Sanwo-Olu Stop Tinubu, Fashola, others from pension

To reduced the cost of Governance in Lagos State, the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has moved to stop the Pension of all past Governors and Deputies. The Governor his to submit a bill to the House of Assembly to abolish pension payments.

The executive bill would repeal the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007), which provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies. He said the move would reduce the costs of governance, as well as signal selflessness in public service.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the promise during a budget estimate presentation to lawmakers in Lagos yesterday.

“We will be sending an executive bill in a couple of weeks to this honorable House to repeal the pension law.

“This pension law is for pension paid to former public officers such as the former governors and former deputy governors. The repeal of the act is due to the dwindling revenue to the state government’s account,” he said.

According to the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension) Law, former governors and deputies are entitled to jumbo pensions including houses in any location of their choice in Lagos and Abuja, cars, medical treatments, and vacation travels

A former governor is entitled to six new cars every three years, 100 percent of the basic salary of the serving governor (N7.7m per annum), free health care for himself and members of his family as well as furniture allowance, which is 300 percent of their annual basic salary (N23.3m).

The law was signed into law by former governor Bola Tinubu in 2007.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the repeal bill would soon be sent to the House for approval.

In their separate reactions, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos chapter,  the Centre for Human and Socioeconomic Rights (CHSR), the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, and the Centre for Anti Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) lauded the move.

Spokes of the APC in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said there was a need to review economic policies to reflect the current realities.

“We all know that right now, the government would want to mobilise whatever revenue available for rebuilding the state; so for us, it is a welcome development. It is advisable that other state governments may want to look at it, depending on the peculiarity of their respective states,” Oladejo said.

His counterpart in Oyo State, Abdul-Azeez Olatunde, said: “It is a matter of Lagos State and not Oyo State. But I don’t have a personal interest. It is dangerous for me to comment on the bill because no other party has ever governed Lagos State, except our party. It is not like Oyo State, where we have had the APC and PDP ruling the state. If I make comment, it may be misinterpreted that I did so because our two progressives governors in the state (Alhaji Lam Adesina 2009-2003 and Senator Abiola Ajimobi  (2011 -2019) are dead. So, I don’t want to make any comment.”

But Akeem Olatunji, publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State, endorsed the decision.

“The unnecessary privileges should be removed from former governors. They are being paid full salaries to the detriment of Lagos State and also to the detriment of people of other states in Nigeria, where ex-governors are paid full salaries. The unnecessary money they are being paid can be channeled to execute developmental projects.”

National President of the CHSR, Mr. Alex Omotehinse, said it was in the best interest of Lagos residents even as he urged other states to borrow a leaf from Sanwo-Olu.

“There is abject poverty in the land, there is huge hunger and many people are finding things really hard now. The cost of governance has really deprived so many citizens of the dividends of democracy.

“What Sanwo-Olu intends to do is welcome, but there are still so many holes to be blocked for people to get happiness in this democracy.”

He said that the CHSR had called for the repeal of the law granting life pensions to ex-governors and their deputies in some states in July, in the light of dwindling economic growth.

“We sent a petition dated July 2, 2020, and addressed to the speaker of the Lagos Assembly and the governor to block this waste during our world press conference. We are happy about the bold move by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The proceeds can be channeled to give Lagos residents good, clean, and drinkable water,” the CHSR president said.

Spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, described the pensions for former governors and their deputies as “so atrocious.”

He said considering what the country is going through following the COVID-19 pandemic and EndSARS protests the country has no choice than to undergo reforms.

Executive Chairman, CACOL, Debo Adeniran, said the Executive Bill was a revolutionary move that will curb wastages in public expenditure.

“If he makes good his promise to send the executive bill to the House of Assembly for the repealing of such humongous benefits for former governors and their deputies, I will love him for that. These governors and their deputies only worked for a maximum of eight years; that is not enough for them to take an amount that is enough to pay almost 100 people for a number of years.”

President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Sam Ohuabunwa would expect other governors to follow Sanwo-Olu’s footsteps.

“If they do so, that shows they have come to realise that this country is made of the rich, poor and the needy, the hopeful and the hopeless. These former governors don’t need more money to live the rest of their lives. They should be living on goodwill now. If they did well, they should live on goodwill- write books, give talks; they don’t need any pension. Let’s face the fact, paying them pension is over pampering.  If you govern for four or eight years you get a pension. You can imagine one person getting a pension that can take care of a whole community. Those of us who worked for 33 years what did we get?  It’s a good idea (to stop their pension). I support it and I hope other states will take a cue.”    

A retired professor of Law, Prof Samuel Adegoke, also commended Sanwo-Olu for initiating the Executive Bill.

He advised other state governors to emulate Sanwo-Olu’s plan to stop pension payment for past chief executives. He hoped the governor will channel the money to other sectors.        

Former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu, also commended the governor of Lagos for taking steps.

“I think Lagos has done well, others should copy. As governor for four years, a former governor should have no reason to collect a pension.

“This is the time for social equilibrium. I agree with Lagos State, I commend them. That is leadership by example, others should copy. This is what people want to see to build confidence.”

Mr. Osazee Edigin, a rights activist, also applauded the move.

“That has been what many Nigerians are clamouring for. It is a right step in the right direction. Edo civil societies protested against the payment in 2016 when government agents attacked us. It is something Nigerians are happy for,” Edigin said.

A Lagos doctor, Gabriel Omonaiye said it is a positive policy in the right direction.

“It can only mean that after two terms in office, nothing should be expected from the government after leaving the office. However, I cannot say whether the bill is a fallout of the #EndSARS protest, which as a result, both public/private facilities were destroyed.”     

In his reaction, former governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Baba

tunde Gbadamosi asked former governors and deputy governors of Lagos to return pensions collected in the past, stating that it was the only condition for him to support Governor Sanwo-Olu’s initiative.

“I would welcome this as long as all previous beneficiaries are made to return everything they took from the state under this Tinubu law,’’ he tweeted.

Tiffany Amber Boss, Folake Akindele loose father

One of Nigeria best fashion designer, Folake Akindele of Tiffany Amber loose is father this afternoon, Chief Bode Akindele a business mogul and philanthropist, Chairman of Madandola Group.  The cause of his death is not clear as at the time of filing this report,

Chief Bode Akindele was the Parakoyi of Ibadanland and was born 88years ago. Details later

 

International Fire-Fighters Day: Stop attacking Firefighters-Rasaq

The Lagos state fire service has called for continued support and cooperation of members of the public, saying that the understanding of the populace is needed for the fire-fighters to effectively discharge their duties to the citizens.

The acting Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Musibau Rasaq  made the appeal on Friday  during the 2018 International Fire Fighters day Celebration rally held simultaneously at Epe, Badagry and Lagos Island.

Rasaq bemoaned the increasing rate of incessant attack on some fire fighters during rescue operations describing it as unnecessary and unpatriotic.

L-R: Corridor Prefect, Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Sulaiman Fathia; Assistant Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Samson Sule; Principal Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Mrs OmojolaOlusola; Acting Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Musbau Rasaki; Principal, Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Segun Faleyimu; Director, Education District iii, Ikoyi, Mrs. Ajayi Ibironke and Odukoya Sultan at the sensitization, School safety advocacy and Rally to celebrate International firefighter’s day in Lagos held at Eko Akete Secondary School, Lagos. Photo: RAPH IMAGES

While saying that the fire-fighters are always acting in the best interest of members of the public, Rasaq said that it is time for Lagosians to join hands with the government to complement its vision for a secure Lagos.

“This year's theme has been chosen because we are advocating for cooperation and support from members of the public to make the works of the fire fighters easier. It is understandable that members of the public can be emotional and sometimes aggressive but in the midst of it they should not prevent the fire-fighters from carrying out their duties”

''Sometimes when firemen respond to fire occurrence, members of the public get aggressive and what we are doing now is that we are seeking support of the general public so that during firefighting operations, the task of saving lives and properties will become easy for the firemen''. Rasaq stated.

Speaking during the rally across the metropolis, the Acting Director of Fire Service said that every 4th of May has been set aside all over the world to further educate the public to empathize with fire fighters and also equip the populace with the knowledge of handling fire outbreak so as to prevent or minimize the loss of lives and properties.

He also added that the day was also meant to honor fire fighters who lost their lives in the course of performing their duties and at the same time to honor those in active service.

He appreciated the governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his passion for security of lives property, the recruitment of additional 250 men and women into the Lagos State Fire Service and for granting approval for the construction of 4 additional fire stations to make sure that safety delivery gets to the grass roots.

Members, Lagos State Fire service during the sensitization, School safety advocacy and Rally to celebrate International firefighter’s day in Lagos. Photo: RAPH IMAGES

2019: Obasanjo, Falae, others in alliance against Buhari

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, on Tuesday meet in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to deliberate on how to form mass coalition political forces capable of wresting power at the centre from President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obasanjo who is spearheading the Coalition of Nigerian Movement (CNM) received Falae at his  Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta this afternoon

Also in attendance are two-time governorship candidate and current aspirant in Ogun state, Gboyega Isiaka, former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr  Shina Kawonise and  former Special Adviser on Public Communication to ex – President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

‘Only 15 out of 113 Chibok girls still alive’

Chiboks Girls

Dead or alive? This is one question many Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike will be demanding an answer to in the days and even months ahead as they ponder the fate of the 113 Chibok schoolgirls left in Boko Haram captivity.

The fresh controversy over the missing girls was sparked yesterday, incidentally, the fourth anniversary of their abduction, by a Nigerian journalist with links to the terror sect.

Ahmad Salkida, who had been contacted in the past by government to help in negotiating the release of the girls, said only 15 of them are still alive.

Salkida, in a series of tweets, said his investigations spanning three months showed that many of the girls died from cross fires and bombardments of the security forces that were intended to rescue them.

“I regret to state here that only 15 out of the 113 #Chibokgirls are alive today, based on my investigations in the last three months,” he said.

He said even the 15 have been married off.

The Defence Headquarters, which is co-ordinating a military operation to rescue the girls and subdue Boko Haram said yesterday it did not believe Salkida’s claim.

Brigadier General John Agim, the spokesman for the DHQ said the report was meant to discourage the government from rescuing the girls.

Salkida said abduction was not on the agenda of the Boko Haram insurgents when they set foot on Chibok on that fateful day in 2014.

His words: “Four years ago, a middle ranking BH commander led dozens of fighters in search of food and other supplies in the remote town of Chibok. Like an afterthought, they saw a chance to abduct school girls in GSS Chibok. The girls at the time were preparing for their exams.

“The dozens of BH fighters faced no opposition during the abduction, as they struggled to convey their captives to the forest of Alagarno, the insurgents’ first war capital, which they named Timbuktu. It was in Timbuktu that they organised most of the horror we experience today.

“Some of the girls were lucky to have escaped on their way to Timbuktu that night, because there were fewer fighters to hold more than 200 girls. At the beginning, the group didn't know what to do with the girls, at least, not in the first one month of their captivity.

“However, what many people did not know was that two weeks into the abduction, the Jonathan administration was already in touch with me for the peaceful release of the girls. By the way, I was in self-exile after pressure from the same government.

“I took an excuse where I was doing a menial job in the UAE (but still reporting the insurgency), to see the president, which was facilitated by Aliyu Gebi and Labaran Maku. By the 3rd of May, I was already on my way from Abuja to Madagali, Marwa and finally to a BH camp.

“I got a proof of life for the president and another for the media in case I didn't get back. The demands of BH then were simple: they wanted detained members taken to Damaturu and they will move the girls to Buniyardi for swap somewhere in between. There was no word on ransom.

“I was provided with full military escorts from Abuja to Damaturu. Government was supposed to make sure that 70 detainees were ready on my arrival in Damaturu to meet 30 there. The rest of the negotiating team was in Abuja making sure the prisoners were on a plane before my arrival.

“On arrival in Damaturu, the military commander there was not briefed about my work. He was merely told to expect a VIP? At that time, the girls had been moved by Boko Haram, but there was no prisoners for exchange and I got a call from the former CDS (chief of defence staff) to abort the operation.

“The president later said before me that he did not call off the swap. There was a credible window, but zero will to rescue the girls. BH were angry. I returned to the UAE to continue my hustle, but received invitations not only by the former administration, but the current government.

“Four out of five processes that I was involved in, we came close to a swap deal, but government, in most instances, did not provide the platform I presented with the required expertise. And whenever government dragged its feet, Shekau would shift the goal post.

“I continued my reporting on the crisis, often critical of government & BH, with both sides raising concerns. For me, I am a reporter before anything else. Many officials consider me as somebody who was too independent minded for a process that needs to be shrouded in secrecy.

“Government  began to look for alternatives to conclude what I had  started and  my former couriers stepped in as the primary 'negotiators.' It was a break for me because it is no longer negotiations, but mere transaction. Another reason was my insistence that the process must be domesticated

“I was a prickle in the flesh of our leaders with my counter claims of official narratives. A day after I exclusively released a video of the girls, something I had v done in the past, I was declared wanted by same military that provided me with escorts and military aircraft for assignments.

“ I was amazed to learn later that the terms that saw the release of some of the girls was unfavourable than what I presented, but as my friend will say, even if we come up with a cure for cancer, the war economy and elites would rather die than accept a cure from a talaka.

“Today, my painstaking investigations on the #Chibokschoolgirls revealed that just a handful of the 113 #ChibokGirls are alive. Many of the girls have died as a result of cross fires and bombardments of the security forces that no doubt were intent on rescuing them.

“ I regret to state here that only 15 out of the 113 #Chibokgirls are alive today, based on my investigations in the last 3 months and we have already seen some of them in a video, which I exclusively obtained and was published on SR website.

“What is the status of the remaining 15 girls as far as negotiations are concerned? My investigations also revealed that, they are no longer under the control of #AbubakarShekau. According to sources, they are now 'married' and only their 'husbands' can decide their fates.

“ If they are divorced or the men are killed that is when Shekau's decision takes precedence, and in this instance, since the girls have been indoctrinated, their leader has no right to negotiate for their release, no matter the ransom offered, reliable multiple sources said.

“It will be unbearable to share the names of the 15 that are alive here. This is the responsibility of government. When I was involved I regularly provided proof of life. Government must demand that to prove me wrong or stop negotiating for many of the girls that don't exist.

“The secrecy around the condition of the #ChibokGirls and most recent #DapchiGirls debacle by those involved is the reason people like me are out of the picture. The fact remains that under the present circumstances there is NO room for peace settlement.

“The way out for these girls, is a military rescue or negotiate with individual captors to release their 'wives' in return for some kind of deal, but this will mean death to these fighters because  the terror group now sees the girls as part of their own and must be protected.

“How come there is little or no information about the girls and both the parents and campaigners are in the dark? Because government  resists independent reporting of the crisis, most of the reports are choreographed and  Nigerians are also not ready to hear the truth or stand by it.

“I've risked my life and that of my family in the past and even now, not only to tell the story, but to play the role of a mediator and fact finder. But as soon as the FG found alternatives, my sacrifices got an official ridicule and I am being hounded.

“I hold no other intention of doing this than the need to stir a debate to demand more insights and bring closure to the parents. The nation must not fail you from rescuing your daughters and also fail to tell you the truth.

“My heartfelt condolences to the parents of the near 100 that have perished or have not returned home and apparently not with their captors. But you must always remember that your daughters were stronger than the rest of us that couldn't do more to avert this catastrophe.”

LAND GRABBERS STAB ARTISAN

Rapheal

An aluminium technician, Kayode Raphael escaped death by whiskers after he was attacked suspected land grabbers in the Isu area of Imota, Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb.

The incident happened penultimate Saturday while Raphael and others were trying to install aluminium roof of a building under construction.

The victim had barely started work at the site when the hoodlums stormed the site and attacked him with hammer and broken bottles.

Raphael however managed to escape into nearby bush from where he reported the incident to Imota Police Division.

He said: ‘’ Sometimes in October, I went to a site to install aluminium roof of a building when the same gang of land grabbers stormed the building and demanded a sum of N10,000 as settlement before they could allow us to work. When we gave them N5000, they refused to collect the money and instead wanted to attack us. We contacted Imota Police Division and the matter was settled amicably.

‘’On Saturday November 18, 2017, at about 9.30 am, we were about six working on a site when members of the gang came there and smashed a hammer on my face. While I was trying to escape from the scene, one of them pursued me and stabbed me with broken bottles repeatedly on my arms.

‘’ I managed to escape into the bush and ran to Imota Police Division to report the incident. I was given police authorization letter to Ikorodu General Hospital for proper treatment. But I could not go to the hospital because I had lost so much blood and my body was weak. This made my friends to take me to a private hospital where I was treated and my wounds stitched.”

The spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr Olarinde Famous-Cole could not be reached for comments on his mobile phone, while a text message forwarded to his phone was not returned as of press time. CALLED FROM THENATION http://thenationonlineng.net/suspected-land-grabbers-stab-artisan/

Yewande Peregrino Of Beyond Faces Is Dead

Yewande

One of Nigeria Make-Up artist, Yewande Peregrino, the beautiful lady behind Beyond Faces Makeover gave up the ghost earlier this morning after a brief illness.

Yewande, a mother of one, was very active and agile and full of life until a few weeks when she took ill.

She as carved a niche for herself in the beauty world, She was one of leading makeup artists in Nigeria.

She started her carrier with Tara Fela-Durotoye, House of Tara before she moved on and started her line Beyond Faces which she run for 10 years.

Details of her last moments are still sketchy as at the time of filing this report, but her friends have taken to the social media to lament Yewande’s sudden demise.

Her remain was committed to mother heart this evening.

Yewande

Her remain 

Yoruba Actress, Tosin Aderounmu Celebrate husband

One of the Nigeria finest noolywood star cum Producer Tosin Aderounmu Popularly known as Tosin Omi-Ata, took to her facebook page to celebrate her husband’s birthday, the Ogun State-born screen Diva and Omi-Ata Producer ecologies her hubby.

“Please join me and celebrate my one and only Olowo Orimi, My husband, father, brother, friend my everything, Today is your Birthday may God Almighty protection and his mercy be upon you darling Amen” 

Kidnappers killed two policemen and Abduct expatriate

Two policemen were reportedly killed on Monday around 7pm at a construction site along the Obajana-Oshokoshoko road, Lokoja local government area by unknown hoodlums who also abducted one of the expatriate identified as Jose Mechada, a Portuguese.

The two police were his security guard, according to the information gathered, the gunmen aim to abduct the expatriate the police men engage them.   

The police sergeant, Gini John was reportedly shot dead on the spot, while Inspector Ezekiel Negedu died at the hospital.

The Kogi Police State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Williams Ayah said that the hoodlums numbered about 15.

He said that they invaded the construction site and engaged the men on guard, and that two of them died in the process while the expatriate was kidnapped.

He said the State Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of operations to mobilise operatives from the Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS), the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Counter Terrorism Unit, to comb the areas for the possible rescue operation.

Ayah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the CP visited the scene of the incident and met with the management of the company (Dangote Company), and assured of the efforts by the police to rescue the expatriate.

Woman sold daughter to settle Debt

Wonder they say shall never end this was how to describe the incident for a mother to sell her only daughter to settle debt.  

a single mother Olubunmi Funke open up on why she sold her three years old daughter to one Abibat Oyesanya, a member of child trafficking ring to enable offset debt.

L-R: Funke and her accomplices

Funke confess that she took prostitution as a business to raise money to pay the debt when her husband sent her away, she added that the syndicate who allegedly specialized in child stealing and kidnapping in South West, bought the little girl off her for N280,000.

She made the disclosure to reporters at Eleweran, the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters where she was paraded along with two other women, Abibat Oyesanya and  Morenike Shittu in connection with Child trafficking

 "I gave out my three year old daughter to Abibat Oyesanya who is into local adoption business. But she promised me that I would be allowed to visit my daughter once in three month.

"I am a prostitute. I engaged in prostitution after my first husband sent me packing. So, I decided to give out my daughter to woman who gave me N280,000. I used the money to offset my debt.

"The woman also requested for more children based on more demands for those adopting children. That is why I kidnapped the baby girl in Bodija, Ojurin, Ibadan, and brought it to the woman."

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed said the Police in the state were committed to flushing out criminals, adding that the suspects were arrested as part of "ember month mop-up operations of the Command."

Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, 37 finalists Emerges

The pageant, which is organised by Silverbird Entertainment, will mark its 30th anniversary with the upcoming edition.

The 37 finalists will compete for the crown of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria on Friday, September 15, at the EKO Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Here are the finalists.

Miss Abia, Jessica Okeke

Miss Abuja, Amromawhe Ese

Miss Adamawa, Angela Obiesie

Miss Akwwa Ibom, Esther Ikrok

Miss Anambra, Maristella-Okpala

Miss Bauchi, Valentina-Okeke

Miss Bayelsa-Rebecca N. Hampson

Miss Benue, Monica Odel

Miss Bornu, UwemTriona

Miss Cross-River, Christy Anie

Miss Delta, Precious Omovo

Miss Ebonyi, Chidinnna Obasi

Miss Edo, Analoo Ibadin

Miss Ekiti, Onyinye Ogugua

Miss Enugu, Leilani Aaron

Miss Gombe, Divine Umeh

Miss Imo, Ugomma Ukegbu

Miss Gigawa, Patricia Ogene

Miss Kaduna, Solobi Okereke

Miss Kano, Anastasia Amadi

Miss Kastina, Adaeze Ejims

Miss Kebbi, Ugochi Ihezue

Moss Kogi, Elimingbovo Omoye

Miss Kwara, Sophia Dike

Miss Lagos, Natasha Akpokona

Miss Nasarawa, Mary-Anne Unoka

Miss Niger, Sophia Ogei

Miss Ogun, Lauretta Ogbu

Miss Ondo, Orumwense Daniella

Miss Osun, Sylvia Ibe

Miss Oyo, Emmanuella Yaboh

Miss Plateau, Winfrey Okoro

Miss Rivers, Chinda Homasom

Miss Sokoto, Stephanie Agbasi

Miss Taraba, Utibema Elisha

Miss Yobe, Ndah Gift

Miss ZamfaraChineye Okonkwo