Author: National Record

Gbadebo, a 300 level student in the Department of European Studies, University of Ibadan, was killed in an industrial accident at Henkel Nigeria Limited, an Ibadan-based soap-making factory on the night of 27th July 2020.

All over the democratic world, honesty, performance and constitutionalism are major determining factors on the occupation of office. Where there are clear cases of irredeemable decline in performance and serious breach of the law, change or impeachment becomes inevitable. NUFBTE leadership must be changed this year because the conditions for its removal have since been met in both our constitution and its toxic performance.

“As the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nigerian workers have had both thrilling, tepid and tensed times with Dr. Chris Ngige. One should expect no less given the fighter that Dr. Ngige is. Through our checkered relationship and piercing through the veil of our different persuasions, one thing has stood out very clear – Dr. Chris Ngige has demonstrated one consistent character which is the penchant of leaving the door of frank discussions, open negotiations, and genuine reconciliation open. These are the traits of a truly great man.”

The governor cautioned against the diversion of the items to people who did not lack food, saying it was meant specifically for the “poorest of the poor.” He added that the local government chairmen will not share the items, but a committee will be set up to handle the task and it will be drawn from the clergy, traditional institution and civil society organisations, among others.

Describing the sack of the workers as “highly insensitive, callous, and unjust,” Comrade Wabba said the unilateral sack of executive members of NUATE who are employees of Turkish Air is particularly distressing. “These workers were sacked for fighting for the rights of Nigerian workers in Turkish Air. This is very reprehensible. We wish to remind Turkish Air that unionized workers cannot be punished or sacked for participating in trade union activities. This action is aimed at frustrating unionization in Turkish Air and to enslave Nigerians working with Turkish Air. The anti-labour practices in Turkish Air constitute fundamental infractions on our Constitution and labour laws and a gross disrespect to Nigeria,” Comrade Wabba stressed.

Our clients, specifically, the family of Richard Gbadebo, briefed us that up till today, 3rd August 2020, no official explanation as to the circumstances leading to the death of Richard Gbadebo has been made to the family. The family only gathered from Richard’s colleagues that he slipped and fell into the bowel of the machinery he was working with. That the machinery is meant to be operated by at least four persons. But that Richard was the only person operating the machine at the time of the incident. The colleagues who were outside the engine room claimed they noticed blood mixed with water where only water was supposed to flow out. The blood alerted them and they went to check the machine only to find Richard trapped in the machine.

The Act places certain obligations upon the employer who are therefore expected by law to comply with such obligations. Non-compliance is unacceptable because it puts the future of the employee at risk. The Act provides PENCOM, the regulator, with powers to enforce compliance. Where there is non-compliance by the regulator, the Act also has provided regimes of sanctions for non-compliance. The non-compliance of the federal government, with some of the obligations placed upon it in the Act as the largest employer in the country, is the weakest link in the pension reform; the Contributory Pension Scheme; and the regulation of the pension industry.

CDWR in a statement on Monday, signed by Comrade Rufus Olusesan, National Chairperson, and Comrade Chinedu Bosah, Publicity Secretary, said Richard was a student full of hopes and aspirations but lost his life due to slave working conditions.

Mr Hon assured that students will excel in the exams without compromising standards as according to him, most schools were teaching their students at home online during the shutdown period.

“We know that things are tough and we wish President Muhammadu Buhari good health to be able to continue with the good work he is doing. Let us see more federal presence in Benue State. To the best of my knowledge, I can recall only one, the new university in Otukpo. Let them remember that people are down here,” the Chief Imam stated.