₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KgBjl12vVQ?si=ze16p5m4CcJvNLhV

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has stated that the National Assembly was not approached for approval before the purchase of a new presidential jet for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In August, the Presidency unveiled a refurbished Airbus A330, sparking widespread criticism. Many Nigerians accused the President of prioritizing luxury amid the country’s economic hardship.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that the jet was not newly purchased but a refurbished aircraft. Despite this, critics also blamed the National Assembly for allegedly approving the deal without due diligence.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today in a footage obtained by News360 Nigeria Senator Abaribe dismissed the claims, asserting that no such request was ever presented to the National Assembly.

He said: “I am in the National Assembly, but I can tell you for a fact that nobody, quote me, nobody brought anything to the National Assembly to say please approve this for purchase of a new plane.

“It was done without my knowledge, nobody brought anything. I never saw any document and I have always been in the National Assembly. Ask anyone, none.”

He said that the failure of the Presidency to approach the National Assembly with a request meant that part of the job of the legislator to be a check on the executive was not being efficiently carried out.

The lawmaker said he was worried that the public perceives the National Assembly members as rubber-stamped, noting that it was like that because the lawmakers feel that they have fought a lot without much, yet it has not yielded much to the public and tried to have some cooperation with the executive.

Tension has gripped the Mgbuji community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, following a violent attack by armed herdsmen on Friday, News360 Nigeria reports.

The assault claimed the lives of three farmers, left several others injured, and caused extensive damage to rice farms awaiting harvest.

Shocking video evidence from the scene showed one victim slaughtered in his rice field, a basket of freshly harvested cassava nearby. The attack is part of a recurring crisis in Eha-Amufu, where between 2017 and 2022, suspected Fulani militias reportedly destroyed over 20 farm settlements and killed at least 123 residents.

Ogenyi Odoh, a community leader, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. Speaking with SaharaReporters, he decried the killing of the farmers and the destruction of farmlands, emphasizing that attacks on rice farms have been ongoing for two weeks.

Further complicating the crisis, injured victims seeking medical help have been turned away by the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT Parklane) due to an ongoing workers’ strike.

Odoh also revealed that soldiers previously deployed to strategic locations in Eha-Amufu had been withdrawn without explanation, leaving the community vulnerable to renewed attacks. He has called on both the federal and state governments to urgently address the situation and restore security to the area.

He said, “Today three people who went to their farms were killed in a most savagery brutality. What is their offence? They went to their farms and while they were in their farms Herdsmen entered the farms and start eating it. They were asked to leave and the next thing was to kill them. As you can see in one of the video clips, the man was killed in his rice farm.

“You can also see in the video the large rice farm that Fulani herdsmen maliciously destroyed after four months hard work.

“Is there a conspiracy, otherwise, how come after the Nigerian Army withdrew soldiers deployed to Eha-Amufu prior to the election and attacks and killings resumed?”

He added, “Only about six soldiers are in entire Eha-Amufu with 100s of kilometers border with Benue State. Our vigilantes are working but there is not much they can do. The herders are armed with AK-47 rifles with several loaded magazines.

“The man they (herders) butchered that was brought to Parklane hospital was rejected. As we speak doctors are battling to save him a private hospital where a whooping N3nillion are demanded to even commence treatment. So, you can see the severity.”

Meanwhile, Our correspondent’ efforts to speak with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful as he did not take his calls in his usual tradition.

As of the time of filing this report, he was yet to respond to a text message seeking his comment.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for local government elections, which have already been conducted, News360 Nigeria reports.

Justice Onyekachi Otisi, leading the appellate panel, ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, emphasizing that Section 28 of the Electoral Act applies only to federal, governorship, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, not state-level elections.

The appellate court also criticized the lower court for directing security agencies to refrain from performing their constitutional duties.

Previously, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had ruled that RSIEC violated local government election laws by failing to issue the mandatory 90-day notice before announcing the election date.

The judgment had prevented INEC from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC until all legal requirements were met.

The appeal was one of several filed against decisions of the Federal High Court concerning Rivers State’s local government polls.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill totaling over N3 trillion to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval, News360 Nigeria reports.

The presentation, which took place on Monday, highlights the state government’s commitment to driving infrastructure development, economic growth, and improved public services in Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the proposed budget aligns with his administration’s development agenda, ensuring that the state remains a hub of prosperity and innovation.

According to Sanwo-Olu, “The budget the themed: ‘Budget of Sustainability’, is a blueprint for continuity, resilience and prosperity for Lagosians.

“It is structured around five key pillars, including Infrastructure, Sustainability, Economic, Diversification, and Institutional Reforms.”

Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu had, on January 18, 2024, signed the N2.267 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill of Lagos State into law, ushering in a new expenditure cycle.

The governor presented the Appropriation Bill at a delayed ceremony, held in the State House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Femi Hamzat, and Speaker, House of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, among other dignitaries, were in attendance.

The Senate, citing Section 157 (1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), has removed Yakubu Danladi Umar from his position as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged gross misconduct, News360 Nigeria reports.

Senators deemed Umar’s actions as incompatible with the responsibilities of his office, describing his behavior as unacceptable for such a sensitive position.

The decision to remove Umar was supported by an overwhelming majority, with 74 senators signing the motion and 10 others present, bringing the total to 84 in favor.

Deliberations on the matter began during a closed-door session at 1:17 PM on Wednesday. The session, which lasted until 2:36 PM, culminated in a motion to sack Umar, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and seconded by Senate Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North).

It was titled, “Invocation of the provision of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended for the removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”

According to Bamidele, ‘The Senate: Notes that the Code of Conduct Tribunal is one of the key components of Federal Institutions in the country, saddled with the sacred statutory responsibilities of maintaining high standard of morality in the conduct of government business and to ensure that the actions and behaviours of public officers conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability;

“Also notes that a statutory institution of such magnitude is expected to be an epitome of moral rectitude and should be seen to uphold the virtues of integrity, probity and accountability. However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar, who is the Chairman of the Tribunal has fallen short of the requisite standard of a public officer to conduct the affairs of such Tribunal;

“Concerned that the Senate has been inundated with series of petitions and allegations of corruption/misconduct against the Chairman, a situation that necessitated the 9th Senate, through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions to invite him to series of its investigative hearings in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding those allegations.

However, he appeared before the Committee only once and thereafter avoided subsequent invitations;

“Also concerned about his alleged absenteeism from office for more than one month, without permission and recuse to his position, coupled with preponderance of corruption allegation, misappropriation, and physical street brawl with a security man in the FCT vis-à-vis his current investigation by the EFCC, ICPC and the DSS. All these are tantamount to acts of negligence and gross misconduct, unbecoming of a Chairman of such a reputable Tribunal;

“Aware of the series of overwhelming allegations against the Chairman, Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, forwarded the name of Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello to the Senate for confirmation as the new Chairman of the Tribunal, and at the Plenary Sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 4th July, 2024, his appointment was duly confirmed, hence the need for the erstwhile Chairman to vacate the office for the substantive Chairman to officially resume office.”

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the payment of ₦70,000 as the new National Minimum Wage for all staff of the FCT Administration, News360 Nigeria reports.

This announcement was made by the Acting Head of the Civil Service of FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, on Tuesday in Abuja, in a statement released by her Press Secretary, Ewhenji Anthony Odey.

In addition to the new wage, the Minister has also approved the payment of three months’ arrears for all staff, with payments set to begin in November 2024.

According to the Head of Service, “this gesture will further spur the entire staff of the Administration to support the Minister to continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Mrs. Adayilo equally thanked the Minister for always granting expeditious approval for payment of staff allowances and claims”, the statement added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDwGxWuyFlU?si=zk2MvY4PuSuHHn2Z

President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu have arrived in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, News360 Nigeria reports.

The couple were warmly received by the host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as they made their way to the venue.

The summit, which gathers leaders from the world’s major economies, will focus on critical global issues, with Nigeria’s participation reflecting its commitment to international cooperation.

President Tinubu’s presence underscores Nigeria’s strategic interest in global economic discussions.

Ayodele Olorunfemi, the reinstated Labour Party governorship candidate in Ondo State, has expressed his disappointment over his defeat in Saturday’s election, attributing his loss to former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), News360 Nigeria reports.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner, having secured 366,781 votes across all 18 local government areas. Agboola Ajayi of the PDP followed with 117,845 votes.

The State Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, announced, “Ayedatiwa Lucky Orimisan of APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby returned elected.”

Olorunfemi's campaign was fraught with legal battles, as his name was only reinstated on the ballot days before the election, following a Court of Appeal ruling overturning a prior judgment that had favored Olusola Ebiseni, the candidate endorsed by Peter Obi. The protracted legal tussle and lack of adequate preparation hindered his campaign efforts.

In an interview with newsmen, Olorunfemi admitted that his last-minute campaign was poorly organized and ineffective.

He said, “I have Peter Obi and the NLC to thank for that. They have scuttled my aspirations and chances to win this Ondo election. These people spoilt things for us with that PDP reject they wanted to force on the party. Their insistence on having Ebiseni on the ballot ruined everything for me.

“They just capitalised on the crisis between the Labour Party and the Nigeria Labour Congress to create problems. Can you imagine that Ebiseni wrote a letter to the court in my name without my knowledge, saying I have withdrawn from the race? They cannot exclude me from such a position.”

While accepting that he knew his chances at the poll were slim after his reinstatement a few days to the poll, Olorunfemi vowed to get his pound of flesh.

The LP deputy chairman for South also threatened to petition police authorities to investigate how his name and signature were forged by Ebiseni and the NLC.

“Thank God we got an appeal judgment and my name is back in the INEC portal. The good thing here is that the truth has prevailed. Withdrawal must be voluntary. You cannot force someone to withdraw. What they have done was an attempt to force me behind my back.

“Again, it wasn’t the party that submitted it. It was the handiwork of the former President of the NLC and head of the National Transition Committee, Abduwaheed Omar. What they did is criminal.

“In fact, I am planning to petition the Inspector General of Police to probe how they wrote that letter, put my signature and presented it before the court. We will deal with that later. For now, we are still doing our underground work and doing our best for this election,” he stated.

When called to defend the allegation levelled against the workers’ union, acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, described Olorunfemi as a ‘very funny character.’

“He is one human being you should never take seriously. As a result of this crisis between us and Abure, Olorunfemi became the deputy to Abure and he was given the ticket. Before this election, he was a placeholder. So what did he do? He now started shopping for who would buy the ticket from him.

“In the process, they asked Ebiseni to pay N20m to get the ticket. He paid and even added another N5m which they claimed was for expenses. When they refused to give him the ticket, Ebiseni went to court. In retaliation, the Abure’s camp started working to ensure INEC didn’t upload his name because of the Kagaroo judgment they went to secure.

“The only challenge we have was that before the judgment, INEC had already given the code for uploading the names of agents to Olorunfemi. We know he would have uploaded the names of suspected APC agents there. We know he is obviously working indirectly for the APC.”

As of the time of filing this story, efforts to reach both Obi and Ebiseni for reactions were unsuccessful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRj5-OVaJ7Y?si=T8-dwdiDmN6ogpe8

During his state visit to Nigeria on Sunday, November 17, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the country’s second highest national honor, from President Bola Tinubu, News360 Nigeria reports.

President Tinubu praised Modi as a “friend of Nigeria” while presenting the award. The announcement was shared by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, via a post on the X platform.

The post reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Honours Prime Minister #narendramodi.

“Confers him with Nigeria’s second highest honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) declares him friend of Nigeria.”

This historic gesture highlights the significance of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India, further strengthening ties between the two nations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS5egxzkhJw?si=kSFpz92sYKBBhYnP

President Bola Tinubu has officially received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, News360 Nigeria reports.

Modi, who arrived on Saturday evening, was welcomed on Sunday morning with an elaborate ceremony that included the Indian national anthem and a Guard of Honour mounted by the Brigade of Guards.

The ceremonial reception also featured a 21-gun salute, followed by the inspection of the parade.

Following the formalities, Tinubu escorted Modi into his office for a closed-door meeting. The two leaders are expected to sign multiple bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening Nigerian-Indian relations.

The agenda includes delegation-level discussions and the exchange of memoranda of understanding to boost collaboration in key sectors.

This significant visit is the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s trip in 2007, which marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India.

The Presidency emphasized that both leaders are committed to enhancing ties and expanding cooperation in vital areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3wy9V1RJqE?si=BHO2ZzEFocaZna1R

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Nigeria for a significant visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, News360 Nigeria reports.

He was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, alongside other government officials.

This visit is expected to facilitate high-level discussions focused on trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Key areas of mutual interest likely to be addressed include technology partnerships, infrastructure development, and economic collaborations.

The two countries are also expected to explore new opportunities for strengthening existing ties and building new ones.

Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has credited divine intervention for averting a severe devaluation of the naira, stating that the exchange rate could have surged to ₦10,000 per dollar without God’s help, News360 Nigeria reports.

During his message at the Special Holy Ghost Congress held in Abuja, Adeboye addressed Nigeria’s economic struggles, attributing them partly to the nation’s dependence on imported fuel.

He emphasized that, despite Nigeria’s substantial oil wealth, the persistent reliance on fuel imports continues to strain the economy.

The cleric expressed concern over the billions of naira invested in refineries that remain largely non-functional, highlighting the burden this places on Nigeria’s financial stability. He further discussed the government’s recent removal of fuel subsidies, a measure aimed at reducing financial strain but one that has sparked discontent among those who previously benefited from the subsidy regime. Adeboye suggested that this move has compounded economic challenges.

“We need help, and it’s not human help; it’s divine help,” he stated.

“Before our current president took office, we were aware that the root of our financial issues lay in the importation of petrol. Despite having oil, we continued to import petrol and waste billions on refineries that did not operate effectively.

“When the president cancelled the subsidy on petrol imports, those who benefited from it became upset and created more problems.”

As the naira continued to decline rapidly, Adeboye said that he prayed and was grateful that others joined him in prayer.

“If God hadn’t intervened, $1 could have been worth N10,000 by now. This illustrates how much we need prayers,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the appointment of three Nigerians to serve as directors-general for different agencies, News360 Nigeria reports.

Onanuga confirmed the appointments of three individuals as directors-general of various government agencies:

Mr. Olawale Olopade has been appointed as Director-General of the National Sports Commission. Olopade, an experienced sports administrator, previously served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State and chaired the organizing committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival.

Dr. Abisoye Fagade has been named Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism. Fagade is a specialist in marketing communications and is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun has taken the position of Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement. Before this role, Adedokun was Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning at the bureau.

These new appointments reflect President Tinubu’s continued focus on bolstering the expertise and leadership within key governmental agencies.

Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, the immediate past First Lady of Ondo State, has sparked controversy by referring to Nigeria as a “zoo”, News360 Nigeria gathered.

She made this remark on Wednesday through her X account while comparing the country’s presidential election process to that of the United States.

Akeredolu expressed her frustration over perceived irregularities and inefficiencies, drawing attention to the sharp contrasts in the conduct and outcomes of elections in both nations.

“Just thinking. 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 25 million Counting Duration: 5 days.

“2024 U.S Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 155 million Counting Duration: Approx. 10 hours

“Moral: When dishonesty is prioritized, simple things become difficult.”

However, one of her followers, Paulexy, @paul_ozah commented on the post saying, “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria.”

Replying to Paulexy’s comment, Mrs Akeredou said, “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country!”

Betty’s husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, died on December 27, 2023.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned John Dyegh, a former member of the House of Representatives, on charges of alleged N18 million fraud, News360 Nigeria reports.

Dyegh, who represented Gboko/Tarka federal constituency in Benue State, appeared on Monday before Justice Shitu Abubakar at the Federal High Court in Makurdi.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare detailed the allegations, stating that Dyegh was accused of receiving N18,970,000 on May 19, 2014.

The funds were meant for constructing school facilities in Guma Local Government Area but were allegedly funneled through the First Bank account of Midag Limited, a company in which Dyegh reportedly has a substantial interest.

According to Bakare, this act contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

The statement further claimed that Dyegh had channeled and transferred the funds through Midag Limited and Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, both companies linked to him.

Additionally, Dyegh is accused of abusing his office by benefiting privately from contracts awarded to these companies and having signatory authority over their accounts.

Justice Abubakar ordered Dyegh to be held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Makurdi, pending the determination of his bail application.

During the bail hearing, S.E. Irabo, Dyegh’s defense counsel, filed a bail application, which was not contested by ICPC lawyers Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee.

The judge granted Dyegh bail in the sum of N20 million, with two sureties required to surrender their international passports to the court. The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2025.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has issued a stern warning to Lakurawa, a new Islamic sect operating in the North-West region, cautioning them to desist from acts of terrorism or face dire consequences, News360 Nigeria reports.

Ribadu made the declaration on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to national security, Ribadu asserted, "No one dares President Bola Tinubu and gets away with it." He further stressed that the emergence of the sect is ill-timed, as the administration is fully prepared to combat any threats to Nigeria's peace and stability.

The NSA vowed that the terrorist group would be eradicated from the country, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and violent extremism.

Watch the video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCxUX2BCOoA?si=5w06T_6XCLKlPcbM


Last week, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of a new terror group known as ‘Lukarawas’ in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the new terror group is exacerbating insecurity in the North-West region but the Armed Forces of Nigeria are already containing them.

“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lukawaras, the Lukawaras are affiliated to terrorists in the Sahel particularly from Mali and Niger Republic.

“They began incursion into Northern part of Nigeria, mainly Sokoto and Kebbi states, and like I mentioned, they came in from Niger and Mali axis,” General Buba said.

He added that the new terror group emerged from Mali and the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

The military also declared nine terrorists wanted for their roles in the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

A massive fire has engulfed the popular Eco Fitness Hub in Gwarinpa, Abuja, causing extensive damage to the facility, News360 Nigeria gathered

According to reports, "a raging fire has broken out at the popular, Eco Fitness Hub, a fitness centre, in Gwarinpa, Abuja"

Though the cause remains unknown, it was gathered that the fire, which erupted in early hours of Wednesday, November 13, claimed large portions of the facility.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, has commenced his first operational tour in the 8th Division’s Area of Responsibility, arriving in Sokoto to assess ongoing military operations, News360 Nigeria reports.

His visit comes amid escalating security concerns, including the emergence of the new terror group known as ‘Lukurawa,’ which has been destabilizing regions in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

During his stay, Oluyede will engage with the Sultan of Sokoto and other significant local stakeholders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve cooperation in tackling security threats. Additionally, he is set to address troops involved in Operation Fasan Yamma, where he will offer guidance and commend the soldiers for their active efforts in countering terrorist activities.

This visit is significant as the Defence Headquarters recently announced the presence of the Lakurawa group, which has increased the complexity of security challenges in five local government areas in Sokoto.

“Troops are confronted with a new terrorist sect in the North-West. This sect is known as Lukawaras, the Lukawaras are affiliated to terrorists in the Sahel particularly from Mali and Niger Republic,” General Buba said.

He explained that the Lukurawa group’s presence in Northern Nigeria, especially in Sokoto and Kebbi, followed a pathway from Niger and Mali. This new group’s incursion reportedly began after a coup in Niger, which disrupted longstanding military cooperation between Nigeria and its northern neighbor.

The military has also placed nine terrorists on its wanted list due to their involvement in recent security crises affecting the region.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its state councils to commence an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024, in states where the new N70,000 minimum wage is not being fully implemented, News360 Nigeria reports.

The directive was announced in a communiqué issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NLC called on the Federal Government to reassess policies deemed anti-people, arguing that such measures have driven many Nigerians into poverty and economic hardship.

The communiqué read: “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship. It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria. To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from December 1, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”

Nigerians facing economic hardship
On the worsening economic hardship, “The NEC observes, with profound concern, the accelerating economic hardship inflicted upon Nigerian citizens. Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.

“Millions of Nigerians are being driven into destitution, forced to choose daily between feeding their families and seeking healthcare. Access to energy has become a mirage while workers become increasingly poorer even as they work longer hours to meet their other basic needs. As a result, nutritional diseases like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus have resurfaced in Nigeria.

“NLC demands immediate, concrete interventions from the Federal Government, not token measures, to relieve this suffering. We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that shield Nigerians from poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure a wage that reflects the true cost of living. To this end, we call for a wage review across the nation including a review of all the policies that have rather emasculated Nigerian people.”
Withholding Rivers allocation is unacceptable

On the political situation in Rivers State and unjust withholding of its revenue, the communiqué said: “The NEC condemns the disturbing political situation in Rivers State, where a recent court order seeks to block the disbursement of federally allocated revenue to the state. This punitive move, under the guise of legal recourse, may effectively cripple the state’s capacity to meet its obligations to workers and the wider population.

“Such a development is nothing short of an attack on the rights and welfare of the people of Rivers State and a dangerous precedent that could destabilize governance in any other state.
“The NLC stands in solidarity with the workers and people of Rivers State. We demand an immediate resolution that allows the state to continue to have unfettered access to its rightful revenue allocations.

“Nigerian workers will not stand waiting while their livelihoods are threatened by political manoeuvrings and vindictive actions. We are not interested in the politics of who is right or wrong but only in protecting the interests of workers and the people. We must learn to separate “politicking” from existential issues as politics that hurts workers and the people cannot be the best for our nation. The Congress warns that the failure of the various institutions and actors to rein in themselves may lead to our escalating our response.”

On the growing threats to democracy and workers’ rights, the communiqué said: “The NEC expresses grave alarm at the increasing erosion of democratic norms and blatant disregard for the rights of Nigerian people to freely organize, associate, and express dissent. Arrests, detention and trials on questionable grounds have become the order of the day.

“We applaud the President of the federation for his recent interventions in this regard. However, NEC in session further calls on the President to release all remaining protesters in various jails across the nation as we had severally demanded earlier and create adequate safeguards to avert future occurrence. On the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, “NEC -in- session expressed its appreciation to the Federal Government for providing CNG buses to Congress but noted that they are grossly inadequate to address the huge gap in transportation-focused on reducing costs for workers who daily commute to work. It also noted the apparent CNG infrastructure deficits around the country which may scuttle the entire CNG objectives.

“Consequently, NEC demanded the provision of more CNG buses to Congress and establish the needed infrastructure for fuelling and maintenance to provide cheaper transportation to Nigerian workers across the nation.”

The communiqué added that “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains unwavering in its commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of Nigerian workers. The NEC reiterates its readiness to confront these injustices with every tool at our disposal. Our resolve is unshakeable, and our demand is clear: a Nigeria where workers are respected, their rights upheld, and their futures secure.”

The Police in Bauchi on Thursday arraigned a 76-year-old man, Bala Mohammed, before Chief Magistrate Court 5 for allegedly posting pictures of women on Facebook, News360 Nigeria reports.

Mohammed, a resident of Tambari Housing Estate, was charged with defamation of character.

The prosecutor, ASP Zakari Mohammed, informed the court that the offense occurred in October 2024, when the defendant posted pictures of several women, claiming they were his girlfriends with whom he had sexual relationships.

The complainant (name withheld) however, stated that she had merely taken a selfie with the defendant and had no affair with him.

The prosecutor argued that the defendant’s actions violated sections 183, 196, 388, and 389 of the Bauchi State Penal Code 2022.

The Magistrate, Mrs Laraba Hamisu remanded the defendant at the Bauchi Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to November 27, 2024, to allow for further investigation.

In a strategic move to combat terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released a fresh list of wanted terrorist leaders, News360 Nigeria reports.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The list features several high-profile figures accused of masterminding attacks and spreading insecurity across the region. Key names include Abu Khadijah, Abdurraman, Dadi Gumba (also known as Abbu Muhammel), Usman Kanin Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Takleksa.

The DHQ has urged the public to assist in identifying and reporting information about these suspects. Major General Buba highlighted the importance of local community involvement, noting that public cooperation could be crucial in the effort to eliminate terrorist threats.

This publication reinforces the government’s determination to enhance security and restore peace in insurgency-affected areas. Security forces are stepping up their operations to apprehend these individuals and dismantle the networks fueling violence and instability.

The government of Equatorial Guinea has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following the discovery of explicit videos that were leaked online, News360 Nigeria reports.

Real Equatorial Guinea reports that the dismissal was ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo after the release of videos featuring Engonga engaging in intimate encounters with high-profile women.

The discovery of the footage has sparked widespread controversy and calls for action.

According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, Engonga’s removal from office was due to alleged misconduct during his tenure, as well as personal and social behavior deemed incompatible with his public position.

The scandal erupted after nearly 400 tapes showing Engonga’s intimate moments with VIP women, including his cousins, were leaked on social media, quickly becoming the subject of intense public scrutiny.

Among those condemning Engonga’s actions is the First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Constancia Mangue Obiang, who expressed her outrage over the scandal during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.

Mrs. Obiang called for swift governmental action to safeguard the dignity of Equatoguinean women.

“H.E. Mrs. Constancia Mangue of Obiang, in addition to showing her indignation for this event, has wanted to know the strategy that the Government proposes to mitigate this situation that does nothing but distort and denigrate the image and reputation of the Guineo-Ecuadorian woman, despite the efforts made on the issue of gender,” a statement from the First Lady’s Press Office reads.