WHY WE’RE IN A HURRY TO DEVELOP ENUGU STATE – GOV MBAH
WHY WE’RE IN A HURRY TO DEVELOP ENUGU STATE – GOVERNOR MBAH Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State says he is in a hurry to develop and transform the state because of the pressing circumstances in the various sectors, and called for the continued commitment on the part of the workers and the people of the state.While thanking the people of Enugu State for their support, he noted that the only way to reciprocate their love and faith in his administration was by redoubling the ongoing development effort.Mbah spoke on Monday during a holy mass at the Government House Chapel, Enugu, to formally mark the beginning of another work year.“Your support and dedication to duty are largely responsible for the modest achievements we have accomplished in 2024. The only way we will continue to demonstrate our gratitude is to double down on the pursuit of our goals to make Enugu state the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living.“But we are going to do that without leaving anyone out and not at the expense of our common humanity. We will continue to deliver inclusive governance. Our governance model is one that recognises even our grassroots to ensure that growth is happening all across the state,” he stated.While acknowledging the concerns of those who felt his administration was doing too many things at the same time, Mbah said that was the only way to go, given the prevailing and monumental challenges.“We do know that some may be wondering whether the change that is unfolding in Enugu is sustainable and whether we are not moving so fast.“But think about it, can we really push to a later date all the critical policies and projects we are implementing today? And the need for us to have portable water in every home cannot be deemed more compelling than the need for us to ensure that our children are exposed to the skill set that prepares them for 21st century work place.“If you look at the challenges we have in the health space, you will see that we are trying to get our healthcare system functional. That need is also not what we can push to a later date.“We have to ensure that our roads are paved, devoid of portholes. We have to revive our industries. We also have to ensure that we introduce modern transportation systems. There is none of these we felt we could push to a later day,” he said.While also thanking the people for trooping out in their numbers to warmly receive President Bola Tinubu, who was in Enugu at the weekend to commission already completed projects, he assured that more projects would be delivered in 2025.“We are already in optimism that this year holds so much promises for us. Imagine that in few months, by September, the doors of our Smart Green Schools will open to all the children in this state.“We are already excited about the International Conference Centre that was commissioned a few days ago. But also, in few days time, we are also going to be relaunching and reopening the Hotel Presidential.“I do not even want to talk about the 340 bed 5-star hotel that is billed to open in May this year at the International Conference Centre. It is also this year that we will see our 300-bed Enugu International Hospital on Rangers become operational.“We will keep delivering the remaining of the 260 Primary Healthcare Centres we are currently building, one in each ward. But it is not just about the building; it is also making sure that they are well-staffed to provide 24/7 healthcare services. This is why we approved the recruitment of over 2,500 medical personnel. We have recruited 450 already in the first phase. We…
NFF APPOINTS NEW HEAD COACH FOR SUPER EAGLES
NFF APPOINTS NEW HEAD COACH FOR SUPER EAGLES The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee has approved the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles. The decision followed the recommendation of the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025. The appointment was formally endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025. Chelle, 47, is a former head coach of Mali’s senior national team and brings a wealth of experience, having managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. During his playing career in France, he represented Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle was eligible to represent Côte d’Ivoire, France, and Mali. He opted for Mali, earning five caps before retiring. As Mali’s head coach from 2022 to 2024, Chelle led the Aiglons to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Mali came agonizingly close to the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to the eventual champions after extra time. Under his leadership, Mali recorded 14 wins, five draws, and three losses. Chelle’s tenure with Mali ended in June 2024, but his achievements left a mark, including one of the most memorable performances at the 2023 AFCON. The Super Eagles’ head coach position became vacant following Finidi George’s resignation after disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a draw against South Africa and a loss to the Benin Republic. Chelle’s appointment is effective immediately, and his primary task will be to guide Nigeria to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The crucial Matchday 5 and 6 qualifiers are scheduled for March.
NYSC DG ASSURES CORPS MEMBERS THAT THEY’LL SOON START RECEIVING N77K MONTHLY
NYSC DG ASSURES CORPS MEMBERS THAT THEY’LL SOON START RECEIVING N77k MONTHLY Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has assured corps members that they would start receiving N77,000 minimum wage. Speaking in Abuja when he commissioned a staff bus donated by Capital Express Insurance company, the DG said arrangements for their increased allowances to be paid have been concluded. He assured corps members that his priority was their security and welfare, hence in 2025 they would get all benefits that they deserve. Ahmed noted that the bus donated to the scheme for staff was to ease transportation issues. He noted that staff of the scheme and corps members serving in the scheme have always complained that it was difficult for them transporting themselves to and from office. On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Capital Express Insurance company, Mr. Matthew Ogwezhi, said the scheme and his company have been in partnership for a while and the donation was part of the partnership to support the activities of the scheme. He said the company made the donation to support the staff transportation to and from work as the price of fuel and transportation was expensive in the Abuja metropolis. He said the legacy of every organization is the impact they make in the society they find themselves, hence, they should always give back to the society.
RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL FINANCE MINISTRY OVER UNPAID ENTITLEMENTS
RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL BLOCK FINANCE MINISTRY OVER UNPAID ENTITLEMENTS Retired military personnel on Tuesday barricaded the entrance to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja with canopies and chairs, demanding the full payment of their long-overdue entitlements. This protest follows a similar action in December, during which the retirees shut down the ministry over the government’s failure to settle their claims. For months, the retirees were told there were no funds to clear their entitlements, despite an official approval for payment. They are owed a 20% to 28% salary increment covering January to November 2024. The retirees are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including Palliatives for the period between October 2023 and November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, a bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and a refund of pension deductions from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers. In response to their December protests, the Federal Government paid 50% of the owed entitlements and promised to settle the balance. However, the retirees claim the government has failed to fulfill its promise, prompting the resumption of their protests. At the ministry in Abuja, the retirees erected canopies and placed chairs to block the gate, effectively preventing staff from driving into the premises, and forcing many to park their vehicles outside.
ATIKU LAMBASTS APC OVER THREAT ON PETER OBI, DEMANDS APOLOGY
ATIKU LAMBASTS APC OVER THREAT ON PETER OBI, DEMANDS APOLOGY The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the alleged threat to the life of the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Atiku condemned the inflammatory remarks made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson, Felix Morka, against Obi. Atiku described Morka’s statement as a “disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures.” He expressed concern that the threat against Obi, coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent voice of dissent, signals a “worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model” in Nigeria. “The inflammatory remarks issued by the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, directed at @PeterObi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures. This threat against Obi, coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent voice of dissent and others, signals a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model, where the rights of opposition voices are being suffocated,” he said. The PDP Presidential candidate emphasized that a true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, where criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders are seen as vital for the betterment of governance and the promotion of public accountability. Atiku called on the APC to provide clarity on Morka’s disturbing insinuation and to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for the derogatory language used. He also urged the Tinubu administration to recalibrate its approach to dealing with dissent and opposition, emphasizing that the time has come to put an end to the stifling of voices that are crucial to the health of any functioning democracy. “The choice of words used by the APC’s spokesperson, particularly the ominous suggestion that Obi has “crossed the line,” reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles. Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme. “A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, where the criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders, like Peter Obi, are seen as vital for the betterment of governance and the promotion of public accountability. “It is not merely the right, but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen attentively to the voices of its critics, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to allow space for the articulation of alternative viewpoints. Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat that suggests Obi must “be ready for whatever comes his way.” What, exactly, does Mr. Morka imply by this? It is imperative that the ruling party provides clarity on this disturbing insinuation. “Equally troubling is the crude and disparaging manner in which the APC spokesperson has framed Peter Obi’s calls for constructive engagement, likening them to a lawless Wild West scenario. Such reckless and derogatory expressions cannot be tolerated, and it is incumbent upon the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for such disgraceful language. “The case of Mallam Shehu, languishing in detention without any clear explanation for his continued imprisonment, adds to the growing concern about the erosion of freedoms in Nigeria. If there is anyone who has truly “crossed the line,” it is the Tinubu administration, whose continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent. “It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to intervene, urging the @officialABAT government to recalibrate its approach to dealing with dissent and opposition. The time has come to put an end to this stifling of voices that are crucial…
POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES PROTEST PROPOSED EXCLUSION FROM NYSC
POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES PROTEST PROPOSED EXCLUSION FROM NYSC Full time HND graduates with part time National Diploma programmes have expressed their grievances over the proposed exclusion of them from the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as the registration of second stream Batch C mobilisation began yesterday . The graduates who stormed the NYSC secretariat in Lagos in the early hours of Monday displayed placards with the inscription ‘Say No To Discrimination in NYSC’, ‘Equal Right for all,’ among others, signalling their demand for mobilisation. Speaking on their behalf, Majaro Temitope, who finished his HND programme at Yaba College of Technology, expressed fears over the proposed NYSC policy to exclude them for service, describing it as discriminatory “Many of us here did ND part time and we switched to HND full time. We were told that there is a policy that many of us who did ND part time will be denied service while we know that many of us struggled with life during our ND. “We just pray and hope that our peaceful protest will not be more than this because we asked some of our colleagues to wait behind us so that we can have a dialogue,” he said. He added that concerned graduates had written to appropriate bodies to intervene but no response, calling on the Director-General, NYSC and Minister of Education to come to their aid. “We have written letters to the DG, JAMB before now, so we just plead with the federal government, the ministry of education to please help us look into this matter because it is not fair at all because you are judging my service by my ND. “Please help us look into this policy and address this matter because the registration has started today and we have not even registered yet,” he said. Adebola Osunfunrewa, a representative of the Education Rights Campaign, described the proposed exclusion of HND graduates with part time National Diploma as the backwardness of the country’s education. He stated, “This is another version of the fact that Nigeria’s education system is collapsing. How will you have over 3000 students begging to serve their fatherland in a country where we have teachers’ shortages?” The Lagos Coordinator, NYSC, Christiana Salwang represented by the Assistant Director, Ehimuenma Itohan, assured the graduates of positive responses, saying their petitions had been forwarded to the director general at the national directorate headquarters. “Your protest is well noted and we have taken into consideration to convey your grievance to the highest level of management in the NYSC and that is the director general at the national directorate headquarters. “The matter is being looked into and I want you to exercise calmess to be able to wait for the outcome. What I want to assure you is that the director general of the NYSC is a father and he is very much concerned about whatever he knows is your grievance and I know he will not do anything outside the stipulated guidelines or policies,” she said.
TINUBU APPROVES GENEROUS BENEFITS FOR RETIRING MILITARY SERVICE CHIEFS, GENERALS
TINUBU APPROVES GENEROUS BENEFITS FOR RETIRING MILITARY SERVICE CHIEFS, GENERALS President Bola Tinubu has approved a new retirement package for service chiefs and generals, including a $20,000 annual medical allowance for foreign treatment, bulletproof SUVs, and domestic staff. According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces (HTACOS), signed by President Tinubu on December 14, 2024, retiring Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) and service chiefs will receive a bulletproof SUV (replaced every four years and maintained by the military), a Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle, five domestic aides (two cooks, two stewards, and a gardener), a security officer or aide-de-camp, a special or personal assistant, three drivers, a service orderly, and escorts as needed. They will also retain their personal firearms. The document also stipulates “free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad” for these top-ranking officers. Lieutenant generals and their equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, $20,000 annually for medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, two drivers, and a service orderly. “Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs: The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle,” the document read. “Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers). “Three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad. “Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers. “Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents. The following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank. Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.” Major generals and brigadier generals will receive a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annually for medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards. One-star officers (Brigadier Generals) are entitled to $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent, and similar domestic and security arrangements. Colonels and their equivalents will receive a Toyota Corolla or equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria. “For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value. “One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum. “Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.’’
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- January 7, 2025
- 114 views
FRANCE’S PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, LAMBASTS AFRICAN LEADERS, SAYS THEY’RE UNGRATEFUL
FRANCE’S PRESIDENT, EMMANUEL MACRON, LAMBASTS AFRICAN LEADERS, SAYS THEY’RE UNGRATEFUL Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, has criticized African leaders for what he called their “ungratefulness” He made this statement when discussing regional developments. According to him, “We actually had a two-way relationship that was founded on security. On the one hand, we have been fighting terrorism since 2013. We were correct; I believe someone neglected to express gratitude. It will arrive with time, so don’t worry. “I say this for all African heads of state who have not had the guts to stand up to public opinion, even though I know too well that being unappreciative is a disease that cannot be spread to men.” “My heart goes out to all of our soldiers, some of whom have given their lives and fought for years, and without the French army in the region, none of them would be a sovereign nation today.” “We made the correct decision. Due to coup de’tats, we departed. Sovereign states requested our presence and wanted France to accompany them. “France no longer belonged there if it wasn’t for the coup d’etats and the people’s declaration that their goals were no longer combating terrorism.” Recall that the Niger Republic drove French forces out of the nation in December 2023. This came about following a military coup. Niger’s new military rulers made a drastic policy shift and demanded that the French leave after President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Bazoum, who is still being held in his presidential mansion, and publicly denounced the coup. Relations with France became even more strained in November 2024 when Niger Republic authorities banned the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (Acted), a French aid organization, from doing business there. In recent years, Chad, Senegal, Mali, and other African nations have also requested that French troops withdraw from their nations.
- Foreign Affairs
- January 7, 2025
- 67 views
TRUMP FILES MOTION TO DELAY SENTENCING ON HUSH MONEY
TRUMP FILES MOTION TO DELAY SENTENCING ON HUSH MONEY United States President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team has filed a motion to delay the sentencing in his hush money trial, which is scheduled for January 10. The motion argues that the sentencing is unlawful, citing a recent Supreme Court decision on immunity, the state constitution of New York, and other legal precedents. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, on Monday, described the case in a statement to CBS News. He added that Trump’s return to the White House requires “an immediate end to the political weaponisation of our justice system and all of the remaining Witch Hunts.” “The Supreme Court’s historic decision on Immunity, the state constitution of New York, and other established legal precedent mandate that this meritless hoax be immediately dismissed,” Cheun said. Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment made to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was intended to silence Daniels’ allegations of an affair with Trump in 2006, ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Punch
DISENGAGED STAFF SUE CBN, DEMAND COMPENSATION
DISENGAGED STAFF SUE CBN, DEMAND COMPENSATION A legal battle is brewing between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its former employees, who were dismissed in a series of mass termination of appointments earlier in 2024. The retrenched staff alleged that the apex bank violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights Represented by Stephen Gana and 32 others, the claimants filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja The court documents claimed that their termination exercise, issued through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring”, dated 5 April 2024, contravened Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM). The claimants argued that the process lacked the required consultation and fair hearing mandated by law. The originating summons, filed pursuant to the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017 on 4 July 2024, outlines several questions for the court’s determination, chief among which is whether the claimants were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after the termination of their appointments. They further contended that the termination letters, issued on the grounds of “restructuring,” were arbitrary, unlawful, and unconstitutional. The dismissed employees are seeking judicial declarations that their terminations are null, void, and of no effect, insisting that they remain employees of the apex bank. They also demanded their immediate reinstatement, payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination, and a restraining order against any further attempts by the CBN to dismiss them outside due process. The court filing references Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff. The claimants alleged that this provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.