NLC Set To Shut Down Economic Activities In Imo Over “Unfair Labour Treatment”

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared industrial action against Imo State Government, starting from Wednesday, November 1, 2023, over the alleged non-payment of salaries and other unfair labour treatment against workers in the state.

The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, hinted this to journalists on Sunday in Abuja. He said that the Congress has already commenced mass mobilisation of its members across affiliate unions for the showdown in Owerri.

He added that Labour is deeply concerned about the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in the state by the Imo state government.

He lamented that despite repeated efforts to engage in constructive dialogue and reach amicable agreements, the Imo State Government has become a habitual and serial breaker of these agreements.

Ajaero further said that Imo State government having continued to trample on the rights of workers in the state, left them with no choice but to embark on mass protests and industrial actions beginning on the 1st day of November, 2023 to “demonstrate our outrage and stop the continuing violation of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.”

He accused the state government of relying on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions and their leadership to continue on this line of action.

“It has allowed itself to be misled in its belief that the continued use of threats and intimidations would perpetually dissuade Nigerian workers from taking their destinies in their own hands. It is on this note that we want to warn the government of Imo state that we would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of these lawful protests.

“All the threats we have received of violence against our persons are noted but we will not be deterred. On the 1st day of November, we begin this march to save workers of Imo state from the grievous harm the government has subjected them to these past years,” Ajaero warned.

The NLC leadership outlined some of the alleged infractions committed by the Imo State government to include refusal to implement previous agreements.

He also accused the government of repeatedly reneging on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9th, 2021, between the government and organised pabour.

Citing a backlog of outstanding salary arrears, Ajaero said some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’.

Lamenting the situation, the NLC said under the guise of ghost workers, approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties.

He also accused the state government of vandalisation of NLC State Secretariat, describing it as a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative.

“The Government has failed to address the 8-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees, showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.

“The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage, a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.

“The Government’s witch hunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.

“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers. The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.

“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labeled as ghosts resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives.The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.

“Nigeria Labour Congress calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State in the face of these egregious violations.

“We implore the Imo State Government to honor its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change. We are ready for industrial peace in the state but the choice is entirely in the hands of the Government of Imo state,” Ajaero stated.

“APC, PDP Members Not Qualified To Be Appointed INEC RECs” – Falana

 Controversial Nigerian Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has kicked against the nomination of  four persons as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

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Information gathered showed that the RECs was nominated last week by President Bola Tinubu.

Falana noted that the constitution fumed against person, or persons who are card carrying members of either the ruling party or any political party.

In a statement on Sunday, the legal practitioner cited some sections of the constitution to back up his claims.

He said: “By the combined effect of section 154(1) of the Constitution and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, there shall be for each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Resident Electoral Commissioner who shall –be appointed by the President and shall not less than forty years of age.

“In addition, the person shall be of unquestionable integrity and non-partisan. Thus, in order to guarantee the credibility of elections, persons who are loyal to any of the registered  political parties shall not be appointed as INEC Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners.

“However, we have confirmed that 4 out of 10 persons nominated as Resident Electoral Commissioners last week by President Bola Tinubu are Constitutionally disabled. Specifically 4 of them are members and close allies of the All Progressive Congress while another member has just relinquished the post of a Special Adviser to a former Governor elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

“The conduct of the 2027 General Elections must be transparent in every material particular. Therefore, the nation cannot afford to have the Independent National Electoral Commission constituted by card carrying members and loyalists of the ruling party and its collaborators. To that extent, the appointment of the 4 nominees will be challenged at the Federal High Court if the Senate decides to confirm them in defiance of extant constitutional provisions.”

Fire Breaks Out At Rivers State House Of Assembly Amid Impeachment Against Governor

 Barely few hours after the rumour spreading viral concerning the alleged impeachment of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, a fire has broken out at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

Information gathered by journalist reports that the fire started at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

It was gathered that some suspected arsonists threw an explosive into the complex around 9:25pm, causing a fire in the building.

It was reported that some properties inside the chamber were also destroyed beyond repair.

Confirming the incident, a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity to Punch, claimed that it was politically motivated.

He said: “Yes it is true. The fire occurred around 9:30 p.m. or so. But as we speak, it (the fire) has been put out by firefighters who arrived at the scene just in time. I think it has to do with politics.”

Punch revealed that arrangements have been concluded by some lawmakers in the state legislature to first impeach the House leader, Eddison Ehie, to pave the way for Fubara’s removal. The House leader is said to have been blocking moves aimed at removing Fubara.

It was gathered that the Assembly had been taken over by the police and other security operatives, as about 17 security trucks and one Armoured Personnel Carrier were stationed at the entrance and surroundings.

Two Minors Apprehended For Setting Their School On Fire In Ogun

 Two pupils identified as Wahis Musa, aged 6, and Malik Iliasu aged 9, have been apprehended by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly setting their school on fire.

The incident reportedly occurred in Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said the kids have been arrested by the Ojodu-Abiodun Divisional Police Officer of the Ogun State Police Command.

They were apprehended for malicious damage and arson, Odutola said on Monday.

“Two pupils of Community Primary School, Isheri Olofin, one Wahis Musa, aged 6 years, and Malik Iliasu, aged 9 years, both residents of the Isheri Olofin community, have been apprehended for setting fire to their school and properties of the school on October 29, 2023,” Odutola stated.

According to her, a chief in the community had reported the incident at the police station, saying Musa and Iliasu gained access to one of the unlocked classrooms at the school; they gathered books left behind by the teachers and pupils and allegedly set them on fire.

The anti-crime team and police detectives had visited the scene “and brought the alleged children to the police station for interrogation.”

Odutola said investigations are ongoing and police are making inquiries on how to contact parents “as this is a very serious crime for these children to get themselves involved with.”

She assured that the police will unravel everything behind the incident and update the public if there are other people who may have instigated the youngsters.

BBNaija All Stars: Why I Maltreated Ilebaye – Doyin

Big Brother Naija Reality star, Doyin David, has spoken up regarding her sweet and bitter treatment towards her friend Ilebaye in the All-Stars season.

In a comment via the Snapchat platform, a fan confronted the reality star for doing too much on the show and how she threw Ilebaye under the bus every time they were not on good terms.

In her defence, Doyin stated that she lashed at her friend on the show many times because Ilebaye enjoyed associating with the people she was saving her from.

She added that at some point, she also needed a friend to keep her in check as she’s just an ordinary human being

She noted: “I agree with you that I said certain things when we weren’t speaking and I take accountability for my actions….it was wrong but you people fail to understand that I’m a human being, I was hurt and I was lashing out. D good friend also needed a friend.”

My Ex-Wife Not A Mistake In My Life — Actor Ninalowo

Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo has stated that his ex-wife, Bunmi, was not a mistake in his life, adding that her presence in it was divine in an interview on TVC’s Your View, on Friday.

According to Ninalowo, he is a unique being who walks with God’s grace and thus attracts divine beings.

‘I’m a very special person,” Ninalowo began.

He continued, “I’m anointed. I’m graceful and very spiritual.

“My ex-wife was not a mistake in my life; it was divine, and the next woman I will meet will also be divine. You can not have a destination without a journey.

“I’m not interested in a million women. When I see the woman, I will know.”

Ninalowo and Bunmi were married for 17 years before going their separate ways. They have two children.

Recall that the actor in the interview with a media personality, Chude Jideonwo, had earlier said  that there was a time he was cheating and breaking his wife’s heart because he was feeling young.

The actor disclosed that he was unavailable to his family and was busy pursuing his dreams.

He said: “The years when I was feeling too young and cheating all day, breaking her heart and everything to the years when I wasn’t there and pursuing my dreams.

“But I forgot this was a human being that was taking records and taking experiences of her life as well. So, I became somebody that she didn’t recognise anymore.

“At some point, I couldn’t call her to pick up my call. The woman I had control over, I had no more control because she outgrew me.”

BBNaija All Stars: “I’m Not Friends With Mercy Eke” – Venita Reveals

 

Former Big Brother Naija All Stars contestant, Venita Akpofure has cleared the air on her relationship with fellow housemate, Mercy Eke.

Venita, during her recent interview with media personality, Toke Makinwa, said she and Mercy are not friends.

Recall that the duo were very close during their stay in the Big Brother Naija house in the season 8 edition.

Speaking of their relationship, Venita said “I was not friends with Mercy before the show. I do see her like once or twice a year at shows or parties because we are not in each other’s circle.

“I was surprised at the narrative from fans that i betrayed my friend, Mercy Eke.

“I don’t wish her any ill, my hands are completely clear, my conscience is clear,” Venita

“My Brother Detained To Appease Internet Mob” – Naira Marley’s Sister Speaks

Shubomi Fashola, the sister of Nigerian rapper Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has lamented the continuous detention of the Marlian Music boss.

Recall that a magistrate court in Yaba, Lagos State, on October 4, 2023, remanded Naira Marley and popular socialite Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, over allegations of bullying the late former Marlian Music signee Mohbad.

Although the Lagos State Police Command had sought a 30-day remand for Naira Marley and the others to complete their ongoing investigation, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled that a 21-day remand would suffice.

Lamenting the continuous detention of the Marlian Music boss, his sister, Shubomi, said keeping him in “detention for nearly 30 days, with no charge, no evidence, no sufficient witness, is a violation of his human rights.”

She claimed that her brother was being detained to “appease” a social media mob.

On her Instagram story, she wrote: “Keeping someone who willingly travelled back to help in detention for nearly 30 days with no charge, no evidence, no sufficient witness is a violation of his human rights. Keeping him in custody to appease social media and the internet mob is crazy.

“If you have evidence against him for anything he’s been accused of, charge him! But if you don’t, release him. It shouldn’t take this long for the investigation to be done.

“We all want the truth! We all want justice. What is the delay? We’ve already lost one person; trying to lynch another is not going to bring about justice. I pray nobody experiences being accused of an atrocity you have no hand in. God is in control!”

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Tough, Painful But Necessary For Building Nigeria – FG

 The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to be patient amid economic crisis facing the country, due to subsidy removal and other government policies.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday on the backdrop of the Supreme Court judgement, Idris noted that the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might be tough and painful in the short term, but are necessary foundations for the growth and prosperity that the people deserve.

The minister added that the removal of petrol subsidies, made by the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, was freeing up significant resources for federal and state governments to invest in infrastructure and welfare programmes for the benefit of citizens.

He said the President made it clear that he was for all Nigerians regardless of regional, ethnic, partisan, or religious affiliations.

“No serious government seeks to inflict burdens on its people. We are very clear in explaining that these pains being felt are a short-term sacrifice to make for the kind of country that we want and that we deserve,” he said.

“Since he assumed office, the President has signed no fewer than five Executive Orders, aimed at improving Nigeria’s business and fiscal environment, and increasing foreign exchange supply.

“There was establishment of a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee to reform the tax system while also reducing tax burden on Nigerians. The committee has this week presented its first set of reform proposals to the President, and Nigerians can rest assured that they will be implemented. I must emphasize that one of the primary mandates of the committee is to reduce the tax burdens and complications faced by Nigerians.

“We are finalizing the process for payment of a Cash Transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million of the poorest and most vulnerable households in Nigeria, for three months,” he said.

“At the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, Council approved a number of financing packages that will see several states receiving significant support to deliver on various programmes, including access to education for adolescent girls.

“Work is currently at an advanced stage on the 2024 Federal Budget. Last week we approved the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Sustainability Paper (FSP) that underpin the budget.

“Nigerians should rest assured that this, the first Appropriation Act of the Tinubu Administration, will be one that is wholly focused on the economic welfare and prosperity of all,” he said.

I Don’t Owe Anyone Explanation For Visiting Tinubu – PDP Gov, Diri

 

Governor Diri Duoye (Bayelsa State Governor)

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has stated that he owes nobody any explanation for visiting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after the Supreme Court’s ruling on the presidential election.

According to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor, the opposition is jittery and telling lies over his visit to Tinubu shortly after the Supreme Court declared him winner of the election.

Information Nigeria reports that a video had emerged of Diri congratulating Tinubu after the apex Court affirmed his presidential election on Thursday.

However, speaking at Igbedi community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the State, during the visit of the PDP’s governorship campaign trail on Friday, Diri said there was nothing unusual about his visit to Tinubu.

He explained that he was at the presidential villa to discuss serious state matters with the president, whom he said attended to the issues positively.

“Thursday, I was in Abuja and most of you saw the video trending. The opposition is now jittery and are telling lies. Of course, that is in their character.

“As a sitting governor, there is a sitting president and I do not owe them any explanation about my visit to the president.

“If the Supreme Court affirms the president of the country, as a sitting governor, I reserve all the rights to visit him. But beyond that, I went for very serious state business and I can tell you that Mr President attended to all the issues I raised,” he said,

Court Judgement On IPOB Proscription Will Liberate Nigerians From Govt. Discrimination – Ejimakor

Special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, says the ruling of Enugu State High Court that IPOB is not a terrorist organization will vindicate thousands of lives and also liberate Nigerians from government excesses.

While speaking with journalists, Ejimakor said the judgement has shown that IPOB is not doing anything wrong.

“There many youths being persecuted on the ground of being members of IPOB. With this judgment, IPOB, founded for self-determination, is not doing anything wrong.

“Members are not committing any wrong, and therefore, you cannot grant arrest, detention and prosecution of any IPOB member, including Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on the basis of self-determination.

“The South East governors fired the first salvo in September 2017, followed by an executive decision by the federal government to proscribe IPOB, and then the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist organization.

“Such actions are prohibited expressly under Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution. It is a fundamental right of every Nigerian not to be discriminated against in the exercise of government decisions, policies and actions.

“Many Nigerians are not aware of it. We are vigilant to that. We noted that the action of South East governors was an executive action, which was followed three days later by the federal government raising a memo through the Attorney General of the Federation to the President, approving the proscription of IPOB and the declaration of the group as a terrorist organization.

“All of these combined constitute the executive actions and decisions which Section 2 of the constitution prohibits. It is a fundamental right, meaning you cannot violate it, and get away with it.

“Our case in chief is that there are other ethnic organizations across Nigeria that pursue one interest or the other. Nigerians know them. There is a proliferation of ethnic organizations, with some of them being evidently violent.

“The FG never took any step to proscribe anyone of them or declare any of them a terrorist group. It took this proactive step, supported by Southeast governors in targeting IPOB in particular.”

According to him, the legal team which he led took the matter to court to interrogate the actions of South East Governors is in line with the provisions of the constitution.

Recall that the Enugu High Court on Thursday asked the Federal Government and South-East Governors to pay the sum of N8,000,000,000.00 (Eight Billion Naira) to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The court also mandated the respondents to apologise to Kanu for the infringement of his fundamental rights.