News

Reps C’ttee Blames Building Collapse On Substandard Iron Rods

Published

3 months ago

August 1, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the urgent need to address the rising rate of building collapse in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Steel Development, Rep. Zainab Gimba, said the circulation of substandard iron rods for building in the country, was responsible for the spate of buildingcollapse.

Rep. Gimba in her opening address at an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja on Wednesday, called for stakeholders’ collaboration to address this problem.

According to her, recent findings revealed manipulations in iron rods where 10mm is actually 7.56mm, 12mm is 9.25mm and 16mm is actually 11.25mm.

The Chairman criticized supervising agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria for not doing enough to address the problem and said the committee will commence investigation into the matter and deal with offenders.

“We must remember that we need to collaborate extensively with the Legislature to find urgent and sustainable solution to the ugly and unfortunate problem of proliferation of sub-standard iron rods in Nigerian markets, which has led to serious cases of incessant building collapse with its attendant multiple deaths of innocent Nigerians.

“I want to make it unambiguously clear that the committee lis ever committed to robust engagement with critical stakeholders, well structured, positioned and geared towards the fulfillment of the Renewed Economic and Developmental Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“He has adequately displayed passion by creating the Ministry for Steel Development with two Ministers, to see to the speedy development of the steel sector, thus providing Nigerians the needed material at affordable cost while boosting the Nation’s revenue generation.

“We must not forget that steel can overwhelmingly diversity the Nigerian economy and create employment opportunities as it is obtainable in other developed counties like Russia, United States and India.

“Therefore, all hands must eagerly be on deck, to flow with Mr. President’s vision for the speedy development of the steel industry, and ultimately reduce the country’s dependence on the oil industry,” she said.

The lawmaker further stated that important issues like the Metallurgical Bill and the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company needed the support and collaboration of all stakeholders.

Rep. Gimba said the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Nigeria Consumer Protection Agency must sit up to address the challenge.

“We can no longer stand akimbo while watching as some wicked businessmen are sending innocent Nigerians to untimely deaths.

“And in being on top of our mandate, the committee is committed to making Ajaokuta Steel company work in line with Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, while considering reasonable jail terms to effectively handle producers and prevent the circulation of sub-substandard iron rods in the country.

“We are already assiduously looking at resuscitating the Bill in this regard, by applying the needed amendments to hammer economic saboteurs who are poised to embarrassing us continuously.

“Above all, we all must continue to take all necessary actions to protect the steel industry; maintain a sense of purpose by demonstrating insatiable commitment to our statutory obligations,” she said.

The committee refused to engage the representative of the President of the NSE, Ms Margaret Oguntala, insisting she must appear in person.

She was represented by Engr Chinasaokwu Okojie, who is the project manager of Comppon Nigeria Company.

News

NUJ FCT SEC Urges Members to Ignore Boycott Call by Former Chairman Osadebamwen

Published

1 min ago

November 8, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on members to disregard a boycott order issued by Patrick Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, referred to as former officials without authority.

In a joint statement signed by key chapel leaders, the SEC accused the duo of spreading false information to undermine preparations for the NUJ FCT Council elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.

The SEC emphasized that the sale of nomination forms is being conducted by the legitimate Credentials Committee, in line with the union’s constitution.

The statement reads: “The Credentials Committee operates under the constitution and has been cleared by the National Secretariat. It is independent of state and national officers, as stipulated in Article 5(9C)”.

The SEC clarified that Osadebamwen and Ugwu were impeached during a Congress held on October 19, 2024, and have no legal standing within the union, and urged members interested in contesting positions to obtain nomination forms from the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting November 8.

The council dismissed the boycott directive from the impeached individuals as baseless, describing their actions as “illegitimate, illegal, and void”, and reassured members that security agencies have been informed of the impeachment and urged members to carry out their union activities without fear of intimidation.

“We will not engage in public exchanges or inflammatory rhetoric, despite provocations,” the SEC stated, reaffirming its focus on protecting the union’s integrity.

The statement was endorsed by several chapel leaders, including:

– Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel

– Yahaya Ndambabo, Chairman, VON Chapel

– Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, Chairman, FCTA Chapel

– Collins Yakubu-Hammer, NAN Chapel

– Onuh Holina, Chairman, Aso Radio/TV Chapel

The SEC reiterated its call for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, concluding: “For the union makes us strong.”

News

Drama As Abuja Bolt Driver Makes U-turn, Apologises To Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh

Published

54 mins ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

An Abuja Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to the Abia federal lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh who assaulted him.

Abuwatseya said his provocative utterances caused a misunderstanding with Ikwechegh.

He asked Nigerians for forgiveness.

In a video released on Thursday, the Bolt driver urged Nigerians to move on from the incident.

He said: “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.

“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.

“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”

On October 28, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South of Abia State, assaulted the Bolt driver while he was delivering a package at his residence in Abuja.

In the footage, the lawmaker repeatedly slapped and insulted the driver.

Ikwechegh also threatened to make the Bolt driver disappear from Nigeria.

He was subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory where he pleaded not guilty.

News

War: Trump will give Netanyahu a blank check – Ex-CIA boss, Panetta

Published

1 hour ago

November 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A former CIA director and US defence secretary Leon Panetta, Donald Trump would offer Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “blank cheque” in the Middle East once he takes office, potentially paving the door for a full-scale conflict between Israel and Iran.

He said that Israel would receive his approval for every action taken by the president-elect, who defeated Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to win the presidency this week and will return to office in January

“With regards to the Middle East, I think he’s basically going to give Netanyahu a blank check,” he said via the Guardian, UK.”

Whatever you do, whatever you want to do, whoever you want to go after, you have my blessing.’ I mean, he basically said that [before the election].”

Since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel last year, Netanyahu has presided over attacks on Iran and its assets as part of an expanding conflict.

During the US election campaign, he reportedly spoke with the US president-elect.

Following Trump’s triumph over Kamala Harris on Wednesday, Netanyahu praised him.

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