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President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s efforts to restoring confidence in Nigeria economy through measures aimed at reducing inflation, stabilising the foreign exchange market, and improving fiscal management.
Tinubu stated this on Tuesday at the 17th Annual Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Banking and Finance Conference held in Abuja.
Represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, the president described theme of the CIBN Conference, ‘Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward,’ as timely and imperative.
He noted that the conference came at a time the nation was grappling with interrelated challenges.
Tinubu identified the challenges as high inflation, rising costs of living, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and effects of global economic shifts.
He observed, however, that the challenges also present opportunities for growth and development.
In addressing the challenges, the President said that the administration had taken bold but painful steps to reform the macroeconomic environment.
“Though painful in the short term, the removal of fuel subsidies is designed to free up budgetary resources for critical investments in infrastructure and social services.
“The adjustment of the monetary policy rate, a move aimed at curbing inflation and fostering a more market-oriented exchange rate system,” he said.
Tinubu also noted that his administration was committed to strengthening infrastructure development in the ongoing bid to grow Nigeria’s economy.
“We are committed to upgrading Nigeria’s infrastructure to support economic growth.
“We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and improve market access,” he said.
The Federal Government yesterday rejected accusation of rights abuse made against it by the United Kingdom (UK) Trade Union Congress (TUC), over the arrest of Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), insisting that nobody, including the NLC president, is above the law in Nigeria.
Recall that President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Joe Ajaero, was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, en route London to attend a conference of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of UK.
The Federal Government, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the NLC president was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) because he refused to honour the invitation of a law enforcement agency carrying out an investigation.
“The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.
“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation.
Government’s position came on a day Ajaero gave insight into his ordeal in the hands of operatives of DSS and other security agencies, following his Monday arrest.
He also confirmed to Vanguard yesterday that the DSS has released his seized international passport and mobile phones.
This is even as the secret police said yesterday that its presence at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, did not amount to invasion, adding that its operatives were there for investigation.
However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lampooned the Federal Government over Ajaero’s arrest and takeover of the Abuja office of SERAP.
At press time yesterday, it was gathered that the secret police had pulled its operatives out of SERAP office to which they laid siege on Monday.
‘FG wrongly accused of rights abuses’
Onanuga said, “We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.
“In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions in courts in several states since he left office.
“Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI.
“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.
“Besides, the Nigerian Government is being led by a pro-democracy activist president who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.
“There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government.
“While labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.
“Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC.
“As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies.
“It is worth reminding Nigerians and the global community that the federal government recognises that the labour movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members. What is also worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.
“Many ideological stances of the labour unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the workers and the poor people they protect.
“A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Seventeen years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar’ Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four government-owned refineries worked.
“In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.
“The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens.”
Ajaero: Labour primed for strike
Similarly, President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, yesterday gave insight into his ordeal in the hands of operatives of the Department of the State Services, DSS and other security agencies, following his arrest on Monday.
Recall that the DSS had seized the NLC President’s phones and international passport after his arrest and detention for no less than 16 hours at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Confirming the release of the items yesterday, Ajaero said simply: “Yes, it is true. my phones and international passport have been returned to me by the DSS.”
The DSS, it was gathered, succumbed to pressure from local and international community which forced the government to release the NLC president, ahead of the 12 midnight deadline given government to free the detained labour leader.
Ajaero was arrested and detained by the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en-route to the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to attend and address the Congress of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Britain.
He was to represent Nigerian workers in critical discussions on workers’ rights and social justice.
According to sources within the NLC, “all modalities for a nationwide strike had been concluded and it was only left for the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting earlier scheduled for Tuesday (10-09-2024) at 9 am to endorse and declare the strike yesterday.
“All critical sector unions were already mobilized and were ready to begin a total strike yesterday until the NLC President was released unconditionally.
‘’Many groups, including the civil society organizations, CSOs, were already threatening fire and brim stone if Ajaero was not released.”
It was equally gathered the trade unions across the globe were already pushing their home governments to take action against Nigeria over alleged human rights abuses, and persecution of union leaders, among others.
Among the unions are Public Service International, PSI; International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC; and IndustriALL Global Union, IGU.
My ordeal at DSS, by Ajaero
Speaking exclusively, to Vanguard on his ordeal in the hands of the DSS and other security operatives yesterday, Ajaero said: “It was like the DSS arrested me on behalf of the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, department of the Police because IRT operatives came to interrogate me and take my statement, while I was detained.
‘’The DSS also interrogated me and took my statement. I do not know why they have to embarrass me publicly like that. The same IRT operatives in whose office we were on August 29, 2024, alongside Mr Femi Falana, came and asked the same questions I was asked in the previous meeting with them.
“They asked about the operator of Iva Valley Bookshop on the second floor of NLC secretariat building. They asked me whether we had communicated on phone, whether he (the Iva Valley operator) communicated with me in writing and so on.
‘’They also asked if I know the protesters (#EndBadGovernance or #Endhunger), especially Eleojo Opaluwa, a staff of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE. I told them I knew him because I employed him at NUEE.
“They equally asked about the Labour Party, LP, whether we are running the party. I told them we do not run Labour Party, but that we are a trustee of the party. I also told them that the Labour Party they see today was founded when Adams Oshiomhole was President of NLC. Also, they asked about the issue of Air Peace which we had settled since last year.
“It is like the security agents are searching for evidence on how and what to nail us with. That is why they have continued to embarrass, persecute, intimidate and do whatever they liked to cow us.’’
Medical checks on Ajaero
Meanwhile, the NLC has said it planned to conduct a comprehensive medical check on Ajaero to ensure his health had not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out on him by security operatives
NLC in a statement by the Deputy President, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, said: “This overwhelming display of unity in defense of justice and workers’ rights reinforces the strength of collective action and underscores the unbreakable bond between the Nigerian people and the labour movement.
“We are pleased to inform the public that Comrade Joe Ajaero was released late last night (Monday) at approximately 11:00pm, following intense pressure mounted by the NLC and in compliance with the demands issued by the National Administrative Council, NAC, of the NLC.
“NAC had given the government a firm ultimatum, with a deadline of 12 midnight, to release Ajaero, whose detention was a clear violation of our rights and an affront on the principles of democracy.
“While we celebrate his release, NLC remains vigilant. We will conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensure his health has not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out on him. The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are assured that his health is intact.
“The arrest and detention of Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while he was en-route to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Britain, is a stark reminder of the length to which the Nigerian state will go to silence the voice of labour and crush dissent.
“NLC unequivocally condemns this reckless abuse of power and reaffirms our commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation and lawlessness.
‘Release all detained #EndBadGovernance protesters’
‘’We once again, demand the release of all citizens languishing in jails across the country for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest around the country; stoppage of the massive clampdown on popular voices that espouse dissenting opinions; cessation of the muzzling of fundamental freedoms currently going on in the country; reversal of the hikes in the price of petrol (PMS) and electricity tariffs and, the immediate implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.
‘’The National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC which was proposed for today (yesterday) has, therefore, been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle.
“We call on all Nigerians, our affiliates, and the international community to remain steadfast and vigilant as we continue this struggle.
“NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all.”
Ajaero, SERAP: Oppression from Tinubu’s regime surpasses military dictatorships — Atiku
Reacting to the arrest of the NLC president and take over of SERAP’s office by DSS, former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, in a statement posted on his verified X account, tasked President Bola Tinubu to focus security efforts on terrorists and bandits and not civil society.
He said: “The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.
“The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration are profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.
“The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomizes this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organized labour.
“Just days prior, security forces detained a journalist, only to later claim it was a grievous error. What if the outcome had been fatal?
“Now, Tinubu’s regime extends its repressive grasp to encroach upon SERAP, an action that stands as a grave affront on our democratic values. This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice.”
DSS to SERAP: We didn’t raid, we came for investigation
Also yesterday, the Department of State Services, DSS, denied allegations of unlawfully invading the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, in Abuja.
The agency clarified that only two unarmed operatives were sent to SERAP’s Abuja office for a routine investigation which, according to it, contradicted initial reports of a raid.
DSS in a statement, explained that the visit was part of its standard official inquiries and liaison, emphasizing that it did not constitute illegality or harassment.
The statement read: “The narrative of unlawful invasion is inaccurate and misleading. A team of two unarmed Service operatives was lawfully detailed on a routine investigation to the SERAP office in Abuja.
“This visit has unfortunately been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials. However, such official inquiries and liaison are traditional and do not in any way amount to illegality or a raid.
“While we assure an in-depth investigation of these malicious contents, we call for citizens’ participation in national security management. We urge the public to disregard these false narratives.”
The DSS assured the public of its commitment to professionalism in discharging its core mandate.
It urged citizens to disregard false narratives surrounding the incident and cooperate in national security management.
However, sources told Vanguard that SERAP’s investigations into sensitive government matters without necessary approvals, prompted the DSS action.
Their publications and statements were deemed detrimental to national security, allegedly spreading misinformation and fueling public unrest.
‘They asked me about #Endbadgovernance protesters, Labour Party,’ - Ajaero marrates ordeal with DSS
AFOLABI
The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, yesterday, gave insight into his ordeal in the hands of operatives of the Department of the State Services, DSS, and other security agencies, following his arrest on Monday.
Recall that the DSS had seized the NLC President’s phones and international passport after his arrest and detention for no less than 16 hours at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
However, confirming the release of the items yesterday, Ajaero said simply: “Yes, it is true. My phones and passport have been returned to me by the DSS.”
On his experiencein the hands of the security agents,Ajaero said: “It was like the DSS arrested me on behalf of the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, department of the Police because IRT operatives came to interrogate me and take my statement, while I was detained.
‘’The DSS also interrogated me and took my statement. I do not know why they have to embarrass me publicly like that.
“The same IRT operatives in whose office we were on August 29, 2024, alongside Mr Femi Falana, came and asked the same questions I was asked in the previous meeting with them.
“They asked about the operator of Iva Valley Bookshop on the second floor of NLC secretariat building.
“They asked me whether we had communicated on phone, whether he (the Iva Valley operator) communicated with me in writing and so on.
‘’They also asked if I know the protesters (#EndBadGovernance or #Endhunger), especially Eleojo Opaluwa, a staff of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE. I told them I knew him because I employed him at NUEE.
“They equally asked about the Labour Party, LP, whether we are running the party. I told them we do not run Labour Party, but that we are a trustee of the party.
“I also told them that the Labour Party they see today was founded when Adams Oshiomhole was President of NLC.
“Also, they asked about the issue of Air Peace which we had settled since last year.
“It is like the security agents are searching for evidence on how and what to nail us with. That is why they have continued to embarrass, persecute, intimidate and do whatever they liked to cow us.’’
The people of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are in fear as the deadline given them by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to pay an imposed N30m levy expired.
But reacting to the development on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the bandit kingpin as a deranged person, wowing that the military would soon capture him.
The bandit kingpin, it was learnt, imposed the N30m levy on the community, following the killing of over 100 cows belonging to him by the military some weeks ago.
In a message, he sent to the community, the dreaded bandit kingpin demanded that the community pay him N30m or face his wrath.
He gave them up to Monday, September 9 but our correspondent learnt that the community had not been able to raise the funds, despite launching an appeal.
The PUNCH gathered that some people were already fleeing the town.
An indigene of the town, Sani Musa told The PUNCH on the phone that he had since last Monday evacuated his family and moved to Kaura-Namoda town.
“I am quite sure that this terrible person and his men will soon attack our community because of the non-payment of the N30m.
“We did our best to get the money but due to economic hardship, we were not able to get even half of the amount.
“I was asked to give N20,000 as my own contribution but as I am talking to you now, I don’t have the amount.
“I tried to sell my farm but nobody is interested in buying the land due to the security situation in the area.”
Another indigene of the area, Zayyanu Hassan, expressed hopelessness, saying despite the threat of attack, he was too weak, because of age and ill health, to flee the community.
“I don’t know where to go because of my age and health condition. I will remain here despite the threat from Bello Turji,” Hassan said.
According to Hassan, there are many people like him who are unable to flee the community despite the threat of attack.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, vowed that the military would put an end to the imposition on levies on citizens by non-state actors, such as bandits.
Musa said, “On the issue of Turji, as I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it’s just a matter of time. It is a matter of time; we’re going to get him, and I can assure you that it will be within the shortest possible time. We’re going to address that issue on the issue of payment of levy (to bandits).”
The CDS said it had been found that bandits live on the money they levy on innocent citizens but said the military would end the menance.
“One, even when they get the money, they don’t have a way to use it. Two is that the money they’re getting, they know, is blood money. And that is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.”
He said the support received by the bandits from residents was fuelling their activities.
Musa said, “Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.”
Musa stated that the operations in the North-West have harmonised after it was reviewed.
He said, “We have reviewed the entire operation and realised that we need to harmonise our operations together. As you notice, we have Operation Hadrin Daiji and Operation Whirl Stroke, both within the Northwest region. We have seen the need for us to harmonize those operations into one operation like we did in the Northeast where you have operation Hadin Kai.
“The same thing is being done now for the North-West operation. We have one unified operation. It’s going to be called Operation Kasar Yamma, which is securing the North-West.
“Now the intention is to ensure that we synergise all our efforts in addressing the security challenges in the North-West. So now, what we are doing is that since we are harmonising the whole operation, we will come under one commander. And then the commander will be able to utilise all the equipment and troops together to ensure that we address this critically. And I think that’s the best solution we have for it. And I can assure you, all the assets that are required to do that will be done.”
He CDS appealed to the citizens to stop giving support to bandits, lamenting that locals invited the bandits to attack the troops’ armoured vehicles when they broke down.
Musa said, “The bandits intend to just show that they are present. And that’s why we’re appealing to Nigerians not to provide any support. If you remember, the last time we had this issue where our APC was, the MRAP was bogged down, and the terrorists came. It was some people who called them and told them that the troops were having issues with their vehicle and they should come around. And they came en masse. That was what exactly happened. And that’s why we’re appealing to individuals.”
As the crisis rocking the Labour Party intensifies, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, on Tuesday, threw her weight behind the 29-man caretaker committee put in place by the party’s stakeholders last week.
This was as activist Aisha Yesufu attcked LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, over alleged misappropriation of campaign funds.
An enlarged stakeholders’ meeting called by the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, held in Umuahia, Abia State capital, was called to resolve the lingering leadership crisis in the party.
At the meeting, the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee was set up to steer the affairs of the party and conduct a national convention.
However, the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure; National Secretary, Umar Farouk and the National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, were conspicuously absent at the meeting.
Kingibe, at the flag-off of a four-day free medical outreach she facilitated for her constituents in Abuja, done in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, said Abure and his loyalists were yet to come to terms with reality.
Represented by her Senior Legislative Aide, Dr Chris Omofoma, Kingibe told The PUNCH that every LP member knew Abure’s tenure alongside his NWC had ended as far back as June 2023.
THE Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Tuesday, lamented that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is becoming indifferent, insensitive and unresponsive to the plights of Nigerians.
Adams in an open letter titled ‘President Bola Tinubu, time is going’, also said the present administration has disappointed Nigerians adding that the citizens can no longer bear the economic hardship.
He said: “We have no regret that we were created to inhabit this geographical space in the West African axis of the African continent.
“We are happy to be here because I don’t know any country in the world that God has blessed, in terms of natural and human resources, like Nigeria.
“Obviously, past leaders, since 1960, disappointed Nigerians with the way ‘Nigeria and Nigerians were badly led and resources selfishly managed’.
“When you came with the ‘Emilokan’ coinage in the build-up to the 2023 elections, many Nigerians were persuaded that as a democrat exposed to the modern way of governance, you will perform better than Muhammadu Buhari, a soldier who deepened the poverty levels of Nigerians and increased insecurity from 2015 to 2023.
“Today, events have proved that they were wrong. Mr President, to say the truth without minding whose ox is gored, you have disappointed many Nigerians who thought you were the messiah they were waiting for.
“The facts are there to speak for themselves. On May 29, 2023, when you became the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigerians, the price of a litre of fuel was less than N200.
“Today, it is more than N1000. As the Minister of Petroleum, I ask you, what type of reform is this? In May 2023, the Naira to a Dollar was less than N740. Today, it is more than N1,600.
“Now, your two right-hand men when you were Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, Wale Edun (Finance Minister) and Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor) are in charge of the economy.
“What exactly are the fiscal, economic and financial briefings they give you daily to convince you that they know what they are doing in those two offices?
“When Buhari left on May 29, 2023, many Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief that insecurity would soon become history.
“Pitiably today, from the North to the South, East to the West, the rate at which Nigerians are being abducted and some killed, even after ransom was paid, it was as if these blood-thirsty maniacs have just been unleashed on Nigerians from the hottest part of hell.
“As the Commander-in-Chief, the rising spate of insecurity across the country has put to question the kind of briefings you get daily, especially, from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and other Security Chiefs on their modus operandi to send these killers to where they belong?
“In August, many Nigerians came out to express their frustration on the way you are governing them.
Today, some of those arrested have been charged with treason.
“In the comity of nations, who does that? Is that the way governments are overthrown, with placards?
“Human rights activists are being harassed by security agents daily and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have become soft targets of sycophants who speak sweet words to your ears for selfish reasons.
“Many Nigerians know the ‘radical’ role you played when you were Governor, and even after 2007 when you galvanised and mobilised them to challenge the status quo at the national level.
“Now that you are in government, protest has suddenly become a criminal offence. God is indeed great. The plain truth is that the recent fuel price increase by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, an agency which is under your office as the Petroleum Minister, is an attack on Nigerians.
“Obviously, your administration is becoming indifferent, insensitive and unresponsive to the plights of millions of Nigerians who can no longer meet their daily needs.
“This is a brutal assault on the sensibility of Nigerians. I think you and your party should be sensitive to the plights of Nigerians.
“Mr President, don’t you think the wicked and draconian increase in fuel price, especially, at this time that Nigerians have been pushed to the wall, is a huge recipe for crisis? Nigerians can no longer bear this economic hardship any longer.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the passport of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Daily Trust can confirm.
Some of labour leaders, who confided in our correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja, said the secret police did not find anything incriminating against Ajaero.
Daily Trust had reported that the DSS bowed to pressure from various quarters on Monday when it released the labour leader on bail a few minutes to the ultimatum given by the NLC.
Details shortly…
[Daily Trust]
President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of 2024 National Honours Award to Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have contributed to the development of the country.
Zaphaniah Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, made this known at a meeting with management staff of the ministry on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Jisalo said that the Federal Government would also honour Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours.
The minister explained that the forms and processes leading to the award of national honours were free of charge, adding that people should desist from paying for national honuours.
“By this information, the public is to watch out for calls for nominations and present individuals who have distinguished themselves by uplifting the nation and its people.
“This is in accordance with the National Honours Award Act 2004. The Act took retrospective effect from 1963, “he said.
NAN
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero, and the invasion of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office by men of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Atiku said President Bola Tinubu’s level of oppressive control now imposed on Nigerians, civil society organizations and the media has surpassed the time of military dictators.
In a statement on Tuesday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused President Tinubu of intimidating opposition voices.
He said, “The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.
“The recent arrest of Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomizes this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organized labour.
“Just days prior, security forces detained a journalist, only to later claim it was a grievous error. What if the outcome had been fatal?
“Now, Tinubu’s regime extends its repressive grasp to encroach upon SERAP Nigeria, an action that stands as a grave affront to our democratic values. This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice.”
Atiku admonished the President to channel his security agencies towards terrorists and bandits perpetrating violence across the country and stop inflicting suffering on Nigerians.
“It is imperative that Tinubu and his security apparatus redirect their fervour and intimidation towards the actual perpetrators of violence — terrorists and bandits — who are inflicting immeasurable suffering upon the Nigerian people,” Atiku added.
The Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos has embraced the digital world by inaugurating an online platform that enables the public to obtain affidavits directly from the court.
This initiative, spearheaded by FHC Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho, aligns the court with contemporary digital best practices on a global scale.
During a Friday visit to the Lagos division of the court, the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, Godwin Long, facilitated a tour of the newly established ICT department, which Agwu Charles oversees.
Agwu provided an explanation of how the general public can utilize this new innovation.
“It is now a norm that the Affidavit for loss of items, age declaration, change of name, etc can now be done via portal.fhc.gov.ng and following the instructions.
“What you just need to do is to login to the site: portal.fhc.gov.ng,” Agwu explained.
DCR Longe further explained that, at the moment, the portal can only process Affidavits that are non-cases related.
“Affidavits filed to support a case are still done manually because of the peculiar disposition in such Affidavits.
He reiterated the need for people to be aware that henceforth, “they don’t necessarily have to be physically present to procure the type of Affidavits mentioned above,” he noted.
More...
Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for employing security forces to harass and intimidate Nigerian citizens.
Naija News reports that Ezekwesili’s remarks came after the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the raid on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office in Abuja on Monday by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a post on her X account on Tuesday, Ezekwesili asserted that Nigerians would not tolerate any form of authoritarian rule again, and she outlined three actions President Tinubu should take to ease the growing tension in the country.
She questioned the motivations behind the administration’s approach, asking why Tinubu’s government would choose to create such tension for an already struggling population.
Ezekwesili said: “So as if this severest economic hardship unleashed on citizens by the @nigeriagov of @NGRPresident @officialABAT is not traumatizing enough, the country’s security apparatuses are now daily deployed to harass and intimidate Nigerians.
“I wanted to be certain of the news yesterday that the latest victims of draconian assault on rights are the NLC @NLCHeadquarters and its President @JoeAjaero94024 as @SERAPNigeria .
“So I ask, “What really is motivating this administration of @officialABAT to create this horrible tension in the country for an already badly distressed people?”
“Whatever is driving this repressive onslaught, here are 3 things the @NGRPresident has to do to stop heating up the country:
“The @OfficialDSSNG @PoliceNG must immediately comply with the constitution and laws of the land- release Ajaero, vacate @SERAPNigeria, return their documents, repair damaged property and compensate them for all losses inflicted.
“The @PoliceNG @OfficialDSSNG must release all the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters that are unconstitutionally detained or being prosecuted by the security establishment for no good reason than the intoxication and intolerance of @officialABAT and his crew that seized power through an election that failed all tests of credibility.
“The @NGRPresident and the @nassnigeria should immediately commence plans for a Citizens-led National Conversation and Constitutional process for Nigeria.
“If there is any wisdom left at all, this @NigeriaGov would do well to stop digging further into a hole. Nigerians acting collectively will never again accept any draconian rule.”
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), after detaining him for approximately 15 hours, Naija News reports.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Tinubu increasing VAT to 10% will be inferno that will consume Nigerians](/media/k2/items/cache/39782184df96dea65e5e506c403e355d_XS.jpg)
The increase in VAT is set to become the blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people.
President Bola Tinubu, alongside his coterie of advisers, has resolved to raise the VAT rate from 7.5% to 10%, even as the NNPCL has announced a soaring PMS price increase at the pump. This move unveils a new era of regressive and punitive policies, and its impact is destined to deepen the domestic cost-of-living crisis and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic growth.
President Tinubu and his entourage seem to be resorting to their familiar tactic: heaping burdens upon the impoverished while steadfastly ignoring their extravagant excesses! Tinubu’s actions reflect a profound insensitivity to the plight of the less fortunate as he indulges in the opulent renovation of villas and the acquisition of new jets and vehicles for himself and his family.
One need not be an economist to grasp the ominous implications of President Tinubu’s ill-conceived policies for Nigeria’s future. The relentless rise in taxes and interest rates has proven excessively onerous, debilitating businesses of all sizes and leading to job losses while intensifying the suffering of the poor. The manufacturing sector, in particular, has endured relentless strife since Tinubu’s ascendancy, with its contribution to the GDP diminishing by over 20% since December 2023, as reported by the NBS.
In early August, Tinubu turned his attention to agriculture. As is customary with this administration, a new policy was clandestinely formulated and announced, permitting duty-free importation of agricultural commodities such as wheat, maize, and paddy, despite vehement opposition from farmer groups nationwide. This policy poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s food security ambitions, as local farmers, facing unfair competition from low-cost producers in Asia, Europe, and America, are compelled to reduce or entirely abandon their production efforts. It jeopardizes job creation, wealth generation, and the sector’s long-term prosperity, casting a shadow over Nigeria’s sustainability and development.
President Tinubu and his advisers would be wise to redirect their efforts towards crafting sustainable solutions to the systemic shocks afflicting the economy rather than compounding the crisis with measures destined to ignite further turmoil.
Signed:
Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (2023)
Abuja
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has slammed the federal government for pressing treason charges against peace #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Peter Obi said the federal government mismanaged the protest even after the citizens gave one month’s notice before the protest.
Speaking with News Central on Monday, on his opinion concerning the treason charge, the former governor of Anambra State said even when he was in office he never used police to arrest protesters.
He argued that it was wrong for the federal government to fail to sit and discuss with the peaceful hunger protesters but move ahead to arrest them with the police.
Obi said: “I’ve said everybody, they have right to protest. I said it before. I would discuss with every protester. They even warned government months before they did that. I would sit down and discuss with them. People protested when I was governor. They even called strike. They shut down schools for months, our hospitals. I was talking with them.
“I have never as a politician, as a governor ask any police to go and arrest anybody. It shouldn’t be. In a democracy, people have right to say no. I’ve said it every day. If I’m managing this facility and everybody loves me, I will resign. This is me.
“Wherever I am, I believe that I have enemies. My job is to convince them. If everybody loves me, that is a problem. There are people who hate me because I’m just Peter. They don’t even need to give me any reason. It is my job to convince them on why it should be. I convinced the teachers why we should return schools to missionaries and they see the result.
“You just have to. It’s a constant thing. Whenever you’re a leader, you’re a communicator. You listen, you talk to the people. The agitators, the protesters, how are they talking to them?”
Details have emerged as to why Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, was arrested on Monday by the operatives of the State Security Service, SSS.
Mr Ajaero was whisked away by the operatives of the secret police at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
The NLC’s head of information, Benson Upah, who confirmed the arrest to Channels Television, said Mr Ajaero was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London.
Mr Upah, however, said the union does not know why Mr Ajaero was arrested and where he had been taken to.
But security sources told TheCable that the NLC president was arrested following his failure to honour police invitation over a petition by Air Peace Airlines.
It was also gathered that the airliner had approached the secret police over alleged extortion by the labour union leader.
“The SSS invited Mr Ajaero for questioning but he failed to honour the invitation, that was why they arrested him,” a source disclosed.
Recall that the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, in Abuja had invited Mr Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
He was released after a “short interview”