NLC/TUC Strike: Business Activities Grounded In Lagos, As Banks, NRC Join The Bandwagon

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November 14, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The proposed Nationwide Strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC and other affiliate Unions has crippled business activities in some States around the Federation.

In Lagos, the commercial hub of the nation, the nationwide strike was adhered to by some affiliates of the NLC and TUC following the decision of the National Executive Council meeting of the labour unions, held on November 13, 2023, in Abuja, resolving to embark on the strike.

Some Banks in the State were under lock and key, while Rail Transportation was shut down as the National Railway Corporation, NRC, Union followed the NLC and TUC directives.

Segun Esan, the Secretary General, Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, said that the union was involved in the strike and no train was running as a result.

“In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices.

“All the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the corporation remain locked and inaccessible from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, till otherwise directed by the Congress,” Esan said.

Also, the President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, Mr Oluwole Olusoji, said advice had been sent out to members on compliance.

He said that members had been advised to ensure the safeguard of lives and property from people who might be used to take undue advantage of the situation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” Olusoji said.

The Nationwide Strike is as a result of the alleged failure of the Federal Government to address issues affecting workers, such as the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.

Also, both Unions had made some demands, which the Government had allegedly failed to address following the recent crisis in Imo that resulted in the alleged brutalisation of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other members of the labour unions.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress also joined the nationwide strike in compliance with the directives of the national body of the union.

The primary, secondary and tertiary institutions also joined the strike.

It was observed that primary and day secondary school pupils who went to school as early as 7.30 am were compelled to return home as they did not meet teachers in the schools.

It was gathered that the strike has also affected operations in banks, hospitals, and other public places in the state.

Similarly, the Audu Bako State Secretariat, was also closed following the commencement of the strike, even though some workers who were not aware of the strike reported to work in the morning but had to return home later.

It was gathered that Students in Bayero University Kano who are currently sitting for their first semester examination are also affected by the strike as a number of them who went to the examination halls had to return to their respective hostels.

The Kano State Ministry of Education has also suspended the 2023 Secondary Schools Qualifying Examination scheduled to take place today, until further notice.

A statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Balarabe Kiru, revealed that the suspension is compelled by the industrial action embarked upon by the NLC and TUC nationwide.

The statement, however, appealed to the people concerned, especially students and parents or guardians, to bear with any inconvenience that may be caused by the suspension.

CBN Fails To Stop Naira Scarcity In The North; Spreads To South

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 14, 2023

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has failed to stop the naira scarcity being experienced in some parts of the country despite its earlier promises.

Worried Nigerians told the magazine on Tuesday that the scarcity is gradually spreading across the country, and that the CBN seems not to have solutions to the problem.

In the last two weeks, the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN has assured Nigerians that there’s no need to panic because there’s enough cash in circulation to go around.

The apex bank had in its response to the scarcity in some parts of the north and Lagos early this month blamed the problem on the panic withdrawal by some commercial banks’ customers in anticipation of the festive period.

In a statement signed by the CBN spokesman last week, the apex bank had tried to address the problem, for instance, saying all banknotes issued by the bank remained legal tender.

The response came after reports suggested that the old naira notes are gradually being withdrawn by the CBN in anticipation of the December deadline set by the Supreme Court early this year.

Recall the Supreme Court ruled on March 3, 2023, that the old naira notes of N1,000, N500, and N200 were still legal against the CBN plan to withdraw the old banknotes from circulation to pave the way for new notes.

The apex bank however said in various statements that it has no such plans at the moment.

“The seeming cash scarcity in some locations is due largely to high volume withdrawals from the CBN branches by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and panic withdrawals by customers from the Automated Teller Machines, ATMs),” Isa Abdulmumin, the bank’s spokesman said in a statement six days ago.

“While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country. The branches of the CBN across the country are also working to ensure the seamless circulation of cash in their respective states of operation,” he stated.

The apex bank had earlier on November 1, 2023, issued a similar statement stating “unambiguously that every banknote issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remains legal tender and should not be rejected by anyone, as stipulated in Section 20(5) of the CBN Act, 2007.”

In spite of this, the situation, according to bank customers has remained the same and may get worse in the coming days as Nigerians move to conserve cash in order not to be stranded during the Christmas and New Celebrations.

According to reports from the northern part of the country, cash has become a very scarce commodity in major cities such as Kano, Maiduguri, Minna, Lafia, Yola, and Makurdi, amongst others.

Some traders who spoke on the issue said they have been unable to withdraw enough cash from commercial bank counters and ATMs in these cities in the last few days.

Those who have resorted to POS operators for cash withdrawal also have sad tales to tell, as the operators, who after increasing their charges by over 100 percent complained of the unavailability of naira notes.

The situation is also not different in Lagos where cash withdrawals from ATMs have been seriously reduced by all the commercial banks.

For instance, many Deposit Money Banks, DMBs in the state have limited ATM withdrawal to N10,000 from N20,000 which used to be the case.

The development has created more panic among customers who said the situation is likely to spread to other southern states in coming as the festive period approaches.

“The CBN must do more to assure Nigerians that the situation they experienced early this year will not be repeated. If this happens again, the economy that’s already struggling could collapse,” Ola Baro, a bank customer told the magazine on Tuesday.

CBN’s PVS Hampering Our Business- MAN Laments

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James Orji

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November 14, 2023

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The Director General of the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir has disclosed that the introduction of the Price Verification Portal by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is affecting the business of his members.

On August 17, the apex bank announced via a memo the official launch of its Price Verification System portal, following a successful pilot phase and extensive training sessions held with all Nigerian banks.

The CBN memo mandated all applications for Forms M to be accompanied by a valid Price Verification Report, which can be generated exclusively from the newly established Price Verification Portal.

Speaking to Punch newspapers, the MAN DG said the introduction of PVR has worsened the conditions of its members who are struggling under the current economic challenges.

He called for the withdrawal of the regime, stressing that the CBN should focus on revamping the economy rather than issuing policies capable of killing existing businesses in the country.

According to him, the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN should strive hard to ensure the availability of foreign exchange to genuine importers and manufacturers in the country.

The MAN DG said, “We look forward to the reversal of so many unnecessary restrictions that were placed by the CBN. One of them is the price verification portal which for all practical purposes is quite unnecessary.

“It is affecting the businesses of our members who are not able to import raw materials, machines and parts because the prices that they bought do not fall into the threshold of the portal. I think it is limiting businesses. The CBN should discontinue the operation of that portal.

He added, “It is a step that CBN needs to take very urgently so that it does not restrain the operations of the manufacturing sector. Everything that the government should do now is to revamp the economy and not to place unnecessary hurdles to the flow of business.

“What the government should focus on is the adequacy of forex. All efforts should be geared towards that direction and not placing unnecessary restrictions that will only hurt genuine and struggling manufacturers in the country.”

Ogun Police Vow To Deal With Users Of ‘Banga’ During Festive Period

By

James Orji

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November 14, 2023

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The Ogun State Police Command has warned residents against the use of fireworks during the festive season.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Command said anyone caught violating the order would be seriously dealt with.

According to the statement issued by the Public Relation Officer of the command, Omolola Odutola, a Superintendent of Police, SP, the warning became imperative due to the serious complaints from some residents, who claimed that the peace is usually threatened by those who use fireworks during the Christmas and New year celebrations.

Complained have been received from places such as Ikenne, Sango Ota, Sagamu, amongst others, the police said.

The statement partly read, “Ogun State Police Command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since November 1, 2023, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind, triggering anxiety of residents especially amid security concerns expressed by residents in Ogun State

“Following these reports of apprehension before the Ogun State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, has henceforth declared a ban on indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State, upholding the distressing complaints from residents and the community about their inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks, that residents have been throwing causing sleepless night, constant terror from the deafening bang of these dangerous explosives.

“The Ogun State Police Command is aware that displays of fireworks are deeply ingrained in tradition as an essential preparation for the end-of-year celebrations.

“Residents are enjoined to respect the privacy and quiet of other neighbours. Sequel to the state of security, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, is issuing a stern warning to young persons who may want to flout this directive, does so at their peril and further warns that ‘banga’ is criminalised , as punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations in accordance with extant laws.”

Meanwhile, not a few residents said such orders are usually not enforced by the police who normally look away when some unscrupulous elements throw ‘Banga’ at other residents, particularly during the cross-over New Year services in churches across the country.

Jonathan, West African Elders Return To Liberia For Presidential Run-off, Urge Peaceful Election

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The Source

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November 14, 2023

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The West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission to Liberia led by former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, arrived in Monrovia on Sunday ahead of the country’s run-off presidential election scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Dr. Jonathan is accompanied on the mission by former Burkina Faso Prime Minister and one-time President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Kadre Ouedraogo as well as staff of the WAEF secretariat.

The team members will be on ground during the electoral process to lend their expertise as former sub-regional leaders to support the peaceful conduct of the elections and the strengthening of the country’s democracy.

In an arrival statement issued in Monrovia on Sunday evening, WAEF urged Liberians to conduct themselves peacefully and eschew violence during this second round of voting to avoid likely break down of law and order in the country.

The statement jointly signed by Jonathan and Ouedraogo also commended Liberians for the peaceful conduct of the October 10, 2023 first round of elections and wished the country another successful outing as the citizens get ready to vote in Tuesday’s run-off election.

Advising politicians to be patriotic and law abiding, WAEF noted that nobody’s personal ambition should be placed above the collective interest of the country.

It further called on the two presidential candidates and their followers in Tuesday’s run-off elections to act in line with the Farmington River Pact to ensure that Liberia remains peaceful during and after the scheduled second round of Presidential election.

The Mission also charged the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the security authorities to carry out their mandate in accordance with the electoral laws of the land in a manner that delivers credible elections and renews the hope, trust and confidence of the Liberian people on the nation’s democracy.

The statement said further: “The mission is committed to supporting and encouraging Liberians to conduct themselves peacefully and eschew violence during this second round of voting to ensure that there is no break-down of law and order in the country.

“It is reassuring to note that in the past two decades Liberians had demonstrated a high level of patriotism and good citizenship in the exercise of their civic responsibilities during elections, especially with the peaceful conduct and large turnout of voters during the October 10, 2015 general elections. It is in the light of this that WAEF commended the candidates in the last October 10, 2023 elections for respecting the Farmington River Peace Declaration which resulted in the peaceful outcome of the last exercise.

“We will continue to point out that Liberia occupies a pride of place in the sub-region because of its exemplary democratic credentials, having maintained an enviable track of peaceful elections and seamless transitions in the last two decades. We note that it is a record worth keeping for which we encourage Liberians to strive to maintain peace, law and order during the election.

“The Forum which has been engaging with Liberian stakeholders since July when it first deployed a fact-finding mission to Monrovia wishes Liberians a successful outcome of the 2023 elections and will remain engaged with the country as a dependable ally in the development process, in line with its objective of contributing to the consolidation of democracy and good governance in the West African sub-region.”

The run-off is between incumbent President George Weah and opposition leader Joseph Boakai, a fallout of the October 12 election, which could not produce an outright winner.

Ikechukwu Eze
Special Adviser on Communications
West African Elders Forum (WAEF)

Uzodinma Commiserates With Co-contestants, Extends Olive Branch To Them

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The Source

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November 14, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

Newly re-elected Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has, both at once, comiserated with, and congratulated those who contested with him for the office of the Governor.

Uzodinma on Saturday, November 11, won an unprecedented victory at the Governorship polls by securing victory in all the 27 Local Government Areas of the State. He beat the Governorship Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and that of the Labour Party, Chief Athan Achonu, to a very distant second and third places respectively to secure a second four-year term in office. The other 14 Candidates made little or no impact and did not count in the contest.

In a broadcast on Monday, November 13, 2023, where he dedicated his victory to God and Imo people, Uzodinma commiserated with those who contested with him. He also congratulated them, and posited that there was no loser. He extended an olive branch to them and urged them to join him in the development of the State.

Uzodinma: “I congratulate and commiserate with my brothers who contested the election with me. They did not lose, but Imo people won. This collective victory is for the good of the people and the progress of our State. I, therefore, call on them to join hands with me to continue to build the Imo of our collective dreams.”

Uzodinma, also, assured Imo people that he does not take his victory for granted, and promised not to let them down. Said he: I will not let Imo people down and I will serve with the utmost honesty and fear of God.”

The Governor will be sworn-in on January 15, 2024, for his second term in office.

Governor Uzodimma’s thank you broadcast read in full: “To the glory of God yesterday

( Sunday), the Independent National Electoral Commission declared me the winner of the governorship election held in our state on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.

“It is with a deep sense of humility, appreciation, and an abiding faith in God that I humbly accept the great honour and privilege to serve as your governor for a second term of four years.

“Because I acknowledge God in everything I do and because I know that power comes from God, the first thing I did upon receiving the news of my victory yesterday was to proceed to the church to thank God for his goodness to me and Imo people.

“Of course, I can never thank God enough for doing it again for me. Almighty God has shown that He did it four years ago and has done it again, to His honour and glory. So, I dedicate this victory to God Almighty and the good people of Imo State.

“I must confess that I am truly humbled and deeply appreciative of every single vote I received across the 27 local government areas in the State. They all contributed to giving me a clear, historic and unprecedented victory over my opponents.

“Ndi Imo umunnem, you spoke volumes through your massive votes. It is an emphatic vote of confidence in our performance in office in the last four years. You did not prevaricate in making that statement. You came out boldly and joyously to give me your votes. Thank you very much indeed.

“This historic statement is a clear confirmation that all the different stakeholders who had earlier endorsed me for the governorship election because of our superlative performance in office have walked their talk.

“To all of you, including, but not limited to the youths, the women, traders, road transport workers, all other stakeholders, particularly Imo workers through their different unions such as the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULEGE), I say thank you very much indeed. I sincerely appreciate all of you. You have made me proud indeed. It is now my turn to keep my own side of the bargain.

“On that note, I wish to repeat my earlier covenant with God and Imo people: ‘I will not let Imo people down and I will serve with utmost honesty and the fear of God.’

Let me be clear. Your message to me through your overwhelming endorsement is that you appreciate what I have done in office so far, and you want me to do even more. I heard you loud and clear. It is an invitation to do more and do better, and that is exactly what I will do.

“I do not take this victory lightly. I am aware of your desires and expectations. In this regard, let me reassure you that I will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to Imo people under our 3R mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery. I will continue to provide a transparent, accountable, and transformative leadership to Imo people. I will continue to provide an inclusive platform for all Imo people to have a say on how they are governed. These are my promises, and I believe this was why you voted for me. And I will keep to the promises.

“In a democratic contest such as the one of last Saturday, only one person will emerge victorious. Since it has pleased God and Imo people to confer that honour and privilege on me, I congratulate and commiserate with my brothers who contested the election with me. They did not lose, but Imo people won. This collective victory is for the good of the people and the progress of our State. I, therefore, call on all of them to join hands with me to continue to build the Imo of our collective dreams.

“Let me express my profound gratitude to Imo people who trooped out in their thousands to cast their votes and make this a true democratic contest. I am truly proud of you all. I am immensely grateful to the agents of my Party, APC, across the 305 wards in the state who stood firm in the defence of our votes. You have made me proud also.

“I also acknowledge my indebtedness to all the political appointees who campaigned for me and our Party and who also mobilised voters and protected their votes on the day of the election.

“I want to extend my profound gratitude to the religious leaders in the State for their relentless and fervent prayers for peace in the State and particularly for peaceful elections. It is also to your credit that you initiated the Charter of Equity, which was designed to reduce tension and acrimony in governorship elections in the State.

“In the same vein, I thank the Elders Council for adopting the Charter of Equity document wholeheartedly and for tirelessly marketing it to our people in the 27 local government areas. There is no doubt whatsoever that all your efforts paid off handsomely; translating to the historic outcome of the election.

“I also wish to thank our traditional rulers for all their prayers for the peaceful conduct of the election. I am sincerely grateful to you, our Royal Fathers.

“For INEC, the security agencies and others who saw to it that the election was peaceful, free and fair, you are the true heroes of the election and worthy defenders of our democracy. I thank you all.

“Once again, I am grateful to everyone who has made this victory possible. Please continue to hold our State in your prayers as we look forward to better days ahead.

To God be all the glory.”

“I Dedicate My Victory To God, Imo People” – Uzodimma

By

The Source

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November 14, 2023

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A grateful reelected Governor Hope Uzodimma has dedicated his victory at the Saturday, November 11, 2023 governorship election to God Almighty, and the good people of Imo State who turned out en mass to vote for him.

He did on Monday in a broadcast where he appreciated Imo people and all those who contributed immensely, in one way or the other, to ensure that he was re-elected in the interest of the State.

It was also an opportunity Governor Uzodimma used to invite those who contested the office of the Governor of Imo State with him to join him with whatever great ideas they have got so that together they can serve Imo people better.

Governor Uzodimma who noted that his opponents may have lost the election to him however said that in all Imo people are the winners.

Governor Uzodimma’s thank you broadcast read in full:

“To the glory of God yesterday

( Sunday), the Independent National Electoral Commission declared me the winner of the governorship election held in our state on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.

“It is with a deep sense of humility, appreciation, and an abiding faith in God that I humbly accept the great honour and privilege to serve as your Governor for a second term of four years.

“Because I acknowledge God in everything I do and because I know that power comes from God, the first thing I did upon receiving the news of my victory yesterday was to proceed to the Church to thank God for his goodness to me and Imo people.

“Of course, I can never thank God enough for doing it again for me. Almighty God has shown that He did it four years ago and has done it again, to His honour and glory. So, I dedicate this victory to God Almighty and the good people of Imo State.

“I must confess that I am truly humbled and deeply appreciative of every single vote I received across the 27 local government areas in the State. They all contributed to giving me a clear, historic and unprecedented victory over my opponents.

“Ndi Imo Umunnem, you spoke volumes through your massive votes. It is an emphatic vote of confidence in our performance in office in the last four years. You did not prevaricate in making that statement. You came out boldly and joyously to give me your votes. Thank you very much indeed.