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“If People Like Wike Are The Main Characters In Tinubu’s Administration, There Is No Hope For A Better Nigeria” – IYC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The rank of agitators for  the arrest and prosecution of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday, September 9, 2024, further swelled.

The Umbrella body of Ijaws Youths,  the Ijaw Youths Council of Nigeria, has expressed its support for the call  earlier on made by its patriarch, Edwin Clark, for the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbedokun, to arrest and prosecute Wike, over his incendiary and inflammatory statement on the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold in Rivers State.

Penultimate weekend, Wike, the immediate past Governor of the Oil rich State had l,at a rally at the Port-Harcourt State headquarters of the PDP? threatened to make ungovernable, PDP States in the country, which Governors are supportive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts at eroding his political structure in the State.

A few days ago, Chief Clark, a prominent scion of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and elder Statesman, urged the police not to wave  Wike’s threat aside, but to deal with it as a serious threat to national security.

According to the one time Federal Commissioner for Information, Wike’s threat has the potentials of inflaming passion and igniting national crisis.

In a statement issued by Binebia Princewell, the IYC said its open support for the call to arrest and prosecute Wike, stem from the recent attacks launched on  Chief Clark by some unpatriotic and pliable elements over his call for Wike’s arrest.

The IYC insisted that calling for the arrest and prosecution of Wike, remains the only option available to all well meaning Nigerians going by the serious implications of his unguarded and provocative statements.

According to the IYC, Wike’s inciting utterances are tantamount to invitation to chaos and anarchy in a country where tempers are already at a boiling point owing to the biting economic challenges faced by the people.

” lGovernment anywhere in the  world loses legitimacy when it becomes docile on issues that matter concerning its citizens.

“If people like Wike are the main characters in the Tinubu’s Government ,it shows that there is no hope for a better Nigeria.

“It has further put a serious question mark on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria is  already at the crossroads”, the group noted.

Further speaking, the IYC warned that, it will not condone any insult on its National Leader, Pa Clark from any misguided elements, and insisted that the elder statesman has paid his rightful dues in the Nigerian project.

“Those blabbing today won’t be blabbing if the likes of Pa Clark had not paved the way for the things we are enjoying in Nigeria and Niger Delta. People must learn to respect elders .

“Let it be known that Pa, Clark is not alone in calling for the arrest of Wike. The Ijaw Youth Council has thrown its weight behind this call.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria should know that Wike should be held responsible if Nigeria boils in this regard Nigeria belongs to all of us. No one has the monopoly of violence.

“The statement credited to the FCT Minister, Wike, is too weighty for the Inspector General of Police and other Agencies to ignore .

“The level of unbridled impunity and audacity with which Wike speaks, undermining the security of this country, has truly reached a boiling point, “the IYC noted.

It also insisted that the FCT Minister should allow his successor in office, Governor Fubara, to serve the people, without distraction.”

According to it, Wike, should face the stark reality that he is bound to be the ultimate loser in his ill-conceived fight with Governor Fubara.

Edo Guber: PDP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Inclusion Of Names Of Suspected Thugs As Election Officials

By
Ayodele Oni
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Debo Ologunagba

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that some names in the list of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) as officials are thugs reportedly recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) from neighbouring states to disrupt the governorship election later this month.

PDP however sounded a note of warning that  the APC should be ready to face the full impact of the wrath of the people of Edo State if it continues in its violent attacks and harassment of innocent citizens of the State.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba stated that “the PDP already has information of how the APC and its candidate are importing thugs from Imo State, some of who curiously appear in the INEC list to serve as SPOs for the election.

“These APC thugs from Imo State should know that the people of Edo are already aware of their sinister plan and it will be in their interest to steer clear of Edo State.

“The APC must note that nobody has the monopoly of violence and that nobody is above the law.

“APC and its candidate are practically pushing the people of Edo State to the wall; they should know that there is a limit to what a people can stomach in the face of aggression and be ready the face the consequences if they fails to desist from these dastardly acts.

“The people of Edo State have had enough from the APC and will use every legitimate means allowed in a democracy to defend themselves by directly and physically confronting and resisting the APC in its desperate plot to derail the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.

“The PDP as a law-abiding and applying Party that stands for the interest of the people will not fold its hands and watch the APC harass the people of Edo State.”

According to Ologunagba, “This warning is on the backdrop of continuing attacks, harassment and illegal arrest of innocent citizens of Edo State by APC leaders in connivance with certain compromised police operatives, as part of APC’s desperate bid to scare the people from coming out to vote and seize the opportunity to rig the September 21, 2024 Governorship election.

“Since it became clear that the PDP Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo is coasting to a landslide victory with the overwhelming support of over 68% of the expected votes, the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo have been desperate to use violence and harassment to break the Will of the people of Edo State.

“The PDP again calls on the Inspector General of Police to wade in and halt the activities of the APC which is now pitching the people of Edo State against the Police.

“The IGP should ensure the immediate and unconditional release of every Edo citizen being detained by the APC.

“The IGP owes a duty to the people of Edo State and the Nation, in the perseveration of peace and sustenance of democracy, to address this issue before it escalates.

“This is the only way to douse the tension in Edo State and reassure the people of a free, fair, transparent and credible election.”

Appointment Of Interim LP  National Leadership: “We Have Been Betrayed” – Abure

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Julius Abure

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The ousted Barrister Julius Abure Labour Party-led  National Working Committee, NWC, on Monday September, 9, 2024, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to halt forthwith, its subtle and overt support for Governor Alex Otti’s efforts at undermining the party.

This is even as it announced the withdrawal of the offer of “Choice of First Refusal ” earlier extended to Peter Obi and Governor Otti at  the controversial Nnewi Convention earlier in the year.

The Source reports that the Abure-led LP leadership had, during the Convention, ruled to reserve its 2027 Presidential candidate slot for Obi and the Abia State  Gubernatorial slot for Dr Otti, both of whom along side other major stakeholders shunned the Nnewi Convention.

Rising from its emergency meeting on Monday, the first and direct consequence of its ouster in Umuahia on Wednesday September 4, the Abure-NWC described the Governor Otti-led efforts as illegal,null and void.

In a Communique read by its Deputy National Secretary, Innocent Okeke, the Abure-led NWC urged the  Professor Mahmoud Yakubu led INEC to stop “aiding and abetting Governor Otti,against the party”.

The Source further reports that at the extended Umuahia  National Executive Council/Stakeholders meeting which also featured Obi and his running mate, Datti Ahmed, and members of the LP National Assembly caucus, Former Finance Minister, Nenadi Usman, from Kaduna State was appointed at the  head of a-29 man Interim Committee to midwife an all- inclusive National Convention for the party within the next three months.

The Monday Communique blamed the  Electoral body for the events that culminated in the convocation of the Umuahia meeting and the  subsequent outer of the Abure NWC.

The Abure-led team insisted that Governor Otti’s position on the tenure of its NWC was predicated on the INEC Chairman’s insistence that it has fully served its mandated period.

The Communique stated that a disciplinary committee has been set up to further consider cases of anti-party activities, just as a reconciliatory body has been established to woo back aggrieved members .

Further addressing the media at the party’s National Secretariat, embattled Abure reaffirmed the constitutionality of the  Nnewi Convention, as well as its out come.

He insisted that he remains the authentic leader of the party, regardless of efforts to undermine both his leadership and the party.

He vowed to remain steadfast and committed to the task of moving the party to greater heights.

“I stand before you today with a heavy heart, but with an unshakable resolve to defend the party. I stand not just as your National Chairman, but as a guardian of the principles that hold our great party together- Principles of unity, justice and integrity.

“We are at a critical moment in the life of our party. Recent events have shown that those who should stand with us in the fight for a better, restructured, organized and united party,have chosen a different path.

“A path not of unity, but of division I speak ,of course, on the illegal gathering that took place in Abia State, an attempt to create a rift within our party, led by none other than their  Excellencies, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.

“This meeting held without the authority and/or consent of the National Executive Council, sought to install a so-called new leadership l.

“Let me be clear: this action was not just illegal, it was a betrayal of everything the Labour Party stands for. A reward for loyalty with ingratitude ,a reward for support with insubordination.

“The Labour party has always been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, the marginalized, and the voiceless in Nigeria. Our mandate is to unite this country, not divide it.

“Yet, here we are, faced with a situation where individuals who have benefited from the trust and support of this great party now work to destabilize it from within. This is why I say the beautiful ones are not yet born in Nigeria.

“For those who have chosen to align themselves with this illegal action, I urge them to reconsider. The action of creating division is not just a political manoeuvering, it is a dangerous game – a game that if allowed to continue, will dig a hole too deep for us to climb out from, for, division within the Labour Party is a division within Nigeria”, Abure stated.

SERAP Urges President Tinubu To Call DSS To Order Over Attack On Rights Group

By
Ayodele Oni
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DSS-Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

Following series of attacks on its organization, Rights Group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to, with immediate effect, order the Department of State Services, DSS, to end the intimidation and harassment and attack against it and withdraw the threat of arrest against its Directors.

The DSS on Wednesday, invaded SERAP’s Abuja office.

SERAP said: “A tall, large, dark-skinned woman entered our office, accompanied by a slim, dark-skinned man and other officers. They were sighted in two unmarked vehicles stationed outside its office.

SERAP said the officers interrogated its officials and requested to see the Organization’s Directors.

The invasion of SERAP’s office, it posited, followed its call on Mr Tinubu and his Government to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse “the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of petrol and to ensure the prompt and thorough investigation of alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC.”

In a statement Monday by SERAP’s deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We condemn the invasion of our Abuja office today by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS). The Tinubu administration must immediately direct the DSS to end the intimidation and harassment of SERAP and our staff members.”

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said: “We condemn the invasion of SERAP’s office. The Tinubu Government must urgently fish out the officers who carried out the invasion of SERAP’s office in the name of the Government. Anyone found to be responsible for the invasion must be prosecuted. The Government must allow Human Rights defenders to freely carry out their work, consistent with the Nigerian Constitution.”

SERAP’s statement, reads in part: “The invasion of SERAP’s office by the DSS and the harassment and intimidation of our staff members is a brutal assault on the entire human rights community in the country.

“The escalating crackdown on human rights, and harassment and intimidation of NGOs and human rights defenders that have shown astonishing courage in their human rights work hurt those most in need, undermine access of Nigerian victims of human rights violations and abuses to justice, and contribute to a culture of impunity of perpetrators.

“This Government has an obligation to support and protect civil society groups and human rights defenders. We are seriously concerned about the growing restrictions on civic space and the brutal crackdown on the human rights of Nigerians.

“President Tinubu must urgently instruct appropriate authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate the invasion of our offices and to bring to justice those involved.

“Nigerian authorities must allow SERAP to freely carry out our mandates as recognized under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

“Nigerian authorities must end the harassment and intimidation attacks against SERAP and ensure the safety and security of our staff.

“If the Tinubu Government does not take all necessary measures to immediately end the intimidation and harassment of SERAP or any other civil society group for that matter, SERAP will to take appropriate legal action nationally and internationally to challenge the brutal crackdown and hold the authorities to account for their constitutional and international human rights obligations.

“SERAP will continue to work to challenge any attempt to restrict, silence or eliminate the voices of credible civil society in the country. We urge the presidency to speak out strongly against intimidation and harassment of SERAP and our staff.

“Under the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and international human rights law, everyone whose rights are violated is entitled to a right to an effective remedy. Exposing human rights violations and seeking redress for them is largely dependent on the degree of security enjoyed by civil society groups and human rights defenders.

“While some may not like to hear some of the things SERAP has said, this in no way justifies the invasion of our office and harassment and intimidation of our staff members. The authorities should show commitment to protecting the right to freedom of expression and guarantee conditions for civil society to flourish.”

Osun Monarch, Four Others Docked Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni

Some casualties of war against illegal mining activities are being made to face the law as  a traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Olaposi Osunmakinde was on Monday docked at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The monarch, along with four others, were arraigned over alleged illegal gold mining in Lege Community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Oba Osunmakinde who is the Obawore of Ifetuntun in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State was put on trial by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in Abuja alongside four others on two count charges.

Others docked along with the traditional ruler are Sheu Mustapha, Sabiru Hashim, Danbaba Ibrahim and Ade Olap Global Resources Limited.

The AGF accused the five defendants of conspiring with others at large on August 25, 2024, to engage in the illegal mining of gold at the Ogunlepo mining site in Lege community, Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under section 1(8) of the same Act.

The monarch and co-defendants were also alleged to have undertaken gold mining on August 25 without lawful authority contrary to section 1(8) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and punishable under the same Act.

However, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them.

Counsel to the AGF, Toluwalope Alex Ojo, thereafter, asked Justice Emeka Nwite to give the federal government a date to open its case against the accused persons.

Although lawyer Ojo did not object to the bail of the accused persons, he, however, requested the court to compel them to deposit their international passports with the court.

Counsel to the defendants, Vincent Ododo who moved consolidated bail applications for his clients pleaded with Justice Nwite to admit them to bail on various grounds.

Part of the grounds he cited was that the 1st defendant was a well-known traditional ruler and that the charges against them did not carry capital punishment while also assuring that the defendants would not fail to appear in court for trial.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite admitted them to bail in the sum of N20m each with one surety in the like sum.

The Judge ordered that the sureties must be residents in Abuja with ownership of landed properties and must produce a three-year tax clearance certificate.

In addition, Justice Nwite ordered that the defendants must deposit their international passports along with three copies of each of their recent passport photographs with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court.

Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, the Judge ordered that they be taken to Kuje prison on remand.

How Late Governor Akeredolu Bought Tractors, Sold To Farmers In Ondo In Line With FG Policy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The family of late Governor of Ondo state Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reacted to reports that the late Governor sold off some tractors which belongs to the State at give away prices.

A statement in Monday by the late Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olabode, explained that the tractors were sold to farmers in the State in line with the Agricultural Equipment Hiring Entrepreneurship Scheme (AEHES) which was put in place by the President of the Africa Development Bank ( AFDB) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, when he was Minister for Agriculture.

“The facts, are: That in line with the Agricultural Equipment Hiring Entrepreneurship Scheme (AEHES) which was put in place by the President of the Africa Development Bank ( AFDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, when he was Minister for Agriculture, the Ondo State Government, under the late Governor Akeredolu procured some tractors for the use of farmers in the State by selling it to them at subsidized rate and payment spread over a period of time.

“The scheme was designed to turn farm mechanisation into business. It was aimed to develop the farm mechanisation link of the Agricultural value chain.

“The target is for beneficiaries to help others in adjoining farms. Most beneficiaries, after clearing their own farms would hire to adjoining farms. The proceed goes directly to the farmers and the program was a success.

“The scheme was aimed to put an end to the constant breakdown and abandonment of tractors bought by successive governments and put in charge of local government administrators.

“The poor maintainance culture and the nonchalant attitude of the people to government owned properties have accounted for the breakdown and neglect of many tractors in the past.

“In a bid to ensure sustainability and maintenance, the government thought it wise to place ownership in the hands of the farmers. The beneficiaries of these tractors bought the equipment and spread payment over a period of time. Their C of Os were submitted as collateral.

“Mr. Olayato Aribo was not the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources when this scheme was initiated and consummated. These tractors were procured during the first term of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati, who is now the Honorable Member of House of Representatives, representing the good people of Akoko Southwest/ Southeast Federal Constituency was the commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources then.

“He worked round the clock to ensure that the scheme, particularly the procurement of the tractors became a reality.That throughout the scheme, the late Governor didn’t interfere on who the beneficiaries should be except for the case of Chief Olu Falae, who owns Midland Farms.

“The late Governor personally called and said Chief Olu Falae should benefit from the subsidised tractors. All the beneficiaries are farmers in the state. They are traceable and verifiable.

“The first batch of the tractors were purchased from John Deere Tractor. After some beneficiaries paid outrightly, another batch was purchased from Dizengoff Nigeria.

“In view of this, the insinuation that Akeredolu sold off government tractors is wicked and mischievous. It is a deliberate attempt to soil the name of a man whose impeccable service to the state was borne out of passion and courage.

“We, therefore, urge government officials to be accurate in their statements and account of events as they relate to the late Governor Akeredolu administration.”

FG Says VAT On Goods Remains, No Increment

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wale Edun - Minister of Finance

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has clarified that as of today, the Value Added Tax, (VAT) remains 7.5 percent on all the goods and services that are “VAT-able.”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was reacting on Monday, to report that government has increased VAT on goods.

The minister debunked reports doing the rounds that the rate for Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been upwardly adjusted to 10 per cent from 7.5 per cent.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar had on Sunday warned that any attempt to jerk up VAT would spur Nigerians to protest.

The Minister, in a statement signed by him, on Monday affirmed that the VAT rate as contained in relevant tax laws and chargeable on goods and services remains at 7.5 per cent.

“The current VAT rate is 7.5% and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable.

“Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate.

“The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws and tax administration. All three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of the government.

“Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth reduces poverty as well as makes businesses flourish.

“The imputation in some media reports on the issue of VAT and the opinion articles that have sprouted from them seem to wrongly convey the impression that the government is out to make life difficult for Nigerians.

“That is not correct. If anything, the Federal Government has, through its policies, demonstrated that it is committed to creating a congenial environment for businesses to thrive.

“In fact, it is on record that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to bring relief to Nigerians and businesses, recently ordered the stoppage of import duties, tariffs and taxes on rice, wheat, beans and other food items.

“For emphasis, as of today, VAT remains 7.5% and that is what will be charged on all the goods and services that are VAT-able.”

High Cost Of Living: Southern Students Suggest Suspension Of Fees, Online Education

By
Ayodele Oni
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Association of Southern Nigerians Students - ASONIS)

By Ayodele Oni

The Association of Southern Nigerians Students, (ASONIS) has put forward proposals to reduce Students’ plight in the face of current high cost of living occasioned by hike in fuel price.

The students body called on states government and higher institutions in the zone to re-establish  online education as a principal mode of instruction, particularly for non-laboratory-based courses.

This was contained in a statement signed by Taiwo Temitope,

President Elect and Megbowon  Ezekiel, General Secretary Elect.

“This would immediately alleviate the financial strain imposed by transportation costs, while simultaneously leveraging technology to democratize access to education.

“To mitigate the steep rise in commuting costs, ASONIS advocates for the implementation of free or subsidized shuttle services for students.

“State Governments and tertiary institutions must collaborate to introduce a fleet of buses dedicated to transporting students to and from campuses at no or minimal cost.

“This initiative could be underwritten by targeted public-private partnerships (PPPs) and subsidies from Federal fuel tax revenues, pro bono publico.

“In line with the economic principle of lex talionis, wherein extreme financial hardship necessitates temporary relief measures, ASONIS calls for a reduction or temporary suspension of school fees.

“Such a move would offer immediate relief to students and families grappling with the current economic upheaval, especially those who are self-sponsored or depend on loans and grants.

“Drawing inspiration from the commendable efforts in Lagos and Ekiti States, we propose that higher institutions introduce work-from-home policies for non-essential campus staff.

“By reducing the presence of non-teaching personnel on campuses, institutions can curtail operational costs, allowing for budgetary reallocations towards student-focused initiatives.

“ASONIS proposes the establishment of ad hoc financial support programmes aimed at ameliorating the economic hardships faced by students.

“These hardship grants or bursary schemes could be administered by both state governments and individual institutions, ensuring that the most vulnerable students receive timely and targeted assistance.

“The economic ramifications of the PMS price hike are not transient but rather represent a structural shift in the Nigerian economy.

“ASONIS as such believes that a concerted and strategic response is required to safeguard the interests of southern Nigerian students.

“The recommendations outlined herein provide a roadmap for mitigating the deleterious effects of the price hike, ensuring that students can continue their education in a stable and supportive environment.

“We call on all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, State Governments, and Educational Institutions, to act swiftly and decisively.”

Ajaero’s Arrest: NLC Puts Workers On Alert, Says Whereabouts Unknown,  Demands Immediate Release

By
Ayodele Oni
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Joe Ajaero - NLC President

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the whereabouts of its President, Joe Ajaero, is unknown following his arrest Monday morning.

Ajaero was picked up at the airport in Abuja on his was to attend the conference of the Trade Union Congress, (TUC in the United Kingdom.

A statement by the NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, stated that Ajaero is being held without any legal warrant or legal instrument.

The statement reads: “This morning, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was seized and whisked away by agents of the Nigerian State while on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain.

“Comrade Ajaero was set to attend and address the global gathering of workers on behalf of Nigerian workers at the Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, a platform where critical discussions on workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness are discussed.

“We are yet to ascertain his whereabouts or his state of health as all efforts we have made to get in touch with him have proved abortive.

“We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive.

“His detention is, therefore, a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body.

“His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation.

“The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling, but also, sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.

“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country as the economic policies of the government continues to afflict the people with monumental suffering and hardship.

“Such actions are not only undemocratic but immoral as well as a direct affront to the fundamental rights of citizens and organizations to lawfully express their views and carry out their activities.

“In light of this troubling development, the Congress puts all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert.

“The Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. Accordingly, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Joe Ajaero.

“Furthermore, we call on the International Community, Human Rights Organizations, and all advocates of democracy to take note of this rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria. The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state.

“Once again, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class including innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions.

“We equally demand that the state frees all Nigerians languishing in various prisons around the country for exercising their democratic rights to protest in the #EndBadGovernance rallies around the country.

“Finally, the Organs of the Congress are in a closed door meeting whose outcome will be made available to the public.”

DSS Hands Over Joe Ajaero To NIA

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Comrade Joe Ajaero - NLC President

By Adesina Soyooye

The arrested President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,  Joe Ajaero, has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency, NIA.

Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday, September 9, 2024, as he was about to board a flight for an official assignment in London, United Kingdom.

It is not known yet, exactly,  why Ajaero was arrested, but he, and the NLC which he leads have been having a running battle with Nigeria’s Security Agencies.

It began on August 8, 2024, when the NLC Headquarters in Abuja was raided by Police Operatives in the night at about 9.00pm. They raided a couple of floors including the 10th. They went away with some documents, including books.

Initially, the Police denied its operatives carried out any operations at the NLC Headquarters, but admitted they did when the outrage reached high heavens.

However, the Police clarified that they went to the NLC in search of a foreign terrorist who is a tenant there.

Later, the Police raised the ante by inviting Ajaero in a letter dated August 19th, where he was asked to report for questioning on August 20th. In the letter, Ajaero was charged with alleged involvement in terrorism, its funding, criminal conspiracy, cybercrime and treasonable felony.

However, through his, and NLC’s Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN,  Ajaero shifted the scheduled interview date to August 29. His visit on August 29 was an anti-climax.

He neither wrote a statement nor  asked any questions relating to the serious allegations contained in his letter of invitation.

He was there for only about 20 minutes. He was asked about a tenant at the NLC Headquarters.

But again, the Police raised the ante. They invited Ajaero again with the NLC General Secretary, Comrade Ugboaja, against the 5th of September, this time, alleging criminal intimidation. But the two responded and proposed 29th September because of previous scheduled commitments.

NLC’s Lawyer, Falana, had explained, a couple of days ago that this second invitation to Ajaero is in connection with a petition against the NLC by a private company, allegedly, over the picketing and destruction of its property.

Apparently, it seems more than that given Ajaero’s arrest Monday morning at the Airport by the DSS  which handed him over to the NIA.

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