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September 9, 2024 DSS Detains NLC President Joe Ajaero
IFMNEWS

DSS Detains NLC President Joe Ajaero

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested and detained Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, confirmed the arrest, stating that Ajaero was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which began the same day. The union has not been informed of Ajaero's current location, but they received a message from him confirming that the DSS had detained him.

In a subsequent statement, the NLC declared: "Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive, and his detention is a clear act of lawlessness and intimidation. Restricting a lawful citizen's freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as workers and citizens."

Ajaero’s arrest follows police summons he answered on August 28. He was released the following day after appearing before law enforcement. The initial summons from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), was related to allegations of "criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime."

A second police invitation requested that Ajaero and NLC Secretary General Emmanuel Ugboaja appear for questioning regarding allegations of criminal intimidation, public disturbance, and malicious damage.

Accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana and others, Ajaero complied with the police invitation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Afterward, he returned to the NLC headquarters, where he addressed a crowd of union members who had gathered in solidarity. Ajaero affirmed that the labour movement remains the most patriotic organization in Nigeria and vowed that the union would not compromise its values, regardless of any challenges.

The police invitation sparked controversy, with the NLC and other unions accusing the government of attempting to intimidate labour leaders. This followed a police raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.

RELATED: DSS Arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero

September 9, 2024 DSS Arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero
IFMNEWS

DSS Arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero. According to the NLC, Ajaero was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday while en route to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.

The Head of Information for the NLC, Mr. Benson Upah, confirmed the arrest. Ajaero was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which starts today.

Upah stated that the union is unaware of Ajaero's current location but received a message from him indicating that the DSS was responsible for his arrest.

This incident comes about a week after Ajaero responded to a police invitation related to an investigation into terrorism financing.

READ ALSO: NLC President Ajaero Arrives at Police Headquarters Amid Terrorism Investigation

September 9, 2024 VAT Remains 7.5 Percent— Wale Edun
IFMNEWS

VAT Remains 7.5 Percent— Wale Edun

On Monday, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, dismissed rumors claiming that the value-added tax (VAT) rate had been increased from 7.5% to 10%. In a statement personally signed by the minister, he clarified that the VAT rate remains at 7.5% as specified by existing tax laws.

“The current VAT rate is 7.5%, and this is the rate applied to goods and services as per the law. Neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act against these established regulations,” Edun stated.

He emphasized that a solid tax system relies on three pillars: tax policy, tax laws, and tax administration. According to him, the government's priority is to use fiscal policy to foster sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and encourage business development.

Edun also addressed media reports suggesting that the government’s tax policies are designed to burden Nigerians, calling such claims inaccurate. He pointed out that the government has actively taken steps to ease the financial strain on citizens, including the recent suspension of import duties, tariffs, and taxes on essential food items like rice, wheat, and beans.

“For clarity, as of today, VAT remains 7.5%, and that is the rate applied to all VAT-able goods and services,” Edun reiterated.

September 9, 2024 Petrol Price Hike: NANS Seeks Meeting with Tinubu, Engages Dangote, Oil Marketers, and Lokpobiri for Dialogue
IFMNEWS

Petrol Price Hike: NANS Seeks Meeting with Tinubu, Engages Dangote, Oil Marketers, and Lokpobiri for Dialogue

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its readiness to meet with President Bola Tinubu, if necessary, to demand a reversal of the recent increase in petrol prices.

NANS Secretary, David Bariereka, revealed this during an interview, stating that the student body is in discussions with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), to find a solution to ease the burden on the public.

This comes after NANS announced plans to proceed with a nationwide protest against the fuel price hike, scheduled for September 15, 2024. NANS Senate President, Henry Okuomo, reaffirmed the group’s determination during a recent interview, saying the union intends to hold the government accountable for the hardships Nigerians are facing. He emphasized that the increase in fuel prices has affected students directly, and NANS is prepared to take action, not just for fuel price reduction, but to address broader issues affecting the nation.

Okuomo explained that with over 40 million Nigerian students, NANS holds significant influence and plans to make its voice heard. He confirmed that the protest is not a threat but a certainty unless the government reverses its hardship-inducing policies.

NANS had earlier called for the removal of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari but has since taken a more cautious approach. Bariereka urged students to disregard calls for immediate protest, clarifying that the association is not yet mobilizing for demonstrations. He acknowledged the growing challenges caused by the fuel price increase and emphasized that NANS leadership is committed to exploring all negotiation avenues with the authorities before resorting to protests.

Bariereka highlighted the success of NANS’ recent advocacy against the electricity bill hike for Band A users, which resulted in the president appointing a committee to explore solar energy solutions for Nigerian universities. He urged students to remain calm and await further directives from the NANS national secretariat regarding the response to the fuel price hike.

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