Author: InfoZone247

FCT Workers Shun Court Order To Suspend Strike

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, striking unions have continued their industrial action despite a court order compelling them to resume work.

DAILY POST reports that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA workers under the Joint Union Action Committee, JUAC  on January 19 began an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns.

JUAC embarked on the industrial action to appeal for urgent action to resolve the welfare issues affecting their “morale and productivity”

DAILY POST reports that the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, joined the strike on Monday in solidarity with their counterparts at the FCTA and the FCDA.

Among other things, the workers are demanding for the payment of five-month wage awards, outstanding 2023 and 2024 promotion arrears; full payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance and 22 months’ rural allowance for health workers.

Other demands include remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions; stoppage of intimidation of workers; improved staff welfare and working conditions.

The National Industrial Court in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered the FCTA workers to suspend the strike pending further hearing in a suit brought by the FCT authorities to stop the industrial action.

Judge Emmanuel Subilim issued the order in a ruling on an application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA.

A court document sighted by our correspondent on Wednesday shows that the suit has Wike and FCTA as claimants, while the leaders of the striking unions, Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh are defendants.

The document, dated Tuesday, 27th January, 2026, and signed by the Registrar, indicated that the application before the court was for “an Order of injunction to restrain the Defendants in the manner sought on the face of the Motion paper”.

Strike continues

DAILY POST reports that despite the order of the industrial court, the FCT workers are yet to resume work.

A check by DAILY POST on Wednesday showed that most healthcare facilities and schools across the Bwari Area Council are still under lock and key.

Students at the Government Day Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji, Junior Secondary School, Ushafa and LEA Primary School, Ushafa were asked to go home as early as 8 am.

An official at the Ushafa LEA Primary school told DAILY POST on condition of anonymity that there was no memo indicating that the strike has been called off.

According to him, the court order only mandated the union leaders to resume and not the entire workers.

“The order was only for Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh and I believe they have resumed”, he said.

Those who declared strike have resumed – Wike’s media aide, Olayinka

When contacted by DAILY POST on Wednesday, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to the FCT Minister said those who declared the strike have resumed.

According to him, workers who are yet to resume may not have been properly informed on suspension of the strike.

He said, “The strike was not declared by the NUT. Those who declared the strike have resumed. They were in their offices today.

“If other people have not resumed, maybe they have not gotten the correct information. I’m sure that by tomorrow (today) they should be at work”.

Mourinho Slams Critics After Real Madrid Defeat

Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho, has slammed his critics following Benfica’s victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage match on Wednesday night.

He said he hopes his critics were not committing suicide jumping off balconies when they saw his team’s performance against the Spanish big teams.

Benfica defeated Real Madrid with a score of 4-2 and advanced to the Champions League knockout play-offs.

The game in Lisbon was really thrilling, and Real Madrid scored first when Kylian Mbappe netted in the 30th minute.

Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis both scored goals, giving the home team a 3-1 advantage, but Mbappe then scored to cut Real’s deficit to just one goal.

The Spaniards needed to draw the game in order to have a chance of advancing to the top eight in the Champions League.

Benfica thought they were already in the top 24 and would make the play-offs, but after seeing other results, they needed one more goal to improve their goal difference and make it through.

Raul Asencio and Rodrygo received red cards towards the end of the game for Real Madrid.

In the last few minutes of the game, Benfica earned a free-kick just before the match ended.

Their goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, left his goal to get the ball and headed it into the net, scoring the key fourth goal in the 98th minute.

Benfica are 10 points behind the leading team in the Primeira Liga, Porto and for this Mourinho has been facing some pressure, but he took the opportunity to address the criticism following their fantastic victory.

The former Chelsea manager said to reporters, “The only thing I want it to do is bring a little respect. I hope they are not committing suicide or jumping off the balconies. Calm down.

“Benfica will lose, and they’ll have another chance to beat us. The only thing I need is a little respect. The team is the same.”

Transfer: Coventry City favourites to sign Onyeka

Coventry City are leading the race for the signature of Brentford star Frank Onyeka, DAILY POST reports.

According to BBC football journalist, Nizaar Kinsella, Coventry City want to wrap up the deal before the end of the current transfer window.

Onyeka has struggled for regular playing time at Brentford this season,

The Nigeria international has made nine appearances across all competitions for the Bees, and is yet to start a game in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old is desperate for more regular playing time, hence his desire to seek a move elsewhere.

Brentford are reportedly open to either selling or loaning him out.

Onyeka spent last season on loan with Bundesliga outfit, Augsburg.

Sky Bet Championship clubs Birmingham City and Sheffield United have also been linked with a move for the midfielder.

3 Police Officers Killed in Katsina Ambush By Bandits

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three police officers in an ambush by suspected bandits in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Katsina.

According to him, the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 12:44 p.m. when a team of police officers on routine anti-crime patrol along the Guga–Bakori axis was attacked by armed assailants.

He said the officers were ambushed by the suspects, who opened fire on them, but the policemen responded and repelled the attack.

Abubakar said three officers were fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire, while two others sustained injuries.

He added that the wounded officers were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

The police spokesperson said investigations had commenced to track down and arrest the perpetrators of the attack.

Peter Obi Blasts FG Over Unpaid Super Eagles Allowances

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the delay in paying Super Eagles players their allowances, describing it as a reflection of misplaced priorities in governance and a stain on Nigeria’s national values.

“You cannot expect excellence from those who represent your country while failing to honour clear commitments made to them,” Obi said in reaction to the controversy. “When we neglect people who give us pride on the global stage, we diminish our national values.”

His comments come as Nigeria’s national football team continues an impressive run at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), lifting spirits at home and earning admiration across the continent. However, reports that players are yet to receive agreed match bonuses and allowances have cast a shadow over the team’s campaign, just days before a crucial quarter-final encounter.

According to sources familiar with the team’s preparations, the allowances were agreed upon before the tournament began but have not been fully paid. While officials have attempted to downplay the issue, critics warn that the uncertainty risks distracting players at a decisive stageof the competition and undermining morale within the camp.

The situation has sparked widespread criticism from sports analysts, fans and civil society observers, many of whom describe the delay as an avoidable embarrassment for Africa’s most populous nation. They argue that the controversy is particularly troubling at a time when the Super Eagles’ success has provided a rare sense of unity and optimism in a country grappling with economic hardship and social tension.

Beyond football, the issue has reignited debate about government spending priorities. Commentators have pointed out that Nigeria has, in recent years, written off trillions of naira in debts owed by government agencies and politically connected entities, while committing vast sums to large-scale projects often criticised as wasteful or self-serving. Against this backdrop, the inability or unwillingness to promptly pay relatively modest match bonuses to national athletes has struck many Nigerians as both ironic and unacceptable.

Sports administrators maintain that efforts are underway to resolve the matter, but the delay has already generated negative headlines and intense backlash on social media. Fans have expressed frustration that a team representing the nation on a major continental stage is once again facing financial uncertainty, a problem they note has recurred across multiple tournaments and administrations.

For the players, the timing could hardly be worse. With a quarter-final match looming, focus and cohesion are critical. Former internationals have warned that unresolved off-field issues can affect on-field performance, even among seasoned professionals. “At this level, preparation is not just physical and tactical,” one former Super Eagles star said. “Peace of mind matters.”

Analysts say the episode reflects a broader governance challenge. Nigeria’s repeated struggles to honour agreements with its athletes have, in the past, led to strikes, protests and, in some cases, international embarrassment. Each incident, critics argue, chips away at the country’s credibility and sends a discouraging message to young talents aspiring to represent the nation.

As the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory, many Nigerians are urging authorities to act swiftly, settle outstanding obligations and allow the team to focus solely on football. They insist that honouring commitments to national representatives is not merely a contractual obligation, but a matter of national pride and respect.

For a country eager to project competence, unity and professionalism on the global stage, observers say resolving the allowance issue promptly would be a small but significant step toward breaking a cycle of avoidable embarrassment

Atiku Refused To Step Aside As ADC Presidential Candidate

According to a report by Nigerian Tribune, on Wednesday January 7, 2026, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as being on a national rescue mission.

‎He said he and other committed leaders are central to this effort.

‎Atiku warned that any call, whether open or secret, for him to step aside from the presidential race would help authoritarian ambitions.

‎He said it would also betray the Nigerian people.

‎The former vice president made the declaration amid concerns that outside forces are trying to influence the ADC’s choice of a presidential candidate.

‎He accused agents linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of meddling in the party’s affairs.

‎Atiku stated that the ADC’s mission is about protecting democracy and offering Nigerians a credible political alternative.

‎He said the party is focused on strengthening its structures across the country.

‎He insisted that no external pressure or intimidation will force him or other party leaders to step down.

‎According to Atiku, such actions would undermine democracy and favor one-party dominance.

‎The statement comes at a time when several politicians, including former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, have declared interest in the ADC presidential ticket.

‎Atiku reassured that all aspirants will follow the party’s transparent process to select its flagbearer.

‎For Atiku, stepping aside is not an option, and the party’s focus remains on serving Nigerians.

‎“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call, overt or covert for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Updated: Manchester United Sack Ruben Amorim

English Premier League giants Manchester United have reportedly sacked Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim.

This was disclosed by transfer news experts David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano in a post on X on Monday morning.

Amorim was informed of his sacking by executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox

Naija News reports that Darren Fletcher will take over coaching of the team on interim basis.

Ornstein wrote: “EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim as head coach. 40yo Portuguese informed of decision & goes with immediate effect after 14 months following breakdown in relations. Darren Fletcher expected to take over #MUFC on interim basis.” 

“BREAKING: Rúben Amorim has just been SACKED by Manchester United. Decision made this morning,” Fabrizio Romano wrote.

It was gathered that his sacking followed his outburst after the club’s 1-1 draw with Leeds.

Tension over a lack of alignment in the market and a breakdown between Amorim and Jason Wilcox had risen in the club.

Confirming Amorim’s sacking, Manchester United wrote: “With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.

The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”

Primate Ayodele Blast RCCG Pastor Adeboye Over Prophecy Remarks

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the founder and spiritual leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has fired back at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, following remarks perceived as critical of his prophetic declarations.

Reacting strongly, Primate Ayodele cautioned that individuals who lack proper understanding of prophetic ministry should focus on their biblical teachings rather than interfering in matters of prophecy; According to him, prophecy is a divine office that requires spiritual depth, accuracy, and divine instruction, not casual commentary.

“When you don’t know anything about prophecy, you should face your Bible teaching quietly, do your teaching, and stop interrupting,” Ayodele stated.

The outspoken cleric stressed that prophecy is a distinct calling within Christianity, different from pastoral or teaching ministries, and should not be undermined or dismissed by those who do not operate in that spiritual office.

Primate Ayodele further maintained that throughout biblical history, prophets were often misunderstood, criticized, and opposed, even by religious leaders, yet their messages remained vital for warning nations, leaders, and individuals.

He argued that attacking or downplaying prophetic messages does not invalidate them, insisting that true prophecy is judged by fulfillment, not public opinion or clerical status