Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Nigeria

  • Justice Dongban-Mensem sworn-in as substantive President of Appeal Court

    Justice Dongban-Mensem sworn-in as substantive President of Appeal Court

    Idowu Sowunmi

    Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was Friday sworn in as the 7th substantive President of the Court of Appeal by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed.

    Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, Mohammed charged Dongban-Mensem to uphold the credibility and integrity of the Appellate Court.

    CJN tasked the new president to live up to expectations and ensure a very cordial relationship with her colleagues on the bench of the Court of Appeal.

    Noting that the Appellate Court has the largest number of Justices in the Nigeria, Mohammed urged Dongban-Mensem to always uphold her good character, behaviour and hardwork.

    “From my personal experience, workload in the Court of Appeal, especially in the divisions is the highest. It is a home of work. It is a home of cooperation. But with your experience, hard work and zeal, you will not find your new status difficult.

    READ ALSO: FG makes u turn, says domestic flights can’t resume june 21

    “If you sustain your good character and conduct, your tenure will definitely be an excellent one. Try to be yourself and do not allow others derail you. Remain what we know you for,” Mohammed said.

    In her remarks, Dongban-Mensem, who expressed joy over her confirmation as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal, promised Nigerians to do her utmost best in ensuring that justice is upheld at the Court of Appeal.

    She assured to build on the legacy left behind by her predecessors.

    The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed among other eminent personalities like Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Simon Lalong, Abubakar Bello and Abubakar Bagudu of Sokoto, Plateau, Niger and Kebbi states respectively.

    The event was also witnessed by the National Coordinator for Special Marshal in Nigeria, Sini Titsi Kwabe, with some other Special Marshals.

    Monica Dongban is an active member of Special Marshal, a volunteer arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    Dongban-Mensem was born on June 13, 1957 to the family of M.B. Douglas-Mensem; a retired Appeal Court Justice.

    She hails from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. She got both her LL.B and LL.M degrees from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    She was a Visiting Lecturer on Press Law at Catholic Media Centre, Kaduna from 1988-1992 and Part-time Lecturer at University of Jos between 1989 and 1997.

    From 1990-1993, Justice Dongban-Mensem served as Deputy Chief Registrar, Superior Courts and Protocol Affairs, and was appointed Judge, High Court of Justice, Plateau Judiciary from 1993-1996.

    Dongban-Mensem transferred her service to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Judiciary in 1997, where she served until she was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2003.

    She was sworn-in as the Acting President, Court of Appeal, on March 6, 2020, by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: Breaking: Embattled Governor Obaseki formally joins PDP

    Until this recent elevation, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, and Life Member of Body of Benchers.

    Her leisure is writing, reading, golfing ,  working with children, women and the elderly. She is a mother of four children and two grandchildren.

  • Insecurity: No more excuses, President Buhari warns Service Chiefs

    Insecurity: No more excuses, President Buhari warns Service Chiefs

    President Muhammadu Buhari has warned heads of Nigeria’s security agencies of underperformance, which has obviously permitted a spate of attack and killings by insurgents and bandits especially in the Northern region of the country.

    The President’s warning was disclosed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Retired Major General Babagana Monguno after Buhari met with Service Chiefs at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

    Monguno revealed that the President is not pleased with the way insecurity is being handled in many parts of the country and is not mincing words about it.

    President Buhari at the meeting was said to have warned the heads of the nation’s security agencies to quit giving excuses in the discharge of their duties to protect Nigerians as such would no longer be tolerated.

    L-R: Chief of Naval staff, Rear Admiral Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Abayomi Olonishakin; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu

    The NSA noted that while the service chiefs are trying their best to tackle the issue of insecurity in the country, President Buhari insisted that their best is not good enough and asked them to do more to secure the nation and its people.

    One outcome from the high-level security meeting was the order giving to the NSA boss to meet with state governors in the North-West and that of Niger State, in other to identify the problems and find solutions to them.

    READ ALSO: God is not ready to take him – Ajimobi’s daughter debunks death rumour

    Buhari’s meeting with the service chiefs was instigated by increasing bandit attacks on communities in the region, including Katsina, the President’s home state.

    The attacks, which have left several people dead and many others injured in the affected states, with lots of properties destroyed by bandits had sparked criticism over the worsening insecurity in the country, especially the North West where the armed men have wreaked havoc in recent times.

    As part of efforts to address the situation, Monguno, in company with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and others had embarked on a fact-finding mission to Katsina and Sokoto States.

    Thursday’s meeting had in attendance the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

    Others included the police boss; the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General Nigeria Intelligence Agency Ahmed Abubakar.

  • Edo: Loyalists to Obaseki, Oshiomhole trade words over disqualification

    Edo: Loyalists to Obaseki, Oshiomhole trade words over disqualification

    Hours to his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the political supremacy battle between incumbent governor Godwin Obaseki and predecessor and National Chairman of the APC had gotten hotter with recent happenings in Edo state, supporters of both actors are not relenting in pointing out which side of the divides is right for wrong on the disqualification over certificate saga.

    In a debate monitored by Echotitbits on TVC News channel, party chieftains loyal to Governor Obaseki and Oshiomhole disagreed over the issue.

    Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a cousin to the embattled Edo Governor, accused Adams Oshiomhole of an attempt to “emasculate” and “disenfranchise” the people of Edo State.

    Obaseki condemned Oshiomhole for “summarily orchestrating the disqualification of a sitting governor whom he (Oshiomhole) just less than four years ago said was the shining star in his own armour”.

    Dr. Obaseki, who contested against his cousin, Godwin Obaseki in the 2016 APC governorship primary election described the decision of the Jonathan Ayuba-led screening committee to disqualify Edo Governor from participating in the primary election as upsetting.

    “It is clear that Mr Oshiomhole who is the most biased umpire in the history of any political party in Nigeria had orchestrated the summary dismissal or disqualification of Mr Godwin Obaseki in the most spurious, the most unethical manner.”

    During the debate, when the House of Representatives member representing Akoko Edo, Honourable Peter Apaktason mentioned how Dr. Obaseki, as a governorship aspirant in the primary election of the APC in 2016 described as unqualified and not to be trusted, his own cousin, Governor Obaseki, whom he contested against; Dr. Obaseki said:

    “It’s a pity that my most Honourable has decided to be a little less factual this bright morning by turning this issue about me. It is not about me, it’s about the Edo people and I don’t want to start talking about him and casting aspersions on his person. That will be most dishonourable.

    Dr. Obaseki berated APC National Chairman Oshiomhole for cooking “tales by moonlight” rather than concentrating on guaranteeing the progress of the party.

    “Before he became National Chairman, APC had 27 states. Now if Godwin leaves APC today we would have dwindled down to 19. The same certificate issue was in 2016 a major issue. The PDP went to three courts, and all the courts exonerated Mr. Godwin Obaseki.”

    In his attempt to discredit his cousin’s disqualification, the University lecturer said: “He’s talking about discrepancies when our national law, the electoral law made it clear in the last judgement passed in the case between Atiku Abubakar and our President was clear that all he needed to show was attendance up to secondary school level.

    “And the University of Ibadan where he’s seeing discrepancies in the certificate came out to publicly in an unprecedented move to say this man went to our school and graduated. It is not the position of any of the parties to begin to question the veracity of his entry qualification when that entry qualification has not been rejected by the issuing authority” he said.

    Dr. Obaseki lamented that Edo people who once had a governor that had no primary school certificate are being shortchanged by the conspiracy. ,

    “I’m talking about Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, we all know that he had to set ablaze the Ministry of Education” he added.

    On the other hand, Oshiomhole’s loyalist, Representative Peter Akpatason affirmed the decision of the APC screening committee to disqualify Governor Obaseki so as to “protect the interest of the party against what has become obvious in recent times”.

    “When there are discrepancies in documents presented by candidates, a party stand the chance of loosing. Even after winning election, this is exactly what has happened in Edo state. And I think it is important that we look at the merit of the issue rather than sentiment” Akpatason said.

    The Akoko Edo representative in the House of Representatives noted that: “The fact is that what happened in Bayelsa is the same thing that is happening in terms of defect of documents. That’s what it is. You protect the interest of the people by not allowing them to file out to go and vote for nothing, but ensuring that when they vote they are actually voting for a candidate that can stand the test of litigation”.

  • Breaking: Embattled Edo Governor, Obaseki, dumps APC

    Breaking: Embattled Edo Governor, Obaseki, dumps APC

    The embattled Governor of Edo State has withdrawn his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party on whose back he won the governorship seat in 2016 that has now turned its back on him and even determined to stop him from returning to the number one office in the State.

    Governor Obaseki, who announced his leave from the APC this Tuesday afternoon after visiting the State House for the second time in less than a month

    “I have officially resigned my membership of the All Progressives Congress after meeting with the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We shall continue the battle to protect the interest of Edo people and sustain good governance in the state”, the Governor stated.

     

  • Senator Amosun mourns Prof. Akin Ogunpola 

    Senator Amosun mourns Prof. Akin Ogunpola 

    The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun CON, FCA, has received the news of the death of elder statesmen, Prof. George Akinola Ogunpola, with heartfelt sympathy.

    Senator Amosun described the Professor’s demise as the loss of an eminent citizen, an erudite scholar, a seasoned administrator, and a committed community leader who made invaluable contributions to the educational development of Ogun State.

    “I recall his sagacity in the management of free Primary Education Programme when he served as Commissioner for Education during the administration of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo in Ogun State from 1979 – 1983

    “He was a highly committed community and political leader in Owu kingdom, Egbaland and Ogun State. Prof. Akin Ogunpola remained a model. He was a cerebral leader who devoted his life to serving the people in all ramifications”, Amosun said.

    Senator Ibikunle Amosun visits the residence of the Ogunpolas in Abeokuta

    According to the Senator, Prof. Ogunpola was reputed for always lending his voice on national and international issues, particularly in the area of educational development, adding that his wise counsel on the socio-political development of Ogun State would be greatly missed.

    “We are delighted to acknowledge and immortalise his socio-economic contributions through the naming of Akin Ogunpola Model School in Ewekoro Local Government after his person in 2016 (during his lifetime)”, the former Governor added.

    Senator Ibikunle Amosun however, prayed that Almighty God will grant Prof. Akin Ogunpola eternal rest, and give his entire family, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

     

     

  • Edo Guber Poll: Unperturbed by His disqualification, Obaseki Rallies Supporters

    Edo Guber Poll: Unperturbed by His disqualification, Obaseki Rallies Supporters

    Unperturbed by his disqualification from contesting the June 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has held a series of meetings at the Government House in Benin City to rally his supporters and determine his next political move.

    There are strong indications that Obaseki may pitch his tent with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Rallying his supporters ahead of September 19 governorship election in Edo State, the governor appreciated the people of the state for their unflinching support and prayers.

    “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki sincerely appreciates Edo people, Nigerians and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, for the outpouring of goodwill and solidarity since the announcement of his unjust disqualification by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee from the Edo governorship primary election. He thanks them for keeping the faith.

    “We are consulting widely with party leaders and members in the state and other stakeholders and we shall soon brief the public on the next steps we are taking, going forward,” said Obaseki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie.

    The statement explained that the governor’s insistence not to appeal his disqualification was informed by his stance not to kowtow to the wishes of a handful of politicians, who do not have the interest of the people at heart.

    “The governor is unfazed, even as he would soon announce his next line of action. But at the moment, Edo people and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are solidly standing behind the governor. They have declared unflinching support for him and the ideals he stands for.

    “The market women, labour unions, clerics, women groups, the elderly, artisan groups, youths, among others, are strongly in support of the governor’s ambition and his stance to keep the state’s treasury sealed from those who have now resorted to disqualifying him from running under the APC in the gubernatorial elections because of their selfish interests. But Governor Obaseki remains undaunted and unperturbed.

    “For Obaseki, it is Edo people or nothing. This is why he has remained in this battle thus far. Among many other reasons, each of the groups that form the governor’s support base have benefitted from Governor Obaseki’s stance against thuggery and extortion. The governor has enthroned probity and accountability in governance. For labour unions, regular salaries, clearing of over 20 months pension arrears and providing a conducive work environment is what is gearing them to support the governor. The pensioners are fully in support of his policies. The governor has not only cleared pension arrears accrued since 1999, but would soon commence the payment of gratuities.

    “The governor’s loyalty rests with Edo people. He would not trade them away to those who have decided to become godfathers and waging a war of impunity to subjugate the people,” the statement said.

    Why disqualifying Obaseki on Friday, the Jonathan Ayuba APC Screening Committee adduced six why the incumbent governor could not seek second term in office.

    The reasons include:
    1. For claiming to have a Higher School Leaving Certificate which is unknown to the Nigerian educational system;
    2. For allegedly being in possession of an affidavit disowned by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory;
    3. For error in the National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate which bears Obasek as against Obaseki;
    4. For loss of primary, secondary and the Higher School Leaving Certificates;
    5. For alleged violation of Article 21 D (V) of the party’s constitution, which forbids members from taking the party to court; and
    6. For legal precedents occasioned by the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on discrepancies in names.

  • Edo APC Primary: Obaseki Describes His Disqualification as Disheartening as Ize-Iyamu Hails Screening Committee

    Edo APC Primary: Obaseki Describes His Disqualification as Disheartening as Ize-Iyamu Hails Screening Committee

    Idowu Sowunmi
    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Friday described as unfortunate and disheartening his disqualification by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee from participating in the June 22 guber primary in the schedule.
    The governor said the situation was quite saddening because APC has failed to live up to expectations as a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice.
    Thus, Obaseki ruled out the possibility of appealing to the outcome of the alleged “unjust screening exercise.”
    “We have watched the mockery of democratic process, which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is administering and superintending over in our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). It has been an unfortunate, disheartening and dreadful spectacle.
    “We had initially asserted that going by the open display and enthronement of illegality by one man in the party that comprises several organs and eminent personalities, there is no way that Governor Godwin Obaseki would get a fair assessment in the run-up to the nomination of candidates to fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
    “It is unfortunate that this open show of shame, illegality and travesty of justice is the brand of democracy which Comrade Oshiomhole has reduced the APC into. The situation is quite saddening because this is a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice.
    “We have therefore decided that it would be effort in futility to appeal whatever the unjust outcome of the evaluation and screening process of the APC will be, especially when Comrade Oshiomhole has declared that he is the Supreme Court and ultimate determiner of the fate and future of our great party.
    “We wish Oshiomhole luck in his maladministration of the party and trust that the Almighty will help our country to find the path to true liberty, freedom and justice.
    “We call on all party members and the teeming supporters of Governor Obaseki to remain calm and await further directives,” said Obaseki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie.
    The APC Screening Committee has disqualified Edo State governor from contesting in the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for June 22.
    The committee chairman, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, made the disclosure in a press conference on Friday afternoon.
    He said the governor did not present his Higher School Leaving Certificate, adding that the committee could not ascertain the authenticity of Obaseki’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
    Ayuba said the committee recommended that the incumbent Edo State governor was not eligible to contest in the election.
    However, Dr. Pius Odubu and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu were cleared to contest.
    Meanwhile, Ize-Iyamu has expressed gratitude to the screening committee of the party for carrying out a thorough job.
    Ize-Iyamu, in a statement on Friday in Benin by the Director of Communication and Media of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s Campaign Organisation, Mr John Mayaki, commended the leadership of the ruling party its true spirit and character premised on “a bold insistence on fairness, accountability, and transparency.”
    He said: “I wish to send my deepest gratitude to all the members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for joyful cooperation that led to a seamless but thorough screening exercise.
    “I urge all the members of our party whose indefatigable commitment, loyalty, and cooperation has led to the success we experienced in recent times, to remain focused and committed to our general ambition as a party, and in the same vein pursuant of our personal political dreams in light of our progressive philosophy.
    “As we prepare for the primaries and the election itself, it is time we bind together and close ranks, remembering that the greatest goal is the progress of Edo State, the moving forward of our great homeland, and the betterment of life for all of its people.”
    But, a former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has predicted that the ruling party would suffer “dire consequences” in Edo State on account of the disqualification of Obaseki by the APC screening panel.
    Odigie-Oyegun, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Chief Ray Morphy, in Abuja on Friday, described the outcome of the screening as a hatchet job aimed at installing a stooge that would allegedly allow some people unfettered access to the treasury of Edo State.
    “While not a surprise, that disqualification is a clear indication that internal democracy has been murdered in APC, a party which we founded on the principles of fair play and good conscience!
    “I daresay that APC will suffer dire consequences in Edo State if this disqualification is not speedily reversed.
    “As a matter of fact, Oshiomhole is indeed the one who is guilty of anti-party (activities), not Obaseki.
    “Oshiomhole is the one who is acting unconstitutionally not Obaseki. I hope that Oshiomhole will not go down in history as the undertaker of APC,” Odigie-Oyegun said.
    The Chairman of Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anselm Ojezua, Esq., has, however, called for calm among party members and supporters following the unjust disqualification of the governor.
    While noting that Obaseki has performed credibly well and would still be reelected for a second term, Ojezua said: “I want to appeal to leaders and members of APC in Edo State to remain calm. The validity of the Screening Committee has not been established.
    “A proper response to the report is yet to come as the leadership of the party in the state will meet tomorrow and at the end of the meeting give an appropriate response.
    “They didn’t say he will not contest the election but that he will not contest under the platform of the APC.
    “By tomorrow, we will meet and be in a position to make a proper statement on what the future holds for the party in Edo State.”
  • June 12 2020: Fulfilling the Promise by Hafsat Abiola-Costello

    June 12 2020: Fulfilling the Promise by Hafsat Abiola-Costello

    Hafsat Abiola-Costello
    Today marks the anniversary of June 12, 1993, the day on which a general election was held in which my father, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Now, 27 years later, tragically, his campaign promise that Nigerians would say farewell to poverty remains unfulfilled.
    My father had campaigned on a platform of restoring hope after General Ibrahim Babangida laid waste to a once vibrant economy with years of neoliberal economic policies. Within two weeks of M.K.O.’s election, on June 23, the military regime, inexplicably, annulled the results. By 1994, he was in jail, setting in motion a pro-democracy movement that continued until democracy was restored in 1999.
    After 21 years, Nigeria now ranks as the wealthiest country in Africa. It is also the most populous with 200 million people. Yet, everyone feels the reality of deepening poverty across the country, causing many to question whether the democracy movement was worth the sacrifice.
    Where did we go wrong? When that historic election was annulled, people power was ignited. Ordinary Nigerians led the struggle with their mother serving as the face of the movement. But we made a huge mistake. We thought our work was done when democracy was restored. With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that our work had only just begun.
    M.K.O.’s date with destiny should have been June the 12th. He, my mother, and so many students and activists are now dead. But Nigerians still have the prospect of realising the dream. If there’s anything we can learn from that time, it is this: the people must again take the lead.
    In a world that is waking up to the fact that black lives matter, Nigeria’s demand for economic justice in the global system may finally be heard.
    So let this be a day on which we renew our commitment to liberate ourselves from the shackles of poverty. United, we defeated a military dictatorship. United, once again, we can really fulfill the promise and eradicate poverty in our land.
    A luta continua.
  • How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    Tobiloba Kolawole

    The Presidency has revealed a ploy by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
    to use smear campaigns to malign the Federal Government of Nigeria with the intent to damage the relationship between it and its international allies.

    This revelation was disclosed Sunday evening by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu who stressed that it was necessary to draw the attention of citizens and the International community to what he described as a “misleading campaign”.

    Garba, accusing the IPOB leadership of spearheading the misleading campaign revealed that the group’s approach is using false allegations such as “persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State”.

    He said: “A very deep and wide investigation by an agency of the Nigerian government, working with international partners have made us become aware that there are two, interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in this regard.

    “Both are using the cover of Christianity – and calling for a US Special Envoy to be appointed to stop the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria. But the real purpose is to drive a wedge between the Nigeria government and its US and UK/European allies” he said.

    Garba, in a veiled reference to exiled leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, faulted the interest of IPOB leadership whose religious views is divergent to that of his followers.

    “IPOB leadership of course self-proclaims as “Jewish,” a position not shared by the generality of the members.

    “For reasons of convenience, he claims to have an interest in the welfare of Christians – but this is a ruse: the case for independence, the leader believes, is strengthened by “proving” the government of Nigeria is “autocratic”, engaged in a “silent slaughter” of their own citizens along religion and ethnic lines – and that therefore the only viable option for the unique religious and ethnic minority is a sovereign Biafra separate from Nigeria, he stated.

    READ ALSO: Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in katsina, others

    While warning stakeholders across board, the presidential spokesman further revealed how the group’s campaign and activities against the Nigerian Government are being funded by unknown sponsors.

    “Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse.

    “The campaign consists of producing articles in the names of the alleged Christian NGOs’ leaders (of campaign groups created at the time this PR contract with a US lobbying firm was signed) and letters to and from members of Congress to the White House.

    “Unfortunately, some Members of Congress have clearly been persuaded there is indeed a “Christian persecution” underway in Nigeria – and do so quoting the campaign – and they are known to be taking up the case directly with the White House to appoint the special envoy”, Mr Shehu said.

    Expressing how far the group had gone in its attempt to heat up the polity and cause disquiet nationally and international, Garba noted that the “misleading campaign” has caught the attention of the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and other international figures and organizations in the UK and Europe.

    Shehu stated that: “There is also a UK and European angle of the Campaign, which is more opaque than its US sister campaign – given there is less legal requirement for public filings – but what is known of this at the moment is that their Budget is sufficient to hire four PR firms in the UK, Belgium, France and the US (the latter additional to the above).

    “They have founded an “NGO/Charity” and a linked web-based campaign named “Stop the Silent Slaughter” which is well designed and complete with video “evidence”-completely concocted.

    “Members of the alleged Christian NGO have had multiple Op-Ed articles in conservative news websites promulgating their message of a “Christian Genocide”. Some of those articles have also been used as “evidence” in the sister US campaign.

    “Two of those conservative news websites were co-founded by the owner of the UK PR firm they have hired to generate their publicity as well as an OP-Ed article in the name of a British MP who may have been convinced by their campaign under false pretences” Shehu revealed.

    With additional coverage in France, EU and Germany as stated by Presidential spokesman, Shehu added that: “They secured a MPs debate on the “Christian Genocide” in the House of Commons in which staff member of the UK PR was referenced as the “private secretary” to the leader of the UK-based Charity”.

    Shehu pointed out that the misleading actions of the group is capable of damaging inter-religiois dialogue in the country as well as the reputation of Nigeria among international communities.

    READ ALSO: AfDB Board finds middle ground, supports Adesina, grants US a review

    He said: “It is clear from all of the above that the IPOB’s extraordinarily and dubiously well-funded campaign in the US and UK/Europe is misusing the issue of the welfare of Christians purely to further their own political ends”.

    He however called on international groups and societies to send representatives to Nigeria for fact findings so they could see the false claims by “these terrorist groups who are duping them of their money and involving them in conduct and activities disguised to destroy the harmonious relationships existing between their home countries and Nigeria”.

    Shehu advised Nigerians and the international community to “ignore this campaign as they have disregarded similar past campaigns originated by this group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian State”.

  • Lagos inspires innovation, pays over N16 billion pension in one year

    Lagos inspires innovation, pays over N16 billion pension in one year

    The Lagos State Government has initiated an interactive knowledge sharing platform to tap into the wisdom of its pool of civil-servant-staff for novel ideas that will aid the development of the state.

    The platform known as SHIFT Talks, was disclosed Wednesday by the state’s Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponnle at the Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the one year in office anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu held at the JJT park in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos State.

    In her remark to journalists at the event, Ponnle described the initiative as one that will help the State “at harvesting the collective wisdom inherent within the service, showcasing innovation by staff and networking to bridge the inter-ministerial gap”

    Giving further explanation on how the initiative will also celebrate members of the Lagos State Government staff who distinguish themselves by following through on creative ideas, the Commissioner recognised some civil servants who had come up with ideas that aligned with the intent of the initiative in its first edition.

    “Knowledge SHIFTer, like Mrs. Tope George, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice shared nuggets from a book she authored while Innovation SHIFTer, Seun Ogunmolu, who launched an App he developed, was recognised by Mr. Governor for an excellent performance. It should be worthy of note that Mr. Ogunmolu was advanced to GL 10 as a result of his innovative drive”.

    Giving performance account of her ministry and agencies under her supervision in the last one year, Ponnle noted that the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) had by the end of March 2020, designed and implemented a total of 44 Learning and Development programmes for a total of 2,164 Public Service staff to enhance job performance.

    READ ALSO: Alleged N225M Fraud: SERAP, Budgit call on IGP as Senator Aduda’s loyalist threatens activist

    Among others, She listed the organisation of In-Plant, Tailor-Made Workshops and Seminars, sponsorship of officers for Local and foreign training and approval for Study Leave as programmes implemented to boost the morale of employees.

    Reiterating the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu led government to boost service excellence, the Commissioner noted that: “We have trained a total of 4,210 staff during the year in-class sessions, representing 30% of the cumulative number trained in the previous four years, apart from the over 11,000 participants online”.

    She averred that in order to ensure a safe, conflict-free and productive workplace, the Ministry provided strategic and expert advice on industrial relations and also played an important role in the successful negotiation of the new minimum wage plus consequential adjustments, noting that three months arrears, as agreed, had already been paid to employees between February and April 2020 during the lockdown.

    Ponnle also emphasised that “the Lagos State Government pays more than the Federal recommended minimum wage, which shows the magnanimity of Governor Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that the ‘take-home’ of staff truly take them home”.

    In the area of Pension payments, she affirmed that the State Government has consistently distinguished itself as the leading State in the payment of contributory payment scheme, its management, implementation and administration in Nigeria, while also leading the pack in the full implementation of an increase in employers’ contribution from 7.5% to 10% and employees contribution from 7.5% to 8%.

    She submitted that a total of 4,104 retirees had their accrued pension rights of N16,759,441,707.75 credited into their RSAs between May 2019 to April 2020, saying that the government also approved the release of N13.75billion to fund the Redemption Bond Account, thereby increasing the additional funding rate from 5% to 10% of total annual staff emoluments in order to fully clear the backlog of arrears from the old defined benefit scheme era of pension management by the State.

    READ ALSO: Ogun moves to improve standard of education, inaugurates committee

    Ponnle stated further that the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, has commenced the issuance of pensioners ID cards to retirees while additional benefits that will accrue to civil service retirees, who hold ID cards, will be unveiled in due course.

    She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to developing initiatives that will ensure the mandate of a 21st Century-compliant workforce is achieved.