idorenyi, emphasised the need for traders and the FCT residents to avoid all risk factors associated with fire outbreak.

She also advised residents to have a fire blankets in their kitchens, avoid storing petroleum products at homes and switch off all electrical appliances whenever they were going out.

“And in case of a fire outbreak and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, everybody should leave the market or house and immediately call toll free number 112,” Wenegieme said. (NAN) (www.nannews,ng(

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Bashir Rabe Mani

Kwara Progressives set to repeat Ótógẹ́ feat, mobilises for APC candidates

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By Femi Ogunshola

The Kwara Progressives (TKP), a group within the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kwara says it will repeat the 2019 Ótógẹ́ feat used to secure victory for the party.

Mr Gbenga Oyeyemi, the Convener made the pledge in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the Ótógẹ́ mantra was a viable vehicle used to send the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) out of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ótógẹ́ is the slogan for the political revolution that took place in Kwara in 2019 General Elections.

Ótógẹ́ in Yoruba means “enough is enough” and has been described by election observers as an impactful word campaign slogan effectively used to end decades of political hegemony of Saraki’s dynasty in Kwara

Oyeyemi however said TKP would go on a massive mobilisation for the candidates of the party across board, adding that no stone would be left unturned to ensure victory for the party.

He said TKP, which was birthed on Jan 3, at Idofin in Oke-ero Local Government Area of the state would embrace a new method of reaching out to electorate in a bid to woo them ahead of the election.

Oyeyemi said the mission of TKP was to ensure all candidates of the party from the State House of Assembly to Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, the governor, were returned

He said that in the Presidential elections, TKP would help secure victory for the six candidates of House of Representative, the three Senators and the Presidential candidate of the party were voted.

He said that the group, which cuts across the 16 LGA of the state would not rest on its oars until in the message of APC was spread across the state.

He commended the state governor for his outstanding performance since elected as governor of the state, adding that his achievement had made TKP job easier.

Oyeyemi recalls that before the 2019 election, all elective offices in Kwara were nominated and won by loyalist of Saraki’s dynasty led by the late Dr Olusola Saraki.

“He however transferred the mantle of leadership to his son, Dr Bukola Saraki a former President of Nigeria’s Senate,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Adamu optimistic of APC victory in Benue

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By Bridget Ikyado

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has expressed optimism that the party would win the forthcoming general elections in Benue.

Adamu expressed the optimism during the inauguration of the Alia/Ode 2023 gubernatorial campaign rally at NKST Primary School, Yandev, Gboko Local Government area of the state.

The APC national chairman was represented by Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa-Rijau, the party’s National Vice Chairman, North Central.

He said that the APC has very strong base in Benue and “will reclaim its lost mandate, remodel and develop the state to meet the desires of the citizens.

“From the turn out, capped with the landmark achievements recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the party’s mandate that was stolen in 2015 must return to APC in 2023,” he said.

Adamu advised all party members to turnout on election days to vote for the APC.

He added that they should reach out to all nooks and crannies of the state to canvass for votes to ensure overwhelming victory of APC in the forthcoming elections.

In his address, the Deputy Governor of Kogi, Mr Edward Onoja who spoke on behalf of the APC North Central Governors, called on party members to engage in robust campaign across the state.

Onoja appealed to Benue citizens to shun voter apathy, vote buying and selling, as well as violence during the elections.

The leader of the party in Benue, Sen. George Akume called on the people to vote for the APC in order to change the current negative indices in the state.

“Get your PVCs and vote for APC, shun vote buying and selling, desist from all forms of electoral violence and any form of attack or intimidation should be reported to the authorities ,” he said.

Akume said that the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu would transform the country, including Benue, if elected.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for accommodating Benue sons in his administration in spite of the present governor’s opposition.

Akume also thanked the president for ongoing infrastructure projects, including higher institutions in the state.

”We have federal roads some under construction and some under rehabilitation.

“We have the Federal Polytechnic Wannue, Federal University of Health Science, Otukpo and the construction of River Buruku which was underway, to name a few,” he added.

Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the APC governorship candidate, pledged to address issues of security, education, agriculture, health, salaries and pension within few months, if elected.

“Top most on our agenda will be the resuscitation of Benue Agricultural, Development Authority, rural roads for access to our farms to curb insecurity and post harvest losses.

”We will revive our general hospitals and primary healthcare centres to address rates of mortalities; Benue infrastructure, moribund companies and social amenities will be revived,” he said.

The APC governorship candidate assured Benue workers that “ they will smile again”, adding that the civil service would be restructured and reformed for effective service delivery.

Earlier, the Director General, Alia/Ode campaign organisation, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, urged voters to elect all APC candidates in order to emancipate themselves from the shackles of poverty, deprivation, ineptitude and negligence.

“Today’s event is symbolic. The day heralds the conscious and vehement decision of Benue people to launch a leadership campaign that is purposeful and divinely prepared to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the teeming Benue masses.

”It is the leadership that God Himself had conceived and hatched through his servant from his vineyard.

“God cannot make a mistake by this choice hence, the need for all to be part of this success story,” Ikyaan said.

The APC state Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada said the inauguration of the campaign was the beginning of a “great revolutionary leadership process” in Benue.

He called on party faithful, the business community, workers, pensioners, artisans, the physically challenged and all others to vote massively for the APC in the forthcoming elections.

Others who canvassed support for Tinubu, Alia and other candidates at the rally included a businessman, Mr Moses Ayo and Mr Emmanuel Jime, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, who was represented by Titus Zam, APC candidate for Benue North West Senatorial District.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of defectors from other political parties were received during the rally, while flags were presented to all APC candidates. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

IOM, NGO train 50 Edo youths on digital marketing skills

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By Joy Odigie

Genius Hub Global Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has trained 50 Edo youths on digital marketing and other in-demand skills.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was done under the Edo Community Based Re-integration Project.

Isimeme Whyte, the Founder, Genius hub Global Initiative, at the graduation of the beneficiaries on Tuesday in Benin, said the training was to improve socio-economic development in the state.

Whyte, who expressed gratitude to IOM for the partnership, said the recipients of the initiative were selected from different groups such as returned migrants, community members and potential migrants

She said they were trained on filmmaking, cinematograhy, product design, script writing, video editing and digital marketing.

The founder said that 400 persons initially expressed interest but 50 were selected based on assessment for the programme which lasted for three months.

She assured that the graduands would be given sophisticated starter packs to help themselves and their respective communities.

According to her, the good thing about this training is that genius hub provided the trainees life skills and basic interventions.

“This initiative was targeted at using it as a major approach to sustain projects and programs because it is not just the target beneficiaries that are involved, everyone from that community are involved”.

Earlier, Aigbeze Uhimwen, a representative of IOM, on his part, said the project was part of European Union- funded initiative to engage youths and prevent irregular migration and human trafficking.

“We are happy with the engagement with Genius hub to make youths usefully engaged and we hope to continue this,” he said.

In his remarks, Bartholomew Brai, Edo Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, enjoined the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills.

He assured them that the state government was always ready to support and provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Group devises application for assisting PWDs

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By Ruth Oketunde

The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative says it has devised an application – WI-APP — to ease electoral processes, provide relevant information and assist Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the general elections.

Mr Olasupo Abideen, the Global Director of the group on Tuesday said that the application, on the platform of “Yvote Naija Project” is fully funded by Christian Aid, a relief and development agency.

According to him, the country, since return to democracy in 1999 has witnessed massive voter apathy because of electoral malpractices.

“To change the narrative, the group decided to channel its energy to the electoral process by ensuring that Nigerians use their decisive tool to change the story of the country.

“The courage to change the things that can be changed has been our advocacy for years.

“Yvote Naija which means, Why Should You Vote, Najia, is yet another intentional effort in this direction.

“Two years ago, precisely January 2021, Yvote Naija was born to address voter apathy and increase participation.

“Our missions are to educate voters on the importance of election and the electoral cycle, facilitate the registration of voters and mobilise them to exercise their rights.

“During elections, we also employ technology to track the voting process and engage in fact-checks to debunk misleading information,” he said.

Abideen added that through the App, Nigerians can locate their polling units without difficulty and also find relevant information before, during and after the elections.

“Through the WI-App, users can quickly find and locate polling units that are accessible and inclusive to guide them and encourage them to vote.

“Wi-App creates a safe platform for women, young people and PWDs to engage in electoral conversations and find information that motivates them to participate actively during elections.

“Wi-App provides a live map feature that can direct all users to their polling units,” he added.

Mr Obasanjo Fajemirokun, the founder of WI-APP, noted that the App was out to reach out to two million users during the elections.

“More than 29 million of Nigeria’s national population live with a disability according to the World Health Organisation, 2018.

“However, not all polling units are accessible and those that are accessible are not known to people living with disabilities.

“Also women and youths have been contending to participate effectively in politics over the years and there are a lot of barriers faced by them.

“Such as misinformation and low access to electoral information, among others,” he added.

Dr Inuwa Kashifu, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), appreciated the group for their efforts at improving the electoral process of the country.

Kashifu, who was represented by Dr Salihu Abdulkareem, added that the agency would continue to partner with the group to ensure that technology is used to simplify electoral processes in the country(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

IBB commiserates with AfDB President, Adesina over mother’s death

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By Cecilia Ijuo

Former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has commiserated with Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB) over the death of his mother, Mrs Eunice Adesina.
The former head of state in a condolence letter addressed to Adesina, said the deceased  had a fulfilled life of service to God, her family, community and the nation at large.
He said the late Mrs Adesina, who started her career as a teacher and later ventured into business, was a dedicated personality, who believed in hardwork.
Babangida said, “in her life time, Mama exhibited great enterpreneural skills, while using her nursing skills to establish a patent medicine store before diversifying into catering.
“She relocated her business to Ibadan in March 1967 as a result of the transfer of her husband from the Federal Civil Service in Lagos.
“Mama had a long matrimonial life until the passing of her beloved husband in 2018.
“The marriage is  blessed with four brilliant sons, nine grand children and eight great grand children.”
The former head of state said there was no doubt that the deceased died a fulfilled mother, saying her sons were all outstanding in their various fields of endeavour.
While making reference to the AfDB President’s achievements as a world class economist and Nigeria’s one time Minister of Agriculture, Babangida said they had contributed to human  development.
“You as AfDB President brought immeasurable and outstanding development opportunities to Nigeria and several African countries in the fields of environment, technology, energy, and manufacturing among others,” he said.
The former head of state prayed God to  grant the deceased eternal rest and the bereaved, the fortitude to bear the loss.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Lauretta Onochie pledges to improve credibility, quality of NDDC’s project

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Ms Lauretta Onochie, the Chairman, Governing Board, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has pledged to improve the credibility and quality of its projects.

Onochie spoke at a ceremony to celebrate her recent appointment organised by the Buhari Support Organisations (BSO), on Tuesday in Abuja.

She declared: ”The days of portfolio contractors and splitting contracts have ended,” adding that the commission under her watch was going to get the best contractors to do the best projects for the people of Niger Delta.

Onochie, who decried that NDDC had in the past became a cash cow for the elites in the Niger Delta Region and beyond, vowed, ”it is not going to be the same anymore.

She said: ”Although it is going to be a difficult task, President Muhammadu Buhari has made my appointment into NDDC easier.

”This is because he had ordered a forensic audit, and from the result, Nigerians were angered when they saw the quantum of evidence that was presented during the audit.

” We are not going to be looking at the forensic audit as a board, but we are going to do things differently.

“I’m very lucky to be a disciple of President Muhammadu Buhari, who everybody knows that he is an incorruptible leader, as he is a man that abhors corruption.”

Onochie said that Buhari the way Buhari was running the country since 2015 had shown everyone that he means business when it comes to tackling corruption.

She said: “We are going to stand with our people, as our youth are going to benefit massively, and the NDDC staffers that have been long suffering in the region are going to have a new leaf of life.

” They are going to be retrained, rehire some of them as technical aides rather than looking elsewhere. We are just going to do things totally different.”

She said that NDDC would train the youth and equip them with the requisite skills, so that they are able to get their own businesses started, and become employers of labour.

Earlier, the Chairman, BSO Coordinators Forum, Umar Shuaibu, who described Onochie as an incorruptible person that has been tested and trusted, expressed optimism that she was going to be the game changer in the Niger Delta region.

Shuaibu, who is also Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), said: “We know that a new Sheriff is now in town, God willing, it is not going to be business as usual in the area.

He said: “Our advice to her is to always stand strong, and affirm that belief and incorruptible nature of her to make sure that the right thing is done and we have confidence that the right will be done in the NDDC.

” The Buhari Support Organisations will make sure the legacy of President Buhari’s administration is sustained.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Primary school teachers embark on indefinite strike in Kuje Area Council

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By Gami Tadanyigbe

Primary school teachers in Kuje Area Council, FCT, on Monday, embarked on an indefinite strike over the alleged failure by the Council’s Chairman to reach agreements with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The Chairman of the Kuje branch, Mr Audu Lucky, disclosed this in a statement signed by four union executives and issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kuje on Tuesday.

Lucky said that the teachers in Kuje were no longer ready to be taken for granted until their demands were met by the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo.

He said: ”The union observed with dismay the non compliance by the Council Chairman to address the backlog of the Local Education Authority (LEA) teachers’ outstanding entitlements.”

Lucky added that the union had sent a letter to Sabo, with a reference number, NUT/169/5/138, dated 3/1/2023, while a letter of ultimatum dated 2/12/2022, was also sent to him.

He said: “In view of the above, the union leadership is calling on all LEA Primary schools teachers in Kuje Area council to proceed on an indefinite strike action with effect from Monday, 9th Jan, 2023, until further notice.

“LEA Kuje primary school teachers are hereby directed to comply with this directive, please.”

Lucky listed the demands to include: The payment of salaries to 2018 recruited teachers whose salaries were abruptly stopped by the council Chairman in September 2022.

”Submission of the agreed template of payment of LEA teacher’s arrears to the JAAC Secretariat and continuation of the payment to Concerned teachers.

”Payment of salary to 2022 reabsorbed teachers, who have been working through January to December 2022 without salary.”

According to Lucky, based on these demands, the branch and state organs of the union requested to meet with the Council Chairman but he refused to meet with them.

He affirmed that the union had directed all primary schools teachers in the area to stay away from their duty posts while parents were advised to keep their children and wards safe at home.

All efforts by NAN to get the comments of Sabo proved abortive as he did not return various telephone calls made to his line, just as he did not reply two SMS messages sent to him.

However, the Chairman of the FCT Universal Education Board, Dr Alhassan Sule said the board was doing everything humanly possible to amicably resolve the crisis.

Sule said; ”And I was telling the chairman that he should not allow only his local government to experience such an unfortunate situation.

”We are on top of the situation and we will soon convene a meeting between the union, the Area Council and the board with a view to finding plausible solutions to the problem.

”Education is very crucial as it is the foundation of every development and the FCT is not handling it with kid gloves.

”Education is the foundation of everything in life. Keeping these children at home is very dangerous.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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