Politics
Clerics caution journalists on malicious publications against IPOB, South-East
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi,Abuja
Clergymen in the South East have pleaded with a section of the media in Nigeria to cease malicious publications against the region and it’s people.
The clergymen, operating under the aegis of Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission, named a particular online medium which they accused of portraying the Igbo as a group without love and respect for peace.
The affected medium was said to have been acting persistently as a mouthpiece for the Nigerian government’s manipulative narratives.
Apparently unhappy with the trend, the clergymen asked the promoter of the online media organization to stop the media war and negative narrative against the people of Igbo extraction in Nigeria.
Their statement released in Abuja on Thursday is entitled, ‘We must set the record straight’, and signed by Rev. Tony Uzo Anthony, President General/ International Coordinator and Apostle Tony OSU, the Secretary General.
Parts of the statement reads, “We, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the media establishment for its persistent role as a mouthpiece for the Nigerian government’s manipulative narratives, as evidenced by its latest publication on April 29, 2025, titled: “Police dismantle IPOB camp, arrest suspected killer of inspector”.
“This report, which parrots unverified claims from the News Agency of Nigeria, marks yet another shameful chapter in its descent into journalistic deception.
“By amplifying baseless allegations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the medium has exposed itself as a willing tool of oppressors intent on
subverting justice and perpetuating ethnic bias.
“Responsible journalism demands impartiality, rigor, and a commitment to truth. Yet, this media organization, under the influence of its alleged Fulani ownership, has chosen to ignore the flimsy evidence presented in court against IPOB and the collapsing case of the prosecution.
“Instead, it has aligned itself with the Federal Ministry of Information, a body increasingly controlled by forces prioritizing ethnic irredentism over national unity.
“This fixation on IPOB and the Biafra agitation, while ignoring the government’s own failures, is not only a betrayal of journalistic ethics but a deliberate attempt to distract from the real crises plaguing Nigeria.
“The pitiable plight of residents in the North East and North West, where Fulani herdsmen and terror groups wreak havoc, deserves urgent attention.
“Schools are shuttered, villages are razed, and innocent lives are lost daily. Yet, this online medium remains silent on these atrocities, choosing instead to propagate fake news that serves the interests of a discredited regime.
“This selective reporting is beyond comprehension and raises serious questions about the outlet’s motives.
“We demand that the affected organization immediately desist from its role as a purveyor of state-sponsored propaganda.
“It must redirect its focus to exposing the systemic failures of governance, including the unchecked violence in the North, rather than scapegoating IPOB to curry favor with those in power.
“The Nigerian people deserve a press that holds the powerful accountable, not one that amplifies their lies.
“Failure to heed this warning will only further erode its credibility, cementing its legacy as a disgrace to the noble profession of journalism. The time for accountability is now.”
Politics
May Day: Osun Workers endorse Adeleke for 2nd term, as governor approves N4bn for pensioners …Workers bribed to support Adeleke, APC alleges
By Our Reporter
Amid May Day celebration on Thursday, Workers in Osun State have declared their support for the second term ambition of Governor Ademola Adeleke, saying “No vacancy till 2030.”
The workers, led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Christopher Arapasopo, and the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Bimbo Fasasi, announced their endorsement of the governor during the May Day celebration in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero
The workers noted that their decision to support the Governor became necessary due to his commitment to workers’ welfare and his overwhelming positive performance.
The labour leaders, in their separate speeches, according to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, “listed several landmark achievements of Governor Adeleke in support of workers’ welfare to include the following: Prompt payment of full salary to date; Prompt payment of gratuities and pension to retirees; Continuous payment of outstanding salary arrears owed by the past administration to workers and retirees; full payment of all outstanding cooperative deductions; workers promotion with pay rise; free Health Insurance cover for all Osun State Pensioners; payment of N10,000.00 to pensioners under Contributory Scheme; full implementation of National Minimum Wage of N75,554.28k for all workers and N25,000.00 for all our pensioners among others.”
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke in his address announced his approval of new bond payment for pensioners which again drew wild applause from the dancing and singing workers and leaders.
According to him. “I have just approved, through the Office of the Head of Service, the payment of bonds for retirees under the contributory pension scheme worth over N4billion.
“This is across the State and Local Governments as follows: (a)State, comprising the Civil Service Parastatal, Secondary Schools, Tertiary Institutions, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital= Two Billion, One Hundred and Seventy Five Million, Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N2,175,280,322.54); Local Governments and Primary Schools retirees = Two Billion, Ninety Eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Six Naira (N2,098,466,528.87)
“The total is Four Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Three million, Seven Hundred and Forty Six Thousand Naira (N4,273,746,851.40)
“I have equally approved, through the Office of the Head of Service, the commencement of the promotion exercises for Year 2025 for eligible officers and staff across the entire public service, including the Local Governments.
“As I speak, the April 2025 salaries and allowances have been paid to all categories of workers across the State.
“We have continued unabated, the payment of a 30 months backlog of half salaries. As a matter of fact, we have almost completed payment of the 30 months half salaries in respect of contributory pensioners.
“We cleared all outstanding promotion arrears met on ground including cash backing of such promotions
Reacting to the endorsement, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) has accused Governor Adeleke-led administration of bribing the workers of the state to support his second term bid.
The APC in a statement by the it’s Director of Media and Information accused the Governor of “squandering the resources of the state to fund unmerited adoption of his second term tenure by the state chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, the factionalized Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees NULGE and the Trade Union Congress TUC.”
He added“It has been scooped that the state government has made available the sum of N172 million for the factional leadership of the NULGE, the NLC and the TUC with the sharing formula of N97 million for the factionalized NULGE while both the NLC and the TUC are smiling to the bank with a sum of N75 million; meaning that the Governor Adeleke-led government coughed out N172 million as an inducement for the labour unions to adopt him for second term on the May Day.”
Politics
May Day: Rivers NLC turns celebration to Protest …… Bars Govt from addressing Workers • As Gov Fubara, Ibas celebrate Rivers Workers
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.
Politics
Barau tasks TPI to extend it’s ideals to Nation’s Parliament,Political Parties, ECOWAS subregion ….pledges NASS support to Institute
Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin has called on the newly established Democratic Institute to instill it’s Democratic values to the nation’s legislature, political parties and the West African subregion.
This is even as he has pledged the support of the National Assembly to the programmes and policies of the Institute.
Addressing the Director General an top management staff of The Progressive Institute when they paid him a courtesy visit in his office, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin recalled his experience at the National Democratic Institute of the United States while in the House of Representatives years ago.
According to the deputy Senate President the training he received from the institute impacted so much on his parliamentary practice.
“I was one of those that witnessed the unveiling of the Institute. And I’m one of the admirers and supporters of this Institute and what it stands for. I am doing this wholeheartedly for several reasons.
“One of the reasons, of course, is that I’m a beneficiary of a similar Institute from a foreign land. And since when I go from that Institute, I’ve been praying that we have a similar body in Nigeria. And when I heard the news through the National Chairman that this Institute was coming on board, I was delighted.
“Because I remember 25 or 26 years ago, when I won the election to represent the Tairani constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. We got a call and a letter from the National Democratic Institute of the United States. Which is a similar body owned by the Democratic Party of the United States.
“That body, that Institute, decided to come here to give us intensive training. Respect on how to go into the legislature of this country. Because at that time, there was a gap,” he noted.
Continuing Jibrin said,”There was a long period of time that we didn’t have a legislature in this country. Because of the military intervention, our politics then. So almost everything about the legislature was forgotten.
“It was the NDI who came and taught us, in the classroom style, on how to go into the legislature of this country. On how to conduct ourselves. And we gained a lot from what we were taught.
“So the training we got made us stand out amongst the set of legislators we have in this country. The legislators of the Fourth National Assembly were very much vast in the Arab legislature. That’s where you had the likes of Gali Omanaba.
“And even Massari was also part of the team. And so we’re very, very, very strong in terms of legislative experience or legislative knowledge. Because I wouldn’t say experience because I knew then.
“But the knowledge was there. And we worked very hard. We did very well.
‘Based on our performance there. Courtesy of what we were taught by the NDI. So I was delighted that we are going to have a similar party in Nigeria.
“So I was very, very happy. So that’s why I was really, I commend all of you, commend the national chairman. So my commendation goes to the national chairman.”
He warned the management of the Institute not to limit the gains from the Institute to only the All Progressive Congress but to all political parties in the country and beyond.
“And of course all of you for bringing this institute into our country. And it’s not going, all I know is that it’s not going to be to the benefit of APC as a party. No, no, no, no.
“It’s not going to be. It’s a journey for the entire democracy in this country. Not even this country.
“In the entire region. I thank God I’m the first deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. So I will also want to plead.
“I also want to extend your tentacles beyond the confines of this country. Try to reach out to us. And even I know we have different ideologies.
‘We have two conservatives within the legislators in the ECOWAS Parliament. But then, yes, you are going to be very useful. Please extend your tentacles to the ECOWAS Parliament.
“Just like the NDI extended its tentacles to Nigeria, from far away America, to Nigeria. And indeed, there was something again. The same NDI sponsored us when we started.
“After the initial training. After a year, it came on board. The members of the appropriations committee, which I was heading then.
“I was the chairman then. They took us to the US Congress, to the Brazilian Parliament, and other areas. For us to study fiscal federalism.”
Jibrin noted that,”To understand fiscal federalism. Because the operating systems are similar to ours. So it’s the same NDI that did that.
“So they were just everywhere to promote democracy. So I’m glad that you’re on board. And you’ve started the same pattern.
“The training, the event that was held a few months ago. I was also talking about entrepreneurship. Looking at how we can promote entrepreneurship amongst our youth.
“Also to make them useful to themselves. So it was something good. Something that we really need as a nation.
“Because we have the abundance of young people. So it’s really good that we teach them the necessary traits. That will help them to live their lives.
“And also try to bring entrepreneurship into the entire arrangement for the betterment of our people. Which is very, very good. Now, you are now coming with this.
” I commend you for what you’ve done. And I commend the national chairman for his foresight.
“For his innovative ideas. Because whatever you do, if you don’t bring innovation, you go nowhere. And you’ve done something that is in tandem with the current contemporary happenings in the world.
“Innovation. Wherever you find yourself, try to be innovative.
“And this is what you’ve done by setting up this very, very important body. So I will support whatever you do. Whatever you bring before me.
“And I want to assure you that I’m going to go in line with what you’ve put forward. With little amendment. I’m not a senator for North alone.”
Earlier, Director General, The Progressive Institute (TPI) Dr Olanrewaju Adebayo explained that to strengthen the community through giving our youths capacities, skills in governance and leadership.
“And so, these are some of the examples of what we’re doing. So coming home to Kano, we’ve seen all the things you’ve been doing for the party leaders, and we think that we can also provide some kind of support in that area.
“Given your commitment to the party, your leadership of the party, we propose a kind of retreat for leaders at the state level. Again, trying to provide a non, I wouldn’t say political, but still a political environment, but a non-controversial, or I say controversial, an environment where party leaders can interact without competing. Where they can interact and engage in discussing common issues concerning the party.
“Issues of leadership, issues of financing. Issues of review of what we’ve done in the last two years. Because by May 2029, we will have been two years in government.
“How far have we done in terms of managing the party at the state level? And what we can do more? And then reviewing the manifesto of the party in the last two years in terms of implementation. What we can do for the next two years, as well as planning for 2027. 2027 is very close by,” he noted.
The DG further said,”We want to support and participate in that area. We want to be also party leaders to discuss party organization, internal communication, issues of finances, and also looking at the political environment in Canada. Very important.
“That’s part of planning. So we have developed four options, or five options, four options. One of the options is to have a retreat for principal officers of the EPC from the 13 local government areas and 151 wards in Canada.
“That is one option. The other option is to look at local government chairman and secretaries of wards. And of course the fourth, the third option is local government and wards chairman.
“And the final one, which is more comprehensive, is to look at all party leaders from the 13 local government areas and 151 wards in Canada. Now we are doing this as part of the TPI national project to take a stock of what we’ve done in the last two years. What are the challenges? What are the issues? And encourage our leaders to focus attention on this one and prepare for how we can address some of the challenges, some of the gaps.
“And that is the only way the party will remain strong, resilient, and be an example to others. You know, when you look at Nigerian political environment now, I don’t think we have many. I don’t think we have a party that can challenge EPC.
“But we have to keep on working. We have to keep on working very hard to ensure that the leadership God has given to us will stay. We have to work under our leaders like Senator Jibril to make sure that EPC leads and provide the direction for the future.
“And one of the areas is ideology. Ideology is to change the political environment in our country. We need to stop all this mundane, petty discussion on the media.
“People talking about sexual harassment. We should be just talking about governance. Serious issues that affect our people.
“But we need to. APC has that responsibility as a party to provide that leadership. That is why we are here, sir.
“I would like, therefore, sir, before I present to you a proposal in this area. The Institute and other principal officers of this esteemed Institute. Other guests that are here.”
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