News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have temporarily suspended their nationwide strike following mediation by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. 

The decision, announced after a one-hour meeting, reflects the unions’ trust in Ribadu’s commitment to addressing their concerns without political bias.

The National Deputy President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, clarified that the suspension is temporary, pending the government’s response to their demands. 

The strike, triggered by an alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero during a protest in Imo State, prompted the NSA to apologize for the incident and assure the labour leaders of justice.

While the labour unions find solace in the NSA’s intervention, the organised Private Sector (OPS) criticizes the timing, expressing concerns over potential economic repercussions. 

The nation awaits further developments as the temporary suspension hinges on the government’s actions within the specified timeframe.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Muhammad Sanusi II, voiced concerns over the inflationary pressures and devaluation of the naira caused by the CBN’s lending to the federal government through Ways and Means during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

He stated this in a recent statement at MTN Capital Markets Day. 

Sanusi highlighted that the central bank had pursued aggressive monetary tightening using various liquidity control instruments, including open market operations, open buyback (OBB), and high T-bill rates. 

This, he noted, demonstrated the bank’s commitment to its core mandate of ensuring financial system stability and controlling inflation. 

Expressing optimism for the short term, Sanusi acknowledged the recent efforts by the central bank to address the issue.

He pointed out that the central bank had initiated a process of aggressive tightening, evident in the OBB rates approaching appropriate levels in the last few weeks. 

While recognizing the central bank’s ability to employ different instruments to mop up excess money, Sanusi emphasized the importance of minimizing costs to both the central bank and the government’s balance sheet.

He noted the necessity of relying more on non-conventional instruments for this purpose. 

Sanusi urged understanding from the audience, stating that the effects of new monetary policies take time to manifest.

He expressed confidence in the current measures being undertaken by the central bank, emphasizing the importance of tightening money, addressing backlogs, and funding the market for achieving stability in the financial system.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has declared an indefinite extension of the legal tender status for the old design N200, N4500, and N1,000 denominations.

These banknotes will continue to be accepted as valid currency in Nigeria without a specified deadline. 

The decision, communicated in a statement released on Tuesday, is explained as being in accordance with international best practices and aimed at preventing a recurrence of past challenges.

The CBN emphasized the importance of aligning with global standards in this decision. 

Furthermore, the statement revealed that the CBN is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to overturn an existing court ruling on the same matter.

This indicates the central bank’s commitment to streamlining currency policies and ensuring a smooth transition in the acceptance of various denominations. 

As a result of this extension, Nigerians can expect the continued circulation and acceptance of the mentioned banknotes in day-to-day transactions, providing stability and flexibility in the country’s monetary landscape.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a show of solidarity, nineteen influential unions have thrown their weight behind the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), declaring an indefinite nationwide strike.

This unanimous decision, forged during the National Executive Council meeting on November 13, 2023, in Abuja, echoes a resolute call for the protection of workers’ rights.

The impetus behind this joint action lies in the perceived indifference of the Federal Government toward critical issues affecting workers—ranging from disputes over the minimum wage to escalating concerns about insecurity, corruption, and governance challenges.

The recent turmoil in Imo, marked by the alleged mistreatment of NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero and fellow union members, served as a poignant catalyst for change.

Among the unions lending their collective voice to the cause are:

Academic Staff Union of Universities.

Senior Staff Associations of Nigerian Universities.

College of Education Academic Staff Union.

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics.

National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees.

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics.

Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria.

National Association of Academic Technologists.

National Union of Postal and Telecommunication Employees.

Nigeria Union Of Local Government Employees.

Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.

Nigeria Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers.

National Union of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria.

National Associations of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.

National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees.

Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria.National Union of Electricity Employees.

Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria.

Nigeria Union of Railway Workers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Turmoil engulfed the National Assembly Complex today as workers joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in an indefinite nationwide strike, flouting a court order that attempted to restrain the unions. 

The spark for this collective action traces back to an incident on November 1, 2023, when Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, faced an assault in Imo State, prompting the unions to issue a nationwide strike notice last week. 

As of 12:23 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Assembly Complex resembled a fortress, with all its gates securely locked.

Workers who arrived at the scene found themselves stranded, a testament to the strength of the protest. 

Remarkably, despite the chaos at the entrance, plenary sessions in the House of Representatives persisted, creating a stark visual contrast between the determined protesters outside and the ongoing legislative business inside.  

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The United Nations (UN) has mourned staff of the organization killed by the Israel attacks in Gaza. 

The UN Secretary-General, Antònio Guterres, disclosed the development in a tweet on Monday. 

According to Guterres, more than 100 staff of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency met their death as a result of the raging war. 

“Today, the @UN family observed a moment of silence to mourn & honour our colleagues killed in Gaza. Since the start of this conflict, more than 100 @UNRWA staff have lost their lives – the highest number of UN aid workers killed in a conflict in such a short time. They will never be forgotten.” He tweeted.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Correctional Service in Kano State disclosed that 140 individuals on death row are awaiting execution. 

The spokesman for the Kano State Command, Musbahu Kofar-Nassarawa, conveyed this information to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, emphasizing that the condemned individuals comprise both genders. 

Mr Kofar-Nassarawa clarified that the Kano Correctional Centre lacks a hangman as it operates as a Medium Security Custodial Centre.

The absence of a hangman further complicates the situation, raising questions about the state’s preparedness for implementing capital punishment. 

He pointed out that the governors in the state have not taken decisive action by either signing death warrants or commuting the sentences of those on death row to life imprisonment.

The complex nature of the legal process and the reluctance of the governors have contributed to a growing number of individuals in a state of limbo, awaiting a final decision on their fate. 

Mr Kofar-Nassarawa highlighted that some governors utilize constitutional provisions to release inmates, relying on recommendations from the Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy to alleviate congestion in correctional centers.

The plight of these 140 inmates underscores the broader challenges within the criminal justice system and the need for swift and decisive action to address their uncertain future.

By Ishaka Mohammed

Meta’s instant messenger, WhatsApp, has allowed Android users to have two active accounts on one phone.

The Daily Reality confirmed the development after accessing a Facebook post by one Pal Kelly Media.

Recall that on October 19, 2023, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms, Mark Zuckerberg, revealed the company’s intention to enable multiple WhatsApp accounts on Android.

WhatsApp also reported the same in a blog post guiding users on how to add a new account. Part of the post reads as follows:

“Today, we’re introducing the ability to have two WhatsApp accounts on Android logged in at the same time. Helpful for switching between accounts – such as your work and personal – now you no longer need to log out each time, carry two phones or worry about messaging from the wrong place.

“To set up a second account, you will need a second phone number and SIM card or a phone that accepts multi-SIM or eSIM. Simply open your WhatsApp settings, click on the arrow next to your name, and click ‘Add account’. You can control your privacy and notification settings on each account.”

However, users are required to update their WhatsApp to enable them to access the new feature.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, bail. 

On Wednesday, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered that the former apex bank manager be released to his lawyers immediately. 

According to the judge, Emefiele must also deposit his travel documents before the chief registrar of the court, pending his arraignment. 

The judge faulted his detention without trial and advised the government to end that practice.  

Justice Adeneyi added that the court must also not overlook the fact that he has been in detention for 151 days, and the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation must abide by court order.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has warned those calling for the arrest of Dr Zakir Naik to mind their business. The organisation insists that the Islamic preacher is exercising his Allah-given fundamental human right of freedom of movement under international law. MURIC further warned that anybody found embarrassing to the Sultan’s guest would face the wrath of Nigerian Muslims. 

The warning was handed down on Sunday, 5th November 2023, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola. 

The full statement reads:

“A campaign of calumny and religious hatred has been unleashed on an international Islamic figure, Dr Zakir Naik, who is currently in Nigeria. Dr Zakir Naik is in the country on the invitation of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

“The campaign is being sponsored by Christians who are jittery. They are aware of the visitor’s oratory, intellectual prowess and amazing ability to convince his audience with indubitable facts. We remind these overzealous interlopers that Dr Zakir Naik is exercising his Allah-given fundamental human right of freedom of movement. 

“Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations guarantees the right to freedom of movement around the globe without interference. It says, ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

“Those behind this shameful exercise are meddlesome interlopers and Muslim haters disguising themselves as public commentators. They are motivated by hate, ignorance and gymnastic religiosity. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, we warn that anybody found embarrassing an official guest of His Eminence the Sultan and head of more than 150 million Nigerian Muslims will face the wrath of Muslims in this country.

“Why are our Christian neighbours so intolerant? How many times have Muslims raised objections when Christians invite foreign preachers? Several Christian preachers have toured this country without any Muslim protesting. 

“We recall the way Louis Farrakhan, the black American Muslim leader, was disallowed from giving a lecture in Nigeria in 1986. That ugly and disgraceful incident was engineered by the same set of people. It must not happen again.

“To those who are pursuing this ignoble goal, we say, ‘Take notice that Dr Zakir Naik is not Louis Farrakhan and Nigeria of 1986 is different from Nigeria in 2023. Nigerian Muslims of today, under a dynamic and visionary leadership, can give measure for measure.’ 

“The whole world knows the Indian government for what it is when it comes to religious tolerance. The crimes of the Indian state against its Muslim population of 204 million Muslims are legendary. Muslim haters in Nigeria should allow the Indian government to convince Interpol to do its dirty work for it. 

“India has failed to involve Interpol because its allegations against Dr Zakir Naik are religiously motivated. How did the Islamic scholar travel across several countries without Interpol arresting him if, indeed, he is a wanted person? Let the Indian government convince Interpol first.

“As far as we are concerned, Dr Zakir Naik has not broken any known law of Nigeria. He is, therefore, innocent and free to move around and deliver lectures. We remind the law enforcement agencies of their duty to ensure the safety and security of this Islamic scholar. Nothing must happen to him. It is needless to assert that any guest of the Sultan is a guest of all Nigerian Muslims.”

#LeaveDrZaikNaikAlone