KANO GOVERNOR, YUSUF RELEASES N5B FOR PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS
KANO GOVERNOR YUSUF, RELEASES N5B FOR PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Saturday released N5 billion for payment of retirement, and death benefits to no fewer than 4,000 pensioners across the state. Governor Yusuf at the inception of his administration unveiled initial disbursement of N6 billion in November 2023 to offset backlog of entitlement incurred by immediate past administration. Upon assuming office in May 2023, Governor Yusuf inherited a pension system plagued by disorder and corruption, where illegal deductions and systemic irregularities left many pensioners without their entitled benefits. Governor Yusuf while unfolding the second trenche disclosed that his government was compelled by the mercy condition of the retiress who have been denied their dues by Ganduje’s administration. He said the NNPP government is poised to rectify the injustices meted against the innocent pensioners who were not paid gratuity for the eight years of Ganjude’s administration (2015-2023). “The initial phase saw the successful allocation of N6 billion to settle the retirement gratuity and death benefits of 5,333 pensioners, including state and local government retirees and families of deceased civil servants. ” This second phase of N5 billion, dedicated and aimed to settling pension arrears for approximately 4,000 retirees. “The administration has established stringent criteria to ensure equitable and transparent disbursement, benefiting individuals with gratuities and death gratuities ranging from N1.6 million to N6.9 million. “To guarantee the implementation process’s integrity, a distinguished committee comprising representatives from the Pension Fund Trustees, the Sharia Court of Appeal, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and other pivotal agencies has been formed”. He said. Governor Yusuf reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to championing the interests of pensioners, emphasizing that pension and gratuity are fundamental rights, not privileges. He underscored the state’s obligation to promptly fulfill its commitments to elderly retirees as promised during the election campaigns. Illustrating this steadfast commitment, Governor Yusuf announced that monthly pensions are now disbursed on or before the 25th of each month, free from arbitrary deductions—a significant departure from past practices, highlighting transparency and accountability.The National Union of Pensioners Recently recognized Governor Yusuf as the most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the 2024 due to his commitment to the plight of pensioners.
ENUGU, ONDO, JIGAWA, 24 OTHER STATES FAIL TO ACCESS N36.1B UBEC FUND
ENUGU, ONDO, JIGAWA 24 OTHER STATES FAIL TO ACCESS N36.1B UBEC FUND Twenty-seven states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, have failed to access the N36.1bn education fund provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission in 2023. The N36.1bn figure is obtained from a document prepared by UBEC in March 2024, which showed how state-by-state matching grants were not accessed. The document, which was signed by UBEC’s Director of Finance and Account, Adamu Misau, said the sum of N36.1bn was not accessed by states. According to the data on the document, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara states in the North-West; Borno and Taraba states in the North-East; Nasarawa State in the North Central; Ondo State in the South-West; Enugu State in the South-East and Delta State in the South-South have fully accessed their funds. However, the document stated that Kaduna State failed to access the sum of N1.3bn in 2023; Kano State failed to access the sum of N581m in the same year, with Katsina and Kebbi states also failing to access the sum of N1.3bn each in 2023. Adamawa and Bauchi states, according to the data, jointly failed to access the funds provided for 2023 (N1.3bn). Gombe State failed to access the sum of N1.3bn from 2023, while Yobe State failed to access the same amount in the same year. Benue, Kwara and Niger states owed an accumulated sum of N2.6bn both, due to their failure to access the intervention funds in 2023. Kogi, Plateau states and the FCT presently have N1.3bn each not accessed, which is presently lodged with the commission from the 2023 disbursement. Ekiti and Lagos states also failed to access the sum of N1.3bn each from the 2023 disbursement. Further analysis of the data revealed that Ogun State is yet to access the fund. In February 2024, Human rights lawyer, Mrs Funmi Falana (SAN), dragged the 36 state governments and the FCT before the Federal High Court in Lagos, over their failure to access N68bn UBEC funds to provide free basic education for their citizens. The senior advocate said the states failed to pay the counterparts funds necessary to access the UBEC funds to provide free basic education for citizens. Also joined as defendants in the suit were the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman (SAN) and UBEC. But The NGF’s Education Advisor, Dr Ebenezer Leo The Great, in a recent interview with Saturday PUNCH, disclosed that the UBEC fund was trapped due to the inability of state governments to raise the 50 per cent counterpart of the amount they need. “The issue is the difficulty faced by states to access funds in UBEC. We’re looking at how to change the legislation, amend the UBEC Act to reduce the matching grant, that is the counterpart fund that states are supposed to pay to access the fund,” he said. Meanwhile, data from the Commission also revealed that over 47m pupils are currently enrolled in 171,027 private and public primary and junior secondary schools across the country. UBEC puts the total of public schools at 79,775 while private schools are currently standing at 91,252. For enrollment, the Commission noted that 7.2m pupils are currently enrolled in Early Childhood facilities with 31.7m enrolled in primary schools while a total of 8m are currently enrolled in Junior Secondary Schools. For the teachers, the Commission noted that 354,651 teachers are currently teaching in Early Childhood facilities, 915,593 in primary schools and 416,291 in Junior Secondary Schools. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, said even though accessing the UBEC funds will reduce the 10.5m out of school children in the country by 80 per…
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- June 30, 2024
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VICTORIOUS RANGERS SHUT DOWN ENUGU
VICTORIOUS RANGERS SHUT DOWN ENUGU Winners of the Nigerian Premier League, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu rode an early morning downpour into Enugu in a private jet to the thunderous applause of its fans and excited air travellers and airport staff. In the entourage of the jubilant players was Dr Ike Chioke, the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa, whose sponsorship of the club is credited with Rangers’ amazing run to victory in the Nigerian league. The team’s arrival with the coveted trophy, their eighth since inception, has been widely hailed as emblematic of the people’s admirable will to survive the present economic difficulties in the country. There has been a persisting myth that the people of the region have always performed better with their backs against the wall. To many people, therefore, the club’s recent victory is a timely invocation of their trademark survival instinct in an adverse environment. The highly elated fans chanted the club’s anthem and sang praises to God at the arrival wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport before heading into the city for the victory party at the iconic Michael Okpara Square. A mammoth crowd of supporters also gathered at Okpara Square to receive the trophy from their darling club and thank them for defeating their rivals across the country to win the highly contested league. Speaking at the occasion, the club’s general manager, Mr. Amobi Ezeaku, declared that Rangers was the true identity of the people of south-east Nigeria. He declared the readiness of the club to give Nigeria a strong chance in the coming continental championship starting in August and expressed the club’s gratitude to Afrinvest West Africa for sponsoring it. In his own remarks, the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest, Dr. Ike Chioke, recalled that when, in October 2023, the management of Afrinvest decided to take up the sponsorship of Rangers, they did not expect that the club would go all the way to win the league shield. “We are excited that less than ten months later, we are gathered here to celebrate a sweet victory,” he observed, declaring the unflinching support of Afrinvest for Rangers as the club gears up to hoist Nigeria’s flag among other clubs in Africa in August this year.Formed in 1970, Rangers has remained a symbol of resilience, a never-say-die spirit, and the rippling ambition of South East Nigeria all through its history.
30 KILLED, 100 INJURED IN SUICIDE ATTACK AT WEDDING, FUNERAL CEREMONIES IN BORNO
30 KILLED, 100 INJURED IN SUICIDE ATTACKS AT WEDDING, FUNERAL CEREMONIES IN BORNO The First Class Emir of Gwoza local government area in Borno state, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta on Saturday confirmed that multiple suicide attacks were carried out at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town. The coordinated incidents which took place in the afternoon have caused pandemonium as people scamper for safety. Reliable Sources said, “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustained various degrees of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.” Confirming the incident to Vanguard Newspaper, the Royal Father, Timta said, ” The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community. SaharaReporters also reported that a Nigerian soldier was among those killed when two suicide bombers detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) on Saturday at a wedding venue, killing the guests and injuring many others. According to a survivor, one of the bombers, shockingly carried a baby on her back as she entered the venue and detonated the device. A military source in Gwoza reported that a female suicide bomber crossed the road near the military base and detonated an IED, resulting in the death of a soldier. It was learnt that the terrorists reinforced and returned to the 192 Brigade but the Nigerian Army troops successfully repelled the attack. However, the bomber identified as a young mother in her twenties pretended to be a guest at the wedding. While trying to bury the deceased, another bomber disguised as a mourner detonated an IED at the burial site, killing one person. Meanwhile, the injured were receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Gwoza. The spokesperson for Sector One Operation Hadin Kai and the 7th Division confirmed the incident but stated that there was no situation report from Gwoza yet.However, as a result of the explosions, the military has declared an immediate curfew in Gwoza.
NORTHERN NIGERIA: EXPLOSIVE WAITING FOR DETONATION – SALISU LUKMAN
NORTHERN NIGERIA: EXPLOSIVE WAITING FOR DETONATION – SALIHU LUKMAN A former Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Salisu Lukman, has described the current situation in Northern Nigeria as an explotion waiting for detonation. In an open letter, Lukman blamed Northern politicians as responsible for the word of the North. He wrote: “The living reality in Northern Nigeria is very explosive. If anyone is interested in finding the practical meaning of the Hobbesian description of life being ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’, just look at what life is in Northern Nigeria. Indices of poverty, unemployment, inequality are beyond description. “Conditions of schools and hospitals is, to say the least, depressing. The civil service, in virtually all the nineteen states, is only a shadow of itself, with hardly any public service activity taking place. “Our illustrious and respected traditional institutions have been devalued and reduced to state of hopelessness. Most of our religious leaders and centres are far removed from God’s way of life. Few industries exist in the region. And on account of insecurity, agricultural activities, which is the main stay of the economy of the region, is highly on the decline. “No need to go into conventional statistical analysis of out of school children, number of people living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. Not to talk of problems of drugs and substance abuse. Problems of broken homes and abandoned children is quite alarming. “As it is, the North is an explosive waiting to explode. We have lost virtually all our homes, our families and our children. Every person with human feeling should be saddened with the reality of what the Northern part of Nigeria has become. Sadly, even the one strength the North is known for, which is strongly united political leaders, has been lost. “More than anytime in the political history of Nigeria, the North has never been disunited without any semblance of political leadership like we have in today’s Nigeria. “Partly, on account of lack of unity, the quality of political leadership in the North is sharply on the decline. Many so-called politicians are Internally Displaced Persons/Politicians (IDPs), especially once they are out of office. Those in office today are potential IDPs. “Consequently, the worst among us, with hardly any commitment to resolving the challenges facing the North, find their way to political leadership in the North simply because they can cheaply access elective and appointive offices and control public resources, which is largely mismanaged and privatised. “Perhaps, the opportunity for Northern political leaders to redeem themselves and return the North back to rational order with committed leaders capable of responding to the challenges of the region was blown away during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. “The painful reality was that no leader in the political history of Nigeria gained the kind of national acceptability former President Buhari had at the beginning of his tenure. The closest was Chief M. K. O. Abiola whose election was annulled by the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. “More than any Northern political leader, former President Buhari undisputedly won the votes of people from both Northern and Southern Nigeria, which could have been used to produce new crop of selfless leadership for the country. Selfless leadership is required to put every part of Nigeria on the roadmap to national development. “Golden eight years between 2015 and 2023 was lost. Instead, the country, especially the North became worse off with crisis of insecurity taking over everywhere. Problems of poverty, unemployment, drugs and substance abuses, etc. becoming almost peculiar characteristics of the Northern region. “Unfortunately, here we are under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who got majority of the votes that won him the Presidency from the three regions in the…
GOVERNING COUNCILS FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO BE INAUGURATED THURSDAY
GOVERNING COUNCILS FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO BE INAUGURATED THURSDAY Minister of Education, Tahir Maman, a professor, will on Thursday, July 4, inaugurate the newly appointed members of the governing council of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) disclosed this in a letter addressed to heads of the federal government-owned institutions on Friday. The acting spokesperson for the NUC, Offiong Edoh, confirmed this in a letter on Saturday evening. “Following the approval of Mr President of the reviewed list of Governing Councils of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education, I write to inform you that the Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, CON, will inaugurate the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Governing Councils of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education,” the letter reads in part. The institutions have operated without a council since President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping dissolution last June. The development has resulted in industrial unrest at the University of Abuja, where members of the academic union, ASUU, accused the management of taking decisions reserved for a council. In May, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU declared a two-week ultimatum for the government to reinstate councils whose tenure had yet to elapse and reconstitute those whose tenure had elapsed. A few days later, the education ministry published a list of approved members of the council for the 111 tertiary institutions. The statement, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Didi Walson-Jack, listed the names of chairpersons and members of governing councils for the 111 tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. However, the education ministry was forced to postpone the councils’ inauguration earlier scheduled for 30 May, after Mr Tinubu directed that the list be reviewed following criticisms by members of the public who said the list did not adhere to the federal character regulations. The ministry, therefore, released another list two weeks ago. The inauguration, according to Mr Maiyaki’s letter to heads of the institutions, will be held on 4 July at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. Mr Maiyaki wrote: “The retreat for the newly appointed Governing Councils will take place immediately thereafter “Due to the size of the Council to be inaugurated (Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education) and limited space at the venue, there is a need to curtail external participation at the event.” NUC also asked the respective institutions to take responsibility for the travel and accommodation arrangements of their respective councils.“Vice Chancellors are, therefore, invited to, kindly note that only the Vice Chancellors and Registrars can accompany their Council Members to the inauguration,” the letter added.
I WANTED PEACE IN MY MIND – POLICEMAN WHO REJECTED N150M BRIBE … HONOURED WITH PLOT OF LAND IN ABUJA
I WANTED PEACE OF MIND, SAYS POLICEMAN WHO REJECTED N150M BRIBE … HONOURED WITH PLOT OF LAND IN ABUJA A Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim Sini, has said he turned down a N150 million bribe allegedly offered to him by a Lagos-based businessman and founder of Platform Capital, Akintoye Akindele, to have peace of mind. Akindele, who was arraigned for the offence at the Federal High Court in Abuja in August 2023, was remanded in the Kuje correctional centre. According to the charge sheet, the bribe was offered to allow police to permit him to escape abroad and to write a favourable report for him after the investigation. Sini was said to have led the Inspector General of Police’s team of investigators handling the case against the businessman. Meanwhile, the police officer was over the weekend, honoured and presented with a plot of land in Abuja. FCT Police Commissioner, CP Benneth Igweh, who presented the award of a plot of land on behalf of friends and associates of the police officer, said SP Sini’s conduct has brought pride to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Also, one of the organisers of the event, Prince Chukwuemeka Okoye, CEO of Vegas Homes, said SP Sini’s conduct remains exemplary and should inspire others and Nigerians to note that the Nigerian Police Force has men of integrity and good conduct. According to him, “SP Sini’s actions have not only brought honour to himself and the Nigeria Police Force, but has also inspired countless others to stand firm against corruption and uphold the highest ethical standards. “His integrity serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in challenging circumstances, it is possible to remain true to one’s values. “This honour is aimed at not only appreciating the laudable conduct of Superintendent Ibrahim Sini, but to demonstrate that society appreciates individuals of integrity and good conduct.“We want to also show that the Nigerian Police Force has officers that are professional, above board and with the right incentive engage in meaningful policing and be worthy examples.”
KANO’S GAME OF THRONE: HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF
KANO’S GAME OF THRONE: HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF “If you pursue evil with pleasure, the pleasure passes away and the evil remains; If you pursue good with labour, the labour passes away but the good remains.”—- Cicero With the unfolding events in the history of Kano Emirate Council, the name of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf will be laced on the plates of gold considering the role he is devotedly playing to restore the battered image and regretful distortion of the revered Kano Emirate. The intention to, balkanize the historic Kano Emirate was carried out by the immediate-past administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who dethroned and banished the 14th Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, even after dividing the Kano Emirate into five places. At the first instance, the division of the Kano Emirate and elevation of the District Heads of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya to First Class Emirs was one to spite Emir Sanusi, who after all, did not give a wink. Emir Sanusi fought and secured his freedom and fundamental human rights of freedom of movement through the Court; and moved on with his life—— going about doing good and offering valuable advice to administrators and leaders across the world for a better world. During his electioneering campaigns, part of the promises made to the people of Kano by Governor Yusuf was that his administration will not only restore the battered traditional institution of Kano, but will also reinstate Emir Sanusi who was removed by ex-Governor Ganduje. Based on this promise, among others, the good people of Kano state overwhelmingly voted for Abba Gida-Gida. Today, the Governor has no choice, than to implement and execute the wishes of the people. It is a social contract he signed with the people of Kano, which must be fulfilled, no matter, whose, Ox is gored. In any case, Governor Yusuf’s populist action is not new to Kano political cum traditional landscape. Adequate legal steps were taken to repeal the Kano Emirate Council Law (2019). The enactment of the Emirate Council Law (2024) ensured the death and burial of Kano Emirate Law (2019). Indeed, Emir Sanusi’s return as the 16th Emir of Kano rekindled important aspect of Kano history which played out in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Recall that during the administration of ex-Governor Abubakar Rimi of blessed memory, there was an attempt to create five emirates in Kano State by splitting the Kano Emirate into five. Some members of the royal family and other traditional rulers, who saw it as an attempt to weaken the Kano Emirate’s influence opposed this move. However, Rimi went ahead with the plan and created the new emirates of Gaya, Karaye, Dutse, Rano, and Kano in April 1981. The Kano Emirate was reduced in size and given a more ceremonial role, while the new emirates were granted more administrative and political powers. The Emir of Kano at the time was not deposed. But was queried for his movements in July 1981 after returning from a journey. The move led to riots in Kano and Rimi never recovered politically and resigned in 1983 after falling out with Aminu Kano. When Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo took over in 1983, he reversed the decision and restored the Kano Emirate to its original size and status, with the other emirates abolished. His decision was seen as an attempt to restore the traditional balance of power and to address the concerns of those who opposed the creation of the new emirates. Sabo Bakin Zuwo’s action was viewed by many as reflecting the wishes of the people, just the same way the people of Kano state are hailing the People’s Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for restoring the integrity…
FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN COUNSELS NIGERIANS, SAYS WE’LL OVERCOME PRESENT ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN COUNSELS NIGERIANS, SAYS WE’LL OVERCOME PRESENT ECONOMIC HARDSHIP Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the country needs the collaborative efforts of Nigerians to move forward. He opined that the economic situation in Nigeria would also be overcome by the grace of God. Jonathan stated that during General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, Nigerians also suffered severe hardship, but they were able to bounce back because of God’s presence. He shared his thoughts at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall Yenagoa on Friday while declaring open the “2024 Annual Law Week” of the Yenagoa Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, with the theme: “The Legal Profession in a time of socio-economic uncertainty.” The former nation’s leader described the theme as not only apt but well chosen in view of the present economic hardships in the country. Jonathan, who was represented by the Paramount Ruler of Abureni Clan, HRM Collins Daniel, said, ”Between 1984-1987 there were also economic challenges in Nigeria under the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida’s administration, which led the Federal Government to introduce an economic recovery programme called the Structural Adjustment Programme, codenamed SAP. “The country experienced scarcity of essential commodities, and the citizens suffered severe hardship. God was with us, and the country bounced back. “Between 2016-2019 the whole world went through another economic recession. Nigeria also had her own share of the hardship, but we were fortunate we were able to get out of the recession in a few years.“I believe the present socio-economic uncertainty which had sent shivers to all nooks and crannies of society would also be overcome by the grace of God. The Federal Government is doing its best to salvage the situation.”
TEN GENERALS BID FAREWELL TO NIGERIAN ARMY
TEN GENERALS BID FAREWELL TO NIGERIAN ARMY Ten officers of the Nigerian Army, all on the ranks of a general, have retired from active service after successfully serving out their required number of years. The Generals, from the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps (NAAC), comprise six Major-Generals and four Brigadier-Generals. They include: Major-General Nsor Okpa Ojiji, Major-General MH Magaji, Major-General GB Audu, Major-General M Danmadami, Major-General JG Mohammed and Major-General UI Mohammed. Others are Brigadier-General A. Israel, Brigadier-General BA Mohammed, Brigadier-General D. Abdulsalam and Brigadier-General SP Akpan. Speaking on behalf of the others who were also pulled out of service, Ojiji expressed delight at being able to complete the years of active service successfully and commended the Army leadership for the roles played. He, however, appealed that more be done for those still in service to make them perform optimally in the service of the nation. “We recall that the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps (NAAC) has a lot of challenges, which range from poor accommodation to inadequate professional and medical facilities, amongst a myriad of others. “Today, however, I am happy to note that there are many very functional accommodation blocks; even the ambience of these barracks is very welcoming. Many resources and efforts have changed the situation. This is heartwarming. “Kudos to commander NAAC, his team of officers, soldiers, and their families, who are determined together that things must improve in the corps,” he said. Ojiji highlighted the need to address poor equipment grading, especially in formations and units and appealed to the Minister of Defence to look into it. He added, “We hope that the minister of defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, also make this his cardinal objective during his tenure. I plead with the Hon. Minister through this medium to deem it fit to do so.“ On his part, the commandant of the Armoured Corps, Major General Mohammed Ahmed, congratulated the retired officers, wished them well in their future endeavours and urged them to make themselves readily available for consultations and helpful advice on improving the Armoured Corps.“We are happy we did what we should do. We carry out a lot of services to the community, ranging from free medical services to the provision of pipe-borne water, among others, and if they tell us about their problems, we promptly attend to those problems,” Ahmed said.