The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has announced that all tickets for the 2027 general election are open to all qualified Nigerians.

The fraction made the statement after a national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday.

The faction said the party’s presidential and governorship tickets are not reserved for any individuals, contrary to earlier reports.

This development comes after some Labour Party leaders, including Obi and Otti, as well as some elected Senators and House of Representatives members, met in Umuahia, Abia State, last week to form a 29-man caretaker committee to lead the party in the interim.

The Committee, which is to be chaired by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, will midwife an election of new leadership in 90 days.

However, in a communiqué signed by Abure, and National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, the NEC nullified the decision taken at the stakeholders meeting convened by Otti in Umuahia.

The Julius Abure-led faction also claimed Otti lacked the authority to call such a meeting, citing Article 14 (4) (B) of the party’s constitution.

The communiqué read, “NEC in session also reviewed the decision of the National Convention to reserve its Presidential and Governorship tickets for Peter Gregory Obi and Alex Otti respectively,

“Consequently, all tickets of the party from Presidency to the House of assemblies are open to all qualified Nigerians.

“The NEC in session noted that the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Alex Otti, who convened the meeting, did not have the power within the Party’s Constitution as provided in Article 14 (4) (B) gives power to call meetings only to the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman,” it reads.

“NEC in session further reiterates that the Governor of Abia State does not even have the power to call his Ward Executive meeting without the approval and the consent of his Ward Chairman.

“The meeting contravenes the provisions of Section 82 (1) (2) (a) of the Electoral Act 2022 which provides as follows; 82 (1) Every registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice of any Convention, Congress, Conference or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this act.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its President, Joe Ajaero.

The spokesman of NLC, Benson Upah in a statement demanded the release of Ajaero following his arrest by the Department of State for Security (DSS) on Monday morning.

“This morning, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was seized and whisked away by agents of the Nigerian State while on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain,” Upah said.

“Comrade Ajaero was set to attend and address the global gathering of workers on behalf of Nigerian workers at the Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, a platform where critical discussions on workers’ rights, social justice and economic fairness are discussed.

“We are yet to ascertain his whereabouts or his state of health as all efforts we have made to get in touch with him have proved abortive.

“We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive.

“His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body. His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation.

“The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.

“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country as the economic policies of the government continues to afflict the people with monumental suffering and hardship.

“Such actions are not only undemocratic but immoral as well as a direct affront to the fundamental rights of citizens and organizations to lawfully express their views and carry out their activities.

“In light of this troubling development, the Congress puts all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert.

“The Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. Accordingly, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Ajaero.

“Furthermore, we call on the international community, human rights organizations, and all advocates of democracy to take note of this rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria. The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state. Once again, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class including innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions.

“We equally demand that the state frees all Nigerians languishing in various prisons around the country for exercising their democratic rights to protest in the #EndBadGovernance rallies around the country.

“Finally, the organs of the congress are in a closed door meeting whose outcome will be made available to the public.”

Upah had earlier confirmed Ajaero’s arrest in an interview with Channels Television. He said the DSS operatives arrested Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

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These extraordinary places remind us that there’s still magic to be discovered in our world. So, pack your bags and get ready to uncover the secrets of these incredible destinations.

The State Security Service (SSS) has invaded the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Abuja.

SERAP made this known through a post it shared on its official X account on Monday afternoon.

“Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors,” the post read.

“President Bola Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”

The Department of State for Security (DSS) had, meanwhile, earlier on Monday morning arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

The NLC head of media and corporate communications, Benson Upah confirmed Ajaero’s arrest in an interview with Channels Television.

Upah said the DSS operatives arrested Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja.

According to Upah, the NLC does not know where its president has been taken to but he had sent a message saying it was the DSS that arrested him.

The NLC president recently honoured the invitation of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The Department of State for Security (DSS) on Monday morning arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

The NLC head of media and corporate communications, Benson Upah confirmed Ajaero’s arrest in an interview with Channels Television.

Upah said the DSS operatives arrested Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja.

According to Upah, the NLC does not know where its president has been taken to but he had sent a message saying it was the DSS that arrested him.

The NLC president recently honoured the invitation of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Ajaero had a week before then agreed to honour the invitation of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over his alleged role in the financing of terrorism on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

He arrived at the venue at exactly 10:17am, accompanied by prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and some senior officials of the NLC.

They all left the IRT headquarters in Abuja at about 11.15 am after the NLC chairman had written his statement.

The Nigerian Police had said it was investigating Ajaero over the allegations of connection with terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony.

The police in a statement signed by spokesman, ACP Adamu Muazu had asked the NLC president to report to it on Tuesday, August 20.

A coalition of Abuja lawyers on behalf of Ajaero, however, wrote a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the IRT, requesting the details and nature of the allegations.

The letter dated Tuesday, August 20, 2024 was signed by Samuel Ogala, Esq. on behalf of Falana & Falana’s chamber.

Ogala told the security authorities that Ajaero would not be able to honour the invitation because the NLC President received it late.

He said the NLC president had an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter.

The Nigerian Army has debunked recent media reports, particularly from Sahara Reporters, alleging widespread resignations within its ranks.

The reports had claimed that a lot of soldiers had tendered their resignations due to issues of corruption, low morale and poor welfare.

The Nigerian Army in a press release on Monday, however, said it categorically rejects the reports, adding that they are misleading.

“These claims are not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to sow discord and tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian Army and its personnel,” the statement read.

“It is important to emphasize that service in the Nigerian Army much like other military institutions worldwide is entirely voluntary.

“Personnel are free to disengage, following established procedures as stipulated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for both officers and soldiers.

“Routine discharges within the Nigerian Army are handled in an organized and procedural manner, allowing personnel to transition smoothly while receiving their rightful benefits, including pensions, gratuities and other entitlements.

“The routine release of personnel names who are either voluntarily or mandatorily disengaging is a standard practice contrary to the chaotic process suggested in the recent reports.

“The insinuation that soldiers are resigning en masse due to poor welfare is an outright misrepresentation of the truth.”

According to the statement, discharges from the Nigerian Army can occur for several reasons, including voluntary exits, medical grounds or personal pursuit of other career opportunities.

Furthermore, recruitment into the Nigerian Army remains highly competitive with far more applicants than available positions which counters any claims of dissatisfaction within the ranks.

Contrary to these allegations, the Nigerian Army said it continues to prioritize the welfare and well-being of its personnel under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Army said the past year has witnessed remarkable progress in improving living conditions and overall morale with notable initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS).

It explained that this nationwide scheme enables personnel to own homes and secure dignified post-service accommodation, demonstrating the Army’s commitment to providing for its soldiers during and after their service.

Additionally, the Army said it is undertaking extensive renovations and constructing new infrastructure across military formations, units and barracks to ensure a conducive environment for personnel and their families.

“Regular and timely payment of allowances for soldiers on deployment is also being ensured alongside free air transport for personnel on leave and medical evacuation services for injured troops both domestically and abroad,” the statement read.

“Military hospitals are being upgraded to enhance healthcare services for soldiers and their families.

“Furthermore, the Army continues to invest in the professional development of its personnel with ongoing training programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of both officers and soldiers, ensuring they are equipped to operate at the highest standards in line with global best practices.

“In view of these facts, the claims of widespread resignation due to poor welfare are both irrational and without merit.”

The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to the welfare and operational readiness of its personnel, guided by the COAS’s command philosophy of transforming the Army into a well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated force capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties.

The Army also urged media organizations to verify information before publication and avoid being used as instruments of disinformation.

The Nigerian Army added that it will continue its efforts to safeguard the welfare and morale of its personnel as they diligently serve the nation.