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FCT: Court Bars NLC, TUC, Others From Embarking On Planned Protest

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Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, has restrained the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and three others from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The three others restrained by the court on Monday are Comrades Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi. Justice Sibilim issued the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the labour unions and their leaders, dated February 2.

The motion, drawn from Suit No: NICN/ABJ/30/26, was filed by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the Minister and the FCTA.

After hearing the Claimants, Justice Sibilim granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents and their agents or privies from embarking on any strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. The court also directed the 5th to 9th defendants, who are security agencies, to ensure law and order is maintained in the FCT.

The Claimants told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had sent a mobilization message to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, which they said violates previous court orders.

According to the Claimants, following a ruling on January 27, the court’s order was served on the defendants the same day. Despite this, the NLC and TUC issued a statement directing all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike.

The joint statement, signed by both unions, instructed striking workers to resume the strike, citing that the unions’ counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling. Following this, JUAC issued a circular directing all employees to continue the strike.

The Claimants argued that this action was aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the matter until February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice. The FCT Minister and FCTA said the application was predicated on the fact that:

“On January 19, 2026, workers employed by the 2nd Claimant, acting under the aegis of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), commenced an industrial action by locking entrances to offices and the secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, including schools and all departments and agencies of the 2nd Claimant, thereby bringing governmental functions and activities to a standstill.”

They noted that being law-abiding, the Claimants instituted action at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/17/2026 between the FCT Minister & Anor v. Rifkatu Iortyer & Anor, wherein the court on January 27, 2026, granted an interlocutory injunction restraining JUAC, its affiliate unions, and employees of the 2nd Claimant from further industrial action and ordered them to resume work pending the substantive suit.

“Immediately the order was served, the 1st Defendant, acting through the 3rd Defendant, issued a directive titled: ‘REINFORCEMENT DIRECTIVE TO ALL AFFILIATE UNIONS IN THE FCT,’ urging workers to resume industrial action.”

“On January 28, 2026, the 1st and 2nd Defendants jointly issued another directive titled: ‘DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS WITH COURAGE AND DIGNITY: WE ARE WITH YOU,’ directing workers to resume industrial action and disregard the National Industrial Court order of January 27, 2026.”

“JUAC, the umbrella body for the employees and affiliate unions, followed these directives and instructed members to resume strike, as documented in the directive dated January 28, 2026, signed by Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, Secretary, JUAC.”

“Acting on these directives, the 5th Defendant, as chairperson of the 1st Defendant FCT Council, issued a directive on January 31, 2026, mobilizing members for a mass protest in the FCT on February 3, 2026, at 7:00 am. This action was intended to cause chaos, disrupt law and order, and prevent the smooth administration of the 2nd Claimant.”

The Claimants expressed apprehension over potential lawlessness, obstruction of vehicular movement, and violation of the rights of residents, including those in the private sector, other government establishments, expatriates, and tourists, prompting them to seek judicial intervention.

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FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.

The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.

He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

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Shettima Steps Aside from Office After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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