A legal showdown is unfolding between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 33 of its former employees, who allege wrongful termination in a mass dismissal exercise conducted earlier in 2024.

The retrenched staff, represented by Stephen Gana and others, have filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, accusing the apex bank of violating internal policies, labour laws, and contractual rights.

The employees, dismissed via letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, argue that the termination process contravened Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM).

They claim the process lacked the consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

Central to their case is Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which requires consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions affecting staff.

The claimants allege that this provision was ignored, stating that they were given only three days to vacate their positions and return official property.

Key Demands Of The Dismissed Staff

In their originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, the claimants are seeking:

A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.

Immediate reinstatement to their positions.

Payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

A restraining order preventing further dismissals without due process.

₦30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.

An additional ₦500 million as the cost of the suit.

The claimants argue that their employment contracts carried “statutory flavour,” imposing stricter dismissal conditions aligned with public service rules and governing statutes.

The CBN, represented by its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has challenged the suit’s admissibility in a preliminary objection filed on November 4, 2024.

During a court session on November 20, 2024, presiding Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution, citing Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006.

“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Justice Obaseki Osaghae stated.

The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection or a progress review of settlement discussions.

Germany has introduced a new digital platform to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians seeking opportunities to work, study, or reunite with family members in the country.

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock hailed the portal as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s pressing need for skilled professionals.

“Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running – in the skilled crafts sector, in the care sector, in tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.

“At times like these, we cannot afford to downright put the best off coming here to roll up their sleeves because of long paper application forms and even longer waiting periods.

“At times like these, as one of the biggest economies and as a modern country of immigration, we need a national visa process that is state-of-the-art – modern, digital and secure,” Baerbock stated.

The online portal, accessible worldwide, offers applicants the ability to choose from 28 categories of national visas and is available at all 167 German visa offices around the globe.

This initiative forms part of Germany’s broader strategy to modernise its immigration system, aiming to attract skilled professionals while fostering a more inclusive and efficient process to meet the challenges of a globalised job market.

The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has expressed optimism that the party is coming back to power in 2027.

The PDP chieftain submitted that the 2027 election would be bigger than a protest but assured the party won’t entertain violence.

According to him, the PDP would not only win the 2027 election convincingly, but would also send the All Progressives Congress (APC) into political oblivion.

Naija News reports Osdolor made the submission during an interview with Daily Independent, which was published on Monday.

Apart from pushing the APC out of power, Osadolor added that the PDP would do enough to ensure the party is unable to regroup or mount a comeback.

To be able to achieve this, he, however appealed to the PDP leadership and members to adopt collaborative efforts and present a credible candidate for the 2027 election.

“With the right networking, messaging and collaboration, with a credible candidate, PDP will win convincingly. 2027 election is going to be like a revolt. It’s going to be bigger than a protest, even better as it will not be violent, but everyone will be at the polling unit with their cards to send APC into political abyss. We will be gracious to send chillers and freezers along so they can freeze whatever plans they have to protest, regroup, or want to come back to the government in this country,” he said.

Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Woli Arole is mourning the demise of his beloved father.

The comedian-turned-preacher shared a photo of himself and his late father, accompanied by a deeply emotional tribute.

With a mix of sadness and acceptance, Arole expressed his grief, stating that his father’s demise was a testament to God’s will.

He fondly remembered his last moments with his father, filled with joy, prayers, and fun, and took comfort in the legacy his father left behind – himself.

Woli Arole’s emotional tribute was a celebration of his father’s life, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his own life and career.

He wrote:

“It has pleased the LORD to receive my FATHER in GLORY.

It’s in total submission to the will of GoD to announce the demise of my Father, my HERO and my ROLE MODEL.

I am happy I spent your last moments with you in JOY, PRAYERS and FUN. Rest well Baba Jimmy.

Happy you left a LEGACY and that LEGACY is ME!!!!!!

I would miss you so MUCH!!!!!”

There was a gas explosion in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Over 20 persons, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple sustained varying injuries.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2025, near a densely populated area in Orazi called ‘Big Tree’.

Many of the victims including residents and some passers-by suffered severe burns and were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt. A graphic video posted by an eyewitness shows some of the victims with severe burns.

It was learnt that the explosion occurred in a gas refilling shop when a technician who runs the place was said to be fixing a faulty cylinder.

Immediately, the cylinder exploded, and it affected other cylinders inside the shop, triggering multiple explosions, even as the welder was the first victim.

It was further gathered that the resulting fire affected some surrounding buildings as most of the occupants fled for their lives, even as firefighters who later arrived had a hectic time before putting out the inferno.

Speaking to newsmen, a relative of one of the victims who did not want his name in print said the owner of the shop has been selling gas for years now.

He said his in-law and her husband, who were affected in the explosion, were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they have spent over N500,000 already.

“I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister-in-law and the husband are involved. When my wife picked up the call her countenance changed immediately,” he narrated.

“So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister was at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. there are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”

While hinting on the cause of the incident, the relative said, “But there is somebody who also refills their cylinders. He has been there for some time now and he is also doing welding work.

"Sometimes you will see him welding perforated cylinders without following the normal procedure. Maybe he feels that because the cylinder is empty you can carry out any work but it is not done that way.
 
"So as a result of that the gas exploded and affected the cylinders inside. The other families affected were my brother-in-law, the wife, their two children and himself. They just came back from evangelism.

"They just branched to say hi and that was how they joined. One of my uncles was just passing by and stopped to greet his two grandchildren with him. He too was affected. That was how it happened.

"They are all at the intensive unit taking treatment. So far about N500, 000 has gone for drugs and other treatment. We are not talking about the children. We are running my uncle’s expenses while some other person is running that of the children. It is quite unfortunate what we are seeing this January.”

Another source who called a Radio Station on Sunday evening to report the incident said a pregnant woman was affected in the explosion.

"About 20 people were burnt, but no death. Let the government come to their aid because this is the beginning of the year,” he pleaded.

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying 18 injured persons are receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Yes I can confirm the incident. It was a technician repairing a Fridge carrying a gas cylinder to weld the fridge when it exploded. 18 persons were injured but no life was lost. The man himself was injured. They are all in the hospital receiving treatment. We (the police) have commenced an investigation to find out more,” she added.

Popular Nigerian Pastor and singer, Nathaniel Bassey, has clarified that he was not invited to perform at President-elect, Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20th.

Reports circulated across online platforms and traditional media claiming Bassey would be among other international Christian singers performing at Trump’s inauguration.

The Akwa Ibom Cleric, however, clarified that he was not invited to perform at Trump’s inauguration. He explained that the Presidential Prayer Breakfast was a non-official and non-governmental event.

He stated that it has always been hosted once every four years, preceding the inauguration ceremonies of new presidents of the United States of America.

The ‘Onise Iyanu’ singer said while the Presidential Prayer Breakfast is held on behalf of incoming presidents of the US, it has no attachment to the incoming president.

“The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a Faith Based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and government of the nation.

“This event is held once in four years preceding the inauguration ceremony as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration. And over the years has been attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world

“Please note, The Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfasts is not the Inauguration as reported by blogs and some online platforms,” Pastor Bassey said.

A new initiative has been introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which allows students to resit their WASSCE papers as early as January and February 2025.

This is a major departure from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.

WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, announced the new programme, dubbed WASSCE PC1, during an appearance on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Tuesday, December 31.

Popular Nigerian skitmaker, Mark Angel Comedy, has opened up about how he lost the sum of $3.7 million in forex in 2024 and considered ending it all.

Mark, in a lengthy post via his Instagram page on Sunday, said that his money loss led him to drown in debts as he watched his properties slip into the hands of loan sharks.

The skitmaker said he felt like his world was crumbling before he received help from his family members.

Mark Angel added that while he was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, he was hit by a scandal which shook the foundation of his career and questioned the loyalty of those around him.

The post read, “The year 2024 began like every other year, but I had no idea how much it would test me how much it would break me, yet ultimately reshape me. It was the year I lost everything. I trusted the wrong hands in forex and lost all my money. Nobody knew except my family and closest circle. The weight of the loss, over $3.7 million was suffocating. I was drowning in debts, and one by one, I watched all my properties slip into the hands of loan sharks. It felt like my world was crumbling, and I considered ending it all in my darkest moments.

“But God… If not for His mercies, I wouldn’t be here writing this. He sent angels into my life when I needed them the most. Blessing, my friend who became family, never gave up on me. My pastor and his wife stood by me, praying and guiding me. My daughters, Victoria and Mila, reminded me of the beauty of life, even when it felt unbearable. My ex-wife Mandy extended a hand of kindness I will never forget. My son, Schoolboy, showed me strength beyond his years. And Bright, my social media assistant, stood as a pillar in moments I thought I’d collapse.

“While I was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, life dealt another blow. A scandal hit, shaking the foundation of my career and questioning the loyalty of those around me. It was in that storm that God began to uncover the truth. He exposed the fake friends, the pretenders, and the ones who had been silently sabotaging my peace and my circle. It was painful, but it was necessary.

“2024 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the year God drew me closer to Him. Through the ashes, He taught me resilience, faith, and the true meaning of grace. I don’t take it for granted that I’m alive today. To everyone who stood with me, prayed for me, and held me up when I had no strength left, thank you.

“Here’s to God’s unwavering faithfulness. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that even in the darkest valleys, His light never stops shining.”

See Post Below;

Iyabo Ojo, the Nigerian actress, has expressed regret over her involvement in the exhumation of the body of Mohbad, the late singer.

Ilerioluwa Aloba better known as Mohbad died under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023, and was buried the following day.

However, on September 21, 2023, his body was exhumed by the police for an autopsy.

In May 2024, the pathologist in charge of the autopsy revealed that the cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of his body.

A toxicology report showed that Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, was found in his system. However, it was not in a lethal concentration.

In an interview with Biola Bayo, her colleague, Iyabo Ojo, who had called for justice in the singer’s death, shared her regrets regarding the situation.

She expressed regret over the delays caused by the exhumation and ongoing disputes within Mohbad’s family. She said: 

“I did my best. If I knew Mohbad’s case would turn out this way, I wouldn’t have requested that he be exhumed.”

“He hasn’t been buried till now. The dad says he wants a DNA test done, and I hear the court has granted that now but I hear the dad has conditions again.”

Iyabo Ojo explained that her intention in requesting the exhumation was to facilitate an autopsy to uncover the cause of Mohbad’s death and ensure justice.

She stated that she made efforts to push for investigations, but “various theories and distractions” shifted the focus away from the pursuit of justice. The actress added:

“I just wanted his body exhumed so they could do the autopsy, find out the cause of his death.”

“I did my best to make sure everyone was investigated but when they came up with different theories, DNA became their target and was more important.”

In October 2023, Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, vowed that Mohbad would not be reburied until a DNA test was conducted on Liam, the singer’s son.

He also called on the police to probe Omowunmi, Mohbad’s wife, to unravel the cause of the singer’s death.

In December 2023, Wunmi agreed to the DNA test but requested it be conducted at three hospitals.

She also accused her father-in-law of bullying her and Liam on social media and seeking to claim Mohbad’s properties.

STRONG indications have emerged that more governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Vanguard gathered that moves by the PDP governors to dump their party may not be in connection with lingering and unresolved crisis in the party, especially with the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party and also in some states and zonal levels.

According to a source, the prelude to the defection is the fact that while some governors have begun visits to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, others are inviting him for the commissioning of projects in their respective states where discussions are said to be ongoing.

Also, the chairman of progressives governors and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is alleged to be involved in the wooing of the governors as part of moves to enlarge the coast of his party.

Recall that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who recently asked Deltans to support President Bola Tinubu, had said one of the major communication policy thrusts of his administration was to consistently support the administration of President Tinubu as he continues to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigerians, including Deltans.

Oborevwori, who was represented by his Commissioner for Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, with the theme, “Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Management,’’ in Asaba.

Also recall that President Tinubu had last weekend, praised Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his leadership style and commitment to development, describing him as a focussed and result-oriented leader.

Tinubu, who spoke during his first official visit to Enugu State, where he commissioned several projects, said Mbah was doing a fantastic job and expressed happiness that Enugu was making great strides.

He said: “I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja.

“You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state and the support you’ve garnered from the private sector. I know your background.’’

Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was among the first callers to visit President Tinubu at his Bourdilon, Lagos house in the spirit of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Come clean of rumours of alleged plans to decamp to APC, PDP leaders tell Delta gov
Meanwhile, a group, under the aegis of concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, has urged Oborevwori to come clean of rumours of alleged plans to dump his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure his governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.

In an open letter to the governor, a copy of which was made available yesterday, the group said it had become imperative for Oborevwori to intimate them of his position, as that would reassure them about their future in the PDP.

The letter, titled “Open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to confirm the rumours of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC,” was signed by Theophilus Ekiyor; Ochuko Oghenekome and Ezekiel Chukwudi respectively.

The letter read: “We, the concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.

“The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“That you have been secretly romancing top aides of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Top presidential aide and allies of the President mentioned as your point men for your new venture include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.

“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.

“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture. A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”