Blog

NAN-F-10

Dispute

Frankfurt, Nov. 14, 2016 (dpa/NAN) German Pilots Union, Vereinigung Cockpit, has called for another strike at Lufthansa amid salary dispute that has been ongoing for more than two years, a report said.

The union announced on Monday that the strike, which would be announced at 24 hours’ notice, was prompted by a breakdown in salary negotiations for Lufthansa’s 5,400 pilots and co-pilots.

Lufthansa has faced lengthy strikes by pilots and cabin crew in recent years.

This happened again as it attempts to roll out new cost-cutting measures in the face of competition from Middle Eastern airlines and budget carriers.

Vereinigung Cockpit has organised 13 strikes at Lufthansa since April, 2014. (dpa/NAN)

OYE/OPI

Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-H-86

Judgment

Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) Justice Peter Affen of the FCT High Court on Monday ordered a construction company to pay N19.4 million to one Mr Enoch Ojo as the balance of payment agreed upon to facilitate a road contract.

Affen held that the evidence before him proved  that the defendants refused to keep to the terms of the agreement made in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and orally too with the plaintiff.

“The plaintiff claim succeeds; accordingly judgment is hereby entered in favour of the plaintiff.

“The defendant shall forthwith pay to the plaintiff a sum of N19.4million being the outstanding balance from the sum of N24.4 million payable to the plaintiff for facilitating the award of road contract valued at N2.44 billion.

“The above sum will attract a judgment sum of 10 per cent with effect from today until liquidation of amount owed,” he held.

The Judge  held that the plaintiff’s evidence was not contradicted and that it was a common ground between the parties that the defendant paid N5 million made up of two cars and some cash to the plaintiff.

“There is nothing before me or suggested that the defendants are a charitable organisation that dole out payment in cash and kind to all and sundry.

“In taking to the avowal of the MoU, the second defendant may think that the ^{first defendant}  did not sign the MoU because he was out of the country on the alleged day.

“There is nothing before me to show that the 1^st defendant was out of the country on that day as alleged,” Affen said:

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on March 25, 2015, the plaintiff (Ojo) had instituted a suit against the defendants,Sassine Sayegh and his company Parson Service Engineering), for breach of contract.

The plaintiff had sought the order of the court compelling the defendants to pay him the outstanding balance of N19.4 million from the N24. 4 million agreed on for facilitating the award of  a road contract valued at N2.4 billion.

Ojo said that it was after much pressure that the defendants paid N5 million from the agreed sum of N24.4 million as a fee for the award of four roads contracts in Ekiti

The plaintiff had told the court that the agreement on the fee was made orally before it was later drafted as MoU on Dec. 23, 2013. (NAN)
NEO/HAS/YAZ
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Yusuf Zango

Nigeria’s inflation rate hits 18.3 % in October –NBS
NAN-HE-16
Inflation
By Cecilia Ologunagba
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased to 18.3 per cent (year-on-year) in October from 17.9 per cent recorded in September.

The CPI, which measures inflation, is 0.48 per cent points higher from the points recorded in September.

A report released by the NBS in Abuja on Monday noted that increases were recorded across almost all major divisions which contributed to the Headline Index.

“Communication and Restaurants and Hotels recorded the slowest pace of growth in October, growing at 5.7 per cent and 9.4 per cent year-on-year respectively.

“The Food Index rose by 17.1 per cent (year-on-year) in October, up by 0.47 per cent points from 16.6 per cent recorded in September.

“During the month, all major food groups which contribute to the Food sub-index increased with fruits recording the slowest pace of increase at 11.5 per cent,’’ it said.

Price movements recorded by the All Items less farm produce or Core sub index rose by 18.1 per cent (year-on-year) in the month under review.

According to the report, the Core Sub Index, which rose by 18.1 per cent in the month, is 0.4 per cent points higher from rates recorded in September, which was 17.7 per cent.

“During the month, the highest increases were seen in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels as well as fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and education.

“Significant price movement under the Core Sub-index was also recorded for clothing and footwear, which recorded an increase of 17.8 per cent year-on-year.

“ The groups with least growth pace recorded in October were communication (5.7 per cent), restaurants and hotels (9.4 per cent) and recreation and culture (10.3 per cent).’’

On a month-on-month basis, the report said that the Headline Index rose by 0.83 per cent in October, higher from the rate recorded in September (0.81 per cent).

“The Urban Index rose by 19.9 per cent (year-on-year) in October from 19.5 per cent recorded in September and the Rural Index increased by 16.95 per cent in October from 16.4 per cent in September,’’ it stated. (NAN)
CIA/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
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NAN-H-82
Diversion
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Nov. 14, 2016(NAN) Katsina State Government has presented a memo before the Katsina State Judicial Commission of Inquiry alleging diversion of N8.6 billion by a immediate past governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and other top officials.

Mr Hassan Liman, SAN, counsel to the commission, stated this on Monday during the sitting of the commission.

Liman,  said the amount was diverted from the accounts of the Ministry of Environment, Department of Community Development, Special Duties, Girl-child Education and the Department of Almajirai Affairs.

He explained that available records showed that the funds were allegedly diverted by the former governor and other government officials.

According to him, there was no evidence  on how the funds were utilized during the period under review.

Liman, however, told the  commission that the former governor had filed a case before the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, on infringement of his fundamental human rights.

He asked the commission to adjourn the sitting pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, the chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammad Surajo, adjourned the sitting indefinitely, saying that the commission would communicate to all parties involved.

The commission also adjourned the hearing of memo on activities of Katsina Road Maintenance Agency (KASROMA) and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs pending the determination of the appeal case before the Court of Appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Aminu Masari, inaugurated the commission to investigate how some funds were lost during Shema’s tenure and to advise the government accordingly.(NAN)
ZI/DS/YAZ

Edited by DaudaShehu/Yusuf Zamgo

NAN-DS-10

Collaboration

Maiduguri, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), has called for more collaboration among North-East states to end insurgency.

Monguno, who was represented by Commodore Yaminu Nudi, made the call on Monday at a workshop on the implementation of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) in Maiduguri, Borno.

He said that the workshop was aimed at sensitising towards successful implementation of the strategy.
“The Federal Government, using the Counter Terrorism Centre revised NACTEST to deploy all necessary efforts at tackling the Boko Haram menace, the new edition was launched by the President on Aug. 23, in Abuja.

“Prior to this, a National Stakeholders Workshop was held in Abuja between Aug. 17 and Aug. 18, the state version of the workshop is what is taking place here now,’’ he said.

Monguno said that the objective was to prepare ground for a joint effort by stakeholders to end Boko Haram menace.

“It is a fact that no man, agency or country can achieve laudable success in the fight against terrorism.

“We must all work together in identifying our crucial roles and collaborating to record progress.’’

According to him, the peculiar situation of states in the fight against terrorism further reiterates the need for inter-state collaboration and cross border relationship to stem the tide.

The workshop was attended by stakeholders from all segments of the society, including the military, paramilitary, business community and Borno Elders Forum. (NAN)

ABI/ADA/OPI

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab and Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-AE-12
Weather
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy weather over central states of the country on Tuesday.

NiMet made the prediction in the Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Monday.

It said that the region would also have day and night time temperatures of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius and 14 to 20 degrees Celsius respectively.

The agency predicted that the southern states will experience cloudy to partly cloudy morning with day and night time temperatures of 32 to 34 degrees Celsius and 19 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.

It also predicted possibility of isolated thunderstorms over Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Yenagoa and Eket in the evening and night.

According to NiMet, northern states will experience dust haze with visibility of about three to five kilometres during the forecast period.

“The northern region will also have day and night time temperatures of 29 to 37 degrees Celsius and 12 to 20 degrees Celsius respectively.

“Northern cities are expected to witness reduction in visibility due to dust haze conditions while the South would experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated cases of thunderstorms in some coastal cities. (NAN)
OYS/JEO/AFA
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka/Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-77
Character
By Blessing Ibegbu
Mararaba (Nasarawa State), Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) A lawyer, Mr Joe Kekong, on Monday asked the Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court to warn his client against her shameless and consistent troubles in her neighborhood.

The counsel made the request at the Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, Mararaba in Nasarawa State following a request from the woman’s husband, Mr John Matthew.

“Though the accused is my client, she has adamantly refused to heed her husband’s and my advice to embrace peace and tranquility in her neighbourhood.

“Though I and her husband have talked and advised her in secret, she seems to be stubborn and adamant, so her husband insisted I should tell the court to warn her.

“According to her husband, this is not the first mischief she is involved in and dragged him into, other neighbours had, over the years, complained of her unrepentant bad attitude.

“I would like this honourable court to publicly caution her to refrain from fighting, quarrelling and using her mouth to cause problem for her husband and the entire environment, ” Kekong said.

The case was a three-count charge of criminal mischief, assault and nuisance filed against Mrs Esther Matthew, who had allegedly bit the lips of her neighbour, Mrs Anietie Inyangakpan.

Mr Etim Inyangakpan, the husband to the complainant, requested that the accused write an undertaking never to harass his family again.

Hon. Albert Maga, the Presiding Judge, having confirmed the offence from the husband to the accused, who was present in the court, expressed disappointment with the woman’s character and handed thorough warning to her.

Maga said that her failure to change, live peacefully and respect her family and community would attract severe punishment next time.

The case was struck out following the request from the complainant’s family, demanding they all live in peace henceforth.

The husband to the accused, Matthew, thanked the court for its understanding.

The case was first mentioned on Oct. 10 when the accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000. (NAN)
BLE/CEO/MVO
(Edited by Evangeline Opara/Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-DS-7
Navy
By Christian Ogbonna
Yenagoa, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has pledged support for the Nigerian Navy to tackle criminality in the state, especially on the waterways.

Dickson made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to his office in Yenagoa on Monday.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, retired Rear Adm. Gborigbiogha Jonah, said that such support was necessary to ensure that the communities were secured and safer.

He decried the security challenges facing the state due to the terrain, describing it as worrisome.

“Bayelsa is facing more security challenges as days go on. I want to say that it is necessary we continue to give our maximum support to the activities of the navy in the state.

“I therefore urge the men in white (the navy) to establish more mobile stations in the state, especially in the coastal communities because as we all know, Bayelsa is more riverine than any other state in the country.

“I commend you on the good work you have been doing in our state; I must assure you that the government of Bayelsa State will continue to work with you for a more secure environment,’’ Dickson said.

Earlier, the naval chief said that the visit was to inspect the naval base as part of the command’s annual events.

Ibas explained that the inspection was to evaluate the operational base of the force and set plans for improvement on maritime operations.

“The navy for five years in Bayelsa has made tremendous improvement on both the land and maritime sectors; we have built mobile stations which have been helping us to reach out to the communities.

“Our major concern is about the security situation in the state; I must appeal to the government while providing the needed support that the people in the state should also know that development can only exist in a secure environment.

“We commend the government for being supportive; we thank them for providing gun boats and lands, among others,” he said. (NAN)
OOC/IKU/MVO
(Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-H-76
By Chinyere Bassey
Job
Lagos, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) A youth activist, Mr Babatunde Iyori, has said that the government should collaborate with all the sectors to prioritise job creation as a way of investing in the youth.

Iyori, a member of the National Union of Lottery Agents Employees, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that such intervention would overcome youth-specific disadvantages through skills and labour market policies.

Reacting to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) statement on youth employment, he said that such collaborative interventions should promote job growth, skills development, self-employment, better working conditions, social protection and rights at work.

The ILO had said in a statement on Monday that the number of youths being employed was reducing as many preferred to remain in school.

It said that globally, most youths waited for an average of 19 months to find a stable or satisfactory job, which reflected a difficult transition from education into work, carrying risks of skills deterioration and discouragement.

It said that young persons lost out on valuable skills and that the economy forfeited higher productivity while many lived in poverty.

“Early school leaving goes hand in hand with poverty. More youths seem to prefer staying in school to getting a job early in life.

“More than 200 million young people are either unemployed or have a job but live in poverty.

“Irrespective of mild recovery in recent years, youth unemployment has remained above its pre-crisis levels and is expected to rise again,’’ it said.

The labour organisation said that with more young people in school, fewer youths are working or looking for a job and youth labour pool was shrinking.

It said that the trends vary depending on gender, income levels and education enrolment.

The ILO said that more than one-third of working youths in developing economies lived on less than 3.10 dollars a day, three in four young workers in low-income countries had an “irregular” job while nine in 10 worked in the informal economy. (NAN)
CHIN/IKU/MVO
(Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Mbadiwe Okwor)