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NLC Threatens Nationwide Shutdown in Response to Government Failures and Violations

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Abuja, Nigeria – August 31, 2023 – In an extensive session, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened on Thursday, the 31st day of August, 2023, to address the pressing issues plaguing the nation. The council’s discussions centered around the dire hardships and suffering experienced by citizens across all states of Nigeria and the federal government’s perceived neglect of their plight.

During the meeting, NEC examined the federal government’s failure to establish essential structures to alleviate the widespread suffering, contrasting this with the government’s commitment to engage in social dialogue, as previously pledged during President’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023. The council also expressed alarm over the escalating threats against trade unions and their leaders, emanating from various Governors and organizations.

Key points addressed by the NEC include:

Fuel Price Hike: The federal government’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue and reach agreements with organized labor concerning the repercussions of the recent petrol price increase, which has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerian workers and the masses.

Onslaught Against Trade Unions: A renewed onslaught against trade unions and their leadership by state authorities and agents across Nigeria.

Illegal Occupation of NURTW Headquarters: The illegal occupation of the National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by the police under certain forces, impeding the union’s ability to serve its members nationwide.

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Imo State: Ongoing efforts by the Imo state government to undermine the Congress in the state and exploit workers’ rights, despite efforts to resolve the issue amicably.

Abia State: The interference of the Abia State Government in trade union affairs, attempts to impose its own leadership on state councils, and the intimidation of workers and unions in the state.

Aviation Sector Violations: Violations of workers’ rights to join unions of their choice within certain aviation companies, including Airpeace Airline, in disregard of international conventions and Nigerian laws.

Security Concerns: The unchecked violence by marauders disguising as herdsmen against farmers and citizens nationwide, with the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) disassociating itself from these activities.

Threats to Abuja Residents: Nyesom Wike, the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), threatening to demolish houses of residents despite the government’s failure to provide alternatives.

Nationwide Shutdown: A total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from August 31, 2023, until the government takes concrete steps to alleviate mass suffering and impoverishment.

Warning Strike: Commencement of a 2-day nationwide warning strike on September 5th and 6th, 2023, to demonstrate readiness for the upcoming indefinite strike and to demand the vacation of the illegally occupied NURTW National Headquarters.

Protest in Imo State: A mass protest and rally in Imo State in September 2023, with preparations for a significant shutdown of the state to compel the government to respect workers’ rights and trade unions.

Shutdown of Aviation Sector: Initiating the shutdown of operations of Airpeace Airline and other aviation sector companies involved in violating workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Community Cooperation: Calling on communities nationwide to report matters involving members of the AUFCDN to authorities for resolution, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Ministerial Demands: Demanding that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, refrain from threatening the demolition of properties belonging to Abuja’s working-class citizens and instead focus on providing affordable housing solutions.

The NEC’s resolutions reflect their determination to address the grievances of workers and citizens across Nigeria. Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja (Mni), General Secretary, jointly affirmed these decisions as necessary actions to address the nation’s pressing issues. The threat of a nationwide shutdown looms, putting pressure on the government to respond effectively to the people’s concerns

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Kano Government Inducts 70 New State Counsel

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The Kano State Government has formally inducted 70 new state counsel into the Ministry of Justice, in a bid to enhance the state’s justice sector. The induction ceremony took place at the Institute of Anti-Corruption in Goron Dutse.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah, disclosed this while declaring the ceremony open. He emphasized that the 70 new state counsel will strengthen the state’s justice system, ensuring timely and effective justice services.

Barr. Dederi commended the incumbent administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for employing 70 state counsel, a historic first of its kind since the state’s creation in 1967.

The 3-day induction training program covered essential topics, including court procedures, legal drafting, and advocacy. The training equipped the new state counsel with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively discharge their duties.

In his remarks, Barr. Dederi praised the Kano Ministry of Justice, describing it as a place of pride that produces reputable individuals who excel at state and federal levels. He emphasized that the ministry is not a dumping ground for lazy lawyers, but rather a hub for dedicated professionals.

Barr. Dederi also commended the expertise of the resource persons and urged the counsel to continue tapping knowledge from their seniors.

The induction of new state counsel is expected to have a positive impact on the administration of justice in the state, ensuring citizens have improved access to justice services and their rights are protected.

The Kano State Government’s efforts to reform the justice sector are yielding positive results, promoting justice, stability, and economic growth in the state.

Earlier, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Barr. Mustapha Nurraddeen Muhammad, delivered a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s historical background and functions. He emphasized the importance of the new Counsel maintaining sound moral character throughout their service career, setting a high standard for their professional conduct.

Barr. Muhammad also commended Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for his efforts in addressing the shortage of manpower within the Ministry. This acknowledgement highlights the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the Ministry’s capacity and ensuring its effective functioning.

 

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2027: Northern Voters Cannot Be Coerced to Vote for Tinubu – ACF

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other prominent northern figures have rejected a call by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, for the North to wait until 2031 before contesting the presidency.

The northern leaders asserted that the region cannot be coerced into re-electing President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Ganduje had made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

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He argued that since a northern president—Muhammadu Buhari—had completed two terms, fairness dictated that Tinubu should also serve for eight years.

However, the ACF and other political figures from the North rejected this stance.

Speaking to journalists, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, dismissed Ganduje’s statement as a reflection of the presidency’s “cult-like” nature, where total allegiance is expected.

He stressed that voters cannot be influenced by force.

“He or she or party members cannot influence voters by force. So, what he said was an opinion, and it’s up to the voters to endorse, reject, or modify it. In 2015, we were sold a dummy of anti-corruption. We were sold a dummy of many things, and people have realized that it wasn’t true. Then, of course, the Renewed Hope came in 2023, and the hope is turning into a nightmare,” Muhammad-Baba stated.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, also cast doubt on Tinubu’s chances, sharing a post on his verified X handle titled “2027: South West, Tinubu’s supporters playing with fire – Part 1.”

 

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Nigerian Photographer From Yobe Receives Guinness World Record Certificate

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Yobe state photographer Saidu Abdulrahman presented his Guinness World Record Certificate to Governor Mai Mala Buni at Government House in Damaturu.

The remarkable achievement was recorded by the young man last year when his 897 head shots in just 60 minutes won him the Guinness World Record.

Governor Buni who said it was a proud to the state emphasized that Saidu Abdulrahman’s accomplishment would served as an inspiration to the youth in the state and beyond .

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He encouraged him to continue striving for excellence and to use his platform to motivate others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and nurturing talents across various fields, ensuring that as many young achievers would be given the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

The event marked a significant moment of celebration not only for Saidu Abdulrahman but also the state, as it has showcased Yobe’s potential on the world stage.

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