Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday, August 20, declined to appear for a scheduled police interview regarding allegations of terrorism financing and other serious accusations. Ajaero, who had been summoned by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) just a day earlier, cited prior commitments as the reason for his non-attendance. Through his legal representatives at Falana and Falana Chambers, the labour leader communicated his intention to reschedule the meeting for August 29, 2024, and requested detailed information about the allegations leveled against him. The police summons, which was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of…

The Nigerian government’s recent acquisition of a $100 million presidential jet has ignited widespread criticism, with many questioning the necessity of such a purchase during a period of intense economic hardship. As protests over rising poverty and hunger continue, citizens are increasingly vocal about the government’s priorities. Bayo Onanuga, a government spokesperson, shared images of the new jet on his verified X handle, giving the public its first glimpse of the latest addition to the presidential fleet. These images have quickly become a focal point of controversy, fueling the growing debate over whether the government is out of touch with…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday upheld the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, dismissing an appeal by the Edo State House of Assembly to sustain his impeachment. Shaibu, who was impeached on April 8, 2024, for alleged misconduct, including the disclosure of government secrets, was previously reinstated by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who declared the impeachment unconstitutional. The appellate court’s decision further intensifies the ongoing political struggle in Edo State, where tensions between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki have been mounting. Nigerians across the country are now closely…

In a tearful farewell at the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden announced his decision to step down from his bid for a second term during a heartfelt speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday. The 81-year-old leader, wiping away tears, delivered a farewell address that underscored his deep connection to the nation and the legacy he has built over more than five decades in public service. Biden’s decision to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris came after weeks of intense discussions within the Democratic Party. Senior party leaders, including former President Barack Obama, had privately expressed…

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to utilize its 2023 dividends, initially intended for the federation, to address the increasing costs of the nation’s petrol subsidy. The Cable report. This decision comes as the NNPCL faces soaring subsidy costs, projected to reach N6.884 trillion by the end of 2024. To ease the financial strain on the state-owned oil giant, Tinubu also sanctioned the suspension of 2024 interim dividend payments, allowing NNPCL to bolster its cash flow amid warnings that the subsidy burden could prevent the company from remitting nearly N4…

The UK and other European countries have been placed on the highest level of alert amid concerns that a more virulent strain of the virus may have already reached British shores. The move follows an alarming confirmation from Swedish health authorities that the deadly strain, dubbed ‘Clade 1b,’ has breached their borders, prompting heightened vigilance across Europe, despite no confirmed cases in the UK yet. In response to the confirmed case in Sweden, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has elevated its risk level. The ‘Clade 1b’ strain is notably more severe than previous variants, carrying a higher…

Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant development, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force has officially summoned Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for questioning. Ajaero is being investigated on serious allegations that include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police’s invitation letter, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, warns of severe consequences if Ajaero fails to comply. “You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old…

Tel Aviv, Israel — In a significant diplomatic development, Israel has agreed to a proposed ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, a move that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed following high-stakes talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two-and-a-half-hour meeting, held on Monday, underscores the urgency of halting the ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since the October 7 attacks. The ceasefire proposal, structured as a three-phase process, demands that Hamas release all hostages taken during the initial assault. In return, Israel would withdraw its military forces from Gaza and agree to…

The UK government has thrown its weight behind the growing shift towards remote work. This comes as Downing Street signals potential reforms to bolster workers’ rights, including a proposed “right to switch off” outside of office hours. The government is considering introducing this new right as part of a comprehensive workers’ rights package, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Starmer’s spokesman emphasized that the goal of these reforms is to improve the UK’s low productivity levels while ensuring that workers remain motivated and engaged. “Good employers understand that for workers to stay motivated and productive, they need to be…

Perth, Australia — In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title, submitting Israel Adesanya in the main event on Saturday. The South African fighter, who claimed the belt earlier this year by split decision against Sean Strickland, showcased his strength and skill in a dramatic fight that culminated in a third-round submission. The contest, held in a packed arena in Perth, saw Du Plessis, 30, deliver a standout performance against Adesanya, who was vying to reclaim the middleweight crown and secure a third championship title. The fight reached its decisive moment when…