Dons EzeBREAKING: DSS ARRESTS JOE AJAERO, NLC PRESIDENT
BREAKING: DSS ARRESTS JOE AJAERO, NLC PRESIDENT Operatives of the Department of the State Services have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero. Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today. Confirming the development in a post via its official X handle, the NLC said Ajaero’s arrest is an assault on Nigerian workers. It reads, “The assault on Nigerian workers continues. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom, and he is now detained at the office of the NSA. “This intimidation and assault must stop!!!” Recall that the Nigeria Police Force had invited and interrogated Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. His invitation came in the wake of a night raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja. The police are alleging a link between the labour leader and a Briton, Andrew Wynne, who has been accused of financing the recent #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger protest in the country to allegedly overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. Following Ajaero’s first appearance on August 29, the police, in another letter signed by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, asked him to appear again on Thursday, September 5, alongside with the NLC General Secretary “to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property.” The letter read: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured, you are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 am.”
WE’RE BUILDING NATIONWIDE STRUCTURE – PETER OBI SPEAKS ON ALLEGED MERGER WITH PDP
WE’RE BUILDING NATIONWIDE STRUCTURE – PETER OBI SPEAKS ON ALLEGED MERGER WITH PDP Yunusa Tanko, the spokesperson to the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied any merger talks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Recall that the Deputy National spokesman for the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, had publicly announced on a live political programme that the three leading opposition figures in Nigeria were discussing the possibility of a merger to salvage Nigerians from hunger and insecurity ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Abdullahi’s submission was confirmed by Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe. Ibe, while speaking to Punch, claimed that Atiku has being consistent about the call for a merger. He said, “Atiku has been consistent about an alliance of the opposition. His position has become more pertinent than ever because Nigeria, as it is currently under Tinubu’s administration, is on life support. We have had failings of trial and error policies. Hunger is the order of the day, even among his supporters.” However, Yunusa denied the claims, insisting that his principal, Peter Obi was more focused on consolidating his political base. Speaking to the aforementioned publication, Yunusa stated that talks of a merger were coming up again because political permutations have begun and the stakes for the 2027 presidential election are high. He said they were flattered by the move, but Peter Obi had learned from the last election’s mistakes and would prefer to build on his structure nationwide. According to him, “I heard about the merger discussion. But what we are interested in doing now basically is to build on our nationwide structure. You can take that one to the bank. In fact, we just want to have the bulk of our people everywhere because some of the things we observed in the last election were our inability to have the right people on the ground. “We depended on some persons who failed us, but now we want to have our people. I hope you are aware that the Obidient Movement is everywhere. It cuts across political parties. So that makes us bigger and stronger. Some of them are in PDP, APC and everywhere. “Anybody interested in good governance is an Obidient person because what the movement is up against is bad governance. That is all. We don’t have any agenda apart from that.”
NIGERIAN ARMY REACTS TO ALLEGED MASS RESIGNATION OF SOLDIERS, SAYS OFFICERS FREE TO GO
NIGERIAN ARMY REACTS TO ALLEGED MASS RESIGNATION OF SOLDIERS , SAYS OFFICERS FREE TO GOThe Nigerian Army has dismissed recent reports of mass resignations among its personnel, clarifying that voluntary retirement and discharge are routine practices in line with its established regulations.Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made this known in a statement released on Sunday.Sources had revealed about the mass resignation, lamenting corruption, low morale, and other issues as the reasons for the resignations.However, the army authorities described it as a move to tarnish the image of the army.“The publication is a deliberate attempt to create disaffection and denigrate the patriotic service of our personnel,” Nwachukwu stated, emphasizing that the Nigerian Army operates under a voluntary service system, not conscription.He further explained that the processes for voluntary retirement and discharge are clearly outlined in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for both officers and soldiers.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nwachukwu assured that these procedures are strictly adhered to, allowing personnel to retire only after fulfilling their service obligations.“This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army.“Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures“Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures.“Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years“This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation,” he said.Nwachukwu said that reasons for the discharge of personnel were confidential, as they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, and pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others.According to him, the notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.“Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even oversubscribed.“Contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.“Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families.“A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been inaugurated across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post-service accommodation.“This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life,” he said.The Army spokesperson stated that the military is currently carrying out extensive rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and constructing new facilities across formations, units, and barracks nationwide to create a more conducive working and living environment for troops and their families.He noted that allowances had been regularly paid as and when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters.“This is aside from the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments.“Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodelling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.“These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection.“Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in…
ENUGU PRIVATE SCHOOLS PAY BETWEEN N100,000 AND N300,000 AS EDUCATION TAX, NOT N5M – COMMISSIONER
ENUGU PRIVATE SCHOOLS PAY BETWEEN N100,000 AND N300,000 AS EDUCATION TAX, NOT N5M – COMMISSIONER The Enugu State Government said it asked private schools to pay between N100,000 and N300,000 as education tax, not N5 million. The State Commissioner for Education, Ndubueze Mbah made the clarification in a statement in Enugu. “New and existing private schools in the state are required to either register for provisional approval or have their licences renewed. “This is between N100,000 and N300,000, depending on the category the schools fall in. The approved schedule of fees was released to the public earlier in June,” he said. He urged the public to disregard the publication that the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration has imposed N1 million to N5 million mandatory payments on private schools in the state as educational taxes. “Extant laws empower the Ministry of Education of Enugu State to maintain minimum standards of education for both public and private schools. “The ministry is also empowered to streamline and enhance the effective administration, monitoring, and supervision of private schools,” the commissioner said.
TELECOM WORKERS BEGIN NATIONWIDE STRIKE TODAY
TELECOM WORKERS BEGIN NATIONWIDE STRIKE TODAY Workers in the nation’s telecommunications industry under the aegis of the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association, PTECSSAN, will Monday begin an indefinite nationwide strike over sack, and poor working conditions among others. Among the employees going on strike include field maintenance engineers, transmission engineers, customer service engineers, fibre engineers, and other critical staff. There are fears that the strike could disrupt telecommunications services nationwide if not resolved quickly. PTECSSAN has pending issues with no fewer than 39 telecoms servicing companies including the sack of three of its members by Specific Tools & Technology Limited. The 39 companies provide critical support services to the telecommunications operators in the country. The union had earlier given a seven day strike notice to the affected companies to address its demands or risk indefinite strike. Among PTECSSAN’s demands include immediate recognition of the fundamental right of the employees to freely associate with the Union, immediate recognition of the Union as negotiating body for the employees on workers welfare and immediate remittance of membership dues into the Union’s account as earlier provided. The demands equally are immediate recognition of the years of service of these workers, immediate commencement of appropriate pensions deduction and remittance of same as required by the Pension Act, immediate approval of the National Health Insurance Scheme that covers the employees, their spouses and four of their dependents, immediate enrolment of Union members in the Group Life Insurance as stipulated in the Pension Reform Act 2004, Section 9(3). The Union is also demanding immediate implementation of leave and leave allowance in accordance with the international best practices, immediate negotiation on review of salaries of the workers to meet the economic reality in the country today, and immediate provision Operational Vehicles or in the alternative immediate negotiation on review of the Self Drive/Self Rental to meet the economic reality in the country today. Also in the Union’s demands are immediate stoppage of 24-hour job and introduction of work hours in accordance to the international best practices, immediate stoppage of work overload (combining passive tasks to theirs) on the workers, and immediate adherence to occupational health and safety for the workers in line with international best practices. Announcing the commencement of strike, General Secretary of PTECSSAN Abdullahi Okonu said “We have made every effort to engage with employers, but our legitimate demands have been disregarded. “This strike is a last resort to protect our members’ rights and well-being. We urge the public to understand our position and support our struggle for fair treatment.” While pleading with Nigerians to bear with the Union throughout the period of the strike, PTECSSAN “assures that it will engage with employers and the government to resolve the issues, but the strike will continue until their demands are met.”
YORUBA UNION TELLS TINUBU TO RESIGN, DECRIES FUEL PRICE HIKE
YORUBA UNION TELLS TINUBU TO RESIGN, DECRIES FUEL PRICE HIKE Yoruba Union, Igbinmọ Majekobaje Ilẹ-Yoruba, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign following the recent increase in fuel prices and the escalating hunger affecting the southwest region and Nigeria at large. The union expressed deep concern about his administration’s economic policies have forced people into poverty, turning many into beggars. It condemned the implementation of IMF policies in collaboration with imperialist forces, which they claim has stifled both small and large-scale businesses, to the detriment of the Yoruba people. In a statement released on Sunday by the Convener, Olusola Oluwaseyi Badero, the union condemned the government for allowing the fuel pump price to rise from ₦600 to ₦900, at a time when many Nigerians cannot afford two basic meals a day. He explained that the Yoruba, known for their culture of Omoluabi (honour and integrity), have been reduced to begging due to President Tinubu’s anti-people policies. “We are not only calling for Tinubu’s resignation, but we also demand an apology to the Yoruba people for tarnishing their reputation. Our people have been kidnapped and killed by invaders, while they are now unable to farm or secure their livelihoods,” Badero stated. He said, “Despite the suffering of his people, Tinubu has shown no remorse. Instead, he continues to increase their hardships through higher taxes and draconian policies.” Badero recalled that during his campaign in Ogun State, Tinubu promised to reduce the fuel price. However, shortly after his inauguration, he raised the price without consulting the people. He said, “Tinubu has run out of ideas and should resign honorably. Nigeria is not a family business where he can raise prices at will. Our people are struggling to send their children to school, and with a bag of rice now costing ₦80,000, many families cannot even afford basic meals. Most southwestern states have not even implemented the new minimum wage.” The organisation declared that it would not sit idly and watch Yoruba people suffer, even if a fellow Yoruba man holds the presidency. It said, “We are known as Omoluabi—a people of honour. We will not tolerate anyone who dishonours the Yoruba nation by subjecting our people to modern-day slavery. “Tinubu asks for patience, yet he has purchased a new presidential jet for ₦150 billion, luxury yacht, bulletproof Escalades, and a mansion for the Vice President—all in one year. Meanwhile, he raised the fuel price and enacted policies that further impoverish the people.” The union also called on all Yoruba people across Nigeria to join the October protests and legally express their dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration. “We must not allow Tinubu’s government to intimidate us. Protesting is our constitutional right and cannot be taken away,” it said. Badero added that the Tinubu administration has failed the people, and the Yoruba Union is ready to protect the interests of the Yoruba, who have been oppressed by the current government. In the wake of the recently concluded #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests, which swept across the nation from August 1 to 10, 2024, organisers are gearing up for another round of demonstrations slated for October called ‘Fearless in October’ protests. This forthcoming wave of protests aims to sustain the momentum generated by the previous movement, further amplifying the voices of Nigerians demanding meaningful change. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, a key force behind the protests, has corroborated plans for the October demonstrations. According to Adenola, the upcoming protests will build upon the successes and lessons gleaned from the August protests, seeking to intensify pressure on the government to address the country’s pressing challenges and usher in an era of responsible governance.
TINUBU’S STAUNCH SUPPORTER, JOE IGBOKWE, CRIES OVER HIGH ELECTRICITY BILL
TINUBU’S STAUNCH SUPPORTER, JOE IGBOKWE, CRIES OVER HIGH ELECTRICITY BILL Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to look into the new electricity tariff in the country. Igbokwe, a staunch supporter of Tinubu’s presidency, said the development will kill businesses if not reversed. In a post on his Facebook page weekend, Igbokwe lamented that N20,000 worth of units only lasted him for just a day. The APC chieftain, therefore, urged the government to review the electricity tariff. He said: “PBAT, please look into the new electricity tariff in Nigeria. It will kill businesses if the government does not act as quickly as possible. I have a small office in Surulere with about about 7 units of AC. “We used to buy 300 plus units for N20,0000. Yesterday we bought N20,000 worth of units and it lasted for just one day. They call it band A group. I pray that we review this”.
BORDER SECURITY PERSONNEL CRY: WE’VE NOT BEEN PAID 30 MONTHS ALLOWANCES
BORDERS SECURITY PERSONNEL CRY: WE’VE NOT BEEN PAID 30 MONTHS ALLOWANCESSome Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel deployed to man Nigeria’s land borders have decried the non-payment of their allowances for two and a half years, leaving them in a deplorable working condition.The personnel claimed that they had been stationed at the borders for over five years, dating back to the previous administration; a situation they said was unusual and discouraging.The immediate former National Security (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), then said that porous borders had remained a major source of concern as they aided smuggling of prohibited items and irregular migration, as well as other transnational organised crimes and human trafficking.Monguno disclosed this in Paris, France, in 2021, at the Nigeria International Partnership Forum held on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum.He further said, “Nigeria is bordered to the North by Niger Republic, to the East by Chad and Cameroon and to the South by the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean and to the West by Benin Republic.“However, Nigeria’s excessive land and maritime borders are incredibly porous and poorly managed and this places further responsibility on the border security agencies.“In this regard, the Nigeria Customs Service has developed the E-Customs strategy while the Nigeria Immigration Service put in place an integrated border management system.“It is necessary to observe that both strategies place premium on employing technology to complement other existing physical border security arrangements.’’‘We’re facing difficulties’One of the security operatives deployed to the borders told the BBC Hausa Service yesterday that: “We are in a dire situation. We were deployed to the borders since President Buhari’s administration, and yet, we have not received our allowances for two and a half years.”The personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described their living conditions as “miserable” and appealed to the authorities to address their plight.He further said, “Initially, we were deployed alongside the army, the police and the DSS. We were being paid all the allowances on time before things eventually went South.“We have not been paid for 18 months. This started during the final days of President Buhari.“Another cause for concern is that, usually when personnel are deployed to such places, they shouldn’t stay for over two and a half years, but here we are, now at the borders for five years.“Now we haven’t been paid for 30 months, coupled with the worsening security problem that the country is grappling with. On their way to Kwara, our colleagues were kidnapped and some were killed by bandits.“Because of this kind of situation, when we are deprived of our allowances for months, some bad elements among us could turn into moles to compromise efforts to tackle insecurity in the land.“We are not praying for this to happen; we are determined to work selflessly and patriotically for the sake of our country and for posterity, no matter what.“There is an urgent need to consider our issue; we are owed 30 months of allowances, while some security officers in places like Maiduguri receive their payments.“Soldiers working there get their emoluments. We are also stationed in the jungle, where bandits operate. We live in constant fear and anxiety, with no allowances and a demanding job that keeps us away from our families for extended periods.“Considering our dire situation and the high cost of living, we are appealing to the customs and immigration authorities and concerned officials to pay our emoluments.“Furthermore, we should be redeployed as assignments like this should not exceed a certain duration. We have spent five years here, which has become torturous.”We’re reviewing the process – CustomsReacting to the development, the customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, said that the service was aware of the situation and was reviewing…
PETER OBI REJIGS MEDIA TEAM
PETER OBI REJIGS MEDIA TEAM THE Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) on Saturday announced the exit of the Chief Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr Yunusa Tanko, for another huge challenge. “Dr Tanko has been appointed the interim National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, a job that will see him coordinate the activities of the Obedient Movement nationally and internationally,” a POMR statement said. It noted that, “The Obedient Movement, a quasi-political movement that was created in 2023 during the electioneering, reflects the philosophy and dreams of our Principal, Peter Obi, whose members are drawn from across all political parties and non-politicians as well as from within the country and in Diasporas who are desiring a new Nigeria that is Possible.” The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR further announced that, “Dr Tanko will be replaced in POMR by Mallam Ibrahim Umar, another versatile Obidient that is as hungry as Dr Tanko for a new Nigeria.” “We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to cooperate with these Nigerians in their new endeavour as we continue the struggle towards dismantling the gang of political criminals holding our dear nation hostage. New Nigeria is Possible,” the statement added in a tone that is bound to evoke signs of a more intensive media engagement by Peter Obi.
GLOBAL MARKET FORCES TO DETERMINE PRICES OF DANGOTE’S FUEL – NNPC
GLOBAL MARKET FORCES TO DETERMINE PRICES OF DANGOTE’S FUEL.- NNPC The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has claimed that the current price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel in Nigeria is determined by global market forces and not domestic refinery’s access to the Nigerian market. The Nigeria’s oil firm said this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, while reacting to a claim by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), that the Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL) is being undermined by actions of the NNPCL. MURIC had said that recent changes to the pump price of fuel would prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPC Ltd. has become the sole offtaker of all products from the refinery. However, Soneye said, “To set the records straight, NNPC Ltd. wishes to further state as follows: “The pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery Ltd. (DRL), is determined by global market forces. The recent changes in PMS prices have no impact on the DRL or any other domestic refinery’s access to the Nigerian market. “In fact, if current prices are perceived as high, it presents an ideal opportunity for the refinery to sell its products at lower prices in the Nigerian market. “Furthermore, we emphasise that there is no guarantee of lower prices associated with domestic refining compared to any global parity pricing framework, as confirmed by the DRL. “The NNPC Ltd. will only fully offtake PMS from the DRL if the market prices of PMS are higher than the pump prices in Nigeria. “The DRL and any other domestic refinery are free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, which is the current practice for all fully deregulated products. “NNPC Ltd. has no desire or intention to become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment, and therefore, the notion of becoming a sole offtaker does not arise. “The NNPC Ltd. cannot undermine a business in which it holds a billion-dollar stake. “As an advocacy group for fair and just treatment, MURIC should have verified the facts before making statements that are entirely flawed and has the potential to incite ordinary Nigerians against the NNPC Ltd.” Aliko Dangote, Nigerian top businessman, disclosed that the retail price of the petroleum products from his refinery in Lagos State would be determined by the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. Dangote had made this known while unveiling his product on Tuesday, assuring that his refinery would end the fuel scarcity in the country. Speaking on the retail prices, Dangote had stated, “It is an arrangement which is designed and approved by the Federal Executive Council led by President Bola Tinubu. “As soon as it is finalised, which he (Tinubu) is pushing, once we finish with NNPC, it can be today, it can be tomorrow, we are ready to roll into the market.”