Recent Attack On Joe Ajaero Violates His Human Rights- NASU

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has strongly condemned the recent attack on Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The union’s reaction to the incident was conveyed through a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Peters Adeyemi, in Abuja on Sunday. Ajaero fell victim to the attack in Imo State on November 1 when he traveled to the Southeastern state to declare a mass protest against alleged anti-labour practices. The Witness had reported that Ajaero was subsequently detained by the police, although the police claimed that they took him into custody to protect him from further attacks by hoodlums. Adeyemi firmly asserted that the attack on the union leader amounted to “a violation of trade union rights as well as the human rights of Ajaero.” He emphasized that the rights exercised by Ajaero in Owerri, as the leader of Nigeria’s working people, are guaranteed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions. “Nigeria, as an ILO member-state, has ratified ILO Conventions on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize, 1948 (No.87), and the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining, 1949 (No.98),” Adeyemi said, pointing out that the Imo government has been involved in unfair labour practices, as it has failed to pay salaries and pensions, making it unjustifiable to attack workers’ union leaders who inquire about the non-payment of these dues. He noted that Ajaero was on a solidarity visit to the workers in Imo and should not have been subjected to treatment “common in Nigeria only during military regimes.” NASU further rejected the claims that Ajaero was held under “protective custody” for his own benefit and called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident. The union concluded by saying that it firmly believes that such incidents should not deter the exercise of fundamental human rights, including those related to labour and trade union activities.

Israel: International Community Condemns Palestinian Attack

Leaders and officials from various countries have weighed in on the recent escalation of violence in Israel, with their statements reflecting a mix of concern, support for Israel’s right to self-defence, and a strong call for restraint. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed his dismay at the distressing images coming from Israel. He pointed out the involvement of the terrorist organization Hamas in what he described as an unparalleled assault on Israel. Rutte emphasized the urgent need for the violence to cease, underlining that Israel possesses every legitimate right to protect itself. Spain also joined in the chorus of international voices expressing their shock at the indiscriminate violence characterizing the attacks on Israel. The Spanish government’s statement underscores the distressing nature of the violence unfolding in the region. In a similar vein, Ukraine and the Czech Republic lent their support to Israel’s right to defend itself. Both nations acknowledged the complex and challenging situation faced by Israel and endorsed its efforts to protect its citizens in the face of threats and violence. Amidst the escalating tensions, the call for restraint has been a common thread among international stakeholders. Russia, through Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, has emphasized the importance of communication with all parties involved in the conflict, including Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs. Bogdanov stressed that their consistent message is one of urging restraint. The situation in Israel is undeniably complex and multifaceted, with deep-rooted historical and political dimensions. The international community’s response reflects a recognition of the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. While expressing concern and support for Israel’s right to self-defence, leaders and officials are also making concerted efforts to encourage dialogue, de-escalation, and a return to stability in the region. As events evolve, the world is watching closely, hoping for an end to the violence and a path forward toward a lasting peace agreement that addresses the concerns and aspirations of all parties involved. The statements from various nations serve as a testament to the global community’s commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution in this long-standing and deeply sensitive conflict.

CCLCA decries campaign of calumny against Gbajabiamila

A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has condemned a campaign of calumny again the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila from certain political actors who missed out on the ministerial and other lists. The group drew the attention of Nigerians to the acerbic attacks on the chief of staff to President. The group, coalition of 92 civil society organizations, through its Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, decried that the political actors are hell bent on spreading falsehood against the Chief of Staff. According to him, they are blaming him for their inability to occupy appointive office at the moment, even though it is the president, acting in consultation with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Governors, and other key stakeholders in the polity, that appointed Ministers and Board Chairmen.  However, he stated that Nigerians are not buying the falsehood, and we have seen socio-cultural groups like Arewa Youth Forum and Ohaneze Youth Movement call on Nigerians to ignore the accusations thrown at Gbajabiamila over the constitution of boards of government agencies. He therefore, appealed to Nigerians to disregard the detractors, saying that the chief of staff is well experienced and capable of carrying out his duties. “This people do not care for the fact that positions came at the time destined, and that clearly, everybody cannot be a minister at same time. “Hon Gbajabiamila’s, antecedents as a public servant with a sterling record and a sticker for truth and fairness, and due process would entertain the absurdities ascribed to him for a second.  “As a Surulere, Lagos born politician cum technocrat, he comes to the present assignment fully qualified, having been in the house of Representatives for two decades (2003 – 2023), boasting record of unblemished service.  “Throughout his sojourn in public service, Hon Gbajabiamila has been a very close and loyal disciple of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recall that as a speaker of the 9th assembly, it took his intervention to end the protracted and unending ASUU strike of the university lecturers. As the chief of staff, he had participated actively on resolving the disagreement between Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress” While passing a unanimous vote of confidence, the Director General of CCLCA, stated that President Tinubu, took into consideration Gbajabiamila’s track record and his commitment to the actualization the Renewed Hope Agenda. He further asked the political actors to cease the needles casting of aspersions and leave the chief of staff to do his job.

Group slams military for burning vessels with stolen crude

*Says action destroys the ecosystem The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has decried the burning and destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil, describing it as a worrisome and environmentally unfriendly way of curbing oil theft. ERA/FoEN’s Executive Director, Barr. Chima Williams, in a statement signed by Communication Officer, Elvira Jordan, recently stated that the burning of crude oil-laden vessels disposes a high level of chemical content into the water bodies that destroys eco lives and aquatic organisms that humans need to survive.  “Destroying such vessels with their crude contents produces high-level chemical debris that follows tidal movement to other parts of the country. This kind of devastation destroys the aquatic organisms needed to satisfy man’s nutritional and survival needs. “What is discharged includes chemical contents from the crude and the vessels that are harmful to human health. The health implications of such activities may not have immediate effects but will be transferred to the people who inhabit these areas, as the primary occupation of the Riverine people is fishing and farming, which is dependent on the surrounding waters,” he said. He added that the destruction of crude oil laden vessels will also deprive the people of their sources of livelihood, when the chemical waste from the burnt vessels and crude oil comes in contact with the environment, killing aquatic life and poisoning the surrounding soil. The Executive Director stated that destroying and wasting stolen crude, is a disfavor to Nigeria’s economy noting that the product will generate funds that will build infrastructures and better the lives of the people. He said, “Destroying badges of crude that runs into millions is equivalent to denying the nation and its people of the revenue that can be derived from such large amounts of crude. This is a country in dire need of resources to rebuild the economy, to build infrastructures and to better the lives of the people. The country is in heavy dept, yet we are destroying sources of enhancing our economy. The burnt vessels can be transformed into other uses like enhancing the work of seafarers in the country.” On the legal implications, Williams explained that destroying the evidence would not make for the proper prosecution of the case. He stressed that such actions wipe away the key principles of the rule of law, as the chances of conviction or proper acquittal are no longer visible. According to him, this is a denial of justice to the nation, the individuals involved, and the victims of their negative operational conduct and activities. He called on military and security operatives to put an end to the burning of crude oil-laden vessels, as it goes against every tenet of environmental protection and environmental health.

Pope Francis condemns burning of Koran in Sweden

Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis has condemned the burning of the Koran at a recent incident in Stockholm when two men burned a copy of the Muslim holy book, saying that all forms of profanation are against “the sense of respect due religious symbols.” The Pope, who said he was angry and disgusted at the act, said that any book considered holy must be respected by all. “I feel angry and disgusted by these actions,” he said. Local media reported on Monday. “Any book considered holy must be respected out of respect for those who believe in it, and freedom of expression should never be used as an excuse to despise others,” he added. “Allowing this is rejected and condemned,” the Pope said. Two men took part in a demonstration in the Swedish capital where the Islamic holy book was set alight on Wednesday, the first day of Muslims’ Eid-al-Adha holiday. Several Muslim-majority countries had condemned the incident and castigated Swedish diplomats, saying the act incited hatred and should not count as free speech. The latest was Saudi Arabia, where the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it had summoned the Swedish ambassador in Riyadh to express the Kingdom’s “categorical rejection of the disgraceful act carried out by an extremist.” It called on the Swedish government “to stop all acts that directly contradict international efforts seeking to spread the values of tolerance, moderation, and rejection of extremism. “The Swedish government should not undermine the necessary mutual respect for relations between peoples and states.” Sweden said that the action was permitted under the country’s freedom of expression laws, but was not appropriate.