Agents imported to scuttle our peaceful protest - NLC President Ajaero – Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Agents imported to scuttle our peaceful protest – NLC President Ajaero

Published

on

Agents imported to scuttle our peaceful protest – NLC President Ajaero

 

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, says the congress has evidence of the importation of agents mobilised to cause violence against their two-day nationwide peaceful protests.

He said the organisation was threatened not to go ahead with protests against hardship and insecurity in the country.

“We were threatened with all manners of consequences that would be meted on us if we went ahead. We were, however, not perturbed as lifting the heavy yoke of suffering upon Nigerian workers and masses left us with no option than to press on,” Ajaero said at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

He added, “God is, however, always a step ahead of the enemies of the workers and the Nigerian people. That was also one of the reasons we had to restructure on the second day of the nationwide protest.

“You may have noticed that almost all the routes to our office have been militarised this morning. It took a lot of time to access our office. These are not things you expect from a democratic society.

“We want to reiterate that if the government fails to comply within the specified time frame, the NEC will convene again to decide on the next line of action.

“The NLC remains steadfast in its commitment to defending and promoting the interests of Nigerian workers and the downtrodden masses, who will not succumb to intimidation.”

The NLC declared a two-day protest for February 27 and 28, over the high cost of living being faced by Nigerians since the removal of subsidy on petrol in May 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.

On Tuesday morning, the protesters commenced their march from the Labour House, Abuja while chanting solidarity songs and slogans.

Similar rallies were staged in some state capitals across the country.

In a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, the NLC announced the suspension of the second day of the protest, adding that its objectives were achieved on the first day of the rallies.

While responding to why the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was not part of the protest, Ajaero said, “The NLC is not under any centre. We may decide to collaborate with anybody, any organisation, NGOs, or human rights organizations. But we don’t owe them any explanation on the action we decide to take. And those organisations can still take their action and we will not query them.”

He insisted that the Federal Government was yet to meet the October 2023 demands going by feedback from its members.

He said: “The people they paid the wage award were not up to 40 per cent. It is not on board that any state government or Private Sector Company has paid wage awards. The Federal Government is both an employer and regulator. If an organisation is not paying it is the duty of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to nip the crisis in the bud.”

He hailed the conduct of the security agencies during the nationwide rally.

The Labour leader said the conduct of the security agencies was above board.

The NLC president said while the Congress will continue to attend meetings with the federal government, it will no longer do so on the eve of any of its actions.

metro

Bauchi man arrested for impregnating 17-year-old daughter

Published

on

Bauchi man arrested for impregnating 17-year-old daughter

Operatives of the Bauchi Police Command have arrested one Umar Sule for allegedly having forceful carnal knowledge of his biological daughter, leading to her pregnancy.

This was disclosed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, in a press release issued on Friday.

Wakil said, “On April 3, 2025 at about 16:30hrs, the command received a complaint from one Abdullahi Baban Karatu aged 55 years of Kurmin Ado village via Kariya ward, Ganjuwa LG, Bauchi State, through Ganjuwa Divisional headquarters against one Sule aged 54 years of the same address.

“It was alleged that sometime in the month of November 2024 at about 21:00hrs, he premeditatedly had sexual intercourse with his biological daughter (named withheld), aged 17 years, in his matrimonial bedroom on different occasions.

READ ALSO:

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of certified season detectives was assigned to conduct a discreet investigation and arrest the accused.”

The PPRO revealed that during interrogation, the suspect, willingly admitted his wrongdoing and added that he had been molesting her several times on different occasions, which led to her pregnancy for three months, according to an examination report obtained from a medical practitioner.

He added that, “While interviewing the victim, she corroborated the suspect’s statements, adding that the incident happened when her mother travelled to visit her parents at Burra village via Ningi LGA, Bauchi state, which her father took advantage of and was having sexual intercourse with her.

“Thereafter, on the return of her mother, she observed the victim was pregnant and questioned her who was responsible. The victim disclosed that it was her biological father.”

The statement added that the state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be charged to court after the investigation is completed.

 

Bauchi man arrested for impregnating 17-year-old daughter

Continue Reading

metro

Rivers emergency rule: NBA moves annual conference from PH to Enugu

Published

on

Rivers emergency rule: NBA moves annual conference from PH to Enugu

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, citing the federal government’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers as unconstitutional.

The decision, made official in a statement issued late Thursday and jointly signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) Emeka Obegolu (SAN), reflects mounting concerns over governance in the state.

According to the statement, the appointment of a retired military officer as Sole Administrator has disrupted preparations for the conference and cast doubts on the city’s suitability as host.

“The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference.

“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.”

READ ALSO:

Following growing calls from members for a change of venue, the NBA leadership engaged with its branches in Rivers and convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 27.

“The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time. We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.”

The NEC further criticized the state of emergency, arguing it contravenes constitutional guidelines and questioning its approval by the National Assembly.

“The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation,” the NBA said.

Maintaining its stance on the rule of law, the association said hosting the conference under the current conditions would be inconsistent with its values.

The event will now take place in Enugu, chosen for its readiness and alignment with constitutional principles.

“The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.

“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance. We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.

“We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”

 

Rivers emergency rule: NBA moves annual conference from PH to Enugu

Continue Reading

metro

13 major Lagos markets shut down over waste violations

Published

on

13 major Lagos markets shut down over waste violations

In a sweeping enforcement move, the Lagos State Government has closed 13 markets across the state due to ongoing environmental infractions, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on streets, road medians, and highways—a breach of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the closures were carried out on Thursday night.

“In line with our commitment to environmental sanity, Ketu and Mile 12 markets were successfully sealed last night for persistent violations, including illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways – contrary to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017,” Wahab stated.

“These enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard public health and restore order to our public spaces. Market stakeholders must take responsibility for proper waste management going forward.

READ ALSO:

“Let us work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos,” he added.

Markets affected by the clampdown include Erukan Market in Mile 12, Oja Oba in Ketu, Owoseni Tundas Market, and Oba Ogunjobi Market—locations long associated with poor sanitation practices.

The action also impacted various commercial spaces: shops at the Mile 12 BRT Terminal, Mile 12 Bus Stop outlets, and the Ketu Terminal Market, which houses six plazas. Other sealed locations include Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market in Mile 12, Demurin Street Plaza Shops in Ketu, and a business premise at 6 Demurin Road.

Further closures extended to Ifelodun Market in Ketu, the Ibadan Unit 1 Park near Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market, as well as the Ketu Tipper Garage.

The government emphasized that the initiative aims to reinforce environmental discipline and improve living conditions in the bustling metropolis.

13 major Lagos markets shut down over waste violations

Continue Reading

Trending