IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The organised labour has warned of potential nationwide disruptions if the Federal Government does not reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

In a joint statement, the Rivers State leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) condemned the emergency rule, calling it illegal and undemocratic. They argued that suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and House of Assembly members was unconstitutional and undermined democracy.

The unions also highlighted the financial hardship faced by local government workers, many of whom have not received salaries due to the crisis. They warned that Rivers State's economic instability could have severe consequences for Nigeria, given its strategic role in the nation’s economy and the Niger Delta region.

Furthermore, they pointed out that the uncertainty has deterred potential investors, weakening the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) and affecting job creation.

While acknowledging the need for security, the unions insisted that governance must align with constitutional principles. They urged the Federal Government to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political interests, warning that continued hardship could escalate tensions and resistance. 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has dismantled an interstate child trafficking network and arrested seven suspects, including a female truck driver.

The syndicate, known for abducting and trafficking children across Nigeria, was intercepted in Abuja while attempting to sell a three-year-old girl stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State. Among those arrested was 33-year-old Hasana Jacob, a truck driver for a well-known cement company in Obajana, Kogi State.

Other suspects include Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group used a cement truck to transport abducted children undetected, selling them for up to ₦600,000 each.

NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, condemned the crime as "a heinous act against humanity," expressing shock that a woman played a leading role in the operation. She commended the DSS for its support and urged stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat child trafficking.

Meanwhile, the 22-tire cement truck used in the operation has been impounded as investigations continue. 

The 15th edition of the Young Achievers Nigeria Awards (YANA), Nigeria’s most prestigious youth-focused event, is set to take place on April 20 at Ibis Ikeja Hotel, Lagos. The annual event celebrates outstanding young Nigerians who have broken barriers and excelled in their respective fields through hard work and dedication.  

This year’s keynote speaker is Ambassador Seyi Tinubu, with other distinguished guest speakers including:  

- Dr. Ayo Aderinwale – Chairman, Just Rite Retail Stores  

- Dr. Jide Adediran (Jandor) – Former Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate  

- Fiona Ahimie Ahmed – MD/CEO, FBNQuest Securities  

- Dr. Alex Nwuba – Aviation Expert & Investor  

- Chief Niyi Babade – International Media Mogul & Entrepreneur  

In a statement released by Adeduntan Ibrahim Yinka, Publisher and Convener of the awards, he emphasized that despite Nigeria’s leadership and economic challenges, several young Nigerians have continued to make significant contributions on the global stage. According to him, this year’s honorees embody qualities such as honesty, competence, progress, intelligence, and inspiration.  

Some of the outstanding individuals to be recognized include:  

- Olanike Nafisat Balogun – First female pilot in the Nigerian Customs Service  

- Flight Lieutenant Kafayat Sanni – First female fighter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force  

- Mariam Oludamilola – Best graduate, Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, UNILAG  

- Abubakar Ai-Ihsan Muhammad – Best graduating student, Ahmadu Bello University (CGPA 4.95)  

- Taiwo Shittu – Nigeria’s youngest automotive MD  

- Kola Oladejo – Young entrepreneur with a Midas touch  

- Ayo Alabi – First-class graduate excelling as a young manager in the private sector  

- Aisha Mohammed – Youth development coach & enlightenment manager at EFCC  

The Young Achievers Nigeria Awards (YANA) remains a platform for celebrating today’s trailblazers and tomorrow’s industry leaders. 

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja has recused himself from the case filed by the Senator Representing Kogi Central District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

At the proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw from the matter after the usual court appearances. He cited the allegation of bias from the third defendant in the case, Senate President Godswilll Akpabio, as the major reason for his decision. It was gathered that the Senate President had expressed a lack of confidence in the ability of the court to do justice on the matter, hence the reason for the development.

Justice Egwuatu further added that the case file will be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge. Justice Egwuatu had earlier granted an ex-parte order, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She had prayed that the court grant an order restraining the Senate and the ethics committee from “proceeding with the purported investigation” against her.

The female federal lawmaker was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Akpabio. The lawmaker accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Senate subsequently suspended her for six months for misconduct. 

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the promotion and conversion of 2,061 civil servants who participated in the state’s 2024 promotion and conversion exercises.

Excited civil servants have commended Mbah’s administration for prioritizing their welfare through timely salary payments, improved working conditions, and capacity development.

Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission (ESCSC), Mr. Robison Odo, announced the approval, stating that it covers officers from grade level 01 to 17. He assured prompt implementation of the governor’s directive.

Odo praised Mbah for his commitment to workers' welfare, highlighting the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities. He also acknowledged the governor’s approval of an ₦80,000 minimum wage in 2024, exceeding the national benchmark.

He reaffirmed the civil service’s support for the governor’s policies and pledged to uphold discipline, innovation, and productivity to drive the administration’s success. 

Dr. George Nwaeke, the Rivers State Head of Service, has stepped down from his position.

His resignation was announced on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. The statement acknowledged Nwaeke’s contributions during his brief tenure and wished him success in future endeavors.

In the meantime, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed in an acting capacity until a substantive replacement is named.

While congratulating Brown on her new role, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to neutrality, peace, and stability in the state.

Nwaeke’s resignation comes just a week after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Ordu, and all State Assembly members. The decision has sparked widespread criticism from political figures, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and many Rivers residents.