The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing financial support to local governments in the state, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling granting autonomy to the councils.

Governor Diri made this statement on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairmen of two Rural Development Authorities (RDAs) at the 134th state executive council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa.

He explained that some local councils in the state experience financial deficits after paying workers and teachers, prompting the state government to continue augmenting their funds to prevent them from suffering.

Governor Diri also clarified that, contrary to the belief that states tamper with local government funds disbursed through the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC), Bayelsa’s case is different, as the state government actually supplements these funds.

The governor highlighted that the creation of the RDAs was part of the government’s initiative to bring development to every corner of the state.

He urged the newly sworn-in chairmen to carry out their duties diligently and humbly, serving the people at the grassroots level.

“My administration will continue to fully support the local government system, regardless of the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy,” Diri stated.

“Unlike the perception that state governments control the funds allocated to local governments after FAAC allocation, the Bayelsa State government augments their funds, as some local councils operate at a deficit.”

He further charged, “You are representing the Prosperity Government in your rural development authorities. I urge you to carry out your responsibilities dutifully and with humility toward the grassroots population.”

The officials sworn in were Mr. Andrew Ikputu-Kirifa for Ogboin South/Tarakiri RDA and Mr. Christian Egbo for Ogbia Central RDA.

The governor also expressed concern over the recent vandalism of power transmission lines serving the state, which has resulted in widespread power outages.

He assured that the Commissioner for Power and the Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company are working closely with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore power promptly.

Meanwhile, the government’s plans to secure an independent power supply for the state remain on course

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress,( NLC), Abia State Chapter, has put workers in the state on standby for immediate industrial action, should the Police arrest National President Comrade Joe Ajaero.

This was contained in a circular jointly issued by the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, and Secretary, Emma Alozie, in Umuahia.

It was revealed that the Police had two days ago invited Ajaero for questioning over alleged terrorism financing and treason.

There has been public outcry and global condemnation against the action of the police interpreted in some quarters as a move to intimidate labour and the President Bola Tinubu government’s critics into submission.

Police had amid the recent nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance, raided the Labour national secretariat in Abuja, and carted away documents.

Abia NLC said it would not issue any further notice about industrial action, but would on the midnight of any day Ajaero or any labour leader, “is arrested”, commence an indefinite strike.

The notice read in part: “Consequent upon the invitation for interview issued to Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the management, all industrial unions and the workers of Abia Civil Service are by this notice informed as follows:

“That upon any ugly incident of the arrest of the NLC President or any other Labour Leader, sequel to this unjustified and untimely invitation, all workers are to down tools as from midnight of the same day.

“Whilst workers wait for further instructions and directives as to mode of engagement which could be strike, protest etc. this information is to serve as our official notice to all concerned.

“The State Government, security Agencies, all Civil Liberty Organizations, the general public, all media houses, should take note, even as the workers wait for the next line of action.

“All industrial unions, both in public and private sectors are directed to forward this notice to their units and branches and to commence sensitization and mobilization of their members for total compliance.”

A fifty years old woman, identified as Nemis Usman, has been reportedly killed by a hit and run driver in Taraba State.

The woman, who was participating in ‘Operation Keep Taraba Clean’, was crushed to death by the yet to be identified driver in the Jalingo metropolis.

Our correspondent learnt that the incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday along Yola Road near Mile Six, in Nobis Junction.

Officials at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Jalingo, who spoke with our correspondent, said the woman died before she was rushed to the hospital.

At the time of filing this report, her remains have been evacuated to the hospital morgue.

Investigation to identify the driver responsible for the hit-and-run accident is presently ongoing, according to Police sources.

Some of the deceased’s colleagues who spoke with our correspondent said the woman was hit by the driver when she was busy carrying out her assigned responsibilities on the highway.

Confirming the incident, the coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Iliya Kefas, said efforts to track down the driver are in top gear.

No fewer than 2,111 protesters were arrested in connection with the 10-day #Endbadgovernance action across the country that was held from August 1st to 10th.

Also, 1,403 have been surreptitiously arraigned in various courts. However, the suspects were ordered to be remanded in prison custody due to a lack of legal representation, whereas the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), had publicly announced its intention to provide lawyers to defend them.

Femi Falana, SAN, human rights activist, and The Chair, Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond, (ASCAB), made the revelations in a fiery statement that also included an ultimatum for the government to charge them to court.

In the statement, entitled ‘HALT THE CLAMPDOWN ON PROTESTERS’, Falana also said: “Seven Polish students, who were taking part in an exchange programme in Bayero University, Kano, were arrested for taking photographs during the protest.

“They may be charged with espionage to give the impression that the protests were instigated by foreign interest groups.”

On the arrested and detained protesters, Falana demanded that “Whenever the suspects are going to be arraigned, they must be given adequate notice to be able to contact the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), and their family members to make arrangements for their defence.”

Falana also gave a breakdown of the distribution of protesters arrested across the states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

1. Kano — 873

2. Jigawa — 403

3. Katsina–120;

4. Gombe — 111

5. Sokoto — 110

6. Borno — 99

7. Yobe — 90

8. Bauchi-60

9. Plateau — 51

10. Kaduna — 50

11. FCT — 50

12. Nasarawa — 40

13. Niger — 25

14. Zamfara — 19

15. Cross Rivers — 10

According to the fiery activist, “We have also confirmed that individual lawyers who had applied for the bail of the detained suspects in police stations were not informed that they were going to be arraigned in the courts.

“We submit that the decision of the authorities to deny the suspects legal representation constitutes a violent breach of their fundamental right to fair hearing guaranteed by section 36 of the Constitution and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“This is highly discriminatory and illegal on the ground that politically exposed persons who are arrested for looting the treasury to the tune of several billions of Naira are usually informed in advance of the dates and of their arraignment in the courts.

“Such highly placed suspected looters are always granted bail in liberal terms and even authorised by trial judges to travel abroad for medical treatment.

“The offence allegedly committed by the 783 suspects arrested in Kano is that they displayed the Russian flag during the protest.

“A tailor who was sowing the flag was also arrested by the police. It may be difficult to press charges against the suspects in a country where the flags of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and other European countries are hoisted by the majority of hotels in Nigeria while Churches hoist the flag of Israel based on the erroneous belief that it is a Christian country.”

An Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday discharged and acquitted six men charged with breach of the public peace during the 2020 #Endsars protest.

They are: Daniel Joyinbo, 31, Adigun Sodiq, 28, Kehinde Shola,32, Salaudeen Kamilu, 29, Sodiq Usseni, 33 and Azeez Isiaka, 34.

The defendants had in a plea bargain agreement, pleaded guilty to a count charge of breach of the public peace preferred against them by Lagos State Government.

After listening to the plea bargain agreement, the Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, found the defendants guilty and convicted them of the offence.

She, however, cautioned and discharged them, adding that they had spent almost four years in custody.

Earlier, the Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, told the court that he had an amended charge.

He said that the defendants committed the offence on Nov. 23, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., at Ebutte Metta, Lagos.

According to him, the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the public peace.

He said that the offence contravened Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Martins, however, urged the court to sentence the defendants based on their plea.

Their legal representative, Mr T.D Ojeshino, pleaded to the court to tamper justice with mercy.

“My lord, I plead the court to tamper justice with mercy as the defendants are first time offenders.

“Some are bread winners of their families and still very young.

“They have been in custody since 2020 and have truly learnt their lessons,” he said.

More prosperity and good governance await Nigeria if the leaders adopt the Michael Okpara Leadership model that excelled in selfless service, agriculture, and industrialization.

Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma made the submission yesterday while speaking at the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize awards in Abuja.

Uzodimma, who spoke on the topic, Service Above Self: Lessons from the Leadership Philosophy of Dr Michael Okpara ,noted that Okpara was able to make the Eastern Region ‘s economy the fastest growing one in Africa because of the leadership model.

“Perhaps, if only our political leaders of today could emulate the leadership virtues of Dr Michael Okpara ,our country would be better and more prosperous,” he submitted.

He noted that those virtues were characterized by selfless service, integrity, vision and inclusivity, which brought about rapid growth in the region.

Uzodimma, who was also bestowed with the Premier’s Grand Prize, Gold Plaque Category award by the organisers, urged Nigerians to concentrate more on rendering selfless service rather than pursuing personal aggrandisement.

He also called for a greater commitment to the development of the country by Nigerians themselves, instead of mere passing of bucks.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would attain its full potential when the citizens display unparallel patriotism, as demonstrated by the late Premier of Eastern Region.

He said Okpara’s legacies will continue to ” inspire not just our generation but generations to come”

The governor commended the organisers for the lecture series, which was a way of keeping Okpara’s legacies alive.

But he regretted that Okpara has not been properly honoured by Nigeria. ” In my view, Okpara remains a hero in Nigeria who has not been properly sung”

In his remarks at the occasion, Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu described Okpara as his hero because of the monumental development he achieved in the former Eastern Region.

According to him, most of the agricultural policies being implemented by his administration in Cross River State were derived from the legacies of Okpara.

The Chairman on the occasion and former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim praised the organisers for keeping the memory of the late premier alive.

Senator Anyim also eulogized Gov Hope Uzodimma for his thought-provoking lecture and urged Nigerians to imbibe the recommendations from the lecture.

The ceremony was attended by the governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, former governor of Cross River State, Sir Clement Ebri, Industrialist,Chief Arthur Eze and prominent political figures and traditional rulers.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Partys (PDP) Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, has called on party stakeholders to take immediate action to prevent the PDP from disintegrating.

Wabara made the plea while speaking at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, on Wednesday.

He called for truthfulness and adherence to the rule of law within the party.

PDP shouldnt be allowed to die, Wabara said.

His comments come after a recent visit to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, where he expressed concerns about the partys potential loss of Rivers State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wabara warned that losing Rivers State would have far-reaching consequences for Nigerias future. He praised the neutrality of the committee members and assured that the Board of Trustees would address party issues in accordance with the constitution.

He said, We were scared Sir, when we heard or read speculations, perceptions or what have you, that the party, if we are not careful, might lose Rivers State. Of course, if we loose Rivers State, Nigeria has lost its future, he said.

We dont want what happened in 2015, and 2023 to repeat itself. These men and women you see here are very neutral. But as the conscience of the party, we must go by the rule of law. And anything you do, going by the rule of law, can never be wrong. It may be delayed, but it cannot be wrong.

Wabara added, I dont want to describe it. Otherwise, as a Governor, we have former Governors here, I doubt if they would have taken as much as you have. So, on behalf of this party, once again, let me thank you for your resilience, your wisdom, and for the fact that you are still in this party.

And to assure you that the Board of Trustees under my watch and with these serious minded Nigerians, will deal with the matter as constitutionally allowed.

A group of former agitators from the Niger Delta has condemned the calls for the impeachment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing them as a plot against prominent politicians from the Southern region of Nigeria.

The group, operating under the banner of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, also advocated for the creation of a South-South Development Commission, separate from the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the chairman of the forum, Alban Paulinus, also known as General Skillar, said the group is aware of efforts by some individuals to change the leadership of the National Assembly, which they will collectively resist.

Paulinus stated, We, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, are aware of calls from some faceless groups to impeach the current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a Southerner. To us, this is yet another instance of injustice against the South.

We are using this press conference to warn that we will not tolerate such actions and will resist any attempts to undermine Akpabios leadership by any means available to us.

The forum described Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, as a symbol of national unity, insisting that he should not be subject to regional domination. They stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of their state of origin or geopolitical zone, deserves respect.

Paulinus highlighted the forums call for the establishment of the South-South Development Commission as essential to ensure equity and justice in regional development, distinct from the NDDC, which serves as an interventionist agency for the region.

“To this end, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum calls on Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and other federal lawmakers from the South-South to initiate and expedite the passage of a bill for the creation of the South-South Development Commission”, Paulinus said.

The forum also condemned the recent protests against President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to be patient with the federal administration. They expressed confidence that the numerous programmes and policies under Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda will begin to yield positive results in the coming months and years.

Additionally, the ex-agitators noted that former President Dr Goodluck Jonathans tenure was marked by injustice, leading to his being denied a second term in office. They warned that a similar pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, with some Northern groups already calling for his removal barely a year into his administration. This contrasts sharply with the support Northern leaders gave to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two full terms despite significant security challenges.

The forum denounced this disparity as a destabilising force that threatened Nigerias unity and integrity and called for an immediate end to this trend of undermining Southern leadership. They cautioned that continued provocations might leave them with no choice but to take decisive action to protect their region and identity.

Paulinus also urged politicians from the South, including those in the South-West, South-East, and Middle-Belt, to unite under a Southern Nigerian Movement. He described this movement as being dedicated to defending and advancing the political, economic, and regional interests of the South and Middle Belt in the face of mounting challenges.

The Co-ordinator of Mbaitoli local government area chapter of a political pressure group, CampHope Organization, Hon BourdillonEbeninye, has condemned the attitude of some people who according to him, are not sincere and patriotic enough to appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimma’s amazing achievements in governance.

Speaking to news men in Owerri, Hon Ebeninye observed that the Imo state governor who was re-elected into office on November 11, 2023 has recorded tremendously marvellous achievements in all sectors of the state economy.

Rather than fold our arms and continue condemning and sponsoring the publication of spurious, fabricated and empty allegations against the Imo state Chief Executive, even when we know he has so far, done very well, we should commend, support and encourage him to do more. True patriots do not, engage in pull-him-down activities. It’s only evil-minded and selfish persons looking for opportunities to run down the state that are in the habit of condemning the works and efforts of a good leader”, the MbaitoliCampHope Co-ordinator stated.

Enumerating some of the monumental achievements of Governor Hope Uzodimma, BourdillonEbeninye said, let us look at and appreciate what Hope Uzodimma did for people of Igbo nation recently. The Imo state governor in his wisdom and capacity as the Chairman of Southeast Governors Forum, was able to convince other governors in the Southeast zone to ensure that Ibos would not participate in the nationwide protest against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This worked out well for Ibos as their lives and businesses were not destroyed by those who would have used the situation to unleash terror on Ndigbo nationwide. This is an achievement that would remain indelible in the sands of time. Let us also, remember that Governor Hope Uzodimma recently, used his privileged position as chairman of Nigeria’s Progressives Governors’ Forum to effect the signing into law, the long-awaited Southeast Development Commission by President Bola Tinubu. Soon, marvellous dividends in the forms of massive employment and infrastructural development would begin to manifest.”

I also want to point out that Governor Uzodimma has just been inaugurated as Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Council. All of us can guess and rightly too, what this position means for Imo state. In the near future, many positive things will unfold. Solid roads that have resisted ‘acidic rain’ built by Hope Uzodimma are all over the state. Let me just stop but not without mentioning the several skill acquisition and empowerment programmes initiated and executed by the Uzodimma 3-R mantra administration since the past four years”, BourdillonEbeninye concluded.

Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has tackled the elder statesman and bigwig of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Clark, for condemning the defensive actions of the partys national secretariat in favour of the 27 PDP lawmakers of Rivers State.

The group in a statement by its national chairman and the Abuja chapter chairman, Hon. Haruna Bature and Hon. Ogah Okpanachi, said Chef Clark as an elder, ought to play an advisory and mediatory role in the political crisis in Rivers, rather than taking sides with the sitting Governor.

It, however, called on Chief Clark to retract his letter, apologise to the parties mentioned in the letter and assume the proper fatherly and mediatory role expected of him as an Elder Statesman.

The statement said: Attention of the Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has been drawn to the letter written by Chief Edwin K. Clark condemning the defensive actions of the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu in favour of the 27 PDP Lawmakers of Rivers State.

We are greatly shocked and disappointed by the toxic hatred and bitterness expressed in the letter against the defensive actions of Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and the FCT Minister, Chief Barr. E.N. Wike in favour of the 27 PDP lawmakers of Rivers state.

We wonder why the elder statesman, Chief Edwin K. Clark who is supposed to be a mediator between the two factions suddenly lost touch with his status, and role and threw caution to the wind by taking sides with Governor Sim. Fubara to sacrifice the 27 PDP lawmakers forgetting that all the parties in this crisis are bonafide and prominent indigenes of Rivers State whose interests must never be sacrificed for another.

The legal technicalities of the alleged defection of the 27 PDP Lawmakers of Rivers State have been severally challenged and judgments passed in favour of the 27 PDP Rivers state lawmakers at the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, and therefore expected the elder statesman to have chosen the path of peaceful mediation and reconciliation to give proper closure to the issues in contention.

We categorically wish to state that the actions of Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu properly informed the Court that the position of the party is to give all the parties in Rivers State Crisis fairgrounds to litigate their matters in court without fear or favour and should never be condemned for such actions.

Finally, we wish to remind Chief Edwin K. Clark that all the parties in the Rivers State crisis especially the FCT Minister, Chief Barr. E.N. Wike has fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which cannot and must never be compromised or sacrificed for any petty personal or regional sentiments.

We are therefore calling on Chief Edwin K. Clark to immediately retract the letter, apologise to the parties mentioned in the letter, and assume the proper fatherly and mediatory role expected of him as an Elder Statesman, the statement read

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Tuesday, tackled the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, over his Monday declaration that the All Progressives Congress would capture Abia State come 2027.

A video shared on social media by Kalu on Monday captured him saying that as the number six citizen, it was inappropriate for his state to be ruled by the Labour Party.

He vowed that Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party would be unseated, adding that Otti would be the only and the last LP governor to govern Abia State.

This will be the last time that a Labour governor will govern Abia State. The next governor of Abia State will be APC. I say this without mincing words, Kalu said.

He said he had told Otti privately and publicly that an APC governor would take over from him in 2027.

How it will happen, I dont know, but I know it will happen, Kalu said.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the opposition PDP tackled Kalu, accusing him of turning history upside down by projecting a narrative that is clearly false, and must be debunked on other to set the records straight.

In the statement signed by the head of its media team, Elder Abraham Amah, the Abia PDP said being the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives did not give Kalu the right to speak for the people of Abia State.

The PDP said it was disturbing that Mr. Ben Kalu has wrongly appropriated the rights to speak for the good people of Abia State.

Being the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the one who represents Bende Federal Constituency does not mean that he has suddenly become the mouthpiece of the people of Abia State or the Igbo nation.

It is imperative to remind Mr. Kalu that his position as Number 6 in the national order of precedence is not something to boast about because it clearly shows the ignominy with which the APC has treated the Igbo nation. He should be reminded that there are six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, and the fact that the South-East placed 6th, and last position is a clear indication that the APC government at the centre does not regard the Igbo nation highly.

The PDP said Kalu must be reminded that the Igbo fared better politically when the PDP was in power at the federal level.

During the reign of the PDP at the centre, the South-East was better compensated with the position of the Senate President, the third position in the order of national precedence, and none of the five Senate Presidents from the South East ever tried to railroad or corralled the entire Igbo nation to the PDP. Beyond that, the South-East occupied other important positions in the PDP government like the Minister of Finance, Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States and Canada, and other important positions that the APC government has denied the Igbo South-East in its nine-year reign, the PDP said.

According to the PDP, the Igbo people are Republican in nature, and nobody tells them what to do, especially when it involves following the bandwagon of a party that has subjected Nigerians, especially the Igbo nation, to untold poverty and hardship.

The opposition party advised Kalu to concentrate on doing his job as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and should desist from making statements that put the Igbo nation to ridicule.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says he plans to put in place an innovation and technology-driven civil service fit for the demands of the 21st century in the state.

Otti made this pledge while receiving a delegation of the British High Commission to Nigeria at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

The delegation was led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery.

The governor said that he was doing his best in the civil service sector to prepare the workforce for the future.

Otti, who said Abia people were highly innovative, energetic and industrious, thanked the British high commissioner for funding the training of more than 500 Abia civil servants on digital skills.

“We are very happy to receive you; we thank you for making the decision to come.

“We want a civil service that is ready for the future, ready for technology and ready for innovations.

Otti said he has been de-risking Abias business environment in the past 14 months for full private -sector participation through provision of power, road infrastructure, security, among other basic needs.

“We came prepared with some solutions in terms of strategies; we have put a lot of things together.

“For us, governance is about the welfare of the people; it is about making the people happy and that is why we support the private sector”

The governor said that the South East Governors were collaborating to take advantage of regional integration for the overall development of the region.

He said the South East Governors Forum was thinking towards regional railway lines to promote trade and other economic activities.

Earlier, Montgomery commended the significant improvement in resource management, digital compliant civil service and improved infrastructure recorded under Otti within 14 months in office.

Montgomery, who is also the UK Permanent representative for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), assured of partnering with Abia in the digital space.

He also said the British High Commission was ready to partner with the state government in areas of trade, energy, transportation, technology, manufacturing and other areas of interest for job creation.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, several commissioners and other government appointees including the graduands of the digital training.

National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has threatened to shut down the power sector if the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, is arrested.

The Intelligence Response Team, IRT, arm of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, had Monday, August 19, invited Ajaero, for questioning over Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime.

NUEEs Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, while reacting in a statement, said that NUEE noted with utter dismay the political machinations surrounding the police invitation of its General Secretary-cum-President of Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Joe Ajaero as a purported fall out of the politically-motivated investigation into an alleged trump up charges of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony against him.

The statement noted that it was not only embarrassing, but childish and clueless for the Federal Government of Nigeria to take to the antics of witch-hunting, harassment, intimidation and name-calling instead of coming out openly to apologize to the Congress and its leadership for the unlawful invasion of NLC National headquarters few days ago.

According to the statement, the choice by the Government to stifle labour and free speech in the country as a tool to compel Nigerians to continue to suffer in silence in the face of government policies that were not favorable to the people was quite deplorable.

The statement said, Those in government, especially elected leaders, should be mindful of their actions in times like this, if they have the love of the country at heart.

It emphasised that it was so painful to see this happening in a democracy where it is supposed to be Government of the people, by the people and for the people, lamenting that what Nigerians have is simply the government of the selected few, for themselves against the people.

The NUEEs Acting General Secretary noted that it was a blatant abuse of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and International Labour Organization Conventions especially convention 87 and 98, was unacceptable and would be vehemently resisted.

The Union condemned in its entirety what it called Governments interference in the Labour movement through the weapons of intimidation and official harassment of Labour Leaders, in the country, warning that in the event that Comrade Ajaero is arrested, they will have no choice but to go with the NLC directives.

NUEE called on their National, Zonal, State and Chapter leadership to commence immediate mobilization of their teaming members in Generation, Transmission and Distribution to withdraw their services in the event that Comrade Joe Ajaero is arrested.

They also called on the Federal Government to tread with caution as the entire Nation was angry and heated up already because of the hunger and hyper-inflation in the land.

According to NUEE, The rights of citizens must be respected and guaranteed if the country must move forward.

Terrorism financing: NLC mobilises for nationwide strike over Ajaeros invitation

Following the ongoing face-off between it and Nigeria Police, the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress has asked its members to be ready to commence a nationwide strike if need be by midnight of Tuesday.

The labour centre said in a communique issued after its emergency National Executive Council in Abuja that it had directed all the state chapters and affiliates to mobilise workers for an indefinite strike from midnight if anything happened to the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who was invited by the police for questioning over terrorism financing allegation.

The police invitation to Ajaero comes weeks after policemen conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while justifying the raid, said the police were on the trail of one of the terrorists who masterminded the crisis in Sudan.

The police added that the raid was to search for seditious materials in connection to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance or hunger protest, which turned violent in parts of the country, particularly in the North, where some protesters were seen waving the Russian flag and demanding President Bola Tinubus resignation.

On Monday, the police said Ajaero should appear for questioning at 10 am over allegation of terrorism financing and treasonable felony.

But the NLC National Executive Council convened an emergency for Tuesday morning to weigh the situation.

Rising from the meeting, the NLC leadership, in their communique, said they viewed Ajaeros summon as a clearly unfounded and politically-motivated investigation.

In the communique signed by NLC Deputy President, Ado Sani Minjibir, the congress warned that it will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.

The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation.

The congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.

If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the state;

NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils alert to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 midnight today.

The NLC also called on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the union at this critical moment.

The meeting expressed grave concern that rather than extending the demand by the congress for the earlier invasion of its national headquarters by security agencies, the Nigeria Police has chosen to embark on this spurious and fortuitous journey of intimidation, harassment, and witch-hunt.

This is nothing but a travesty and a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the working people and their leadership, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the International Labour Organization Conventions 87 and 98.In light of this, the NEC of the NLC resolves as follows, it said.

NLC said that it had decided to honour the police invitation as a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process.

It however added that it would not sit idly while the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders were trampled upon with impunity by the state.

The NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation.

However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says it recorded a significant increase in remittance inflows of 553 million dollars in July.

According to a statement issued by CBNs Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the all-time high remittances represents a 130 per cent increase from the corresponding period in 2023.

Sidi-Ali said that the figure represented the highest monthly total inflows on record, and reflects ongoing efforts by the apex bank to enhance liquidity in Nigerias foreign exchange market.

According to her, the substantial growth in remittance receipts is attributable to policy measures introduced

by the CBN to enhance liquidity in Nigerias foreign exchange market.

These measures include granting licences to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller model, and enabling timely access to Naira liquidity for IMTOs.

Diaspora remittances are a crucial source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, supplementing both foreign direct investment and portfolio investments.

The CBNs initiatives have supported continued growth in these inflows, aligning with the institutions objective of doubling formal remittance receipts within a year, she said.

She said that the increase in remittances was a strong testament to the success of the CBNs ongoing efforts to bolster public confidence in the foreign exchange market.

The director said that it was an indication of efforts to strengthen a robust and inclusive banking system, and promote price stability, which is essential for sustained economic growth.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigerias year-on-year headline inflation rate slowed in July for the first time in 19 months.

This is a clear indication that the CBNs monetary policy tightening measures are delivering results.

The CBN anticipates that these measures will contribute to achieving its broader objective of maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market, she said.

Sidi-Ali said that the apex bank would continue to monitor market conditions and adjust policies as necessary to enable greater remittances flow into Nigeria.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Tuesday arrested the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Kabara, along with the State ALGON Chairman and interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Abdullahi Bashir.

The duo and five other individuals were detained in connection with alleged corruption in the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for Kano States 44 local governments.

The commission has also invited the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Musa Garba, and the nephew of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation.

According to the PCACC, the arrested officials are suspected of breaching the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law.

The allegations revolve around the awarding of a contract for the supply of drugs and medical equipment, reportedly conducted in violation of statutory provisions and without obtaining the requisite consent and approval from Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

A source close to the commission disclosed that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the ALGON Chairman, has confessed to directing the illegal payment of ₦402.6m for the procurement. Of this amount, ₦347.7m was allegedly paid by 38 of the state’s local governments before the Commission launched its investigation.

The actions taken by these officials were in clear contravention of the law, said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. They bypassed necessary protocols and proceeded with the contract without proper authorization.

The arrested officials, who were brought to the commissions office at 11 AM on Tuesday, were still in custody as of 11:15 AM, undergoing intensive questioning by the commissions operatives.

The PCACC has vowed to continue its investigation into the matter, promising to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption.

We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this illegal act are held accountable, the source added.

Controversy erupted late Tuesday following conflicting reports on the Court of Appeals decision regarding the impeachment of Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

Initial reports suggested that the Court of Appeal had upheld the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which quashed Shaibus impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

According to the earlier reports, the appellate court affirmed Justice James Omotoshos ruling, which voided Shaibus impeachment for lack of fair hearing and ordered his reinstatement to office.

The court also reportedly set aside the appointment of Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor.

However, the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, refuted the reports, describing them as false and misleading.

Despite this, Shaibu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrated the purported ruling, with Shaibu expressing gratitude to God, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians.

He hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy and the judiciary.

The APC also welcomed the judgment, emphasizing that it highlighted the insensitivity of Governor Godwin Obasekis administration and its disregard for due process and the constitution.

A press statement by the state publicity secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-igbinigie said, This victory is a testament of the insensitivity of Governor Godwin Obaseki to due process and absolute regard to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he swore to uphold.

The APC Edo state chapter is proud that today, the Deputy Governor of the state has found it worthy to trace his political fame back to the party which has helped to galvanized and repositioned him as an icon of modern democracy which he has doggedly and gallantly fought for in Nigeria.

While you journey through the remaining part of your tenure as an APC Deputy Governor, the party offers its sincere accolade of support and encouragement to doing that which you are well known for, that is upholding the genuine tenet of democracy which is sacrosanct in civilized climes.

But Aiguobarueghian told newsmen that There was a suit instituted by Shaibu during the impeachment process to stop it, the case was before Justice Egwuatu, while the matter was ongoing, he was impeached and the new deputy governor applied to strike out the case that as deputy governor he is not interested in pursuing a case.

Philip Shaibu went and filed a motion asking that his name as Philip Shiabu should be used instead deputy governor of Edo State, he also asked that the case should be converted from originating summons to writ of summons, the court granted both applications so it was that motion that the court granted that we went to the Court of Appeal for, it was an interlocutory appeal, we went to the Court of Appeal to challenge that order changing the name to Philip Shaibu, while all these were going on, he filed another suit in his own name and that suit was taken to the court of Justice Omotosho and Justice Omotosho on the 17th of July now declared him winner in the later suit that was filed in his name and Edo State House of Assembly filed an appeal against that judgment, the Attorney General of Edo State also filed another appeal against that judgment.

All three appeals came up today (Tuesday) and we now withdrew the interlocutory appeal against Justice Egwuatu’s ruling, it is that ruling that he is now saying he won, meanwhile that ruling did not declare him the deputy governor.

Against that substantive suit that Justice Omotosho declared him winner, the appeal processes were served on him in court and he has five days to reply and we were given another five days to reply to his response. That is when the suit will now be taken and a decision will not be taken. The decision has not been taken on the impeachment case.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Peter Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate in the 2023 election, participated in the International Leaders Forum (ILF) held in Chicago.

The ILF, in its 11th edition, runs alongside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Illinois from August 19 to 22.

This forum, organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), has been held every four years since 1984. It gathers prominent global politicians and policymakers to observe key aspects of the American democratic process.

Peter Obi shared that he was invited along with two other prominent Nigerians and approximately 200 distinguished political leaders from over 91 countries, including former heads of government.

We were invited to take part in the 2024 International Leaders Forum (ILF) on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, from August 19-22, 2024, Obi posted on X.

He expressed his gratitude to Senator Thomas Daschle and the NDI Board for the invitation, emphasizing the importance of the ILF in providing leaders from Africas developing democracies with a platform to exchange experiences and learn from one another.

In addition to Osinbajo and Obi, former Senate President Ken Nnamani was also among the invitees. The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was reportedly invited as well, though it remains unclear whether he attended.

The Democratic National Convention began on Tuesday, featuring notable speeches from figures like Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Senator, Barack Obama, former U.S. President, and Michelle Obama, former First Lady, all advocating for Kamala Harris, the Democratic Partys presidential candidate.

A member of the House of Representatives, representing the Ideato North South Federal Constituency of Imo, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has called on the Nigerian Police force to channel their energy on curbing the worsening insecurity in the country rather than inviting the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on baseless, unfounded claims that hes involved in terrorism financing.

The Police had on Tuesday, extended an invitation to Comrade Ajaero over a case of alleged criminal conspiracy and terrorism financing. The invitation has generated outrage from the citizens with the labour body threatening to embark on a nationwide strike and protests.

Reacting, Hon. Ugochinyere, whos the spokesperson of the opposition coalition Lawmakers, stated that its clear to everyone that the NLC President didnt commit any terrorism or murder, saying that any move by the police to detain him might lead to citizens coming back to the street to protest.

Speaking from personal experiences in the past, the lawmaker whos the Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream recalled that he has been through such situations in the hands of the security agencies.

Calling for the invitation to be withdrawn, Hon. Ugochinyere urged the Police to focus on tackling insecurity in various parts of the country.

He said: “Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President didnt commit any terrorism or murder challenge, drop it, so you dont bring people back on the street and create confusion for the President.

“If you want to help President Tinubu go and chase out these bandits in the forest. Find out why crude oil is still being stolen. You dont help the President by inviting NLC President and accusing him of murder and treason. Stop it!!!!!

“The President needs help, there’s insecurity, thats why theres economic hardship, thats why food products are high. Thats the real terror that you need to deal with not Comrade Ajaero.

“I have to advise the Nigerian police, theres no basis for this now, what Nigerians need now is more enhanced security, more involvement of security agencies in quelling security challenges across all parts of the country instead of inviting the President of Nigerian Labour Congress for a chat over his involvement in terrorism.

“These are old strategies that people can decode; from someone who has been through it, this same police force invited me multiple times and charged me multiple times. Based on my personal experience, I think this invitation should be withdrawn, the country is at a difficult moment now.

“I know Comrade Ajaero and I know hes not involved in any terrorism. We are trying to find a way to maintain stability and navigate these economic challenges; the Nigerian police should Channel their energy on oil production, what the oil thieves are doing, etc. They should focus on wiping out the bandits and criminal elements.

“I’m urging the Inspector General of Police, dont let your era be known with what you use to have, dont get involved in that. The biggest thing I know you can do for the President that I know you love is to find a way to energize the Police Force to go after all these criminal elements in different parts of the country”, Hon. Ugochinyere urged.

Notable Nigerians from different walks of life have been celebrating the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma over his award for good governance by the prestigious Michael Okpara Leadership Prize.

Uzodimma who is also the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum will today in Abuja receive the Premier’s Grand Prize, Gold Plaque Category award from the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize ” for his vision and programs for good governance and development in Imo state”

The governor, who will also be the keynote speaker at the event, will deliver a paper on the topic “Service Above Self: Lessons from the Leadership Philosophy of Dr. Michael Okpara.” ”

Labour leaders, business moguls, traditional rulers, the clergy and members of the academia have all risen in unison to applaud Uzodimma for the award ,describing it as well deserved for the quantum development he has wrought in the state.

They were particularly impressed that an organisation with Michael Okpara imprimatur is honouring Uzodimma for his selfless service in the mould of that of the late Premier of Eastern Region

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in an emotional tribute to Uzodimma, described him as a man who has emptied himself to God to be used for good governance in Imo state .

In a congratulatory message to the governor signed by the chairman, Rev. Dr. Eches, CAN, said the award was a testament to Uzodimma’s unprecedented and massive infrastructure and human capital development in the state.

It noted that just like Okpara, the Imo governor is focused on the transformation of the state, hence his policies and programmes aimed at the industrial and agricultural revolution for the good of the people.

In their tribute, the traditional rulers said they were not surprised that Michael Okpara Leadership Prize found Uzodimma worthy of the award.

” The Governor took after the late Premier and our own Sam Mbakwe. We are proud that what we have been witnessing, the development of our rural communities, other Nigerians, and groups have also noticed. So, naturally, we celebrate our governor for the award, Eze Ambassador Damian Emeada Obianigwa of Isi Ihiteowerri wrote on behalf of his colleagues.

They congratulated Uzodimma for bagging the award and urged him to continue to render selfless service to Imo State and Nigeria.

Similarly, labour organisations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, have felicitated Governor Hope Uzodimma over the award.

The NLC, Imo State chapter described the award as highly merited, saying that one of the indices of good governance was actually the welfare of the people ” which the governor has excelled”

” Imo workers couldn’t be happier for this meritorious and deserving award to the most worker friendly governor in Nigeria,” they wrote.

Imo Journalists, on their part, said the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize merely confirmed what the people of the state have experienced since 2020 when Uzodimma emerged governor.

According to them, the people of Imo State have been bombarded with dividends of democracy ranging from durable roads, quality health care, and education, while Imo has become the fastest growing economy East of the Niger.

Billionaire businessman , Chief Tony Chukwu, industrialists, Chief Charles Amadi, and Chief Cliff Nzeruem, and former Federal Lawmaker,Chief Jerry Alagboso also spoke glowingly of Uzodimma and why he deserved the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize award.

Chief Tony Chukwu described Uzodimma as a pragmatic, result oriented, and focused leader whose inspirational leadership has impacted directly on the people of the state.

He said the award was an acknowledgement of the superlative performance of the governor in office and urged Uzodimma to leverage on it to gear up for more service to Imo State and Nigeria.

On his part, Chief Alagboso who represented Orlu,Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives lauded the Dr Michael Okpara Foundation and Verbatim Media Group for their vision in identifying a man of vision for the Okpara Leadership Prize honours.

He noted that after Dr. Michael Okpara and Chief Sam Mbakwe, Uzodimma has come to represent selfless leadership encapsulated in good governance and accountability in Igboland.

” Your Excellency, many of us who have known you over the years can attest to your commitment and dedication to selfless service just like the late Dr Okpara. You have become a beacon of hope and development. Your industrial masterplan will certainly make Imo the envy of all, “Alagboso concluded.

A former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Hartford Oseke, is dead.

Hon. Oseke was said to have slumped and died during a routine exercise at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State.

Reports indicate that he collapsed and was rushed to Apex Hospital Awka in an attempt to revive him, but unfortunately, he passed away before medical intervention could succeed.

At Osekes country home in Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area, relatives were seen in deep mourning, with many remaining too grief-stricken to comment publicly on the tragedy.

Members of the State House of Assembly, who had served alongside Oseke, paid tribute to him as both a colleague and a unifying force within the Assembly.

One member, who preferred to remain unnamed, described Oseke as a good man and a uniting force during his tenure in the Assembly.

I cannot make an official statement for now because it is left for the Speaker of the Assembly to do that, and you know that Oseke was his set at the Assembly, the member told New Telegraph.

But all that I can say is that he was a good man and a uniting force while he was at the hallowed chambers of the State Assembly, he added.

Hon. Oseke served two terms in the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing the Awka South 2 State Constituency.

During his second term, he served as the Deputy Speaker of the state legislative body.

The Nigerian Senate has failed to name one of its Committee Rooms after the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, in compliance with a resolution it adopted on 20th March, 2024.

Ibadan South senator, Sharafadeen Alli had sponsored a motion urging the Senate to immortalize the late first class monarch who was also a Senator from 1999 to 2003.

The motion which was supported by two lawmakers from Oyo State, Senators Yinus Akintunde, Oyo Central and Addulfai Buhari, Oyo North, recalled that the late monarch was the Senate Committee Chairman on National Planning.

They said the motion to immortalize the Olubadan was to retain the memory of good leadership which he exemplified.

The motion recalled that the monarch spent two years on the throne, having been coronated on the 11th March, 2022, before his death on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

The resolution was eventually adopted by the Senate.

However, checks by DAILY POST on Monday indicated that the Senate has failed to implement the resolution as no Committee Room has been named after the late Olubadan.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, could not be reached for comments on Tuesday.

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, Joe Ajaero has turned down the invitation from the Nigeria Police Force.

Ajaero explained that he turned down the invitation due to other engagements.

He disclosed this through a letter from his lawyers, Falana and Falana Chambers.

The Police has summoned Ajaero over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.

However, a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police by Ajaero’s lawyers said the invitation came late.

Parts of the letter read, “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.

“We have the instructs of Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20 in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday.

“He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter”, the letter stated.

A panel of stakeholders comprising Senior Advocates of Nigeria and notable activists on Tuesday in Abuja, charged the incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to be prepared to sanitize the judiciary to restore public confidence in the arm of government.

The panellists at a roundtable discussion lamented that the judiciary is currently in the woods with a battered image that must be totally reformed in the interest of justice delivery. At the roundtable discussion where a five-point agenda was prepared as a guide for the CJN nominee, were two professors of law, Ernest Ojukwu, SAN and Samuel Erugo, SAN, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and other justice stakeholders. Amongst others, they charged Kekere-Ekun to be prepared to reform judicial appointments in such a way and manner that nepotism and favouritism would have no role to play again Similarly, the stakeholders want the incoming CJN to rise to the challenge of arresting the issuance of conflicting judgments and orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction in the interest of the judiciary and people. The panelists further charged the new head of the judiciary to focus on discipline and accountability as a way of restoring public interest in that arm of the government.

They also suggested that the CJN nominee carry out surgical operations in the handling of election petitions and political cases which they held had dampened the belief of Nigerians in the judiciary with the sad experience of the recent past.

The stakeholders also want Kekere-Ekun to reform the Supreme Court itself in such a way that only cases of national importance would be lodged at the apex court while minor matters should be made in the reform to terminate at the lower courts.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Tap Initiative, Mr Martin Obono, observed that the National Judicial Council (NJC), which oversees the appointment of judges has recently come under heavy criticism, especially with the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, accused of appointing his family members and relatives as well as children and relatives of former justices into the bench.

While alleging that the Council disregarded its guidelines over recent appointments, Obono claimed that there have been reports of insider subversion of the applicable rules governing judicial appointments, such as the reported appointments in one instance of a candidate who scored zero in the NJC interview.

He urged the new CJN, to commit explicitly to a policy of restoring integrity and merit to judicial appointments, stating that achieving this would entail the introduction of transparent processes of selection, advertisement of judicial vacancies as well as in nomination of candidates, interviews, shortlisting and final selection.