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Another ASUU strike looms

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…..as Tinubu’s govt is issued two-week ultimatum

The announcement was made during a press conference at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, on Friday, where Mrs. Happiness Uduk, ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator for the Calabar Zone, emphasized the urgency of meeting these demands.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands for improved welfare and administrative conditions in public universities, warning of an impending nationwide strike.

Uduk stated that the government’s failure to fulfil commitments under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, led to stagnant salary scales and minimal welfare improvements over the past 15 years.

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She stated, “ASUU members have been on the same salary scale for 15 years without any change. We urge the government to complete the negotiations initiated over 13 years ago, under different teams, and take into account current economic realities such as inflation and exchange rates.”

Key issues ASUU is pressing for include the renegotiation of terms related to the revitalization fund for public universities, payment of academic allowances, withheld salaries, high taxation, and alleged victimization of ASUU members.

Uduk also reiterated ASUU’s demand for the removal of its members from the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), advocating for the use of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) or similar platforms developed internally by universities.

She brought to light grievances at Ebonyi State University, where some members have allegedly been suspended without pay for over two years, calling for their immediate reinstatement.

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She also call on the Abia Government to promptly settle the 11-month salary arrears owed to ABSU lecturers and criticized the use of the Treasury Single Account for salary payments.

Uduk further proposed replacing the Federal Government’s student loan scheme with grants to ease financial burdens on students and enhance academic pursuits.

She called for a halt to the proliferation of universities and advocated for increased funding to improve standards in existing institutions.

The ASUU coordinator concluded by stressing that ongoing engagement with stakeholders is aimed at urging the government to act swiftly.

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”If the issues remain unresolved, ASUU plans to commence a nationwide strike in two weeks,” she declared.

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BREAKING: President Tinubu Presents N47.9trn Appropriation Bill To NASS

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By Gloria Ikibah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a Joint Session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, presented the sum of N47.9 trillion as the proposed 2025 Appropriation Bill, with new borrowings of N13.0 trillion, which is 3.87 per cent of the estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The President, in his address to the National Assembly described the 2025 Budget as the “Budget of Restoration” which he said, “involves our administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity and hope for our beloved nation”.
The budget of restoration according to president Tinubu, serves as the very hope of the Renewed Hope Agenda and improving the lives of Nigerians.
He said the 2025 budget is one of the reform and transformation to consolidate the key policies of the Tinubu-led administration. Reeling out the progress made he said global economic growth for Nigeria increased from the 2.6% estimated to 3.5% growth.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and its fiscal parameters, adopted an “an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel for 2025, oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, an exchange rate of N1400 to $1, and a GDP growth of 4.6 per cent.”
President Tinubu said the 2025 budge seeks to restore micro economic stability, foster increased growth, employment, human capital development.
He explained further:
* N34.8 trillion revenue to find the budget
*. Government expenditure N47.9 trillion including N5.81 trillium for debt servicing.
* Inflation to reduce from 34.6% to 15%
* Exchange rate from N1,700 per $1 to N1500 and increase crude oil production to 2.06 million barrels per day.
*Reduce the production of petroleum products alongside importation of finished product.
According to the President, defence and security is allocated N4.91 trillion, infrastructure to get N4.06 trillion, while health gets N2.48 trillion and education N3.5 trillion.
Tinubu said the budgetary allocations are informed by the commitment of his administration to security of lives and property, infrastructural development, education and healthcare delivery.
He solicited the support of the lawmakers and Nigerians in addressing the country’s challenges, and said “the time for lamentation is over” .
“Our nation faces challenges… they are surmountable when we work collectively. The time for lamentations is over, the time to act is now…,” Tinubu said.
Details later……
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Gov Adeleke Speaks On Death Sentence For Chicken Thief

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.

Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.

Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.

The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.

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“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.

“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”

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Delta Assembly pardons two suspended members

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The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.

“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.

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“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.

“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.

“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”

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