Naijanews – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a notice of a nationwide strike on November 8, 2023, to protest the assault, abduction and battering of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other labour leaders by suspected agents of the Imo State government and security operatives.

The labour unions made this announcement at a press briefing on Friday, where they presented a six-point demand to the Federal Government, which includes the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State and the Area Commander, as well as other officials who were allegedly involved in the brutalisation and humiliation of Comrade Ajaero and his colleagues.

What Happened to the NLC President and Other Labour Leaders?

According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, when the NLC President, along with other national leaders of NLC and TUC, arrived at the NLC State Secretariat in Owerri to commence a scheduled protest over pending labour issues in the state.

Some of the issues that the labour unions wanted to address were the backlog of unpaid salaries and allowances, pensions, gratuities, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act by the Imo State government.

However, as soon as they gathered at the secretariat, they were attacked by a group of thugs and security personnel, who smashed their vehicles, inflicted injuries on them and dispossessed them of their handsets, money, ATM cards and other valuables.

The NLC President, Comrade Ajaero, was reportedly abducted and taken to an unknown location, where he was beaten and tortured. He was later released after the intervention of some senior police officers and civil society groups.

How Did the Labour Unions and the Public React to the Attack?

The attack, brutalisation and battering of the NLC President and other labour leaders have sparked outrage and condemnation across the country, as well as from international organisations and human rights groups.

The labour unions have described the attack as an act of barbarism, intimidation and violation of the fundamental rights of workers and citizens to peaceful protest and expression.

They have also accused the Imo State government and the police of being behind the attack, and have demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

The labour unions have vowed to mobilise their members and allies for a nationwide strike on November 8, 2023, if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands and ensure the safety and dignity of workers in the country.

They have also called on the public to join them in solidarity and resist any attempt to suppress the voice of the workers and the people.

Naijanews – In a farewell ceremony held in Abuja, retiring Justice Muhammad Dattijo delivered a poignant critique of Nigeria Supreme Court, shedding light on the pervasive bribery and perversion of justice that has tarnished the institution’s reputation.

His remarks echoed those of former Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, who retired earlier this year, further highlighting the deep-rooted corruption within the upper echelons of the Nigerian judiciary.

As public anger intensifies, questions arise about the court’s ability to deliver impartial justice and protect the nation from collapse.

The Judiciary’s Descent from Grace

Justice Dattijo expressed his concern over the judiciary’s descent from grace, questioning whether the esteemed title of “Honourable Justice” still holds meaning.

He lamented the denigration of the Apex Court, which has been labeled a group of purchasable judicial bandits by a prominent social commentator.

This alarming state of affairs raises crucial questions about how the judiciary reached this point and why the public fears unpredictable judicial pronouncements.

Urgent introspection and a comprehensive overhaul are necessary to restore public confidence.

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The Supreme Court’s Controversial Decision

The Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office despite his violation of the Constitution has further fueled public criticism.

President Tinubu presented a forged academic document to the Independent National Electoral Commission, a clear contravention of Section 137 (1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution.

Despite overwhelming evidence, the court sidestepped the forgery issue, claiming that the evidence was presented too late.

This decision, seen by many as evidence of capture, has raised serious doubts about the court’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Concerns about Judicial Integrity

Justice Dattijo’s remarks also shed light on concerns surrounding the integrity of judges and justices.

He questioned the increasing trend of children and spouses of judicial officers joining the bench, raising doubts about nepotism and potential conflicts of interest.

Chief Justice Kayode Ariwoola, who was present at the event, faced criticism when his colleague highlighted his son’s induction into the Nigerian judiciary and his suspicious trip to meet President Tinubu in London.

These incidents, coupled with the chief justice’s previous expressions of disdain for public opinion and alleged partisan statements, further erode public trust in the judiciary.

All You Need To Know

Justice Dattijo’s scathing critique of Nigeria’s Supreme Court exposes a deeply troubling reality of corruption and a loss of public trust.

The judiciary’s descent from grace, coupled with controversial decisions and concerns about judicial integrity, demands immediate attention and reform.

As Nigerians intensify their criticism, it is crucial for the judiciary to restore its credibility, uphold the rule of law, and regain the confidence of the Nigerian people.

Only through a comprehensive rethink and hard reset can the Supreme Court reclaim its rightful place as the guardian of justice in Nigeria.

(Naijanews) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made changes to the list of candidates for the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Imo states.

The new list, which was signed by INEC’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and posted on INEC’s website on Tuesday, showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had no candidate for the Bayelsa election.

This was because the Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled that Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate, and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, were ineligible to contest the election.

The court said that Mr Sylva had already served as governor of Bayelsa for five years and had been sworn in twice, which would violate the 1999 constitution as amended if he ran again.

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The court also said that Mr Sylva would exceed the maximum of eight years in office as governor if he won and was sworn in.

Therefore, the space for the APC candidate and his running mate on the list was left blank with “court order” remarks.

On the other hand, INEC added the names of Uchechukwu Ishiodu and Ahumbe Chiazor as the governorship candidate and running mate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the Imo election.

This was because the Federal High Court in Owerri had ordered INEC to include the PRP and its candidate on the list of candidates for the Imo election.

Ms Oriaran-Anthony explained that INEC was bound by section 287 of the constitution to enforce the orders of court on nomination of candidates by political parties in both states.

She said that INEC had published the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa and Imo governorship elections on June 9 per section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Election.

However, She said that after the publication, INEC was served with different orders of court regarding the nomination of candidates by some parties for both elections.

She said that the amended list of candidates for both elections was done in accordance with the orders of court served on INEC.