Over-Bloated Payroll: Reps Task FG on Workers’ Forensic Audit
The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to carry out forensic audit of its staff to address the problem of ghost workers, with a view to saving money and reducing increasing wage bill.
It also urged the government to embark on cost-cutting measures to reduce other non-debt recurrent expenditures and mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
This followed the adoption of a motion on ‘Need to Investigate the Nation’s Galloping Non-Debt Recurrent Expenditure’, moved by Ademorin Kuye from Lagos, at plenary, yesterday.
Moving the motion, Kuye noted that the federal government personnel expenses, pensions and other non-debt recurrent expenditures increased by 241 per cent in 13 years from N2.4trillion in 2011 to N8,27trillion in 2023.
He also noted that the total non-debt expenditure from 2011 to 2023 was N51.97trillion, while N42.24trillion expended from 2015 till date represented 81.8 per cent of the total expenditures of the period under review.
According to him, the country’s revenue within the period received massive hits from debt servicing obligations.
Consequently, he said the government had little or nothing left for the recurrent expenditures and had resorted to borrowing.
“The debt servicing obligations gulped 97 per cent of the total revenue of the N3.42 trillion generated in 2011, Nigeria expended N3.34 trillion on debt servicing, meaning all federal government’s salaries, overhead and capital expenditure was financed with loans and Central Bank of Nigerian’s support.
“The country’s revenues of N3.42trillion in 2020, N4.39trillion in 2021 and N7trillion in 2022 could hardly fund the wage bill of N5.7trillion, N5.76trillion and N7.1 trillion in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively,” the lawmaker argued.
He expressed worry the federal government’s wage bill, pension obligations and other non-debt recurrent expenditures continued to grow significantly, despite the marginal increases in revenues and apparent increases in debt servicing pressure;
Kuye lamented that the sharp difference in the wage bill from N2.4 trillion in 2011 to N8.7 trillion in 2023 in a country of 113 million people living in multidimensional poverty was alarming and unjustifiable.
Leave Me out of your Fight with Tinubu Peter Obi Replies Atiku
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has in response to an appeal by his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, to join in the legal battle challenging President Tinubu’s credentials said he was focused on reclaiming his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court.
This was made known by the leadership of the Labour Party who asked the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to leave out its candidate, Peter Obi, from his feud with President Bola Tinubu, saying the former Anambra governor is solely focused on reclaiming his ‘stolen mandate’ at the apex court.
The party however said it will welcome any interest that amplifies its quest for a nation where true justice shall reign.
The response was a reaction to the call by the PDP candidate for Obi and the presidential flag bearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join his crusade in exposing the alleged dirty secrets of the president.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, the party appealed that they would appreciate if their candidate is allowed to concentrate on his case at the apex court.
He said the LP standard bearer is currently in the “Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that.”
Ifoh further said, “He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves the leadership it truly deserves.
“Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation.
“We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign.“ the statement read.
N1Million Bounty: Mohbad Friend Primeboy Surrenders to Police
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Owodunni Ibrahim Oluwatosin aka Primeboy, who was declared wanted on Wednesday over Mohbad death investigation, has turned himself in.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a post on his X handle.
It was reported that the command had declared Primeboy wanted following his failure to honour the police invitation successfully sent to him since the commencement of the investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The state command also added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, would give a sum of N1 million to anyone with useful information leading to his arrest.
Hundeyin stated, “Following his being declared wanted, Owodunni Ibrahim Oluwatosin aka Primeboy has turned himself in. He has, immediately, been taken into custody for interrogation and other necessary actions.”
The spokesman also assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring a diligent investigation.
“The Command equally assures that all persons found culpable in the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad will definitely be brought to justice,” he concluded.
The Federal Government has said it would convert 10 million Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the next 36 months.
In a statement on Wednesday, Spokesperson for the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Louis Ibah, said the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this while on a panel tagged “Energy Talk” at the ongoing ADIPEC 2023 conference and exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to the Minister, the initiative was in partnership with the private sector.
“Our ministry is working with the organised private sector to roll out over two million CNG conversions kits for free within the next nine months to push the utilisation of CNG as main fuel for vehicles nationwide. This initiative is aimed at converting 10million vehicles from PMS to CNG in the next 36 months,” he said.
Ekpo said key benefits of the initiative include, creating over 100,000 jobs for Nigerians, increasing government savings from reduced subsidy payout for the importation of PMS, reducing carbon emission following the utilization of clean gas to drive internal combustion engines.
He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government in creating an enabling operational and fiscal environment to support investments in the upstream, midstream and downstream gas sectors.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to promote business around Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.
“This is evident in the actions of Mr. President when he split the Ministry of Petroleum Resources into Oil & Gas respectively. This singular action is a testament to President Tinubu’s resolve to promote gas commercialization in Nigeria for export and domestic utilisation,” Ekpo said.
The minister, who is the head of the Nigerian delegation to the event, listed several initiatives relating to government’s action to promote and support gas based industrialisation and decarbonisation agenda with the corporation and support of the organized private sector.
Top amongst these initiatives are: Decade of Gas (Upstream, Midstream and Downstream); getting cooking gas to every home and CNG for vehicles; gas flare commercialisation programme and gas to petrochemicals.
The minister informed the audience about specific policy changes targeted at gas pricing regime, non-associated gas acreage development, and review of the terms of the production sharing contracts.
“These are all aimed at attracting investments of more than $20 billion into the country for NAG offshore and deep water acreage development,” he said.
He added that the ministry is working closely with her respective parastatals to get these reforms across to the upper legislative chamber for approval and subsequently for President’s endorsement.
Nigeria’s Problem was Poor Leadership – President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerians in the U.S. to rise above failure by having a change of mindset for success in all their endeavours in life.
Tinubu who gave the advice at the Presidential Townhall Meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora on Wednesday in New York noted that Nigerians had no reason to be poor.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Townhall Meeting was organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
Tinubu, who commended the efforts on out-of-school children, the healthcare programme and the need to eradicate poverty, said Nigeria was a blessed country.
“Sincerely, we don’t have any reason to be poor, we are just poor in some leadership areas.
“That is what I harped on during my campaign. It was a very gruesome campaign but I won the election but if I didn’t thrown myself into it with strong determination and result, I wouldn’t have won.
“There were so many hurdles on my way that would have stopped me. I refused to be stopped, you can do the same as many of you here that are contesting elections”, the President said.
Owolewa, who represents Washington DC, said they have been supporting people to take advantage ot such opportunities for their economic empowerment.
“Those are the opportunities to make investors biggest in New York.
“In my office, we do the talk, we teach our people how to get contract, we teach our people how to get grants.’’ he said.
Also speaking, a Nigerian-American, Olufunmilola Obe, an Inspector working in the New York Police Department, briefed the president on her efforts to make Africa, especially Nigeria proud in her office.
She told Tinubu that she was the coordinator of an African Law Enforcement Organisation, an association within the NYPD, as Vice President.
Obe is the first African ever to be promoted to the rank of an Inspector in the history of NYPD.
NAN reports that the Town Hall Meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign of Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb.Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike; Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija; and Consul General in Atlanta, Amb. Amina Samaila were also in attendance.
Others were: Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others.
Sir K Oluwo Dares Court and Police goes after Jiboro Family over Their Land
One thing that is synonymous with the ways of the popular Ikorodu based land grabber or speculator, Kamoru Lamina known widely as Sir K Oluwo is brutality, the very wicked and merciless land grabber is a known evil to realtors and land owners all around Lagos and especially in the Ikorodu area on the State.
The man whose attitude and way of dealing can best be described as cruel is a regular face in different police formations as well as correctional facilities around the state, his antecedents is the reason the Jiboro family of Ikorodu has been calling on the men of the Nigerian Police Force to quickly come to their aid to forestall evil befalling them over their family land that Sir K Oluwo has set his eyes on.
According to the members of the family, Sir K Oluwo, who is working in conjunction with one Josephine Momoh and one Mukaila a.k.a. Actor are hellbent on taking over the family land somewhere around Sabo area of Ikorodu even when they are not members of the family. Kamoru Lamina was said to have vowed to kill every members of the family except they leave their family land for him.
The family who had petitioned the AIG Zone 2 who ordered that Sir K and his cohort Princess Momoh and Mukaila should not near the land in question or transact any business on about or on the land are surprised that the serial trouble maker is acting in disobedience to both the Police and the the court which had also banned them from the land without being apprehended, knowing he’s a proven menace to the society. And the freedom he has now been using to threaten the lives of members of the family over their inheritance.
It was gathered that Sir K has been going around telling people that he owns part of the land that belongs to the family whereas he’s not in anyway related to them and has now turned to the crisis except he’s given a share of the said land.
The family are thereby using this medium to call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Governor of Lagos State, the AIG Zone 2, the Commissioner of Police Lagos and all well meaning Nigerians to come to their aid to stop the menace of Sir K Oluwo and his gang by begging the necessary agency to wade into the issue.
LASG and FG to Shut 3rd Mainland Bridge for Repairs
To end recurring accidents occasioned by potholes on the 3rd Mainland Bridge, the Federal Government in collaboration with the Lagos State Government will next week commence remedial repair works on bad portions of the bridge.
Specifically, the bridge will be closed on two consecutive Sundays, September 17 and 24, for the remedial works to be carried out by the state Government, through the Lagos Public Works Corporation, LPWC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works.
Motorists have continued to lament the bad state of the 3rd bridge, which has potholes on many parts, which have been causing accidents.
While modalities by the state government for the construction of the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge have reached advanced stage, residents are of the opinion that the Third Mainland Bridge has been overstretched.
Confirming the planned rehabilitation of the 3rd Mainland Bridge to be carried out in phases staring from next week, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Abdulhafiz Toriola, said it will allow for unhindered rehabilitation works as traffic would be diverted during construction to ensure early completion of the work.
Bridge to be shut for 2 consecutive Sundays. Toriola, who announced this, yesterday, added that the work would take place on Sunday 17 and Sunday 24, September, 2023 between the hours of 7.00 am and 7.00 pm each Sunday.
“The proposed works will be strictly executed in two phases with phase one focusing on only the most critical sections on the Iyana-Oworonsoki inward Adeniji Adele/Lagos Island,” he said.
Toriola explained that the palliative works were scheduled for Sundays to minimize inconveniences for motorists.
Consequently, the state government released travel advisory to ensure seamless movement of traffic.
Toriola, therefore, advised motorists to ply the following alternative routes during the rehabilitation works.
Route 1: The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Alapere/Ogudu axis, inwards Lagos Island, will be diverted towards Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway to link Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue to access Eko Bridge and Lagos Island.
Route 2: Motorists from Lagos Mainland going through Herbert Macaulay Road (Adekunle axis) inwards Lagos Island via 3rd Mainland Bridge will be diverted towards Murtala Muhammed Way to make use of Carter Bridge to link Lagos Island.
He, therefore, urged motorists to be patient and observe safety measures during the palliative works on the asphalt pavement of the bridge.
He added that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, officers, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigeria police, and other traffic personnel would be on ground to effectively control and manage traffic.
He said: “We assure that despite the traffic impact on the alternative routes, LASTMA will be deployed to minimize inconveniences and ease movement along the affected corridors.
“Various traffic agencies involved, in conjunction with other security and safety personnel to form good synergy, will ensure appropriate traffic management measures aimed at improving the safety and flow of traffic, reducing traffic emissions and utilising traffic artery capacity more effectively throughout the duration of the exercise.”
Meanwhile, motorists plying the ever-busy 11.8km Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, second longest in Africa decried the poor state of some sections of the bridge.
The bridge starts from the Oworonsoki axis of the Mainland, ending at the Adeniji Adele Interchange axis on Lagos Island.
The potholes are visible on the Oworonsoki to Adekunle section and continue while approaching Adeniji-Adele junction to Sura area of the bridge.
On the flip side of the bridge, the potholes start from Adekunle to Oworonsoki end.
Some of the motorists narrated their daily ordeals on the bridge with a call to the governments for help.
Mr Ade Olabisi, an Uber driver, said: “I started this commercial transportation business two years ago after I lost my job in a private employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most times I run through Ajah and Mainland. Due to the bad spots, I have lost over three tyres within the last six months when I bumped into potholes. But I thank God. It could have been fatal if I was on high speed.
“I beg the Federal and state governments to fix these potholes in the interest of the public and save people from deaths. le deaths.
Another motorist, Mrs Florence Nwosu, who works on the Island, said: “I was on my way to the office one wet morning when my car bumped into one of the potholes. I struggled to maintain balance afterward.
“As I was approaching the Adekunle end my steering gradually became stiff with a suspicious sound coming from the bonnet. Fortunately, I was close to where some Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command usually stationed.
“I opened the bonnet only to discover that my alternator belt had torn and pulled off from the roller making the steering to be stiff. This was apparently as a result of the car bumping into the pothole. I had to call my mechanic on the Island to come and fix it, while I sought protection with the RRS men as some miscreants appeared from nowhere looking for the owner of the vehicle.
Another motorist, Mr. Ifeanyi Alozie, who is a trader on the Island, said: “Motorists are always on high speed on the bridge despite many potholes. This often results in fatal accidents.
“There was a particular accident that happened right in my front few weeks ago. The owner of the Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, on top speed ran into one of the potholes and lost control hitting the side railing of the bridge. He also had his air bag ruptured in the process. This is a weekly occurrence on the bridge.
“Governments should ensure provision and maintenance of basic infrastructure like roads and bridges, such as this. We are begging.”
Mr. Mohammed Seidu, a businessman, lamented the poor state of the bridge, expressing his fear and plight while driving on the axis.
His words: “Despite several rehabilitation works there are many bad portions on the bridge which have posed threat to lives. Most of these government officials do drive on this bridge. I wonder why they have decided to ignore it. A stitch in time saves nine, according to a wise saying.”
Ogun CP Visits Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Commends PCRC’s Role In Combating Crimes
The Commisioner of Police Ogun State, CP Abiodun Alamatu earlier today the 13th of September visited the Ilishan-Remo Ogun State palatial country home of the Real Estate businessman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the Otun-Akile of Remoland.
The visit was to strengthen his bond with leadership of the Police Community Relations Committee PCRC Ogun and South West Chapter.
Aare Adetola, who is the Grand Patron of the South West PCRC, received the crime buster and his men in his home amid pomp. CP Abiodun thanked critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, and the good people of Ogun State for their cooperation since his assumption as Commisioner of Police months ago. Abiodun highlighted that; the success he has recorded was orchestrated by support from people like Aare Adetola, who have supported the state command with basic needs to ensure their combat against crime is won easily making Ogun state safer for all sundry.
“I am excited about this meeting today and also here to thank you for your continued support since I was posted here as CP. It has been a very good experience with the Ogun PCRC and the South West PCRC chapter, which made work easier for me. I am here with this goodwill message and to help me tell them that I will never take their support for granted. I run an open door policy. Without their support, we would not have succeeded in our fight against crime, making the state safe. I thank you especially and appreciate you also.” He disclosed.
The Adron Home boss also thanked CP Abiodun for the courtesy visit and reiterated his commitment for continued support of the police by maintaining a healthy Police and community relationship. He, however, highlighted the need for more reorientation about the police to people and charged the CP to ensure his boys are friendly and cordial while discharging their duties.
“I am most delighted to have you in my country home. It shows how committed you are and how you hold the PCRC in high esteem acknowledging their contribution to the ease of reducing crime. I want to tell you that, on behalf of myself as the National Patron and Grand Patron of South West PCRC and my company Adron Homes, we will continue to support you and remain committed when you need us.”
“I appreciate the great work you are doing and how you are changing the perspective of Police service among the people. I want you to intensify your effort and also ensure your men are more friendly and convivial while discharging their duties. This will further create positive perception about the police and it will boost the confidence people have in them. With you here, I am sure the fight against crime will be won convincingly. I appreciate you once again. Keep the good work.” Aare Adetola divulged.
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing used the opportunity to thank the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun Psc, for his recent initiative to recruit 20 young Nigerians in each local government throughout the federation to strengthen the number of the Nigeria Police force in community policing nationwide.
IRP: UK Entices Nigerian Teachers with £10,000 Relocation Payment
Sometimes last year, the government of the United Kingdom decided to open its doors to teachers from Nigeria and the rest of the world who are willing to relocate to the county to continue their career. In the information made available the the UK is looking to recruit about 500,000 teachers by 2024, but more than a year into the exercise there seems to be a low response and this has forced the British government to change tactics and that now included the introduction of International Relocation Payment (IRP), for international teachers willing to make the move.
The international relocation payment (IRP) is a single payment of £10,000 which is available to eligible non-UK trainees and teachers of languages and physics.
The payment is designed to cover:
the costs of visas
the immigration health surcharge
other relocation expenses
The IRP offers financial support to teachers and trainees from Nigeria and all over the world who wish to come to train and work in English schools. It will be paid around the end of the teacher’s or trainee’s first term. It will not need to be repaid.
If eligible, trainee teachers can receive both the IRP and a bursary or scholarship.
The IRP is being run as a pilot in the 2023 to 2024 academic year.
Eligibility
To be eligible, teachers or trainees must:
be coming to England to work or train in the 2023 to 2024 academic year
not be already living in the UK
The Get into Teaching website has full details of the eligibility requirements for teachers and trainees.
How the scheme works
The scheme works differently for fee-paying trainees, salaried trainees and teachers.
Trainees on fee-paying courses
Trainees on fee-paying courses do not need to apply for the IRP. Training providers will pay the IRP directly to these trainees along with any bursaries they are entitled to.
Fee-paying trainees should receive the IRP around the end of their first term.
Teachers and salaried trainees who have started their teaching job or salaried teacher training course should apply for the IRP from the Get into Teaching website.
Applications are open from 4 September to 31 October 2023.
Eligible applicants should receive the money by 31 January 2024.
Teachers and trainees who miss this deadline must apply at the next opportunity after the start of their job or course to remain eligible for the IRP.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now the new battlefield, as the court has fixed the hearing for the case between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu for tomorrow.
The former vice president had filed a suit at the US court, demanding that Chicago State University (CSU) release all of Tinubu’s academic records over irregularities in the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).This move was prompted by Atiku’s belief that these documents would help clarify what he said are inconsistencies in Tinubu’s background.
In response to Atiku’s application, CSU agreed to release Tinubu’s credentials once the court issues the order. In a statement dated August 23, issued by the university and signed by the university’s counsel, the university noted that once they get an order from the court, the academic records of Tinubu will be released. The university also pleaded with the court to be specific with the demands it seeks.
Judge Jeffrey Gilbert’s then directed Tinubu to provide an explanation by August 23rd regarding the potential release of his academic records at CSU to Atiku and on August 23rd, Tinubu’s attorney submitted a statement as part of his legal argument, asking CSU not to release his academic credentials to the former Vice President.
The US court, in the docket entry which was made by the clerk on Friday, September 8, 2023, said the matter has been set for hearing in-person on Tuesday, September 12, at 1:30 p.m in courtroom 1386.
The US court said if CSU objects to the scope of Atiku’s subpoenas for documents and for a deposition under Federal Rule of Civil procedure, it should file any objections by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023, rather than reserve those objections until a later date.
The court document states: “If respondent Chicago State University objects to the scope of petitioner Abubakar’s subpoenas for documents and for a deposition under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6), as originally issued [1-1][1-2] or as modified [22-1] [22-3], it should file any objections by 5:00 p.m. on 9/11/23 rather than reserve those objections until a later date.
“This matter is set for hearing in-person on 9/12/23 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 1386. If out of town counsel want to appear by telephone, they should contact the Court’s courtroom deputy. The Court’s preference, however, is for counsel who will be speaking at the hearing to appear in person. Mailed notice.
“This notice is being sent pursuant to Rule 77(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or Rule 49(c) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. It was generated by CM/ECF, the automated docketing system used to maintain the civil and criminal dockets of this District. If a minute order or other document is enclosed, please refer to it for additional information.”
