News
Federal Workers Plan Solidarity March For Dec’ 4 Over State Of The Nation
The Federal Workers Forum (FWF), National Action Council has issued a warning to the Nigerian Government over worsening national insecurity, the collapse of the health sector, and the continued non-payment of wage awards owed to federal workers.
The Forum also announced a nationwide solidarity march scheduled for December 4, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, December 1, and jointly signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and other members of the National Action Council, the Forum said Nigeria is “progressively eroding the safety, dignity, and welfare of its workers,” urging urgent intervention by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Forum expressed deep concern over what it called “escalating insecurity across the country,” noting that the situation has now become a direct threat to federal workers.
It cited the recent abduction of staff members of the Ministry of Defence who were travelling to Abuja for promotional examinations, describing the incident as “tragic and symbolic of a nation where even those serving the country in highly sensitive institutions are no longer safe.”
The incident, it said, has intensified long-standing fears among government employees who frequently travel for training, examinations, and other official duties.
“The Federal Government must urgently take concrete steps to ensure safety along our highways and communities,” the Forum said.
It warned that failure by the Tinubu-led administration to act could compel federal workers to “mobilize for a nationwide peaceful protest” and possibly consider “a vote of no confidence in the government.”
The Forum stressed that workers were “not asking for special treatment, only for the basic right to live and work without fear of abduction or death.”
The Forum declared strong solidarity with striking health workers, including the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), accusing the government of negligence over unresolved demands for allowances and improved working conditions.
It lamented that the health sector had deteriorated to a point where Nigerians were now dying from “conditions that should ordinarily be treatable,” a situation worsened by the continuous migration of health professionals seeking greener pastures.
The statement criticized political officeholders for travelling abroad for medical care while “ordinary citizens are left to suffer in underfunded and understaffed hospitals.”
The Forum called on the Federal Government to immediately address the demands of health workers, insisting that “the ongoing crisis is costing Nigerian lives every day.”
The Forum also condemned the government’s delay in paying the outstanding ₦105,000 wage award meant to cushion workers against rising economic hardship.
It noted that at a time of severe inflation, high taxes, and escalating fuel and living costs, withholding wage support amounted to “insensitivity and poor governance.”
The Forum further expressed concern that Nigeria’s dependence on borrowing had raised fears that “even the wage award funds may have been diverted or borrowed.”
It urged the two major labour centres to “immediately declare a nationwide strike,” push for a “new, dignified, and living minimum wage,” and demand that the government fully honours its obligations to workers.
Announcing its next line of action, the Forum invited workers, civil society groups, activists and the media to join its solidarity march to the Federal High Court on December 4, 2025.
The march, according to the Forum, is intended to support Comrade Andrew Emelieze in his ongoing legal case involving the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“This solidarity action is not just about one individual; it is a defence of workers’ rights, freedom of expression, and the right to organize without intimidation,” the statement said.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerian workers, urging citizens to “remain awake, engaged, and united in the struggle for a safer, fairer, and more accountable nation.”
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, workers, citizens, and future generations alike,” the statement said.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
-
Health & Wellness1 year agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News2 years ago
CBN Debunks Fake Circular on New ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 Notes
-
Business7 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
International News7 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business7 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price
-
Trending News1 year agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
-
Opinion2 years agoChampioning the People’s Voice: Obasa’s Dedication to Grassroots Representation By Dave Agboola⁰