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Alleged planned attack: You’re just speculating, FG tells NLC

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged that the State has perfected plans to launch attack against the two-day nationwide peaceful rallies it scheduled for Feb. 27 and 28.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero made the allegation in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

In a swift response, however, the Federal Government has denied the allegation describing it as “speculative.”

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Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy said, by raising the allegation, “NLC is feeling guilty in hatching its hidden agenda influenced by partisan considerations.”

Onanuga who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the alleged attack, said the planned protest was illegal as it was against a subsisting order of court.

He said the NLC had hidden agenda because most of the issues raised by labour for embarking on the protest had been addressed by the government.

Ajaero in his statement entitled, “As the State Prepares to Unleash Violence on us” alleged that one of the groups being primed to attack the peaceful rallies was by a nebulous name, Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF).

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“NCSF is one of the emergency groups put together, funded, promoted and remote-controlled by government to cause violence against our members for electing to peacefully protest against the hunger in the land.

“We would want the State to know that the solution to our horrible economic situation and hunger is not by suppressing peaceful dissent or inflicting violence on peacefully protesting citizens,” he said.

Ajaero insisted that the NLC and civil society allies were moving ahead with the protest rallies against economic hardship and insecurity in line with the decision of the National Executive Council.

“As citizens, we have a fundamental right to peaceful protest and history bears us witness that our protests are always peaceful except in instances of State-engineered violence.

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“In light of this, we advise the State to put on its thinking cap and find solutions to the pains it continues to cause the people instead of further dehumanising them,” he said.

Onanuga, however, insisted that the issues raised by the labour had been addressed by the government, including the payment of wage award of N35,000 for six months.

He said the money had been paid to civil servants up till the month of January 2024 and only that of the month of February was outstanding.

The President’s aide said the federal government had inaugurated a 37-Member Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage to review and come up with an acceptable and sustainable Minimum Wage for the Nigerian Workers.

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He said government had made substantial financial commitments on the provision of CNG Buses and conversion Kits.

According to Onanuga, the busses would be rolled out very soon to alleviate the transportation challenges being faced by Nigerians.

[NAN]

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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

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In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

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In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

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“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

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Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

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…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

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Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

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It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

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Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

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The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.

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