[PRESS RELEASE ] Tinubu sticks to 'snatch and grab' agenda with no plans to strengthen Nigeria's democracy - Atiku
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE ] Tinubu sticks to 'snatch and grab' agenda with no plans to strengthen Nigeria's democracy - Atiku](/media/k2/items/cache/9cf62192b9f01f86c4cb1b22b7d1a6eb_L.jpg)
Late in the evening of Saturday, 2 February, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and one of President Tinubu’s Spokespersons, Mr. Sunday Dare posted two comments on his verified X handle.
The first post made a case for countries to tighten their belts on the heels of the announcement from President Trump’s administration to impose tariffs in line with his America First agenda, and the other post which came much later the same night tried to discredit the actions of political leaders in strengthening democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
The second post is a lame attempt to impugn the credibility of political leaders who seek a better direction for Nigeria, and, in so doing, Dare painted a picture of what is to be expected in how the Tinubu administration plans to take the next election in the country as “a combat and a fight” or better still the deepening of their notorious "snatch and grab" agenda.
It therefore becomes pertinent to tell the Tinubu administration that last week's gathering of political leaders across the country is aimed at fostering the ethos of democracy in Nigeria; making sure that elections in Nigeria are credible and that democracy is the vehicle for progress and social justice in the country.
We find it curious that the Tinubu government would react to these noble ideals as “Machiavellian inclinations.”
If the Tinubu administration could describe opposition in a democracy in the language of the era of Dark Ages, we find such behaviour as unbecoming and a stark attack on the collective impression of our hard-won democracy and the fundamental human rights that it guarantees.
The other post by Dare speaks to the “Tariff War” – by which the Tinubu administration seeks to interpret President Trump’s America First approach to international trade.
First of all, we condemn the careless remarks by the Spokesperson of President Tinubu on an issue that potentially affects Nigeria’s relations with the U.S. and other countries, including partner institutions in international trade.
That aside, it is a contradiction in terms that the Tinubu administration, which came into power on the philosophy of self-right to rule, will mock Nigerians on matters of patriotism.
We urge the Tinubu administration to practice what it preaches by embracing the Nigeria First ideals in replacement to the self-entitled and other primordial sentiments it panders to.
Nigeria has gone through all kinds of class, ethnic and religious divisions since the advent of the Tinubu administration.
This is the first government in the history of Nigeria that will put Nigerians on Band A or Band C on the cadre of access to social infrastructure.
We therefore urge the Tinubu government to unite and heal the nation and desist from making careless remarks about other countries or the patriotism of the Nigerian people.
Signed:
Paul Ibe
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
[PRESS RELEASE] Obidient Movement Stands for Truth and Justice Rejecting Governor Bisi Akande’s False Allegations
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Obidient Movement Stands for Truth and Justice Rejecting Governor Bisi Akande’s False Allegations](/media/k2/items/cache/792cfe902ad26743d307be68e368a8a8_L.jpg)
The Obidient Movement outrightly rejects the baseless and revisionist claim by former Governor Bisi Akande that our movement was behind the historic EndSARS protests, allegedly orchestrated to stop Bola Ahmed Tinubu from becoming President. This false narrative is not only an insult to the memory of the young Nigerians who lost their lives in the fight against police brutality but also a desperate attempt to rewrite history and shift blame for the government's failures.
EndSARS was a decentralized, youth-led movement demanding an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and systemic oppression in Nigeria. It was not about politics, nor was it about any single individual’s presidential ambition. Nigerians, especially young people, took to the streets in 2020 because they were tired of injustice, unchecked police violence, and a government that refused to listen to its people.
To suggest that the Obidient Movement a movement that emerged years later as a symbol of hope, accountability, and good governance was responsible for EndSARS is not only false but also a deliberate attempt to discredit our cause. We are a movement of patriotic Nigerians united by the desire for a better country, not agents of chaos as Akande and his allies would like to paint us.
Rather than engaging in revisionist propaganda, we urge Akande and his associates to focus on addressing the real issues facing Nigerians today economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and bad governance. The people are suffering, and no amount of misinformation or historical distortion will change that reality.
We stand firm in our mission to restore integrity, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria. No amount of false accusations will deter us from advocating for a better future for our nation.
Signed,
Dr Tanko Yunusa
National Coordinator, Obidient Movement
![[PRESS RELEASE] DISCLAIMER: Obidient Movement Joins ADC](/media/k2/items/cache/8124917db3c1afdba7c11a6dfbf70dd5_M.jpg)
The attention of the Leadership of the OBIDIENT MOVEMENT has been drawn to a media publication recently in circulation suggesting that the obidient movement has joined the Action Democratic Party (ADC)
For the purpose of clarity the obidient movement has not joined or associated it's self with any other political party or any coalition as at today.
From the video in circulation we only saw members from the Coalition of the protection of democracy (COPDEM) in a meeting with the National Leadership of ADC.
Please be informed that COPDEM is an organization which also serve as one of the support group and as such is not the obidient movement neither does it have any authority to negotiate with any political party on behalf of the obidient movement.
We want to reassure the general public that the obidient movement is dedicated and is working tirelessly with critical stakeholders and people of like minds who are desirous of seeing a new Nigeria through our principal his Excellency Mr Peter obi
We therefore consider all this propaganda as an attempt to undermine and derail the activities of the obidient movement which is solidly behind HE Mr Peter Obi.
Hon Chidiebere Darlington Anyanwu CHYDON
Personal Assistant on Media & publicity to Dr Tanko Yunusa the national coordinator obidient movement .
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday.
This price adjustment is said to be in response to favourable developments in the global energy sector and a significant decline in international crude oil prices. Dangote Refinery said its decision to crash the price reflects its commitment to aligning with market realities and ensuring that consumers benefit from changes in international crude oil prices.
Dangote refinery, in a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, explained that this latest move follows a similar decision made on 19th January, when a modest price increase was implemented due to rising crude oil costs. However, with recent global market trends indicating a decline, Dangote Refinery added that adjusting its pricing structure was a bold move to drive economic relief for Nigerians.
The statement also noted that the price reduction would significantly lower the cost of petrol across the country, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide, thereby driving down the prices of goods and services, as well as the overall cost of living, with a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy,” the statement said.
The refinery has also called on marketers across the country to ensure that the benefits of the reduced price are passed on to the Nigerian public while reiterating its support for the economic revival spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, whose administration is focused on making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub.
“This collective initiative will contribute to the wider economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is dedicated to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub¸” it noted.
It stressed that Dangote Petroleum Refinery would continue to introduce innovative strategies aimed at safeguarding the interests of Nigeria and its citizens.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision is expected to play a vital role in stabilising the country’s economy, ensuring that the benefits of lower fuel prices are felt across all sectors
The leadership of the telecommunications sector union has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its planned protest against the federal government-approved 50 percent increase in telecom service tariffs.
In a letter addressed to the NLC president and the National Administrative Council, the union’s general secretary, Comrade Okonu Abdullahi, argued that the tariff hike was necessary to prevent the sector’s collapse amid rising operational costs.
The union expressed concern over the NLC’s decision to mobilise workers for a nationwide demonstration on February 7, 2025, without consulting stakeholders in the telecom industry.
According to the letter, the sector has been struggling with skyrocketing expenses due to the removal of fuel subsidies, increased electricity tariffs, and the naira’s depreciation.
The letter highlighted that the cost of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) used to power telecom base stations surged from N842.25 to N1,441.28 since May 2023, while petrol prices for engineers maintaining these sites rose from N198 to over N1,030.
Additionally, the fluctuating foreign exchange rate, with the naira dropping from N460 to N1,700 per dollar, has made it increasingly difficult for telecom operators to import essential equipment.
Abdullahi warned that without the tariff adjustment, telecom companies might be forced to implement service cuts, leading to job losses and disruptions in critical sectors such as finance and security. He also noted that workers in the telecom industry have not benefited from wage increases like their counterparts in other sectors due to the financial strain on employers.
The union urged the NLC leadership to rescind the protest directive, emphasising that the tariff increase is the only viable solution to sustaining the sector. “If the sector collapses, other industries will suffer,” the letter warned, adding that continued resistance to the price adjustment could lead to mass layoffs and unreliable network services.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the immediate retirement of officers above 60 and those who have served for more than 35 years.
PSC reached the decision after its extraordinary meeting.
“The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary Meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior Police Officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” the PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani said in a statement on Friday.
The PSC said it reversed a 2017 decision that approved that “Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment”.
“The Commission has passionately revisited its decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the Public service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.”
Ikechukwu said the decision has been communicated to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for implementation.
Egbetokun’s Tenure Controversy
The move comes amid calls for the retirement of the IGP owing to his tenure elongation.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023. He replaced Usman Baba. The National Police Council in October 2023 confirmed him as the substantive police chief.
Section 7 of the Police Act 2020 stipulates that anyone appointed as IGP shall stay in office for four years, Egbetokun who was born on September 4, 1964, was expected to retire last September when he clocked 60.
Also, Section 18 (8) of the Police Act 2020 referenced the civil service rule on retirement. It partly read that “every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier”.
In July 2024, however, the National Assembly passed a bill allowing Egbetokun to stay in office “until the end of the term stipulated in his appointment letter”.
Despite calls for the IGP’s retirement, the Federal Government on Thursday backed Egbetokun’s continued stay. It argued that it was legal.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was notably absent as key leaders of the North East zonal caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, met in Bauchi to discuss reconciliation efforts and strategise for the party’s future, particularly the 2027 elections.
The meeting, held on Thursday, was attended by the three PDP governors from the region: Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Also in attendance were the PDP Reconciliation Committee, led by former National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, senators, House of Representatives members, and state assembly members from the zone.
While other prominent party members who could not attend the event sent representatives, Atiku did not.
The meeting deliberated on key issues, particularly the upcoming PDP Zonal and National Conventions, and focused on resolving internal conflicts to strengthen the party as the main opposition.
Speaking at the meeting, PDP’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagun, urged party leaders to set aside their differences and focus on unity.
He emphasised that individual interests could only be achieved if the party remained strong and united.
“Interest is paramount. We are all in politics for various reasons, but the most important thing is that you can only achieve your goals when your political vehicle is strong enough to take you to your destination,” Damagun said.
He reassured members that the party is greater than any individual, stating, “PDP is a Trojan horse – a tested and trusted party with experienced politicians who have seen it all. We have the capacity to weather any storm.”
Damagun also made it clear that his leadership would not serve the personal agenda of any individual, saying, “Nobody is above the party. We will support and acknowledge our members, but if you go against the party’s interests, we will part ways with you.”
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, called for reconciliation within the party.
He proposed a swap of party positions across different states as a way of fostering unity.
“Positions in Gombe will be moved to Bauchi, those in Borno will be shifted to Yobe, and Adamawa’s positions will be reassigned to Taraba, and vice versa,” he suggested.
He assured members that PDP leaders in the region – including himself, the National Chairman from Yobe, Senator Hassan Dankwambo from Gombe, and Muhammad Imam from Borno – would work to minimise conflicts and reintegrate former members.
The leader of the Reconciliatory Committee, Oyinlola, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to resolving internal conflicts and strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the committee’s objective is to rebuild a formidable PDP that can effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“Our mission is to reach out to aggrieved members and mend broken relationships within the party. We believe that if all members set aside their differences, PDP can reclaim power in 2027,” he stated.
Also speaking, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri described the committee’s intervention as timely, given the internal crises within the party.
He stressed that PDP can only regain its leadership position through collective efforts, urging all aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation.
Governor Fintiri assured the committee of the governors’ support in achieving their reconciliation objectives and strengthening the party.
Opposition to the planned 50 per cent
telecommunication tariffs hike has thickened with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, informing its affiliate unions and state councils to ensure total mobilization of workers and allies ahead of the February 4, nationwide mass protest against the planned tariffs hike.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has notified the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, of its pending suit challenging the government’s decision to approve an increase in telecommunications tariff by 50 per cent.
'We aren't just a band of blind musicians; we have journalists, teachers and computer...0:00 / 1:00
This came as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, said the hike will place additional burdens on low-income earners, noting, however, that it will offer necessary relief to operators.
But the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Related Institutions, NASU, umbrella body for pro-workers civil society organisation, Joint Action Front, JAF, and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, yesterday, called on Nigerians to join the February 4, planned protest, urging Nigerians to fully participate in any other action aimed at resisting the planned tariff hike.
However, NCC said it will engage NLC, SERAP, National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria, NATCOMS, and NATCOMS, to explain the reasons for the price adjustment.
NLC writes affiliates, state councils
The NLC, in separate letters dated January 30, to affiliate unions and state councils, through its General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, urged them to also mobilise other Nigerians to send a serious message to the government.
The letter reads: “In response to a resolution of the meeting of the National Administrative Council, NAC, to resist the proposed 50 per cent hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all other forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses, all state councils of NLC are directed to begin immediate mobilisation of members of their councils in their respective states for a one-day peaceful protest rally.
“The rally shall take place in various state capitals and FCT on February 4, 2025, by 7a.m. You are expected to co-ordinate all affiliates in your states and work with volunteering civil society partners resident in your state for effective rally.
“The rally procession should lead to any NCC office in the state, where not available, to the state House of Assembly where our petition will be presented. Further developments shall be made available.
“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and determination is critical to defending ourselves and nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats.”
Similarly, the letter to affiliate unions reads “In response to the decision of the NAC, resolution to resist the proposed hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses; all industrial unions affiliated to NLC are requested to begin immediate mobilisation of their members across the nation for a one-day peaceful protest rally.
“The rally shall take place in various state capitals across the nation and Abuja on February 4, 2025, by 7a.m.
“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and action is critical to defending ourselves and nation from Policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats.”
SERAP writes NCC over pending suit against tariff hike
In a letter yesterday, SERAP, through the law firm of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa & Co, cautioned the commission on the need to desist from taking any action that would be prejudicial to the suit before the court.
The letter reads: “We are solicitors to SERAP, the plaintiff in the above mentioned civil action, hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose behalf write to bring to your notice the pendency of the above-mentioned case an subsisting application for interlocutory orders for injunction therein.
“We have been reliably informed by our client that on or about January 20, 2025, the NCC, approved a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs, this approval is to lead to an in-in call rates from N11 to N16 per minute, data prices from N287.30 to 31.25 per GB, and SMS costs from N4 to N6.
“Given the increase comes at a time of economic hardship, further burdening Nigerians, many of whom struggle with poverty, unemployment, and high inflation, the hike will restrict access to telecommunications services, limiting the ability of citizens, including SERAP, to express themselves and share information, which is a fundamental human right.
“Our client equally informed us that the move has been met with public outcry and labour unions threatening nationwide action if the increase is not reversed.
“Being dissatisfied with the violation of its constitutional and vested right and further attempts to carry out activities to the detriment of our client’s interest and rights, take notice that the above-mentioned matter has been instituted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking, inter alia, for a declaration that the tariff increase is unlawful and should be set aside with an order restraining the NCC and telecommunication companies from enforcing the tariff hike.
“Our client is, therefore, seeking judicial intervention and determination of the legality of all actions and decisions in relation to the increase and planned implementation of the telecommunication tariffs.”
NATCOMS had on Wednesday, also threatened court action over the planned tariff hike.
It’s additional burden on masses —LCCI
Director-General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said: “While this hike may offer relief for the operators, it risks placing additional strain on consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets. Another factor of consideration by most stakeholders is that Nigerian citizens and businesses deserve better services from the operators and more robust regulation from the government.
“In our quest for a one trillion-dollar economy, we need more investments in critical infrastructure to drive the much-needed digital revolution for growth and development. A robust digital infrastructure will support innovation across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“Looking beyond the hike, the operators and regulators need to settle down into delivering quality services to drive operational cost efficiency for businesses and support the automation of government services.”
Full blown strike should follow protest — NASU
Lending support to the NLC proposed protest, General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi, said: “The planned protest by the NLC is extremely important and a welcome development. The so-called telecommunication tariffs will add to the burden of Nigerian workers. It is not only exploitative but an act of wickedness.
“Why do they need such increase at this time? Are they running at a loss? I think the Federal Government should stop them. We are paying too many charges already. If you know how much the banks are removing from our money under different guises, you will be amazed.
“So, the NLC planned protests makes a lot of sense to us. It should go beyond protest. It should be followed by a full-blown strike action.”
We are ready for protest, other actions — JAF
Similarly, JAF’s Secretary, Abiodun Aremu, said: “JAF stands with the NLC in all protests that will advance the collective interest of the working class and the oppressed poor in our country.
“JAF will not only call on Nigerian workers to stand resolute in mobilising for a successful action but will join the NLC to encourage the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and other pro-workers platforms to join forced with the NLC.
“Equally to state that for JÀF, since its strategic relationship with the NLC since 2003, and its alliance with the NLC and TUC in LASCO (Labour and Civil Society Coalition), JAF will at no time decline any invitation from the NLC to join any protests anchored on working-class interests and the yearnings of Nigerians.
“We will as a tradition and with our full commitment play an active role in the protests and hereby urges all our allies and other constituencies of the oppressed masse, nationwide to harken to the call for action.”
HURIWA calls for mass resistance
National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said: “This government is increasingly proving to be one designed to serve the interests of big business and profiteers rather than the ordinary Nigerian. It is a government for corporate organisations, controlled by ministers who were allegedly hand-picked by billionaires to advance their business empires.
“Nigerians must realise that this fight is not just for NLC alone, it is a fight for every citizen being crushed by reckless economic policies.
“The NCC is supposed to be a regulatory body, but it has become a shield for telecom companies. There is no accountability in the way telecom firms deduct data, over-charge for services, or fail to deliver quality connectivity. Nigerians are being defrauded daily, and rather than stepping in to enforce consumer rights, the NCC is working to legalize their exploitation by approving this insensitive tariff hike.
“If Nigeria claims to be a capitalist economy, then telecom operators should negotiate their pricing directly with their customers based on quality of service. Government should not be imposing price hikes in a supposed free market. This move by the NCC is more akin to communism, where the state dictates economic outcomes, but in this case, it is for the benefit of private corporations at the expense of the masses.
“This is a deliberate attempt to stifle free speech and economic self-reliance among young Nigerians. Many unemployed youths create and post content online as a source of income. By making internet access unaffordable, the government is ensuring that only the wealthy and the elite have the power to communicate and engage in digital opportunities.
“The protest must be seen as a collective struggle for economic justice. Nigerians should not remain passive while their rights are being trampled upon.
“HURIWA will fully participate in this protest, and we call on all citizens to rise up and demand their rights. Those who have also gone to court to challenge this tariff hike have taken the right step, and we hope the courts will not disappoint Nigerians by siding with corporate greed,” he added.
It must not be one of struggle — MSA
In the same vein, the Movement for Socialist Alternative, MSA, through its General Secretary, Dagga Tolar, said: “We welcome the action and encourage all workers to come out in full support of the action.
“We also call on the NLC to not see this as a one-off action but to go ahead to put a committee in place for an action plan of mobilisation of all social forces of the working masses, including all pro-labour and civil society groups, informal workers groups, student and youth groups across the federation, so as to commence a coordinated action of struggle against all of the anti-people policies of the Tinubu regime
“Now is the time to act, to organise the working masses to go on a rescue mission and save the country from this rapacious gangs of the ruling class that puts the interest of capital both foreign and national above the wellbeing of the ordinary citizens of the country.”
NCC to engage NLC, SERAP, NATCOMS to explain reasons for price adjustment
On its part, the NCC yesterday said it would do everything possible to engage everybody or group peeved with the recent price adjustment, in order to explain why it was necessary.
The commission was responding to the threat by NLC to stage a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025.
A top NCC official said the commission had neither received any letter from the NLC nor NATCOMS seeking clarifications or reasons for the adjustment, even though it was working seriously towards engaging and explaining reasons to everybody or group that was not comfortable with the price adjustment.
The official said: “Most of the protests against the price adjustment, including court actions and threats of it are basically out of ignorance. Most people do not understand the grave implications of what they are calling for. If they would give the commission the listening ears, they would understand we acted to save the sector and the entire economy.
“When the Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students, NANS wrote us, we invited them for a meeting and by the time we explained the processes and procedures, including the grave implications if we didn’t do what we did, they clearly understood.
“I believe every other group that would allow dialogue will also see reasons. We are going to engage everybody, even those who are said to have gone to court already. To safeguard the economy should be more important to all than pandering to sentiments,” he added.
Recall that NLC had Wednesday after an emergency NAC, meeting among others, urged willing civil society allies to join the planned February 4 protest and called on Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.
A communiqué by NLC’s President, Joe Ajaero, at the end of the NAC meeting, informed that the meeting was convened 2025, to deliberate on pressing national issues, including the recent approval of a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
Recall also that NLC had on January 22, rallied rejected the 50 percent telecommunication tariffs hike approved by the federal government through the NCC.
According to NLC, the 50 per cent tariff hike approval, “at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.”
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has flayed the Federal Government for implementing the policies of Bretton Woods institutions, saying the removal of subsidies and increased tariffs are emasculating Nigerians.
“They keep on emasculating us through stupid taxes. It will come to a point when people can pay but they won’t pay,” NLC spokesman Benson Upah said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Thursday.
The labour union official rejected the recent announcement of a 50% telecom tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and proposed a 5% increase in the cost of data and calls.
He said there was no going back on the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to drive home the displeasure of the group against the recently announced telecom tariff increase.
Upah said, “This rally is to halt this mindless tariff increase. And if by any chance there has to be an increase at all, 5%, given the fact of our situation that there have been increases across board.
“But now to say 50%, it is not going to work. Where will the ordinary Nigerians be at the end of the day when we have energy tariff increases?
“The manufacturers are groaning, the middle-class people are groaning. The ordinary Nigerians on the streets can’t even afford to turn on the lights in their sitting rooms. When taxes are low, more people than when you have high taxes.”
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have consistently advocated the removal of energy subsidies and the floating of the naira, saying failure to effect the two economic policies has plunged Nigeria into severe inflationary pressures.
After his inauguration in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu, former Lagos governor, removed petrol subsidy and floated the naira. Petrol prices more than quadrupled, soaring from less than N200 per litre to over N1,100 in many parts of the country. The naira also took a nosedive, wobbling from around N700/$ to N1,600.
Food and commodity inflation have skyrocketed as Nigerians battle what can pass for the worst cost of living crisis since the country’s independence over six decades ago
The convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja to the tune of N10m and one surety in like sum.
According to the ruling of the court, the surety must be a responsible individual with landed property valued in like sum.
The surety is expected to deposit the original documents of a landed property and a passport photograph to the Registrar of the court.
The trial judge, while ruling on the bail application on Thursday, ordered Sowore to also deposit his International Passport with the Registrar of the court.
The trial judge, however, gave Sowore 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the Police until the bail is perfected.
LEADERSHIP reports that Sowore, founder and two-time presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 and 2023 general elections, respectively, is being prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on 17-count charges bordering on cybercrimes and deliberately calling the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, ‘illegal IGP’.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority in the eastern part of the country, which has been overrun by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Tshisekedi made the vow in a televised address on Wednesday night.
The group has seized control of the key city of Goma and is advancing southward, threatening to capture more territory.
Tshisekedi announced a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he labeled “terrorists,” and criticized the international community for its lack of action in addressing the escalating security crisis.
He called on all Congolese citizens to support the army’s efforts to regain control of the region, promising that the country would not succumb to “humiliation” and would triumph in the face of the rebel onslaught.
The ongoing conflict, which has displaced over 500,000 people, has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation.
Goma has been left without electricity and water, and food shortages are rampant, according to the United Nations.
While President Tshisekedi snubbed a virtual summit convened by East African leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, the summit called for a peaceful resolution and urged the Congolese government to engage directly with all armed groups, including the M23.
Tshisekedi has consistently refused direct dialogue with the rebels, preferring to speak with Rwanda.
Tshisekedi also expressed gratitude for the South African Development Community (SADC) peacekeepers and UN forces who have died in the conflict.
Thirteen South African peacekeepers were killed in Goma, escalating tensions between South Africa and Rwanda.
In response to a statement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accusing Rwanda of involvement in the deaths, Kagame warned of potential confrontation, rejecting claims of a distorted narrative.
As M23 continues to make gains, reports indicate that the group is heading towards Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city.
The Congolese army has set up a defense line, though the rebels have faced little resistance so far. Meanwhile, Angola has called for urgent talks between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders, with efforts to resume peace discussions under the East African Community framework.
International calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DR Congo have intensified, with countries such as the United States, the European Union, and China urging the withdrawal.
Both the UN and DR Congo have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, while Rwanda has denied the claims, suggesting that Congolese militias are attempting to overthrow the Rwandan government.
The ongoing conflict has prompted significant international pressure, with countries like the UK and Germany threatening to cut aid to Rwanda in response to the violence.
The UK has put £32 million of bilateral aid under review, and Germany has canceled planned aid talks with Rwanda.
[DailyPost]
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, on Wednesday, announced that the Federal Government has cleared the outstanding $7bn foreign exchange following a successful verification exercise by forensic auditors.
Cardoso disclosed this at the launch of Nigeria’s Regulatory Policy Framework organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.
The event, which was tagged the regulators’ forum, took place at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja.
Cardoso explained that they are optimistic the clearance of the $7bn backlog would ease off the bottlenecks associated with repatriation of funds by businesses, multinationals and foreign investors.
According to the CBN governor, the outstanding forex clearance took far longer than they earlier anticipated.
He said, “In addressing foreign exchange liquidity constraint, decisive steps have been taken to clear outstanding $7bn forex backlog to ensure that businesses, multinationals, corporations and foreign investors can repatriate funds seamlessly
“This initiative has restored confidence among market participants and reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to honouring financial obligations in a timely and efficient manner. Talking about the $7bn backlog, we have cleared the verified claims.
“We also looked at the unverified ones, and I believe that we are at the final stages of separating what qualifies as fully verified, and we will surely be paying out those money that have been verified by the forensic auditors. It is unfortunate, to be honest, that it has taken so long.
“But the truth of the matter is that there were a lot of practices that went on that really should never have happened in the first place. That said, we are going to ensure that we do what we need to do to strengthen our market and create a better trust in what you investors naturally desire and deserve.”
Earlier in her address, PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Audu, explained that one of the key indicators for the commission was that the majority of the companies expected the government to provide them with a stable and predictable policy environment.
She said, “We are going to help you become a part of the formation of this policy because one of the things we actively encourage our MDAs to do is to have a sectoral stakeholder engagement in smaller groups. Now there is a more thorough process to go through before a policy is passed into law.
“It is very important to note that this administration will do things differently. We are constantly asking for your input because we don’t think we know it all. When you look at business from a government perspective, it is very different from looking at it from a private sector view.
“It is important that we always balance the two and see ourselves as stakeholders. Our doors will always be open, and we will be very responsive when it comes to calls and emails. As earlier said, my predecessor has left a viable platform for us to build on.”