Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Backs Sanwo-Olu on Repeal of Ex-Governors’ Pension Law

Former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu has described the move by the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to repeal the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007) as “bold and courageous”.

The law provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies. Mr Sanwo-Olu told the State House of Assembly of his intention on Tuesday during his presentation of the proposed N1.155 trillion 2021 budget.

Tweeting on Wednesday, Tinubu expressed his support for the governor’s plan and congratulated him on the budget proposal.

“Congratulations to Governor Sanwo-Olu over the Year 2021 budget which he appropriately christened ‘Budget of Rekindled Hope’. This audacious and enterprising budget will empower our people and begin to rebuild Lagos State,” the APC leader wrote.

“In particular, I would also like to commend the Governor for the plan to commence the repeal of the Pension Law giving pension packages to former governors and their deputies. “This is a bold and courageous move by Mr. Governor and I wholeheartedly support him. I encourage all APC loyalists to do the same.”Sanwo-Olu told the assembly he planned to repeal the law “in light of keeping the costs of governance low and to signal selflessness in public service.”

This bold steps if successful, will put an end to the payment of pension to former governors and their deputies who only work for either 4 or 8 years in office. 

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More Youth Inclusion In Modern Agriculture Will Bolster Economy, Improve Earnings, Says President Buhari

By

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja urged agencies involved in agriculture to further streamline their priorities in the inclusion of youths in driving modern methods of farming while assuring all those interested that an enabling environment will be created for full participation.

In his remark at the launch of National Young Farmers Scheme, designed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to spur more youth interest in farming, the President said agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy, being the largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 “We will do more to expand, modernize and revolutionize our agriculture, which is our most important asset. he went further “I have directed that all NALDA’s abandoned farm estates be retrieved to enable thousands of our young men and women to be engaged in farming. This Administration will be achieving agricultural mechanization through this scheme and I am confident that Nigeria under my watch, we will achieve food security in producing most of what we eat. In good harvest years we may even export our surpluses and earn foreign exchange.’’

President Buhari noted that the resuscitation of NALDA will make Nigeria food sufficient and in a few years begin to earn more revenue from export of agricultural commodities. “By virtue of my passion and desire for agriculture and also as a farmer myself, I am directly supervising NALDA as an authority under the Presidency. 

“I am asking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments to give full cooperation to NALDA in its activities. With the success of Anchor Borrowers programme spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and new programmes to revive cotton, palm products and cocoa, the next few years will see a vast difference in our agricultural performance.’’

The President said all the necessary approvals that NALDA requires for effective take-off, beginning with areas of adequate land preparation for crop farming and livestock rearing, had been given, charging the Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA and his team to continue to live up to expectations and increase their activities in local communities.

“I am told that, so far, 4,333 families have benefited from this scheme and it is expected that many more individuals and families will benefit as the programme is rolled out.

“I now flag off the National Young Farmers’ Scheme.  It is my expectation that the Scheme will take in young Nigerians, graduates and non-graduates alike, and be part of this Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and contribute to the regeneration of agriculture and our economy.’’

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, commended the President for his steadfastness in repositioning the agricultural sector since coming to office, opining that the country had already felt the impact of the policies of the administration.

The Senate President said there was a need to encourage agricultural agencies, like NALDA, to work closely with the research institutions in Nigerian universities.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA, Mr Paul Ikonne, said the discovery of oil in the country hampered the growth of agriculture and increased poverty in rural communities, assuring the President that the concerted effort to revive interest in farming will tackle poverty and create wealth.

Ikonne said the resuscitation of NALDA after close to 20 years of abandonment will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the country, especially among the youth. “Our focus is to engage 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 Local Government Areas, thereby creating 774,000, direct employment annually,’’ he added.

Goodwill messages were given by a representative of the Young Farmers, Fatima Usman Musa and Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Jesper Kamp.

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, also participated in the launch

Ex-Governor's Pension: I won’t Scrap Pensions of Ex-Governors Like Lagos-Okowa

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, says there are no plans to repeal the pension and entitlements of former governors and their deputies in Delta State.

We reported how Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, submitted a bill to the state house of assembly on the abolishment of pension payments to former governors and their deputies, a move he said would cut cost of governance.

Speaking on Wednesday, in Asaba, Delta state capital, Governor Okowa said he cannot introduce the policy. “There is an existing law in Delta state on what accrued to the governors and their deputies, that I don’t want to touch,” Okowa said. He went futther “We are not thinking in that direction, my counterpart in Lagos may have reasons why he wants the law repealed but we in Delta don’t want to go into that.

“I don’t want to comment on the decision of Lagos State Governor. Each state has the power to make a decision concerning its governance.”

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos, had commended Sanwo-Olu for the initiative and advised governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to do same.

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#EndSARS:Meet Mr Kenechukwu Okeke- A Nigerian Youth That Sue Pastor Adeyemi, Aisha Yesufu and 48 Others

This is Kenechukwu Okeke. A Nigerian youth in his 40s, that initiated criminal proceedings against suspected top #EndSARS  promoters. He sued Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Aisha Yesufu and 48 others over protest.

Kenechukwu Okeke is a notorious lawyer, with a Twitter handle @HumanRightsNG and also serves as a coordinator for the Good Governance Initiative.

He has records of controversial cases. He attacked Willie Obiano and sued him over the presentation of the state budget for 2019 and as well tackled Anambra State Government for banning the use of tricycles in the state and many more.

He should be reminded of his brother, Daniel Kanu, the youth who promoted Abacha by organizing “YOUTH EARNESTLY ASK FOR ABACHA” (YEAFA). Where is Daniel Kanu today? He is now a shadow of himself! He regretted supporting the late iron man because he was rejected by his people for supporting late General Abacha. Same fate awaits a betrayer young man who thinks money or position is everything in life.

The activist, Kenechukwu Okeke, has filed a criminal complaint before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Abuja against 50 #EndSARS promoters for their alleged roles in the protests, with the looting and destruction of properties, that took place last October.

In the case which was instituted on Monday in pursuant to sections 88, 109(a), 110(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Okeke listed prominent personalities, mostly entertainers and social media influencers as the defendants.

Okeke in his suit alleged that during the riot, his properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice.

Those listed as defendants include Musician Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Akpaokagi aka Taoma.

Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia aka Tuface, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy and Yemi Alade.

Apart from musicians, others listed as defendants include Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi; activist, Aisha Yesufu; ex-Super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director-General, Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo.

Others are social media influencers – Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit.

Okeke, who alleged that during the protest, his properties were destroyed, stated that the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice. In his supporting affidavit, Okeke said the defendants played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent.

The suit from Okeke partly reads, “That the 1st to 50th accused persons between the 3rd day of October 2020 and the 28th day of October 2020, using Twitter, an Internet web source with URL https://www.twitter.com within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst themselves to commit misdemeanour, to wit, promoting and acting in such a manner, with intent to assist in the promotion of #EndSARS and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That the 1st to 50th accused persons with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner or being assembled under the composition of #EndSARS as to cause persons in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to fear on reasonable grounds that such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion may provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace.

“Properties belonging to the complaint were egregiously destroyed by some riotous and tumultuous persons instigated and incited by the 1st to 50th accused persons.”

While instigating a private criminal prosecution against all the alleged perpetrators and coordinators of the #EndSARS riots on Twitter, the plaintiff said the nation bled, lost lives, and properties worth billions destroyed as a result of the sheer recklessness of some persons.

One of the prominent faces of the #EndSARS movement, Deji Adeyanju, has filed a complaint against Kenechukwu Okeke, before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for “acts unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”

 

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US Finaly Promise to Support Nigeria to End Boko Haram – Pompeo

 

The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said on Wednesday Washington would deploy all the tools at its disposal in the fight against Boko Haram and other terror groups in Nigeria and West Africa.

Pompeo, according to a statement on his Twitter handle, made the promise at the end of a virtual meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State co-hosted by Nigeria on Tuesday.

An 82-member global coalition led by the US expressed their full commitment to defeating ISIS and other terror groups including Boko Haram at the meeting.

The US secretary of state added that a “great progress” was made at the meeting with the Nigerian government.

Pompeo said: “Great progress was made at yesterday (Tuesday)’s virtual Global oCoalition to Defeat ISIS meeting on West Africa. We will use all tools at our disposal to counter ISIS and its affiliates anywhere in the world. My thanks to Nigeria for co-hosting the event.”

Can United States walk their talks about Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria and other terrorist groups in Africa. When and how will they support Nigeria? Let's know your views on this article in the comment section. 

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National Association of Nigerian Students Gives ASUU and FG 14-day Ultimatum

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students  (NANS) held a crucial meeting on 9th November,2020 to discuss the unending squabbles between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

PREAMBLE:

The NANS under the leadership of Comr. Chidi Ilogebe, summoned an emergency students' leaders meeting, with the sole aim of fashioning collective views and way Forward approach to the lingering ASUU prolonged strike.

ATTENDANCE:

The meeting had in attendance the NANS president, members of NANS National Executive Council, Senate President, Principal Officers of the NANS Senate, Zonal Coordinators, JCC Chairmen, Selected SUG Presidents and Some Prominent Students' Leaders from the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

DELIBERATIONS:

The meeting after exhaustive discussions, heated debates and constructive arguments considering the legitimacy and validity of ASUU demands and the Federal Government response and position thus far, resolved as follows:

1. That NANS declares the necessity of minimum of two academic session school fees waiver for Nigerian students in both State and Federal Institutions in the spirit of Covid-19 palliative to ameliorate the economic effects of the lockdown occasioned by the global pandemic to avert mass drop out of students which may increase crime and criminality among youths in the country.

2. That the government has failed to prioritize education, hence the failure to deploy necessary fund for complete overhauling of education sector and total revitalization of university education in Nigeria, through a meaningful budgetary allocation to the sector in line with the recommendation of UNESCO 26% educational budgetary allocation, which can be traced as the root cause of incessant strike by the Academic Staff Union(s) in all Nigeria Tertiary Institutions.

3. That NANS has affirmed the perpetual and continue industrial actions by the ASUU as the only tool to press home her demands as an organized crime against students' career and educational pursuits. Consequently, NANS with no hesitation declares: 14 days Ultimatum for both parties (ASUU and FG) to resolve their impasse for our campuses to re-open or risk Mass Protest #EndASUUStrike Nationwide with economic shut down as the major target.

4. That while both Government and ASUU lose nothing at the end of every strike actions, both salaries, promotions and other emoluments among others flows uninterrupted; Nigerian students are the greatest losers as their career stand delayed, Stay on Campus Extended, House Rent/Hostel Fee Incurred, NYSC age limit Exceeded, Federal/State Job age requirement exceeded among other negative effects and impacts on general life plan of an average Nigerian student which are considered an act of deliberate wickedness.

5. That NANS, on behalf of Nigerian students shall approach the Federal High Court to seek legal redress on ASUU and FG in demand for compensation/Damages for Nigerians students' time wastage, life plan disruption and career delay. These shall include; Mandatory Alternative Modalities for ASUU to press home her members’ demand without interrupting academic calendar; NYSC age limit extension, mandatory removal of age limit for Federal and State job employment, unconditional two academic session school fees waiver and among others respectively.

6. That the leadership of NANS, lead by Comr. Chidi Ilogebe will proceed to have a press conference to address Nigeria students, Federal Government and ASUU on our positions and next line of action as resolved therein.

Signed:

Amb Salahudeen A Lukman (Comr)

Chairman Communiqué Drafting Committee.

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

Comr. Danladi Jonah

Vice Chairman

Communique Drafting Committee

Modibo Adama Federal University Yola, Adamawa State

Comrade Ogunsanya Rasheed

JCC Chairman Lagos

Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija-Epe, Lagos State

Member.

Comr. Nwafor Joshua (JP)

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.

Member

Rt. Comr. Adai Pius

SUG President, Federal University of Agriculture Markurdi (FUAM), Benue State. Member

Rukkayya Yusuf

ABU Zaria,Kaduna State.

Member

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Another Protest Looms if We Fail to Do These Things

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday warned political office holders and policymakers against paying lip service to youth unemployment.

He challenged his colleagues in positions of authorities to factor youth employment and empowerment into the 2021 budget so as to escape another round of #EndSARSprotests.

Lawan gave the warning when the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Sabo Nanono, led top officials of his ministry to defend its 2021 budget before the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

The Senate President said, “Recently, we had protests by some of our youths. Some of them, very genuine, were seeking the attention of leaders and they got the attention.

“So, our budget, especially for 2021, should be mindful of what we do to provide employment opportunities for these youths.

“They demonstrated, they protested because they could do so. There are so many other people who may not be youthful but are also in the same need. They didn’t protest.

“Let us meet them where they are, we don’t want to wait until they also start to grumble or protest we should be proactive.”

Lawan said the oil sector and the white collar jobs could no longer provide the required employment to keep the youths busy and financially stable.