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Minimum Wage: NLC Disputes Tinubu’s Speech

Labour NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress has disputed the claims made by President Tinubu in his Democracy Day address concerning the ongoing National Minimum Wage negotiations.

“Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech and national minimum wage negotiation: May be accurate in history, inaccurate in reality”, equally, maintained that the committee never agreed on a five -year duration of the minimum wage Act, while acknowledging that the President mentioned five years or less.

Tinubu had, in his Democracy Day speech, mentioned that his administration had negotiated in good faith with organised labour and planned to send an executive bill to the National Assembly to formalise the new minimum wage for a duration of five years or less.

Recalls that the Federal Government had offered N62,000 as the new national minimum wage, at the end of the tripartite committee meeting, involving the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

Tinubu noted his commitment to listening to the people and avoiding oppressive measures against labour, choosing cooperation over conflict.

NLC stated that while the President accurately recounted historical aspects of Nigeria’s democratic journey, he was misinformed about the outcomes of the wage negotiation process.

The union, however, noted that no agreement was reached with the federal government and employers on the base figure for a national minimum wage.

It added that their demand remains N250,000, and they are surprised by the President’s assertion of a supposed agreement and believe he was misled.

Our demand still remains N250,000 only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.

The statement reads in part, “The NLC would have expected that the advisers of the President would have told him that we neither reached any agreement with the federal government and the employers on the base figure for a National Minimum Wage nor on its other components. Our demand still remains N250,000 only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.

“We are therefore surprised at the submission of Mr. President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage. We have also not seen a copy of the document submitted to him and will not accept any doctored document.

“However, we want to reaffirm our belief that the President on whose table the Tripartite Committee’s report presently resides would prepare an Executive Bill which content will reflect the true demand of Nigerian workers. We think that this is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his love for Nigerian workers and masses by shunning the pieces of advice that may be coming from those whose intentions are continuously focused on hurting the poor and struggling workers of Nigeria. Mr. President should not allow these individuals and groups to sabotage his promise of lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty.”

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Simon Ekpa to be extradited to Nigeria – Defence

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges of terrorism brought against him.

Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, disclosed this on Thursday night, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, is pleased with Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, hoping it will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice.

Gusau wrote: “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Ekpa’s arrest is connected to allegations of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, promoting violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.

The Finland district court in Lahti ordered his remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria, with offences dating back to August 23, 2021.

Additionally, Ekpa has been investigated for alleged financial crimes, including collecting funds through questionable means.

Four other suspects, accused of financing terrorism, are believed to have committed crimes in August 2022 in Lahti.

The Nigerian Government has been seeking Ekpa’s extradition, and the Defence Headquarters’ announcement makes it a good development in the case.

Ekpa’s extradition is expected to facilitate his trial in Nigeria, addressing concerns about his alleged role in promoting violence and separatism.

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HP Wolf Security Launches Advanced Physical Cyberattack Protection for Business Introducing HP Enterprise Security

Edition: Comprehensive Safeguards Against Hardware and Firmware TamperingLagos, Nigeria – November 21, 2024 – HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has unveiled the HP Enterprise Security Edition, a revolutionary suite of security features designed to protect HP business-class PCs from targeted physical cyberattacks.

This innovative solution offers robust multilayered defense for hardware and firmware, coupled with unparalleled visibility into potential tampering throughout the device lifecycle.With the rise of hybrid work and Work from Anywhere (WFA), the risk of physical cyberattacks has surged. Attackers exploiting brief physical access to PCs pose significant threats to organizations.

A recent survey reveals that over 51% of IT Security Decision Makers (ITSDMs) are concerned about their inability to detect hardware or firmware tampering during transit. HP Enterprise Security Edition addresses these vulnerabilities, empowering IT teams to detect and prevent unauthorized alterations while safeguarding devices from persistent threats.

Key Features of HP Enterprise Security Edition1. Firmware LockA user-controlled lock at the firmware level, used alongside HP Sure Admin. When activated, this feature employs HP Sure Admin’s cryptographic, password-free authentication, preventing unauthorized access even if the device is left unattended.

This lock offers significantly stronger protection than traditional operating system locks.2. Platform CertificatesDigital certificates validate the integrity of critical hardware and firmware components, such as processors, memory, BIOS, or PCIe devices.

This ensures that no unauthorized modifications occur, enhancing overall device security.3. Sure Start Virtualization ProtectionPre-boot protection isolates malicious or compromised third-party hardware—such as devices connected via Thunderbolt™/USB-C or PCIe ports—within a micro-virtual machine.

This safeguards the device from firmware contamination and prevents attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.—Revolutionizing PC SecurityDr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP Inc., stated:> “Physical attacks are typically well-planned, often linked to nation-state campaigns or corporate espionage. However, the growing underground market for corporate network access is driving opportunistic attacks—exploiting moments of vulnerability, like unattended PCs in public spaces.”Dr. Pratt emphasized the importance of hardware security:> “By compromising hardware or firmware, attackers can establish a nearly undetectable foothold, gaining long-term access to sensitive networks and data.

HP Enterprise Security Edition provides critical defenses to prevent these threats, while equipping IT teams with the tools to validate device integrity.”—Strengthening Resilience and VisibilityHP Enterprise Security Edition empowers organizations with:

Enhanced Platform Integrity: Protects hardware and firmware layers beneath the operating system.Supply Chain Risk Mitigation: Validates hardware and firmware integrity before onboarding.

Lifecycle Security Governance: Maintains control over device security from deployment to retirement.

These measures ensure businesses can confidently secure sensitive data, enabling hybrid work without compromising security.—Availability

The HP Enterprise Security Edition will be available for select HP PC platforms.—About HP Inc.HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader delivering innovation that connects people and ideas.

Operating in over 170 countries, HP offers sustainable solutions across personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, and gaming. Visit www.hp.com for more information.

About HP Wolf SecurityHP Wolf Security provides world-class endpoint protection with hardware-enforced solutions that safeguard PCs, printers, and users from cyber threats. Learn more at www.hp.com/wolf.Media Contact:THOP for HPAdeola – adeola@wearethop.com

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Federal High Court Adjourns Labour Party’s Suit on Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to January 2025

PDP Urges Caution from Police as It Prepares for Upcoming Rivers Local Government Elections

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has adjourned until January 21, 2025, to deliver a ruling on several applications in a case filed by the Labour Party (LP).

The suit, registered as FHC/PH/25/2024, seeks to have the seats of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly declared vacant following their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Labour Party, represented by its caretaker committee chairman in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, is also asking the court to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats, allowing all interested parties, including the Labour Party, to contest.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for the defendants, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), representing the embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule and others, requested the consolidation of three separate applications.

Orbih argued that the motions all addressed similar subject matters and called for the exchange of pleadings and presentation of evidence to substantiate the claims. He urged the court to grant the consolidation request.

The Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chukwu, did not object to the consolidation but opposed the substance of the defendants’ applications. Chukwu argued that the defendants had failed to file further affidavits in response to the Labour Party’s counter-affidavits, effectively admitting to the facts stated in the counter-affidavits.

He urged Justice Emmanuel Obele to dismiss the motions filed by the defendants.Justice Obele, after hearing arguments from both sides, announced the adjournment of the case to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on the applications.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Chukwu emphasized the Labour Party’s stance, stating that the 27 lawmakers openly admitted their defection through various public platforms, including televised announcements.

He further revealed that affidavits and video evidence were available to substantiate the claims.

The case took another dimension as Justice Obele scheduled December 7, 2024, to hear a related suit filed by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and three other lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This separate case also seeks to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and to restrain them from parading as members of the State House of Assembly.Commenting on the matter, Emeka Onyeka, one of the defense counsels, explained that the current proceedings focused on preliminary issues, which must be resolved before the court can address the substantive case.

He reiterated the defendants’ request for the court to order the filing of pleadings, citing the contentious nature of the issues at hand.

As the political drama unfolds, the adjournment leaves the fate of the embattled lawmakers in limbo while raising significant questions about party loyalty, legislative integrity, and the legal implications of political defections in Nigeria.

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Efe Ajagba Poised to Challenge Daniel Dubois for IBF Heavyweight Title

Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has emerged as a potential challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.

This development follows the confirmation that Anthony Joshua’s anticipated rematch with the champion could be delayed until 2026.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against any top 15 ranked contender before April 22. Ajagba, currently ranked eighth and holding the WBC Silver title, has risen as a strong candidate.

Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed plans for the champion to defend his title in February, following indications from Joshua’s camp that they would not be ready for an immediate rematch.

“Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against someone ranked in the top five,” Warren revealed in an interview with Sky Sports.Dubois, 27, captured the IBF title in September with a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

The win extended his record to an impressive 22 wins, with 21 of those coming by way of knockout.

Meanwhile, Ajagba boasts 14 knockouts in 20 professional fights, with only one loss, further establishing himself as a formidable opponent for the champion.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, explained that the British-Nigerian boxer’s injuries from the September fight, coupled with concerns about a quick turnaround, have ruled out his availability for an immediate rematch.

Joshua, who has amassed over $200 million in his career, including $75 million from fights this year alone, is expected to return to the ring in the summer.

Warren highlighted the champion’s flexibility for his upcoming defense, noting that the bout against Joshua in September fulfilled a mandatory obligation.

“First of all, the fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory, so he is allowed a period, which means he can fight in February and he’s allowed up until April or May to make a voluntary defense,” Warren explained.

IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed Dubois’ right to an optional defense, paving the way for a potential showdown with Ajagba.

Both fighters, known for their impressive knockout power and similar physical attributes, promise an explosive matchup.

The winner of the potential Dubois vs. Ajagba clash could position themselves for a lucrative unification bout against the winner of the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.

That fight will see the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles on the line, further intensifying the stakes in the heavyweight division.

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You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ—Odoh to Tinubu

The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has rejected his removal, claiming that President Bola Tinubu “can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ.”

Odoh, in a Thursday interview on Arise TV, said his dismissal failed to follow due process and undermined the autonomy of the institution’s governing council, which had appointed him.

“You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release,” Odoh said.

Yesterday, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced that he has dismised Odoh as Unizik Vice-Chancellor as well as the institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike and also approved the dissolution of the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice chancellor without following due process,” Onanuga said.

Onanuga said the controversial appointment drew the attention of the federal government after tensions arose between the institution’s Senate and the governing council.

In response, Odoh refuted claims that his appointment had violated university laws, stating that his selection as VC had “followed a straightforward procedure” and not “through a press release”

“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my sack after investigating me,” adding that “Mr. President could have been ill-advised.”

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure.”

He also noted that his records were validated by the Sokoto State High Court and corroborated by the university’s registrar at the time of his confirmation.

“What some people did was to pay somebody to remove my records from the university.

The VC who appointed me still teaches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and he wrote my reference letter,” he added.

Odoh also alleged that his removal was influenced by regional bias, stating that being from Ebonyi State, often regarded as a ‘third-class people’ had made him a target.

“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State. People have ganged up to remove me at all costs.

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Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland for terrorism

Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism
Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, alongside four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland for terrorism. 

A report from Finland states the self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement published on its website on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police of Finland announced the arrests of five individuals on suspicion of terrorist crimes. 

The police indicated that Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the other four individuals were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.

According to the police, the suspect is believed to have promoted his activities from Finland through means that have incited violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation from the Central Crime Police, stated that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.” The statement also mentioned that four other individuals are suspected of financing this activity. 

“Claims will be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court today, November 21. The detention demands are linked to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, ” the statement added,

All five suspects were arrested earlier this week, and “international cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.”

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