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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its warning strike in Kaduna following Federal Government’s intervention.

NLC National President, Ayuba Wabba announced the suspension of the strike on Wednesday, saying they decided to suspend the strike to honour the invitation of the Nigerian Government.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had moved to intervene in the stand-off between Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and the NLC, which is fighting against the mass sacking of workers by the state governor.

Ngige has invited El-Rufai and Labour leaders led by the NLC president, Ayuba Wabba for a meeting on Thursday at the Conference Hall of the Minister’s Office in Abuja to resolve the crisis. 

See Also LABOR/WORKERS' RIGHTS Kaduna Crisis: Nigeria's Labour Minister, Ngige Intervenes, Invites El-Rufai, Labour Leaders For Emergency Meeting Thursday 0 Comments 4 Hours Ago
The meeting is scheduled for 11 am, according to a statement issued by Charles Akpan, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The statement said, "Sequel to the strike prompted by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) one of the federations of Trade Unions in Nigeria, and the subsequent withdrawal of work and services in almost all public sector establishments and institutions in Kaduna State, including but not limited to the essential services in electricity, water and health, which has consequently resulted and inflicted huge damage and loss to the economy and well-being and even loss of lives to the people of Kaduna State in the last three days.

"I am therefore constrained in the exercise of my powers as the Minister of Labour and Employment, under the Trade Disputes Act, CAP. T8, Laws of Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004; to invite you and your top officials to the emergency trade dispute conciliation meeting.”

The minister urged both parties to maintain status quo pending the resolution of the dispute. 

The labour leaders had declared a five-day strike in Kaduna to press home their demands.

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Gimba Kumo, a former son-in-law to President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the $65 million fraud allegation against him, saying he was never invited before he was declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission. 

 

Kumo, through his lawyer, O.U Orji Rayfield Associates, on Wednesday said he had got invitations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as from the Department of State Services on the same alleged misappropriation of $65m while he was Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. 

Kumo's lawyers stated these in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, which is dated May 18, 2021.

 

The ICPC had last Thursday declared Kumo wanted alongside Tarry Rufus and Bola Ogunsola over the alleged fraud. 

In the notice signed by its Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, the ICPC urged the public to provide information about the whereabouts of the wanted persons.

See Also Corruption Buhari's Son-in-law, Kumo, Others Allegedly Embezzled N31bn National Housing Fund, ICPC Declares Them Wanted 0 Comments 5 Days Ago

Kumo's response is contained in a letter titled, "Re: Declaration of Mallam Gimba Yau Kumo, OON, as a Wanted Person in National Dailies, Social Media and the ICPC Website."

 

The letter read in part, “We were reliably informed by our client that he was never served with any official invitation in line with Section 29, 30, 31, and 32 of the ICPC Act, 2000.

 

“Since he left the FMBN, his private office and home addresses are well known to the public as both the DSS (Department of State Services) and the EFCC have also effected service/invitation to him personally which he honoured without any hesitation on the same issues as he does not have anything to hide.”

 

Kumo argued that the ICPC had violated its own Act by declaring him wanted without following due process. 

 

“Suffice it to be noted that the same allegations were dully investigated by the DSS and the EFCC and reports have been sent to the President. All the documents ranging from the invitation letters and our client’s reply with the documentary proofs will be found if demanded.

 

“Sir, it is instructive to ask why the witch-hunt? Why the hurry to declare our client wanted? Why the publication without properly inviting our client in accordance with the law? What actually is the aim behind these investigations having been investigated by the DSS and EFCC on the same subject matter?”

 

Kumo said he is ready to approach the ICPC the moment he is properly served with an invitation. 

 

SaharaReporters had on May 14 reported that a statement signed by Ogugua, ICPC Spokesperson, urged the public to provide information about the whereabouts of Kumo and his cohort.

 

The statement had read, "The persons whose pictures appear above, Mr. Tarry Rufus, Mr. Gimba Yau Kumo and Mr. Bola Ogunsola, are hereby declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with issues bordering on misappropriation of National Housing Funds and diversion of the sum of Sixty-five million dollars ($65,000,000)," the commission said.

 

"Anyone who has useful information on their whereabouts should report to ICPC Headquarters Abuja, any of the ICPC State Offices or the nearest police station." 

Documents: Gimba Yau vs. Ic... by Sahara Reporters

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A building housing the Assemblies of God Church has been burnt by armed bandits in Ungwan Gaida community, near Kurmin Kaso, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

At least eight persons were killed in the attacks while several other houses were also burnt.

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Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, who confirmed the attacks to Daily Trust, identified those killed as Samaila Gajere, Bawa Gajere, Bitrus Baba, Umaru Baba, Solomon Samaila, Sambo Kasuwa, Samuila Kasuwa, and Gideon Bitrus.

Aruwan said Governor Nasir El-Rufai condemned the attack on the place of worship, and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to carry out an urgent assessment of the damage done by the invaders.

Aruwan also said troops of the Nigerian Navy “neutralised three bandits” and arrested two accomplices after repelling an attack on Wakwodna community, near Kasso village, still in the Chikun Local Government Area. 

According to him, the troops stationed at the Kujama checkpoint foiled the attack at Wakwodna following a tip-off.

He said bandits fled into surrounding bushes on sighting the troops, and abandoned some rustled cattle, which were rounded up and returned to their owners.

“The troops arrested a suspected bandits' informant, Kapido Halilu, and a logistics supplier, Umar Maipashi. Food and medical supplies meant for the bandits were confiscated. The suspects were taken into custody for further investigation,” he said.

He said El-Rufai noted the report of the attack on Ungwan Gaida with sadness, and condoled the families of the slain citizens, as he offered prayers for the repose of their souls.

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No fewer than 100 hoodlums loyal to the Kaduna State government and Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday invaded the venue where the Nigeria Labour Congress and its members were to continue their peaceful march and agitation.

 

SaharaReporters learnt that the police arrested 20 of the hoodlums, who reportedly invaded the NLC gathering ground as early as 5am.

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A source explained that the state government which was desperate to silence the protesting workers and their union might have mobilised the hoodlums as they attempted to hurl stones and other pebbles at the workers.

 

“As early as 5am, El-Rufai's armed thugs numbering about 100 occupied the meeting point of protesters. The attention of the police was drawn to it and a detachment of police officers led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, was been able to arrest about 20 of the armed thugs. The protests continued today. But in spite of all intimidation, no retreat, no surrender,” a source said.

 

“We call for more support by trade unions and civil society organisations, nationally and internationally. Strike actions and mass protests to protect jobs and pay are the most important ways to curb poverty, insecurity and inequality,” one of the workers’ leaders added.

 

“Where the Kaduna State government remains irresponsive to the strikers' demands, we further call on labour to consider a nationwide action against increases in fuel price, electricity tariffs, non-payment of legislated National minimum wage, part payment of wages, and so on.”

 

The state governor, El-Rufai, had declared the NLC National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and other leaders of the union wanted over the strike action embarked upon by workers in the state.

 

The governor in a tweet said the labour union leaders were declared wanted for “economic sabotage and attacks on public infrastructure under Miscellaneous Offences Act”.

 

The NLC in the state had embarked on strike to protest against mass disengagement of workers and other alleged anti-labour actions by the government.

 

Also on Tuesday, hoodlums reportedly loyal to the governor disrupted the peaceful protest embarked upon by the workers. See Also Breaking News BREAKING: ‘Hoodlums’ Loyal To El-Rufai Attack NLC Protesters In Kaduna 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

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