NLC calls off strike

The NLC finally called off the intended strike after a meeting with the FG which lasted till 11:56pm yesterday. The announcement for workers to go to work was made very late as the meeting that brought an end to this strike ended 4 minutes to the official commencement of the strike. The Government is said to have agreed to implement the N18,000 minimum wage from August 1st, 2011. The organised labour communiqué read by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, says, "Federal Government agreed to comply with the new National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2011.

"Federal Government shall conclude negotiations with Labour on the implementation of the minimum wage not later than 31st July, 2011. Detailed negotiations on the relativity implication of the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage Act 2011 will be concluded not later than 31st July, 2011.The new wages will be implemented from 1st August, 2011. The arrears of the new wages with effect from 23rd March, 2011 will be paid not later than 31st August, 2011.

"No worker shall be victimised in any manner or form as a consequence of the implementation of the new Minimum Wage Act. In line with the agreement earlier reached with the Federal Government and state governors, labour resolves to suspend the three-day warning strike across the country"

pic of the day

Wot do u call this........

Man caught with 28 bags of indian hemp

The men of the 'A' Division police station in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday seized 28 bags of marijuana from a residential building along Leo area of the city. A man, Alonge Bolaji, suspected to be the owner, was also arrested.

Mr. Alonge was arrested alongside six other co-tenants who allegedly failed to notify the police of the nefarious activities of the suspect in a residential building.

Parading the suspect, Hamza Ameyi, the divisional police officer in charge of the station, said the arrest and the seizure were made possible based on a tip off from the public.

Mr. Adeyi said that despite the fact that residents of the building allegedly knew what the suspect did for a living, they did not report his activities at the police station.

"Though we have freed the other six people, it will serve as a lesson to them to always report any foul play or sinister move they discover in their environment," Mr. Ameyi added.

Questioned by journalists, Mr. Alonge, who confirmed that the substance was found in his room, however, said that he was contracted to buy the substance by one Adamu from Kano.

He added that Adamu, who was still at large, gave him N30, 000 to buy the 28 bags while promising to pay more later.

"I bought each bag at the rate of N3, 500 with a view to sell it to Adamu at N6, 000 per bag. I wanted to make quick money from it and use it to take care of myself.

"At least I am not a robber; I don't think what I did was wrong because it is another kind of business, which can bring quick money. It is better than internet fraud and other criminal acts."

When asked why he ventured into the business, he said, "man must eat and since I cannot go into armed robbery, I have to take care of myself through selling Indian hemp."

English no be small work o!.

LWKMD
!!!!

New set of arms intercepted

THE Tin-Can Island Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Command, NCS, yesterday  intercepted another set of arms and ammunition concealed in four vehicles in a 40″ container.

This is the third time in less than two months that security operatives would be intercepting and confiscating arms and ammunition in the seaports.

Speaking to newsmen on the development, Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Austen Warikoru, said  the vessel, MV Safmarine Texas, that brought in the container from the United States had since gone back, adding that the importer and the clearing agents had been arrested.

He also stated that the items had actually gone through examination and were about to exit the gate when a second examination exercise was carried out following a tip off.
Also found in the container with number UESU 456777-3 includes 1,431 round of live ammunition, two hand guns, a large military bag, and  two military camouflage wears.

He noted that the way the four vehicles were packed in the container, it was really difficult to carry out a proper examination externally.

His words: "To be sure of the content of the container, we had to carry out a second and proper examination."

He also said the seized items, the suspected importer, Mr Ume Uzoize and the clearing agent, Mr Ifeanyi Edom, have handed over to the Police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, operatives from the Nigerian Navy Intelligence have also intercepted eight illegally imported military trucks just as two person have also been arrested in connection with the import.

In a statement the Federal Officer Commanding Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor said that some of the seized items include a Chevrolet double cabin vehicle covered with a camouflage tarpauline spread neatly into a container.

"Inside the vehicle were some pistols, hundreds of live ammunition, bullet-proof jackets and military boots and sundry prohibited items.

"In addition, heavy duty military trucks used for the movement of troops and logistics were also impounded by the Command".

He stated that the onslaught against these criminals will continue until they desist from the unlawful activities.

INEC releases new time table

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday released the time table for the 2011 elections with the presidential election scheduled to hold on 9th April, 2011.

The National Assembly election is to hold on the 2nd of April while the gubernatorial elections and the State Houses of Assembly will take place on the 16th of April.

The provisional time table was immediately hailed as a political advantage for President Goodluck Jonathan who is canvassing for his party's presidential ticket in the election.

The order of elections gives him the advantage of assuring the loyalty of governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who would be expected to play a key role in helping him win the election if he emerges the presidential candidate of the PDP.

In a brief ceremony at the commission's headquarters last night, the national chairman of the commission, Professor Attahiru Jega  explained that  the release of the time table was in conformity  with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

KANAYO TO RUN FOR HOUSE OF REPS. IN 2011

When Kanayo O. Kanayo came into Nollywood, he made a remarkable difference that today he is not only a front runner in the motion picture industry but one of the oldest actors still standing.

Having come, seen and conquered Nollywood, he is ready for more exploits. KOK as he is popularly called has formally declared his intention to run in the 2011 elections in the House of Representatives.