As the crisis in the Labour Party continues to fester, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party to desist from validating the “illegal Labour Party National Convention” scheduled for March 27, 2024.

In separate letters dated March 22, 2024, addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the LP National Legal Adviser, NLC warned that if the party did not desist and stop the Convention, it would sue the LP for contempt in view of the two valid judgements of the Federal High Court.

Recall on Wednesday, that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress picketed the offices of Labour Party nationwide, over alleged financial mismanagement by the Julius Abure-led national leadership of the party.

Also on March 20, that the Political Commission of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) directed state chapters of NLC to mobilise members to picket all Labour Party offices nationwide over the lingering political crisis in the party.

NLC had accused the embattled National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure of unilateral decision to hold a national convention of the party, amid financial rascality and contempt for the leadership of the NLC.

Meanwhile, NLC in the letter cited that the proposed National Convention of the Labour Party is in violation of the valid orders of court in suit “Nos; (1) FHC/ABJ/CS/491/2021;

(2) FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014

Between; (1) Labour Party & 9 Ors Vs Barrister Julius Abure & 2 Ors;

(2) Labour Party & 3 Ors. Vs Com. Salisu Muhammed & 8 Ors.”

In the letter signed by Marshal Abubakar, LP of the Falana and Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, the union specifically warned the National Legal Officer of LP that if the convention holds in violation of the orders of the court, it would not only institute contempt proceedings against him being party to the two judgements of the court, but will report him to the disciplinary committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The organised labour also appealed to INEC chairman to restrain officials of the Commission from undermining the due administration of justice and respect for rule of law by attending the illegal convention.

Titled: “Request To Desist From Validating The Illegal Labour Party National Convention Scheduled For March 27, 2024,” the letter addressed to Legal Adviser to LP partly read: “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress on whose behalf we write this letter.

“It has come to our notice that Mr. Julius Abure, the Chairman of the Labour Party and a handful of his supporters are planning to hold a National Convention of the Labour Party on 27th March, 2024 at Abia, Abia State with the active connivance of some officials of the Commission under your able leadership.

“As you are no doubt aware, a National Convention conducted by the Abure faction will be violative of the judgement of the Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014 between Labour Party & 3 Ors. Vs Com. Salisu Muhammed, where the court had declared the Labour Party as “an institutional political party founded, promoted and registered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on behalf of the Nigerian Workers.” and thus ordered the factions to “convene an expansive and inclusive National Convention of the party.”

“Similarly, the plaintiffs in Suit no; FHC/ABJ/CS/ 491/2021 between Labour Party & 9 Ors. Vs Barrister Julius Abure & 2 Ors. had approached the Federal High Court seeking inter alia; an order of injunction in favour of the plainiffs restraining the 1st (Barrister Julius Abure), 2nd (Umar Farouk) 3rd (Barr. Akingbade Samuel Oyelakin) defendants or any and/or all of the national officers appointed in any manner violative of the orders of the federal high court in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014 between Labour Party & 3 Ors. Vs Com. Salisu Muhammed & Ors.

“In a well-considered ruling, the Federal High Court on Friday July, 23, 2021 ruled, “An order is hereby made for the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum in other not to disturb the res of the matter pending further order of this Court.” Attached is a CTC of the Order.

“Worthy of note is the fact that you were the counsel on record and indeed represented the 1st to 3rd Respondents in the foregoing suit.

“In view of the foregoing, we are compelled to urge you to refrain yourself and properly advise your clients to desist from proceeding with the illegal national convention of the labour party scheduled for March 27, 2024.

“Upon failing, we shall institute contempt proceedings against you and the other defendants and report you to the disciplinary committee of the NBA.

“Whilst anticipating your cooperation and understanding, please, accept as usual, our professional regards.”

Ex-spokesperson for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, Daniel Bwala, has alleged an ongoing plot by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi, to dump LP and join immediate past Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a post on his X handle on Friday, Bwala alleged that Obi was perfecting plans to take leave of the LP as a result of the seemingly intractable conflict between the party leadership and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Recall that Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party to join the LP in May 2023 ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Bwala, in a post on his X handle. wrote, “Peter Obi @PeterObi allegedly planning to unite with El-rufai @elrufai in Social Democratic Party as Nigerian Labour Congress set to take ownership and custody of their political party, the @NgLabour.

BREAKING-PETER OBI @PETEROBI ALLEGEDLY PLANNING TO UNITE WITH EL-RUFAI @ELRUFAI IN SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY AS NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS SET TO TAKE OWNERSHIP AND CUSTODY OF THEIR POLITICAL PARTY, THE @NGLABOUR. RECALL THAT THERE WAS A JUDGMENT OF COURT THAT STATES THAT NIGERIA…

— D. H BWALA (@BWALADANIEL) MARCH 22, 2024

“Recall that there was a judgment of court that states that Nigeria Labour Congress owns Labour Party. NLC is now prepared to take custody of that party.

“Twist and turns in the coming days. But all that will not give sleepless night to @officialABAT who himself has his magic wands to wield.”

When contacted, Chief Spokesman for the Obi/ Datti Presidential Campaign, Dr. Yunusa Tanko dismissed Bwala’s assertion as “a figment of his immagination.”

He said, “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t respond to this fiction. he (Bwala) is a politician who wants to remain relevant in the scheme of things. We’ve responded to the false narrative of our leader leaving the Labour Party in the past, this position has not changed.”

El-Rufai was sighted at the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Ex-Kaduna State Governor and APC chieftain was sighted in a viral video on social media during his consultation visit to the national chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam.

Not much was heard from El-Rufai after the Senate refused to confirm his ministerial nomination in 2023.

After the screening of the 49 ministerial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu, the Senate also declined to confirm the appointment of former Deputy Governor of Taraba State and another ministerial nominee from the state, Senator Abubakar Danladi.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, explained the Senate did not clear the nominees because of adverse security reports against them.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) yesterday said it has secured the conviction of one Abubakar Sadiq Aremu for four years imprisonment for cheating and forgery of its annual return receipts.

In a statement , the commission pointed out that the convict was accused of uploading forged receipts to pay a company’s annual return on the CAC portal.

Aremu, was reportedly arraigned on March 21, 2023, before Upper Area Court Mpape Abuja, and pleaded guilty to the offense and was, therefore, sentenced by the presiding judge.

Reacting to the judgment, the Registrar-General/Chief Executive, CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, described the development as a milestone achievement for the commission.

He said the victory represented a major boost to his efforts to stem the activities of criminals trying to circumvent established processes and procedures in CAC.

The CAC boss, further emphasised that the commission was ready to go after anyone trying to flout its rules to strengthen the system for the benefit of the economy.

Separately, Magaji said the commission was prepared to work with stakeholders to ensure that issues related to the regulation of entities are seamlessly implemented.

During a familiarisation session with customers/stakeholders in Abuja, he said under his watch that the commission will continuously engage with software vendors to improve areas that require urgent attention to make the Companies Registration Portal (CRP) perform optimally.

He said, “This will resolve problems associated with delays in service delivery. The commission has also initiated reviewing our operational checklist to bring it up to speed with international best practices.

“This will go a long way in simplifying our processes and also reduce the time cycle for our services and product delivery.

“We are also reorganising the call center to make it a response center that will attend to customer complaints and inquiries within 24 hours.”

Magaji said, “This will also address the anxiety of resolving issues promptly and addressing the overall expectations of customers and stakeholders.

“I will be engaging and collaborating with all of you continuously to get inputs and suggestions that will ensure a good experience in service delivery as we move forward on this journey.”

On Saturday, the World Institute for Peace issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding that security agents arrest and interrogate Sheik Ahmad Gumi to ascertain the extent of his involvement in the ongoing insecurity plaguing the country.

The group’s chairman, Lamina Kamiludeen, in a statement in Osogbo on Saturday, queried incessant outbursts of Gumi against the Nigerian Military and other security agents whenever they take action against bandits and terrorists.

At different times in the past, Sheik Gumi has made controversial remarks about military campaigns against insurgence and banditry in the north.

On Wednesday, while speaking on “When will there be an end to Nigeria’s recurring abductions?” organised by Daily Trust via X space, Gumi said, “To them (military) they are fighting a war. Honestly, the military has been very hard on them, the Air Force is killing their families.”

Kamiludeen, who asked the Federal Government if he was above the law, said inflammatory statements by the cleric not only undermined the efforts of the security forces but would also embolden perpetrators of the crime to continue creating security challenges across the country.

The release further read partly, “His continuous criticism and condemnation of the efforts of the security forces send signals that Gumi may be among the sponsors of the insecurity in Nigeria. Nigeria security agents must take immediate action to question Sheik Gumi regarding his involvement in the ongoing insecurity in the country.

“His actions constitute a threat to national security and must be addressed with urgency. Or is Gumi above the law? Action must the taken to prove that no one is above the law of the land.”

Authorities have confirmed that the office of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in the Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State was attacked by hoodlums.

During the attack which occurred on Thursday night, one officer was injured and property including vehicles were damaged, according to a statement by the Command's spokesman Mohammed Salisu.

The statement partly read: “During the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 2310 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance were informed of a suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside.

"Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation," he said.

The statement noted that afterwards, "a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by way of mobilising hoodlums to attack the outpost.

“Upon sighting the mob, the management contacted the command and other sister agencies for reinforcement, which helped in containing the situation.

“Amid the attack, the OIC sustained a hand injury; 1 AK-47 rifle was carted away but retrieved shortly; and 29 out of 41 bags of the seized rice were taken away by the attackers.

“The mob went further to vandalise the OIC personal vehicle, the outstation Air Conditioner, chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.”

The spokesman said that the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has intervened to douse tension, after he hosted the Customs Area Controller on the way forward.

Meanwhile, normalcy has since been restored.

“The Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, has been in touch with the Commissioner of Police, and so far, some arrests have been made and an investigation was launched in view of arresting and prosecuting the criminals,” he added.

According to findings by Vanguard , it has been revealed that the late Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa had spent only three weeks in his new Area of Responsibility (AR) before his untimely death on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Shaffa was among officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the military Joint Task Force, JTF, Bomadi Division, including the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Ali, another Major, one Captain and 12 others, who were ambushed and killed during a rescue mission to Okuama to release a hostage.

The hostage was identified as Anthony Aboh from neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State who Okuama youths had held over a lingering land dispute.

Sources said Shaffa, who was a University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) alumnus, hailed from Shaffa town in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno South represented by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Senate).

He is survived by two children, a wife said to be pregnant and heavy, and two small children.

Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard learnt that the father of the deceased (Danjuma Shaffa) also died as a retired Major of the Nigerian Army some years ago in Borno State.

A family friend, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, told our correspondent that the “late Shaffa, before paying the ultimate sacrifice, penultimate Thursday, had two children “while the wife is pregnant and is expecting delivery soon.”

Durkwa, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 general elections in Borno State, prayed “Allah (God) to grant Aljannatul Firdaus to the soul of the deceased officer and all officers and soldiers killed during the ambush”.

He called on proper investigation of the incident, saying anyone found wanting must face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent.

A brother of the slain Army officer, Mallam Hussain Danjuma, who formally announced the death in a social media post, said, “With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Allah, I inform the sudden death of our beloved brother Major SD SHAFFA.

“We pray that Allah will forgive and grant him eternal rest in this Holy month of Ramadan.

“May your soul rest in peace, dearest brother as you will be remembered”.

Another family member, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, said, “May Allah have mercy on Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May Allah lighten his grave, Amen”.

Amos Bwala, a friend of Shaffa, on his part, wrote on his Facebook page: “Innalillahi wainnailaihir rajiun. May Almighty Allah forgive our good friend and brother, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, who was ambushed n Delta State rabbi fagfirlahu warahamhu.”

Buba Ali, another friend, in an emotionally laden voice said, “The loss of the Nigerian soldiers in Delta State is unfortunate and terrible. We lost a gallant brother from Borno, Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa. May their souls rest in peace.”

In a related development, Ndume and Dr Midala Usman Balami, member representing Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency, have called on the authorities to immediately fish out the masterminds of the killings just as they strongly condemned the incident.

According to a statement signed by Ndume’s spokesman, Junaid Maiva, the senator “has been deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Major Salisu Danjuma Shaffa, whom he described as a brave military officer”.

The Senate Whip went on: “Major Shaffa, whose recent deployment led him to Delta State, met his untimely end in a devastating ambush alongside fellow military officers and soldiers following a successful mission.

“The news of his passing has cast a pall of sorrow over Senator Ndume and the entire nation.

“Senator Ndume paid tribute to the late Major Shaffa, extolling him as a genuine patriot who epitomized the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.

“The senator urged Major Shaffa’s family, friends, and constituents in southern Borno to take comfort in the knowledge that their beloved relative lived a life dedicated to serving humanity and defending the nation’s sovereignty.

“On behalf of myself, my family, and the constituents of southern Borno, we stand in solidarity with the family and friends of the late military officer”.

Balami, in a statement he personally signed said, “It is with immense sadness that I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Major Danjuma Shaffa and the gallant soldiers, who lost their lives while on peacekeeping mission in Delta State. This death is a great loss to the Nigeria Army and the entire nation.

“Major Danjuma Shaffa was a patriotic soldier who dedicated his life to the service of our country. He was a role model and inspiration to many, and his death has left a deep void in our hearts.

“We condemn this senseless act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The sacrifices of our soldiers will not be in vain, and we will continue to support our brave men and women in uniform who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s peace and security.

“Once again, I extend my sympathies on behalf of the people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency and pray for the repose of Major Danjuma Shaffa’s soul and all the deceased patriots.”

The deaths of six police officers in Delta State has been confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the officers were killed while investigating the disappearance of three colleagues in Delta.

The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Adejobi added that six other officers are still missing and five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.

The statement partly read, “The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six courageous officers in Delta State who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity.

“These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six others are currently missing-in-action.

“Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow. We stand in solidarity with them, offering our deepest condolences and earnestly praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.”

The FPRO identified the deceased officers as Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday.

He also identified the missing officers as Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie.

The statement further added that the NPF will posthumously recognise the officers for their service and sacrifice at an upcoming awards ceremony.

It also stated its commitment to supporting the families of the deceased officers.

The statement added, “Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognising their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.

“In accordance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024, in Abuja.

“In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive actions as expected.

“The bodies of six of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits.

“The Force is focused on the search for the other six officers, while all their families have been duly contacted.

“Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time.

“Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice.

“The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.”

In the statement, the NPF condemned attacks on law enforcement personnel and urged the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the apprehension of the remaining perpetrators.

On Saturday night, bandits attacked worshippers observing Ramadan prayers in Mairuwa village, situated in the Faskari local government area of Katsina State.

Some of the worshipers were killed in the attack.

At least two persons were shot dead while another sustained injury during the attack.

Daily Trust reports that one of the deceased persons was a prominent man simply identified as Alhaji Lado.

He was suspected to be the prime target of the assailants.

A source who described the deceased as a businessman, politician and large scale farmer, said the victim was killed when he refused to take orders from his murderers.

“They opened fire on him when they attempted to kidnap him but he refused to follow them,” the source said.

One of the survivors of the mosque attack told our reporter that the attackers kidnapped the wife and two daughters of Alhaji Lado.

An eye witness told our reporter that the other victim of the attack was a health worker he simply identified as Sani.

“He worked at the Mairuwa Health Facility,” the witness said.

Katsina is one of the worst-hit states of banditry. Many attempts to keep the criminals in check have not yielded desired result.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has decided to extend the ongoing registration for Direct Entry by an additional two weeks to accommodate all prospective candidates in the process.

This is contained in a statement by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor (PCA), Fabian Benjamin on Saturday.

The statement reads “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) would be extending the 2024 Direct Entry (DE) registration by two weeks to enable all candidates desirous of DE registration to do so.

“The Board commenced the 2024 Direct Entry on Wednesday, 28th February, 2024, and was to have concluded it on Thursday, 28th March, 2024, but on subsequent consideration, has now extended the exercise by two weeks from Wednesday, 28th March, 2024, consequently bringing the registration to a close on Thursday, 11th April, 2024.

“This extension became necessary following the challenges faced by candidates in going through some of the security screening measures put in place to arrest the rampant and embarrassing cases of fake A’level certificates being paraded by some DE candidates.

“The Board apologises for the inconveniences caused the prospective DE candidates and pledges that, going forward, the process would be made more user-friendly.

“However, in doing this, the Board will not compromise on its avowed determination to ensure that candidates, whose certificates were dubiously acquired are prevented from benefiting from such certificates.

“It is also to be noted that candidates, whose certificate-issuing institutions are among those on the list of institutions that have not verified their certificates despite repeated requests, would not be allowed to register without doing the needful.”

On Saturday, March 23, no less than two policemen attached to MOPOL 18, Owerri, Imo State, were killed by gunmen in the Okigwe area of the state.

It was learnt that the gunmen, suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its affiliate, Eastern Security Network, threw dynamite at the police patrol vehicle and engaged the policemen in a gunfight along old Gariki Road.

Four other policemen were said to have sustained multiple injuries during the incident.

The police spokesman, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said, “The officers were ambushed in the early hours of today, March 23, 2024, while on patrol duties along old Gariki Road, Okigwe, by the disgruntled elements who threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight.

“In the process, two officers paid the ultimate price while four others survived the attack.”

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the attack, adding that the commissioner and the Commander, MOPOL 18 and 64, immediately led men of the command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment.