Nationwide Strike: River Basins Union gives Water Resources Minister two weeks ultimatum

By Matthew Denis

The Trade Group under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources – All River Basin Development Authority (FMWR/RBDAs) has given the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu two weeks ultimatum to either sack the Managing Director of Lower Niger River Development Authority (LNRBDA) Ilorin, Dr. Saheed Adeniyi Aremu or they will embark on nationwide strike.

This is contained in a Communique at the end of their trade union meeting duly signed by the Forum Chairman, Engr. Mudi Olayinka Raji and the Secretary, Engr. Nwabueze Ibeneme and made available to Newsmen on Friday.

The Communique reads ” The forum is disheartened by the inhuman treatment of staff by the Dr. Aremu. The maltreatment is eclipse by the unwillingness of the Minister to take necessary action over the several misdemeanorous and various acts of corruption allegations against Engr Aremu.

” The forum wishes to notify the Minister that all RBDAs will embark on nationwide protests if Dr. Aremu remains Office beyond 27th of December, 2022

” The forum is concerned about the ongoing trend of gross mismanagement of RBDAs mandate as some RBDAs use of the budget for policy implementation. This has resulted in the Government spending money inefficiently and non-optimally.

The Communique appealed to the ministry to ensure that the RBDAs adhere strictly to the statutory mandate of the Authority by tailoring their budget towards the objective of their establishment especially Federal Government policies in the areas of irrigation Agriculture and foods security.

The forum further stressed that some of their members at the branches level have embraced an inappropriate means of reporting issues to some organs of the Authority thereby bypassing the executives. It thereby seeks that status quo should be maintained by abiding by the rules and regulations in carrying out activities.