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Nigerians fault labour’s reason for the strike, “NLC attempted to blackmail Federal government,” Says Bayo Onanuga
..AGF: respect court order.
Organised Labour yesterday declared the commencement of a nationwide strike from midnight yesterday.
This is despite Friday’s interim injunction by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.
The court’s president, Justice Benedict Kanyip, granted the order while ruling on an ex-parte application brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on behalf of the Federal Government and argued by Tijani Gazali (SAN), Acting Director (Civil Appeals), Federal Ministry of Justice.
The two labour centres directed workers to stay off work from today.
But the presidency and AGF Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) reminded Labour that the restraining order was still in force.
Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy Bayo Onanuga said in a statement: “We notice with dismay the decision by the NLC and the TUC to call out workers to commence a strike action from midnight, despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.
“This decision by the NLC and TUC other than being an ego-tripping move is clearly unwarranted. It is an attempt to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.
“We are still at a loss as to why the NLC and TUC decide to punish a whole country of over 200 million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, whose error of judgment led to an assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.
“While the Federal Government does not condone any form of violence and assault on any citizen of Nigeria regardless of his or her social and economic status, it is on record that the Inspector General of Police has ordered an investigation into what happened to Mr. Ajaero while the Commissioner of Police in Imo State under whose watch the incident happened has been transferred out of the state.
“Calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an abuse of privilege.
“Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather, it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.
“Our national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.
“This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary should not be what the organised Labour would champion.
“The labour movement has always been a champion of the rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court orders.
“We reiterate that this strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible.
“What the strike notice issued Monday night after official hours suggests is it’s designed for a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in our country. This is unacceptable.”
Fagbemi, in a statement by his Special Assistant Communication & Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, said embarking on industrial action despite a court order against strike, would be contemptuous.
The statement reads: “We wish to remind the NLC and the TUC that there is a subsisting court order stopping the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.
“The interim order was granted on November 10 by Justice Kanyip.
“The unions have been served the court order and, therefore, must surrender themselves to the authority of the court which is already seized with the facts of the case.
“Any action taken contrary to the order will be tantamount to contempt of court.
“We use this medium to urge the unions to respect the court order and adhere to the principle of the rule of law. There is no need to resort to self-help.
“We urge workers to report for duties and not to entertain any fear as their safety is guaranteed and will be protected within the ambit of the law.”
The strike is over the beating of NLC President Ajaero in Owerri, the Imo State capital, last week.
He was not seen in public for one week. When he emerged, he claimed that the police arrested and handed him over to hoodlums.
The redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Imo was one of Labour’s demands.
After a joint National Executive Council meeting yesterday, TUC President Festus Osifo said all affiliates of the two labour centres had been mobilised to ensure the success of the strike.
According to him, the strike would remain until “governments at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”
Osifo said: “We demanded that the Area Commander that led the Police to carry out the brutalisation should be relieved of his duties and prosecuted.
“We asked also that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Chinasa Nwaneri, who everyone knew led the touts should also be arrested and prosecuted. Our list of demands is in the public domain.
“We gave an ultimatum that initially expired Wednesday last week. But on the eve of that expiration, we had a joint session of the NLC and the TUC.
“We looked at the time we gave and felt as responsible pan – Nigeria organisations, that we should give an additional one week to see if the government will be responsive.
“And in order to further draw the attention of the government we had the picketing session last week Thursday but instead of the government to come out strongly to condemn this criminality, to speak and stand on the side of justice, some people in government were rather running their mouth and making all kinds of statements.
“So the two labour centres have resolved to stand firmly by the decision of the joint NEC meeting that was held last Tuesday that effective from midnight on the 14th of November, we shall declare a nationwide strike.
“So effective midnight today, a nationwide strike is going to commence.
“All affiliates of TUC and NLC, all state councils of the two labour centres have been mobilised adequately.
“And this is going to be indefinite until government at all levels wake up to their responsibility. This is the decision of the joint NEC of NLC and TUC and we are to carry it out to the latter.”
Some of Labour’s demands are the redeployment and investigation of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and the sacking of the Area Commander and all other officers and men in Owerri through whom the Police Commissioner supervised the brutalisation and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.
Labour also demanded the arrest and prosecution of Mr Chinasa, who allegedly supervised the terror on workers and “bestial brutality” meted out to Ajaero.
Benbruce In a tweet via his X handle @benmurraybruce, he said: “A nationwide strike now because of an isolated incident in just one state that is already being addressed is not in Nigeria’s interest.
“It may further a personal interest, but it will harm the national interest. Power must not be used to settle scores.
“Instead, it must be used to promote the shores of our economic and democratic progress. I call on the NLC to be rational and put the national interest and let peace reign.”
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Foreign Investors Drag Senator Fasuyi to EFCC Over Alleged $2.98 Million Fraud
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Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, has been dragged before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged fraud involving the sum of $2,980,535.00.
The petition, submitted by Mr. Nuel Wilson, West Africa Regional Representative of Integrated Packaging Systems FZCO (IPS Ingredis) and its Nigerian subsidiary, IPS Ingredis Integrated Systems Limited, accused Senator Fasuyi and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Adun Fasuyi, of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, and diversion of foreign investment funds.
According to the petition, which was acknowledged by the EFCC on December 10, 2020, the Dubai-based company alleged that the senator and his wife, operating under the name Legacy Foods Limited, failed to remit payment for products supplied to them after several business transactions.
The petition stated that IPS Ingredis, a company registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, conducts the business of sales, supply, and distribution of raw materials across different countries, including Nigeria, through its local subsidiary based in Lagos State.
The complainant explained that the business relationship between both parties began in November 2015 after the suspects were introduced to the company by one of its Chinese customers. Following several meetings, the Fasuyis allegedly represented themselves as credible business partners interested in the company’s line of products.
Based on the agreement, the company reportedly supplied various raw materials, including corn starch, maltodextrin, shortening, maltose syrup, and other products to Legacy Foods Limited through multiple purchase orders.
The petition further alleged that goods worth over $9 million were supplied to the suspects during the course of the business relationship. However, the company claimed that after selling the products, the suspects allegedly refused to pay the outstanding sum of $2,980,535.00.
“Our clients supplied goods worth over $9,000,000.00 to the suspects. The suspects, after selling all the goods, refused to pay the sum of Two Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Five United States Dollars worth of products already supplied,” part of the petition read.
The foreign investors also accused the suspects of allegedly diverting proceeds from the sales for personal use and benefits, despite repeated demands for payment.
According to the petition, investigations allegedly revealed that the products supplied had been sold and disposed of, while proceeds were allegedly converted for personal gains.
The complainant described the development as “a calculated attempt to dispossess foreign investors of their investment in Nigeria through fraudulent means.”
The petition also emphasized the need for Nigerian authorities to protect foreign investments and uphold the spirit of bilateral investment agreements between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the petition named Mrs. Elizabeth Adun Fasuyi as a co-suspect in the matter. She was reportedly present in court alongside her husband at a point during proceedings but allegedly avoided arrest by operatives of the anti-graft agency.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, has been dragged before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged fraud involving the sum of $2,980,535.00.
The petition, submitted by Mr. Nuel Wilson, West Africa Regional Representative of Integrated Packaging Systems FZCO (IPS Ingredis) and its Nigerian subsidiary, IPS Ingredis Integrated Systems Limited, accused Senator Fasuyi and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Adun Fasuyi, of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, and diversion of foreign investment funds.
According to the petition, which was acknowledged by the EFCC on December 10, 2020, the Dubai-based company alleged that the senator and his wife, operating under the name Legacy Foods Limited, failed to remit payment for products supplied to them after several business transactions.
The petition stated that IPS Ingredis, a company registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, conducts the business of sales, supply, and distribution of raw materials across different countries, including Nigeria, through its local subsidiary based in Lagos State.
The complainant explained that the business relationship between both parties began in November 2015 after the suspects were introduced to the company by one of its Chinese customers. Following several meetings, the Fasuyis allegedly represented themselves as credible business partners interested in the company’s line of products.
Based on the agreement, the company reportedly supplied various raw materials, including corn starch, maltodextrin, shortening, maltose syrup, and other products to Legacy Foods Limited through multiple purchase orders.
The petition further alleged that goods worth over $9 million were supplied to the suspects during the course of the business relationship. However, the company claimed that after selling the products, the suspects allegedly refused to pay the outstanding sum of $2,980,535.00.
“Our clients supplied goods worth over $9,000,000.00 to the suspects. The suspects, after selling all the goods, refused to pay the sum of Two Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Five United States Dollars worth of products already supplied,” part of the petition read.
The foreign investors also accused the suspects of allegedly diverting proceeds from the sales for personal use and benefits, despite repeated demands for payment.
According to the petition, investigations allegedly revealed that the products supplied had been sold and disposed of, while proceeds were allegedly converted for personal gains.
The complainant described the development as “a calculated attempt to dispossess foreign investors of their investment in Nigeria through fraudulent means.”
The petition also emphasized the need for Nigerian authorities to protect foreign investments and uphold the spirit of bilateral investment agreements between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the petition named Mrs. Elizabeth Adun Fasuyi as a co-suspect in the matter. She was reportedly present in court alongside her husband at a point during proceedings but allegedly avoided arrest by operatives of the anti-graft agency.
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Adedini Hails Famadewa’s Appointment, Describes It as Pride for Ife Kingdom
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Engr. Marcus Adedini, Aspirant for Ife Federal Constituency, heartily congratulate the distinguished Ife-born retired military officer, Major General Adeyinka FAMADEWA (Rtd), on his well-deserved appointment as Special Adviser on Homeland Security by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This prestigious appointment is a clear recognition of your years of meritorious service, professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to national development and security.
Your appointment has brought immense pride, honour, and joy to the people of Ife Kingdom, as it further reflects the excellence and capacity of our sons and daughters who continue to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Your outstanding record of leadership and dedication to service remains a great source of inspiration to many across the country.
As you assume this important national assignment, I am confident that your wealth of experience and strategic leadership will contribute significantly to strengthening peace, stability, and homeland security in Nigeria.
I pray that God grants you wisdom, strength, and greater success in this new office. Congratulations once again, Sir.
Signed:
Engr. Marcus Adedini
Aspirant, Ife Federal Constituency
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Humanity, Leadership and Legacy: Ooni of Ife Celebrates Prince Eludoyin at 78
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The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has celebrated renowned businessman and illustrious son of Ile-Ife, Prince Eludipo Elusanmi Eludoyin, on the occasion of his 78th birthday.
In a statement on Monday released by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni who is also the Permanent Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described Prince Eludoyin as one of the shining lights of Ile-Ife whose life has remained dedicated to hard work, service to humanity and the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
The Ooni praised the Ife-born business mogul for his remarkable achievements in the international business community, noting that his contributions through Paragon Holdings Limited and other business platforms have created employment opportunities for thousands of people while also supporting meaningful development projects within and outside Nigeria.
Ooni Ogunwusi said Prince Eludoyin’s impact goes beyond business, describing him as a man who has consistently used his success to uplift people and support communities through various philanthropic activities.
According to the Ooni, the celebrant’s humility, wisdom and commitment to humanity have earned him respect across different sectors both in Nigeria and abroad.
The royal father also acknowledged Prince Eludoyin’s longstanding relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the celebrant as a trusted confidant and loyal friend whose influence and experience continue to contribute positively to national development.
“Prince Eludoyin is a pride to Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race. His life story is one of vision, resilience and service. At 78, he remains a source of inspiration to younger generations who desire success built on integrity, excellence and compassion,” the Ooni stated.
The Ooni prayed for more years of sound health, peace, strength and continued accomplishments for the elder statesman as he continues to serve humanity and contribute to the progress of society.
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