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NLC Blasts Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy Removal, Says It Has Worsened Nigeria’s Woes

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the removal of the fuel subsidy, asserting that the policy has exacerbated the nation’s economic challenges.

Benson Upah, the spokesperson for the NLC, made these remarks in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims during his recent presidential media chat.

During the chat, which took place on Monday at his Lagos residence, President Tinubu defended his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, stating that Nigeria would have been on the brink of disaster if the subsidy had not been abolished. He argued that the removal was essential for securing the country’s financial future and preventing the continued depletion of national resources.

“We are spending our future. We are spending our generation’s fortunes. We are not investing. We are just deceiving ourselves,” the President remarked, reiterating his firm stance on the necessity of the subsidy removal.

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NLC’s Response: Subsidy Removal Has Created More Problems
However, the NLC strongly disagrees with the President’s assessment. In an interview with Punch on Saturday, Upah countered Tinubu’s argument, stating that the removal of the subsidy had not provided the expected solutions but rather worsened the problems faced by ordinary Nigerians.

When asked whether he agreed with the President’s statement, Upah responded firmly, saying, “Certainly no. He (the President) knows the truth.

Nigerians, particularly workers and unions, who argue that the subsidy removal has led to higher fuel prices, increased cost of living, and worsening economic hardship for the majority of the population.

The Debate Over Fuel Subsidy
The removal of the fuel subsidy has been one of the most contentious policies of Tinubu’s administration. While the government insists that it is a necessary step to reduce fiscal burdens and encourage long-term economic growth, critics, including the NLC, claim that it has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups who now face skyrocketing costs for basic goods and services.

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The ongoing debate highlights the deep divide in Nigeria over the best approach to economic reform. Proponents of the subsidy removal argue that it will help reduce government expenditures, while opponents contend that it places an unfair burden on ordinary citizens who already grapple with inflation and unemployment.

As the nation continues to navigate these challenges, the NLC’s response adds to the growing calls for a review of the policy and greater attention to the needs of the average Nigerian in the face of economic reforms.

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Anambra Traditional Ruler Implicated in Community’s Insecurity Scandal

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There is brewing tension in Enugwu-Agidi community over the arrest of a suspected kidnapper Chukwudi Tansi by Soludo’s Agunechemba team.

Recently , the Social media was awash with news about the arrest of Chukwudi Tansi, a member of the Enugwu-Agidi Community Vigilante, apprehended with a cache of firearms, which exposed his alleged involvement in criminal activities that have long plagued Enugwu-Agidi community.

What adds more fuel to the fire is the implication of the traditional ruler of the community in the unfolding drama, as revealed by the President General (PG) of the community, Hon Chukwuebuka Onuorah

Speaking to journalists, the PG, Mr. Onuorah, expressed vindication . He pointed fingers at the traditional ruler for nominating Tansi to the community Vigilante despite prior warnings from the PG about Tansi’s possession of firearms.

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Speaking further, Onuorah said he went as far as writing to the Inspector General of Police, citing threats to his life and the illegal possession of weapons by Tansi, a willing tool in the hand of the traditional ruler.

Part of his letter to the Inspector-General of Police reads:

“After my inauguration, I have received series of threats from the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Agidi HRH Mike Okekeuche of Umuakwuelo-Etiti village, Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria, ranging from forceful invasion of my residence and privacy and restriction of my free movement.

On Friday, 29th March, 2024 at exactly 11:07am, my residence was surrounded and invaded by heavily armed unknown faces who later introduced themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force, claimed to be acting on the instructions of HRH Mike Okekeuche, took me to an unknown destination, but I return glory to God, that the unknown gun men vehemently warned me to denounce my position as the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Nigeria (EBU-NIG) so that Igwe’s choice will be installed and later released me unhurt.

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“The Igwe HRH Mike Okekeuche, through one Chukwudi Tansi and Okonkwo Clement Ugochukwu, well-known members of outlawed IPOB, who parade themselves as soldiers and moving around the community with AK47 rifles have on several occasions attacked me with their guns, threatening to kill me, except I resign and step down from my position as the President General of my Community, and Igwe’s choice installed, that even the local Police are afraid of them. The confidence reposed on me by the good people of Enugwu-Agidi, I do not wish to give away; hence I had to run away for my dear life.

“Sir, in this circumstance, I am writing this petition with hope of consolation vis-a-vis calling attention of Police IRT, Abuja whose track record in tackling heinous crimes is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf in Nigeria, to arrest, and prosecute the above named unscrupulous criminal elements and all that are involved no matter whose ox is gored. Peradventure my complaints get to you late, and my life taken away, you should at least know my killer for I do not wish to join the long list of unresolved murders”.

Corroborating the PG’s account, a social media user from Enugwu-Agidi, Ezeobi, raised pertinent questions about influential figures aiding Tansi’s evasion of justice despite his involvement in serious criminal activities.

In light of these revelations, the PG is now urging for a thorough police investigation to expose the support network shielding individuals like Chukwudi Tansi.

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UK woman in court for sending videos of herself farting to lover’s ex

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A judge has expressed frustration with a woman who admitted to sending videos of herself passing wind to her boyfriend’s ex.

Rhiannon Evans, 25, is believed to be the first person ever to face charges for cyber-farting, an act she carried out over the Christmas period.

Evans sent the videos to Deborah Prytherech, who claimed they caused her significant distress and anxiety. Prosecutor Diane Williams outlined Evans’ actions, saying that the videos showed her “proceeding to pass gas by placing the camera on her bottom and passing the gas.”

Evans sent three videos on December 22 and four more over the following days, including on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Each video featured Evans smiling at the camera while passing wind.

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The police were alerted to the situation and proceeded with an arrest, bringing Evans before the court in Caernarfon.

Evans explained her actions, stating that she felt her partner was being unfairly treated in a dispute with his ex. Her defense lawyer, Harriet Gorst, explained the situation, saying: “There are some issues going on between Miss Evans’s partner and his ex-partner (Ms Prytherech) with regard to child contact.

“At the time she sent these videos, she had some drinks and sent them, understanding now this has caused the victim some distress. She sent them without malicious intent.”

However, Prosecutor Williams argued that the videos were “purely malicious,” pointing out that Evans appeared to be “smirking throughout” and found the situation “hilarious,” while the victim clearly did not.

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Delta govt suspends five head teachers for extortion

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The Delta State Government has suspended five primary school headteachers for extorting pupils through illegal levies.

The action, announced in a statement from the State Ministry of Information, Asaba, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Theresa Adiabua-Oliko, was made public on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Copies of the statement were distributed to journalists in Warri.

The statement noted that this decisive move was to end corruption in the education sector.

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According to the statement, the suspensions followed “an investigation and an on-the-spot visit carried out recently by the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, to schools across the state.”

The statement further disclosed that a formal request was made to the State Universal Basic Education Board for disciplinary action against the affected school heads, who were found guilty of imposing unauthorised levies on pupils taking the 2025 Cognitive and Placement Examination.

It further noted that the schools involved include: “Asamala Primary School, Ugiliamai (Ndokwa West LGA); Abraka Model Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East LGA); Ekrejeta Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East LGA); and Origin Primary School, Orogun (Ughelli North LGA).”

The government’s swift response underscores its unwavering zero-tolerance policy on corruption and its commitment to ensuring that the state’s educational resources are properly utilised.

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“This administration will not condone any form of exploitation in our schools,” the statement warned, emphasizing that further punitive measures await any official found guilty of malpractice.

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