News

NLC Affiliate Unions Protest Edo Council Election Result

Published

3 years ago

March 12, 2023

Editor

No fewer than 15 affiliate unions of the Edo council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, have dissociated themselves from the process that produced Odion Olaye as chairman of the council.

These unions, in a jointly signed press release issued and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Benin, said the purported delegate conference held on March 7, 2023, was an act of illegality held in defiance to a subsisting matter in the National Industrial Court, Abuja, challenging the process and procedure of the conference which violated the congress’ constitution.

The union said, “we had protested through a petition dated February 28th, 2023 to the national secretariat through the General Secretary complaining about the overbearing, intimidating, and bullying attitude of the Olaye, who invaded a State Executive Council meeting with thugs, disrupting the composition or setting up of the Screening Committee as well as ratifying the nomination of delegates to the state conference as provided for in Articles 11(2)(vi) and 29(4) of the NLC Constitution, as amended.

“In furtherance of our determination to check or prevent an illegality to be foisted on us, an action was filed at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, complaining about the violation of the provision of the constitution that guides NLC state conference/election.

“Despite the service of the court process on the National Secretariat, President and Secretary General of the NLC who are parties to the suit, they still went ahead with the election in defiance of the pending matter”.

The protesting affiliate unions also said, “It became too obvious that the state government interfered in the election process with its open support for the candidacy of the Olaye, who is a member and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, by intimidating, harassing and threatening workers in the public sector of posting them to rural areas or outright dismissal if they fail to declare support for Olaye.

“At the state conference, which was supposed to be an exclusive NLC matter, the PDP candidates for the House of Assembly were brought in to campaign if not for the prompt refusal of the delegates, the conference would have been turned to a PDP political rally.”

It is recalled that pandemonium broke out at the conference when it was announced that one of the chairmanship aspirants was disqualified.

The refusal of the Returning Officer to entertain questions on the disqualification led to the disruption of the conference with thugs unleashing violence on delegates and everyone scampered for safety as over 90 per cent of delegates and 15 Union left the venue.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

7 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

8 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.