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Sustained Military Rule In Myanmar An Aberration-NLC

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Ayuba Waba

 

 

 

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress has described the continued military rule in Myanmar as an aberration,

The NLC President Comrade Ayuba Waba stated this in a release as part of preparations to celebrate the international day of democracy which is slated for the 15th of October 2021.

NLC said since  February 1, 2021, General Min Aung Hlaing led the Myanmar military to stage a coup against the democratically elected government of Myanmar. The coup attracted global outrage and umbrage. Unfortunately, more than eight months after the coup, the military government in Myanmar continues to entrench itself and perpetuate a climate of rights violations in the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress strongly condemned the military coup in Myanmar and we still condemn the sustained military rule in Myanmar as an aberration of the international democratic order.

Ayuba Waba said since the military coup in Myanmar, more than 900 people have been killed, 5,000 civilians arrested and 300,000 workers dismissed for joining the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

VAT:Between Common Sense and Critical Observation

According to the President, Over 175,000 persons have been displaced. The coup and the third wave of Covid-19 have halved the income of 83% of the families, and more than 25 million people in Myanmar are now living in absolute poverty.

The NLC further call on the Nigerian Government to take urgent action against the military coup to end the human rights catastrophe in Myanmar.

 

Organized Labour in Nigeria fully supports the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and the trade union movement in Myanmar to end the military rule and restore the civilian government elected in November 2020.

The international trade union movement is the global democratic force that first called on the international community to formally recognise the NUGof the Republic of Myanmar established on 16th April 2021 by the democratic parliamentarians elected in the 8th November 2020 elections.

 

 

Workers, through the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM), supported the NUG’s tripartite delegation to the 109th International Labour Conference (ILC), which included U Maung Maung, President of the CTUM (Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar) and member of the National Unity Consultative Committee (NUCC);

 

NLC said it wishes the NUG consultative body and Mrs Sandar Soe, CTUM general secretary, elected by the ILO Governing Body to represent the voices of the fighting people of Myanmar and the civilian democratic government they elected.

The NUG, made up of all the ethnic representatives, is deliberating a new federal democratic constitution and amending the labour and citizenship laws.

 

Ayuba Waba said the NUG is committed to respecting the international obligations of Myanmar before the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court regarding the human rights violations of the Rohingya people.

NLC further frowns at the attitude of the Myanmar military which is still being financed to buy ammunition to kill civilians instead of purchasing Covid-19 vaccines for the people.

 

 

Ayuba Waba also recalls that the 2021 ILO resolution for a return to democracy and respect for fundamental rights in Myanmar specifically recommends to the Member States that they support the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, including through the United Nations, other multilateral bodies, regional groupings and dialogues, and bilateral engagement, as appropriate.

He said Nigerian workers support the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate government representing the people of Myanmar at the United National General Assembly (UNGA) taking place from 14 to 30 September 2021 in New York.

‘’We urge the Nigerian Government to support, at the next United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, the call of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to officially recognize the National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate government representing the people of Myanmar.

Recognition of the NUG by individual governments worldwide, and at the UNGA in particular, is crucial in order to mount pressure on the military junta to stop the violent repression of the people, to return power to a civilian democratic government, to facilitate access to the humanitarian aid inside Myanmar, and to resolve the Rohingya crisis.’’ Said the statement.

 

 

 

 

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Sallah Durbar: IGP summons Emir Sanusi after Ganduje’s visit to Bayero in Kano

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14th Emir Of Kano Muhammad Sunusi II

 

 

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to appear at the Police Force Intelligent Headquarters, Abuja, over an alleged infraction against the ban on Eid-el-Fitr Sallah Durbar.

Emir Sanusi received notice of a meeting for an investigation a few minutes after the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, visited the 15th Emir Aminu Ado Bayero at the Nassarawa mini palace, Kano.

In a letter dated 4th of April 2025, signed by a Commissioner of Police, operations at the Police Force Intelligent Department (FID), CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoyo, the IGP directed emir Sanusi to appear at the FID headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 8th, 2025 for investigation.

The invitation may not be unconnected to the bloody attack on the emir’s security detail on Sallah day by one person allegedly belonging to violent “yan daba” group, where one of the vigilantes attached to the emir was stabbed to death while several others sustained injuries.

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Meanwhile, police command in Kano have confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect linked to the stabbing saying investigation to unravel the cause of the attack had since launched.

The IGP invite however reads ” I have the directive of the IGP through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Salah celebration within your domain.

“Given the above, we hereby invite you to the Force Intelligent Department, opposite force headquarters, Area 11 Abuja, by 10am on Tuesday 8th April 2025. Your availability is highly sought for a purposeful investigation”. the read.

About 48 hours to Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration, the police authority in Kano imposed ban on Sallah Durbar citing security intelligence of possible hijack of the activities by hoodlums to perpetrate unrest in the city.

The police specifically prohibited horse rides, car race and reckless driving in the city and threatened to deal ruthlessly against violators of the order. And in compliance with the police directive however, Sanusi had announced the cancellation of all preparation for Sallah durbar where he admitted the decision of the police was in best interest of Kano.

Ganduje who arrived Kano on Saturday amid heavily armed security personnel declared that Bayero, 15th emir of Kano reserved the right to conduct Sallah Durbar considering the recent ruling of the court, he however commended him for deemed it necessary to cancel his event.

“We also want to use this opportunity to congratulate His Highness on the Eid El Fitr celebration and to also thank you profoundly especially for the steps you took when the state was on the verge of falling into crises following the court ruling that instructed the former status quo of the Emirate to be maintained, meaning that the Emir of Kano remains His Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

“On the other hand, the one claiming to be the Emir, the court has clearly rules that he is not the Emir of Kano. Therefore, the status quo will be maintained. Hence, the rightful person to have performed the annual Sallah Durbar is His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero”, Ganduje declared.

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Nigeria’s Debt Hits Over 144 Trillion Naira-DMO

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Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) as of December 31, 2024, reflecting a significant increase of 48.58% compared to N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) recorded at the end of December 2023.

This latest figure was disclosed by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in its report on the country’s public debt profile.

The report also indicated a quarter-on-quarter rise of 1.65% from the N142.32 trillion ($88.89 billion) recorded at the end of September 2024, highlighting the continued increase in the nation’s debt burden within the final quarter of the year.

Year-on-year analysis 

An analysis of Nigeria’s public debt on a year-on-year basis reveals a notable increase of N47.32 trillion, representing a 48.58% rise from December 2023 to December 2024.

The surge in public debt was driven primarily by significant increases in both external and domestic borrowings.

Nigeria’s external debt rose substantially by 83.89% from N38.22 trillion ($42.50 billion) in December 2023 to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) in December 2024.

The Federal Government’s domestic debt component rose significantly from N53.26 trillion to N70.41 trillion, a growth of 32.19%. This increase reflects the government’s continued reliance on local borrowing to finance budget deficits and infrastructure projects.

Conversely, the domestic debt owed by states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) saw a reduction from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion, representing a decline of 32.27%.

The reduction in state-level borrowing indicates a cautious approach by some subnational governments towards debt accumulation within the year.

Quarter-on-quarter analysis 

The marginal rise within the quarter was driven by increases in both external and domestic debt components.

External debt grew by N1.4 trillion, moving from N68.89 trillion ($43.03 billion) as of the end of September 2024 to N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) in December 2024.

The increase within the quarter was influenced by additional foreign loans obtained in the last three months of the year, alongside the further weakening of the naira against major international currencies.

On the domestic front, debt rose slightly by 1.29%, from N73.43 trillion ($45.87 billion) in September 2024 to N74.38 trillion ($48.44 billion) by the end of December. The Federal Government’s domestic debt increased from N69.22 trillion to N70.41 trillion within the quarter.

However, domestic debt attributed to states and the FCT reduced from N4.21 trillion to N3.97 trillion, reflecting a 5.69% decrease.

Debt composition 

As of December 2024, external debt constituted 48.59% of Nigeria’s total public debt, while domestic debt made up 51.41%, indicating a relatively balanced debt structure.

However, the continued increase in external borrowings suggests a growing reliance on foreign debt to bridge budgetary shortfalls

The breakdown of external debt shows that the Federal Government accounted for N62.92 trillion ($40.98 billion), while states and the FCT held N7.37 trillion ($4.80 billion).

In the domestic debt segment, the Federal Government held N70.41 trillion ($45.86 billion), with states and the FCT accounting for N3.97 trillion ($2.58 billion).

What you should know 

The rise in public debt has sparked concerns among economic analysts, given the potential implications for Nigeria’s fiscal stability.

The sharp increase, particularly in external debt, highlights the vulnerability of the nation’s finances to exchange rate fluctuations and changes in global economic conditions. With the naira’s continued depreciation, the cost of servicing foreign debt could escalate, placing additional strain on the country’s financial resources.

The government’s dependence on both external and domestic borrowing to fund critical projects points to underlying fiscal challenges, including revenue shortfalls and the need for substantial infrastructure investments.

While domestic debt remains the larger component of the debt portfolio, the significant growth in external liabilities underlines the importance of a balanced approach to debt management, particularly in light of Nigeria’s limited foreign exchange earnings

Financial experts have called for more prudent debt management practices, emphasizing the need to boost revenue generation through economic diversification and enhanced tax collection.

They warn that while borrowing can be necessary for development, it must be matched with strategic plans to ensure sustainability and avoid overburdening future budgets.

Naira Metrics

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Nigerian Titan, Suleiman Yahyah, Delivers Free Healthcare Services

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As part of its ongoing commitment to healthcare access and community welfare, the Suleiman Yahyah Foundation has successfully delivered free medical services to thousands of Nigerians in Maska, Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State.

The medical outreach featured a comprehensive healthcare intervention including free consultations, diagnostic tests, essential medications, and hepatitis vaccinations, with a special focus on women and children.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Foundation, Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah, described the initiative as a fulfilment of his duty to support the less privileged, in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

“The Foundation was established 16 years ago to support the poor and vulnerable, and we remain committed to that mission,” Yahyah stated.
He added: “As a businessman, we give back through zakat and various philanthropic programs that uplift communities.”

The event witnessed the participation of medical professionals from Kaduna and Funtua, offering services to individuals suffering from a range of medical conditions.

The Maska intervention is the latest in a series of free medical outreaches previously carried out by the Foundation, including programmes in Sardauna Crescent, Kaduna North Local Government in 2021, Akko Community in Gombe State in 2022, and several other locations.
Commending the initiative, the District Head of Funtua and Monarch of Maska, Alhaji Mainasara Idris, noted: “This outreach reflects a deep commitment to humanitarian service. Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah is a God-fearing patriot whose compassion continues to transform lives in Maska and beyond. May Allah reward him richly.”

Lawal Hamisu Maska, Head of Primary Healthcare in Maska, described the outreach as one of the largest health interventions in recent memory.

“I have never seen such a turnout. The number of people treated, and the quality of care provided were outstanding. We are truly grateful,” he said.

Several beneficiaries also expressed their appreciation.

Audu Hamisu Maska, who received treatment for hypertension and ulcer, said: “All services were provided free of charge. I pray Allah blesses the founder abundantly.”

Aminu Ango, another beneficiary, added: “I received treatment for an eye problem and pelvic pain, all at no cost. May Allah grant him more strength and resources.”

Halimatu Alhaji Ado, who received treatment for an ovarian ailment, also remarked: “This support came at the right time. I didn’t pay anything and I’m already feeling better.”

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