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You can’t cage us over mass suffering of Nigerians-NLC tells FG

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Following the invitation of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, by the police on allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime, the labour movement yesterday said it will not be silenced by state-sponsored harassment, intimidation, attacks and persecution.
The NLC said it remained committed to its opposition to mass suffering and hunger occasioned by the anti-people policies of the Federal Government, saying some interest groups are doing everything possible to silence the current leadership of Congress. It also called on its affiliates to shut down the economy should Ajaero be arrested by the police.
This is as human rights activist and lawyer to the NLC, Chief Femi Falana, SAN, explained why Ajaero could not honour Police invitation for him to appear at the Force Headquarters yesterday, saying the labour leader can only appear on August 29.
Anger grows over Police invitation
These came as global workers’ groups and civil society organisations in the country, including Amnesty International Nigeria, ActionAid, among others, yesterday expressed angst against Ajaero’s invitation by the police.
One of the leaders of NLC, told Vanguard last night: “There are grand designs by some interest groups to silence NLC under the current leadership. But they fail to understand that we cannot be silenced.
“We are fighting a just cause. We have the right to express our views in a democracy. The workers elected us to fight and make demands for them. They are hungry, they are suffering, and they are dying and are in pain. These are what we are telling the government which they do not want to hear. These are the reasons they are after us, trying to cow us by all means.
“The operator of the bookshop (Iva Valley) has been on the second floor of Labour House for years. We did not bring him there. If he has issues with the police, what concerns us? We believe the state is using this as a cover-up. They aim to emasculate Labour because of their vested interest.”
NLC alerts global labour bodies
Meanwhile, NLC has intimated the international community, the International Labour Organisation, ILO, and the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, over the harassment, intimidation, and Police summoning of its President, Joe Ajaero over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
Also, lawyers, under the Abuja Human Rights Lawyers and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, led by Deji Adeyanju, and his group yesterday stormed Labour House, which is NLC headquarters, to show solidarity and vowed to follow the NLC President to the Police station whenever he was honouring the invitation.
According to lawyers, if need be, the Police should be prepared to arrest and detain all of them, alongside the NLC President.
Rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, who confirmed this, said: “Yes, a coalition of Abuja lawyers just submitted a letter to the Police from Femi Falana, SAN, on behalf of NLC. Myself and three other lawyers, under the leadership of Femi Falana, did so today (yesterday).’’
Vanguard gathered that NLC leaders, besides sending the communiqué of the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of yesterday to ILO, ITUC, has also intimated the international community of the grave developments of state harassment, intimidation, molestation of NLC and its leadership.
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BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet

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Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

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Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

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Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work

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By Gloria Ikibah

As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.

The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.

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The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.

In another development,  the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.

A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.

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Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.

The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.

He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.

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Iran Seizes Two Ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.

“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”

They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”

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The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.

Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.

Source: AFP

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