Human rights lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has accused the Lagos State Government of demolishing at least 100 properties in Oworonsoki despite a restraining order from the court.

Nigerian Federal Workers Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze Faces Court Trial In Ibadan For Leading Peaceful Protest.

They recalled that it was a collective decision of members of the forum to protest on July 1, 2025, if their demands were not met, stressing that such civic action should not be criminalised.

The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Andrew Emelieze, is set to be charged at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday (today).

In a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, it was noted that the charge is to defend himself "against the four count charges brought against him by the Nigerian state through the DSS revolving around organising April 23, 2025 protest demanding for the payment of outstanding five months wage award, calling for protest in Aso rock gate on July 1st, 2025, formation of the Federal Workers Forum/ incitement and cyber bullying."

"Nigeria is not a banana republic. Protest cannot be a crime and the right to freedom of association is part of our fundamental human rights," the statement read in part.

He also appreciated "Comrade Femi Aborisade and the ABOPE Chambers for the free legal services."

"Comrade Femi Falana (SAN) has been of immense help in this battle. His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria spoke out loud against my detention by the DSS."

"Many more lawyers and the citizenry have also shown immense solidarity. The mass media, the civil society groups and many activist have not relented in calling for justice. I appreciate all the federal workers, friends and my family. I thank God for He has given us Victory," he further wrote.

"We shall overcome. We will not be silenced."

In September, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of court charges filed against its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, describing his arrest and detention as “a deliberate set up to silence the federal workers.”

Falana vows legal action against oil companies over Niger Delta pollution.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has vowed to convene a team of lawyers to begin a legal action against oil companies that have polluted and abandoned their host communities in the Niger Delta.

The human rights lawyer made this vow on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the Ken Saro-Wiwa 30th Memorial Lecture, organised by a coalition of environmental civil society leaders

According to him, communities producing the oil that sustains Nigeria’s economy deserve to live comfortably with all basic amenities provided, not in poverty and neglect.

The event, put together by a coalition of environmental activists, was held in honour of the 84th posthumous birthday of late environmental and human-rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed alongside eight others 30 years ago for alleged treasonable felony and recently granted state pardon and honours.

The event also drew activists, policymakers and community leaders who renewed calls for environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

The senior lawyer explained that multinational oil companies have profited from Nigeria’s natural resources while leaving host communities in the Niger Delta impoverished and devastated.

Other speakers at the memorial, including Nnimmo Bassey, urged government agencies to hold defaulting oil firms accountable and prioritise a full cleanup of Ogoniland.

For civil society groups, the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa remains a rallying point for justice and environmental restoration across the Niger Delta.

They warned that anything short of calling for a halt to oil resumption talks in Ogoniland without extensive cleanup, would amount to wasting the sacrifice of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades.

Femi Falana: “No Country Has Removed Subsidies Completely”

Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has argued that no nation in the world has ever completely abolished subsidies.

Falana made this remark in a video shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Channels TV on Sunday, September 14, 2025. He was responding to questions on whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy was the right move.

According to him, even developed nations like the United States, United Kingdom, and France still subsidize critical sectors such as electricity, agriculture, and essential services.

“There is no way you can remove subsidy. There is no country in the world that has abolished subsidies completely. Even leading western countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and France still subsidize electricity, agriculture, and many aspects of their people’s lives. As a matter of fact, it’s the IMF and World Bank that insisted government must remove all subsidies,” Falana said.

He further stressed that the removal has placed an immense burden on Nigerians, worsening the cost of living.

The legal luminary maintained that instead of bowing to pressure from international financial institutions, the government should prioritize policies that safeguard the welfare of its citizens.

FG, Labour Unions’ Meeting Over NUPENG, Dangote Dispute Ends In Deadlock
By Alexander Okere | Updated September 8, 2025

A closed-door meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the standoff between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group ended without agreement on Sunday.

The talks, chaired by Labour Minister Mohammed Dingyadi and his junior counterpart Nkiruka Onyejeocha, sought to avert NUPENG’s planned strike slated for Monday, September 8, over alleged anti-labour practices at the Dangote Refinery.

Present were representatives of NUPENG, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Dangote Group, and MRS Petroleum.

NUPENG had accused the Dangote Refinery of preventing its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from unionising, though both the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) distanced themselves from the strike.

Despite appeals from the government to suspend the action due to its potential economic impact, NUPENG insisted on proceeding. Dingyadi warned that shutting down the petroleum sector, even for a day, could cause losses running into billions and worsen hardship for Nigerians.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has declared support for NUPENG’s position.

FG Urges NUPENG To Suspend Strike, Convenes Meeting Monday

The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike slated for Monday, September 8, 2025.

Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Patience Onuobia, urged both NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to halt industrial actions while the government intervenes in the dispute with the Dangote Group over alleged anti-union practices.

Dingyadi said a conciliation meeting has been scheduled for Monday, stressing that any disruption in the petroleum sector could cause huge economic losses and hardship for Nigerians.

NUPENG had announced the strike in protest of Dangote Refinery’s reported restrictions on its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining unions. While some driver associations have distanced themselves from the action, NUPENG on Sunday reaffirmed its readiness to proceed.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, backed the union, arguing that Dangote’s policy violates Nigeria’s Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions on workers’ rights.

“Insensitive and Unjust” — Falana Slams Proposed Pay Rise for Politicians Amid Widespread Poverty

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticized the proposed salary increase for political office holders, describing it as “highly insensitive” given Nigeria’s harsh economic climate.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Falana argued that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) failed to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians, especially with over 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

“It is insensitive for any government agency, particularly the RMAFC, to suggest an upward review of politicians’ emoluments when the majority of our people are suffering,” Falana stressed.

His remarks come amid growing public outcry over the government’s handling of economic hardship, fuel subsidy removal, and widening inequality.

News Brief: Falana, Atiku Slam NYSC Over Withholding of Raye’s Certificate

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for withholding the discharge certificate of Lagos corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”

Falana described the move as “overzealous” and “illegal,” urging NYSC to release the certificate immediately, while Atiku called it “impunity,” warning against politicising the matter.

Raye, who went viral in March for criticising worsening economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu, had her service year extended by two months for missing an April 2025 clearance — a sanction NYSC says is standard procedure.

#NYSC #Raye #Falana #Atiku

PoliticsOngoing 2027 Campaigns Totally Illegal Femi Falana

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has described as totally illegal ongoing campaign for the 2027 general elections.
Why I Sued Facebook Company, Meta - Femi Falana
Speaking on Channels Television Programme, ‘Politics Today’ on Monday, the outspoken SAN urged the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to draw the attention of politicians to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

He said: “As far as the Electoral Act, 2022 is concerned, the ongoing election campaign is illegal. Totally illegal. It’s also diversionary. Because what Nigerians expect now, what the law provides is governance of the country without disruption.

“So it’s not time yet to campaign. And I do hope that INEC would draw the attention of politicians, including the government, including those who constitute the government to deliver provisions of the electoral act. There is no provision yet. There is no room yet for campaigning in Nigeria.

“Two years ahead of election. It’s not part of our law. If the people in power want to amend the law, that should be done. I will say that. And the media must help Nigeria, particularly when it’s time to campaign. We must take politicians out of the cocoon of ethnicity, religion and other primordial consideration.

“We must address the problems that are confronting our people. If you say you want to replace those who are in power, what is your solution? The electricity crisis, crisis in the education system, bad roads and other problems confronting Nigeria as a nation.

“What do you want to do there? For those who are in power, you have to consult with the people. Confide in local governments in the country. Local governments that are known to the people. We must ensure that this country is run on the basis of rule of law. That’s not what is going on now.”

News Brief: Tinubu Must Lead on Social Welfare, Not Delegate to Governors — Falana.

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take direct responsibility for combating poverty in Nigeria, rather than deferring social welfare duties to state governors.

In a statement on Sunday, Falana reacted to Tinubu’s recent plea to APC governors to “wet the grass” by addressing grassroots economic hardship. While acknowledging the President’s concern, Falana insisted the Federal Government must move beyond appeals and fully fund existing national welfare programmes.

He criticised the 2025 budget allocation of ₦32.7 billion to the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), comparing it unfavorably to the ₦39 billion reportedly spent on the International Conference Centre renovation. “This government cannot justify underfunding welfare while indulging in expensive renovations,” Falana said.

He called for a ₦5 trillion investment in the NSIP, which supports youth employment, school feeding, soft loans, and cash transfers for vulnerable households. Falana also called out wasteful spending in the 2025 budget, citing ₦6.93 trillion in padded projects exposed by BudgIT.

With ₦11.195 trillion disbursed to states via FAAC in the last year, Falana said resources are available—what’s lacking is political will and prioritization.

He also demanded multi-stakeholder oversight for NSIP funds, including civil society and trade unions, to ensure transparency and real impact.

#FemiFalana #TinubuAdministration #SocialWelfare #NSIP #NigerianPovertyCrisis #Budget2025

Lawyer, Femi Falana Reacts After Lagos Govt Erased Charly Boy's Name From A Bus Stop And Put Badoo.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, Femi Falana has reacted after the name of award winning musician and activist, Charly Boy was erased from a bus stop in the Bariga area of Lagos state.

Femi Falana's statement was contained in a report that was published on the official X handle of Channels TV on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

According to report that surfaced online, the name of Charly Boy was erased from the bus stop and changed to that of Nigerian rapper, Olamide Adedeji popularly known as Badoo.

In the report that was published online, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria stated that the act is unconstitutional.

Femi Falana faulted the decision of the Lagos state government to change the name of the bus stop.

Here is what Femi Falana said according to Channels TV;

"Charley Boy bus stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area".

Dabiri-Erewa Refutes Badenoch’s Claim on Nigerian Citizenship Laws

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly rejected claims made by UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, that Nigerian law prevents women from passing citizenship to their children.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Hard Copy, Dabiri-Erewa described Badenoch’s statement as “entirely untrue” and “misleading,” citing Section 25(1)(c) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which allows a child born abroad to claim citizenship if either parent is Nigerian.

“You can’t lie about your country and expect silence,” she said, adding that many Nigerians abroad are thriving politically and deserve recognition, not misinformation.

Badenoch’s remarks have drawn widespread backlash, including from human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who labelled her statement “a display of utter ignorance.”

This is the second time Badenoch has faced criticism over comments about Nigeria, following a rebuke from Vice President Kashim Shettima in December 2024 for her negative remarks on the country.

Withdraw threat to Peter Obi or face legal action – Falana warns Gov Okpebholo.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to immediately retract recent threats made against the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Falana’s reaction followed remarks attributed to the governor during a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, where he reportedly warned that Obi must not enter Edo State without prior notification or security clearance.

The governor said: “There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

In a statement released on Sunday, Falana condemned the governor’s comments, describing them as a direct violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.

“The threat to Mr Peter Obi’s life by the so-called ‘new sheriff in town’ contravenes Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee the right to life,” Falana stated.

He emphasized that under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government, urging Governor Okpebholo to publicly retract the threat, issue an apology to Obi, and affirm his safety within Edo State.

Falana also advised that if the governor fails to withdraw the statement, Obi should seek legal redress by filing a suit at the Federal High Court in Benin to enforce his fundamental rights.

“Mr Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country,” he said.

ECOWAS Leaders Have Failed to Uphold the Rule of Law – Femi Falana Speaks Out
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticized the leadership of ECOWAS, accusing them of neglecting their duty to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law across West Africa.

According to Nigeria Stories, Falana emphasized that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has repeatedly turned a blind eye to constitutional violations and electoral malpractice in member countries. He stated that this failure has contributed to the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties in the region.

“ECOWAS leaders have failed woefully in their responsibility to defend the rule of law. They watch while constitutions are manipulated and citizens’ rights are trampled upon,” Falana said.

His remarks come at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with political instability, military coups, and growing public distrust in governance.

Falana’s comments add to the increasing calls for ECOWAS to shift from passive diplomacy to decisive action in addressing democratic backsliding within its member states.

#FemiFalana #ECOWAS #RuleOfLaw

ECOWAS Leaders Undermining Rule of Law, Falana Alleges
Senior Advocate Urges President Tinubu to Ensure Compliance with ECOWAS Court Rulings
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has accused the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of failing to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in the region.

In a statement titled “End Disobedience of ECOWAS Courts,” Falana said ECOWAS leaders have repeatedly shown disregard for the rulings of the Community Court of Justice, undermining its authority and the region’s legal framework.

Falana disclosed that as of December 2024, a total of 154 judgements from the ECOWAS Court remained unenforced by member states. He noted that Nigeria tops the list with 44 outstanding judgements, followed by Togo (27) and Guinea (15). Other non-compliant countries include Mali (10), Sierra Leone (9), Niger (8), Côte d’Ivoire (8), Senegal (8), Ghana (6), Benin (5), Liberia (4), Burkina Faso (5), The Gambia (3), Cabo Verde (1), and Guinea-Bissau (1).

“With respect, the ECOWAS leaders have failed to uphold democratic norms and the rule of law,” Falana said. “Without any legal or political justification, they have treated the decisions of the ECOWAS Court with disdain.”

He emphasized that some of the same leaders — or their family members — who once defied the court have later turned to it for protection after leaving office. Notable examples include Charles Taylor (Liberia), Laurent Gbagbo (Côte d’Ivoire), Boni Yayi (Benin), Mamadou Tandja (Niger), Blaise Compaoré (Burkina Faso), and Mrs. Doe, widow of former Liberian president Samuel Doe.

Nigeria’s Responsibility
Falana, who previously served as President of the West African Bar Association, said Article 24 of the ECOWAS Court mandates each member state to designate a national authority responsible for enforcing court decisions. In 2014, Nigeria appointed its Attorney-General for this role.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to immediately begin implementing the court’s decisions.

“It is the height of embarrassment that Nigeria, under the current ECOWAS Chairmanship of President Tinubu, leads in the number of unenforced judgements,” Falana said. “To restore credibility and regional leadership, Nigeria must comply without further delay.”

Tinubu’s ECOWAS Legacy
President Tinubu, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, recently praised the bloc’s achievements during its 50th anniversary celebrations, citing progress in election monitoring, mediation, and institution-building, including the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

“ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice — cementing accountability, rule of law, and people-centred governance,” Tinubu said.

Falana’s remarks, however, suggest a stark contrast between rhetoric and reality, as he urged West African leaders to stop undermining the very institutions they claim to support.