News

BREAKING! Former NLC president is dead

Published

12 months ago

April 2, 2024

Nigeria Labour Congress, former president, Ali Ciroma, is dead.

The Secretary of the Borno State Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ali Ibrahim Ciroma, said in a statement that the late labour leader died at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Tuesday.

The NUJ Secretary is also a family member of the unionist.

The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of Comrade Ali Ciroma, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The sad event occurred this evening (Tuesday, April 2) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

“The burial for the repose of the deceased will be held tomorrow Wednesday 4pm at the residence of the deceased No.7A along Galadima Road near Muhammadu Shuwa Memorial Hospital (Nursing Home), Maiduguri.” Ciroma was the president of the NLC from 1984 to 1988 when he was forced out of office by the then-military administration of Gen Ibrahim Babangida, which dissolved the union.

The Abacha administration brought him back into unionism, appointing him as the Sole Administrator of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

News

Reps to Debate President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers At Wednesday Plenary

Published

5 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This follows constitutional provisions that require the National Assembly to consider such a proclamation within two days if in session or within ten days if not.

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Patrick Umoh, in an interview on the News @10 on Nigeira Television Authority (NTA) explained that Wednesday plenary session will focus on the validity of the declaration and whether it aligns with the constitutional provisions.

Umoh emphasised that the president’s decision was made in response to threats to order and peace, as permitted under the Constitution.

“The President has done so, and there are reasons why this has been done, which are now public knowledge. It is the obligation of Parliament to consider the validity or otherwise of such a proclamation and then take our decision,” Umoh stated.

He also clarified that the House has the power to extend the state of emergency beyond six months if necessary, in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.

According to the lawmaker, he debate, will be conducted in collaboration with the Senate, given Nigeria’s bicameral legislative structure.

Addressing concerns that the state of emergency might lead to militarization and suspension of democratic structures in Rivers, Umoh disagreed with such views, insisting that the president’s decision aligns with democratic principles.

“I can’t concede to the argument of militarization. The decision to declare a state of emergency is in compliance with the Constitution. It is the discretion of Mr. President to appoint who administers the state where the declaration has been made,” he said.

On the possibility that the National Assembly might reject the declaration, Umoh noted that such a decision would mean the emergency rule cannot stand, as the Constitution requires legislative approval.

“If today the decision of Parliament does not go in sync with the declaration of the president, then the decision of emergency cannot stand. That’s the provision of the Constitution,” he stressed.

With the House expected to debate and take a resolution today, all eyes are on the National Assembly to determine the next steps in Rivers State.

News

Army notifies A’Ibom residents ahead of shooting practice exercises

Published

5 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in the Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to hold this year’s first quarter range classification exercise.

The exercise will begin today, March 19 and last till March 28, 2025, according to a statement by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Adebowale Adejimi.

Adejimi appealed to residents within the range area to stay off designated areas and not to panic at the sound of gunshots, adding that adequate preparations had been made for their safety.

“The headquarters 2 Brigade, 2 Brigade Garrison, and other Sub-units are scheduled to hold the First Quarter Range Classification Exercise for the year 2025 at 6 Bn Range Area in Abak LGA, from 19 – 28 Mar 2025.

“Consequently, the good people of Abak LGA are pleased requested to stay off the designated exercise area. They are also requested not to panic at the sound of gunshots.

“They are also to note that adequate measures have been emplaced for safety and security at the range area and environs.

“You are please requested to disseminate this to the general public for their awareness and safety. Thank you for your usual cooperatiom,” the statement added.

It urged residents not to panic at the sight of moving troops and gunshots.

News

APC writes Edo Assembly Speaker on party’s Majority status

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

A shift in leadership is imminent in the Edo State House of Assembly as the All Progressives Congress has formally informed the Assembly of its new majority status.

On Tuesday, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku confirmed the receipt of a letter from the APC, notifying the Assembly of the party’s increased membership following the defection of four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Although the letter was not made public, it marked a significant political shift in the House.

The PDP lawmakers who joined the APC are Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East).

With this development, the APC now has 13 members, while the PDP has 11 members. The Labour Party also lost its sole representative to the APC.

The letter from the APC, titled “Notification of APC Majority Status in the Edo State House of Assembly,” formally declared that the party now holds the majority following the defections.

It also mentioned that the APC would notify the House of any consequential actions regarding this new reality at an appropriate time.

Speaker Agbebaku acknowledged the APC’s majority status, stating, “Going by this letter, it means APC now has a majority in the House.”

He expressed his well wishes to the defected lawmakers, saying, “I want to wish the decampees well, and I wish them good endeavours.”

The Speaker also indicated that he was awaiting another letter from the APC to officially nominate its principal officers, signaling further changes in the House’s leadership.