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Presidency Flays NLC/TUC Over Strike

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The Nigerian Presidency has strongly criticized the decision of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on a nationwide strike over the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, labeling it as unwarranted and an attempt to blackmail the government.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government expressed bewilderment over the unions’ choice to punish the entire nation of over 200 million people for a personal matter involving the NLC President. The unions had announced their intention to go on strike starting from 14th November in protest of the assault on Ajaero in Owerri, Imo State, the previous week.

While acknowledging that violence and assault against any Nigerian are unacceptable, the statement highlighted that the Inspector General of Police had ordered an investigation into the incident. It further emphasized that calling for a national strike over a personal issue of a labor leader, especially in contravention of a clear court order against any industrial action, amounted to an abuse of privilege.

The statement stressed that power should never be employed to settle personal scores but should instead be utilized to promote collective progress and advance national interests. The government expressed concern that the planned strike was immoral, unjustifiable, and irresponsible in light of the court order restraining the unions from embarking on the industrial action.

The Attorney-General of the Federation’s office also joined in advising the unions against the strike, urging them to respect the existing court order. The government emphasized that disobedience to court orders and a lack of respect for the judiciary should not reflect the values that the labor movement traditionally upholds.

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The Presidency reiterated that the strike action was illegal and carried the potential for undue hardships and civil disturbances in the country. It concluded by condemning the unions’ disregard for the court order, emphasizing that their decision openly flouted the principles of rule of law and respect for the judiciary.

The government’s firm stance against the planned strike reflects its commitment to maintaining law and order while calling for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Unity, Prayers Key to Security – Matawalle

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As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,
urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

has praised the resilience and dedication of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Dr Matawalle commended the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

While acknowledging that security challenges have not been entirely eradicated, the minister expressed confidence in the administration’s achievements, rating its performance in tackling insecurity at 9 out of 10. He assured Nigerians that, by the end of the year, the country would be “99 per cent free from insecurity, by God’s grace.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the families of our fallen heroes—those who have paid the supreme price in defending our sovereignty. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our troops and their loved ones, as well as strengthening our military capabilities to address security challenges effectively.”

Dr Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national security, economic growth, and social development.

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He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities through enhanced military operations, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-driven approaches.

However, he stressed that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and security forces, but a collective duty of all citizens.

He urged community leaders, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information and fostering peace.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love, kindness, and reconciliation,” he said. “Let us use this period to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive one another, and embrace the spirit of tolerance and understanding.”

The minister also called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, including orphans and widows, emphasising that the true essence of Eid lies in sharing and caring for others.

“As we mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us peace, prosperity, and continued progress as a nation. May He protect our gallant Armed Forces, bless their efforts, and reward them abundantly for their sacrifices.

“Eid Mubarak to you all! May this celebration bring renewed hope, joy, and divine blessings to our homes and communities.”

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I nearly quit 2023 presidential race, says Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu said he nearly quit the 2023 presidential race.

The President said this at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night,

President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development, and appreciated Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.

Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative.

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it,’” said Tinubu.

The President stated that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.

“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

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“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.

President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said: “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time.

“That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s sacrifices, stating that history will remember him as the leader who took on the nation’s most complex challenges.

“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face.

“But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” he said.

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Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, praised the President’s ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development.

Akpabio described the President as a leader who thinks outside the box and as the ‘most audacious president’ in the country’s history.

He said under Tinubu’s watch, governors were getting more allocation.

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.

Mr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described President Tinubu as a leader who has broken barriers and uplifted future Nigerian politicians.

He noted that the President had taken a backseat to raising leaders for decades.

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment.

“Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended the President’s decisive leadership at a time when Nigeria needed stability.

“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.

Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism.

“Before my appointment, I had never met the President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.

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The minister recounted a recent meeting at the World Bank, where a senior official described Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.

Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and how divine providence led Tinubu to the presidency.

“Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children.

“While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.

“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth.

“I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country,” he said. (NAN)

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BBNaija To Restart Physical Auditions Ahead Of Season 10

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MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.

Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.

However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.

“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.

The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.

At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.

Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.

In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.

At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.

The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.

As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.

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