Stakeholders protest in Rivers to stop Fubara from re-presenting budget.

Stakeholders protest in Rivers to stop Fubara from re-presenting budget.

Some civil society organisations on Monday, January 22, held a protest to stop the Rivers State Governor from re-presenting the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led state House of Assembly.

The stakeholders, who displayed placards containing various messages, also urged the governor not to recognise Amaewhule as the Speaker of Assembly claiming that doing so was against the 1999 Constitution as amended.

They were seen standing at the entrance of the Government House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Chairman of the Coalition, Enefa Georgewill, said Fubara should not succumb to the pressure of further desecrating the Constitution by carrying out the remaining items in the peace accord.

He said that re-presenting the already passed budget would amount to disrespecting the constitution and could result in anarchy in the state. 

The Public Relations Officer of the group, Solomon Leenu said they staged the protest to give Fubara the support and encouragement to act according to the law.

Ibadan explosion: FG “ll allow investigations to be concluded before making statement – Alake.

Ibadan explosion: FG “ll allow investigations to be concluded before making statement – Alake.

The Federal Government’s will allow the investigative, technical and intelligence agencies to conclude their investigations before making any categorical statement on Ibadan explosion.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, said this on Monday while speaking with newsmen shortly after meeting with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan.

He said all the questions pertaining to the explosion would be answered at the end of the investigations, adding that by then, Nigerians would be well-informed.

Alake said he was at the governor’s office to commiserate with Makinde and commend him for his efficiency and effectiveness in the handling of the explosion.

He particularly thanked Makinde for the speed with which he had responded to the incident which he described as unfortunate.

The minister said that Makinde’s efforts was ‘very remarkable’, adding that President Bola Tinubu was impressed.

The minister said he had visited the scene of the explosion as well as the hospital to see some of the victims.

He said that there would not be any particular time frame for the submission of the report on the explosion, as it was a technical investigation that required lots of expertise.

Alake, however, said that the report would not take too long, based on the speed with which all the agencies involved had been handling the assignment.

He assured Nigerians that government would not sit on the report, given the magnitude of the explosion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the explosion, which occurred on Jan.16 at Bodija area of Ibadan, had claimed five lives, with 77 people injured and several houses destroyed.

(NAN) 

Nigeria Beats Guinea-Bissau 1-0, Advances to AFCON 2023 Round of 16.

Nigeria Beats Guinea-Bissau 1-0, Advances to AFCON 2023 Round of 16.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a gripping encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles of Nigeria emerged triumphant against Guinea-Bissau, sealing their place in the round of 16. The pivotal moment came in the 36th minute when Opa Sangante, in an attempt to thwart Victor Osimhen, inadvertently netted an own goal from a Moses Simon cross.

Both teams experienced disallowed goals in the second half due to offside, adding suspense to the match. Nigeria's Victor Osimhen also had an effort invalidated for handball. The final whistle confirmed Nigeria's 1-0 victory.

This win places the Super Eagles in second position in Group A with seven points, trailing behind Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea's commanding 4-0 win over Ivory Coast solidified their position at the top of the group with a superior goal difference.

The next challenge for Nigeria awaits in the last 16, where they will confront the second-placed team from Group C. This could be Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon. The encounter is scheduled for Saturday, promising another exciting chapter in Nigeria's AFCON 2023 journey.

Tinubu directs expansion of student loans programme.

Tinubu directs expansion of student loans programme.

President Bola Tinubu has directed an expansion of the focus of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to include students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu gave the directive to the management of the Fund after receiving briefing on the build-up to the launch of the programme later in the month from the Executive Secretary of NELFUND, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, at the State House, Abuja.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said it was important for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue university education, noting that skill acquisition is as important as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas. This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFUND to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he said.

Tinubu emphasised the need for equity and inclusivity in the management of the programme, stating: “No matter how economically challenged you are, accredited and qualified students will and must have access to this loan to advance their education in higher institutions. There is no compromise in our commitment to the disadvantaged citizens of this nation.”

In his presentation to the President, Sawyerr said the loan application process will be technology-driven, limiting human interface and “eliminating any possibility of maladministration in the programme.”

“By design, this is a perpetual programme and will not terminate. The funds, earmarked for bona-fide Nigerian students, will be disbursed directly to the institutions in the initial phase through electronic transfer. Our students will be catered to in a way that bypasses human interference through the full utilization of available technological platforms, in adherence to Your Excellency’s stated objectives,” he said.

He also said NELFUND has developed a robust risk-mitigation mechanism to address potential risks that may arise from the programme.

Ekiti Elevates Economic Prospects: Fountain Holdings, EKDIPA Boards Officially Inaugurated by Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti Elevates Economic Prospects: Fountain Holdings, EKDIPA Boards Officially Inaugurated by Gov Oyebanji.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a significant move aimed at propelling Ekiti State's economic agenda, Governor Biodun Oyebanji officially inaugurated the chairmen and Boards of Directors for Fountain Holdings Ltd (FHL) and the Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) on Monday, 22nd January 2024.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Exco Chambers, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, underscored the governor’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s investment agencies and business sector.

Addressing the newly appointed leaders, Governor Oyebanji stressed the imperative of diversifying the current investment portfolio, exploring new opportunities, and playing a pivotal role in job creation and wealth generation. Emphasizing the significance of Fountain Holdings, he urged the leadership to contribute directly to the state’s development plan through profits and taxes generated from its business operations.

The Governor called for strategic investments aligned with the state’s local content agenda, focusing on housing, capital and credit access, technological advancements, infrastructure, and knowledge development.

Mr. Jide Ogundare, the newly appointed Chairman of Fountain Holdings, and his team received a charge to make substantial contributions to the state’s prosperity.

Governor Oyebanji stressed the shared goals of both agencies in promoting business opportunities for Ekiti people, encouraging synergy, attracting direct investments, making symbolic capital contributions, and boosting investors’ confidence. Board members for Fountain Holdings Ltd (FHL) and EKDIPA were announced, with the Governor expressing gratitude for their acceptance of responsibility and assuring them of his support.

Responding on behalf of others, the reappointed chairman of Fountain Holdings, Mr. Jide Ogundare, assured the people of the state that the newly inaugurated boards would leverage their capacities to transform the business narrative in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Engages Education Secretaries in Groundbreaking Interface.

Oyebanji Engages Education Secretaries in Groundbreaking Interface.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a historic move, Governor Biodun Oyebanji convened a meeting on Monday, 22nd January 2024, with Education Secretaries from various local government areas in his office. This unprecedented interface marked the first of its kind by any Governor of the state, aiming to address lingering issues in the educational sector and provide valuable insights and solutions.

The gathering was a significant step towards fostering collaboration and enhancing the future of education management in Ekiti State. Governor Oyebanji, recognizing the importance of direct engagement, created a platform for Education Secretaries to share perspectives and discuss strategies for improving the educational landscape across the state.

Education Secretaries left the meeting with a sense of fulfillment and optimism, having seized the rare opportunity to sit with Mr. Governor and actively contribute to shaping the trajectory of education in Ekiti State. The innovative approach demonstrated Governor Oyebanji's commitment to inclusivity and collective decision-making in the pursuit of educational excellence.

Stop paying ex-governors scandalous pensions – Falana.

Stop paying ex-governors scandalous pensions – Falana.

Human Rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Rivers state governments to stop paying what he described as scandalous pensions to ex-governors while workers are owed arrears of meagre pensions.

He made the call on Sunday in a statement made available to our correspondent.

According to him, not less than 20 ex-governors are in the Senate, receiving jumbo salaries and allowances.

“Lagos was the first state to implement a pension law for its former governors. The Lagos State Pension for Ex-Governors was enacted in 2007.

“Since then, the majority of states adopted the Lagos model. But the pension laws for Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states are the most scandalous.”

Giving details of the Lagos pension law for Lagos ex-governors, Falana noted that, according to the law, an ex-Lagos governor is being given 100 percent of the annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor, and is provided “one residential house in Lagos and another in the FCT, Abuja.”

He also gets “three cars, two backup cars and one pilot car every three years.”

An ex-Lagos governor also gets furniture allowance of “300 percent of annual basic salary every two years,” and gets “10 percent of annual basic salary,” for house maintenance.

He is also provided with “domestic staff, such as cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be pensionable.”

There is also “free medical treatment for ex-governors and members of their families (not just spouses).”

For security, he also gets “two SSS operatives, one female officer, eight policemen (four each for house and personal security)”.

An ex-Lagos governor also gets “10 percent of annual basic salary,” for car maintenance; “20 percent of annual basic salary” for entertainment.

He is also provided with drivers.

For ex-Rivers governor, Falana noted that they get “100 percent of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor.”

They get “one residential house anywhere of his choice in Nigeria,” and are provided with “three cars every four years,” with “30 percent of annual basic salary,” for car maintenance.

An ex-Rivers governor also gets “300 percent of annual basic salary every four years,” for furniture; and “10 percent of annual basic salary,” for house maintenance.

He is also provided with “domestic staff, such as cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be non-pensionable.”

In addition, there is “free medical treatment for ex-governors and members of their families (not just spouses and no cap).”

An ex-Rivers governor also gets “two SSS operatives, four policemen (two each for house and personal security).”

He also gets “10 percent of his annual basic salary,” for entertainment; “20 percent of his annual basic salary,” for utility and he is also provided with drivers.

Falana also highlighted the pension package for ex-governors of Akwa-Ibom State.

He stated: “Annual Basic Salary: 100 percent of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor.

“Accommodation: One house not below five-bed maisonette in either Abuja or Akwa Ibom.

“Transport: One car and one utility car every four years. Furniture: 300 percent of annual basic salary every four years. Domestic staff: Amount not above N5m to employ cooks, chauffeurs and security.

“Medical: Free treatment and spouse not exceeding N100m per year (this provision will soon be reverted to “free” without limit following outcry).

“Security: “Adequate” (not specified). Personal Assistant: One. Car maintenance: 300 percent of annual basic salary. Entertainment: 100% of annual basic salary.

“Utility: 100 percent of annual basic salary. Drivers: Amount not above N5m. Severance gratuity: 300 percent annual basic salary.”

Falana noted that the National Industrial Court had declared as null and void the payment of pension and gratuity to former governors and deputy governors.

According to him, the court made the declaration in the judgment in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1497/2017 filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

He said the pronouncement was also made in a suit marked NICN/JOS/26/2016 filed by Alhaji Garba Umar against the Taraba State Government.

“In 2022, the Lagos State Government announced a 50 percent reduction in the pension. Senators Daniel and Dankwambo have directed the governments of Ogun and Gombe to stop paying them the pension since they are receiving salaries and allowances in the National Assembly.

“The governments of Kwara, Imo and Zamfara States have abolished the payment of the pension. We call on other state governments to abolish the pension as soon as possible. Nigeria can no longer afford to pay scandalous pension to ex-governors while workers are owed arrears of meagre pension. Therefore, the pension laws applicable to other public officers should also apply to all ex-governors.”