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NLC carpets Obasanjo over anti-workers policies, killing, detention of labour leaders while in office as president
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said former president , Chief Olusegun Obasanjo lacks the moral right to criticize organized labour in the country as he was a major actor in the intimidation, harassment, illegal detention and even killing of labour leaders while in office as president.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, therefore challenged Chief Obasanjo to do a self. soul searching, saying he would probably discover his culpability in policies and actions inimical to the interest and welfare of Nigerian workers and labour leaders.
In a statement in Abuja, the NLC President also told the former President that the nation’s Constitution guarantee political right for Labour leaders, saying three former leaders of the Congress rose to become governors right from office.
Ajaero was reacting to the comments of the former President in one of his latest books titled “Nigeria: Past and Future”. He said “Chief Obasanjo expressed outrage “…that a trade union leader while in office, was negotiating with a political party to be adopted as a gubernatorial candidate”.
“We would like to let him understand here with all due respect, that the right to political leadership as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is available to trade union leaders. The Supreme Court decision on this is affirmative.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress has produced three governors straight from office. Incidentally, the first happened in Chief Obasanjo’s presidency. “Chief Obasanjo is worried that “most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations”. Which founding fathers is he talking about here? The ones the colonial masters harassed or the ones he Chief Obasanjo either banned or detained?
“If Chief Obasanjo has noticed an erosion in the powers of the trade unions, he should do a soul search. Who knows, he might find himself culpable right from arrest and detention of union leaders, killing of protesting workers, his national broadcast wherein he accused the unions “of conducting themselves like a parallel government.
“And above all, his vengeful plan and mission to proscribe the Nigeria Labour Congress. When the plot failed, he created a parallel labour centre. We recall the punishment he meted out to the Parliamentarians like Honourable Obete Obete for not playing his script “Given this historical fact, it is uncharitable of Chief Obasanjo to turn on the unions. But then we respect our elders here.
“In summary, governments should stop undermining the unions for their selfish interests.”
He said further that “We are delighted to have an ally in a personality as distinguished as our former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. In his latest book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo rehashed our argument when he writes inter alia, “The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep.
“It was reason we asked for N610,000, which we had described as the barest acceptable minimum complete with a breakdown. Government, and NECA for inexplicable reasons made a counter offer of N50,000 without an explanation as to how much would go to what.
“This inevitably led to a stalemate in negotiations and ultimately, a strike action which was suspended only after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over negotiations and made the offer of N70,000, a few thousands above the recommended figure by the Minimum Wage Committee. “Of course, President Tinubu did accept to pay the N250,000 which was our last threshold, but subject to raising the pump price of petrol to N2,500 or more per litre. “Torn between foistering additional hardship on the citizenry and taking the N70,000, we opted for the latter even when we knew N70,000 was inadequate. We had to minimise the pain. “There were also some “incentives” around the N70,000. For instance, the minimum wage cycle was reduced from five to three years, meaning that negotiations for a new minimum wage could begin as early as 2026. “Other incentives included CNG buses for workers; free conversion kits for workers vehicles etc. Thus, this is contrary to Chief Obasanjo’s assertion that workers “…have become victims of those meant to protect their interests”. “Of course, we do agree with Chief Obasanjo that:
“Workers need more attention than they are getting. It is their right, and they been denied it for too long”. However, it is important to point out that it is malevolent governments and predatory employers that deny workers these rights and not union leaders. “In every community, organisation or institution possibility does exist of bad eggs. It is same with trade unions, but it is no reason to cast aspersions on most unions as Chief Obasanjo has done. We do not know his motive.
“On our part here, our struggles with government have been in the public domain, right from the unhealthy use of government institutions to hamstring us: from court injunctions, to harassment by the police and other security services, and even to other hideous acts of intimidation,” he said.
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Generator fumes suspected for death of UNN students
Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.
The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.
According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.
He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.
He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.
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Speed Darlington begs Burna Boy to drop case
Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.
Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.
The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.
He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.
Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.
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Why I left Peter Obi- Yinusa Tanko
Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.
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