Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has disclosed that his administration disbursed N25 billion to offset 21 years of outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retirees of both local and state government civil servants in the state.
Bago made this disclosure in an interview saying this substantial settlement of arrears owed the pensioners underscores his administration’s dedication to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants after their meritorious service years.
According to him, ” This move is a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden on retirees, some of whom have not received their pensions for over 20 years, leading to a considerable backlog”,
“The current administration under my leadership is committed to ensuring that pension payments are made on time moving forward, to prevent similar situations in the future”.
He said the state has also paid N20,000 wage award to civil servants across the board for the second time in two months.
The Governor also revealed that the state government has commenced the settlement of all outstanding leave grants that have been pending since 2018 to date for workers in the state.
Bago then sternly warned officials against any attempts to alter the serial numbers and files of beneficiaries, saying, ” anyone found guilty of such actions will face severe consequences in the state”.
We offset 21 years of pensions, gratuities for state, LG workers – Niger Gov, Bago
We offset 21 years of pensions, gratuities for state, LG workers – Niger Gov, Bago
9,000 pass Oyo teacher recruitment test
The Oyo State Post Primary School Teaching Service Commission has released the results of the computer-based tests for the recruitment of teachers into secondary schools in the state, saying about 9,000 candidates passed.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Commission, Akinade Alamu, in a statement made available to the journalists on Tuesday, August 6, in Ibadan, the state capital.
Alamu said in the statement that the commission had set 50 percent as the minimum cut-off mark for qualification to the next stage in the recruitment exercise.
The chairman said the 9,000 candidates would go through interview sessions within one week, starting from August 14, 2024, adding that the interview panels, headed by both serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, would be split into 10, with five members each.
He further advised all candidates to log into the commission’s portal to access their results already posted there.
Reiterating the commission’s commitment to enhancing educational services in the state, Alamu said the interview for candidates in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geography would be held on August 14, 2024.
The commission said English, Physics, Health Education, Technical Drawing, Music, and French candidates would be interviewed on August 15, 2024
Also, it stated that Basic Science, Home Economics, Computer Science candidates would be interviewed on August 16, 2024.
It said interviews for Commerce, Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Religious Studies, Literature in English, and Guidance and Counseling candidates would be held on August 19, 2024
Additionally, the commission said Social Studies, Business Studies, and Food and Nutrition candidates would be interviewed on August 20, 2024.
It said Economics, Government, Finance and Account, Fine Arts, and History candidates would be interviewed on August 21, 2024.
The commission also fixed August 22, 2024, to interview candidates of Agricultural Science, Yoruba, and Arabic.
The chairman urged all candidates to come with their credentials, local government of origin, date of birth certificate, and other relevant documents and wished them the best in the interview.
CBN approves Unity, Providus banks merger
The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the merger of Providus Bank and Unity Bank.
The apex bank, in a statement signed by the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi, on Tuesday, said the action is in accordance with the provisions of Section 42 (2) of the CBN Act, 2007.
The development signals the first merger to be approved following a mandate by the apex bank to increase its minimum capital base
The apex bank also announced approval of a pivotal financial accommodation to support the proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited.
This strategic move is designed to bolster the stability of Nigeria’s financial system and avert potential systemic risks.
The statement read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has granted approval for a pivotal financial accommodation to support the proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited. This strategic move is designed to bolster the stability of Nigeria’s financial system and avert potential systemic risks.
“The merger is contingent upon the financial support from the CBN. The fund will be instrumental in addressing Unity Bank’s total obligations to the Central Bank and other
stakeholders. It is unequivocal to state that the CBN’s action is in accordance with the provisions of Section 42 (2) of the CBN Act, 2007.
“This arrangement is crucial for the financial health and operational stability of the post-merger organisation.”
The According reports that there have been strong indications for over a year on plans by Providus Bank Limited to acquire a majority stake in Unity Bank Plc.
The development was part of ProvidusBank’s expansion plan and, importantly, a bold initiative to shore up its capital base further amid the current recapitalisation challenge.
In 2018, Milost Global Inc., a New York-based private equity firm, botched a move to invest $1bn in the bank. Since then, the bank has been seeking a preferred suitor.
Unity Bank commenced operations in January 2006, following the merger of nine banks with competencies in investment, corporate, and retail banking.
Details later…
Police arrests foreigner, 76 Nigerians with Russian flag during #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano
Police operatives in Kano have arrested 76 persons found with 25 Russian flags during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
Also arrested was a Nigerien who allegedly made the flags.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Salma Dogo, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Kano.
He said: “The suspects were found with 25 Russian flags and their arrest has been linked to a case of sedition.
“The suspects were apprehended at different locations across the metropolis and have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.”
The CP urged the people of the state to support the efforts of security personnel by providing information that would lead to the arrest of those involved in the recent mass looting of public assets.
He assured the public that the police and other security agencies would maintain a visible presence in and around the metropolis to ensure law and order.
Dogo appealed to parents to monitor their children’s conduct and warned that anyone found fomenting trouble would be prosecuted.
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APC, PDP disagree over hunger situation in Ekiti
The Peoples Democratic Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State on Tuesday bickered over the situation of hunger in the state and why Ekiti residents shunned the nationwide organized by some groups.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, had in a statewide broadcast on July 31, appealed to Ekiti residents to embrace peace by shunning the hunger protest which he said had obvious potential to degenerate into violence and reverse the state’s steady progress to shared prosperity.
However, the State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Alaba Agboola, lamented the effect of alleged bad governance on the people of the state.
He adduced the reason for the Ekiti people’s actions, saying, “Ekiti people are too hungry to participate in the ongoing nationwide ‘End bad governance’ protest.”
Agboola in an interview with According Online on Tuesday said, “Before you can go out to protest, you and your family must have something at home that you will eat. Ekiti people are hungry, angry and helpless.
“The fact that they did not go out to protest did not mean they were in agreement with what is going on in the country or with what the state government was doing.
“When somebody is accusing you and you are not talking, it does not mean you are in agreement with what the person is saying, it means you are just watching, you are helpless. The people of Ekiti State are in a helpless situation,” Agboola said.
The PDP state chairman, who said sitting at home was also a form of protest, said, “I disagree with the people that say because we are not protesting in Ekiti, it is a sign of endorsing the activities of the state government.
“No. they are not in agreement, but they just decided that they should just sit down and see whether the APC government will listen to the cries of our people, to see whether APC has solution to the problems confronting us as a nation and as a state.”
But the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the PDP assertion, saying it was against logic.
The APC spokesperson in an interview with According Online on Tuesday said “It is when people are hungry that they will want to fight. We may not say Ekiti people are filled to the brim, but they are not hungry, they are not starving.”
Dipe said that Ekiti people did not join the protest in view of their trust in Oyebanji and the good governance in the state, saying, “The protesters are saying ‘end hunger or end bad governance’ whatever and Ekiti people have decided not to join. That means the Ekiti people have no reason to protest.
“They have the trust in their governor. You don’t fight somebody that you like. The people love the governor, so why should they fight? Will they fight a governor that they have admitted is doing well – a considerate governor, a people-centred governor, somebody who is doing what they want?
“Ekiti people are getting the best of governance. If there is trust, they know that their hope is alive. The people are seeing the governor’s good works. We can’t say they are filled more than any other person, but they are not hungry and they are not starved.”
Ogun doctors embark on indefinite strike over pay disparity
The State Chairman of the Medical Association, Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Tuesday at the association’s secretariat, Abeokuta.
He explained that the decision to proceed on an indefinite strike came after a failed 3-day warning strike.
Ashimi said that the strike, which began on Saturday, August 3, 2024, is primarily aimed at addressing the pay disparity between federal and state medical workers.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reach a compromise with the government.
“The government continues to plea that the issues of minimum wage and other related matters are common, but my people believe that we need to address the issues on the ground,” Ashimi stated.
He added, “The core of the doctors’ grievances lies in the reviewed CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure), which they believe should be implemented to stem the exodus of medical professionals from Ogun State.
“Ogun State is losing a lot of doctors daily, because of the pay disparity. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage the doctors to stay,” Ashimi stressed.
In efforts to retain medical personnel, the NMA said it has undertaken various initiatives over the past two years.
He explained, “We have recorded achievements aimed at helping doctors feel a sense of belonging in the community.
“We’ve facilitated access to land for housing, started a cooperative society for savings, and other measures.
“However, aligning the state workers’ pay with federal workers’ pay would go a long way in encouraging doctors to remain,” Ashimi noted.
“I attended a meeting on human resources for health and I’m not happy with the way doctors are leaving Nigeria, especially from the state where I practice and where I’m the Chairman of NMA. People are leaving in droves,” Ashimi lamented.
Dr Ashimi stressed that Ogun State, known as the gateway state, can address this issue and ensure the strike is short-lived.
Lead with justice, fairness – Aloy Ejimakor advises Tinubu
Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has issued a caution to President Bola Tinubu amid the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest and the Biafra agitator’s continued detention.
Ejimakor said those advising Tinubu to use force against protesters and continuing Kanu’s trial and detention are trying to destroy him politically.
The constitutional lawyer urged Tinubu to lead with justice and fair play to all Nigerians.
Posting on X, Ejimakor wrote: “Dear President Tinubu: Anybody advising you to use force against #EndBadGovernace protest and to persist in the #UnfairTrial and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not doing you any favor but is actually pushing you to destroy yourself politically. Lead with justice and fair play for all.”
Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, despite court judgements ordering his release.
Despite several pleas and moves for a political solution, Tinubu’s administration had refused to bow to such pressures.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have been agitating against the hunger and suffering in the country.
Lead with justice, fairness – Aloy Ejimakor advises Tinubu
Military vows to go after coup agitators
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said on Tuesday the military and security agencies would go after those behind the call for coup in the country.
Musa stated during a combined news conference by the heads of security agencies and service chiefs at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.
He said the military knew that protesters calling for unconstitutional change of government were sponsored, adding that the security agencies were trailing them to bring them to book.
The CDS said: “I want to appreciate Nigerians for their understanding, for their commitment to upholding the law and order.
“We have had issues in the past few days, but you can see that people have seen reason for us not to continue with the destruction, to stop the looting, to stop giving opportunities for others to subvert our nation and to destroy our nation.
“They have also seen reasons to join hands together with the security forces to make Nigeria better.
“We want to assure them we on this side that we are fully committed to Nigeria, we love the country, we are mindful of the fact that we have been equipped and so we are duty bound to protect the country.
“We are only after those that are against the states, not those that are innocent.
“So I want to make that very clear and we will continue to work together as a team to support Mr. President in achieving his mandate of peace and tranquility in our dear country Nigeria.”
Musa called for the collaboration of other agencies to ensure that the security agents achieved success in their task.
He also called for dialogue to achieve national unity and cohesion as one great country.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the main operational commitment of the army was to deploy resources to combat the protests that have turned violent to ensure sustainable peace in the country.
He said the army under his command was more concerned about peace and security, adding that attention had not been diverted from its main operational commitment in combating terrorism and banditry.
“I checked the number of patrols that troops conduct, the number of ambushes that are undertaken on daily basis, the number of violent insurgents that have been eliminated, incapacitated and other indices, and it has not dropped by whatever measure.
“Also we have continued to expand the frontier of peace and security in Borno State.
“Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) are being returned back to Kukawa and some other places as I speak to you which are indices of return to peace and stability.
“So the troops are not relenting in their operational commitment in the field on our contingency plan in the event that the situation degenerates.
“I want to also assure you that our estimates looking into the future suggests that the situation will not degenerate but we need cooperation of every stakeholder in Nigeria to achieve that,” the army chief stated.
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INEC, others advise youths against electoral malpractices
The Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Orientation Agency and the National Youth Service Corps have advised the youths against being used for electoral malpractices.
The advice was given following the scheduled governorship election in Edo State on September 21, 2024.
At a one-day workshop organised by the electoral commission for youths in Benin, the state capital, on Tuesday, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, who was represented by the state’s INEC Administrative Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbodu, urged the youths to come out in large numbers for the governorship election.
Onuoha, who charged the youths to participate actively and positively in the election, noted that the engagement was to encourage the youths to participate in the electoral process.
He noted that INEC attaches a great value to youths’ participation in the electoral process.
He said, “INEC’s major goal of its partnership with the young people is to strategically position them to better appreciate their stake as an important demographic and player in public space, capable of meaningful contributions to the democratic advancement of the nation.”
In his goodwill message, the state’s NOA Director, Osahon Woghiren, said, “Some youths have been used as political thugs, being used to destroy electoral materials, vote buying among others.”
Woghiren said it was time the youths stopped being used negatively by the political class, urging them to shun all criminal tendencies and collaborate with INEC for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
The NYSC state director, Ifeoma Ben-Ushie Ifeoma, appealed to youths to avoid being used as agents of electoral malpractices or tools in electoral issues during elections.
INEC has released the final register of voters for the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
The decision followed a meeting held by the commission on Tuesday, as contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
Ndume apologises to APC over anti-Tinubu comments
The immediate past Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, on Tuesday publicly apologised to the ruling All Progressives Congress for embarrassing President Bola Tinubu on a live television programme.
The apology came one month after he was removed as the Senate’s Chief Whip following the interview he granted Arise TV, stating that Tinubu had been caged and prevented from knowing the hardships which Nigerians were going through,
Following his sack, Ndume was immediately replaced by the Senator representing Borno North, Tahir Monguno.
Ndume’s replacement by the Senate followed a directive issued to that effect in a letter written by the National Chairman of the party, Umar Ganduje, and National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.
Addressing journalists after a two-hour closed-door meeting with members of the party’s National Working Committee at its secretariat in Abuja, the senator said that though he has tendered an unreserved apology to the party, he stands by what he told Nigerians in the interview.
He said, “Yesterday, I was invited by the party and here I am to discuss family matters. Actually, the national chairman is not just a chairman to me but also a father. With what has happened, it is not surprising that I was invited to hear my side and we had a family discussion.
“I accepted the mistake of not talking to the party as a last point and I told the party that all my observations as a senior member of the family should have terminated or ended with the party. That is something that will be corrected moving forward. But whatever I said or did was out of patriotism.
“Those issues may have been said strongly but they are true. Again, I should have talked to the party as the last bus stop. Next time when I want to talk, I will come and get clearance or at least talk to the party.”
When asked to address the speculation that his membership was withdrawn by the ruling party, Ndume expressed surprise.
“My membership? No, I have not been expelled. Even the party did not say we don’t want you here because the party is my father. “The only thing the party said is that ‘If you don’t want this house, you can go to any house.’ But where will I go? This is my house,” he added.
The lawmaker also waved aside the question on whether he plans to apologise to the President and the Senate over the development.
He stated, “The President and the Senate have nothing to do with this. The President did not take offence. I didn’t insult the President or say anything against the party.”
Ganduje also confirmed to journalists that Ndume has apologised and expressed regret over the incident.
The APC national chairman also disclosed that the party plans to write the Senate leadership to reconsider its stance on his removal as the Chief Whip with a view to reinstating him.
He said, “We are quite satisfied with his apology. As he said, we invited him. As a party, the APC is the father of everybody. We are free to invite legislators, members of the executive and even all appointed party members in the government. That is why we decided to come together.
“It is a family issue and we need to resolve it. We are writing to the National Assembly to convey what has transpired between Senator Ndume and the party. As you are aware, he has apologised to the party with the hope that they can review their position.”