NLC/TUC Reached Agreement With FGN : Suspend Strike
JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE RESOLUTION OF TRADE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA (FGN) AND THE ORGANIZED LABOUR REPRESENTED BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) HELD AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL ON SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER 2020
A Bipartite Meeting between the FGN and the two Labour Centres – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),
Having been convened at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja to discuss emerging labour issues arising from recent cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,
Recognizing the public outcry and protest over the recent Federal Government twin policies on Electricity Tariff Reform and full implementation of deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry resulting in the planned nation-wide industrial action by Organised Labour,
Bearing in mind the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world economy,
Further bearing in mind that due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic the world is undergoing socio-economic transition which has affected price stability, sustainability of enterprises, employment, and other socio-economic indices,
Acknowledging that the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy has given rise to the need for a new socio-economic order,
Recognising the need to sustain enterprises for retention and creation of jobs as well as sustainable growth and development,
Acknowledging the need for social concertation between the Federal Government and workers’ representatives, namely the two Labour Centres – The NLC and TUC,
To aid in the dialogue and communication, the Federal Government side made presentations to show the state of economy and the drive behind the recent cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,
Bipartite meeting to address and resolve the issues in dispute between the FG and Labour Centres were held on September 15, 24, and 27, 2020,
After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.
After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, the following resolutions were reached and mutually adopted:
ELECTRICITY TARIFF REFORMS
The parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine:
the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC;
metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll – out.
The Technical Committee membership is as follows:
Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN – Hon. Minister of State Labour & Employment – Chairman
Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba – Hon. Minister of State Power – Member
Prof. James Momoh – Chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission – Member
Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari – SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure – Member/Secretary
Dr. Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen – Member (NLC)
Comrade Joe Ajaero – Member (NLC)
Comrade Chris Okonkwo – Member (TUC)
1no. Representative of DISCOS – Member
The Terms of Reference (ToR) are as follows:
To examine the justification for the new policy on cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.
To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate.
Examine and advise Government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters.
To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour.
The Technical sub – committee is to submit its report within two (2) weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.
The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as “stand – alone” items:
The 40% stake of Government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCO’s Boards.
An all-inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MOU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with Labour represented.
That going forward, the moribund National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) be inaugurated before the end of the year 2020 to institutionalize the process of tripartism and socio dialogue on socio – economic and major labour matters to forestall crisis
DOWNSTREAM SECTOR DEREGULATION
Consequent upon the critical review of the various challenges of the downstream sector of the Nigeria oil and gas industry vis a vis the incalculable losses associated with a subsidy regime the Country has been incurring in terms of, stifled growth in the downstream sector, diminished human capital development and massive financial leakages and flight. This is in addition to the dire financial circumstances of the Federation that precludes any ability to sustain any subsidy on PMS and making deregulation of PMS inevitable. Consequently, the Parties agreed to the following:
All parties agreed on the urgency for increasing the local refining capacity of the nation to reduce the overdependency on importation of petroleum products to ensure energy security, reduce cost of finished products, increase employment and business opportunities for Nigerians.
To address (1) above, NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the nation’s four refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna and to achieve 50% completion for Port Harcourt by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by the inclusive Steering Committee.
To ensure Commitment and transparency to the processes and timelines of the rehabilitation exercise, the management of NNPC has offered to integrate the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) into the Steering Committee already established by the Corporation.
A Validation team comprising the representatives of the NNPC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), NUPENG and PENGASSAN will be established to monitor progress of the rehabilitation of the refineries and the pipelines/strategic depots network and advice the Steering Committee periodically.
Post rehabilitation, NNPC shall involve the PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the Nation’s refineries.
The Federal Government will facilitate the delivery of licensed modular and regular refineries, involvement of upstream companies in petroleum refining and establishing framework for financing in the downstream sector.
NNPC to expedite work on the Build Operate and Transfer framework for the nation’s pipelines and strategic depots network for efficient transportation and distribution of Petroleum products to match the delivery timelines of the refineries as agreed.
The Federal Government and its agencies to ensure delivery of 1 million CNG/LPG AutoGas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel. A Governance Structure that will include representatives of organized Labour shall be established for timely delivery.
GENERAL INTERVENTION
To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector, the Federal Government will implement the following:
A specific amount to be unveiled by the FGN in two weeks’ time will be isolated from the Economic Sustainability Programme Intervention Fund and be accessed by Nigerian Workers with subsequent provision for 240,000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture. The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting.
Federal Government will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable.
Federal Government will make available to organized labour 133 CNG/LPG driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the Country on a scale up basis thereafter to all States and Local Governments before December 2021.
Housing: 10% be allocated to Nigerian workers under the ongoing Ministry of Housing and Finance initiative through the NLC and TUC.
Consequently, the NLC and TUC agreed to suspend the planned industrial action.
ORGANISED LABOUR;
___________________ __________________
Ayuba Wabba, mni Quadri Olalaye
NLC PRESIDENT TUC PRESIDENT
_________________ __________________
Emmanuel Ugboaja Musa Lawal Ozigi, mni Secretary General NLC Secretary General TUC
_________________ __________________
Williams E. Akporeha Festus Osifo
NUPENG President PENGASSAN President
___________________ __________________
Martin Uzoegwu Chris N. Okonkwo
President NUEE President, SSAEAC
FOR GOVERNMENT:
__________________ _______________________
Timipre Sylva Festus Keyamo, SAN
Hon. Min. of State Petroleum Hon. Min. of State Labour & Employment
__________________ _____________________
Alh Lai Mohammed Godwin Jedy-Agba
Hon. Min. of Information & Culture Hon. Min. of State Power
_________________________
Sen. (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, OON, MD.
Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment
_______________________________
Boss Mustapha
Secretary to the Government of the Federation
PUBLIC NOTICE BY THE YORUBA WORLD CONGRESS DELEGATION TO THE MNN ALLIANCE – September 26, 2020
The attention of the Yoruba World Congress (YWC) Delegation to the MNN Alliance has been drawn to a Statement dated September 24, 2020, purportedly issued Jointly by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a nascent organization described as Yoruba One Voice (YOV).
While it is acknowledged that the fast degenerating situation of Nigeria should be of concern to all and that it is within the Democratic Rights of anyone or Group to express concerns or take positions on such issues, the YWC wishes to alert the General Public that the said “Yoruba One Voice” is not known to or affiliated with the Yoruba World Congress and that the impression created by the aforementioned Joint Statement about some working relationship involving the Yoruba Nation are untrue and misleading.
For the avoidance of doubt, the MNN Alliance which involves the South and the Middle Belt and with which the YWC is associated, is coordinated in the Eastern Half of Southern Nigeria by the Lower Niger Congress.
It is one thing to Desire or even Agitate for Oduduwa Republic or Biafra Republic; it is another to have a Potent Plan that can deliver the Self-Determination and Independence Desired.
The YWC and it’s MNN Alliance Partners believe that it is more important to Distill and Deploy a Plan that can Deliver Independence than to entertain ourselves with hollow chants of “We want Oduduwa Republic” or “Give us Biafra” and so are pursuing our Collective Objectives within a Clear Strategy and Roadmap now on the threshold of a Joint Multi-Regional Action in furtherance of the Alliance’s Repudiation of the Fraudulent, Unitary 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Otunba Folashade Olukoya.
YWC Chief-Liaison to MNN Joint Secretariat.
BRITISH LAWMAKERS SHOULD WORK WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI, NOT FALL FOR PROPAGANDA
BRITISH LAWMAKERS, LEGAL EXPERTS AND CAMPAIGNERS SHOULD WORK WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI, NOT FALL FOR PROPAGANDA
The President and Government of Nigeria welcome the seriousness of the letter from UK lawmakers, legal experts and campaigners. We welcome the attention paid to this serious challenge by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and seek to work with you, the Commonwealth and all concerned parties to bring a lasting solution to herder-farmer clashes, and the threat posed to all Nigerians – and the Sahel region as a whole – from Boko Haram terrorists and their allies.
We ask our British colleagues to visit Nigeria, whether formally or informally to discuss all the points raised in their letter. Our government is made equally of Christian and Muslim cabinet members; our Vice President is an Evangelical Pastor. We have everything to gain as a country through international cooperation with concerned, senior British parliamentarians and policymakers. The threat to civilians and peaceful co-existence between different ethnic and religious groups from Boko Haram, banditry and land disputes is of serious concern to the President and the government. It is incorrect, however, to assert that the government has or is doing nothing to address these intertwined threats.
Firstly, there are on-going efforts for the establishment of cattle ranches to prevent or curtail open grazing, the practice that brings herders and farmers into conflict. This is an age-old problem facing Nigerian Governments since the colonial days. However, matters of land distribution are dealt with at state level. This means willingness has to be shown by state governors to drive the process forward. The Federal Government launched a plan last year to work with states to address these issues – together. Unfortunately, this has been lacking in some states.
Secondly, with regards to the long and determined battle waged against Boko Haram, Nigerians are aware of the efforts made by this Government. When the government came to power, the terrorist group held and administered an area the size of Belgium. Now they hold none. The terrorists are hiding out amongst remote forests and across borders. This makes it difficult to extinguish the final flames of the insurgency, and the government has no illusions of the potent threat still posed. However, the progress made cannot be denied.
Thirdly, in the face of rising crime and insecurity, the government’s new community policing initiative was launched this month. 10,000 new constables are being recruited from the areas they will safeguard – as opposed to past practice. The government hopes this will bring policing closer to local communities. N13 billion has been earmarked for this initiative.
At the same time as we take note of the lawmakers’ letter, it is also important to stress to our partners and colleagues in the United Kingdom that not all who press them have the best interests of either democratic governance or peaceful coexistence in mind. For example, the former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, named and quoted in the letter as a source on military matters, relinquished that position some 40 years ago – in 1979. He was last in a government position 17 years ago in 2003 (as Minister of Defence). At that time, religious and ethnic riots erupted in two states of the federation, (2001 and 2002), these were violently and ruthlessly put down by the military under his authority, leading to the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of some further 50,000 persons. He is, therefore, not a natural source of pressure for good governance.
Another, signatory to the letter, is well-known to be associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a Nigerian-blacklisted terrorist group. The IPOB are running a well-known (source-of-financing-unknown) international campaign intended to damage the reputation of Nigeria and its government in order to further their cause of “independence”. He jumped bail in Nigeria. He frequently travels on a Nigerian passport but urged his supporters to burn their passports! The IPOB barely mention their aims in their publicity; neither do they mention that their own leadership do not claim to be Christian. Yet, their media and lobbying campaign has focused near-exclusively on promoting matters related to Christianity in Nigeria, promulgating false claims that a government with 50 per cent of its cabinet and 50 per cent of its State Governors who are Christian somehow works against Christians. We call on our British friends and colleagues to join us in addressing genuine solutions not pander to agents of anarchy.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 24, 2020
Special Announcement: PRM Appoints State Coordinator
The national executives and BOTs of People Restoration Mission( PRM) are happy to announce the appointment of Mr Chibuzor Chukwuemeka as the Coordinator of Anambra State effective immediately. He hails from Aguata Local Government ,Anambra State.Mr Chukwuemeka is a reputable business man and the Coordinator of 1 million march crusade in Anambra state.
Mr Chibuzor Chukwuemeka has the support of BOTs and national executives to setup LGA chapters of PRM and give all appointed local government Mobilizers the required information and gadgets for effective mobilization.
Kindly join BOTs and national executives of PRM in congratulating Mr Chibuzor Chukwuemeka on his appointment as Anambra State Coordinator of PRM.
Peoples Restoration Mission (PRM) is an ideologically driven political mass movement created to practically engage the public on the need to elect credible and visionary people into political positions and to provoke discussions for autonomous regional Government within the political circle.
Obumneke Ejimnkeonye Okafor,
South East Coordinator,
Peoples Restoration Mission (PRM)
WHAT THE IGBO SHOULD DO: A WISE REFECTION FROM OBI THOMPSON
“Kalu’s dramatic re-emergence changes the dynamics of everything…between Anglo-Fulani/Nigerian triumphalism since the War; and Bifran/ Eastern Nigerian agitation for Truth-Justice. Israel would not adopt the manifest open indulgence of him, except they have thought through it. Buhari’s open campaign for Palestine at the UN has consequences, that might be part of what we see here.
True leadership is called for in Igboland now…to navigate the minefields. Britain. whose interest Fulani represent, is still strategic ally of Israel. They could deal behind the scene. But we can definitely push now for Aburi-structure Nigeria”.
Nnamdi Kanu may not be without shortcomings. But I don’t know ANYONE who is perfect. .It is clear to me that any entity in Igboland or Igbo diaspora, individual or organization, who fails to allign 100% with Nnamdi Kanu, is pursuing an agenda that may serve any other interest but not Igbos’. Regardless of some of his utterances, we cannot afford to miss this window of opportunity Nnamdi Kanu has OPENED for the CAUSE. He is the INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACE OF THE CAUSE FOR NOW. Everyone should SUPPORT HIM IN THAT SPACE by avoiding local actions and or utterances that contradict or repudiate his stance. Of course there is no agreement on whether Biafra is what we want. But there is no disagreement that the so-called 1999 ‘constitution’ is an article of Igbo servitude and enslavement in Nigeria, even in the unlikelihood of an Igbo presidency under it. This is our best opportunity to get rid of it.
The Intelligence agencies of Israel, and those of Britain, are actively on the ground. Britain will eagerly and enthusiastically pass over to Moshad anything to discourage Israeli support for Nnamdi Kanu. We will be playing into their hands by any open disagreement with Nnamdi Kanu. This is the REALITY that most people do not think about. Right now, there are many Igbos who are ready to be used against Nnamdi Kanu either by inducements or because they feel overshadowed by him.
I plead with everyone to check his greed and or ego. There is too much at stake right now. For years, I have consistently maintained and told the leaderships of WIC, ADF, Igbo Leaders of Thought and Ohaneze that Israel is the ONLY country that may have a sympathetic disposition towards our predicament. But nobody has been able to get as close as Nnamdi Kanu has towards that objective. Let us pocket our petty grudges and personal interests. He is now a strategic asset. Let those who claim to have no other interest than Igbo liberation swallow whatever insult or disrespect they feel he meted them. I have NEVER met Nnamdi Kanu. I have NEVER spoken with him. But I apologize on his behalf to all those who are in anyway aggrieved by whatever he may have said or done that offended them. Please forgive him for the sake of Igboland and unborn generations of Ndigbo.
Obi Thompson
Where is Supremo Kanu’s ‘Signed, Sealed and Delivered’ Document?~ By Dr Ujunwa MarkAnthony
The 21st of October in 2018 was perhaps a day that many from the Southeast region would never forget. It was the day that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu made a radio broadcast and openly threatened the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari while asking all indigenes of the Southeast region and all members of the Indigenous People of Biafra to boycott the coming 2019 elections.
That radio broadcast was one to remember. His voice was rigid and commanding as he implored everyone with Igbo blood running in their veins to shun the elections till his demands were met. He had threatened that elections would not take place in the Southeast zone unless the Federal Government agreed to a referendum to determine the sovereignty of Biafra.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu also reiterated that the sit at home order was a form referendum to determine their continued allegiance to Nigeria and it would also serve as a form of referendum of the predominantly Igbo people of the South-east’s wish to secede from Nigeria.
‘IPOB will liberate Biafra and we will not take part in any election until we get a referendum, and this is not negotiable, we will achieve this by every necessary means.’
‘The referendum is to ascertain number of those who want Nigeria politics and those who want Biafra freedom through a peaceful and democratic process for the sovereignty of our dear nation Biafra.’
His broadcast was met with a lot of reactions from Igbos and other tribes in Nigeria alike, some openly admired his guts and threw in their support with him, others admonished him and blasted the hell out of him threatening him to renounce his decision with immediate effect. Most Southeast Governors and the apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also tackled him heavily on the issue declaring that they were not in support while laying huge sanctions on the election boycott order.
It came as a huge surprise when some months later, two days before the main elections, he asked members of the separatist group and other Igbo indigenes to throw in their full participation in Nigeria’s general elections. He claimed that all his sub,fitted preconditions and terms have been met, signed, sealed and delivered.
‘Having confirmed this evening that all our preconditions and terms have been met, signed, sealed and delivered; I hereby call-off the election boycott across Biafraland on Feb. 16, 2019’, the IPOB leader who is on self-exile wrote.
‘I dedicate this historic victory to the formidable #IPOB family worldwide.’
The comment by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu came a few days after he had an exclusive interview with BBC Journalist, Chiagozie Mwomwu, where he reiterated IPOBs initial decision to shun the elections across ‘Biafra land’.
‘We want to send a very clear and unmistaken message to humanity that we are serious about Biafra. We will lock Biafra down on the 16th to convey this message that Biafra is all that we are seeking is all that we want not Nigeria…’, he was quoted as saying during the interview.
Now, it was not immediately clear why Mazi Nnamdi Kanu decided to suspend the boycott. He did not also give details of the ‘preconditions and terms’ he said he had ‘confirmed’ to be met. But there was one particular fact that could not be denied, Nnamdi Kanu gave the directive without consulting local members of the IPOB or even giving them as much as a brief or a press release as to what transpired between him and the Federal Government.
The Igbos have an adage that goes like this, ‘Onye ajuju anaghi efu uzo’ (He who asks questions would never get lost).
One thousand and one times Nnamdi Kanu has been asked to provide the details of that particular meeting and agreement with the Federal Government of which he changed the boycott directive and yet one thousand and one times has he declined to open up while craftly dodging the questions and speaking on other less pressing matters. This should show how crooked and cunning he is with the notion of the Bifaran Seccession and the fight for Referendum.
Many youths and adults had marched on the streets, campaigning for the election boycott; they were killed, imprisoned and tortured, their sweat dropped and blood spilled, yet, they continued, screaming no election because Nnamdi Kanu had said election boycott was the pathway to freedom. At the eleventh hour; Kanu came up with the fraudulent ‘signed, sealed and delivered’ slogan, everything disappeared, while those who were arrested campaigning for election boycott were still in detention, those that were killed still in the mortuary, Kanu went behind and imaginarily signed and sealed a fairytale document that existed only in his head. All to what cost?
All the efforts have come to nothing; all the efforts, incarcerations came to nothing. Children have been made fatherless for nothing, Wives have been made widows for nothing, everything Igbos put on the line campaigning for the election boycott became waste of time. A year and some months have passed, Nigeria is in a terrible state, worse than it has ever been, Igbos are being marginalised and discriminated against while the puppeteer called Mazi Nnamdi Kanu lives and flourishes in the United Kindgsom which is a hundred times better than Nigeria.
When one reminisces on the events of that year, one would have taken Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to be a serious freedom fighter who had the welfare of his Igbo brothers at heart. He had threatened that anyone who violated that boycott would be stoned by IPOB members thus putting fears into the hearts of many. From the comfort zone of the White man’s land, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu called for the stoning of hardworking men and women of Igboland. Men and women striving through thick and thin to make ends meet in a Country that the odds are against them. This was a senseless and self-destructive utterance that best be characterized as words of a crook who only cares about his own personal benefits.
Using the 1978 Jonestown Massacre in the United States as an example where a religious sect leader, Jim Jones ordered the suicide death of 900 members of his members due to criticisms and sanctions from the United States Government. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has shown that he does not give two hoots about the life of his members. Various massacres on IPOB members have gone unanswered with Nnamdi Kanu spewing out more saliva riddled broadcasts while asking for more alms and donations and making empty threats on those who do not donate.
Earlier this year, on the 3rd of June, he had lamenetd on the alleged stinginess of Igbos living in the United States of America while publishing the contributions of each country to the IPOB Defence Fund. He criticised Igbo people in the United States of America for contributing as low as $2,300 to the fund, saying they are wicked, gossipy and stingy while blasting Biafrans all over the world for contributing only $143,000 (One Hundred & Forty-Three Thousand Dollars). Who in his right senses would donate to a cause led by a man with no direction and no plan?
Nnamdi Kanu and the IPOB are deliberately trying to make a caricature out of Ndigbo which is why a number of other Southeastern States and South South States have declared a persona non grata on Nnamdi Kanu and the IPOB sect. Their reasons being that the ideology of seccession and referendum is now being used to pursue personal gains and funds to fill pockets. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has nothing to offer he is just seeking for a way to stay relevant. He pretends that he is fighting for Biafra by pushing the agenda that there would be no Igbo president, but he is actually mounting pressure on the political class to recognise him and that is where it ends. Like the election boycott; if they take him serious, there will only be another signed, sealed and delivered phantom that brings efforts to nothing. Nnamdi Kanu has made the Biafran struggle so fake that even a reasonable man would never associate himself with Biafra, even though a real agitator takes over tomorrow. The United Nations visit, The European Union’s invite, the Defense Fund, Referendum meeting, Election Boycott, everything has been a ploy right from the beginning.
For Ndigbo and other inhabitants of the Southeast region to remain focused and competitive, they cannot make the mistake of having a crook and a whiteashed fraudster in charge of the affairs of things when there are other credible upstanding men around. It is painful to see that most brainwashed Igbos have allowed a man who does not understand the value of labor to keep manipulating the Biafran Spirit. Igbos are not fools and should never be taken for a mental ride.
Some self-reflection is needed if Igbos are to wiggle ourselves out of this. As Igbos, even though the crooks and frauidsters in IPOB have lost their sense of directions and their driving forces, Ndigbo as a tribe must remain wise and be faithful to their age-long traditional understanding that the medicine against wickedness and evil is the power to say no. Which is why Igbos have to stand up and refuse to be brainwashed. Igbos must say no to the weaponisation of the Biafran Spirit against Igbos by IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu. Igbos must start challenging IPOB’s ideology and strategy of misinformation. Igbos must counter their buffoonery with sound and a superior argument backed by facts and not lies and deciet. It is high time Nnamdi Kanu knows that the game is fast coming to an end.
Yoruba nation will secure freedom without bloodshed –Akintoye
The President-General of the Yoruba World Congress, Prof. Banji Akintoye, said on Wednesday that the over 55 million Yoruba people in the South-West would get freedom by having the sovereign Yoruba nation without breaking the law of Nigeria or shedding blood.
Akintoye stated this at the YWC House in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the celebration of the anniversary of the Kiriji War, which happened over 130 years ago.
The retired don said, “We have been saying we will have the Yoruba nation. The Yoruba World Congress is committed to helping the Yoruba nation to secure its position in the comity of nations.”
Stressing the significance of the struggle, he said, “When we first started the process, we had a total of 45 organisations, but now, we can boast of a total of 107 different organisations.
“They do say that I don’t compromise; it is not every time. But once we say we will take a common stance, I don’t know how to betray. We will get the Yoruba nation free without violence; we will not break the laws of Nigeria. If there is anyone who wants to be violent, we will tell them, no.”
On the proposed rally fixed for October 1 by some youths, he said they reserved the rights to stage the rally, but warned against violence.
The leader of the Movement for Oduduwa Republic, Mr Akin George, stressed on unity among the Yoruba.
He said, “We can’t fight the enemies if the home front is divided. We may have misunderstanding, but it should not lead to a quarrel.”
Other dignitaries at the celebration were High Chief Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Convener, Yoruba Koya, Otunba Deji Osibogun, among others.
Source : punch