The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent hike in the price of petrol, describing it as insensitivity against the masses.

Following the hike in the cost of the commodity by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and various depot owners, the pump prices of petrol rose to between ₦1,050 and ₦1,150 per litre.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy President of NLC Political Commission, Theophilus Ndubuaku told Punch that in saner climes representatives of workers, the organised private sector and students would have been consulted before making a decision to increase the fuel price.

He argued that in an inclusive government, one person should not be the one calling the shots. Ndubuaku lamented that when people speak up attack dogs are sent after them and they are labelled members of the Obidient Movement.

He said, “This pump price hike will not only affect foodstuff and fare. There is the problem of inflation and the value of naira to contend with. Instead, what we are seeing is a situation we call Tinubunomics. It is something that has not been tested.

“When you talk about subsidies, is there a country that doesn’t have it? It’s all over the world. Even most of the goods you see in this country from China are subsidised. You are refusing to subsidise fuel and also refusing to even facilitate the so-called CNG buses. How many years does it take to do something like this?

“If you know the kind of game we (the NLC) and them are playing on this CNG thing. Now, they are not even involving the people in the so-called CNG conversion. If you promise to run an inclusive government, It’s not just you that should be doing the talking. Yet, when somebody talks, they send attack dogs to attack and label him a member of the Obidient movement.”

Borrow Obasanjo Template
Continuing, Ndubuaku emphasised that President Bola Tinubu will do well to borrow the template of former leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, who he claimed held a monthly roundtable with stakeholders whenever sensitive issues that have a lot to do with workers’ welfare were being discussed.

“Such discussions were held in the Villa. Every month people would be invited and issues would be discussed. We’re not saying you shouldn’t do it. But please, carry people along. Let us know why you want to do these things so people will be prepared.

“But you can’t just keep changing the prices without any regard for us? This is what is causing all this frustration. They are not carrying the masses along. They have virtually made it difficult for the NLC to be involved in anything they are doing. Nigeria is not the personal property of anybody.

“If you are going to do anything that will involve the masses, you should call the people who represent the workers at least. You have certain blocks and groups of people in this country that have representatives, even in the so-called business sector that you can talk to,” he explained.

The Nigerian Immigration Service has raised the alarm over the emergence of a new sect known as “ACHAD Life Mission International” in Kaduna State.

According to a circular issued by the NIS, the sect has its headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, one Mr. Yokana, resides in Jos, Plateau State.

The NIS has linked the sect to human trafficking and child separation, and warned that it has been canvassing members both within and outside Nigeria.

The circular, dated January 14, 2025, was issued by the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General of NIS, AA Aridegbe.

It reads in part: “The intelligence reports that the sect has its headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, one Mr. Yokana, lives in Jos, Plateau State. It further notes that the sect neither believes in Islam nor Christianity but preaches the restoration of the African tradition and support to humanity.”

The NIS urged all its state commands, directorates, zones, and training institutions to be vigilant and report any activities related to the sect.

The emergence of the new sect has raised concerns among security agencies and the general public, with many calling for swift action to prevent its spread.

The NIS promised to work closely with other security agencies to monitor the activities of the sect and prevent any potential threats to national security.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday revealed that over 18 transmission towers have been between January 9 and 14.

They were destroyed in Rivers, Abia, and Kano States, according to a press statement of the Public Affairs, General Manager, Ndidi Mbah yesterday.

The statement said, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regrets to announce that over 18 transmission towers were vandalized between January 9 and 14, 2025, across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States.

“Engr. Emmanuel Okpa, General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, reported that routine patrols by linesmen on January 10, 2025, uncovered damage to towers 171 through 181 and tower 184.

“On January 14, vandals targeted towers 146, 147, and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line in Rivers State, removing base brackets and compromising the stability of the towers.”

The TCN statement recalled that in Abia State, Engr. Azuh Lucky, Head of the Lines Department for the Region, reported the theft of bolts, nuts, and structural members from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was under repair on January 13, 2025.

It said meanwhile, in Kano, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line were critically damaged by vandals on January 9, 2025, compromising their structural integrity and risking collapse.

The statement reads in part: “In the early hours of January 17, 2025, vandalized 132kV underground transmission cables were discovered by TCN engineers near Millennium Park in Abuja. This affected power supply to the central area and its environs.

“These incidents pose a significant challenge to our operations as a company. We have bolstered security measures, increased lines patrol, and the number of vigilante groups, and we are also collaborating with security operatives.

“However, we need and are appealing for the full support of every Nigerian, particularly those in communities hosting our installations. We must collectively recognize that the transmission network is our collective asset and essential for our socioeconomic development.

“The vandals and those who buy stolen materials are sabotaging the nation. All hands must be on deck to ensure the growth of the nation’s power sector, which is critical to the development of our country.

“TCN’s grid expansion plans are under tremendous strain due to the persistent vandalism of its installations. The financial implications of constant repairs to vandalized transmission installations, along with the stress on the grid, are having adverse effects on TCNs grid expansion drive.

“This is a clarion call for everyone to join forces with TCN to put an end to this menace and safeguard our electricity network.”