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NLC demands suspension of tax reform bills for broader consultation
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the National Assembly to suspend work on the tax reform bills to allow for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.
The congress criticised its exclusion from the formulation process of the bills, describing it as “unacceptable and a violation of the principles of tax justice.”
This position was outlined in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Owerri, Imo State.
The document, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, was made public on Thursday in Abuja.
It said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) emphasizes that the primary aim of taxation is to generate revenue for running the government. However, the justification of any tax system lies in its impact on the lives of the people. A fair and equitable tax system must prioritise fiscal discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of tax funds to deliver tangible benefits to the citizenry.
“The NLC strongly asserts that discussions on taxation in a serious nation cannot exclude those who bear the brunt of the tax burden. The exclusion of organised labour in the formulation of the current Tax Bill is unacceptable and undermines the principles of tax justice. If labour is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu.
“The Congress demands that the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers. The politicisation of the Bill and alienation of key stakeholders is worrying and robs it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy and develop our nation. We must go back to this basic. Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens.”
The NLC also lamented the scarcity of cash in circulation, calling on the Federal Government to intervene to rectify “this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.”
“The NEC expressed grave concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace. The Council noted that Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions. The impact of this on small businesses and other informal Economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.
“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights. We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,” the communique said.
On security, the Congress called on the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevailed.
“The NEC raised alarms over the worsening insecurity in the country, referencing disturbing reports that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone across 51.8 million recorded crime incidents. 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives while 2,235,954 others were kidnapped within one year. This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails. Majority of the citizens who either lost their lives or are maimed as a result are workers,” the communique added.
While acknowledging the overwhelming suffering endured this year, the NLC urged citizens to find moments of hope, resilience, and togetherness during the festive season.
“NEC urged citizens to be united to co-create a better nation in 2025. Resolving to build collective power would create needed synergies to successfully engage all the retrogressive forces holding our nation down and forge a breakthrough next year.
“NEC therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace. And finally, once again applauded the Government on the donation of the CNG buses but reminded it of the need for the outstanding buses to be handed over as pledged. It further reiterated its commitment to working with others to build our nation while remaining steadfast in its mission to protect the collective interests of workers and to champion a future rooted in justice, equity, and national progress,” the Congress said.
It condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State for allegedly orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat.
“The NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.
“The NEC therefore, resolved to give the Edo State Government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities. Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,” the communique added.
Tension has heightened in Uvwie Kingdom, Delta State, following a peaceful protest by scores of indigenes against the proposed visit of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, to Ugbonuohworu (also known as Ugbolokposo), a community located in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The protesters, comprising members of the Egweya r’Uvwie (women’s group), youths, elders and other community stakeholders, urged the Federal Government and the Delta State Government to intervene, insisting that any visit by the Olu to the community should not take place without the consent of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sideso Abe I.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Uvwie Says No to Olu Visit,” “Uvwie Is Not Itsekiri Land,” “We Need Peace in Uvwie Kingdom,” “There Is One King in Uvwie Kingdom,” and “Ugbonuohworu Is a Uvwie Community,” the demonstrators marched peacefully from Erovwie Community in Effurun, chanting solidarity songs.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Chairman of Erovwie Community, Chief Thomas Eyejewefe, JP, said the demonstration was prompted by what he described as claims by some Itsekiri groups that Ugbonuohworu belongs to them.
According to him, Ugbonuohworu is part of Etche Erovwie in Uvwie Kingdom, and the proposed visit by the Olu of Warri has heightened concerns among residents.
“We have always embraced peace, but information available to us indicates that the Olu of Itsekiri intends to visit Ugbonuohworu. As peace-loving people, we do not believe such a visit should take place without due regard to the traditional institution of Uvwie Kingdom,” he said.
Eyejewefe appealed to both the Federal and Delta State governments to intervene to prevent any action capable of creating tension in the area.
“We have only one traditional ruler in Uvwie Kingdom—the Ovie of Uvwie. We are calling on the authorities to ensure peace prevails by addressing this issue before it escalates,” he added.
He further maintained that Ugbonuohworu is surrounded by Erovwie, Okoribi, Ebrumede, Okuatata, Ugbomoro and Iteregbi communities, which he said are all within Uvwie Kingdom.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ugbomoro Community, Hon. (Chief) Ese Winfrey Ohwojaraye, described the proposed visit as capable of generating avoidable tension if not properly managed.
“We are appealing to the Delta State Government to intervene. We believe dialogue and respect for traditional institutions are necessary to preserve the peace that Uvwie Kingdom has enjoyed,” he stated.
Ohwojaraye urged Uvwie indigenes to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding despite their concerns, stressing that the protest was intended to draw the attention of government and relevant stakeholders to the matter.
Other community representatives, including Ejedegba Abrahama Mamekpe and Elizabeth Egamurumu, also expressed opposition to the proposed visit, aligning themselves with the position taken by the protest leaders.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Palace of the Olu of Warri nor the Delta State Government had issued an official response to the concerns raised by the protesters.
A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has said she begged former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to become Peter Obi’s running mate four years ago.
Yesufu disclosed this in a post on 𝕏 on Wednesday, while reaffirming her support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
The activist said some political developments take longer than expected, but insisted she would not be distracted.
“Some things in life take longer than they should. Like the saying goes, better late than never.
“4 years ago I literally begged @KwankwasoRM to be Peter Obi’s running mate.
“Now that it is happening, you think I am going to be distracted? No way. Let’s get it done,” she wrote.
In other news, Yesufu challenged the Department of State Services (DSS) over its involvement in the prosecution of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The DSS had said it filed charges against Sowore under the Cybercrimes Act over a social media post in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “this criminal.”
The agency also maintained that Sowore’s remand followed court proceedings, adding that it neither arrested him nor opposed his bail.
Reacting to the development, Yesufu said Tinubu should seek redress in court if Sowore’s statement is false or defamatory, rather than involving the DSS.
She also criticised DSS’s focus on the matter amid the country’s security challenges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering involving about $2.53 million.
The EFCC filed a 12-count charge against Bodejo on June 22, 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, the commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said Bodejo was accused of accepting multiple cash payments from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, without routing the transactions through a financial institution.
One of the counts alleged that Bodejo accepted $100,000 in cash from Abubakar on January 11, 2022, in Abuja.
The EFCC also alleged that Bodejo received $200,000 on January 21, 2022; $980,000 on February 7, 2024; and $500,000 on March 20, 2024.
The charge read, “That you, BELLO ABDULLAHI BODEJO, on or about the 7th day of February 2024, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly and willfully, without lawful authority or excuse, accept a cash payment of the sum of Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand United States Dollars (USD $980,000.00) in physical currency from one SA’IDU ABUBAKAR… without routing the said transaction through a financial institution as required by law.”
The commission further accused Bodejo of possessing funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
EFCC said the alleged offences are punishable under the Money Laundering laws. Bodejo is expected to be arraigned once the court fixes a date.
“We Have One King”: Uvwie Women, Elders Oppose Planned Olu of Warri Visit
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