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Here Is What Falana Says About The NLC Planned August 2nd Strike

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2 months ago

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana
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The Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana says that the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates can proceed on the 2nd August 2023 strike and protest as planned, saying that the exercise does not translate to contempt of court. push({}); push({});

This is contained in a letter from the Falana Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, by Sam Ogala, titled “Re- NLC in contemt of Court” and addressed to the Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor-General, Federal Ministry of Justice on July 28.

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies is for the interest of the masses and to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country.

“You were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt.

“Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court.

“And to the effect that “the defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5.”

Falana added that the National Industrial Court or any other Court had not granted an order of interim, interlocutory or perpetual injunction restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the NLC.

He argued that it was the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to protest peacefully and cannot by any stretch of imagination be classified as an industrial action or strike of any nature.

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“It is pertinent to draw your attention to the case of Inspector- General of Polic vs Nigeria People Party (2008) of where the Court 12 WRN 65, where the Court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit in the leading judgment of the Court, Justice Adekeye.

“This includes the right to demonstrate, and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.

“If as speculated by law enforcement agents, that breach of the peace will occur, our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order.

“So that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.”

He added that, finally, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of democratic rights of every citizen of the country.

“Our legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests.

“Having advised the NLC and its allies to conduct the rallies peacefully, you may wish to advise the Nigeria Police Force to comply with section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020.

“Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to.

“The police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilise personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession,” he said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Industrial Court in Abuja on June 5, restrained the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, from embarking on their planned strike to protest the unilateral removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice O. Y. Anuwe, barred the two organizations from proceeding with the strike action, pending the determination of a suit that was brought before it by FG.

NAN reports that the  court held that the interim order, as well as the substantive suit, should be immediately served on both the NLC and the TUC, which were cited as defendants/respondents in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, even it fixed the matter for hearing on June 19.

The court order followed an ex-parte application that FG filed through the Federal Ministry of Justice.

FG’s lawyer, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, who moved the application, maintained that the proposed strike action was capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.

FG further tendered Exhibits FGN 1, 2 and 3, which were notices from the NLC, TUC and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to their members, asking them to withdraw their services with effect from Wednesday, June 7.

The court, in its ruling, held that it was empowered by section 7(b) of the NIC Act, 2006, with the exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to the grant of any order to restrain any person or body from taking part in any strike, lockout or any industrial action.

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It held that sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006, also empowered it to grant urgent interim reliefs.

The court held that the affidavit of urgency as well as the submission of FG’s lawyer revealed: “a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large”.

NAN also reports that on July 27, the federal government said the planned strike by the NLC over the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant hardship is in contempt of an order of the national industrial court.

Solicitor-General of the Federation Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, in a statement on the issue, warned the NLC leadership to desist from threatening court orders with disdain.

The NLC, on July 19, issued a notice to begin a nationwide strike on Aug. 2 to protest the removal of fuel subsidy amid an astronomical hike in the pump price of petrol resulting from the policy announced by President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration on May 29.

NAN

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Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State

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4 weeks ago

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August 29, 2023

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Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
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The Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON has ordered the immediate closure of all ‘Gala Houses’ within the State.

This is contained in a statement issues and signed by the Director General press Affairs Government House Isma’ila Uba Misilli, through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, stating that the governor gives the directives following the series of complaints from the general public on the incessant immoral, criminal activities and security breaches being perpetrated in such night clubs.

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According to the statement, the Governor has, consequently, ordered the the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Operation Hattara to mobilise their personnel to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

He therefore said for the avoidance of doubt, the affected Gala Houses are: Jami’a Gidan Wanka located at Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe, White House Theatre (Babban Gida) located at New Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe; Gidan Lokaci General Merchant located at Mile 3 Reservoir Road, Gombe and Farin Gida Entertainment II located at Wuro Karal, Kalshingi Road, Gombe.

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Others are: Gidan Zamani Entertainment New Mile 3, Yola Road, Tumfure, Gombe; Albarka Entertainment Located at Wuro Karal, Bypass near Hara Form, Gombe; Gala Houses Located at Kuri Town, Lubo village and Kurba village all in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

Also affected are Tauraren Wash located at Trailer Park, Bauchi Road, Gombe and Gala House located at Bajoga Town in Funakaye Local Government Area.

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio

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1 month ago

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August 16, 2023

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Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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Nigeria President, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday 16th August, 2023 approved the appointment of the new ministers designate and also allocated their portfolios.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Ajuri Ngelale made this known while briefing State House Correspondents in Abuja,

He said that the swearing in is expected by next week after the retreat by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The following is the list of the new ministers and their portfolio are:

  1. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy-  Bosun Tuani
  2. Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management-  Ishak Salako
  3. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy- Wale Edun
  4. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy-  Bunmi Tunji
  5. Minister of Power- Adedayo Adelabu
  6. Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare- Tunji Alausa
  7. Minister of Solid Minerals Development- Dele Alake
  8. Minister of Tourism- Lola Ade-John
  9. Minister of Transportation- Adegboyega Oyetola
  10. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment- Doris Anite
  11. Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
  12. Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
  13. Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
  14. Minister of Works, David Umahi
  15. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
  16. Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
  17. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
  18. Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
  19. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
  20. Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
  21. Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
  22. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy- Hannatu Musawa
  23. Minister of Defence- Mohammed Badaru
  24. Minister of State for Defence- Bello Matawale
  25. Minister of State for Education-  Yusuf Sununu
  26. Minister of Housing and Urban Development- Ahmed Dangiwa
  27. Minister State, Housing and Urban Developmet- Abdullahi Gwarzo
  28. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning- Atiku Bagudu
  29. Minister of Environment and Ecological Management- (***Kaduna***)
  30. Minister of State, FCT- Mairiga Mahmud
  31. Minister of State, Water Resource and Sanitation- Bello Goronyo
  32. Minister of Agric and Food Security- Abubakar Kyari
  33. Minister of Education – Tahir Mamman
  34. Minister of Interior – Sa’idu Alhaji
  35. Min. of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar
  36. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare- Ali Pate
  37. Minister of Police Affairs- Ibrahim Geidam
  38. Minister of State, Steel Development- Maigari Ahmadu
  39. Minister of Steel Development-  Shuaibu Audu
  40. Minister of Information and National Orientation- Muhammed Idris
  41. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice- Lateef Fagbemi
  42. Minister of Labour and Employment- Simon Lalong
  43. Minister of State, Police Affairs- Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
  44. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs- Zephaniah Jisalo
  45. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation- Joseph Utsev
  46. Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security- Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi
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The ministerial position for Kaduna State has yet to be announced as the Senate is yet to clear the nominee.(NAN)

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country

Published

2 months ago

on

August 2, 2023

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NLC Protest August 2, 22023
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  • the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President
  • Wants FG To Fix Refineries,
  • Halt school fees increase

The organised labour staged protest accros the country, on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023. push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); with compatriots across the country in the protest against fuel subsidy removal, with a call on The Federal Government to fix Nigeria’s refineries.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), affiliates in Plateau State called on government to halt the arbitrary increase of school fees across the country’s higher institutions, as well as the unexplained taxes and utilities tariffs.

Mr Eugene Manji, NLC Chairman in Plateau, while addressing the workers, said that subsidy removal had exposed Nigerians to untold hardship.

Manji said that some Nigerians could barely feed their families because of the harsh economic situation.

“I wonder how many parents will be able to pay their children’s school fees in September?

“The increase of fuel from N195 to N617 has affected every sector of the economy.

“We are not antagonising government, but we are suffocating under the current economic challenges.

“Before you remove subsidy, fix our refineries and stop importing refined petroleum products, and ensure that every transaction concerning petroleum is done in our local currency (Naira and Kobo),” he stated.

The chairman further appealed to the government to pay attention to the plight of the masses, and rescind it decisions.

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Mr Kenneth Shamah, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Plateau chapter, said that it was the first time organised labour made a chatter of demands and also suggested practical solutions.

Shamah said that the peaceful protest was not only about workers, but for everyone suffering in Nigeria.

According to him, many people can no longer feed their families as many businesses have crumbled.

Prof. Chris Piwuna, National Vice President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said that the union had always stood for students and Nigerian citizens.

Piwuna urged government, and indeed the ruling class, to have a rethink and listen to the cries of the masses.

“There are taxes everywhere, electricity tariff has gone up, and the cost of food has skyrocketed.

“In the span of just two months, the price of petrol has gone up to over 300 per cent.

“Our leaders should listen, fix our refineries and go back to the resolutions reached between the Federal Government and the NLC on subsidy removal.

“They should also pay university staff their eight months outstanding salaries,” the ASUU scribe said.

Meanwhile, the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, that nationwide protests be staged against the fuel subsidy removal and other Federal Government policies.

Speaking with newsmen, the Caretaker Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mr Victor Amusan, called the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of Nigerians, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

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NAN reports that from the venue of the protest, the workers later marched through the streets of Osogbo, singing solidarity songs and stopping to enlighten market people and road users on the basis for their action.

Amusan said that the subsidy removal was done without provision for measures to cushion its effects on Nigerians.

He said that there should have been palliatives in place before the removal of the subsidy.

According to the labour leader, Nigerians are currently going through serious hardship because of high cost of living.

Amusan said that some tertiary institutions had also increased their tuition, expressing the fear that the situation might force many students to drop out of school.

He urged government to roll out palliatives or reverse any policy inimical to the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Vice-President of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUWEE), Mr Sadiq Adewale, said that the fuel subsidy removal was having adverse effect on everyone in the country.

Also, the immediate past President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Mr Biodun Ogunyemi, who joined the protesters in solidarity, said that they were expressing their rights to protest against what they felt government was not doing right.

Ogunyemi said that subsidy removal would only benefit the elite, adding that government should be about the people as well as their welfare and wellbeing.

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He appealed to government to pay the backlog of salaries being owed ASUU members, as the cost of living had gone up due to the subsidy removal.

NAN reports that the protest was peaceful, as the police, NSCDC and other security agencies provided security for the protesters while they marched through Osogbo metropolis.

However, business activities were not disrupted by the protest, as banks, shops and government offices were open for business activities.

NAN reports that it was only the vehicular movements that were disrupted on the routes marched through by the protesting workers.

NAN.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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