Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has suspended its strike which it declared on Tuesday. The nationwide strike had been due to an attack on NLC president Joe Ajaero. The strike was suspended on November 15, 2023, following a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who appealed for negotiations. The suspension came after the federal government assured the unions of addressing their demands related to the attack on Ajaero. The labor unions demanded justice, including investigation, prosecution, and dismissal of those involved in the attack. The NSA confirmed arrests and ongoing investigations, leading to the unions directing members to cease the strike and resume work on November 16, 2023. The strike had occur despite a restraining order, with the government calling it illegal and unwarranted.
2. On Wednesday evening, U.S. Capitol Police officers clashed with demonstrators outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington during a protest demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The protest, organized by three advocacy groups, led to clashes, arrests, and injuries among protesters and police. Lawmakers inside the DNC building were evacuated due to the protest. The organizers rejected allegations of violence and stated that the demonstration aimed to call for a ceasefire and remember Palestinians killed during Israel’s bombardment.
3. The U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping finally had a four-hour meeting on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to improve the strained U.S.-China relationship, addressed notable points including agreements on curbing fentanyl production and restoring military communication. The leaders acknowledged remaining tensions, including the issues surrounding Taiwan, the war between Israel and Hamas, technology exports, and the overall effort to manage U.S.-China relations.
4. The leaders of 57 Arab and Muslim countries, who gathered in Riyadh, expressed disappointment over the perceived failure of the UN Security Council to restrain Israel’s military actions in Gaza. While the Arab leaders are now observing the growing influence of Moscow and Beijing, with China mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia and President Putin supporting Syria’s President Assad, they still value their relationship with the West but want their concerns heard, and a halt to the violence in Gaza before the situation escalates further.
5. Meanwhile, a Canadian man, Nathaniel Veltman has been accused of killing a Muslim family in London, Ontario. Prosecutors claim that Veltman aimed to instill fear among all Muslims for their safety, intending to send a brutal message. Veltman faces multiple charges, including four first-degree murder charges and terrorism counts. The prosecution argues that the attack was motivated by white nationalist ideologies, emphasizing Veltman’s radicalization and his documented hatred for Muslims. The jury, considering murder and terrorism charges, must decide on Veltman’s guilt and the nature of his actions.
6. Nigeria’s inflation has reached an 18-year high. The inflation rate rose to 27.33%, with food prices being a significant driver. Factors such as increased prices of oil, fat, bread, cereals, and other essential items contributed to a food inflation rate of 31.52%. The report notes that rising prices are straining consumer budgets, making it challenging for many to afford basic necessities. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented rate hikes and reforms to combat inflation, raising concerns about the impact on the economy and the credibility of these measures. The rising inflation is attributed to various factors, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the naira against the dollar.
7. 28-year-old Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, has passed away shortly after pleading to be taken to a medical facility. In a video shared on his Instagram story, Oladips questioned his manager, Rasheed, about being left alone despite warnings to which he responded that he had gone to get the medications Oladips asked for. Shortly after, Oladips urgently requested to be taken to a hospital. A week earlier Oladips in a tweet asked fans to pray for him as he wasn’t feeling well.
