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NLC Prepares for Protest Against Alleged Intimidation of President Ajaero by Police

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Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for mass protests and industrial action in response to what it describes as the harassment and intimidation of its president, Joe Ajaero.

This decision follows a summons by the Nigeria Police, accusing Ajaero of involvement in criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, the NLC expressed outrage at the police’s actions and warned that if any harm befalls Ajaero or any other leader of the labour movement, the organization would mobilize its members for nationwide protests.

The congress also hinted at industrial action in defense of its leadership, which it views as being under attack.

“The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement,” read the communique signed by Sani Minjibir, Deputy President of the NLC.

“If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the state, we will not stand idle.”

The NLC further called upon civil society groups and the general public to stand in solidarity with the labour movement, describing the situation as a fight against “injustice and oppression.”

The congress urged Nigerians to defend the country’s democratic values and support their cause in what they see as a critical moment for the future of the labour movement in Nigeria.

The controversy began earlier this week when the police issued an invitation to Ajaero, asking him to report to their Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024.

The police warned that a warrant for his arrest would be issued if he failed to comply. According to the invitation, Ajaero is being investigated for a range of serious charges, including terrorism financing and cybercrime.

However, Ajaero’s legal counsel, led by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, responded to the police on Tuesday, citing the short notice of the invitation as the reason Ajaero could not attend on the scheduled date.

The letter stated that Ajaero had prior engagements and requested an extension to Wednesday, August 29th, 2024. Falana also demanded detailed information regarding the allegations against Ajaero.

In its communique, the NLC condemned the invitation as a form of “witch-hunting, intimidation, and harassment,” insisting that the charges against Ajaero were politically motivated and intended to weaken the labour movement.

The NLC described the police’s actions as a blatant attempt to silence the leadership of the workers’ movement, warning the government to desist from further antagonizing its leaders.

“We view this as a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilize the labour movement, which has always stood as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses,” the statement continued. “We remain resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people. We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us.”

In anticipation of further escalation, the NLC directed its affiliate unions and state councils to begin mobilizing members across the country, stating that it is prepared to take any measures necessary to protect its leadership and the integrity of the labour movement.

The NLC warned the government that any attempt to undermine their rights or freedoms would be met with fierce resistance, including potential strikes and mass actions across Nigeria.

As the deadline for Ajaero’s appearance before the police approaches, tensions between the government and the labour union continue to rise.

The outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications, not only for the leadership of the NLC but also for the broader landscape of Nigeria’s labour and civil rights movements.

The NLC has vowed to stand firm, declaring that it will continue to fight for justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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Atiku Blasts Tinubu, Says President’s Haphazard Approach to Fuel Subsidy Caused Current Economic Crisis

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atiku-abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the fuel subsidy crisis, referring to him as “TPain.”

Atiku attributed the current economic challenges facing Nigeria to what he described as the “haphazard and disingenuous approach” of the Tinubu administration to fuel subsidy management.

In his statement posted on X on Thursday, Atiku bemoaned the escalating inflation rate, stating that it is severely impacting the lives of Nigerians.

He lamented that despite the growing hardships, Tinubu appears unfazed by the plight of the citizens.

According to him, the haphazard and disingenuous approach of the current administration to fuel subsidy management has been the reason the nation is witnessing current economic crisis.

He said as things stand, there will be no let up in the escalating inflation rate, which is drowning the material well-being of Nigerian populace.

The former VP said it is even more worrying that Tinubu, whom he referred as “T-pain”, is undisturbed by the hardship in the country.

The nickname ‘TPain’ for Tinubu emerged as a play on the first letter of his name and the name of American rapper and producer T-Pain, sparked by frustrations over the rising cost of living under his administration.

The earliest mention of the term on social media dates back to April 2024.

However, it gained significant traction around September 16, after a user on X used it while discussing the President’s visit to Maiduguri to console flood victims.

The term has gained traction on platforms like X and Instagram.

 

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LG Autonomy: Senators Disagree as Governors Allegedly Mandate Chairmen to Move Allocations Into State Accounts

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Senate President Akpabio

Some members of the Nigerian Senate have expressed displeasure over alleged moves by state governors to thwart the feasibility for the implementation of the Financial Autonomy granted to the 774 Local Government Councils across the country by the Supreme Court in August this year.

There was hot debate amid confusion on Wednesday in the Senate soon after the sixth item which has to do with Petitions was handled when Senator Tony Nwoye from Labour Party in Anambra North came up with a Point of Order which was sustained by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Nwoye who came through orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, moved a motion on alleged moves by some state governments to circumvent the implementation of the judgement on LG Autonomy through counter laws from their respective State House of Assembly.

As he was still speaking to his colleagues at the hallowed Chamber, Nwoye ran into confusion over the matter, just as he told the Senate that nine other Senators had co-sponsored the motion.

He specifically alleged that some State Governors are already using their House of Assembly to enact laws that would mandate respective local government councils in their states to remit monies into State/Local Government Joint Accounts ruled against by the Supreme Court.

Immediately he rounded off his presentation containing six prayers for enforcement of the judgement and seconded by Senator Osita Izunaso, APC Imo West Senator Adamu Aliero, PDP Kebbi Central raised a constitutional point of order for stoppage of debate on the motion.

Adamu Aliero who cited section 287 of the 1999 Constitution that makes Supreme Court Judgement enforceable across the country, urged the Senate not to overflog the issue.

Aliero said the Supreme court judgement is enforceable across the country, adding that there is no need for the parliament to be debating anything that has to do with it.

Agreeing with Senator Aliero, Akpabio raised another constitutional issue as he called on the attention of Senators to section 162 sub-section 6 of the 1999 constitution.

The section according to Akpabio, created the State/Local Government Joint Account, which has to be amended in paving the way for full implementation of the Supreme Court Judgement.

Akpabio said what the Senate needs to do is to carry out required amendments of certain provisions of the constitution as far as local governments autonomy is concerned so as to ensure that local councils have their separate accounts.

But before taking a final decision on the motion, the sponsor, Senator Nwoye hurriedly raised order 42 of the Senate Standing rules for personal explanation on the motion the same time, Senator Abdulrahman Summaila Kawu, (NNPP Kano South) raised a similar point of order.

The simultaneous points of Order brought confusion into the session with many senators rushing to the Senate President for a personal consultation, which eventually, made the Senate go to an emergency closed-door session at exactly 12: 46. pm.

Recall that the Supreme Court had in early August this year, barred the 36 governors of the federation from further retaining or utilizing funds that are meant for the 774 Local Government Areas, LGAs, in the country.

The apex court ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGAs in their states.

The Supreme Court had maintained that the “dubious practice” which has gone on for over two decades, was a clear violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that no House of Assembly of any state has the power to make laws that could, in any manner, interfere with monies meant for the LGAs.

Stressing that the law mandated that LGAs must be governed by democratically elected officials, the Supreme Court ordered that forthwith, funds meant for the LGAs must be directly paid to them from the federation account.

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I Knelt Down, Begged Wike for Peace to Reign in Rivers – Fubara Reveals Amid Tension 

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Siminalayi Fubara

Amid the growing political tension and upheaval in Rivers State, Governor Sim Fubara, has revealed that he has done everything possible for him to prevent the current panicking situation in the state.

According to him, he practically knelt down for his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike and begged him to let go of their feud, but the former governor rebuffed his pleas.

While speaking on a television political programme, Fubara went into memory lane on how he had strived to please the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, saying he (Fubara) kept all understanding with Wike.

The governor said he has been showing understanding in order not to expose the state to violence but added that the minister thwarted his good intentions for the state, hence the violence that has enveloped Rivers.

According to him, “There is nothing I have not done on this earth for peace to reign. I can tell you the number of times I have knelt to beg that let’s allow this issue to go. I have done everything.”

He therefore urged Wike, his predecessor, to allow peace to reign in the state by letting go of Rivers State.

Fubara stated that the current troubling situation in the riverine state has gotten to a point where Wike needs to let go and allow peace in the state.

Investors King had reported that Rivers was thrown into crisis on Monday, a day after the swearing-in of 22 winners of the controversial Saturday local government elections in the state.

The swearing-in of the chairmen from other political parties other than the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, had enraged Wike’s camp as hoodlums began attacking local government council secretariats, burning office equipment, files, chairs and tables, and equipment.

Disturbed by the ugly development, President Bola Tinubu had directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to secure Rivers State’s local government secretariats following the arsons.

Meanwhile, Olabode George, former deputy national chairman of the PDP, urged Wike to allow Fubara to work.

In a statement, George said asked Wike to leave Fubara alone and allow him to fastrack dividends of democracy for his people.

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