Ukraine has implemented restrictions on Telegram for government, military, and security personnel, citing national security threats associated with the app, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov.

The National Security and Defence Council announced in a statement on it’s Facebook page that these limitations will affect all government agencies, military units, and critical infrastructure facilities.

The council emphasized that this measure is essential for protecting national security.

Read Also: Russia Frustrates Ukraine’s Largest Drone Strikes On Moscow

It reads, “The National Security and Defence Council decided to restrict the use of Telegram in government agencies, military formations and critical infrastructure facilities. It is a “matter of national security.”

More to follow…………. 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong disappointment over the recent increase in fuel prices, accusing President Bola Tinubu of betraying the labour movement after negotiations regarding a new national minimum wage.

At the opening of the ‘Minimum Wage Implementation Workshop, Southern Zone’ in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the new petrol price has severely undermined the anticipated benefits of the forthcoming N70,000 minimum wage.

He emphasized that rising fuel costs are pushing workers into deeper hardship, counteracting any advantages the minimum wage was meant to provide.

Read Also: NLC Snubs Tinubu’s Fuel Price Tour Offer, Says It Smells Like Bribery

Ajaero argued that organized labor was misled into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage under the belief it would prevent further fuel price increases.

“We were betrayed by President Tinubu. The agreed minimum wage was intended to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal, but the new petrol prices have erased any potential benefits,” he said.

He highlighted the government’s strategy of using distractions and unfounded accusations to weaken union resolve.

“There is a tactic to distract us by alleging cybercrime and terrorism, which only allows the fuel price issue to persist,” Ajaero noted.

Recalling his discussions with President Tinubu during negotiations, Ajaero described the intense pressure labor leaders faced.

“The President gave us an ultimatum to accept a deal that would raise the minimum wage to N250,000 if we agreed to the fuel price hike. We rejected it, fully aware that it would worsen the economic situation for the country.”

Ajaero further criticized the government’s suggestion to compare fuel prices in neighboring West African countries, where petrol reportedly sells for N1,700.

“The President wanted us to consider prices in countries like Cameroon, but we made it clear that the real issue lies in unchecked smuggling at our borders,” he said.

In conclusion, Ajaero stressed the ongoing struggles faced by the labour movement, particularly against private sector employers who continue to resist the N70,000 minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year, and thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

This was disclosed in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga.

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According to Onanuga, his principal returned to Nigeria last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, and wants to focus on domestic issues, with a view to addressing some of the internal challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

It was gathered that at the UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.