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Invasion of NLC headquarters attempt to intimidate Labour force – Ajaero

Published

8 months ago

August 12, 2024

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has accused the Federal Government of a deliberate plot to intimidate and mete out violence against workers and Nigerians by extension.

President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero levelled the accusations against the backdrop of the recent invasion of the NLC Headquarters in Abuja by security personnel.

The Apex union rising from an emergency National Executive Council meeting last Saturday, regretted the events that trailed the recent 10-day protest by some Nigerians over economic lapses.

According to a communique circulated to the media which was signed by Ajaero, the pattern of threat to labour leaders dates back to May 2023 when the Federal Government announced the removal of fuel subsidy.

“The NEC-in-session observed that; Since the current administration took office, there has been a pattern of intimidation, brutality, and deceit against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigerian people.

“The government’s actions began with the President’s May 29, 2023, statement declaring the removal of subsidies, followed by efforts to suppress the NLC’s opposition through threats, divisive propaganda, and unfulfilled promises to alleviate the country’s hardships. It has been a trail of systematic intimidation and violence against trade unions and their leaders,” the NLC President alleged.

Reacting to the recent invasion, Ajaero described it as very worrisome, especially amid the #EndbadGovernance Protest.

He said this unprecedented action by the government has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Nigerian workers, as well as the protection of trade union rights as enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ajaero recalled another instance of violence, including his own brutal abduction and assault which involved other leaders in Owerri, Imo State, while the government failed to prosecute the perpetrators.

“The government has also used legal injunctions, military force, and police intimidation to obstruct the NLC’s constitutional activities, including peaceful protests by affiliate unions SSANU and NASU. The NEC condemned the criminalization of dissenting views, noting that some labour leaders are still detained because of the protests.

“The NEC highlighted the recent invasion of the NLC headquarters, following a biased letter from the Registrar of Trade Unions, as part of a coordinated attack to silence the NLC, which has become the last stronghold of popular voice in Nigeria.

“The NEC calls on the government to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian workers, trade unions, and the NLC and TUC to operate freely within the country without fear of harm or violence.

“The NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to the widespread hardship in the country. We demand that the government withdraw its agents from all premises they have illegally occupied, particularly the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos.

“The NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as the reason for the invasion. It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands a clear explanation from the Government as quickly as possible.

“The NEC once again condemns the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government. We demand an immediate cessation of these attacks and call on the government to declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests. Additionally, all security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths must be held accountable, especially the Police.

“We call on the immediate release of detainees and trade unionists arrested either in their homes or relaxation joints. This is the only way the government can show good faith and begin the healing of the nation.

” We also condemn plans to frame innocent citizens on trumped-up charges. We must understand that this is not the first protest in Nigeria and will not be the last. NEC wonders why this administration is criminalizing protest and has renewed clamp down on Marxists, Socialists and those who hold different shades of Leftist Ideologies as if courting a neoliberal dictatorship,” the NLC President stated.

The Labour Union, however, advised the government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to discuss the pressing issues confronting Nigeria and chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest—hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.

He also urged the government to stop the blame game and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges.

According to him, the recent invasion is another attempt at intimidation and thus may be a clear indication of the desperation within the government to silence dissent through force. The NEC warns that peace without justice is transient and unsustainable.

News

Tinubu Appoints Four Nominees Into NCDMB Governing Council

Published

3 days ago

March 28, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new members to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement yesterday, said the appointment is to fill existing vacancies and strengthen the board’s capacity.

The statement said the approved nominees are Mr. Olusegun Omosehin of the National Insurance Commission and Engr. Wole Ogunsanya of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria.

Tinubu also endorsed the nomination of Sam Onyechi, who represents the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum and Barrister Owei Oyanbo from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The President encouraged the new members to leverage their expertise and dedication to enhance local content development within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

It added, “The nominations arose from the exit of previous institutional representatives from the Governing Council.

“The NCDMB Governing Council, established under Section 69 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, comprises representatives from key institutions.

“These include the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum, and the National Insurance Commission.”

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NDDC To Construct Hostels, Roads In UNIPORT – Ogbuku

Published

3 days ago

March 28, 2025

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to construct additional hostels, rehabilitate roads, and enhance power supply in the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this during a visit to the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday by a delegation from the UNIPORT’s Governing Council.

Ogbuku stated that the NDDC had committed to upgrading facilities at UNIPORT as part of efforts to foster partnership with educational institutions across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the implementation of additional projects at the university forms part of a broader strategy to improve education standards in the region.

“Aside from the construction of new hostel blocks and installation of a 300 KVA solar inverter system, the NDDC will also facilitate more projects in the university.

“The commission will also deploy its engineers to assess the condition of UNIPORT’s roads and hostels for potential rehabilitation,” he said.

Ogbuku noted that upon completion, the projects would add to various initiatives previously undertaken by the commission at the university.

“These and other projects reflect our commitment to actualising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the Niger Delta region,” he added.

He reaffirmed the NDDC’s dedication to fostering development and strengthening partnerships across the region.

Earlier, Sen. Mao Ohuanbunwa, Chairman of UNIPORT’s Governing Council, who led the delegation commended the current leadership of the NDDC for its achievements in accelerating development in the Niger Delta.

He highlighted the university’s infrastructural challenges, noting that it lacked adequate facilities to accommodate its growing student population, and appealed for the NDDC’s support in addressing the shortfall.

“Currently, UNIPORT has a total student population of about 50,000, while its hostel accommodation capacity can only cater for 5,000 students.

“We therefore urge the NDDC to assist in the construction of additional hostels, improve transportation facilities, and facilitate the acquisition of gas turbines to enhance power supply for our students,” Ohuanbunwa pleaded.

The Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, commended NDDC for its impactful projects across the Niger Delta and extended an invitation to the commission to participate in the institution’s forthcoming 50th anniversary celebrations.

News

Senate Rejects Motion To Rename INEC Headquarters After Humphrey Nwosu

Published

3 days ago

March 28, 2025

The Tide

The Senate has rejected a motion to rename the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters after the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, late Prof Humphrey Nwosu.

Nwosu presided over the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was truncated by the former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd).

The election which was won by the late business mogul, Chief MKO Abiola, was adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the electoral history of Nigeria.

The motion to rename INEC after Nwosu was re-sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe yesterday after lawmakers threw it out last Wednesday.

Abaribe called for posthumous national honours to be conferred on Nwosu in recognition of his role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

However, the proposal sparked a heated debate once again, with lawmakers deeply divided over Nwosu’s legacy.

Senator Osita Ngwu acknowledged that Nwosu operated under a military regime, which restricted his ability to announce the results.

He argued that “there was no way he would have announced the results with a gun to his head. That doesn’t change the fact that some of us see him as a hero.”

Senator Austin Akobundu, however, described it as most uncharitable for lawmakers to dismiss Nwosu’s contributions, insisting that he deserved a place in Nigeria’s hall of honour.

On the other hand, several senators like Senator Jimoh Ibrahim dismissed the idea outright, questioning why the Senate should honour someone who failed to announce the results insisting that “nothing should be named after him”.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi argued that history does not reward efforts, but only results.

“As long as he did not announce the result, whether under duress or not, I am against naming INEC headquarters after him,” he submitted.

Also, Senator Sunday Karimi criticised Nwosu for lacking the courage to speak out, while Senator Afolabi Salisu warned that immortalising him would undermine the memory of MKO Abiola, the widely accepted winner of the June 12, 1993, annulled election.

“Any attempt to do anything beyond a one-minute silence is to rubbish Abiola’s legacy,” he tendered.

After intense deliberation, most senators rejected the motion through a voice vote.

They, however, agreed to honour him with a one-minute silence and extend condolences to his family, effectively dismissing the other prayers to immortalise Nwosu.