THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigerian government’s actions regarding the arrest and harassment of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero. Recall that Ajaero was apprehended on Monday at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while on his way to speak at the TUC conference in the UK.
Although he was released after 15 hours, concerns remain over the continued harassment and intimidation he faces.
Reacting to the arrest, the UK TUC urged the Nigerian government to end its crackdown on labour leaders.
A UK TUC leader, yesterday, speaking at the event Ajaero was supposed to attend, said: “Joe was released last night, but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over. His unlawful arrest is a gross violation of fundamental trade union freedoms, especially as he was on his way to speak to us about the vital right of trade unions to seek solidarity.”
The speaker reaffirmed the UK TUC’s support for Nigerian unions, stating, “Nigeria’s trade unions still have our solidarity. We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they cease their persecution of Joe Ajaero.”
Ajaero’s detention also prevented him from participating in an International Trade Union Congress meeting in the UK.
EFCC To Begin Prosecution Of Financial Frauds By Banks -Chairman The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says it will soon commence the prosecution of banks and their top officials for financial frauds.
The EFCC Chairman, Mr. OlanipekunOlukoyede, said this at the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja, yesterday. Olukoyede said the Commission had compiled its investigations and necessary documents to substantiate the claim. He said that some of the major and mind boggling financial frauds were done through the banking industry.
”We will no longer fold our arms. We need to do something drastic to bring everybody in line and make us do the right thing. ”In a system where there are no sanctions, that system will not survive,” he said. The EFCC Chairman urged the CIBN to step up its regulatory oversight of its members to adhere to the codes of professionalism.
