News
Salary Arrears demand: Consortium of lawyers issues warning against harassment of Legislative Aides
A Consortium of lawyers operating under the Lawyers of Conscience Forum have forewarned against intimidation or attempt to harass any member of the Affected Salary Arrears Legislative Aides as they continue to push for their payment.
In a statement which was signed by the Forum’s Attorney-General, Barrister Joshua Okahand sent to CAPITAL POST in Abuja on Monday, said the Forum’s attention has been drawn to the probability of harassment and intimidation of some legislative aides championing agitation for payment of two years salary Arrears.
The lawyers drew attention of the authority concerned to the provisions of the relevant laws that supported actions of citizens ton demand for their rights, adding that there was breach of their fundamental human rights from any quarters, the Forum would take legal action.
Part of the statement read: “Our attention have been drawn to high level attempts to intimidate, harass and or arrest Legislative Aides of the National Assembly on the legitimate pursuit of payment of salary arrears which has become due and payable since June, 2019.
“We strongly view this as a breach of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights; The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other instruments (including protocols) in the United Nations human rights system.
“We call on all those plotting these despicable acts and their collaborators to desist forthwith as we have put in place appropriate mechanism and a consortium of sound legal minds to approach the Federal High Court of Nigeria and offer pro bono legal services to enforce the fundamental rights of the affected legislative Aides with reliefs for substantial cost against such persons or institutions once it becomes apparent that the legislative Aides’ rights “…has been, is being, or is likely to be infringed…”
CAPITAL POST on Sunday reported the preparedness of the Affected Salary Arrears Legislative to embark on protest over the National Assembly CNA’s refusal to offset salary arrears despite the statutory releases to that effect.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
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