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May Day: Rivers NLC turns celebration to Protest …… Bars Govt from addressing Workers  • As Gov Fubara, Ibas celebrate Rivers Workers

Published

3 months ago

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Rivers NLC protest amid celebration
By Our Reporter
As Nigerians workers on Thursday celebrated their Day in parts of the country,Rivers State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC in Rivers State and all it’s affiliate unions in the state held a low key 2025 Workers’ Day celebration.

Rivers state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral,Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).

The organized labour  shunned the usual fanfare and converted this year’s workers’ day celebration to a protest at the Union’s State Secretariat Complex, as they were seen displaying placards, with a call for the return of democratic governance in Rivers State, amongst other concerns as directed by the NLC and TUC.

Suspended Gov of Rivers State,Sir Siminalayi Fubara,

The decision for the low-key celebration in Rivers State was driven by the suspension of the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and the State House of Assembly, the appointment of Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, as we as the perceived subversion of democratic governance in the state.
It would be recalled that the national leadership of the NLC, had in a letter dated April 22, 2025, signed by Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello, instructed it’s Rivers State Council and all affiliate unions to focus the rally on demanding the restoration of democratic governance, improved workers’ welfare, and justice for the people of Rivers State.
Daily Echoes Media gathered that officials of the Rivers State Government including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Ibibia Worika, the Acting Head of Service and some Permanent Secretaries attended the event uninvited but were not allowed to address the workers.
Addressing workers during the celebration with theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” the NLC Chairman in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Agwanwor said the 2025 worker day calls for sober reflection rather than celebration.
Agwanwor appealed to President Bola Tinubu lift the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of the state, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He also called on the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to urgently kickstart the peaceful reconciliation process for the return of democratically elected government in the state.
He expressed regrets that some of the challenges of workers including lack of buses for the union and it’s affiliate bodies have not been addressed because of the absence of democratic government in the state.
“Today’s celebrations calls for sober reflection as we ruminate on the various policies of government that has brought untold and economic hardship on its citizen and the Nigeria workers are the hardest hit of the policies of this government.
“As we reflect on the happenings in Rivers State in the past one month, that is the suspension of all democratically elected government and institution in Rivers State, let us continue to remain steadfast, be law abiding and carryout our legitimate duty without fear or intimidation and avoid acts that could lead or trigger provocation.
“The organized labour fought for democracy, we are a product of democracy and we will continue to fight till democracy is well entrenched in our land.
“We appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Asiwaju Tinubu to use his good office, and intention to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their offices as soon as possible.”
“As workers of Rivers State, we enjoy good working relationship with our elected representatives under a democratic system of government.
“We also urge the Sole Administrator to facilitate the peaceful reconciliation process that he has been saddled with to expedite the quick return of our elected representatives as it is in other states of the federation.”
He also commended the Sole Administrator for approving the payment of the increased minimum wage to pensioners in the state, and appealed for payment of the backlog pension arrears owed the pensioners of Rivers State.
“One minute, we are thankful for the approval and implementation of the Seventy Thousand (70,000) Naira minimum wage by the Federal Government and in less than five minutes the same Federal Government has imposed all manners of taxes on her citizen, increase in electricity tariff, hike in telecommunication tariff, high cost of goods and services occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy without a reasonable measure to alleviate the suffering the Nigerian Workers and masses;
“As organized labour centre and committed and dedicated leaders of workers in the state, we will not continue to fold our hands and watch some of our heroes and veterans in the union die in penury after putting more than half of their life existence in service and with nothing to show.
“Therefore, as a matter of urgency, we are demanding the immediate payment of the backlog pension arrears owed the pensioners of Rivers State and the implementation of the N32,000 naira minimum wage approved for the federal pensioners to the Rivers State pensioners. Gratuity and death benefits of pensioners should be paid without further delay.”
Earlier, Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has felicitated with workers in the state as they joined their counterparts in Nigeria to celebrate this year’s workers day.
Similarly, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has also celebrated with workers in the state, urging them to put Rivers State ‘first’.
Governor Fubara had in a message of solidarity and appreciation, praised the resilience, dedication, diligence and professionalism of the Rivers workforce, particularly in light of ongoing challenges to democratic governance in the state, and described their commitment as the backbone of the state’s development and beacon of hope for a better future.
Fubara said that the theme of this year’s Workers’ Day celebration; “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,” underscores the urgent need to protect workers amid escalating environmental threats and socio-political uncertainties, and stressed the importance of prioritizing occupational safety and well-being as essential pillars for sustainable growth.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in advancing labour reforms and promoting climate-conscious policies that support a healthier, safer working environment nationwide.
Governor Fubara expressed deep gratitude to Rivers workers who, despite political turbulence and governance disruptions, continued to demonstrate patriotism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to duty, emphasizing that their sacrifices form the cornerstone of the state’s stability and advancement.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, the Governor called on all employers, public and private, to respect labour laws and uphold the rights and dignity of every worker, and advocated for continuous improvements in working conditions to reflect both legal standards and moral responsibility.
The embattled Governor offered prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for all leaders, pledging that his administration will remain steadfast in creating a work environment that nurtures dignity, opportunity, and prosperity for all.
He encouraged the people of Rivers State to stay hopeful and united, assuring them that the forces of justice, peace, and progress will prevail in the end.
On his side, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas in a state broadcast on Workers day restated the promises he made during his meeting with leadership of the Labour Unions on Wednesday including that of active consideration being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing of outstanding gratuities.
Ibas said government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline while stating that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation.
He reaffirmed commitment to prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees of the State, the approval for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
The Administrator said, “Specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks and that active consideration is being given to implement the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and to clear outstanding gratuities”
He commended workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace. “This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
He assured the workers of government’s dedication to improving working conditions for all civil servants in the state.
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Politics

Governor Adeleke is not Joining ADC Nor Aligning with Anyone in ADC- Spokesperson

Published

1 day ago

on

August 2, 2025

By

Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun state

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.

Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.

The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.

“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.

“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.

“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.

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Politics

INC rejects bill granting exclusive co-chairmanship to Ooni, Sultan

Published

4 days ago

on

July 30, 2025

By

Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.

The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.

The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.

He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.

He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.

“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”

“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”

Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”

He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.

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Politics

Alleged Deportation of Nigerians in Ghana: Sen Aniekan urges Nigerians to remain 

Published

5 days ago

on

July 29, 2025

By

Senate in session in the chamber
By George Mgbeleke
The attention of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)  has been drawn to a disturbing video on social media showing a protest by some Ghanaians calling on the authority to send Nigerians back to Nigeria alleging that their behaviours and attitudes were not in conformity with the norms of Ghana.
In a statement,Chairman Senate Committee on Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Senator Bassey Aniekan, “the widespread indignation against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all.”
He reiterated that Nigerians are hardworking people and not criminals as purported  and are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.
He added that while not denying the fact that there may be some bad individuals amongst them, the generality of Nigerians he stressed, are peaceful and law abiding people.
Furthermore, he pointed out the long standing relationship and partnership, the two countries have had over the years emphasizing that Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and  in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration, should continue to live in peace, stressing that dialogue has proven countless times to be a tool for peace and should be deployed.
The Senate Committee Chair on Diaspora and NGOs appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana to exercise restraint, avoid provocation restraint, of any sort and to resist reprisal attacks as the issue is being handled.
Senator Aniekan confirmed that he had received reports that the issue is being addressed at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
He cautioned against the use of inciteful words by individuals on both sides, as  such statements are capable of aggravating the problem and further putting pressure on an already tensed atmosphere.
Senator Bassey Aniekan, also advised Nigerians to disregard the videos trending on line that Nigerians’ shops and properties are being destroyed by Ghanaians as there is no evidence to buttress such claims.
The Chairman applauded Ghanaian and  Nigerian High  Commissioners for their efforts to control the situation, adding that the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs , has also been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and had taken some pro- active measures to put the situation under control.
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