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Workers Day: lmo civil servants unhappy, deserve dignifying treatment – PDP to Uzodimma

Published

3 months ago

May 2, 2025

Hope UZODINMA

The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told the Governor Hope Uzodimma administration that workers in the State are disenchanted and unhappy due to the poor treatment they have always received from the State Government.

In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party called on the State Government to dignify the civil service and make it appealing again by treating workers better.

The PDP accused the State Government of playing on the intelligence of civil servants by what it termed a “fraudulent manipulation of the national minimum wage”.

Part of the statement reads: “Obviously, the pride of civil service is lost in Imo State. Workers are not meeting up with daily economic demands as the State government maintains the culture of negligence and ill treatment against them.

“Clearly, the State is short of workforce, and there is no urgency on the side of the government to rejig it. But what is also important to note is that young people in the State appear not interested anymore in joining the civil service.

“How can they be when Imo workers are paid the lowest salary in the entire Nigeria. People wouldn’t want to be associated with an employee who shortchanges his workers by denying them their promotion benefits and who refuses to actually implement the minimum wage.

“As a party, we have in recent times held the informed position that the Imo State government had yet to implement the old N30,000 minimum wage given that level 10 and 12 workers in various ministries barely earned around N50,000 monthly. Today, what we have is a situation where a senior worker earns almost the same as a junior worker.

“If a level 5 worker earns N71,000 and a level 12 worker earns N73,000, will you call that payment of minimum wage? Where did the tens of thousands that should accrue to the level 12 worker go? Do you know the irony? Workers who are at level 5 and below do not constitute up to 10 percent of the workforce.

“The government payrolled workers from Government House. The labour union and various ministries had no input. No one has seen the salary table with which the government is paying salaries. It’s a fraudulent scheme.”

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Okpebholo’s remarks against Obi dangerous assault on democracy – CSOs

Published

4 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Three civil society organisations have condemned the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over a viral video where he threatened Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

The groups, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) described the Governor’s remarks as dangerous, undemocratic, and a clear threat to peace and political freedom.

In the video, Governor Okpebholo was heard telling his supporters that Mr. Obi should not enter Edo State without his permission.

“His security will never be guaranteed… Whatever happens to him, he will take it… I am the new sheriff in town,” Gov Okpebholo said while addressing party supporters during the defection of a federal lawmaker to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The organisations said such statements are unacceptable, especially coming from a sitting Governor whose duty is to protect all citizens, regardless of their political views.

“These are not offhand political jests. They constitute a direct threat to the life and liberty of a fellow citizen. More disturbingly, these remarks come from a sitting Governor whose primary constitutional responsibility is to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors within his state, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic origin, or belief.

“Such a public display of intolerance, authoritarian bravado, and politicisation of state power should deeply worry every Nigerian and every international stakeholder who invested in the survival of democratic governance in Nigeria.”

They warned that the Governor’s words could incite political violence and intimidate opposition voices ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

“Mr. Peter Obi, like every Nigerian, has the right to move freely, express his opinion, and associate with any political group. No Governor or politician has the right to stop him or any other citizen from exercising these rights.

“Saying ‘your security will not be guaranteed’ suggests that the Governor is using the state’s security forces for political purposes. This is a serious warning sign that the security agencies are no longer neutral and it also goes against Nigeria’s commitment to protect people’s rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the group said in a statement jointly signed.

The civil society organisations also raised concern that this is not the first time Mr. Obi has faced threats while visiting a state.

They recalled a similar incident in Benue State in April 2025.

They called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly withdraw his statement and apologise.

“We want the Governor to take back his words and assure Nigerians that everyone, regardless of political party, is safe in Edo,” they said.

They also called on the Nigeria Police and the State Security Service to investigate the threat and protect political figures facing intimidation.

The group’s further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take note of the development and include it in its election risk assessments for Edo.

Finally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was asked to launch an investigation into the matter.

“Nigeria’s democracy is imperfect, but threats like this bring us closer to its total derailment. Governor Okpebholo’s statements are not mere political rhetoric; they represent a clear and present danger to democratic peace, political pluralism, and the rule of law in Nigeria. We remind the Governor and all public officeholders that power is held in trust, not as an entitlement, and that democratic societies thrive on competition, not coercion,” the groups concluded.

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Constitutional review: Nigeria needs inclusive, restructured economy – Otti

Published

3 hours ago

July 20, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for a practical and people-focused approach to constitutional reforms in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, economic restructuring to achieve national unity.

Speaking at the South East zonal public hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution on Saturday, Governor Otti stressed that the Nigerian constitution must evolve with the dynamic aspirations of the citizens.

Represented by his Deputy, Ikechuckwu Emetu, Governor Otti highlighted the importance of inclusivity in governance, citing Abia State’s approach to resource allocation and decision-making as a model.

He noted that the legitimacy of a constitution in a pluralistic society like Nigeria depends on the contributions of all ethnic, religious, and cultural groups.
and expressed reservations about creating of new States, citing enormous cost implications and potential expansion of bureaucracy.

Speaking further, the Abia Governor supported the creation of State Police, but emphasized the need for clear standards for leadership, coordination, recruitment, accountability, and human rights protection when created.

He cautioned on full local government autonomy, warning of increased financial and bureaucratic burdens and
advocated for constitutional recognition of free and compulsory basic education, emphasizing the need for increased financing and quality delivery.

Governor Otti also cited Abia State’s recent electricity reforms as a case study in the positive impact of constitutional changes. .

Following amendments that allowed sub- national entities to participate in the electricity sector, he said Abia established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) and received regulatory oversight from the national commission (NERC) which he said has empowered Abia to take control of its energy future.

In his speech, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described the hearings as “a national conversation” that must produce a constitution that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

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A 93-year-old man has shared his secret to a long and healthy life: quitting beer.

Published

14 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

In an inspiring revelation, he disclosed that he stopped drinking beer in 1975, a decision that has not only improved his health but also helped him save a significant amount of money.

According to the man’s account, abstaining from beer has had numerous health benefits. Research supports this claim, highlighting that quitting alcohol can.

Improve Heart Health: Lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart failure
Enhance Liver Function : Allow the liver to heal and function normally, reducing the risk of liver disease

Boost Mental Clarity: Improve memory, nervous system function, and overall mental well-being

Promote Weight Loss : Reduce calorie intake and support a balanced diet and exercise

Reduce Cancer Risk : Lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including liver, throat, and stomach cancer

The man advises young people to avoid habits and diets that pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being. His story serves as a testament to the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices.

– Quitting beer can lead to significant health improvements
– Abstaining from alcohol can reduce the risk of chronic diseases
– Healthy habits can contribute to a long and fulfilling life