The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has issued an order of interim injunction restraining members of organized labor, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC ), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates from proceeding with the strike they planned to commence on November 14.
The president of the court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, issued the order on Friday while ruling on an ex-parte application brought by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on behalf of the Federal Government and argued by Tijani Gazali (SAN), Acting Director (Civil Appeals), Federal Ministry of Justice.
Justice Kanyip said the order shall subsist until the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions equally filed by the AGF. The judge said the court is empowered under sections Section 7(1) and 19(a) of the NICN Establishment Act, to hear such ex-parte application and grant such ex-parte order where a strike is threatened, but yet to be commenced, as in this case.
The Anambra State Government has successfully demolished the popular “Olulu Eke Deity” in Ekwulobia in order to make way for the construction of a flyover at the town’s roundabout. This comes after Governor Soludo had previously threatened to remove the deity, which was met with resistance from worshippers.
The Udo Olulu Eke deity holds significant reverence among worshippers in Ekwulobia and the surrounding area of Aguata. Even the Chief priest of Udo Olulu Eke Ekwulobia, known as Okenye (the Ancient One), had challenged the government’s intentions. Okenye argued that if Governor Soludo believed the government owned the site of Udo Olulu Eke in Ekwulobia, then he should attempt to destroy or remove it without following due process. He emphasized the potential repercussions that the forceful demolition may have and disclosed that he was merely delivering a message as instructed.
Our Reporter confirmed that the driver of the caterpillar operating the machinery was seen dropping a kola nut on the ground as a sign of respect to the deity before he could proceed.
The demolition of the Olulu Eke Deity was executed as part of the government’s development plan to facilitate the construction of Ekwulobia flyover. While the plan is viewed as beneficial for the town, Governor Soludo has faced opposition and warnings about the potential consequences of removing the deity.
Ahead of the eleventh November gubernatorial election in Imo State, the Biafra De Facto Customary Government, BDFCG, has advised Imolites not to be discouraged by the experiences of past elections, but to come out in massive numbers and vote for good governance, and defend their vote.
It urged Imolites to unite behind a candidate who demonstrates clear commitment to the welfare, freedom, peace and justice for the people.
In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Pro-Biafran group, Prosper Odinga, BDFCG advised voters in the state to look beyond empty promises and scrutinize the track record, integrity and dedication of those seeking to represent them, noting that their vote this time is the remaining instrument for sovereign rights; as the Nigerian constitution is being trampled upon.
The group described the upcoming election as a call to action, a call for a new Imo State within the Biafra space, and an internal referendum that will test the resolve of the people to take control of their political space.
The press statement reads:
“IMOLITES” IN BIAFRIA: DEFEND YOUR SOVEREIGN RIGHTS BY VOTING EN MASSE IN THE NOV 11 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION – BDFCG
1. The Biafra De Facto Customary Government calls on citizens to come out in massive numbers during the upcoming elections and vote for good governance. Unite behind a candidate who demonstrates a clear commitment to the welfare, freedom, peace, and justice for our people. Look beyond empty promises and scrutinize the track record, integrity, and dedication of those seeking to represent you. Your vote this time is the remaining instrument for your sovereign rights as the Nigerian Constitution is being trampled upon.
2. In light of the pressing security and economic challenges, and above all, the abuse of our sovereign rights, we, the Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG), as a matter of urgency and deep commitment to the well-being of our people, remind Imolites that Nov 11 is a ‘decisive’ day for a new dawn in their state of affairs, and it all depends on our coming out to vote en masse and being ready to defend our votes. Do not wait to be told to ‘go to court.’ This is a call to action, a call for a new Imo State within the Biafra space, and an internal referendum that will test the resolve of the people to take control of their political space.
3. Ndi Imo must be vigilant in their determination to elect a candidate who is dedicated to the principles of the BDFCG, which include good governance, security, fairness, justice, freedom, and progress. We believe that this election presents an opportunity for our citizens to elect a Governor who will strive to safeguard our people against all forms of oppression, violence, and marginalization.
4. The time has come for the indigenous Imo people to take a stand and assemble their votes for a candidate who possesses a clear vision to liberate and secure Imo state against the vicious attacks, rampages, and other forms of violent crimes that have plagued communities in the state. Our people must work together to give power to the right person, someone who is genuinely committed to the development of Imo state and to curbing the crimes and criminalities that grip us under the current leadership.
5. Biafra ‘Imolites’ deserve a government that prioritizes your safety and well-being. We cannot afford to remain complacent while our communities suffer from the consequences of ineffective policies and a lack of decisive action. It is time for change, and that change starts with each and every one of us by our commitments and exercising our democratic rights at the polling stations on Nov 11.
6. ‘Experience must be the best teacher’ for the Nov 11 Imo Gubernatorial Election. Justice and freedom are never given on a platter of gold. We must be vigilant as this is a call to democratic action. In the midst of INEC IREV complexities and multifaceted collation centers, all polling units and wards must be diligently guarded and protected.
7. The BDFCG recognizes the power of the people in shaping the future of Biafraland in general. This is why we insist that Ndi Imo must unite behind a candidate who embodies the ideals of justice, freedom, and progress. Together, we can bring about a new era of governance that uplifts the lives of Biafran people and ensures a brighter future for generations to come.
8. Raise your voices in unison, mobilize your communities, and ensure that your votes count. Don’t be discouraged by the violent experiences of past elections and resolve to overwhelm the wicked politicians with your votes and ensure you defend your votes. The very moment we are organized, the wicked political class will learn civility, in contrast to selfish stealing and accumulation of public funds. Together, we can bring an end to the reign of bad governance in Biafraland and usher in an era of progress and security.
For his alleged roles in truncating the demand for justice by a victim and his Anambra community, a concerned citizen, Emmanuel O. Azowue, has chided a Chief Superintendent of Police, lawyer working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, and founder of a Church, Dr. Joseph Nwadike.
Reacting to an interview reportedly granted by Dr. Nwadike, Azowue said “I was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by one of their own”.
Details of the opinion piece below 👇
RE – I WAS DENIED PROMOTION FOR RESISTING BAD THINGS – DR. JOSEPH NWADIKE
While we can never stop complaining of how bad the Nigeria administrative justice have become, including the criminal activities perpetuated by men of the Nigeria Police, the interview granted by a senior police personnel, Dr. Joseph Nwadike, a Chief Superintendent of Police, lawyer and prosecutor working with the legal department of the Nigerian Police, and also a founder of a church, I was surprised at his level of half-truth being promoted as the whole truth on the activities and dealings of personnel of the Nigerian Police by one of their own, who claims to be a man of God and have always stood on the side of truth and justice throughout his dealings and activities as a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
In trying to debunk the claims and position held by Dr. Joseph Nwadike of the Nigeria Police Force, I will be making reverence to just one particular case that has passed through his desk where he allowed or supported wittingly or otherwise for justice to be perverted just because of the huge amount that has been paid to him to look the other way or to persuade a victim of injustice as to yield to the demand of an oppressor as a means of achieving peace when he in all consciousness knows that what he was asking for would to truncate of the demand for justice by the victim and his community.
Dr. Joseph Nwadike must be reminded that a case against one Chief Pius Nweke was brought before him as a prosecutor in the office of the Inspector General of Police which was sponsored by a money bag from Ukpo community, Prince Arthur Eze against Chief Pius Nweke. He gladly owned up to the latter’s request that he knows that he was pursuing a course of justice but advised the latter to yield to the unholy and irrational demands of the former as a means of achieving peace in the matter. Yet, he claimed to be an objective prosecutor of the Nigeria Police Force and a man of God when his actions and deeds clearly suggests otherwise.
Maybe, Dr. Joseph Nwadike may need to be reminded that when the case between Prince Arthur Eze and Chief Pius Nweke came to his desk which was bothering of the land dispute between Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) and Chief Pius Nweke’s community (Abba), he advised Chief Pius Nweke to close his eyes and go to sleep while allowing Prince Arthur Eze to take possession of the ancestral land of Chief Pius Nweke’s community. He had further advised Chief Pius Nweke to discontinue with the legal tussle between his community (Abba) and that of Prince Arthur Eze’s community (Ukpo) as the surest way of achieving lasting peace and enabling Prince Arthur Eze’s community, Ukpo to take possession of a land that is still under dispute before the court, thereby suggesting that justice cannot be gotten through the Nigeria Police Force and the courts in the land. What Dr. Joseph Nwadike is suggesting is that there are people who are untouchable and above the law, and who must be appeased even when what they are doing is wrong, and should be treated as demi-gods in order to have their inordinate desires to be granted at all cost. Unfortunately, this is what the Nigerian society has become and men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike will continue to pontificate and support evil just because anything seems to go in our present lawless society.
Dr. Joseph Nwadike cannot continue to deceive Nigerians that he is an Evangelist of the gospel of Christ who always acts in the course of justice when he willingly handed over Chief Pius Nweke’s framed up unlawful possession of illegal firearm case to a private legal practitioner to prosecute the case in court. He cannot also claim not to be aware that the trumped up case of illegal possession of firearm against Chief Pius Nweke was used a cover up against the latter as a means to intimidate him from continually standing against Prince Arthur Eze’s quest to silence the people of Abba community and to freely take over the possession of the ancestral land of the people of Abba community.
Men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are the real bad eggs in the Nigeria Police establishment who are always in the habit of mortgaging the course of justice to the highest bidder. He has succeeded in deceiving innocent Nigerian citizens into believing that he is a man of honour and integrity and a God fearing man when in truth he is the real devil behind the scene. And until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are thrown out from the Nigeria Police formation, achieving sanity in the system will be almost impossible. Until men like Dr. Joseph Nwadike are exposed to the world of his devilish and heartless activities in concert with his benefactor, Prince Arthur Eze, achieving justice through the Nigeria Police will remain a herculean task.
Dr. Joseph Nwadike willingly made himself a willing tool in the hand of an oppressor and land grabber. He has allowed himself to be consumed by his lust for illicit wealth as to pervert a crystal clear course of justice, the consequences of his actions and deeds will be his greatest undoing, and on the day of reckoning, he will definitely reap the fruit of his labour.
A new statement from the family of actor John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, disclosed that one of his legs has been amputated to keep him alive.
News surfaced in October that the veteran actor was ill and required financial assistance to aid in his treatment.
In the statement shared on the actor’s Instagram page Monday, it was revealed the actor had undergone seven successful surgeries, including the amputation of one leg, in a bid to keep him alive.
The statement read, “Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad; saying we are grateful is an understatement, and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered.
Singer, Abdulazeez Fashola, alias Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite, Samson Eletu, alias Sam Larry, have been granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos State.
They, however, have to provide three sureties with a sum of N20 million to process their release. The magistrate had ordered the remand of Naira Marley and Sam Larry in police custody for 21 days over the death of 27-year-old Mohbad who died earlier in September.
The magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun told the defendants to submit their passports and ordered that they are to report weekly to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.
In her ruling, Olatunbosun stated: “As part of the bail conditions, the defendants are to surrender their passports and make weekly appearances at the State Criminal Investigation Department.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Obi, however, said the judgment would not signify the end of the Obidient movement.
The former Anambra state governor said with the legal battle over, the Labour Party was now in opposition.
He said his resolve for a new Nigeria was still intact.
Obi broke his silence on the Supreme Court judgment at a news conference on Monday, November 6, in Abuja.
At the 2023 MTV EMAs, Rema won the award for the Best African act after fending off competition from others superstars including Davido and Burna Boy.
Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj were the highest winners as they won 3 awards respectively. The 2023 MTV EMAs ceremony which was scheduled for Paris has earlier been cancelled for what organizers said was a cautionary measure to protect all those who would be travelling down from different parts of the world in light of the situation between Israel and Palestine.
… commends Governor Soludo on “One Youth Two Skills” initiative
An industrialist, Mr. Don Ebubogu, has expressed optimism that the “One Youth Two Skills” initiative of Governor Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration will produce more skilled workforce that can boost staff strength of many industries operating in and even outside the state.
Speaking when some members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council embarked on facility tour of his company; as part of activities marking the 2023 NUJ Press Week, Mr. Ebubogu, who is the Managing Director of Tiger Foods Limited, said though over 800 persons are already in the employ of the company, more are still needed to increase production and distribution capacities.
Aside shortage of skilled workforce, the Tiger Foods boss identified other challenges facing manufacturing industries to include lack of infrastructure, high cost of production, insecurity, among others, but said that the gains are more.
He said that the fact that over 80 percent of truckloads of “fast-moving” consumer goods that enter the Southeast through Bridge Head Onitsha on daily basis go back empty should challenge more people to see existing gap and consider establishing manufacturing industries in order to create employment opportunities and improve the economy of the state and the nation at large.
On staff welfare, Mr. Ebubeogu said the company, aside demonstrating humanity and safety consciousness at work, including routine health checks, also introduced pension scheme, where staff contribute 5% and management contribute 7%, to ensure that workers save for the future, have sense of commitment and run the company as family business.
On nature and quality of products, Mr Ebubeogu, a trained Food Technologist from the Institute of Food Technology, Chicago, United States of America, said the company blends contemporary and local materials to produce tastes that appeal to both local and international customers, adding that presently, the company is exporting finished products to Ghana and other African countries, and is making in-road to Europe.
Recalling how the company started from their mother’s “Mama put” business in Port Harcourt to become one of the leading indigenous food processing and beverage company in Nigeria, Mr. Ebubogu said Tiger Foods Limited is motivated by the passion for healthy foods to produce a range of spices, seasonings and drinks such as ginger, garlic, thyme and currie powder, tomato mix, and mayonnaise.
The company, according its boss, also produces other products in the line of beverages and herbs such as soft drinks, energy, alcoholic, and spirit including Tiger energy drink, nine herbal drinks, among others.
He said the company is pleased to partner the Anambra State Council of NUJ in sensitizing citizens on the need to make valuable contributions for the good of the society.
In his remark, the Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, thanked Mr. Ebubogu for his determination to keep the company running despite daunting challenges, adding that the company has helped in creating jobs for the unemployed and improving Anambra State and Nigeria economy.
