September 2024 – Page 28

Post Date : September 9, 2024

EXTRA: Aisha Yesufu, Ighodalo managed Obi’s 2023 campaign funds, not LP — Abure

The embattled national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has claimed that Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua Ighodalo, staunch supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, were responsible for managing the candidate’s campaign funds in the 2023 general election. Abure made this known during a press briefing after the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday in response to rumours that he mismanaged the party’s funds. According to him, the party never had access to the accounts opened for donations to support Obi’s candidacy, as Aisha Yesufu and Ighodalo were the signatories to the accounts. “The party was never involved in the distribution of those resources. Our interest was to see how we could produce a president for the party. How it was done was not our concern. Hence, we gave them free rein. We allowed them to entrust their resources to whomever they wanted. We followed them loyally by allowing them to administer the campaign funds. “Regarding donations, the party was not involved in collecting any campaign donations; they were channelled to accounts opened for campaign purposes, with Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua Ighodalo as the signatories. “They were also responsible for payments to polling unit agents. The party did not handle the payments to the agents. We handed over the list to the campaign council and those administering the funds to pay the agents who worked for the presidential election. Consequently, it is mischievous for anyone to accuse me of mismanagement of the party’s funds.” Abure also stressed that the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election is no longer reserved for Obi, adding that it is now open to all members. He said, “The NEC in session also reviewed the National Convention’s decision to reserve its presidential and governorship tickets for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti, respectively. “Consequently, all party tickets from the presidency to the House of Assemblies are open to all qualified Nigerians.” Abure also ruled out an automatic second-term ticket for the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, on the party’s platform, stating that the seat will be open to other aspirants. The chairman added that the Abia governor does not have the power to convene a stakeholders’ meeting that produced a caretaker committee led by former Senator Nenadi Usman. He added, “The NEC in session noted that the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Alex Otti, who convened the meeting, did not have the power within the party’s constitution. According to Article 14 (4) (B), the power to call meetings is vested only in the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman.” It is recalled that Yesufu, during the election, had on X requested the polling agents of LP to submit their details for reimbursement. “Dear Labour Party polling unit agents. This is to inform you that your stipend will be paid directly into your bank accounts. Please provide your account details if you have not already done so. It is a new dawn and things will be done differently. Thank you,” she wrote.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

BREAKING: NLC gives FG till midnight to release detained president, Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian government, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a Trade Union Congress meeting. The NLC’s National Administrative Council in a communique by the congress’ Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale, on Monday evening described the detention as “brazen and illegal” and an “affront to the rights of workers and democratic principles.” The council demanded Ajaero’s release by 12 midnight and also called for the reversal of the recent petrol price hike to N617/litre. The NLC has placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on the red alert, warning that it will not stand by while workers’ rights are trampled upon. The council has also summoned an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council to take further action against the government’s “authoritarianism and lawlessness.” The NLC has reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and opposing oppression, urging the government to reverse its “dangerous trend” and implement the new National Minimum Wage. The commique read, “The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today. “The council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian state without any legal warrant or justification.” Details later…

Post Date : September 9, 2024

Report: Soldiers invade Okuama in four Gunboats, 11 speedboats, kill three

WEEKS after arresting Okuama community leaders, armed men in military fatigue on Monday morning stormed the community in four Gunboats, 11 speedboats, shooting indiscriminately in their numbers, killing three youths and looted provision stores. The invaders also towed away a large granite canoe, a sand dredger and generating sets used by the returning villagers. A community youth who spoke to Vanguard after returning from his hideout recounted that the military personnel came in four Gunboats, 11 speedboats shooting sporadically. That thereafter they came on land through Okoloba community after earlier using drones to monitor the community on Sunday. Three youths were reportedly killed by the soldiers namely Ojeh Asah, Uwhubunor James, and Enavwodo Peter. According to our source, “This morning at about 3am, we got the information that about 15 gun boats are coming to our area and we all came out to observe, and we were awake from that time to about 6am. “As the day breaks we suddenly saw a drone probably taking video clips of the entire community. We were afraid and some women were running into the creek for safety, they called to inform us that 3 gunboats are in the river. “And the next thing we heard were gun shots by the military and we all have to run into the bush. Before we came out from the bush, the army packed away every items in the provisions stores in the community and destroyed our garri. “They took our generators Pos Machine and pumping machine. The dredger that is currently working in the community, they took it along. They also went away with the granite boat that came to the community. “What we saw was that they were putting on military uniforms and red color camouflage. They came with about four gun boat and 11 Speed boats and they destroyed houses. The garri we were processing at the premises of the Anglican Church were all destroyed.” He added. Recall, Okuama community was razed in March 2024 by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in a reprisal attack following the murder of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen near the community. Every building including hospital, schools and other private buildings in the community were uprooted and reduced to rubbles. Weeks ago, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr. James Oghoroko, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Awhemuria and Mrs. Rita Akpata were arrested by military officials between 18 to 20th August and have remained in unknown detentions. The Okuama people frustrated by the arrests instituted two fundamental rights in Federal High Court Warri in Suit No:FHC/WR/CS/84/2024 between James Oghorokor and the Nigerian Army and two others; Suit NO:FHC/WR/85/2024 between Dennis Okugbaye and the Nigerian Army and two others. They are claiming N200m for illegal detentions without trials.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

RULAAC condemns Ajaero’s arrest, SERAP office raid

The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, has expressed concern over the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services, and the takeover of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project. He views these actions as alarming for freedom and democracy in Nigeria. Nwaguma, in a statement on Monday, condemned the actions of the DSS and the police, noting that these developments pose a threat to the pillars of democracy in Nigeria. He added that the encroachment of security agencies on civil society groups highlights a potential trend toward authoritarianism and called for the release of the NLC President and an end to the siege on the SERAP office. The statement partly reads, “The arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services at the International Airport on his way to attend an official assignment, and the siege on the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project by the police, signal serious concerns for freedom and democracy in Nigeria. “These developments pose a significant threat to the foundational pillars of democracy in Nigeria, emphasising the need for vigilance and advocacy for the protection of civil liberties. Encroachments by security agencies on civil society highlight a potential trend of increasing authoritarianism, undermining democratic norms and principles. “Heavy-handed tactics by the DSS can lead to a decline in public trust in government institutions, further alienating citizens from political processes. Continued repression may provoke unrest and resistance among citizens, potentially leading to greater social instability and conflict. “President Tinubu must demonstrate that he does not endorse arbitrary arrests, detention incommunicado, and the repression of labour and civil society actors. We call for the release of Ajaero and the cessation of the siege on the offices of SERAP.” Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, described both cases as “blatant dictatorship, where the President exercises total control over all institutions, including the judiciary and parliament.” He alleged that the aim was to stifle the civic space and opposition voices to continue the implementation of policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while calling for the unity of trade unions, civil society, and the media to resist dictatorship and defend the economic interests of the Nigerian people. “What we are witnessing is a blatant dictatorship, where the President exercises total control over all institutions, including the judiciary and parliament. President Tinubu’s actions are driven by foreign interests, including those of his wealthy allies, and guided by the prescriptions of the IMF and World Bank.” “The ultimate goal is to stifle civic space and silence opposition voices to pave the way for the continuous implementation of IMF policies that have historically brought poverty and despair to the Nigerian people. “In this critical moment, we must unite—trade unions, civil society, and the media—to resist this wave of dictatorship and defend the economic interests of the Nigerian people.We cannot afford to stand by as our democracy is dismantled and our future is mortgaged to serve the interests of a privileged few.”

Post Date : September 9, 2024

Man kills grandfather, uncle for money ritual in Ibadan

A middle-aged man, simply identified as Alfa Ahmed, has reportedly slaughtered his grandfather and uncle in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for an alleged money ritual. Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that the incident happened at the back of a popular market in Apete, in the Ido Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday evening. It was further learnt that the late grandfather was visually impaired before the incident occurred. An eyewitness told our correspondent, “The suspect, popularly called Alfa Ahmed in the area took advantage of his grandfather’s condition because the man was visually impaired, while his uncle too was not feeling fine when the incident occurred.” Unconfirmed reports added that the mission of the suspect was to use parts of their bodies for money ritual. Another source said, “The victims reside in the same place with the suspect at the back of popular market in Apete when the incident happened around 6.pm to 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday). And people alerted the police about the unfortunate incident because the whole place was tensed.” When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident. He said investigations had commenced on the incident, and an update would be provided. “Investigation has commenced into the matter. Updates will be provided accordingly, please,” he stated.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

BREAKING: Nurses, many patients’ abducted as gunmen invade Kaduna health centre

At least two nurses and an unspecified number of patients have been reportedly abducted by gunmen from a primary healthcare centre in Kaduna state. The abductors were said to have invaded the health centre in Kuyallo, Birnin-Gwari LGA of the state on Monday morning. Musa Alhassan, a leader of the vigilante group in the area, said the assailants’ initial target was the Government Day Secondary School in the area. Alhassan said when the gunmen arrived at the school but could not find students, they headed to the healthcare centre which was near. “The bandits came to the school around 9am, but when they discovered that the school was empty, they went to the healthcare centre and abducted two female nurses and several patients,” Alhassan said. When contacted, Mansir Hassan, Kaduna police spokesperson, said he is unaware of the aduction. “I will get back to you,” he said. Kaduna is one of the north-west states grappling with gunmen attacks and abductions. Last Thursday, 15 persons were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in Mani village, Chikun LGA of the state. Nursing mothers and children were said to be among the persons taken away. On March 7, over 200 students and pupils were kidnapped after bandits attacked Government Secondary School Kuriga, Chikun LGA of the state. On March 12, bandits abducted about 61 persons in Buda community under Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state. In February, six people were killed when bandits invaded Kwasam community, Kauru LGA of Kaduna.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

DSS Occupying Our Office In Abuja – SERAP

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) says officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken control of its Abuja office. SERAP made this known in a statement on it X handle on Monday, describing the action as an ‘unlawful occupation’. SERAP said the officers are demanding to meet with the organisation’s directors. It called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to end the “harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians. The statement reads, “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. “President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians.” BREAKING: Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians. — SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) September 9, 2024

Post Date : September 9, 2024

NLC puts unions on ‘high alert’, demands immediate release of Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the arrest of Joe Ajaero, its president, as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation”. The labour union added that it has alerted all its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers to remain vigilant and on high alert. Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja. In a statement, Benson Upah, spokesperson of the NLC, said Ajaero was “whisked away by DSS agents on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain”. Upah said Ajaero’s detention thwarted his plans to “represent Nigerian workers’ interests at a pivotal international labour conference”. He also described the arrest as “an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country”. “We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive,” the statement reads. “His detention is a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation, completely unjustified under the laws of our nation, as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body. “We are yet to ascertain his whereabouts or his state of health as all efforts we have made to get in touch with him have proved abortive. “The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers. “This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country as the economic policies of the government continues to afflict the people with monumental suffering and hardship. “Such actions are not only undemocratic but immoral as well as a direct affront to the fundamental rights of citizens and organizations to lawfully express their views and carry out their activities. “Furthermore, we call on the international community, human rights organizations, and all advocates of democracy to take note of this rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria. “The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law. The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state. “Once again, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class including innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions.” Upah said the state should free all Nigerians jailed for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest, adding that the congress’ organs are in a closed-door meeting, with outcomes to be publicly disclosed.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

Sources: Ajaero arrested for shunning police invitation over Air Peace’s petition

Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was arrested on Monday following his failure to honour police invitation over a petition by Air Peace airlines, security sources have told TheCable. Ajaero also failed to honour an invitation by the Department of State Services (DSS) over an alleged case of extortion, according to the sources. The details of the Air Peace petition and alleged extortion were not revealed to TheCable. Also, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which handles Nigeria’s security issues involving foreigners, invited Ajaero over the case of Andrew Wynne, a Briton accused of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria — an allegation Wynne denies. Ajaero also shunned the invitation. The NLC president previously said he was not going to honour police invitation over his relationship with Wynne but he later changed his mind. The police quizzed and released him the same day but later invited him for further questioning but he refused to turn up, the sources said. In August, the police had invited Ajaero for questioning over “a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime”. The force said an arrest warrant would be issued on Ajaero if he did not honour the invitation. Police had raided the NLC building in the Central Business District of Abuja. The NLC said operatives who raided the building “claimed that they were looking for seditious materials used for the #EndBadGovernance protests”. Subsequently, Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), said one of the masterminds of the Sudan conflict was traced to the NLC headquarters. The IGP added that police detectives traced the foreigner to a bookshop within the Labour House, and that operatives did not raid the entire secretariat. Wynne has since been declared wanted.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

EFCC Arrests Fake NNPCL Director Over ₦100m Fraud

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arraigned one Ibrahim Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for fraud. Shuaibu is being prosecuted on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of ₦100 million. Count one of his charges reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak) (M) and lIya Garba (now deceased) sometime in 2017 in Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court did conspire between yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” Another reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak)(M) sometime in 2018 at Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of N47,050,000.00 (Forty-Seven Million and Fifty Thousand Naira) from one Faisal Safiyanu, when you claimed to supply him petroleum products, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal to urge the court to fix a trial date. His counsel, AbdulKareem Audu failed to file a bail application. Justice Khobo afterwards ordered the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC. Shuaibu’s journey to prosecution started sometime in 2017 when he presented himself to his victim as NNPCL’s Group Executive Director and promised to assist him procure over 2000 litres of petroleum products for which the victim transferred the agreed cost to his bank accounts in tranches. Shuaibu failed to fulfil his own part of the bargain after receiving payment and failed to refund his victim his money.