NLC warns FG against planned electricity tariff hike, threatens nationwide protest
NLC warns FG against planned electricity tariff hike, threatens nationwide protest
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly urged the Federal Government to abandon any plans to increase electricity tariffs under any pretext, warning it will lead mass resistance against such hikes.
The union’s statement comes amid ongoing concerns about rising utility costs and its impact on Nigerians.
In addition, the NLC issued a stark warning to telecommunications companies, threatening to shut down their operations if they fail to implement the agreed-upon 35% tariff hike, as opposed to the 50% increase previously approved by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
The NLC’s stern stance was delivered in a communiqué following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State.
The union’s leadership also expressed firm opposition to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers.
They accused NERC of an unfair attempt to push consumers into higher tariff bands under the guise of service improvements, branding it an unjust and extortionate practice aimed at burdening the masses.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this clarification in a post on his X handle, @BenHundeyin, on Monday.
In the video, which began trending on social media, a voice could be heard claiming that the man was apprehended and assaulted for having dreadlocks and looking like a fraudster.
Responding to the video, Hundeyin dismissed the claim as false.
“The narrative is false, misleading, and malicious,” he said.
“The suspect was arrested at Bassey Street in the Egbeda area of Lagos State based on complaints from residents about the activities of young men abusing and selling drugs openly.
“The police responded and the young man was indeed caught with hard drugs.
“Due to his resistance and struggle, minimal force was used to subdue him, ” the spokeperson said.
According to the image maker, the suspect alongside others arrested will be prosecuted accordingly.(NAN)
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Arewa community in Lagos seeks Sanwo-Olu’s intervention over alleged forceful eviction
Arewa community in Lagos seeks Sanwo-Olu’s intervention over alleged forceful eviction
The Arewa Community, APC Lagos State Chapter, has called for Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s immediate intervention over alleged forceful eviction at Abattoir-Trailer Park, Agege, by the state Task Force.
The Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Arewa Community-APC, Alh. Jida Sayid, made the call while addressing journalists in Lagos on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Task Force officials and the Lagos Parking Authority (LASPARK) allegedly invaded the Arewa Community premises in Lagos on Saturday.
Sayid told newsmen that the Task Force stormed the premises around 6:00 a.m., destroying properties worth millions of naira, allegedly without prior notice or official notification.
He noted that the business owner of the affected premises, Alh. Saadu Dandare, who is also the community’s Chairman, was not an illegal occupant as he had a binding contract with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Sayid stressed that members of the community were peaceful, law-abiding citizens who did not deserve such inhumane treatment, especially on the first day of Ramadan.
He said: “We are disappointed by the Lagos State Task Force’s unlawful invasion, carried out in conjunction with LASPARK officials, on Saturday around 6:00 a.m.
“The community Chairman’s office was invaded, people were forcefully evicted, shops were broken into, and goods worth millions of naira were vandalised.
“We strongly condemn this malicious act and urge the governor to urgently address this critical issue.
“Even if there were concerns over a contract breach, the Ministry of Agriculture should have been responsible for addressing the issue,” he said.
The vice chairman stated that the agency should have issued an official notice rather than resorting to unlawful actions in a civilised society like Lagos.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullah Ganduje, and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, to intervene in the matter. (NAN)
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BREAKING; Governor Fubara issues fresh directives after Supreme Court Judgment
BREAKING; Governor Fubara issues fresh directives after Supreme Court Judgment
Gov Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the administration of the 23 local government councils immediately
Fubara issued the directive in a statewide broadcast on Sunday at Government House, Port Harcourt.
In response to the Supreme Court judgment, Fubara explained that the measure was necessary due to the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in Nigeria’s local government system.
He stated that the heads of the local government councils should oversee council affairs until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The governor also instructed the outgoing local government council chairmen to hand over power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3.
Fubara reiterated that, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements, he had directed the HLGAs to assume control of the councils until RSIEC holds elections.
“I further direct outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025,” he stated.
The governor said his administration disagrees with the judgment but is bound to obey the court’s orders as a law-abiding government.
Fubara added, “We are aware of the recent Supreme Court rulings regarding ongoing political disputes in our state.
“Although we disagree with the judgment, we must obey the court orders as a law-abiding government.
“Since taking office, we have governed within the framework of our constitution, due process, and the rule of law,” he said.
Fubara acknowledged that his administration, like any, is not free from mistakes, but believes it has not intentionally violated the rule of law or constitutional principles.
“Accordingly, I have met with my legal team, who assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available by Friday, March 7.
“Upon receipt, we will study the judgment’s implications and implement them promptly to move the state forward,” he said.
The governor regretted that the court’s pronouncement has brought difficult times for the state but urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully.
“I urge everyone to stay calm and go about their legitimate activities as we continue to fulfill our responsibilities to the citizens,” Fubara added. (NAN)