The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of 0.5 (0.005) per cent Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transfers.

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President stated the NLC position in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ajaero was reacting to a recent circular issued by the CBN, mandating banks and payment service operators to effect the deductions, effective in two weeks.

The CBN has said that the move, ‘ostensibly aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures, threatens to exacerbate the financial strain already faced by the populace’.

Ajaero said the NLC vehemently condemned the directives and therefore called for immediate stoppage and reversal of the policy.

According to him, this levy, to be implemented by deduction at the transaction origination, is yet another burden on the shoulders of hardworking Nigerians.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress recognises the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.

“However, imposing such a levy on electronic transactions, without due consideration for its implications on workers and the vulnerable segments of society, is unjustifiable.

“This levy stands as another tax too much for Nigerians, burdening them with additional financial responsibilities.

“We see in this levy as another gang up by the ruling elite to continue its extortion and exploitation of hapless and helpless workers and the masses,”he said.

He noted that while the CBN had exempted interbank transfers and loans transactions from the levy, the broader impact on everyday transactions would not be overlooked.

He added that such deductions directly affect the disposable income of workers and further diminish the purchasing power of the common citizen.

The NLC president also noted that domestic manufacturers and other businesses were already shuttering as a result of the stifling socioeconomic environment.

He added that, yet, instead of creating a business-friendly environment to encourage greater investments in the economy, the opposite seems to be what is being practised.

Ajaero therefore, called on the Federal Government to reconsider the directives and prioritise policies that alleviate the financial burdens of Nigerians.

“We urge a collaborative approach between the government, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to develop sustainable cybersecurity measures that do not unduly burden the populace.

“We reiterate our commitment to championing the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and masses,”he said.

The leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Edwin Clark, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

Clark made the call during a media parley with some Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, adding that there was the need to maintain peace and order.

He said that he had written to Egbetokun, a letter with the title: “The Threat by Former Rivers State House of Assembly Members to Impeach the Popularly Elected Governor, Sir Siminalaya Fubara is an Action that is Likely to Cause Breach of Peace and Breakdown of Law and Order”.

Clark said that he wrote the letter as a senior citizen and Elder statesman, who had served the country for over 70 years, adding that he would be 97 years old on May 25.

“It is, therefore, my duty to pray to the Almighty God at all times for the peace and stability of our great country. We own it as an obligation to support President Bola Tinubu’s government, which will be a year old on May 29.

“We must, therefore, condemn and prevent any action by an individual or group of individuals that would threaten the peace, stability and unity of this country.

“As the IGP, you have a duty to stop the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from parading themselves and issuing provocative statements to intimidate and increase the tension in Rivers.

“It is even more disturbing that these former members of Rivers House of Assembly are carrying out their illegal activities under the the cover of some security officers in uniforms.

“I sincerely appeal to you to use your office as head of the law enforcement arm of the country, to advise Mr President and other members of the National Security Council to bring the crisis in Rivers to an end.

“This is more so, as President Tinubu and all of you swore to protect and defend the constitution of Nigeria, which now appears to be overlooked, in spite of infringement being openly carried out in favour of one individual and his followers,” he said.

The South-South leader said that it was his duty to see that the people of the region and other Nigerians lived in peace and harmony, as he believed in justice, fair play and equity.

He further said that it was provocative for a former governor of the state to accuse/address his fathers and leaders of the South-South as being interlopers.

Clark alleged that the former governor and the current one parted ways because of the former’s ambition to control the politics and governance in the state.

“The crisis deteriorated, prompting President Tinubu to midwife a peace deal between them, after the seats of  27 state lawmakers were declared vacant, following their defection to APC.

“The recent unprovoked announcement by the Speaker and 26 former members of the Rivers House of Assembly might cause a breakdown of law and order in the state and the consequences may affect the region and Nigeria at large.

“I had earlier called on Tinubu to call the trouble makers in Rivers to order to avoid this looming crisis and that the interest of an individual or small group should not supersede that of the entire country.

“The 27 former members of the Rivers House of Assembly have automatically forfeited their seats in accordance with section 109 (1g) of the constitution of the country, and, section 1 of the constitution says the constitution is supreme,” Clark said.