Former staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who were dismissed in a mass layoff last year, have sued the apex bank.

In a court document seen by TheCable on Monday, the workers alleged that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.

The claimants, represented by Stephen Gana and 32 others, filed a class action lawsuit at the national industrial court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja.

They said their termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, and dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual (HRPPM) and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

The claimants said the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

The originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, raised several questions for the court to consider, including whether the claimants were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated.

The workers also claimed that the termination letters, issued on the basis of “restructuring,” were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

Insisting that they continue to work for the apex bank, the claimants are seeking a court ruling that their dismissals are “void and useless”.

Additionally, they sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures, immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

The court filing references Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council (JCC) and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff.

The claimants said the provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.

They are also seeking N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.


COURT ENCOURAGES AMICABLE RESOLUTION

In another document dated November 20, 2024, the court called for an amicable resolution of the matter.

Gana and their counsel represented the claimants while Inam Wilson alongside seven other lawyers represented the CBN (the defendant).

In the document, Obaseki Osaghae, the presiding judge of the industrial court, acknowledged the defendant’s preliminary objection, filed on November 4, 2024, challenging the suit’s admissibility.

The claimants responded with a counter-affidavit, which their counsel confirmed had been served.

In response, the judge encouraged both parties to explore a settlement under Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) of 2006.

“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Osaghae said.

The matter was, therefore adjourned to January 29 for the hearing of the preliminary objection or to review the progress of any settlement discussions.


BACKGROUND

In 2024, CBN terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff. The dismissal was said to have been conducted in four batches between March and May of the aforementioned year.

Some workers claimed that they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were absorbed entirely to offset outstanding loans.

Although the layoff was officially attributed to a “reorganisation” and “human capital restructuring”, the affected staff argued that the process violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment decisions.

On December 4 last year, the apex bank said its early exit package (EEP) was entirely voluntary and without any negative repercussions for eligible staff.

The CBN’s statement followed reports that 1,000 staff were sacked from the apex bank.

Reacting to the development, the house of representatives asked the CBN to suspend the “planned” retirement of 1,000 staff.

The lower chamber had also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the “process and legality” of the exercise.

Speaking on the matter on January 3, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN, said the 1,000 staff who left the bank were not forced to leave.

Cardoso also said the early exit programme and the restructuring and reorganisation were to optimise the bank for enhanced efficiency.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, says his life is under threat because of his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The former governor of Anambra made the allegation after Felix Morka, national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, "Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets".

During an interview with Arise Television, Morka described Obi as an “irrational being” and slammed his public commentary.

The APC spokesperson labelled Obi’s claims as "ridiculous" and "deceptive," criticising his 8-year tenure as Anambra governor for lacking legacy.

He added that Obi needs to figure out why he lost the 2023 presidential election and should stop being dishonest.

Obi, in his New Year message to Nigerians, criticised Tinubu and expressed concerns over "institutional corruption, mismanagement, poverty, hardship, and an escalating debt profile".

He noted that "corruption has been deeply entrenched in government" while "nepotism has become the norm on Tinubu's watch".

He also demanded "vigorous, positive actions" from the administration to bring succour to Nigerians.

'HAVE I REALLY CROSSED THE LINE?'

Reacting to Morka’s comments on his X page on Monday, Obi asked Nigerians if he has "crossed the line" after receiving threats against his life, family, and associates following his New Year’s message.

The LP chieftain added that he would continue to speak "truthfully," noting that Nigeria is drifting towards authoritarianism and undemocratic practices, which, according to him, must be addressed.

"Have I really crossed the line?" Obi asked.

"I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me.

“While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of "crossing the line" and has warned that I will face the consequences.

"I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch. If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum.

"However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.

"We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it dismissed 27 of its officers last year for misconduct and fraudulent activities.

The anti-graft agency also said it was investigating “a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.”

The EFCC spokesman,  Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the dismissals followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

“In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024,” Oyewale said. “Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.”

The statement quoted the EFCC Chairman as reaffirming the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, emphasising that no officer is immune to disciplinary action.

He also assured the public that all allegations against EFCC staff would be thoroughly investigated, including a trending claim involving $400,000 against a Sectional Head by a supposed EFCC staff member.

“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reiterating the commission’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.

In addition, the EFCC issued a warning to the public about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.

“The commission also wishes to alert the public to the sinister activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC,” the statement read.

The EFCC revealed that two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The pair allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanded $1m to secure a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.

The commission noted that similar criminal elements are still at large and urged the public to report such individuals.

Oyewale further emphasised that EFCC Chairman is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers.

“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report such disreputable elements to the commission.”

The EFCC is also aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through unscrupulous means.

 “Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have failed to compromise their investigators, often resort to blackmail. These blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale added.

It is a new day and a new beginning in Ghana today, January 7, as the country today celebrates the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on his second return to the country’s helm of affairs. Mahama was President of Ghana, 2012-2016. He lost the 2016 election to President Nana Addo Akuffo Addo. He lost again in 2020 by a narrow margin of 4.23%. Undeterred he ran again in 2024, which turned out to be his year of luck. In the December 7 Presidential elections, President John Mahama, in the fashion of an impressive comeback kid, led his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to victory with the biggest margin of victory ever in Ghana’s electoral process in 24 years. His victory was so impressive this time around that by nightfall, his main opponent, then incumbent Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) conceded defeat and congratulated the NDC and President Mahama. Mahama got 6, 328, 397 million of the total votes cast (56.55%), against Bawumia’s 4, 657, 304 million votes (41.61%), clearly one of the best results in Ghana’s Presidential history since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992. History will be made today in Accra, Ghana as President Mahama takes the mantle of office for the second time in his storied political and Presidential career. He will be the first elected Ghanaian President in the Fourth Republic to lose re-election while in office and again after another attempt, only to return at the third attempt to complete the constitutional right to two terms in office. His Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman will also be the very first female in Ghana’s history to be Vice President. She is a Professor of Literature, a former Minister of Education (2013-2016) and Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe. Mahama and Agyeman have already made a mark with their unprecedented victory.  This is true despite the fact that no party in Ghana has ever stayed in power for more than two consecutive terms since 1992.  

In this particular election, the people of Ghana wanted change. They voted for it, in what was clearly a referendum on President Akuffo-Addo’s eight years in office. When President Mahama left office at the end of his first term in 2016, he left behind an ailing economy, frequent power cuts and corruption scandals. Akuffo Addo’s emergence as winner of the election at the time was touted as a new beginning for Ghana, just as we are doing now, but between 2016 and 2024, in the two terms of the NPP Presidency, the euphoria with which Akuffo-Addo assumed office had turned gradually to dust and despair. In his last State of the Nation address last week, President Addo talked about the achievements of his administration in the mining, forestry and land sectors and how he positioned Ghana on the path of sustainable economic growth, even surpassing South Africa as Africa’s leading gold producer.  He was quick to remind everyone that he developed new gold mines in Ahafo and the Upper West Region, and a structured Green Ghana Project. On his watch, Ghana was saddled with an unsustainable debt burden but he managed to restructure over 13 billion dollars in debt in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and other creditors. President Akuffo-Addo was also the exponent of a famous policy phrased as “Ghana Beyond Aid.” One other highlight of his stewardship was the clean-up of the banking sector in Ghana through which he hoped to stabilize the financial sector. 

The reality however is that President Akufo-Ado is leaving behind a country that is facing its worst economic crisis in a generation – with inflation at a record 50.3% at a time, the cost of living became so high and unbearable that the average Ghanaian took to the streets. As recently as October 2024, hundreds of people protested on the streets of Accra against illegal gold mining, known as “galamsey”. Unemployment became a source of frustration, and the COVID pandemic merely added to the people’s agony. In 2019, Ghana discovered two more oil fields, but the expected boost in government revenue was shortchanged by the mismanagement of government expenditures and huge budget deficits. Ghana’s debt burden kept rising as the government kept borrowing – it had to take an extended credit facility of $3 billion from the IMF in 2023.  The economy kept floundering. Ghana was soon downgraded to junk status by credit rating firms such as Moody’s. President Akuffo-Addo would seem to have presided over the worst economy in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

It therefore makes sense that the people of Ghana in the December Presidential and parliamentary elections gave a landslide victory to another party, the NDC, which over the decades has switched the baton of power at the centre with the NPP. Akuffo-Addo in the course of his Presidency had eliminated what his team called “nuisance taxes” and also made senior secondary education free for all, but this was not enough. The people of Ghana want their country to work for the benefit of all. In some of the elections in Africa in 2024, we saw a similar pattern of the people voting out the ruling, incumbent party in the expectation that another party would learn the right lessons and serve the people better. We saw this in Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal, Somaliland and also in Ghana. In his acceptance speech. President Mahama promised the people “a new beginning”. His return to the Presidency however is a mix of the old and the new: new wine in an old bottle, and the major challenges that he faces is in meeting the people’s rising expectations. It will take more than flowery rhetoric or triumphalism to fix Ghana’s many problems. More so, President Mahama does not have the luxury of time: he has just four years to make the best use of the opportunity that fortune has brought to him. 

Mahama’s story is in many ways inspirational – his single-minded volition especially. This is already giving ideas to some members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria by the way, who now believe that if the NDC in Ghana can lose election in 2016, and again in 2020, only to win at the third attempt, then it should be possible for the PDP to do so also in Nigeria. The logic behind this comparison is so weak, it is laughable, simply that events tend to follow the same pattern in both countries and the confidence with which proponents of this assumption push the view is to say the least shocking. There is no standard formula for the political process anywhere in the world. One, the NDC in Ghana is a far more cohesive and coherent party, making it easier for President John Mahama to remain the rallying point from one election to the other. In Nigeria, the PDP has been unable to stand up as a strong opposition party since 2015. The party is yet to put its house in order. It is divided. It has internal democracy issues. Many of its members no longer trust the leadership of the party, at either the national or grassroots level. No one is sure of the future direction of the party: will the PDP form a coalition with other political parties? If so, who will lead that process? The PDP has not recovered from the trauma of its loss in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections. Who will now renew the party? 

A quiet undertone to this conversation is that perhaps the PDP can take power back from the APC in 2027 if it agrees unanimously to field President Goodluck Jonathan as Presidential candidate. At least one Governor: Senator Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State has openly made the suggestion that the return of President Jonathan could be a game changer, an alternative to President Tinubu and the APC in 2027. President Jonathan and President Mahama have a lot in common. They both lost elections and gracefully stepped aside. They have both had brilliant post-Presidency careers both locally and internationally. And so the reasoning is that if President Mahama can return for another term of four years, President Jonathan can do so too. They make it sound so simple and logical but no one has bothered to ask two questions: One, is President Jonathan himself interested in the vicious struggle for power in Nigeria? In the leadership matrix, perhaps it is the people that matter most, not the politician. It should be noted that President Jonathan is the main reference for many Nigerians looking for prosperity. Nigeria was a much better country during his Presidency. He made Nigeria the leading economy in Africa. The Naira was stable. People could afford to eat garri and buy rice and other staple food items. Are people regretting voting him out? The answer is yes. President Buhari that came after him failed to impress the people. Even now President Tinubu’s reforms are biting so hard and the people have become so nervous it is common to find nostalgic longings for the good old days of President Jonathan in office. However, Ghana is considered a stable democracy, and the last electoral process was largely peaceful. Nigeria’s democracy is a different kind of game. Two, why is anyone so sure that the APC and President Tinubu would simply watch and allow anyone else take power away from them? Of course, they will fight to hold on to the reins of power. Mega opposition parties may emerge in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections, but Nigerian politicians can compromise their own ambitions even if the deal is right. Nothing is straightforward in the jungle of Nigerian politics.

Meanwhile, the global community is celebrating with Ghana today, which along with Senegal, presents a good story about democracy in West Africa in 2024, unlike the democratic reversal that was seen in Guinea, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. The programme of activities for President Mahama’s inauguration began on January 4, 2025 including victory celebration in all constituencies, a victory walk in Accra, a victory concert at the forecourt of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, National Muslim prayers at the National Mosque, Kanda and all mosques across the country, and a National Thanksgiving Service to be held at the Independence Square on Sunday, January 12. Today, President John Mahama and Vice-President elect Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman will take the oath of office as President and Vice President of Ghana respectively for the next four years, and receive the insignia of office in the presence of members of Parliament, citizens of Ghana and the local and global community. Since their election, both winners have been inundated with messages of congratulations from countries across the world. For the inauguration today, the European Union is sending a five-man delegation led by the Foreign Affairs Minister of Belgium, Bernard Quintin, the US delegation is led by Ms. Shalanda D. Young, the Director of the US Office of Management and Budget, and there will be Presidents and diplomats from across the African continent. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already in Ghana to attend the inauguration in his capacity as Nigeria’s President, and Chairman of ECOWAS.  This is a special occasion for the people of Ghana, a victory as well. Ghana is draped in the colours of the NDC of red, white and black, from the party’s headquarters in Adabraka to the streets of Accra. 

When the ceremony is done and over, President Mahama must settle down to work in earnest.  It is clear enough that there is a lot to be done. Already ahead of the inauguration, he has nominated Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as Speaker of the 9^th Parliament after due consultations with NDC party executives and parliamentary leaders. Bagbin, MP Nadowli, was Speaker of the 8^th Parliament. He is an experienced lawmaker. President Mahama has also announced a six-member Interim National Security Coordinating team, led by former Minister for the Interior, Mr. Prosper Douglas Bani. Mahama is in familiar territory. He should act just as swiftly in announcing his cabinet. He must resist the temptation to fall into the same pitfalls as other African leaders: he needs not look backwards, he should look to the future and provide better pathways for the people of Ghana. He has his plate full: a sovereign debt burden, crisis in the energy sector, and an army of disillusioned youths. He needs to rebuild trust.  

What next for President Nana Akuffo-Ado? No matter how mixed and controversial President Akuffo-Ado’s legacy may be, there is no doubt that he will continue to remain a major force in his own party, the NPP, and in Ghana’s political process.  He has been in politics since his days as a university student, and he ran for the Presidency on two different occasions, 2008, 2012, losing to the NDC, until he won in 2016. He has now completed his constitutional two terms in office today. He would be remembered for his dignified presentations on the international scene and the fact that he was generally a well-meaning, urbane leader. His credentials as a statesman should stand him in good stead, both in Ghana and in international diplomacy. His era as President is over. He should be able to find meaning out of Presidential office. 

A factional national leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has alleged that the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, is sponsoring and imposing Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the union’s leader.

In an open letter to President Tinubu, signed by NURTW President, Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa, the union called for the President’s immediate intervention to address what it described as a “war of attrition” against the organization.

The letter, titled “SOS: A Passionate Appeal for Your Immediate Intervention; Re: War of Attrition Against National Union of Road Transport Workers by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff,” and dated December 24, 2024, accused Gbajabiamila of orchestrating MC Oluomo’s emergence as the union’s president.

The NURTW leadership stated that the controversy destabilizing the union stemmed from Gbajabiamila’s alleged actions, urging the President to take swift steps to resolve the crisis.

MC Oluomo recently secured unanimous votes from all delegates at the Union’s Zone 2 Quadrennial Delegate Conference held in Osogbo, Osun State.

He was nominated by the Ondo State Chairman of the Union, with the nomination seconded by the Ekiti State Chairman.

The Acting National President of the Union, Aliyu Ore, through his representative at the conference, asserted that MC Oluomo’s emergence as president aligns with the Union’s constitution.

But Baruwa in the letter, also endorsed by the Acting General Secretary, Comrade Sulaimon A. Musa and Treasurer, Bello Maduganari, stated, “We, the concerned National Officers and members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have found it necessary to bring to your attention through this medium, the benighted and awry fate of the Union.

“We wish to draw Your Excellency’s attention to the challenges currently facing the National leadership of the Union, which we believe are exacerbated by certain actions attributed to the Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.”

The letter further read, “The situation leaves no hope of survival for the Union unless there is definitive intervention by your humble self.

“Your Excellency Sir, since last year, there are concerns about actions that appear to undermine the Union’s constitution, allegedly aimed at influencing the leadership structure of the Union in a manner inconsistent with due process.

“We have been keeping quiet, believing that common sense will eventually prevail.

“To that effect and law-abiding citizens, we chose to handle the matter legally, but the situation keeps getting from bad to worse, hence this open letter to your exalted office for intervention.”

The letter explained that on May 24, 2023, Baruwa was duly elected for a second term in office and sworn in on August 21, 2023, in accordance and strict adherence to the provisions of the constitution of the Union.

It noted, “However, on August 28, 2023, it has been reported that a group of individuals forcefully entered the National Secretariat, resulting in the disruption of the duly elected leadership of the Union, and other National officers of the Union in the interest of peace and to avoid bloodshed, we instituted action at the National Industrial Court, Abuja against the illegal action of the former president and legitimate group in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023.

“The National Industrial Court on the 11th of March 2024, the court delivered judgment in our favour.”

Not satisfied with the judgment of the National Industrial Court, “Our opponents filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja and on November 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled on the matter and affirmed the judgment of the trial court.

“Soon after the Court of Appeal judgment, the former president, Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin purportedly inaugurated Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) as illegal president of the Union even when the said MC Oluomo did not participate in any election for the presidency of the Union as he was not a member of the Union at the time of the election as he voluntarily existed himself from the Union having publicly denounced his membership of the Union and joined the Lagos state Park Management Committee.

“Sir, we have received information suggesting that certain influential figures may be providing support to individuals acting in defiance of court orders, as contained in the judgments of the National Industrial Court as validated by the Court of Appeal.

“It is on record that there are allegations that some individuals have expressed confidence in their actions based on perceived backing from high-ranking officials, which undermines the rule of law and the judiciary’s authority.

“We are prompted to bring this matter before Your Excellency because we sincerely believe that the “coup de grace” will come from you, being an advocate of democracy and the rule of law.

“Your Excellency Sir, we further employ you to use your good offices to cause a proper scrutiny of the doings of the Chief of Staff, with a view to saving a portentously vicious circle to industrial democracy, nay to political democracy, which the Federal Government has been sparing no resources to plant and enthrone as basis of the Nigeria polity.”

Nigerian actor Patrick Doyle has praised Afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his ability to maintain composure in the face of public criticism, stating that the more the singer is attacked, the more his global stature continues to rise.

Doyle made the comments in a post on his Facebook account on Sunday, likening the artist’s path to a philosophy by the late Obafemi Awolowo.

Doyle explained that Awolowo had shared how, throughout his life, adversities and criticisms—often aimed at discrediting him—would eventually transform into blessings.

He wrote, “I remember attending a birthday party for Segun Awolowo in his illustrious grandfather’s stately home in Ikene. In the hall adjacent to the mansion where the party took place was an inscription “Eebudola” under a drawing of the zodiac sign of Pisces.

“It was a few years later when I read in an interview that the sage granted what ‘Eebudola’ meant.

“He explained that he had noticed a pattern in his life’s trajectory about how that everything his peers and adversaries  used to cast aspersion on him usually turned out to be a blessing for him in the end. The explanation resonated with me profoundly and reinforced my fanatical admiration for the great man.”

Going further, Doyle stated that this concept plays out in the life of Davido saying, “Bringing it to the present, I have noticed a young man who of late has been on the receiving end of aspersions from his peers.

“As for the unwarranted abuse from his peers, it appears that the more they attack him and he ignores them, the more his stature as a global star shines.”

He added that Davido is “perhaps the least arrogant of his peers even when he has the credentials to be the most arrogant given the aristocracy of his antecedents compared to his street brought up peers.”

“Truly, the Awolowo “Eebudola” concept is working in the life of young David Adeleke, the Eebudola of the entertainment industry,” he wrote.

Further describing Davido attitude to criticisms, Doyle added, “I have also noticed his attitude towards them and the relentless attacks. He has, for the most part, maintained a calm disposition and a reluctance to engage his adversaries.”

The actor further praised Davido approach to conflict, saying, “I find this to be commendable, and I imagine it is an inherited trait from his father who, though a business mogul, is possibly the most self effacing billionaire around.”

The actor however noted that while Davido appears to be “flashy and brash at first look,” his career “demands he be that way.”

“On a few occasions, when he has erred and been corrected by elders, he has humbly redirected his steps and never once retorted rudely to correction,” Doyle added.

“In short, he has displayed all the traits  of a true “Omoluabi” in this regard.”

The founder of Landmark Africa Group, Paul Onwuanibe, has spoken about the devastating impact of the sudden demolition of Landmark Leisure Beach, which wiped out over $30 million in investments and left thousands of lives disrupted.

Speaking on The KK Show via YouTube on Sunday, Onwuanibe described the emotional and financial toll of the event, which took place with just seven days’ notice.

“Let’s put this into perspective; Landmark consists of three parts—our business, our leisure, and our lifestyle. What was demolished was our leisure business, a significant part of both our revenue and our physical infrastructure. The initial reaction was shock, and then anger. You go through the five stages of grief—shock, anger, bargaining, concern, and finally acceptance,” he said.

Onwuanibe revealed that the beach site had been acquired in 2006 for $17 million and further developed with a $30 million loan secured abroad.

“It was my life’s work—27 years of hunting, farming, and working. Six years ago, we borrowed $30 million to develop that beach. Half of that money was spent on infrastructure you couldn’t even see, like underground drainage, water reticulation systems, and fiber-optic cables. The demolition wiped out six years of investment in six hours,” he said.

The demolition affected not only Landmark’s ecosystem but also the livelihoods of thousands.

“We had over 1,000 employees and 50 small and medium enterprises directly impacted. Over 4,000 people were employed, and with Nigeria’s dependency factor of 16, the ripple effects are unimaginable,” he said.

Onwuanibe recounted the chaos and losses experienced by the businesses within the beach’s ecosystem.

“Many businesses didn’t have time to remove their equipment—TVs, fridges, even furniture. There were guests in the pool when Breeze was being demolished. It was tragic,” he added.

The demolition also disrupted services for the beach’s 160,000 members and violated existing contracts.

“We had 9.2 billion Naira of members’ money in our accounts. There were over 200 contracts—supply of water, fumigation, lifeguard services—all of which had to be renegotiated. Sometimes, you wish there was a natural disaster so you could invoke force majeure, but this wasn’t the case,” he lamented.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, Onwuanibe highlighted the larger impact on the surrounding community.

“The guy parking cars on the streets lost his job. The person selling sweets at the gate had no customers. Hotels built outside Landmark that thrived on the four and a half million annual visitors were affected.”

Despite the immense challenges, Onwuanibe emphasised resilience.

“At some stage, you have to accept it and move on. You either lie down and cry or get up and go,” he said, underscoring his determination to rebuild and learn from the experience.

In April 2024, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered the closure of Landmark Beach for demolition purposes.

According to him, the demolition was necessary because the landmark centre was on the federal government’s Right-of-way.

The Labour Party, LP, has announced that its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi will not receive an automatic ticket to run in the 2027 elections.

Reports from Newsone Nigeria confirm that the party has stated Obi will not be guaranteed a direct nomination for the upcoming election. Obi had previously left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest under the Labour Party banner.

Labour Party officials assert that all positions, including the presidency, governorship, and others, will be open for competition in the next election cycle.

Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, clarified this stance in an interview with Dailypost over the weekend, stating, “No political party gives automatic tickets; all positions are up for contest.”

A legal showdown is unfolding between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 33 of its former employees, who allege wrongful termination in a mass dismissal exercise conducted earlier in 2024.

The retrenched staff, represented by Stephen Gana and others, have filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, accusing the apex bank of violating internal policies, labour laws, and contractual rights.

The employees, dismissed via letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, argue that the termination process contravened Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM).

They claim the process lacked the consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

Central to their case is Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which requires consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions affecting staff.

The claimants allege that this provision was ignored, stating that they were given only three days to vacate their positions and return official property.

Key Demands Of The Dismissed Staff

In their originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, the claimants are seeking:

A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.

Immediate reinstatement to their positions.

Payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

A restraining order preventing further dismissals without due process.

₦30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.

An additional ₦500 million as the cost of the suit.

The claimants argue that their employment contracts carried “statutory flavour,” imposing stricter dismissal conditions aligned with public service rules and governing statutes.

The CBN, represented by its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has challenged the suit’s admissibility in a preliminary objection filed on November 4, 2024.

During a court session on November 20, 2024, presiding Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution, citing Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006.

“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Justice Obaseki Osaghae stated.

The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection or a progress review of settlement discussions.

Germany has introduced a new digital platform to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians seeking opportunities to work, study, or reunite with family members in the country.

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock hailed the portal as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s pressing need for skilled professionals.

“Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running – in the skilled crafts sector, in the care sector, in tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.

“At times like these, we cannot afford to downright put the best off coming here to roll up their sleeves because of long paper application forms and even longer waiting periods.

“At times like these, as one of the biggest economies and as a modern country of immigration, we need a national visa process that is state-of-the-art – modern, digital and secure,” Baerbock stated.

The online portal, accessible worldwide, offers applicants the ability to choose from 28 categories of national visas and is available at all 167 German visa offices around the globe.

This initiative forms part of Germany’s broader strategy to modernise its immigration system, aiming to attract skilled professionals while fostering a more inclusive and efficient process to meet the challenges of a globalised job market.