The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • 2BABA, YCEE, OTHERS SHINE AS STELLA MARIS SCHOOLS ABUJA CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

    IT was a children’s stellar show headlined by Nigerian finest musicians, Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba and Jagaban crooner, Oludemilade Martin Alejo, aka Ycee.

    Both artistes performed at the Stella Maris Schools Abuja Gala, the climax of the school’s 20th anniversary celebrations, and parents, students, alumni and associates of the educational institution asking for more, during the night of colour and verve.

    But the show was not about these celebrated artistes alone, as the students, after weeks of rehearsals, displayed their creative prowess through a medley of songs, choreography, acrobatics, dance drama, poetry, and other applauding performances, showing the other strength of the school outside its 20 years of academic excellence.

    Changing from one attire to another, the students impressed the crowd who kept clapping and holding their breath to some of the gymnastic displays. Their energetic performances gave prominence to some of Nigeria’s great songs and musicians across different generations.

    From Wizkid ‘s Azonto to Olamide’s Shakiti Bobo and Davido’s Aye, the beats blended well with the afro dance step, the dance drama and well choreographed showmanship. No doubt, theirs was a keenly rehearsed show that pieced several complex plots together beautifully.

    It was a children’s night out with parents and peers. The beauty of the performances was that it had something for every generation. From their mannerism of Omawumi’s songs to Onyeka Onwenu and Lagbaja’s hits, the students also honoured their parents with Salsa, all pointing to the work of a good show producer.

    It all started with the National Anthem taken with sonority by an all-student choir, and opening prayers rendered in Islam and Christianity. This struck the desired balance despite the Christian ownership of the school.

    In between the students show, Ycee stormed the stage amidst loud applause, as everyone sang along as the Tinny Entertainment rapper/songwriter reeled out some of his hit songs.

    But when 2Baba entered at 10:21, shouting his signature element; ‘nothing dey happen’ the excitement took a new dimension. He started with See Me So, a song off his Grass to Grace album, stunning both young and old with his performance, and as many attested much later, he was the right man for the show.

    There were other side attractions, including some magical moment with two South African illusionists.

    Other activities that preceded the Gala night included Club Day, Cultural Day, Alumni Cocktail, Alumni Friendly Match, Inter-house sport among others.

    Speaking on the cultural event, Chairman of the school, Mrs Afoma Onyeanusi noted that the celebration is being given the needed attention due to its importance to the institution for learning.

    “We are from different backgrounds, which affect our dressing, greeting, feeding, marriage, dancing and other aspects of life,” she said, adding that “culture has formed part of our class activities, as it is reflected positively in our teaching and learning processes.”

    Continuing, she said “culture is important, because it can bring people together and you can learn how other people in different cultures live their lives. Teach them your dialect for easy communication at home and identification, anywhere and anytime. Allow them to mingle with people from different cultures to make them complete Nigerians. Endeavour to inculcate values into these children to make them useful ambassadors of our fatherland.”

    Also speaking on the 20th anniversary of the school, Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuemeka Anyaene disclosed plans of the school’s management to likely establish a standard institution of higher learning.

    Anyaene said having contributed immensely over the years to the education sector, it became important to consider extending the good work to a university.

    He stated that though the school is not there as rival to any other but is committed to knowledge, excellence and discipline.

    “We have actually grown from grass to grace. It’s been 20 years of different challenges, opinions and structure but we thank God today that the school has been upgraded from the way it was when our late mother left to the way it is now.

    “So 20 years from now, the school might grow into a higher institution. We are very prudent people and we are a bit conservative. At the moment, we have five schools and one more coming up which will bring us close to about 4, 000 students.”

    In his remark, the Principal, Stella Maris College, Mr. Jacob Dawodu said the college started 24th September, 2001 with only 17 children.

    He added that the children population comprised 13 in JSS1 and four in JSS2, with about 13 teachers including him.

    However, Dawodu who is also the colleges academic adviser described the school’s growth as product of hardwork and commitment with about 543 students currently in the college.

    ‎The Academic Adviser, Stella Maris Nursery and Primary school, Mr. James Arllo described the entire celebration to mark 20th anniversary of the school.

    He emphasised that the cultural day celebration among other lined up event was to promote indigenous culture such as food, clothe  arts among others.

    Arllo noted the school had come a long way with about 2000 students.

  • Chibok girls: FG won’t fall for fraudsters’ antics – Buhari

    Chibok girls: FG won’t fall for fraudsters’ antics – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said the Federal Government will not fall for  antics of fraudsters who have been asking for money to negotiate release of the abducted Chibok girls.

    Speaking on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Primate and Archbishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the President said his administration will continue to insist on a thorough authentication of the identities and bona fides of any persons or groups claiming to have custody of the girls before entering into negotiations with them.

    Buhari,  however, assured the Anglican Bishops of his steadfast commitment to the rescue of the girls, saying their safe return will be one of his greatest fulfillments in office as President.

     

  • Photo: Buhari receives Obasanjo in Aso Rock

    Photo: Buhari receives Obasanjo in Aso Rock

    President Buhari receives Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in Statehouse on Friday
    President Buhari receives Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in Statehouse on Friday
  • Buhari, Okoh meet over herdsmen attacks, vandalism

    Buhari, Okoh meet over herdsmen attacks, vandalism

    Archbishop Nicholas Okoh on Friday led some Anglican clerics to a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, he said that the issues discussed included the herdsmen attacks and killings across the country and oil pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    He said: “We told him many things but part of it we are all looking for solution to issues of the herdsmen, issue of vandalism on security in one way or the other because the people are asking us and we want to have explanation for the people whom we lead.

    “Very favourable, he gave us detailed explanations of what he is doing to ensure that these things are solved so we have hope, we have message for our people.” He said

    Noting that the first year was devoted to clearing the table, he was optimistic that things will improve in the country in the next one year.

    He said: “We believe that so far it’s been okay because of the difficulties of the time and between now and the next one year we are looking forward to something more direct now.

    “Something that will get to the people easily, so far for the first year it is trying to clear the table, prepare the place, make the work move forward.

    “We look forward to a better 2016-2017 budget year that you can see that with the long delay in budget, the issue of padding we were not able to begin easily.

    “So the next one we know will be better that is why we are talking in that way, its okay for now but it could be better,” he added.

  • Lawyer’s ill-health stalls hearing in Saraki’s appeal

    Lawyer’s ill-health stalls hearing in Saraki’s appeal

    The hearing of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki’s appeal at the Federal Court of Appeal, Abuja on Thursday, against the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has been stalled again.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inability of the court to sit on the matter stemmed from a reported ill health of the applicant’s (Saraki) counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

    The Senate President is being tried at the tribunal for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of his asset while serving as governor of Kwara.

    The Federal Government had also alleged that the applicant violated the country’s Money Laundering law.

    However, Saraki, who denied any wrong doing, is challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him.

    Agabi had transmitted a letter to the presiding Judge, Justice Abdul Aboki, seeking an adjournment on account of his ill-health.

    NAN further reports that the application was not opposed by the respondent’s counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacob (SAN).

    “In view of the letter sent to this panel from the applicant’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, seeking adjournment on account of ill health and since this prayer is not opposed, the court will grant it.
    “The hearing of the appeal is hereby adjourned until July 18,’’ Aboki said.

    NAN recalls that hearing of the appeal was stalled on May 31, as the panel could not form the mandatory quorum to hear the matter.

    Justice Moore Adumien, leading two other justices, fixed the matter to June 2.

     

  • Reps to introduce e-parliament – Dogara

    Electronic voting system in the conduct of activities of the House of Representatives would soon be the order of the day, according to plans by the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

    The Speaker recently announced that in compliance with the Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly the House would
    adopt the e-voting system in its operations.

    “Consequently, forms have been distributed to individual members to collate their data ahead of production of e-voting cards to all the 360 MPs,” a statement by the Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs) Turaki Hassan said.

    It further states: “The implication of the new system is that records of each member’s punctuality and voting patterns can easily be accessed by his/her constituents and members of
    the public.

    The Legislative Agenda as adopted by the 8th Assembly last year states: “The 8th House commits to the use of ICT in the
    daily conduct of legislative activities of the House. E-parliament and e-voting platforms will be made a regular feature of the House.

    “E-voting will be used regularly during voting to properly reflect voting records of Members and parliamentary
    accountability. The House shall collaborate with relevant
    stakeholders to achieve the goal of an e-parliament.”

    According to the statement, other initiatives that will be introduced include the establishment and equipping of a
    Parliamentary Information Centre where information and documents of the National Assembly will be made available.

    The introduction of the e-voting and e- parliament will further increase citizens access to the legislature and solve the
    problem of public access to authentic documents of parliament, the statement said.

    According to the statement, the e-parliament initiative is expected to operate on the platform of modern, up-to-date digital technology, and Internet and intranet access supported by computerized legislative information management system is also be put in

  • You can’t travel abroad now, court tells Metuh

    You can’t travel abroad now, court tells Metuh

    Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja Wednesday rejected an application by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Olisa Metuh for the release of his international passport to enable him travel to the United Kingdom (UK) on medical ground.

    The judge, in a ruling, held that his court was without jurisdiction to, on its own, vary its earlier order directing Metuh to deposit his international passport with the court’s registrar for the duration o the trial.

    Justice Abang said, since Meuh did not appeal the order of the court, asking him to submit his passport to the court, the order still subsists, until a superior court directs otherwise.

    “The law is settled and required no restatement that, when a court has made an order, the court lacks jurisdiction to set aside the order or vary the order,” the judge said.

    Justice Abang was of the view that Metuh could not ask for the release of his passport as of right without placing sufficient materials before the court.

    “This is not a sentimental issue. This is not the issue of sympathy. It is purely an issue of law. Chief Olisa Metuh cannot casually apply for the release of his passport as of right.

    “Chief Olisa Metuh filed the application as if it a simple matter. It is not a simple matter.

    “The first defendant did not, even in his application, pray the court for bail variation. The first defendant did not ask for an order for the court to vary its order. The first defendant only asked for the release of his passport as of right. This is impossibility,” the judge said.

    “Except that order is set aside on appeal, the first defendant will not have access to his passport during the pendency of his trial.

    “The court is not a Father Christmas. The court cannot give to the first defendant what he did not ask for even if the court is inclined to bend backwards for the sake of humanity.

    “I want to remind parties that proceedings before a court is not based on sentiment. Don’t file a motion out of emotion. Look at the law.

    “There for prayer 2 by Chief Olisa Metuh asking for the release of his passport lacks merit. It is a nullity and ought to have been sought for in this court,” Justice Abang said.

    He noted that Metuh failed to provide evidence to prove that his ailment, which he claimed is spinal cord-related, and for which he intended to visit the London Royal Hospital, cannot be treated in any of the nation’s teaching hospitals.

    The judge said although he could not fault the medical report signed by a doctor at the National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Charles Okechukwu Ugwuanyi, recommending Metuh for treatment in London, it did not indicate that the ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.

    Justice Abang said, since the prosecution has expressed fear that Metuh may jump bail, there was the need for the court to be “careful in deciding such complex application. What the court needs to do is to balance the conflicting rights of parties.”

    Justice Abang noted that the further affidavit filed by Metuh in support of his application was neither dated nor deposed to before the court’s commissioner for oath.

    He said since affidavit was incompetent, the court ignored all facts deposed to in the further affidavit in arriving at its decision.

    The judge ruled that having refused prayer 2, it would be of no moment to grant prayer 1 which sought the court’s leave to enable Metuh to travel abroad for the treatment.

    “The first defendant is asking the court to set aside the court order made on January 16, 2016, directing him to deposit his passport with the Chief Registrar of the Court.

    “This is a legal impossibility. This court has no jurisdiction to do so except the appellate court,” the judge said.

     

  • Alleged money laundry: A/Court says Metuh has case to answer

    Alleged money laundry: A/Court says Metuh has case to answer

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja has held that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Olisa Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited must answer to charges of money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The appellate court, in a judgment Wednesday, upheld the March 9 ruling by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to the effect that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Metuh and his company, requiring them to enter defence.

    A three-man bench of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the objections raised to the two appeals by Metuh and his company, dismissed the appeals having also considered them on merit.

    Justice Abdul Aboki, who led the three-man panel, read the lead judgments in both appeals, which Justices T. Y. Hassan and M. Mustapher (other members of the panel) agreed with.

    Metuh and his company are being tried on a seven-count charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja on charges of money laundering.

    At the completion of the prosecution’s case earlier this year, having called eight witnesses, the court called on the defence to open its case.

    Rather than conducting their defence, Metuh and Destra elected to make a no-case submission, which Justice Abang rejected in the March 9 ruling.

    Justice Abang was of the view that the prosecution has provided sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant the court to call on them to enter defence.

    Metuh’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and lawyer to his company, Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN), in both their appeals, faulted Justice Abang’s reasons for rejecting their clients’ no-case submissions.

    They urged the appellate court to set aside Justice Abang’s decision, uphold their clients’ no-case submissions and quash the charges against them.

    In both judgments Wednesday, the Court of Appeal upheld the preliminary objection raised by the prosecution (listed as the 1st respondent) to the effect that the appeals by Metuh and Destra were incompetent.

    The court held that failed to comply with the requirement in Section 242(1) that an appellant, who is appealing interlocutory decision, on either grounds of facts or mixed law and facts, must first obtain the leave of either the trial or appellate court before filing a notice of appeal.

    After declaring the upholding the preliminary objection, the court still proceeding to decide the appeals on merits. It held, after examining the submissions of parties, that the appeals were without merit and dismissed them.

    In the first judgment, on the appeal by Metuh, Justice Aboki identified one issue for determination, which was whether or not the prosecution has establish a prima facie case against Metuh to require him to defend himself.

    Justice Aboki, after analysing the argument of parties, resolved the sole issue against Metuh.

    “I have carefully examined the 7-count charge against the appellant in the instant case. It was evident from the case made out against the appellant,  that the witness led by the 1st respondent testified to facts in respect of the charge on which the appellant was arraigned.

    “The evidence led by the 1st respondent’s witness was not discredited in cross-examination. The trial remains on-going. It is my view that there is the need for the appellant to either deny or offer explanation.

    “The trial court was therefore right to hold that evidence on record as it relates to the circumstances of this case has raised a numbering of issues which the appellants is required to address,” he said.

    On the questions raised by Justice Abang regarding the issues he (the judge) felt the appellant (Metuh)  must address, the appellate court said the questions were in order and did not amount to the judge descending into the arena of conflict, as argued by the appellant.

    “It is my view that the questions posed by the trial court were not meant to shift the burden of proof to the appellant and not a breach of the appellant’s right to fair hearing as contended by the appellant.

    “They are rhetoric questions as rightly observed by counsel to the 1st respondent.

    “The justice of the case demands that where a prima facie case is established against the appellant in a no-case submission, as in the instant case, the appellant is entitled to give its explanation as to what transpired. That is what the trial judge is saying.

    “Also, on the appellant’s contention that the trial court descended into the arena of conflict to pre-determine matters before him, is misconceived.

    “This lone issue is resolved in favour of the 1std respondent. There is no merit in this appeal. The appeal is hereby dismissed,” Justice Aboki said.

    The court entered similar decision in the appeal filed by Onwugbufor for Destra.

    Earlier before the Metuh judgment, the court decided the appeal by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafria (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and two of his associates – David Nwawusi and Benjamin Madubugwu,

    A three-man panel, also led by Justice  Aboki, upheld, in a judgment on Wednesday,  the January 29, 2016 ruling of Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, refusing the appellants bail.

    Justice Aboki, who read the lead judgment, held that the trial court was in order in refusing the appellants’ bail application filed on January 14, 2016.

    Justice Tsoho had, in rejecting Kanu and others’ bail application, held among others, that they were charged with serious offences, including treasonable felony that they failed to disprove the prosecution’s claim that they would jump bail.

    In his judgment yesterday, Justice Aboki said, “Contrary to the appellants’ contention, it is my view that there was proper consideration of the proof of evidence by the trial court before the consideration of the appellants’ applications for bail.

    “The trial court’s observation that the 1st applicant’s dual citizenship supports the suspicion of his escaping if granted bail, cannot be faulted.

    “The exercise of its discretion was both judicially and judiciously. More so, there are other reasons, as shown from the record, why the appellants were not granted bail.”

    Justice Aboki faulted the appellants’ argument that the court, in denying bail to the 2nd and 3rd appellants, failed to state any reason.

    “The charges against the appellants are for serious offences and the complainant has satisfied the court why bail should not be granted to them.

    “Therefore, the trial court is not in violation of the rights of the appellants herein to personal liberty or fair hearing as contended by the appellants,” the judge said

    He said, although the court has the power to interfere with the finding of a lower court, where such finding is perverse, such case did no arise in this instance.

    Justice Aboki declared: “On the whole, there is no merit in this appeal. And it is hereby dismissed. The ruling of the trial court, rejecting the appellants bail applications, is hereby upheld,” Justice Aboki said.

    Justices Hassan and Mustapher, who were on the panel, also agreed with the lead judgment.

     

  • Appeal Court delivers judgment in Metuh’s case Wednesday

    Appeal Court delivers judgment in Metuh’s case Wednesday

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja will Wednesday deliver judgments in the appeal by spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

    The Nation learnt Tuesday that parties in the case have been issued hearing notices to that effect.

    A three-man panel, head by Justice Abdul Aboki had on May 5 told parties that they would be informed of the date for judgment.

    Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited are appealing the ruling by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Justice Abang had, in the ruling, refused their no-case submission and ordered them to enter defence in their trial for money laundering and unlawful receipt of funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Metuh and his company are being tried on a seven-count charge. At the completion of the prosecution’s case earlier this year, having called eight witnesses, the court called on the defence to open its case.

    Rather than conducting their defence, Metuh and Destra elected to make a no-case submission, which Justice Abang rejects in a ruling.

    Justice Abang was of the view that the prosecution has provided sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant the court to call on them to enter defence.

    Metuh’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and lawyer to his company, Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN), had while adopting their briefs on May 5, faulted Justice Abang’s reasoning in rejecting their clients’ no-case submissions.

    They urged the court to set aside Justice Abang’s decision, uphold their clients’ no-case submission and quash the charges against them.

    Responding, prosecution lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to dismiss the Appeal for lacking in merit and for being defective.

    Tahir noted that the appeal being an interlocutory one, the appellants were required under the law, to first obtain the leave of the trial court.

    He argued that, having not fulfilled the condition precedent, the appellants could not claim to have a valid appeal before the court.

     

  • Petrol price strike flops in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos

    Petrol price strike flops in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos

    MANY workers yesterday shunned the strike called by a faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Ayuba Wabba to protest the increased price of petrol from N86.50 to N145. But there were rallies, which disrupted traffic in some cities.

    All was normal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja – the seat of the government – and in Lagos – the nation’s financial and business engine-room. The oil city of Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State, and many other state capitals were peaceful and busy.

    Rallies were held in many places, including Lagos and Abuja. They were addressed by Labour leaders and civil society organisations.

    Activities in government, public and private establishments were going on in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    At the State Secretariat, work went on. Earlier in the day, there was an attempt by an NLC group to lock up the place.

    Local Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman Chika Onuegbu described the failed strike as a “tragedy” and “minus” for labour movement.

    Onuegbu said there was need for the two factions of the NLC to unite, stressing that the success of any labour movement depends on a single and common agenda.

    He said TUC withdrew from the planned strike because it found out that the action would be a fruitless effort without any benefit on the workers.

    The TUC chairman called on living founding fathers of the labour movement to intervene in the NLC crisis, cautioning the Federal Government not conclude that it has won the battle.

    Bank workers and customers in Lagos ignored the strike call as banks were opened. Government offices were also open.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report said security was beefed up at bank premises on Marina and the Lagos Central Business District (CBD) on Lagos Island.

    There were normal activities in Ojuelegba, Mushin and on Ikorodu Road as well as other parts of Lagos. Traffic  moved freely all over the metropolis.

    Major markets, such as the Computer Village, Katangowa, Mile 12, Ile-Epo and others were in full swing.

    Petrol stations were dispensing fuel across the metropolis at N145 per litre. There were no queues.

    At the Lagos State Government Secretariat, all was normal.

    The Ikeja City Mall, housing the popular retailer Shoprite and major business outfits, was throbbing with people. All public and private schools in the Lagos metropolis were running.

    Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) did not heed labour’s call for a strike.

    An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, popularly called the Freedom Park, but no one was seen entering the park for any protest, unlike in 2012 during the fuel protest when thousands of Lagosians thronged the park.

    However, hoodlums were in the morning reported to have blocked the ever-busy Ikorodu Road, but the situation was quickly put under check.

    The National Union of Airport Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Senior Services Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), threatened to shut down the Lagos Airport today, should the government fail to reverse the increase in petrol price.

    They blocked major roads leading into the Lagos Airport, occasioning traffic gridlock on the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja.

    They seized the road early in the day, depriving limousine cab operators from taking passengers and airport workers to the airport.

    Domestic carriers, including DANA Air, Arik, Aero, First Nation and Med-View operated skeletal services.

    Most of them cancelled or re-scheduled flights because of low passenger turnout.

    Most of the aviation agencies, including Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), opened their offices.

    The Joint Action Front (JAF), led by Comrade Abiodun Aremu, staged a protest on the streets of Ikeja.

    FCT workers declined to go on strike.

    However, NLC President Wabba led out some members on a street protest which began from the Labour House to the Federal secretariat and terminated at the popular Berger Roundabout in the heart of the city.

    Offices, banks and markets opened. There was heavy security presence around the city. Roads were, as usual busy.

    The procession is to continue today, according to the NLC.

    Policemen deployed to maintain the peace around the city were friendly and did not interfere with the procession. The labour leaders also refrained from harassing workers who turned out for work.

    Addressing the protesters, Wabba pledged the commitment of the Congress to good governance and transparency in government business for the overall good of the people.

    Wabba said the NLC would continue to fight against anti-people policies. “Therefore, Labour and particularly the NLC, has said consistently that if policies are right, we will support it. But if policies are anti-people, we will continue to resist it. That is why we are here today to resist this policy of the increase in fuel pump price.

    “We must not allow market forces to drive the pump price of this very essential product in our country as continuous importation of fuel will be used to enslave Nigerians, the naira will be devaluated and prices will keep going up and there will be no end to it.”

    Wabba said the congress will continue to demonstrate its commitment to the fight against corruption and good governance, adding the congress recognised the inherent corruption in the system, which, is responsible for the refineries not functioning.

    He said the refineries could be turned around because Nigerian refineries are among the newest in the world. “We have refineries that have stayed up to 110 years and, with regular maintenance, refineries can be fixed and production capacity can also be upgraded for local consumption.”

    National Union of Textiles, Garment and Tailoring Workers General Secretary Comrade Isa Aremu said the increase of petrol price by about 70 per cent was outrageous, adding: “You also increased the tariff of electricity with almost 50 per cent and there is no light. This is just too much for the common man as a lot of people are suffering.

    The Chairman, Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LACSCO), Dr Dipo Fashina, said the increase of the price of fuel pump to N145 was arbitrary, unjust and against all rules of good governance.

    Fashina said the increase was a subversion of the 1999 Constitution.