News

NLC Responds to Ebonyi Governor’s Threats Against Striking Workers

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2024

By Adenike Lawal

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has strongly condemned recent threats by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, regarding the ongoing strike by state workers.

In a statement issued on Monday night, Ajaero criticized the governor’s warning that workers must return to their duties within 72 hours or face termination and forfeiture of pay for the strike period.

Ajaero accused Governor Nwifuru of neglecting to implement the newly mandated minimum wage of N70,000, calling the inaction a blatant disregard for workers’ rights in the state.

The strike, led by the Ebonyi chapter of the NLC, is part of a larger national directive, urging action in states that have not yet adopted the new wage.

Initial reports suggest that the strike had a significant impact in Ebonyi on its first day, with a large number of civil servants absent from work. In response, Governor Nwifuru stated that his administration had already implemented the new minimum wage and claimed that no worker in the state was earning below this amount.

He also asserted that salary increases had been made for other categories of workers.

However, Ajaero dismissed these claims, pointing out that salary adjustments for other groups had been made without proper negotiations or agreements with labor unions.

Nwifuru reiterated that his administration was up to date with payments for salaries, pensions, and gratuities.

He further emphasized that he would not pay striking workers and would replace any employee who failed to return to work within the stipulated period.

In a press briefing, Governor Nwifuru underscored his commitment to maintaining order within government offices and instructed heads of departments to monitor attendance.

He added that payment would be based on actual days worked.

Ajaero, in his response, expressed disappointment with the state government’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with labor representatives.

He characterized the governor’s threats as an attempt to undermine the workers’ lawful industrial action aimed at securing fair wages.

He emphasized that dialogue should be prioritized to resolve disputes peacefully, rather than resorting to intimidation.

Ajaero reiterated that strike action is a legal right for workers seeking justice under labor laws.

Despite the governor’s threats, Ajaero confirmed that the strike would continue until there is full compliance with the legal wage standards.

He called on all NLC affiliates, including those in the private sector, to show solidarity with the striking workers in Ebonyi.

Tensions remain high between labor leaders and state authorities as both sides maintain firm positions on wage implementation and workers’ rights.

News

Impeachment: Rivers Assembly Asks Chief Judge to Set Up Panel to Probe Fubara, Deputy

Published

8 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a seven-member committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, gave the directive during plenary on Friday, citing relevant constitutional provisions guiding impeachment proceedings.

Amaewhule said the House, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution, resolved by voice vote that the allegations against the governor be investigated.

He added that the resolution would be immediately communicated to the Chief Judge for further action.

“By this voting, the Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved that the investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor shall proceed,” the Speaker said.

The development followed a reversal by four lawmakers who had earlier called for reconciliation between the Assembly and the executive.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, the lawmakers said the impeachment process should continue, accusing the governor and his deputy of encouraging attacks on the Assembly through their media aides.

They said their appeal for a political solution was ignored, insisting that the process was now unavoidable due to what they described as persistent constitutional violations.

The lawmakers stressed that the matter was constitutional, not ethnic or political, and vowed to allow the impeachment process to run its full course.

News

Imam Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attack Dies at 90

Published

8 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State who famously sheltered 262 Christians during an attack in the area, has died.

His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death on Friday, saying the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.

According to him, the Imam had been hospitalised for 10 days after being diagnosed with a heart-related ailment and had experienced unstable health since the diagnosis.

Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children, 12 boys and seven girls.

Abuja Reports

FCTA Approves Multi-Billion-Naira Infrastructure Contracts

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee (EXCO), chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has approved the ratification of several multi-billion-naira contracts aimed at improving key infrastructure and essential services in Abuja.

The approvals were given at the committee’s first meeting of 2026, held at the minister’s official residence in Life Camp.

Briefing journalists, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said EXCO ratified a N3.79 billion contract for the emergency rehabilitation and resurfacing of roads within the Presidential Villa.

He explained that the intervention, handled by Julius Berger Plc, addressed over 30 years of wear on the roads.

EXCO also ratified a N9.8 billion contract for the construction of the Kabusa/Ketti road, completed and commissioned in June 2025. Dauda said the project was fast-tracked to address insecurity and improve access following past kidnapping incidents in the area.

In addition, the committee approved a N1.7 billion emergency contract awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited for erosion control and the restoration of major water transmission lines from the Lower Usuma Dam to avert disruption of Abuja’s water supply.

The Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that EXCO also ratified a N62 million facility management contract for the Korea Model School, noting that the FCTA has fully taken over its management to sustain high standards in basic education.