IGP to improve on police officers’ pension scheme.

IGP to improve on police officers’ pension scheme.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has initiated measures to review and potentially improve the pension regime for retired police personnel.

The development, IGP said is to enhance the welfare of police officers, both serving and retired.

A statement issued on Wednesday, January 3, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi read: “Since assuming office, the IGP has demonstrated unflinching determination to addressing the welfare concerns of Police Officers. Recall that the IGP had invited retired and serving Police Officers as well as pension experts sometime in 2023 to a meeting at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where pending issues pertaining to Police Pensions were addressed with a view to exploring all available means of improving Police pensions. 

“Upon careful scrutiny of the pending bill alongside legal and pension experts, the IGP advised a cautious approach, identifying potential challenges in the proposed pension scheme.

“In light of these lingering concerns, the IGP remains steadfast in tirelessly advocating for the best interests of the Force. The newly formed team has therefore been entrusted with formulating a pension system that ensures every retiring police officer receives the very best for a robust post-service life. This strategic move aims to alleviate the hardships often faced by officers, post-retirement.

“The Inspector-General of Police reassures all officers, both serving and retired, that the current administration prioritizes the enhancement of police officers’ welfare, particularly concerning retirement benefits. The IGP remains resolute in ensuring a pension scheme that secures the financial well-being of officers, reinforcing the core values of commitment and service to the nation.

“The IGP therefore calls for calm among serving officers and retirees, urging all to align with the leadership of the Force as efforts are underway to craft a pension regime that better serves the interests of police retirees. 

“Solidarity and cooperation with the Force’s leadership during this period will ensure the development of a workable Police Pension Scheme that comprehensively addresses the needs of our esteemed retired Police Officers, and the betterment of the entire Police family in Nigeria.

TUC presents 10 demands before President Tinubu.

TUC presents 10 demands before President Tinubu.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has presented 10 demands before the administration of President Bola Tinubu for implementation.

The TUC made the demands in a new year statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro on Wednesday, January 3. 

The congress asked the Tinubu administration to implement: “All agreements between labour and government, including the payment of the monthly N35,000 wage award to Public Servants in the Local Government, State and Federal services, must be implemented until a new National Minimum Wage is implemented.”

Other demands included the negotiation and implementation of a new National Minimum Wage and payment of arrears;

“Inflation, which is running at 28.20 percent, must be drastically reduced to the Sub-Saharan African regional average of 9.4 percent. 

“Governments at state and federal levels should stop the unnecessary, economically-unwise and unpatriotic tradition of taking loans, especially when these loans only end up being used to purchase thousands of expensive jeeps for legislators, pampered members of the Executive and their spouses, or in building unnecessary offices and purchasing mundane and sundry things, including stationaries;

“Government should stop its ill-advised devaluation of the national currency, that is precipitating the collapse of local industries which need foreign exchange to import raw materials, and which has led to mega inflation in our import-dependent economy.;

“The sale of the Naira in the streets due to the Central Bank-induced scarcity must be stopped. This is possible, provided Government ensures adequate supply of Naira notes in the banking system;

“The very high price of PMS, which is now at a poverty-inducing price of N617 at the NNPC fuel stations (much higher elsewhere) should be drastically reduced to repair the damage done to the economy. This will be achieved by ensuring local production of refine products;

“The security of Nigerians should be the yardstick with which to determine whether military and other security chiefs and their supervising Ministers should remain in office or be replaced. Specifically, rather than lament, President Tinubu has a duty to sanction officials for serious security breaches such as the December, 2023 massacres in Plateau State;

“In order to ensure maximum security, Community Policing should be prioritized alongside the mobilisation of the citizenry to defend themselves against bandits and terrorists and 

“Government should engage in dialogue with aggrieved groups representing nationalities who feel marginalised, short-changed or shut out.”

It added: “The Year 2024 holds a lot of promise for us all provided Nigerians as a people would unite and assert our authority over all powers, including the Nigerian ruling class manning all branches, levels, institutions and organs of government.”

Minister vows to hunt Nigerians with fake foreign certificates.

Minister vows to hunt Nigerians with fake foreign certificates.

Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, has vowed to go after citizens using fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.

Describing such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain, Mammman insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.

The minister, who appeared on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” swore that security agencies will crack down on individuals culpable of the act.

“I have no sympathy for such people. Instead, they are part of the criminal chain that should be arrested,” the minister stated firmly.

“If along the line, we can trace that there are people already in the system. For instance, if a particular institution or operator has been operating, say in the last 10 years, we will check if we can get records of Nigerians who attended that institution.

“They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals.”

The Minister’s statement was spurred by an undercover journalist’s report, in which he described how he acquired a degree within six weeks from a Cotonou-based varsity in Benin Republic, and thereafter was deployed to Cross Rivers State for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme undetected.

Following the report, the federal government swiftly suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo, adding the sanction would be extended to more countries like Uganda, Kenya and Niger Republic.

“We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo,” Mamman added.

“We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.

“We will not stop at the suspension of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic alone. We are going to extend the suspension to other countries where such institutions operate.”

Atiku to take seventh shot at presidency in 2027, says Bwala.

Atiku to take seventh shot at presidency in 2027, says Bwala.

Spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 Presidential Campaign Organisation, Daniel Bwala, has said the party’s candidate in the last general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will contest again in 2027.

Bwala said Nigeria needs Atiku as president because he understands how the private sector works.

Featuring on a Channels Television programme, Bwala said: “Sure, he would run. He has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy.

“And he is a president we never had. (This is) because to be honest with you, if any politician understands the private sector very well, it is Atiku Abubakar, and our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector-led economy.

“He’s the president the country is missing because of his experience and capacity.”

Atiku has made six failed attempts to rule Nigeria in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

During the last presidential election, some chieftains of the PDP had worked against the former Vice President.

Tinubu unveils S’East peace initiative, pledges commitment.

Tinubu unveils S’East peace initiative, pledges commitment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured of his determination to utilize all available resources to ensure lasting peace and security in the South-East geo-political zone of the country.

President Tinubu gave the assurance in Bende, the headquarter of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, while unveiling the logo of the Peace in the South-East Project, a strategic platform for the restoration of peace in the South-East region, envisioned by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The unveiling was part of activities to mark the civic reception, thanksgiving and homecoming by the Deputy Speaker.

Addressing Nigerians from all walks of life, who graced the occasion, President Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the convener of the peace project, Rt. Hon. Kalu, and expressed his understanding that no one comprehends the experience of the community better than the people themselves.

The President therefore expressed his determination to involve all and sundry in bringing peace to the South-East.

He said, “We are the custodians of our pen, the architects of our potentials and the guardians of our ambitions. I must commend the convener of this historic event, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for being in tune with time, in tune with our reality and in tune with his heart, in taking this time for a lasting peace in the South-East sub-region. His heart in this geo-political zone stands as an enduring economic power house, it is an integral part of our nation’s economy, each region complements the other; each part of this union orchestrates Africa’s largest economy.”

Tinubu averred that “it is this collaboration, this interplay of strengths that fuels our collective progress. It is this complex relationship that has kept us standing for over 63 years as an independent nation against all odds.”

Shettima informed that President Tinubu has been concerned about the extensive economic devastation inflicted by non-state actors on the region since he took office, stating that Tinubu is actually aware that his administration’s commitment to Nigeria’s future remains incomplete as long as the country grapples with sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for Ndigbo, stating that this is why Tinubu is “determined to utilize all available resources to ensure that peace we are establishing in this region is not cosmetic; and we cannot guarantee unless all of us see through propaganda that has become weapons against our unity.”

The Vice President added, “Each of us here is aware that what has held the South-East to ransom is in a threshold of the good people of the region, not other Nigerians from other parts of the country. The problem we are here to resolve as a community, as an Umunna (brothers) is a creation of certain criminals, who do not represent the interest of Ndigbo and Nigerians.

“Mr. President knows better than all of us and that is why he has never held any group accountable, but in fractions of law-breaking individuals. Peace is indelible in a democracy we have all chosen. We know that the South-East has weathered too many storms, but the current economic stagnation has shaken the foundation of this beautiful region and we are not going to sit back and watch the fire burn beyond while we tarry.

“We are here to extinguish the fire permanently. Because we have been facing an exacting violence to force our citizens to sit at home from their comfort zones and only breaking the law. They are counting down to the end of their economic sabotage.”

The VP further assured, “We are here to guarantee the return to the South-East unparalleled economic life. We know that those who disrupt peace in the South-East, along with the forces operating in situation of dangerous political agenda, are attempting to undo the hard work of millions of our heroes past. We know that we can’t revert this catastrophe unless we involve you because, you are our eyes and ears; you are our legs and mouth in this land.

“Today, we stand united to permanently declare, ‘enough is enough.’ While we acknowledge the necessity of the coordinated intervention to combat this menace, the confidence that our government shall not rest until it fulfills its pledge to mitigate the crisis we inherited. We arrive at a time when our future stood on the threshold of an uncertain future.

“We gathered here today because we have realized that unless we address the intricate web of security challenges handed down to us, our development agenda in this region shall remain elusive. The seeds of progress can only survive in the fertile soil of peace and security. This is why we take immense delight in the collaboration of all stakeholders in an initiative such as Peace in the South-East Project, to ensure that the shield of insecurity in this region, even in this time around, is established in the landscape of aspiration.

“We are here today because we are all Ndigbo, we are all umunna (brothers). We are here because our destiny is intertwined in an unbreakable pot. We are here because whatever affliction that befalls the people of Bende reverberates through the hearts of the compatriots all over the country alike. We are here because we have been given the mandate to guarantee the safety of your lives and property.

“I implore each of you here to regard us as your umunna. We are brothers and sisters, striving for a nation that serves us all and together we must collaborate as a team to overcome the things that shared humanity and unity.”

Declaring the South East peace resolution, the host governor, Dr. Alex Otti, said Abia is happy to have Rt. Hon. Kalu as its son.

The governor read out the PISE-P affirmation, which stated, “We, the people of South-East hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region. We declare peace for prosperity, we declare peace for progress. We stand for peace in the South-East as a catalyst that will drive growth in all sectors of the economy and rekindle the confidence of future generations. We declare that peace is better – ‘Udo kama,’ made this day, the 29th of December, 2023 at Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, South-East Nigeria, before the President and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So help me God!”

Speaking on behalf of his brother governors, the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, commended Rt. Hon. Kalu for the brilliant idea of the peace project for the South-East, saying that anything that would bring peace to the South-East is very dear to Ndigbo.

Uzodimma added that South-East governors, in liaison with Ohanaeze Ndigbo has convoked a security summit to bring peace into the region, following the security threats that started in 2021.

He enthused, “In recognition of that initiative, our brother, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kalu, as part of programmes marking his homecoming, has also initiated this programme of peace project. It is indeed, a very welcome idea which must be commended.”

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the event is important because the peace of the South-East zone is by extension, the peace and progress of the entire Nigeria. He said that Rt. Hon. Kalu’s effort to restore peace in the region is noble and well intentioned, maintaining that it is borne out of deep love and profound concern over the rise of insecurity, which has affected the region negatively.

Recalling that the South-East used to be the fastest growing economy in Africa, leading in trade and commerce, the Speaker stressed the need for adopting multi-faceted approach, including inclusive governance, to handle it; calling on political leaders in the region to adopt the peace project and engage governments to address the agitations of the people.

The convener and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kalu, who was full of appreciation for the support he got from all and sundry, noted that PISE-P is a five-year peace building and development initiative, designed to address the complex socio-economic challenges and security issues facing the South-East region of Nigeria and called for partnership with all to achieve peace in the region.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, stressed that the greatest desire of the people of South-East at present is peace; appreciating the convocation by Rt. Hon. Kalu and expressed the hope that peace has started in the South-East.

The event featured conferment of chieftaincy title of ‘Omeziri Ndigbo’ on President Tinubu, presentation of awards of commendation to various political leaders, including the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace in the South-East region and displays from various cultural groups.

The event also attracted the presence of governors of the South-East zone, members of National Assembly, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, first class traditional rulers, including: the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero and Chairman Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, among other revered royal fathers and other important dignitaries from the South-East.

102,650 Edo residents to benefit from FG cash transfer.

102,650 Edo residents to benefit from FG cash transfer.

The Edo State Government has said that 102,650 persons in 1,969 communities across the 18 local government areas of the state will benefit from the second phase of the ‘Renewed Hope Cash Transfer’ of the Federal Government.

The General Manager, Social Investment Programme in the state, Yuwa Aladeselu, said this at a one-day refresher training of local government cash transfer facilitators in Benin City on Wednesday.

Aladeselu said the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer of the Federal Government is under the National Social Safety Nets Project Scale-Up.

The Edo State SIP boss, who said the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, was interested in any intervention that would help or provide succour for the poor and vulnerable, noted that the state had a social register of over 1.6 million persons.

She added that about 314,000 households were captured in the register which also includes persons living with disability, among others.

In her remarks, Head, Edo State Cash Transfer Unit, Flora Bossey, said over 12,108 beneficiaries were enrolled and paid during the first phase of the programme implementation in the state in 2022.

Bossey said 40,647 beneficiaries had been paid N25,000 across the 18 local government areas in the state, including those who have bank accounts, that were drawn from both the National Social Register and Rapid Response Register.

She said the cash transfer was in line with the vision of the Federal Government to provide 15 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians under the Expanded National Social Safety Nets Programme Scale-Up.

She added that the scale-up was designed to support new beneficiaries for economic shock response cash transfer in urban areas.

Bossey also said the programme includes the Extended Regular Cash Transfer in rural areas across the country as well as transfers to existing beneficiaries that were yet to reach 12 cycles of payment to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy.

On his part, the Enrolment Officer/ Beneficiaries Management Officer of the National Cash Transfer Office, Mohammed Adams, said the training was to ensure that the facilitators find the biodata of a total of 101,404 persons who do not have valid bank accounts and enrol them to receive the renewed hope cash transfer.

“All beneficiaries will receive their funds directly through interoperable transactional accounts/wallets thus leading to significant financial inclusion of the beneficiaries.

“We all know that times are hard; this intervention is to deliver support to those who need it most,” he said.

He, however, enjoined the facilitators to do their best to find the beneficiaries and capture them for the programme, noting that no one should be left behind.

Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Aribasoye Commends Members and Legislative Bureaucrats for Unwavering Dedication.

Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Aribasoye Commends Members and Legislative Bureaucrats for Unwavering Dedication.

Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye has commended the Members of the Seventh Assembly and the legislative bureaucrats for their dedications and commitment to the growth and development of the Legislative Service and charged them to put in their best to service in year 2024.

The Speaker who was in a joyous mood appreciated God for His mercy so far. He welcomed everyone to the new year through a declaration that year 2024 would be a year of continuous progress for all and as well commended the Governor of Ekiti State Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his support to the 7th Assembly adding that development of Ekiti State should be a collective responsibility of all and sundry.

Rt Hon. Aribasoye used the prayer session held at the Assembly Complex to ushered in the New year to highlighted the landmark achievements of the Seventh Assembly under his leadership within the last six months in office which includes establishment of Staff Loans Board, Procurement of New Laptops and printers and other valuable office equipments for the use of the staff.

He said the House is working on how to replace the old Microphones in the Hallowed Chamber to Digital Microphones in no distance time, while brand new Coaster Bus have been purchased for the running of the activities in the legislative arm of government.

The Speaker solicited for more support from the Assembly bureaucrats and promised to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to restore the dignity of the legislative service and to make it a pride of place.

Earlier, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tolu Ige, the Clerk of the House Mr Tola Esan commended the Rt Hon Aribasoye and the other members of the 7th Assembly for working together as a team to make legislative arm better, they enjoined the staff to remain focused and be diligent in the New year. 

Meanwhile, a guest minister at the event, Government House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, who took his message from the book of Psalms 18 : 25-26 sermonised on "Giving according to whom you are" he admonished the congregations to strengthen up before the Lord in order to experience better glory and blessings in the year.

Similarly, a Muslim cleric, Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Yusuf in his message urged the people to always give thanks to God without minding the situation around them and that they should fear God in all their dealings, particularly in this new year 2024.

Others who lend their voices in appreciating the Speaker were the Chairman Assembly Service Commission, Hon Kayode Ajayi Fasakin and the Trade Union Leader, Chairman Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe commended the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Aribasoye for his yeoman's services towards taking the legislative arm to an enviable feat in the comity of State.