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NLC President honours police invitation today on Terrorism Allegation

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NLC President honours police invitation today on Terrorism Allegation

NLC President honours police invitation today on Terrorism Allegation

 

President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, will today appear at Force Headquarters to honour a Police summon over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime 11 days after an invitation by the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, arm of the Police.

 

 

Leaders of industrial unions affiliated with NLC, workers, civil society allies and some lawyers, among others, are expected to accompany Ajaero to the Police headquarters.

NLC has also directed leaders of its state councils nationwide to mobilize and embark on a peaceful procession to state police commands and hold prayer sessions in solidarity with its President and organized Labour over the current challenges facing the labour movement in the country.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has asked its Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter to mobilize Abuja-based journalists to the Force Headquartres in solidarity with NLC and its President, Ajaero.

This came as the Trade Union Congress, TUC, (United Kingdom) urged the British government to prevail on the federal government to end the violent repression and intimidation of trade unions.

Recall that the Police had on August 19, invited the NLC President to appear at its headquarters for questioning on August 20, over allegation of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime, threatening to arrest him if he failed to honour the invitation.

 

 

But on August 20, human rights activist and lawyer to the NLC, Femi Falana, SAN, explained why the President of NLC could not honour the Police invitation for him to appear.

In a circular to NLC affiliates and state councils, by the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC stated: “In response to the recent summon by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.

 

All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the NLC by 8:00 AM on Thursday (today) to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.

 

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In state capitals, members should gather at their respective state secretariats. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters where they will hold a prayer session until the President’s interaction with the Police is concluded.

“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”

NUJ directive

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in a show of solidarity, has directed its FCT chapter to mobilize members in Abuja and work with other affiliates of NLC to accompany the Congress President to force headquartres.

NUJ in a statement by the National Secretary, Achike Chude, said: “We have been watching with trepidation great angst and baited breath, the unfathomable macabre dance exhibited by the nation’s police force against the leadership of the Nigerian workers, most notably President of NLC, Joe Ajaero.

 

“Our seeming silence was observed in the hope that the police would beat a hasty retreat from their actions and tread the path of caution and civility. We have no bones to grind with the police authorities and, as citizens of this greatly beloved but much beleaguered country, we are ever willing to cooperate with the authorities whenever demanded by national imperatives and exigencies, the police included.

“But it must never be at the expense of our union, our people, and our country. The importance of fighting for, and defending our nation state, Nigeria, cannot be over-emphasized.

”We are patriots, we are Nigerians, and we love our country, in spite of deeply inherent socio-economic contradictions that are threatening our very existence as a nation.”

 

United Kingdom Labour Union reacts

Meanwhile, the TUC (United Kingdom), has joined the growing list of global labour movement solidarity against perceived attacks of Nigerian trade unions and their leaders.

In a solidarity message to NLC and its President, the General Secretary TUC (UK), Paul Nowak, said: “The TUC notes with deep concern the ongoing persecution of President of NLC, Joe Ajaero. The President was summoned by the police on trumped-up charges of ‘criminal conspiracy and ‘terrorism financing’.

 

”This follows President Ajaero’s arrest and assault by the police last November. Earlier this month, heavily armed security forces raided and occupied the headquarters of the NLC, causing considerable damage to the building and arresting a union official.

“This violation of the NLC’s right to operate free from intimidation follows a sustained period of hostility from the Nigerian government towards the NLC and its affiliated unions, SSANU and NASU.

“The raid on NLC and continued harassment of its President come as the organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the welfare of Nigerian workers amid peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests sparked by the country’s cost of living crisis.

“The TUC urges the UK government to call on the government of Nigeria to end the violent repression and intimidation of trade unions and ensure that trade unions in Nigeria can operate freely without fear.

”Instead of attacking unions, the Nigerian government should engage with them in social dialogue to find ways to end the cost-of-living crisis and, as the NLC put it, ‘chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest – hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.

 

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Transforming Oshodi-Isolo: Why Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Deserves President Tinubu’s Handshake

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OSHODI-ISOLO LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN, OTUNBA KEHINDE OLOYEDE DESERVES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL HANDSHAKE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN OFFICE

By Frank Albert Jnr.
The leadership of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede as the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government has been marked by exceptional achievements, setting a new standard for local governance. His three and a half years in office have been transformative, addressing critical infrastructural and social needs of the community.
Notable Accomplishments of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede:
Infrastructure Development: Nearly 55 roads have been constructed within three years, significantly improving connectivity within Oshodi-Isolo communities.
Clean Water Access: Over 45 streets have been equipped with water projects, ensuring residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Quality Education: An ultra-modern primary school has been built at St. Paul Primary School, Mafoluku, enhancing the educational infrastructure for young learners.
Student Support: The administration has provided free school rides, uniforms, bags, and books, making education more accessible and convenient for students.
Healthcare: Construction of a well-equipped primary healthcare center is ongoing, aimed at improving healthcare services for residents.
Youth Empowerment & Development: Several skill acquisition and employability training programs have been initiated in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), creating opportunities for young people.
Community Support: Three comprehensive palliative programs have benefited over 30,000 households, providing relief to vulnerable residents.
Party Welfare: Monthly stipends are provided for party executives, demonstrating a commitment to party welfare and leadership.
Otunba Kehinde Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo, has consistently demonstrated a leadership style grounded in progress, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Oshodi-Isolo. His administration has successfully rekindled faith and hope in local government administration, proving that with the right leadership, grassroots governance can be impactful and transformative.
Given his remarkable performance, it is imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes and encourages such excellence by establishing a yearly federal evaluation initiative for local government chairmen. This initiative would serve as an incentive for local government administrators across Nigeria to improve their performance and ensure better service delivery to the citizens.
Otunba Kehinde Oloyede is undoubtedly one of the best-performing local government chairmen in Nigeria, and his dedication to public service deserves national recognition, including a presidential handshake from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Transforming Oshodi-Isolo: Why Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Deserves President Tinubu’s Handshake

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Adetola Tolani Ganiu, a prominent Lagos big boy, marks another year of life in style

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Adetola Tolani Ganiu, a prominent Lagos big boy, marks another year of life in style

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Who is Adetola Tolani Gani?

I remember when our paths crossed in Lagos years ago; Tolani was extremely hospitable, a visionary young man, and a distinguished brother from another parent

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a seasoned Lagos-based journalist and BethNews Media international magazine publisher, celebrates the birthday of a beloved brother, who is easy-going, resourceful, God-fearing, handsome, and dedicated to his profession

Rising publisher Oluwaseun Fabiyi has extolled the virtues of Adetola Tolani Ganiu, who is indefatigable, on his birthday on Tuesday, 2nd April 2025

Your continued support since our initial engagement has been a seamless fusion of trust and cooperation, augmenting our assurance and goals. May this special day be filled with profound delight

As a trailblazer of excellence, your life serves as a powerful inspiration to the youth of our generation, akin to a beacon atop a hill, guiding and illuminating the path to success. Your exceptional leadership skills, showcased in various capacities both internationally and within Nigeria, epitomize perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to exponential growth

Your compelling stories of resilience and determination, where you skillfully turned challenges into opportunities and brought your vision to life, have enhanced our collective experiences, and we are forever grateful for the privilege of honoring your achievements

As we acknowledge your prudence and the divine guidance in your life, may your future days be filled with accomplishment and promptness

As a globally esteemed architect, your humility and brilliance enhance your impressive accomplishments. May this birthday bring even greater achievements, with each step guided by divine wisdom. May your heart be filled with peace and brilliance in every detail as you observe this occasion

Wishing you many happy returns

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ERA Applauds Tinubu Over Mele Kyari’s Sack, Calls for Probe Into Fake Refinery Projects

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*ERA Applauds Tinubu Over Mele Kyari’s Sack, Calls for Probe Into Fake Refinery Projects

 

The Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to remove Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abdulkadri Isah, president of ERA, described the move as a courageous step toward reforming Nigeria’s oil sector and tackling entrenched corruption.

He said Kyari’s removal would allow a full investigation into alleged fraudulent refinery projects under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“The dismissal of Mele Kyari signals a new dawn in our nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption in the oil and gas sector. We commend President Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to confront these challenges head-on,” Isah said.

He urged the newly appointed leadership of the NNPC to prioritise an audit of past projects and ensure accountability in the sector.

“The probe into fake refinery projects must be swift and thorough. Nigerians deserve to know how billions of dollars were allocated to non-existent or uncompleted projects while the country continued to rely on fuel imports,” he stated.

ERA called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to support the process, warning that failure to expose past mismanagement would hinder any meaningful reform.

“This investigation should not end with a change in leadership. There must be consequences for those who mismanaged funds and deceived Nigerians. The government must set a precedent that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” Isah added.

The group also expressed optimism that under fresh leadership, the NNPC could regain public trust and reposition itself as a driver of economic growth.

“With competent leadership, the NNPC can finally fulfill its mandate. We expect reforms that will boost local refining capacity, attract investment, and ultimately reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement read.

Kyari’s removal was part of a broader shake-up of NNPC’s board, with former Shell executive Bashir Bayo Ojulari appointed as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.

The restructuring aligns with the government’s vision of revitalising the oil sector and increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production and refining capacity.

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