Nigeria Police Seal NLC Office in Lagos Ahead of Planned Protest
In a move to thwart the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship, the Nigeria Police Force has sealed the NLC office in Lagos State. The protest, scheduled for February 27 and 28, is aimed at address economic challenges faced by Nigerians. Hassan Taiwo, national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), shared an image on Monday morning revealing armed police personnel stationed in front of the NLC headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State. Some individuals within the building remain uncertain about the unfolding developments. The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government regarding widespread hardship, leading to the organization of the protest. Despite warnings from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urging cancellation, the NLC remained steadfast in its decision. Accusing the government of planning to attack peaceful rallies and alleging involvement of certain groups in causing violence against protestors, the NLC President emphasized the right to peaceful protest. The statement also expressed concerns about potential deployment of state-sponsored terror, highlighting the NLC’s determination to proceed with the protest despite government warnings and concerns from various quarters.
Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his indifferent approach, expressing concern about Wike’s lack of concern for the residents of the nation’s capital. At an event marking the first anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ireti highlighted the worrisome nature of the minister’s attitude and stated that as Obidients, they would find a way to address the situation. She emphasized the need for swift planning and organization to tackle the critical state of insecurity in the nation. “We, as a nation right now, we are in trouble. Yes, you’ve elected me as senator of the FCT, which is the highest elected office in the FCT, but I have to work with a minister who doesn’t seem to realize that there are people living in the FCT. “But we, Obidients, will have to figure a way around it. “We need to start planning and organizing ourselves as quickly and possible. In fact, the condition (of the nation) is critical if we don’t do anything now. Insecurity is what is about to consume us. “You can’t go to the farm. You can’t do anything. We have to take charge,” she said.
Tinubu Told To Sack Foreign Affairs Minister
President Bola Tinubu has been advised to sack the minister of foreign affairs Yusuf Tuggar over the leak of a letter from Qatari authorities. Former presidential aide Reno Omokri gave the advice on Sunday. On Saturday, a diplomatic correspondence between the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Tinubu’s proposed state visit to Qatar between March 2 and 3, 2024 was leaked. In the letter dated February 22, 2024, Qatari officials said they would be unable to receive Tinubu for a business parley on the said days because there is no legally binding trade agreement between both nations among other reasons. The Nigerian government reacted to the leaked correspondence by saying it was not a snub on Tinubu. Reacting to the developments, Mr Omokri wrote on X on Sunday, “If I am President and my minister of foreign affairs comes to tell me that a sensitive national intelligence document has been leaked, my response to him would be simple: ‘Find the leaker, or find yourself another job!’ “A nice President cannot last in Nigeria. If you want to last as President, study Obasanjo!” In another post, he wrote, “President Tinubu is too nice, and niceness is a weakness in Nigeria’s politics. Nigeria is a fairly brutal country, and on the scale with niceness on the left end and brutality on the right end, you may not want to move all the way to the right, like Abacha, but you also do not want to be too close to the left. You want to be somewhere in the middle, but tilting to the right, like Obasanjo. “Whoever leaked that Qatar note verbale should be fished out, sacked, and prosecuted for violating the Official Secrets Act, as well as for economic and political sabotage. However, if you cannot fish out the specific individual or individuals, then you make a scapegoat of those in charge of the foreign affairs ministry. “Sack the minister in charge of that ministry. Then, remove the civil servant who is the Permanent Secretary and reassign him to a less desirable ministry. Then, demote the Director in charge of the department from where the leak occurred. “If the President does not ensure that heads roll over this embarrassment to his administration, he will project weakness, and his own head may roll. This is Nigeria. There are too many people in the system whose loyalty is to opposing political parties and actors.”
How 3 Siblings Suffocated To Death In A Car On Sunday
In a heart-wrenching incident at No. 8, Boluke Line, Zango-Kulende quarters, Ilorin, a boy and two girls, siblings of the same parent, lost their lives due to extreme suffocation inside a car parked in their residential quarters on Sunday. The children, playing inside the borrowed car, accidentally locked themselves in at around 2 p.m. The car, borrowed from their father’s sister within the same premises, became a harrowing scene when their mother, Shade Silifat, returned from buying noodles for their school meals. Discovering their footwear outside the car, she raised an alarm after forcing the doors open, only to find her children motionless, having succumbed to suffocation. Efforts to rescue them were made, rushing the children to Olutayo Clinic, near their residence, but the medical director, Dr. Adeyemo, advised moving them to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where they were tragically confirmed dead. The grieving family later conducted the burial at the Muslim cemetery, adhering to Islamic rites.
Nigerian Army Dismisses Coup Speculations, Threatens Legal Action
The Nigeria Army has dismissed speculations about the military taking over the government of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu There were reports on Sunday, claiming that the presidential guards have been placed on “high alert” over suspicions of a coup plot in Nigeria. The report said key brigades were under watch as the Commander of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Col. Adebisi Onasanya held meetings with Tinubu and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Reacting to the report, the Nigerian Army quoted one of such reports on their official X page and wrote “FAKE NEWS”. The Defence Headquarters also threatened to seek legal redress on the recent claim that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Defence Headquarters stated that the allegation was totally false. Gusua, maintained that the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. According to him, the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively execute its assigned tasks. While calling on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the source of the report (not Daily Post), it added that the Defence Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue as it’s capable of creating unnecessary tension in the country. The statement read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded article published online by @SaharaReporters on 25 February 2024 claiming that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria. The publication also asserted amongst other things that the suspicion prompted an emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander of the Guards Brigade. The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. Hence, it is to be noted that the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively execute its assigned tasks. “It will be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR had in various fora reiterated the unalloyed commitment of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, the Defence Headquarters strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of imagination of the publisher and enjoins members of the public to disregard it. “Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters calls on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the Sahara Reporters for this unpatriotic action. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue which has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country.” Last week, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned against calls for a coup and asked people to desist from such, noting that the rumour has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country. Meanwhile, tension has continued to rise in Nigeria amid the current economic hardship, rising inflation and high cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira by President Tinubu.
Deputy Speaker Reveals When New Nigerian Constitution Will Be Ready
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, announced on Monday that Nigeria’s new constitution is expected to be ready for presidential assent within the next 24 months. During the formal inauguration of the House Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, Kalu emphasized the importance of allowing the President ample time to study proposed alterations before signing them into law, particularly amidst the busy schedule of an election year. Kalu highlighted the crucial need for constitutional reform in light of the 21st-century realities, stating, “Our constitution, the foundation of our democracy, stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for a just, equitable, and prosperous society.” He revealed that the House has received various bill proposals, including those for the establishment of state police, state access to mines, increased participation of women in politics, clear tax specifications for each tier of government, and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Moreover, Kalu mentioned the reintroduction of several bill proposals that didn’t receive presidential assent in the previous constitution alterations. These include powers of the National Assembly and State Assemblies to summon the President and State governors, as well as requirements for the government to focus on ensuring the rights to food and food security. Highlighting the dynamic nature of the constitution review process, Kalu expressed the House’s openness to more proposals aimed at enhancing the Constitution and strengthening the nation’s democracy. He also noted the anticipation of executive-sponsored bill proposals reflecting issues on the renewed hope agenda of the President. Kalu acknowledged past constitutional amendments, such as financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary, redesignating “Prisons” as “Correctional Services,” and transferring certain matters to the concurrent legislative list.
Terrorism charge: Kanu, FG, engage new lawyers
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has engaged new lawyers in his defense of the terrorism offences brought against him by the Federal Government. It was gathered that a new team of lawyers to be led by PAM Ejiofor and Alloy Ejimakor will take over Kanu’s defense in the 7-count charges. In the same vein, the federal government engaged the services of Chief Adegboyega Awomolo to lead its legal team in the prosecution. Awomolo is taking over from David Kaswe SAN, from the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, who has been handling the case for the federal government. No reason was given for the change in the legal team being led before now by Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and Ifeanyi Ejiofor. Meanwhile, the court has already been jam parked by lawyers, traditional rulers, clergymen, family members, and sympathizers of the Biafra agitator present. Kanu has already been brought to the courtroom by the operatives of the Department of State Service DS$ Details later.
Tinubu Explains Delay in Food Distribution To Cushion Hardship Effects
President Bola Tinubu has addressed the delay in the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains promised by the federal government to ease the current economic strain on Nigerians. According to Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the grains are currently being bagged in seven strategic locations, causing the delay as the bags were freshly ordered. Onanuga assured that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is overseeing the process, emphasizing that the grain bags are free of charge. Additionally, the government plans to provide 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to support the vulnerable population. Onanuga said: “The Tinubu administration through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is in the final stages of releasing 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to support the vulnerable population across the country,” Onanuga said in the statement on Friday. “The grains in seven locations of strategic reserve, are now being bagged for onward delivery to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The need to bag the grains, caused the delay as the bags were freshly ordered by the government. “Nigerians will not need to pay for the grain bags, as they are free. This will be complemented by the 60,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to be purchased by the Federal Government from the Mega Rice Millers. “Already, with the announcement of the impending releases of food commodities from the Strategic Reserve, there is a noticeable reduction in commodity prices across major grains markets in the country, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.”
Parts of Abuja to Experience 7-Hour Blackout
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to experience a seven-hour power outage on Saturday and Sunday. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said the disruption in electricity supply is due to a scheduled routine maintenance of the 132/33kV 2X100MVA power transformers at the Apo Transmission Substation. According to the TCN General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, affected areas include Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, Airport Road, Gudu, Gaduwa, parts of Lokogoma, Apo, Kabusa, Guzape, and Nepa Junction. The maintenance activities are necessary to ensure the reliability and efficiency of power supply in these regions. The operations are planned to take place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days, with the assurance that power supply will be restored each day by 4 pm. This planned power interruption is part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the nation’s capital and its environs. While acknowledging the inconvenience this may cause to residents and businesses in the affected areas, TCN emphasizes the importance of these maintenance works in enhancing the stability and capacity of the power grid. Residents and businesses are advised to make necessary preparations to mitigate the impact of the power outage during the specified times.
AGF Fagbemi Urges NLC to Halt Planned Protest
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28. In a letter to NLC’s counsel, Femi Falana, Fagbemi highlighted a subsisting court order restraining the union from any industrial action. He emphasized that the proposed protest is in violation of the court order and urged the NLC to engage in further dialogue, citing substantial compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding. The AGF emphasized the need to avoid disruption of public service and safety. The letter read, “I wish to draw your esteemed attention to the Joint Press Release dated 8th February 2024, containing a 14-day ultimatum, jointly issued by the President of the NLC and President of the TUC as well as the notice of a two-day national protest issued by the NLC President on 16th February 2024. “A cursory perusal of the above press release clearly shows that the planned protest is premised on or connected with alleged non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the Federal Government on October 02, 2023, consequences of the hike in the price of PMS, and other associated issues. It is therefore safe to assert again that the proposed cause of action by NLC is targeted at achieving objectives or promoting issues connected with a hike in fuel price and consequential matters of palliatives workers ‘ welfare, and associated government policies. “You may wish to note that the foregoing issues or objectives are at the core of the pending case before the National Industrial Court. Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and affront to the institution of our courts of law. Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023-FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature. “It is not in doubt that the planned protest is designed to compel the government to accede to the demands of organised labour, therefore, such action qualifies as an industrial action which comes within the ambit of the restraining order. This restraining order has neither been stayed nor set- aside and therefore remains binding.”