Tinubu Govt Can’t Silence Nigerians: CSOs Demand Respect for Citizens’ Rights

Civil Society Organizations Condemn NLC Headquarters Invasion

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Nigeria have strongly condemned the recent invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by security operatives, viewing it as a desperate move by the government to silence the voices of the people. The invasion, which occurred on Wednesday night, has sparked widespread criticism, with many seeing it as a return to authoritarian tactics reminiscent of past regimes.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, expressed his disappointment with the government’s actions. Rafsanjani, who also serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria, stated that the government’s focus on intimidating civil organizations and unions is misplaced.

“It’s truly disheartening that those who should be the focus of law enforcement—terrorists, bandits, and corrupt officials—are not being targeted. Instead, the federal government appears to be using security agencies to pursue personal vendettas,” Rafsanjani said. He warned that such actions not only undermine President Tinubu’s leadership but also damage Nigeria’s reputation both domestically and internationally.

NLC Urges Federal Government to Prioritize Citizens’ Welfare

In response to the ongoing economic challenges, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to prioritize policies that will alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. During an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to ease the hardships faced by workers and the general populace.

The meeting, which resulted in a communiqué jointly signed by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, highlighted the organization’s concern over the deteriorating living conditions in the country. The NLC’s leadership urged the government to take decisive action to improve the welfare of citizens, stressing that the current economic situation requires urgent attention.

Tragedy in Abuja: Cross Dresser Found Dead on Expressway

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was shaken on Thursday morning when the lifeless body of an unidentified cross dresser was discovered along the Katampe-Mabushi Expressway in Abuja. The Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

According to the FCT Police Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, a distress call was received early Thursday morning, leading detectives to the scene where the body was found. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was a man dressed in female attire, with no identification found on the body. The police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the deceased and uncovering the details of the incident.

Canoe Capsize Claims Five Lives in Jigawa State

A tragic canoe accident in Jigawa State has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, with several others still missing. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as a canoe carrying twenty passengers capsized while crossing the Gamoda River near Nahuce village in Taura Local Government Area.

The Jigawa State Police Command, alongside local divers and community members, responded swiftly to the scene. Despite rescue efforts, the bodies of five passengers were recovered. The victims, ranging in age from 15 to 75, have been identified, while search operations continue for the remaining passengers.

This unfortunate event underscores the risks associated with water transportation in rural areas, and the need for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.