Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Despite a court injunction, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have initiated an indefinite nationwide strike protesting the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1 and other unresolved labor issues. The unions demand the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the assault. The strike will continue until the government addresses their concerns, despite warnings of contempt of court. The government urges the unions to respect the court order and assures workers of their safety if they report for duty.
2. Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has instructed its members to participate in a nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, starting from Monday midnight. The directive is communicated through a circular signed by Emmanuel Osodeke, the ASUU President, urging members to join the strike on Monday to protect the interests of Nigerian workers and the union’s leadership. The circular instructs zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons to mobilize members for immediate participation in the strike.
3. The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, announced plans to execute President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police personnel from VIP security duties. Speaking at a management retreat in Abuja yesterday, she emphasized the need for the Police Inspectorate Department to focus on monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. The minister highlighted the importance of updating training curricula, adopting cutting-edge technology, and fostering an intelligence-led, community-based police force.
4. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated Governor Duoye Diri for his electoral victory in the Bayelsa State governorship election. Diri, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 175,196 votes, defeating his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku applauded the people of Bayelsa for their support of the PDP and the governor’s reelection, attributing it to his performance in the first term.
5. Despite the ongoing Saudi-Nigerian round table meeting at the Saudi-African summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabian authorities on Monday canceled the visas of 264 passengers airlifted by Nigeria’s Air Peace upon arrival in Jeddah from Kano. The passengers had undergone thorough screening using the Advanced Passengers Prescreening System before departure. The cancellation led to the deportation of 177 passengers. Despite the airline’s exoneration, industry experts, including Group Captain John Ojikutu, called for immediate intervention by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protect Air Peace’s rights under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement.
6. As part of Afreximbank’s Ukraine Crisis Adjustment Trade Financing Programme for Africa (AKAFPA), UBA and Afreximbank signed a trade finance agreement of $150 million. The facility, aimed at supporting UBA’s clients, will finance trade-related transactions and expand financing for various Nigerian economic sectors. The goal is to alleviate the adverse effects of the Russia-Ukraine situation.
7. Nigerian female artist Omawumi has released her latest album, “More,” which reflects her decade-long impact on the Nigerian music scene with genre-bending Afrobeats. The album, released during a vibrant period in Nigerian music, combines enjoyable and thought-provoking tracks. In “More,” Omawumi explores themes of seeking deeper connections, offering prayers for prosperity, and urging leaders to fulfill promises while promoting increased societal awareness.
