11/08/18

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Latest Reality Blog is a legal blog where you are updated on online latest news, gist, entertainment, events, motivational text, and genue articles.

A Makurdi High Court has issued an interim order restraining the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, from prohibiting or shutting down offices of the Benue State Livestock Guards in any part of the state.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Austine Ityonyiman, in his ruling on Thursday also restrained the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Okon Ene, from preventing officers of the Livestock Guards from carrying out their legitimate functions pending the determination of the motion on notice brought before the court.

According to the judge, the guards were implementing the state Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.

The Judge granted the motion brought by the Counsel to the Benue State Government, Mr Douglas Pepe, who prayed the Court to restrain the Nigerian Police whom he stated where acting outside the scope of their constitutional mandate.

Mr Pepe had argued that the Livestock Guards was a creation of the law and the body was carrying out its functions as stipulated by the legislation establishing it.

After listening to the argument of counsel to the Benue State Government, and carefully perusing through the affidavit in support of the motion, the Judge was convinced that there was a need to grant the application pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The Judge thereafter adjourned the case to November 23, 2018, for the hearing of the motion.

Reacting to the restraining order, the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa, said the Samuel Ortom administration is operating based on the rule of law, and due process.

He expressed surprise that the police whose duty is to help the government to enforce laws were seeking to proscribe a law legitimately enacted by a state.

Gusa reaffirmed the determination of the State Government not to be discouraged in pursuing what is in the interest of people of the State.
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Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity

The Presidency has clarified President Muhammadu Buhari’s position amid confusion over the minimum wage.

State Governors had proposed to pay N22,500 while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insisted on N30,000 which was submitted by the Tripartite Committee.

Following this development, there had been speculations that the President had endorsed the proposed N30,000.

In a statement by Femi Adesina, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity expressed concern over the recurring reports alleging that the President has accepted the said amount.

“The Presidency is concerned over recurring reports alleging that President Buhari has reneged on earlier acceptance of the N30,000 recommended as the new National Minimum Wage by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee”.

He said these reports are contrary to what transpired on Tuesday when the committee presented its Report to the President.

Responding, President Buhari, while acknowledging the concerns raised by the government on affordability and Labour’s focus on the meaningful increase, stated clearly in a speech, which was made available to the media:

“In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas.

“Our plan is to transmit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time.

I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.

“As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report. I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”

“From the above, and throughout the report-submission ceremony, the President never mentioned any figure. What he committed himself to was a new minimum wage, and only after the Report of the committee has been reviewed by the executive and legislative processes of government and an appropriate bill presented to him for assent.


“Until the proposed minimum wage has gone through the whole gamut of law-making, President Buhari, who is a stickler for due process, will not be caught in this unnecessary web of controversy, which amounts to putting the cart before the horse and hair-splitting.

“As for those who have latched onto the concocted controversy to play cheap politics, we appeal to them to remember that elections are not won through loquaciousness and trying to demean the President at every drop of a hat. But then, it is not surprising, as they have nothing else to sell to Nigerians if they don’t ride on the name of the President. Stiff judgment awaits them at the polls.
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Latest Reality Blog is a legal blog where you are updated on online latest news, gist, entertainment, events, motivational text, and genue articles.
Suspects

The Department of State Service (DSS) recently arrested suspects in high profile crimes, including those allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of the traditional ruler of Adara Chiefdom, HRH Maiwada Galadima.
The arrest of the suspected killers of Galadima was made possible with collaboration with the military, Mr. Peter N. Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of DSS, said on Thursday in Abuja.
traditional ruler of Adara Chiefdom, HRH Maiwada Galadima.
DSS, he said, sprang into action in its determination to contain the menace of kidnapping.
With the recent arrests, he said that relative peace has returned to Kaduna State after the disturbances that followed the violent abduction and gruesome murder.
He said that concerted efforts were being made to address the resurgence of organized criminal activities in the North-West.
The Service had also arrested high profile kidnappers and notorious elements in different locations of the State and beyond.
“On 25th October, 2018, in Riga Chikun, Kaduna State, five members of a dreaded kidnap gang whose operations span between Kaduna and Katsina States were apprehended.
“They are Isa Ahmadu (Gang Leader), Suleiman Umar (Ransom negotiator), Ibrahim Mallam, Ishaku Saidu (aka ISHE) and MANSUR (Mallam). ‘’
The group’s hideout in Katsina State was raided after preliminary investigation leading to the arrest of two other members of the group,, Muhammadu Ibrahim and Muhammed Isa.
“On 19th October, 2018 Sirajo, a suspected infamous kidnapper was arrested at Hayin Danmni, Igabi LGA of the State.
“On 30th October, 2018, at Sainyinan Dani, Yabo LGA, Sokoto State, the duo of Abubakar Umar and Suleiman Sani were arrested for gun running.
“Between 11th and 12th October, 2018, suspected armed bandits operating in and around Zamfara State were also arrested in Bakura, Tsafe and Bungudu LGAs of the State.
“Those arrested were Dan-Alhaji Dan-Mineri, Yusuf Khalif and Musa (Mallam).’’
He also said that on 5th November, 2018, the tactical team of the Service, in collaboration with the military, arrested Muhammed Aminu, a suspected gunrunner and his accomplice, Dare Okunwola (aka BODA) at Lere LGA.
“During a search of Okunwole’s residence, several ammunitions and eight (8) AK-47 rifles were recovered.
“On the same date, at Toungo LGA, Adamawa State, Abbas Abubakar (aka SAMBO), a suspected Improvised Explosives Device (IED) expert for the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), was apprehended.
Other arrests were those made on 15th October, 2018, at North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State where renowned cultists, Yakubu Mohammed and Joseph Andoaasin were apprehended.
Cartridges and a locally made pistol were recovered from them.
“Investigations have so far uncovered leads that will enable the Service and other sister agencies to address the menace of kidnaping in the country. Suspects will undoubtedly be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The DSS reassures the public that the tempo of these operations will not only be sustained, but strengthened for greater impact on the well-being of residents.
“The Service, therefore, enjoins everyone to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avail them useful information that would assist them carry out necessary operations that will guarantee peace especially at the coming yuletide and general elections.’’
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The Nigerian Army said the situation at Katarko in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe had been brought under control after troops foiled terrorists attempted attack on the military location in the town.
The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu in a statement on Thursday said that the troops immediately swung into action following a tip off and pushed the terrorists backward with superior fire power.
He, however, said some of the terrorists escaped into nearby bushes but efforts were on to get them, adding that the troops were currently embarking on clearance patrol in the area.
Chukwu urged Yobe residents in general and Katarko in particular, to go about their legitimate businesses and report any suspicious activities or movement in their area to the law enforcement agents for prompt action.
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President Muhammadu Buhari

A new salary structure with rent subsidy has been approved for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by the Federal Government, NewsmakersNG exclusively reports.

According to the Presidency, the approval took effect from November 1, 2018, and will be funded from the treasury, indicating that policemen will have a merry Christmas.

News of the new package from President Muhammadu Buhari, coming 10 years after the late President Umaru Yar’Adua swelled the pockets of policemen, was conveyed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris through a letter from the Office of the Executive Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission, High Chief Richard Onwuka Egbule.

A copy of the letter, dated October 31st, sighted by NewsmakersNG entitled: Re ADDRESSING REMUNERATION CHALLENGES OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, shows that it is an answer to a request made by the IGP on October 19, 2018.
The letter was silent on the details of the new minimum wage for the police.
A document attached, however, showed details of the rent subsidy from a Constable to the IGP.
A Constable will now receive not less than N86, 058 as rent subsidy, a Commissioner of Police gets up to N1,536,018, and the IGP – N3, 339, 688.
A table showing the new rent subsidy structure
In January 2008, an increment was ordered by Yar’Adua which moved the minimum wage of policemen from N6000 to N26, 000.
Yar’Adua also ordered another review of the pay expected to take effect from January 2009, but he didn’t live to see it done.
Presently, a police constable with barracks accommodation earns N26, 000 as monthly salary; a Corporal takes home N26, 000; a Sergeant gets N30, 000, Inspector (N35, 000), Assistant Superintendent of Police (N40,000) and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (N50,000).
A Superintendent of Police with barrack accommodation is paid N71, 000; those living outside the barracks receive N90, 000 and the salary of a Chief Superintendent of Police is about N100, 000.
For policemen without barrack accommodation, a Constable earns about N40, 000, Corporal – N50, 000, Sergeant – N55, 000, Inspector – N73, 000, Assistant Superintendent of Police – N125, 000, Deputy Superintendent of Police – N135, 000, Superintendent of Police – N140, 000, and Chief Superintendent of Police – N150, 000.
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Beijing police Thursday briefly detained two students who were part of a group protesting alleged worker exploitation outside an Apple store, according to one of the demonstrators.

The group was protesting in response to allegations made last month that one of the US company’s suppliers was exploiting student workers in southwest China.

The two held were from Renmin University and Peking University — two schools that have seen a surge of student-led labour activism this year.

One of the other protesters, a 21-year-old from Renmin University, told AFP that a group of police ordered the students to show their IDs shortly after they finished taking photos in front of the Apple store.

A total of 10 students participated in the protest.

“They said we were disrupting the order, disrupting law and order, and asked to check our IDs,” said the student, who requested anonymity.

After the protesters initially refused to show their identification cards, the police took the two away, she said.

They were later released at about 8:00pm (1200 GMT) after police questioned them about the protest, the source said. Teachers from their respective universities then escorted them back to school.

Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

According to photos shared on Twitter by eyewitness Zhifan Liu, a French freelance journalist based in Beijing, the students were holding signs denouncing “illegal” student employment at an Apple factory and in support of workers being allowed to form unions.

The students had planned to take photos and shoot a video to raise awareness around the alleged exploitation of student workers at an Apple Watch factory in Chongqing municipality.

According to a report published last month by Hong Kong-based labour rights group Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM), students from a vocational school had to work punishing hours at the factory, assembling Apple Watches — under the guise of “internships” — or else their degrees would be withheld.

The Chongqing factory is operated by Quanta Computer, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, and also produces devices for other brands. Apple has said it is investigating the allegations.

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment on Thursday’s protest.

Student activists from top Chinese schools are rallying behind labour rights and unions despite crackdowns by universities and the police this year.

Many belong to Marxist societies or student groups — some of which have struggled to register officially with their schools as universities try to rein in labour activism.

In August, a police raid swept up student activists in Guangdong province, according to the official website of the Jasic Workers Solidarity group.

The students were there to support workers from Jasic Technology, a welding machinery company, who were trying to form their own union.

According to the Jasic Workers Solidarity group, which the student activists were members of, the police beat students and confiscated their phones during the raid.

Yue Xin, a Peking University student who co-authored a petition demanding details of a sexual abuse case at the school, was detained during the August police sweep and has not been heard from since.

AFP
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Around 20 prisoners and two guards were killed in clashes at a maximum security prison in Tajikistan’s northern city of Khujand, two security sources told AFP on Thursday.

The prison in Tajikistan’s second-largest city is home to prisoners serving long sentences for serious crimes including extremism and murder.

One of the sources said that “around 20 prisoners” died in clashes that also claimed the lives of two guards. The second source confirmed the number of victims and said a further six guards had been injured.

The ex-Soviet country’s government has yet to confirm the prison riot or the deaths.

“A riot involving dozens of prisoners occurred Wednesday night and continued into Thursday,” one of the security sources told AFP, requesting anonymity.

Another source said the riot had begun when prisoners seized “cutting objects” from a workshop in the prison.

The prison in Khujand, located some 300 kilometres (186 miles) to the north of the capital Dushanbe, has seen prison breaks in the past.

In 2016, a guard and a prisoner were killed after three inmates initiated a jailbreak.

At the time the interior ministry said the prisoners had “planned to join the ranks of ISIS.”

AFP
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A 29-year-old man, Zakariya Shehu, charged with “unnatural offence’’ was on Thursday, remanded in police custody on the orders of a Tunfure Chief Magistrates’ Court in Gombe.
The accused had pleaded guilty to a charge of defiling a 12-year-old boy brought against him.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Japhet Maida, remanded the accused in police custody for further investigation on the matter.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kabiru Shuaibu, had told the court that the accused of Jekadafari Quarters, Gombe, sometime in September, lured the boy (name withheld) to a store at Tashan Dukku and had carnal knowledge of him.
He told the court that investigation into the matter was ongoing and applied for adjournment to enable the police complete investigation.
Shuaibu said the offence contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code Law.
The case was adjourned until Nov. 12 for further hearing.
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Latest Reality Blog is a legal blog where you are updated on online latest news, gist, entertainment, events, motivational text, and genue articles.

US fire department officials reported multiple injuries in a shooting at a bar and dance hall in southern California late Wednesday.

The incident was reported at the Borderline Bar and Grill in the town of Thousand Oaks, a quiet, upscale residential suburb of Los Angeles, as it hosted an event for college students.

“Firefighters and first responders are arriving on the scene of a report of a shooting at an establishment in @CityofTO. PD is working to secure the scene. Multiple injuries reported,” the Ventura County Fire Department tweeted.

The Los Angeles Times quoted a law enforcement official as saying at least 30 shots had been fired and that there were casualties.

An unnamed witness told the newspaper that someone ran into the bar around 11:30 pm and started shooting what looked to be a black pistol.

“He shot a lot, at least 30 times. I could still hear gunshots after everyone left,” the Times quoted the man as saying.

AFP

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Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has exploded over the proposed N30,000 national minimum wage, warning that 95 per cent of the states would not be able to pay.
The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum declared that 95 per cent of states cannot pay except there was a review of the allocation formula.
Umahi who  said he could not preside over a state that uses all monies to pay salaries, made the position of the governors known when he inaugurated a 36-member fact-finding committee to ascertain the mode of workers’ promotion arrears payment in states.
The payment of the N30, 000 could only be realised if the federation account allocation formula was reviewed to offer more earnings to states.
“The federal government collects 52 per cent of the revenue from the federation account and when I tried to put the N30,000 figure to Local Government Areas (LGA) it means they will borrow N1billion to add to their allocation, in paying salaries.
“I will definitely not be a governor to govern such a state and will never preside over a state that will allocate 100 per cent of its earnings to pay salaries,” he said.
“There is no governor or political office holder that signs cheques but civil servants as the country’s leaders and labour are just putting water inside a basket and praying God to hold it with this minimum wage issue,” he said.
He urged the country’s leaders and labour to liaise and decide on the percentage of the federation account that should be voted for salaries and other sectors.
“We should determine how much should be allocated to education, health, infrastructure among others if 100 per cent of earnings are used to pay workers’ salaries.
“Many states are experiencing various problems and cannot pay salaries but the people condemn their governments over their inability to provide good roads and other amenities.
“People don’t understand the problems being experienced by these states and the governors have kept quiet for long and need to speak presently,” he said.
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