Posts by solomon2day
Uncertainty and Nigeria in 2023
- By solomon2day
- On 31/10/2022
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- In Solomon's Column
The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) is set to change the design of the 200, 500, and 1,00 Naira notes, months before the 2023 general elections.
Interestingly, those who call the shots insist that the change is long overdue, although the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed argues that the government of the day was not carried along.
The question now is, Why did it take so long for this change since 2015?
So far, the CBN has destroyed 6 Trillion Naira-bank notes- in this dispensation.
Indeed, a lot is wrong about national security, the economy, and socio-political space; while abnormalities persist.
The suggestion is that the government of the day is pushing forward face-saving strategies to becloud the sensibilities of worried Nigerians who are conscious of the nightmarish journey presently.
Of worry, is the uncertainty that trails the statement of Those-in-Charge, with particular reference to the transition of the government of the day in 2023, although the action and inaction of the powers that be are responsible for the situation in Nigeria today.
Note- The refusal of candidates for the 2023 general elections to suspend campaigns in the face of very negative security pointers suggests that self-centered interests override national interests.
Nigeria's Health System has Suffered a Lot-UCH Ibadan CMD
- By solomon2day
- On 28/10/2022
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- In News
The Health System in Nigeria has passed through a lot of challenging times.
This assertion was made on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Physicians' Week of the Oyo state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association(NMA) with theme, ''Nigeria's Health Care Delivery System and the 2023 Democratic Transition : A Time to Change the Narrative by the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria, Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo.
''The Nigeria health system has suffered a lot, this is a backward change. This year's budget gave the health sector an encouraging allocation; over a trillion Naira.
The Government of the day and others should manage the budget for the health sector. I just pray that the health system would not collapse. I urge all of you o use your influential positions to help us in the health system,'' Prof. Otegbayo stated.
In his presentation on the theme of the week, the Vice Chancellor of the Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU)Ago-Iwoye, Oun state, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola Johnson expressed hopes that the narrative in the country would change.
''In the course of 20 years, we are still talking of changing the narrative. Hopefully the narrative will change. Nigeria's political structure affects every aspect of our daily need. State governments should allocate 10 per cent of their budget to the health sector. We are in a civilian rule not democratic governance today. The government at all levels must be proactive,'' Prof. Johnson concluded.
We are Apolitical-Oyo NMA Chairman
- By solomon2day
- On 24/10/2022
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- In News
The Nigeria Medical Association(NMA) in Oyo state has declared that it shall not endorse any candidate for the 2023 general elections in line with its status as a professional association.
This declaration was made on Monday, by the NMA chairman, Dr. Wale Lasisi, during a Press conference to outline activities lined up for the Physicians' week 2022 with theme, ''Nigeria's Health Care Delivery System and the 2023 Democratic Transition : A Time to Change the Narrative'' in Ibadan, Nigeria.
''That is absolutely untrue. We are apolitical, we are not endorsing any candidate, we will not endorse any candidate, we are making plans to invite gubernatorial candidates. NMA is not endorsing any candidate, we are a group of professionals without political bias. We all know that as an association we have members with different political backgrounds.''
Similarly, the National President of the NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah has called on Nigerians not to back candidates that lack the competence to deliver the dividends of democracy.
''All citizens must respond to the call of Nigeria for good leadership and should never, for pecuniary benefits, sell or support candidates that cannot move our nation forward. May God grant us the courage to be who we ought to be by standing for equality and progress. May our loyalty be only to Nigeria and may our loyalty not be tested by any past or present commitment.'' ''Let us all patiently wait to hear the plans of the presidential candidates for Nigeria, especially in the health sector, before pitching out a political support tent. Despite the national drawbacks, the Nigerian doctor has a lot to celebrate this week just for being alive.''
EndSARS Protests-Nothing has Changed-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 20/10/2022
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- In News
Two years after the EndSars protests on October 2o, 2020, across Nigeria, a number of state governments are yet to compensate victims of the protests.
This attitude by political office holders has brought to the fore the mindset of those who represent Nigerians at all levels of public office.
Families and communities are still mourning their loved ones who lost their lives as a result of the absence of the will to do the right thing by those who occupy public offices.
Obviously, this is an eye opener for all and sundry.
However, an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze asks some very important questions :
1)Why were the street lights at the Lekki toll gate switched off on the night of the protests?
2)Who ordered that the Close Circuit Television Cameras(CCTV) be switched off?
3)Who also ordered that the lights of the billboard advertisement be switched off?
4)Why were the security operatives deployed to the scene armed with rifles and live ammunition?
5) Where are the bodies of other victims of the Lekki incident aside from those deposited in the mortuary?
Comrade Emelieze laments that lessons have not been learnt from the 2020 protests saying, '' two years down the line, all the events that led to the EndSARs protests are still with us today. There is police brutality everywhere. Nigerian police officers and rank and file are back on the streets collecting bribes from motorists. Youths aside from the criminally minded are the targets of extortion and molestation.''
Commend or Criticize Government When Necessary-Eze(Dr.)Anozie
- By solomon2day
- On 13/10/2022
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- In News
Nigerians have been called upon to commend or criticize the government when there is a justifiable cause.
This call was made by the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.)Alex Anozie in a Press Release dated 13 October, 2022.
''We must learn to praise the governments, be it federal or state, or local government, whenever they have done well, just like we must criticize when they have not done well.''
''All Nigerians should be happy with the federal government over their effort towards the completion of the second Niger Bridge.''
''I am particularly happy over this news, because I remember that I was the first Nigerian that voiced out, and called on the Federal Government to construct a second Niger bridge, after which other people joined, that was during our Igbo day ceremony of 2002 at Liberty stadium, Ibadan, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu was our special guest at the occasion. During my address, I called on the Federal Government to construct a second Niger Bridge to ease the pain people are going through every time they drive by crossing the only bridge.
I am so happy for the Presidents that made it happen, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you all and God bless Nigeria.'' the statement concluded.
Domesticate Retirement Age for Teachers-Oyo NUT Chairman to State Government
- By solomon2day
- On 05/10/2022
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- In News
The Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) Oyo state Wing has appealed to the state government to speedily domesticate the elongation of Service for TEACHERS as approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This appeal was made on Wednesday by the NUT chairman, Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail at the celebration of World Teachers day with the Theme '' The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers'' in Ibadan, Oyo state. ''Teachers are indispensable and their impact on nation building is a reflection of the great strides globally. State governments should do the needful to domesticate the 40/65 years elongation of service and years of retirement age.''
''While bringing my address to a close, may I appeal to the government of Engineer Seyi Makinde to please work on the above mentioned for the sustainance of the various achievements recorded in the education sector.''
Place your trust in the Lord
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2022
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- In Special Report
When pray onto the Lord to save you. He will. Then you can face the future with confidence and joy.
1 John 5 : 1-13
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Home Ownership : A Factor to Determine the Voting Pattern
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2022
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- In Solomon's Column
Millions of Nigerians have remianed without suitable and comfortable homes due to the incompetence of Those-inCharge to provide affordable houses for the impoverished populace.
Indeed, political office holders have over the years facilitated the activities of criminally minded Esate Agents and land grabbers in several states, while the Judiciary may have for long been acting out the scripts of their paymasters.
How can a Cheif Executive appeal to Nigerians to live in peace with criminals in several communities?
A number of state governments have now turned the real estate sector to a revenue generation point, while citizens have continued to tell those who care to lsiten unending tales of woe.
Interestingly, an unspecified number of cases and incidences of fraudulent practices by illegal practitioners in the real estate sector have overwhlemed police stations and court rooms across the land.
Sadly, a few state governments have successfully made the real sector unattractive to investors, as most of the accomodation available are anything but decent and affordable.
The reversal of this horrible status quo may influence the voting patern. Perhaps. Even though owning a house ought to be a right, an enabling environment for this purpose still remians a mirage.
Note- The recruitment of unqualified persons and institutional compromise are among other reasons why insecurity and violent crimes persist.
Peaceful Co-Existence through Unity for Peace by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2022
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- In Special Report
For any society to have peaceful co-existence, the people must be united with high respect for humanity, taking all other factors that differentiate our identities to be secondary.
This is what the Holy Quran emphasizes as expected of every house of God to dwell their teachings and sermons on.
''The Holy Quran 49 : 13 refers, ''O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other, not that ye may despise each other.....''
A high level of respect for these injunctions will make us realize our claim that God is one, as impressed in the same verse above. ''Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.
The Holy Quran 30 : 22 makes us to realize that our differences are creations of God which we must not lose to the disadvantage of others; ''And among the signs is the creation of the heaven and the earth and the variations in your languages and your colors : verily in that are signs for those who know.''
The Holy Bible : Mark 12 : 31 refers,'' And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.''
By extension, therefore, peace must reign in the houses of God for adherents to become epitomes of light and salt. For the world to be habitable and worthy of living.
Also, Matthew 5 : 13-16 is a good reference for religious adherents to be worthy of missionary work where they are expected to role model virtues and teach righteousness and peace to the people of the world.
''13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.''
The Holy Quran 3 : 104 refers, ''Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is god, enjoying what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They are the ones to attain felicity.''
Proverbs 31 : 8-9 is also instructive. ''Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.''
In the same manner the Holy Quran 47 : 35 wholesomely submits, ''Be not wary or faint-hearted, crying for peace, when you should be uppermost : For Allah is with you and will never put you in lose for your good deed.''
End of September2022 Vigil of CAC
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2022
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- In Special Report
General Evangelist, Prophet Timothy Abass Arabambi
We are United in Oyo state-Eze(Dr.)Anozie
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2022
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- In News
This call was made by Ezeigbo, Ezechukwujiegosioluebube nala,Ibadan and Oyo state and Chairman Non-indigenous Traditional Heads, Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie in a chat.
''Any person or persons working towards dividing us ,Ndigbo, the more, are not true friends of Ndigbo, and that may not be the final resolution of whatever misunderstanding they think we are having. As a matter of fact, we no longer have any misunderstandings, as the courts have been courageous enough to see the truth and ensure that justice prevails. Every lover of peace and Ndigbo should be courageous as well to tell those who have refused to obey the court judgments to simply obey them, to enable us sit as brothers we are and finally resolve the whole issue peacefully, all in the interest of peace in the state. These people have applied various destructive tricks in the past, all in their efforts to say no to what God has said yes, but all collapsed. Whatever they are doing again now to go against God's wish will surely collapse again,'' Eze(Dr.)Anozie stated.
Do the Extraordinary
- By solomon2day
- On 27/09/2022
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- In Special Report
Genesis 25 : 5-11
5 ''And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. 6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country. 7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. 8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. 9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; 10 The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife. 11 And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.''
The Fate of Teachers
- By solomon2day
- On 27/09/2022
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- In Solomon's Column
The shabby treatment of teachers by the government and the organized private sector has over the years, affected education at all levels.
There is an urgent need to train and retrain teachers in various educational and developmental programs to attain quality education.
In addition, the creation of a conducive environment, inspiring conditions of service and other incentives would go a long way to aid improved performance, effectiveness and efficiency of teachers.
On the part of the teachers, dedication and devotion to duty ought to be among their guiding lights in the process of grooming pupils and students to become assets, rather than liabilities to society.
Those who are given the responsibilities to impact knowledge, must be kind, understanding and firm, while ruling a line between firmness and harshness.
In addition, the teacher should embark on a continuous learning, reading and experimenting to maintain acceptable standards in the academic performance of pupils and students alike.
Note- The Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) has declared that the wicked shall not rule the land of Nigeria, while former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians not to vote in killers in the 2023 general elections.
Hardships-Govt should do the needful for workers-Prophet Arabambi
- By solomon2day
- On 23/09/2022
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- In News
The 30,000 national minimum wage for workers in Nigeria has been described as the impetus for corruption.
This assertion was made by the General Envangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church(CAC)Worldwide(Reformation Land,Ile Atunse, Prohphet Timothy Abass Arabambi.
''We are always preaching that corruption should be eradicated. How is this possible? When the least paid worker earns 30,000 Naira, how can such a worker cope? He or she has to have transportation, feeding and school fees to provide for. How can such a person cope in the face of stressful economic hardships? The government should do the needful,'' Prophet Arabambi stated.
He also advised the Federal Government and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) to amicably resolve the impasse for the benefit of the helpless students, saying, ''there is an adage that says that children that parents fail to educate would sell the homes of such parents. In light of this, when one meditates on the plight of the university lecturers, their strike action and their poor salaries, one will have pity for them. I appeal to the government to do the needful to salvage the future of our children.''
Minimum Wage-Increase is Suspicious-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 22/09/2022
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- In News
The move by the Federal Government to increase the national minimum wage at the twilight of its eight-year tenure has been described as a last ditch effort to hoodwink Nigerians.
This position was made known by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''Nigerians are skeptical about the motive behind the statement of the Minister of Labor, Dr. Chris Ngige to the effect that the Federal Government would soon increase the national minimum wage .It may be a set-up to argue for the removal of the subsidy on petrol and this would eventually be used to devalue the Naira. And it may also be used to justify the implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye report. . Why is the government contradicting itself? President Muhammadu Buhari in a meeting with the executives of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria gave reasons why the government would not increase the salaries of workers. How come it is now the Minister of Labor that is now amplifying the issue?'' Comrade Emelieze questioned.
Walking with the Lord in the Light of His Word
- By solomon2day
- On 19/09/2022
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- In Special Report
Genesis 4 : 1-15
''1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.''
Contending with Outdated Health Care Records System
- By solomon2day
- On 19/09/2022
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- In Solomon's Column
In several states of Nigeria, the lack of goodwill has made those presently in the saddle build on the encouraging foundation previous administrations have laid in most sectors; the health sector is inclusive.
Record keeping in health institutions in these states is obsolete and outdated and has for long influenced waste and redundancy.
Transparency and accountability are crucial to the management of health facilities only if those- in-charge realize this fact.
The provision of accurate health data and storage results in a robust health care administration that is reliable and efficient.
Sadly, however, the absence of an electronic medical system in several government-owned institutions has promoted difficulties in accessing patients' data, to enable health care professionals to deliver improved and prompt health care services.
Health care records hinged on technology would go a long way in ensuring functional health care services and in the process facilitate an enduring health system for people.
Note- 7 million Nigerians have been disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), while the electoral umpire is in the process of recruiting 1.4 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 general elections. When consideration is given to the commission's budgetary allocation for the election, the plight of eligible voters and the rising debt of the present administration, then Those-in-Charge ought to thread the paths of winding up with caution.
Posted 19 minutes ago by Solomon Adewunmi
Focusing on Agribusiness
- By solomon2day
- On 12/09/2022
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- In Solomon's Column
Inspiring strides from viable societies have proved that agriculture has the potential to solve several internal challenges, including food shortages, prohibitive prices of foodstuffs, unemployment and the heavy dependence on the monthly federal allocation, among others.
Unfortunately, the agriculture sector in several states has been unable to provide jobs for the majority of the unemployed, particularly the youth, even as kidnapping for ritual and ransom purposes are now the preferred choices.
In addition, the worrisome state of government-owned farm settlements has made the cultivation, processing,packaging and storage of varieties of crops impossible.
Sadly, the lack of capacity, policy bias, underinvestment and misinvestment have all along been impediments to the development of agribusiness in affected states.
In addition, the government at all levels have failed to create a conducive environment to attract investors into the sector, even though a number of them still insist that their major focus is agribusiness, but this is not in tune with happenings in so many states.
Note- It is a source of serious concern that those who have aspirations for political offices are only dissipating energy to actualize their self-centeredness, while human lives are sacrificed daily under the guise of violent crimes. This is the height of inhumanity and insensitivity.
Above the Law
- By solomon2day
- On 06/09/2022
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- In Solomon's Column
The trend in several states of Nigeria today are the threats to public peace with impunity, violence and the unlawful possession of firearms.
Indeed, criminals sponsored by politically exposed persons have always been in and out of the custody of law enforcement and security agencies. Sadly, they are, most of the time, let off the hook without prosecution.
The insinuation is that they are above the law.
Interestingly, these criminals who have been involved in heinous and grievous crimes against humanity walk the streets freely.
Of worry is the fact that an unspecified number of uniformed personnel have a longstanding relationship with criminals, while the production of stickers, emblems and souvenirs, uniforms and other accessories for law enforcement and security agencies continues as the count down to the 2023 general elections begin.
ot surprisingly, most political office holders who seek to retain their positions and those aspiring to occupy political offices rely on threats, violence, intimidation and subversion to achieve their self-centered ambitions. The government has continued to feign ignorance for unknown reasons.
Note-
The increase in the duty tour allowance would greatly benefit Minsters and Permanent secretaries.
This is a wrong direction, considering the increase in the Pay As You Earn Taxes of civil and public servants.
Graft-EFCC and Others should Prosecute Indicted Labor Leaders-Ex-Officio TUC
- By solomon2day
- On 06/09/2022
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- In News
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-graft agencies have been called upon to prosecute some labor leaders who have cases to answer.
This call was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''The EFCC, ICPC and other anti-corruption agencies should prosecute some labor leaders, such as those of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria for corruption, since the cases have been reported to them. There is massive corruption in these unions; they deduct outrageous amounts as check off dues from workers' salaries and there is nothing to show for it. All those who were invited, detained and released should be charged in court.''
''So many workers have promotion arrears of between 6 months and three years, they have not been paid and these unions are doing nothing about this. The EFCC AND others should make their findings public and charge the cases to court. These cases should not be swept under the carpet,'' Comrade Emelieze warned.