News
DSS succumbs to pressure, releases NLC President before midnight
The Department of State Services has granted administrative bail to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.
He was released a few minutes before the 12midnight ultimatum issued by the organised labour.
Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, announced his release in a tweet on Monday night.
“BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail,” he wrote on X.com.
The Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party and Social Democratic Party on Monday criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the raid on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s Abuja office by the Department of State Services.
Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.
In response to its president’s arrest, the NLC held a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, demanding Ajaero’s immediate release and instructing all chapters to prepare for a potential nationwide strike.
The NLC’s National Administrative Council in a statement issued after its meeting by Adeyanju Adewale, NLC’s deputy president, described the detention as “brazen and illegal” and an “affront to the rights of workers and democratic principles.”
The council demanded Ajaero’s release by 12 midnight on Monday and also called for the reversal of the recent petrol price hike to N617/Litre.
The NLC disclosed that it had placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on red alert, warning that it would not stand by while workers’ rights were trampled upon.
The congress reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and opposing oppression, urging the government to reverse its “dangerous trend” and implement the new National Minimum Wage.
The communiqué read, “The National Administrative Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress convened an emergency meeting today to address the alarming and unlawful arrest and detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, by agents of the Nigerian Government.
“Comrade Ajaero was arrested and detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en-route to the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to attend and address the Congress of the Trade Union Congress of Britain, representing Nigerian workers in critical discussions on workers’ rights and social justice.
“After extensive deliberation, the NAC resolved as follows: The Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian state without any legal warrant or justification. The NLC notes with grave concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action.
“His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.
“The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today. The Council reiterates that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal, and his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labour movement’s voice in Nigeria. NAC also demands the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/litre.
“The congress places all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. The detention of Comrade Ajaero is an attack not just on the NLC leadership but on the rights of all workers and citizens to organize, protest, and express themselves freely. The NLC will not stand by while these rights are trampled upon. This provocation is another attempt by the State to scuttle the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.”
Speaking earlier, Benson Upah, Head of Public Relations for the NLC, stated that Ajaero was taken by state agents without a legal warrant or formal documentation, adding that his current location and health status remained unknown.
Reacting to the development, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called for caution, stating that Nigeria has now entered a full-blown dictatorship under President Tinubu.
Ologunagba urged the Federal Government to tackle the underlying issues like hunger, rather than targeting individuals who didn’t support their policies.
He stated “There is a need for caution. There was a protest in this country, and the government did nothing. You arrest some people, label them terrorists, and charge them to court. You claim some individuals are sponsors of the protest.
“We know who sponsored the protest: it is hunger. The President and his administration should address hunger, and there will be no problem. Let your draconian policies that bring people to their knees be re-evaluated. With school resuming, we understand the struggles of those with pupils in school.
“You wake up one morning unable to plan because the government is so insensitive and irresponsible, implementing policies that destroy people’s plans and their pursuit of happiness without consulting the National Assembly.
“Why does the government exist? For the welfare and security of the people. Currently, there is no welfare or security. This is breaking news. We need to see and understand what is happening. The government should address the country’s welfare challenges to prevent protests.”
The PDP Publicity Secretary expressed discontent with President Tinubu for focusing primarily on his comfort.
Ologunagba added, “Nobody really cares who the president is if the government provides the opportunity to pursue our goals and aspirations. As a party, we will investigate this breaking news and respond accordingly. If the government is about welfare and the people are suffering, it is reasonable to review these policies.
“You must show leadership by saying, ‘Okay, you are telling me to tighten my belt while you are buying a new belt.’ This is a country that cannot pay N70,000 minimum wage but can purchase a N150 plane. The President seems to be testing it, flying everywhere. This is a country where N21bn was spent to renovate the Vice President’s house, yet according to them, there is no money.”
The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, remarked that Tinubu’s administration was sliding into ‘’a hotbed of corruption and tyranny.’’
He stated, “Tinubu’s administration is not sliding into authoritarianism, we are already in a full-blown dictatorship.
“The APC and indeed the Tinubu-led government have finally degenerated into a cesspool of corrupt and tyrannical monsters. The contraption is no longer pretentious about its anti-democratic posture, a development we are not surprised about because of the background and disposition of the elements.”
The National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, described Ajaero’s arrest as shocking.
Johnson, however, disclosed that the Tinubu administration must urgently explain why the Labour leader was whisked away to douse the tension.
He said, “We need to wait to find out why he was arrested. That way, we can have an informed opinion. Otherwise, people will start believing that it is some form of authoritarianism we are seeing.
“But as a legal practitioner, I will wait to officially hear the reasons they think it is necessary to pick Ajaero in the manner they did.”
SDP national chairman Shehu Gabam, who labelled the operation as “Gestapo-like”, stated that the nation was descending into gangsterism.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Gabam warned that this approach will not benefit the country.
He stated “What happened symbolizes the nation jumping into gangsterism and Gestapo-like operations against those who disagree with the government. I want to caution the government to be extremely careful.
“The composition of the nation will not support Gestapo-like operations simply because there are differing opinions on how the government is run. The right of citizens to express their dissatisfaction with government policies and programs is constitutionally protected. The government should learn from other systems that have used similar tactics and ended up collapsing.
“Given the current level of consciousness in Nigeria, as well as the high levels of poverty, insecurity, hunger, and unemployment, the leadership must be extremely careful not to provoke the system further. You cannot target institutions simply because they disagree with you. If you have any evidence, you should find a decent way to arrest or interrogate people. Subjecting them to appear as if they are hiding criminals is unacceptable.
“It reflects poorly on the quality of leadership and responsibility. My advice to this government is to apply extreme caution in how they handle those who disagree with them. This approach will not benefit the country.
“It will not create an environment that protects our cherished institutions and democracy, which we have chosen by choice, not imposition. The government must be extremely cautious and sensitive in its operations.”
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.
Late Abang
“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.
The Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, has identified the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the governments of the nine Niger Delta states as development partners in building a sustainable regional investment ecosystem.
Addressing newsmen at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, Ogan reaffirmed NDCCITMA’s commitment to successfully hosting the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from September 15 to 17 in the Rivers State capital.
The NDCCITMA Chairman said the Summit was a strategic, private-sector-led platform to mobilise investment and unlock the Niger Delta region’s economic potential, anchored on the theme: “Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.”
He stated: “Our vision is to bring together the nine Niger Delta states, the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, organised private sector, domestic and international investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, project developers and other strategic partners around a common objective: To transform the Niger Delta from a predominantly resource-dependent economy into a diversified, productive, industrialised and globally competitive regional economy.”
According to Ogan, the Summit was designed not merely as another conference, but as an investment and transaction platform, stating: “I dare say that the region possesses opportunities far beyond crude oil.
“From gas and petrochemicals to agriculture and agro-processing; maritime and blue economy; manufacturing; aviation and transportation; renewable energy; tourism; digital economy; logistics; infrastructure and financial services, the Niger Delta possesses the resources and market opportunities required to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.”
We intend to showcase strategic investment opportunities capable of transforming the regional economy, including agro-industrial and oil-palm value chains, gas utilisation and gas-based industries, regional transportation and aviation, maritime infrastructure, industrial and logistics hubs, renewable energy, manufacturing, skills development, digital infrastructure and other high-impact projects.
The Counsel to the Legal Representative of NDCCITMA, Mr Sammie Somiari, SAN, affirmed that the Summit organiser was committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
He noted that in a suit filed by the founder of NDEIS, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over an alleged trademark infringement, the court restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA.
Somiari assured that the Summit would proceed as planned, as there was no legal encumbrance to the economic and investment platform.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, observed that the Summit would promote stronger economic integration among the nine Niger Delta states.
She noted that the investment forum would produce tangible outcomes: investment commitments, project partnerships, financing opportunities, policy recommendations, and clearly defined implementation frameworks.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
September 12, 2026
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) says the commission is over 90 per cent ready for the forthcoming Sept. 26 Local Government Council Elections in Enugu State.
ENSIEC had scheduled elections into 17 Chairmanship and 260 Councillorship positions in the state.
The Executive Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof. Christian Ngwu, disclosed this on Monday in Enugu.
Ngwu noted that the commission was already putting finishing touches on every other arrangement and training ahead of the polls.
“It is only few things remaining and we are finalising and putting finishing touches on them,” he said.
The chairman said that the commission had trained the trainers of the ad hoc staff, already advertised for the ad hoc staff, while their training would be coming in few days.
He said that “almost all materials for the elections are ready”.
Ngwu noted that the “non sensitive materials will be leaving ENSIEC headquarters in Enugu latest Thursday, Sept. 17, to council headquarters”.
According to him, the sensitive materials will be received and kept in a safe place for now.
“We will soon concluded arrangement with transport unions/companies to ensure adequate logistics facilities.
“The commission is already having a fruitful conclusion of security arrangement with security agencies in the state with the Nigeria Police as lead agency,” he said.
Ngwu said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon avail ENSIEC the authentic voters register of the state to work it.
“I am calling on residents of Enugu State to troop out en mass to cast their votes for their preferred candidates without fear or fear.
“ENSIEC will continue to provide a level playing field for all candidates in the elections.
“The commission will provide a conducive and secure environment as well as ensure a peaceful, hitch-free, transparent and credible elections come Sept. 26 in the state,” he said.
He said that the commission had pasted notice of election in local government areas, which contained awareness on how to vote correctly and positive behavioural conduct expected during and after casting one’s vote.
It would be recalled that candidates from 11 political parties would be participating in the polls.
ENSIEC had two weeks ago concluded train-the-trainer workshop for its officials, which included: 17 Electoral Officers (EOs) for each of the 17 council areas, 17 Assistant Electoral Officers, seven directors, five commissioner and an administrative secretary.
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