National
Group Accuses Works Minister Of Hindering Staff Progress
The Amalgamated Forum of Northern Youth, a prominent pressure group with widespread representation in the northern states, has raised concerns about Minister of Works, David Umahi, and his alleged disregard for due process within the ministry.
According to the group’s leader, Bala Musa, Umahi’s management of the ministry resembles that of a private company, which has raised suspicions among the youth.
Furthermore, the group accuses Umahi and the permanent secretary, Mr. Yakubu Kofarmata, of intentionally marginalizing and obstructing senior staff members, particularly those from the northern and southwestern regions.
“The permanent secretary is making deliberate efforts to frustrate senior staff members from the north and those of Yoruba origin, perceiving them as a potential threat,” reveals Bala Musa.
The group claims to possess credible evidence indicating that the minister has transferred directors who consistently prioritize adherence to governmental protocols governing office conduct.
“Directors and deputy directors who advocate for adherence to civil service guidelines have either been reassigned or marginalized. Notably, the directors of Construction and Rehabilitation (C&R), Procurement, and Audit/Checking, known for their strict adherence to regulations, have been reassigned,” the group alleges.
The group further alleges that the replacement of the Director of C&R with a significantly less experienced staff member has resulted in a decline in the department’s efficiency.
“As a consequence, numerous files remain unprocessed, exacerbating the situation. Contractors are now required to provide financial incentives for prompt file processing and payment. Unfortunately, kickbacks are still demanded from contractors at the time of payment. The ministry is suffering gravely,” laments Bala Musa.
The group asserts that due to the absence of due process within the ministry, many senior staff members are dissatisfied but are unable to voice their concerns for fear of retaliation.
The group claims to have obtained information suggesting a deliberate effort to silence senior staff members from the northern region due to perceived threats posed by their presence within the ministry.
Additionally, the group alleges that contractors have been forced to abandon worksites due to non-payment, but fear speaking out as it could result in their blacklisting.
The minister and the permanent secretary are accused of demanding a percentage of contract awards and repeating this demand at the time of payment. Furthermore, the group claims that they have taken control of Bill One, which was previously utilized by state offices for operational expenses.
The youth are calling on the president to take decisive action by either dismissing or reassigning the works minister and promptly appointing a new permanent secretary. They argue that these individuals’ actions contradict the government’s commitment to revitalizing the country’s infrastructure.
Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), on Wednesday, commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his commitment to upholding the dignity and integrity of the Nigerian Senate.
The Coalition, comprising various grassroots and national civil society groups focused on deepening democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
In a statement jointly signed by Coalition Convener Martins Onyebuchi and Co-Convener Alhaji Mohammed Audu, emphasized the need for adherence to legislative procedures and mutual respect within the Senate.
The group urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an immediate apology over her recent allegations against Senate President Akpabio.
The coalition said: “The Senate President position justifies his recent statement that he holds women in high esteem as against what Senator Natasha is parading all in name of sexual harassment, to maintain the institution’s integrity the Senate President encourages Senator Natasha to apologize for the unnecessary outbursts which doesn’t depict a true character of a distinguished Senator.
“All over such platforms bestowed with law making responsibility always operate within laid down rules and procedure Nigerian Senate leadership can’t be treated with impunity and reckless abandon.
“It’s high time you Senator Natasha should acknowledge your wrong doing by ignoring the Senate standing order and rule which every institution be stored with such responsibilities is expected to follow.
“Just same way you comported yourself self at the recent international outing Senator Natasha followed the procedure and rules in making her presentation because you sat at rightful place provide for you, meanwhile if nothing is hidden behind your accusations while refusing to move to a new seat and raise the concern or humbly request change of seat?
“The acclaimed sexual harassment false alarm started in response for change of sitting position.However, we urge you to consider alternative peaceful and internal mechanisms to resolve this issue, prioritizing the safety and stability of Nigeria’s democracy. Wrong can never be justified because sexual harassment can never be the reason for you not to comform with the Nigerian Senate laid down rules.
“As a respected Civil Society Organization, we promote women’s participation in politics devoid of emotions or blackmail, rather encourage a healthy and stable coexistence between both genders, it’s very important for you to understand that your allegations is seriously colored with insubordination, disrespect to constituted authority and considering your past records of similar accusations to other individuals in the past,it still makes many Nigerians to doubt the genuinity of your claims.
“Running to the international community even while you have submitted to the Nigerian court was also the height of it. However the major concern is to ensure that you’re not being influenced by external interest to disrupt leadership of the Nigerian Senate.
“If you are truly genuine and respect the institution you would adopted a better approach in dealing with such acclaimed allegations instead of bringing shame to the entire nation all the name sexual harassment.”
The coalition called for patriotism and unity, urging all parties to prioritize the nation’s interests over individual disputes.
They added, “We appreciate Akpabio’s leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development. His dedication to the country’s progress is evident in his efforts to maintain peace and stability within the Senate in the face of provocation,his composure and openness to his colleagues showed good leadership qualities .
“Let us move forward with patriotism, prioritizing the nation’s interest above individual concerns. We seek a peaceful resolution, and we’re confident that, together, we can achieve desired democracy and entrench rule of law.”
A catastrophic accident rocked the Karu Bridge near Nyanya, Abuja, after a fully loaded fuel tanker suffered brake failure, ramming into several vehicles and igniting a massive inferno.
Witnesses report that the impact was immediate, as flames engulfed the crash site, triggering multiple explosions that sent debris flying across the area.
According to early reports, the tanker was carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders in addition to liquid fuel.
Several powerful explosions were recorded, with fireballs and shrapnel soaring as high as 700 meters into the sky. Some projectiles were reportedly flung up to 900 meters from the crash site, resembling the devastating force seen in previous industrial disasters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as people scrambled for safety. Several vehicles were instantly consumed by the fire, trapping occupants inside.
Emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims.
“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” said a survivor who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle.
While the full extent of casualties remains unclear, officials fear significant loss of life due to the intensity of the explosions. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of victims, but multiple injuries and fatalities are expected. The inferno also caused heavy damage to nearby structures and vehicles.
… NLC, TUC want immediate reversal
… Its clear violation of constitution – Amaechi
… FG defends action
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.
The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.
In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of NLC and TUC, respectively, called the declaration “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.
The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits rather than taking actions capable of jeopaising national security, economic stability, and democratic governance.
“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”
“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.
“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.
“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”