NLC threatens nationwide protest over telecom tariff hike

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3 weeks ago

January 29, 2025

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has threatened to go on a nationwide protest against the 50% telecom tariff hike on the 4th of February, 2025 should the Federal government government proceeds with the plan.

Contained in a statement signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, after the Congress’ National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja, and made available to the media on Wednesday, all affiliate and council are directed to commend full mobilization in preparation for the February 4th nationwide protests.

The statement in part reads, “The National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened an emergency meeting today, January 29, 2025, to deliberate on pressing national issues, including the recent approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached:

“NAC-in-session totally Rejected the 50% Telecom Tariff Hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs. This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by Policies of government which was no fault of theirs.

“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only ₦70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.

“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation. The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.

“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.

“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerian workers and citizens must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the people.”

Osun PDP chieftain, Adekunle alleges plot to disrupt LG polls

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1 hour ago

February 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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A former Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State, Dr Akindele Adekunle, has raised alarm over an alleged plan to disrupt Saturday’s local government election using hoodlums disguised as police officers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Akindele claimed that individuals imported from other states were being housed by top members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and would be deployed under the cover of a tactical police squad to unleash violence.

The statement said, “Credible intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that hoodlums brought into Osun State are being clothed in police uniform to perpetrate violence on the people in a bid to stop the local government election billed for Saturday.”

He further alleged that those individuals were being accommodated in locations across major towns, including Iragbiji, Ikire, Osogbo, Ila-Orangun, Iwo, Ilesa, and Ile-Ife.

According to him, the aim was to instill fear among PDP leaders and electoral officials.

Akindele also accused the police of complicity, suggesting that the tactical squad deployed from Abuja was not in Osun for peacekeeping but to provide cover for political violence.

“It is quite disturbing to note that the police are aiding this brazen threat to peace and safety,” he stated.

The PDP leader warned that the names of party leaders had been compiled for arbitrary arrests or possible assassination.

He also urged voters to resist intimidation and come out to exercise their constitutional rights.

Responding, the Osun State chapter of the APC dismissed Akindele’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

The party, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, called for the arrest of Akindele over what it described as false accusations and fear-mongering.

“The Ondo-State-born political alarmist is afraid of his own shadow. The said Saturday election is an impossible utopia based on its illegality.

“Akindele should be a resourceful witness for police investigation and prosecution regarding his unsubstantiated claims,” he said.

The APC maintained that there was no need for violence, as the local government election was already voided by a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

The party argued that there were no vacancies in local government councils, making any election attempt an aberration and impossibility.

“A situation where all manner of political functionaries are issuing press statements is a pointer to the fact that Governor Adeleke’s government is a monumental failure,” Olabisi remarked.

The party also expressed concerns over reports that the government had compiled a list of APC social media activists for alleged persecution.

“We are watching and cautioning Governor Adeleke that nothing untoward should happen to our diligent social media men,” the APC warned.

As tensions rise, security agencies are yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

The Osun State Police Command has not confirmed or denied the presence of tactical units from Abuja.

With the election scheduled for Saturday (tomorrow), residents remain on edge, awaiting further clarification from authorities on security measures being taken to ensure a peaceful exercise.

JUST IN: U.S.-Based Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi Arrested By FBI Over Alleged COVID-19 Fraud

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7 hours ago

February 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The FBI has arrested Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi for conspiring with Osun monarch Oba Joseph Oloyede to defraud the U.S. government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

Similar to the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Mr Oluwasanmi submitted forged documents to apply for COVID-19 loans intended to alleviate the financial strain on struggling businesses during the pandemic.

Using his three companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation—Mr Oluwasanmi obtained millions of dollars, which he subsequently diverted for his personal expenses, violating U.S. federal laws.

The U.S.-based Nigerian pastor was indicted on a 13-count fraud charge and arrested in Cleveland in April. He was later released on a $20,000 bail, under the condition that he appears in court for trial and serves any sentence if convicted.

In September 2020, Mr Oluwasanmi transferred approximately $221,880 to purchase a commercial property on South Freen Road in South Euclid, Ohio.

On October 26, 2021, he wired $1 million of COVID-19 funds to the brokerage account of Dayspring Transportation.

Prosecutors have already seized around $620,000 from the Nigerian pastor and are seeking to forfeit the confiscated amount along with other properties acquired through fraudulent means.

On April 5, 2024, the FBI seized $599,250 from Mr Oluwasanmi’s Dayspring Transportation account with Fidelity Investments, ending in –5800. They also seized nearly $20,000 from his Dayspring Property account ending in —3548 at Key Bank on the same day.

Both Mr Oluwasanmi’s U.S. and Nigerian passports have been confiscated to ensure his attendance at trial.

His name appears as Edward Olanrewaju Abiodun Oluwasanmi on his U.S. passport, with the number 58*****76, while his Nigerian passport bears the number A10****31.

According to his bail terms, he would be re-arrested should he fail to appear in court for his trial.

The fraud cases involving Mr Oluwasanmi and the Osun monarch add to the long list of Nigerian fraudsters who have been convicted and are currently serving time in U.S. prisons.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s associate Bidemi Rufai faced a matching fate, having been released from Fort Dix correctional facility in December, where he served his sentence for fraud.

A 16-year-old female student was taken into custody in Cross River State in possession of a pistol, allegedly intended to be used to harm her teacher for cutting her coloured hair.

Published

7 hours ago

February 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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A 16-year-old female student was taken into custody in Cross River State in possession of a pistol, allegedly intended to be used to harm her teacher for cutting her coloured hair.

The student admitted to being a member of a cult group known as Sky Queens Confraternity and disclosed that the pistol belonged to her acquaintance, a married man and father of six.

Lagos Panorama