News
NLC, TUC, Declare Nationwide Strike Over Ajaero
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
The leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, have declared an immediate and total strike in Imo State from midnight today, over last Wednesday’s attack on the NLC President, Joe AJaero, other labour leaders, among other issues.
They have also resolved to declare a nationwide strike by Tuesday, November 14, if their demands are not met.
In a communique issued at the end of their joint National Executive Council, NEC, meeting, NLC and TUC directed all workers and affiliates to ensure compliance.
According the communique, all flights into and out of Imo State, fuel supplies and electricity will be stopped immediately as applicable.
Besides the beating of Ajaero, other grievances were the outstanding salary arrears, unjust declaration of 11,000 workers as ghost employees, unsettled gratuities, non-compliance of N30,000 minimum wage act, and declaration of 10,000 pensioners as ghost retirees.
The communique was signed by NLC’s Deputy President and TUC President, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, and Festus Osifo, respectively.
They said “the meeting deliberated on the distressing incident involving the abduction and assault of the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
“Additionally, the council addressed the appalling acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon him and fellow workers, who had assembled at the NLC Imo state Secretariat in compliance with the directive on Imo State.
READ ALSO: Court Issues Fresh Order Restraing NLC From Further Strike In Imo
“These acts were perpetrated by the Imo State Government, acting under the guidance of the Governor and in collaboration with the Nigeria Police.
“To this end, the joint NLC/TUC NEC-in-session observed that the decision to embark on an industrial action in Imo state was purely in keeping with its earlier resolution; the Imo State Government under Hope Uzodimma heartlessly continues in its abuse of the rights and privileges of workers in the state.
“The Government has repeatedly reneged on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9, 2021, between the Government and Organised Labour.
“Shockingly, some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers.
“Approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties.
“The wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat is a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body.
READ ALSO: Impeachment: Court Strikes Out Ondo Deputy Gov, Aiyedatiwa’s Suit
“The introduction of discriminatory pay practices and the imposition of apartheid-like policies in determining monthly payments is an affront to fair labour practices.
“The Government has failed to address the eight-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees, showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.
“The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage, a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.
“The Government’s witchhunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.
“The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers.
“The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.
“Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labelled as ghost pensioners, resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives.
“The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.
READ ALSO: Court Issues Fresh Order Restraing NLC From Further Strike In Imo
“The Government’s persistent resistance to the use of the instruments of social dialogue and collective bargaining is an affront to the principles of fair labour practices.
“The violent interference and disruption of the Imo State Delegates’ Conference demonstrates a blatant attempt to impose favored candidates on the workers, undermining their democratic rights.”
The communique recalled that “workers had gathered to peacefully protest these infractions by the Governor at the Secretariat of the NLC in Imo State as guaranteed by our extant labour laws and the Constitution.
“The Police supported a group of Imo state thugs led by the SA on Special Duties to invade the premises of the Imo NLC Secretariat and unleashed mayhem on the few workers who had gathered inflicting injuries and stealing and damaging personal effects including various sums.
“The President of the NLC was subsequently subjected to brutalisation, blindfolded and abducted by the Police and taken to an unknown destination where he was further subjected to further violations and humiliation;
“The NLC and TUC have made demands on the Government which have not been met as at the time of this session.
“The continued prevalence of the use of violence and impunity in negotiating rights and interests within the nation’s socio-economic space against all known dictates of democracy and Social Dialogue.”
The communique noted that consequently, the NLC/TUC NEC-in-Session resolved to order the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo State beginning midnight today (Tuesday).
“All workers and affiliates are expected to ensure compliance from wherever they are.
“All flights into and out of Imo state, fuel supplies and electricity be stopped immediately as applicable.
“All public and private sector workers are to immediately down tools indefinitely.
“If our demands are still unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by midnight Tuesday, the 14th of November, 2023.
“All State Councils of NLC and TUC and affiliates are by this resolution mandated to ensure full compliance with NEC’s decision.”
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A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 88.
The former CJN died in the early hours of Friday, according to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo.
Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.
Following his retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee inaugurated by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest 28 Suspected Cultists In Edo
The committee included prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Tributes from legal, political, and civic leaders are expected to pour in over the coming days.
More to come…
News
Eid al-Adha: We’ll Work Tirelessly To Ensure A Safer Edo – Okpebholo
Published
9 hours agoon
June 6, 2025By
Editor
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
Speaking during a visit by Muslim faithful to the New Festival Hall, Government House, in celebration of Eid al-Adha, Okpebholo, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, emphasized that the present administration remains focused on building a secure and prosperous Edo.
“Our administration is fully committed to the welfare and well-being of all citizens. Security remains the bedrock of any thriving society, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that lives and property are protected across Edo State,” he stated.
He urged citizens to reflect on the values of Eid al-Adha — unity, love, sacrifice, and peace — and to continue to uphold the shared values that promote harmony across religious and ethnic lines.
READ ALSO: Okpebholo Prioritises Security, Workers Welfare, Says Idahosa
“As we celebrate, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building a society that is inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, and respectful of all cultures and faiths. Let us extend hands of support to the less privileged, sharing and giving to make the season meaningful for all,” the governor added.
Okpebholo also appealed to parents to preach peace to their children and discourage them from engaging in cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, commended Governor Okpebholo for the developmental strides recorded in his first six months in office. He lauded the governor’s strategies in combating cultism, kidnapping, and criminal activities, noting that they have contributed significantly to the peace currently being enjoyed across the state.
Alhaji Enabulele also urged those involved in criminal activities to embrace more progressive ideas and support government efforts toward sustainable development.
READ ALSO: Killers Of Edo Realtor, Isibor, Won’t Go Scot-free, Idahosa Vows
He expressed gratitude to the governor for his benevolence and support to the Muslim community, which he said has made the Eid celebration more enjoyable.
He further advised that major routes into the state be better secured through the use of vigilante groups, and called on the government to ensure grassroots implementation of the five-point “Agada” plan for inclusive development.
Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, described the celebration as a reminder of the importance of love and sacrifice. She urged citizens to make kindness and selflessness a daily habit, especially toward the less privileged.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.
READ ALSO: Killers Of Edo Realtor, Isibor, Won’t Go Scot-free, Idahosa Vows
“The governor is a man of vision, focused on project-based leadership that aims to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, also acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community in fostering peace and supporting the government’s efforts.
He assured that the Okpebholo-led administration would continue on its path of visible and impactful development.
“In just six months, the governor has demonstrated a practical and people-focused approach to governance. The projects so far embarked upon directly impact the lives of citizens, and there’s more to come,” Ohonbamu noted.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
He made this known during an official announcement on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.
The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.
READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000
Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.
The governor said he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom State to align with the federal government to reap continuous benefits.
Eno also assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that he would continue to work tirelessly for their benefit, regardless of party affiliation.
He said, “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC.
READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000
”We’re joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
”We are not joing the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center.”
Some of the APC Governors who attended the event included the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.
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