Metro

Regular hike in petrol prices pushing Nigerians to limit— NLC

Published

18 hours ago

October 31, 2024

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has lamented the regular increase in the price of petrol which it says is pushing Nigerians to the limit of their endurance.

The organised Labour, which was reacting to yet another price hike announced on Tuesday—making it the third of such in one month—warned the Federal Government against a surprise and unexpected reaction of the people.

Labour equally advised the government to be wary of the silence of Nigerians in the midst of excruciating hardship and misery being inflicted on them, saying even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall.

In a statement on Wednesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the petrol price increases, occasioned by subsidy removal, had led to an increase in transportation and logistics, production costs, the decline in household income and purchasing power.

“We had thought that the Federal Government will halt the incessant increase in the pump price of petrol after our October 16 meeting, where we made the government representatives, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation understand the level of frustration, hunger, misery and general restiveness across the country,” he stated.

‘’Sincerely, we thought the government would give the people a breathing space and suspend the increases. The government is testing the patience of Nigerians. I can tell you that government is pushing the citizens to a boiling point.

“This latest increase on Tuesday, October 29, is one increase too many and a bitter pill to swallow. The increases are pushing the citizens to the limit.

“Government should not be surprised if the people of Nigeria decide to react in an unexpected way that will shock those in government. The people are really angry, frustrated, hopeless and are moving to a point where they may vent their anger in an unusual way that may be difficult to curtail.

‘’You cannot continue to flog a child and tell him not to cry. Hunger is everywhere, apart from the people in power or their friends and relations.

“The frustration and suffering in the country were also highlighted a few days ago during the meeting of the 19 Northern governors, alongside traditional rulers, among others. Across the country, people are just waiting for something to ignite the fire.

“Increasingly, the government is providing the fuel that will ignite the fire. What is probably left is someone to light the matches. We (Labour) have been urging the government to jettison the anti-people policies and lessen the pain, suffering, hunger, poverty and frustration to no avail.

“We have been cautious, thinking the government will allow common sense, empathy and the reality of the mass suffering of the citizens to drive its actions and inactions. Unfortunately, the reverse has been the case. It is getting to the time when the bubble will burst. Even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall.”

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Metro

Incarcerated ex-Zambian defence minister in serious health crisis

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2024

Isaac Dachen

There are fears for the life of former Zambian Defence Minister, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence, as he is reportedly experiencing severe health issues which has prompted his legal team to seek court permission for urgent medical treatment in South Africa.

The bail application filed by State Counsel, Bonaventure Mutale, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC), detailed Mwamba’s condition as having visibly swollen thighs and legs, suggesting that his current medication may be ineffective.

Mwamba, who is being held at Mwembeshi Correctional Facility, according to Zambia Monitor, was sentenced on October 10 by Magistrate Standford Ngobola on charges of conflict of interest and possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The Magistrate had previously denied his bail request, citing insufficient grounds but in the affidavit filed with the High Court, Mutale recounted his October 28 visit to Mwembeshi, where he noted the facility’s limited medical resources, staffed only by a clinical officer.

Mutable said he observed swelling in Mwamba’s lower body, reportedly necessitating specialist treatment abroad.

Mwamba’s defence also maintained that his appeal has merit, citing unresolved legal questions and a lack of evidence directly linking him to the alleged crimes.

The defence also argued that Mwamba’s five-year sentence is excessive for a first-time offender.

They highlighted potential delays in the High Court’s appeal process, suggesting that Mwamba could serve a substantial part of his sentence before the appeal is heard.

The legal team also asserted that he posed no flight risk and that his release on bail would not prejudice the State.

Mwamba’s appeal also included eight grounds, contending the trial court overlooked evidence that he had declared his interest, noting the case was previously closed after investigation.

His appeal further argued the magistrate erroneously dismissed his written declaration of interest under Section 28(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act.

Metro

Biden calls Tinubu, thanks him for release of Binance executive

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, on Tuesday evening, placed a call to his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu, where he expressed his gratitude to Nigeria for releasing the Binance Head of Financial Crimes Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, who had been detained in Nigeria since February and later charged alongside his company, Binance, with laundering $35.4million, and tax evasion.

In the 30-minute phone call, Biden also thanked Tinubu for dropping all the charges against Gambaryan, who is an American citizen.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents on the 30-minute voice call between both leaders, said Biden also pledged the US will partner and collaborate with West Africa in numerous sectors especially in regards to security in West Africa.

“I have been directed by Mr President to brief you with regards to his phone call with US President Joseph Biden at about 4 pm today,” Tuggar said.

“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and President Biden proceeded to thank President Tinubu for his partnership and for Nigeria’s partnership, and in particular, for the collaboration between the two countries with regards to…the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that we’re all aware of.

“The two leaders also discussed the issue of the permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

“President Biden, once again, assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.

“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance,” he added.

He confirmed that Gambaryan has already left Nigeria after eight months of detention, and has reunited with his family.

Gambaryan, a senior Binance executive was detained in Nigeria in early 2024 during a crackdown on cryptocurrency activity by the Nigerian government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had
filed money laundering charges against him, which Binance and Gambaryan denied complicity.

However, his extended detention drew international attention, as his health reportedly deteriorated while held at Kuje Prison with US diplomats and lawmakers pushing for his release, emphasising both his declining health and the need for transparent proceedings.

Despite repeated bail applications, he remained in custody for nearly eight months, raising diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria but last week, an Abuja Federal High Court had discharged Gambaryan from the money laundering charges.