News
Strike Action Will Hurt National Economy, CSOs Plead With Labour To Shelve Plans
By Uche Nwodo
Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and its affiliates have been asked to shelve their planned industrial action over the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government on the masses.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, had declared an indefinite strike starting from Tuesday, October 3, if the federal government does not put visible measures in place to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal or rescind the policy entirely.
The two labour unions have told Nigerians to stockpile foodstuffs because the strike would shut down economic activities in the country.
But reacting to the plan, a coalition of civil society organizations, comprising the Network Alliance for Global Challenge; Good Governance for the Masses; Centre for Human Rights Advocacy; Lawyers Without Borders, Abuja; Youth Initiative Agenda for Democratic Process; South-West People Parliamentary Agenda; Yoruba Youth Assembly; Peace Initiative For Better Nigeria; Boarders People’s Rights Agenda, and Youth League Academy, observed that the planned industrial action would worsen the nation’s economy, begging the labour unions to jettison the move for the interest of the nation.
In a statement made available to AljazirahNigeria and signed by the convener of
Frontline Socio-Economy Research Centre, Balogun Hameed; secretary,
Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights, Omotehinse Alex, and executive director of
WorkBond International Network, WIN, Omotaje Olawale Saint, noted that the planned strike would “inevitably be an ill wind that would blow no one, no good. As a strategic, civil trenches social stakeholder, we are deeply disturbed by the challenges of the socio-economic quagmire confronting Nigerians and the government at this perilous juncture in our history. We strongly advise that the leadership of trade unions bureaucracy in the country should reconsider its decisions for strike action and mass protests over the attendant hardships that occasioned the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy. As much as we sympathise with our compatriots on the prevailing, harsh economic conditions in the country, we call for fortitude and forbearance for the nation and citizens to be able to enjoy the imminent benefits of the new reform policies.
The coalition reiterates that as crucial as workers’ wages might be, “it is neither the sole, social force nor, the majority in our society. Therefore, organized labour must never throw caution to the winds in the determination of its actions or, inactions. No social group should hold the nation at ransom. Needless to say here the teeming majority of our citizens engaged in the informal services sector, artisans, trading, farming, and casual works to eke daily sustenance. Any disruption of the economy and production processes that would adversely affect other members of our society must be taken after grave and sober considerations.
“The Organised Private Sector, OPS, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, National Chambers of Commerce, Mines, and Industries, NACCIMA, have loudly articulated their apprehension that the strike by labour would provoke fatal, negative consequences on their operations, production processes, businesses, as well as the national economy. They expressed fears that private business under prevalent, precarious national economic conditions is highly vulnerable to collapse with any slight uncertainties or jeopardy of the production man-hour. They opined that employers in order to keep afloat, may have no other viable option than to consider staff rationalizations, which would aggravate the already acute unemployment crisis in the country. It is our hope that the bureaucracy of organized labour would consider temporary sacrifices to safe jobs of millions of Nigerians.
“If the naked truth must be told, our national economy has been in reverse gear for decades. We are barely surviving on borrowed time with huge dependence on foreign markets and economy. This is further compounded by the rudderless mismanagement of our banking and financial sector by Godwin Emefiele leadership of the apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demonstrated uncommon courage in unfolding fundamental reform policies in the financial sector and the oil and gas industry, which is the mainstay of our macro economy. Technocrats and experts within the country, continental Africa and globally have applauded the reform policy initiatives of the President. The consensus is that the economic hiccups across the country are temporary symptoms of the bitter pills of pertinent reforms for the nation’s socio-economic transformations and industrial advancement.”
It urged the labour unions to consider veritable policies already put in place by the President
Bola Tinubu administration to revamp the already battered economy and help is sustaining the gains so far by engaging in further dialogues, rather than downing tools at this critical period of the nation’s life.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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