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May Day: NLC, TUC demand reversal of emergency rule In Rivers

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President Bola Tinubu
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The 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Rivers State took a different turn as the two major labour centres — the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) — held separate rallies at their respective secretariats, calling for the restoration of democratic governance and improved welfare for workers.

In obedience to their national secretariat, members of the NLC gathered in large numbers at their secretariat, clad in union uniforms and carrying placards demanding an end to what they described as “an unconstitutional assault on democracy.”

The Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, in his speech, restated the national body’s condemnation of the removal of elected state officials, calling the action a “reckless overreach of executive power.”

The union insisted that the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the House of Assembly members was unlawful and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

In an unexpected twist, the state’s Acting Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) attended the NLC event without prior invitation.

They were not scheduled to address the workers.

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The NLC Chairman, while acknowledging their presence, also noted the earlier state broadcast by the Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, in which he pledged to improve workers’ welfare.

Meanwhile, at the TUC secretariat, members danced and sang in a spirited show of solidarity.

The Secretary of TUC in Rivers State, Sunday Danagogo, echoed similar concerns, calling for an immediate end to emergency rule in the state and warning of its economic and social consequences.

“The emergency declaration has disrupted livelihoods and created an atmosphere of fear,” Danagogo said. “History has shown that such actions do not resolve crises—they deepen them.”

He added that “the suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.”

“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.”

He warned that “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,” and demanded “Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.”

Earlier in the day, the Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, addressed workers in a 7 a.m. broadcast, touching on some welfare concerns and promising continuity in service delivery despite the political situation.

Workers also received a goodwill message from the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. In his message, Fubara praised workers for their resilience, professionalism, and courage in the face of what he described as political and socio-economic challenges.

He expressed confidence that “the forces of justice, peace, and progress will ultimately prevail.”

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Akani Landlords in Enugu raise alarm over alleged encroachment, urge buyers to exercise caution

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The Akani Ancestral Layout Landlords Association has issued a public warning to prospective land buyers and investors over alleged encroachment issues involving parts of the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme located in Emene-Nike, Enugu.

In a public notice released on Monday, the association said its attention had been drawn to videos circulating online concerning individuals allegedly involved in controversial land transactions within sections of the Akani Ancestral Layout.

According to the association, one of the videos featured a female investor who allegedly paid for plots of land in New Enugu Estate and Dolphine Estate but was yet to receive allocation of the purchased plots.

While sympathising with the investor over the development, the association stated that its members had reviewed the location and size of the land reportedly belonging to Dolphine Estate and now suspect that parts of the estate may have encroached on the area officially known as the Akani Land Layout Planning Scheme.

The association explained that the layout was approved through a Public Notice issued under the Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2012, and signed on August 16, 2012, by the then Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam.

Raising what it described as a “red flag” to the public, the association urged intending land buyers to conduct proper due diligence before purchasing land in the area, stressing the importance of ensuring that any property being acquired does not violate the boundaries of the Akani Layout Planning Scheme.

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The group also disclosed that many members of the Akani Layout Landlords Association had already completed verification processes and payments for their title documents with relevant authorities in the Enugu State Government.

The association noted that the notice was aimed at preventing future disputes and helping prospective investors avoid costly mistakes.

“Forewarned is forearmed,” the statement concluded.

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Tinubu congratulates Rangers International after ninth NPFL title win

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Victorious Rangers International FC
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…Lauds Gov Mbah’s investment in youth, sports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also praised the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for supporting youth and sports development in the state, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

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“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

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INEC appeals ruling against Election Guidelines

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INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified part of the the election guidelines put in place by the commission for the conduct of the 2027 general election.

Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had last week nullified guidelines issued by the INEC directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as a condition for participation in the 2027 general election.

A political party, the Youth Party, had filed a suit challenging the legality of the electoral body’s directive or guidelines.

The court said in its judgement that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline already provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

But, in the appeal notice dated May 25, 2026, filed by INEC, through its Counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, the electoral umpire prayed the court to set aside the judgement of the lower court.

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