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Minimum wage: NLC draws battle line with FG

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*** Tells workers, pensioners to prepare for total showdown with FG

By Chuks Okechukwu

As Nigerian workers make fresh minimum wage demands from the federal government, following the persistent high cost of living in the country, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has threatened a total showdown with government.

This is as it vowed that it would continue its national struggle for a thorough review of the national minimum wage, noting that it is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service.

NLC president, Joe Ajaero, made the declaration while speaking at the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.

Ajaero said it is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service.

He called on workers and pensioners to get prepared for the ideological and economic battles that lie ahead.

He said, “the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, is one of the proud affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Therefore, your struggle is our struggle, and your welfare remains a priority for the organised labour movement.

“We are currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.

“However, let me state unequivocally that it is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service,” he said.

He noted that the NLC will not only push for a new national minimum wage but will also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension, stressing that It is a historical injustice that men and women who devoted their youth, strength and productive years to the service of this nation should be condemned to live below the poverty line after retirement.

Ajaero noted that the cost of living has risen astronomically as food, healthcare and transportation have become increasingly unaffordable.

He urged pensioners across the country to remain united and prepared as the process begins

“This Legacy House should not merely be seen as a physical structure; it should become a centre for mobilisation, strategic engagement and solidarity as we prepare for the struggles ahead.

“We cannot continue to allow our senior citizens to survive on pensions that have become poverty wages. Every retiree deserves to live with dignity after decades of faithful service to the nation,” he said.

The NLC president pointed out that the working class has always understood that “those who exploit workers are united in advancing their interests. We too must remain united in defending our collective interests and ensuring that government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees.

He said the completion of the project should serve as a clarion call to all workers and lovers of the masses.

“We must not only build physical structures but also build a strong movement capable of compelling government to honour its commitments.

“We will continue to demand the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension regime that guarantees every retiree a life of dignity and security.

“Together, we shall continue to fight until every Nigerian worker and pensioner receives the justice, respect and welfare they deserve,” Ajaero stated.

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Osun guber: APC senator recants, says “I meant kill Accord with votes, not violence” — 

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Few hours after his viral video generated criticisms and reaction over his charge on his supporters to “kill” any member of Accord Party who is seen in Ilesha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the lawmaker representing the Osun East Senatorial District, recanted his statement ,  and clarified the intention behind his  ‘Kill Accord’ comment 

The APC senator was seen In the video, speaking in Yoruba and accusing Accord Party members of attacking members of the All Progressives Congress, he therefore urged the gathering to attack Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.

He was also seen daring those present to record his remarks and share them on social media, while reportedly addressing APC supporters in Ilesa ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The video however attracted serious criticism and condemnation after all the 13 participating political parties and their candidates have signed a peace accord ahead of the August 15 election, with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly incitng violence 

But in a swift  reaction, through a statement by his media office,, titled ‘Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,’ the senator said his viral comment was “a call on supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement added.

It noted that the comment didn’t portray the lawmaker as an advocate of violence against any member of the public or political party.

“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.

“The Senator, therefore, urges political actors, party supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He also calls on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.

“Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail.

“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,” the statement concluded.

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Kebbi govt spends over N16 Billion on retirement, death benefits – Gov. Idris

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Our Reporter 

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has disclosed that his administration has spent over ₦16 billion on retirement and death benefits since assuming office in May 2023.

The Governor made this known on Thursday while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the Workers’ Rights Summit, held to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the legalization of trade unionism in Nigeria (1938–2026). The event took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.

Governor Idris stated that, in line with his administration’s strategic plan for sustainable economic growth, numerous transformative projects have been executed across the state.

“These monumental achievements, alongside many other reforms still in the pipeline, are a testament to the deep commitment of this administration to the dignity and well-being of every worker in Kebbi State,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-oriented policies and appealed for the continued support and cooperation of the people to ensure the success of his government.

The Governor emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants and the entire workforce.

“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders—including trade unions, civil society organizations, and the organized private sector—to enhance the welfare, safety, and protection of workers’ rights,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and State Head of the Civil Service, Tpl. Mallam Shekare mni, highlighted the achievements of the Kauran Gwandu administration, particularly its commitment to workers’ welfare. He noted that more than ₦16 billion had been expended on retirement and death benefits from May 2023 to date.

The Head of Service commended Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support for civil servants, citing the construction and furnishing of the ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex, the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, and other welfare initiatives.

In his remarks, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, commended Governor Idris for the remarkable achievements recorded within three years in office. He said the summit was aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and promoting good governance.

He urged participants to emulate the Governor’s commitment to building a better future for workers.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, applauded Governor Idris for delivering over 80 percent of his campaign promises. He also commended the organizers for hosting the summit.

He encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties and disclosed that the NLC was working towards a review of the national minimum wage through continued engagement with the Federal Government.

Comrade Amba further thanked the Nigerian Bar Association and the Human Rights Institute for organizing the summit, describing it as a strategic gathering focused on labour, social justice, and democracy at a critical time in the nation’s history.

The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umaru Abubakar, also commended the theme of the summit and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants.

He stated that the government would continue to partner with relevant organizations to improve workers’ welfare, noting that the dedication of the state’s civil servants has been instrumental to the success of the present administration.

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Tinubu qualified to run for president despite certificate submitted – APC Ex-Legal APC Adviser, Ogala

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By Umar Musa

A former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Babatunde Ogala, on Thursday insisted that President Bola Tinubu is qualified to run for the presidency in 2027.

Ogala said Tinubu is qualified by virtue of his age and the fact that he is a Nigerian.

He made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s qualifications.

Tinubu did not submit his primary and secondary school certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This has led to widespread controversy among Nigerians.

However, Ogala said: “What does the Constitution say about qualification for office? Because I hear things like: Who are his parents? Who is his father? Who is his mother? Who is his sister? And who is his brother?

“Is he a Nigerian? The answer is yes, unless otherwise proven or determined through a judicial process. Is Tinubu qualified to run for the presidency age-wise? The answer is yes, by constitutional provisions.

“Does he have the minimum educational qualification as prescribed by the Constitution, which says educated up to School Certificate level, interpreted to mean Primary Six and the ability to read and write?

“The man says, ‘I have a degree.’ Babatunde Ogala is sitting here. I’m a Senior Advocate, and you are asking me to prove if I’m a lawyer. You want to know which primary and secondary schools I attended, where I did my A-Levels, and all of that.”

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