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Governor Adeleke orders fast-tracking of pension payment

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The government of Osun State is working on a plan to enroll contributory pensioners in the state health insurance scheme even as the Governor has issued a directive for the immediate payment of pension entitlement as planned in the template released earlier this year.

The Governor dropped the hints while receiving leaders of thought who paid him a sallah homage, according to a statement by the spokesperson to the State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo.

The Governor noted that he has received many representations from the pensioners, restating his determination to address their issues in line with his campaign promises.

The Governor said the template released earlier this year on clearing of outstanding salaries and pensions is still in force and he subsequently directed the Head of Service to fast track the implementation by ensuring the payment of the pension arrears in line with the approved template.

“The template was created with an eye on gradual clearing of the salary and pension debts. This was in recognition of the financial status of the state which is well documented and known to the public. Our administration focuses on meeting the various needs of the state within a tight financial situation.

“Our administration is however prioritizing workers’ welfare which covers in and out of service workers. I restate our commitment to the welfare of our senior citizens, the pensioners. The phased payments is a standby directive and I assured our pensioners that they are not and cannot be forgotten,” the Governor assured.

Dropping another hint of a pro-pensioners plans, Governor Adeleke said his administration is almost finalizing a plan to enroll the pensioners under the state health insurance scheme to address their health needs.

“Our administration is working hard on health insurance enrollment for the pensioners. Our senior citizens needs constant health attention. We think the best approach is to enrol them as that will ease the burden of treatment during their retirement.

“We are working on the details. Once it is finalized, we will release it for immediate implementation”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.

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Crime

Gumi: Timi Frank urges Trump to halt security cooperation with Nigeria

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From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Wednesday, urged the United States government and President Donald Trump to halt intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government, citing recent comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on banditry and terrorism.

Frank who made the call in a statement issued in Abuja, said the remarks credited to Gumi suggesting that Nigerian authorities may know the identities and locations of bandits raise serious questions about the handling of insecurity in the country.

“If it is true that the government knows the names of these bandits, knows where they are located and even knows their camps, then Nigerians deserve to know why decisive action has not been taken,” he said.

He argued that the continued rise in kidnappings and killings across the country suggests that insecurity has escalated despite claims that security agencies possess intelligence about those responsible.

According to him, the continued deterioration of security despite international support raises suspicion that insecurity may be benefiting some individuals, alleging that insecurity in the country has become a “profitable business” for some actors within the system.

“Kidnappings have increased. Killings have escalated. Insecurity has worsened across the country. If a government truly knows the identities and locations of terrorists and bandits yet fails to act decisively, then that raises serious concerns,” he said.

He added: “They want the insecurity to persist because as long as insecurity continues in the country, it’s an opportunity for them to rig the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

“They don’t care about Nigerians that are dying. They don’t care about Nigerians that are being kidnapped. They don’t care about the well-being of the people. They don’t care about the suffering of the people. They don’t care about good governance. All they care about is how they will rig themselves back to power using insecurity as cover.”

He urged the United States to exercise caution in its dealings with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of intelligence while asserting that “the government of today appears to be friends with terrorists.”

“I am calling on the United States government to be very careful in its dealings with the current Nigerian administration. The U.S. should suspend intelligence sharing and security cooperation with the Nigerian government and its security chiefs,” he said.

The activist alleged that despite the security assistance Nigeria has received from international partners, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate.

“There appears to be a pattern where the government continues to receive security assistance and aid from the United States and other international partners, yet insecurity keeps worsening,” he said.

He said Nigerian soldiers were still losing their lives in the fight against insurgency and banditry despite military equipment and support provided by foreign partners.

“Today, Nigerian soldiers are dying in large numbers despite the equipment and support provided by the United States and other countries. With the level of support Nigeria has received, the war against insecurity should have made significant progress,” he said.

The activist called on President Trump to take decisive steps against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and act independently if necessary.

“We are appealing directly to President Donald Trump to take a strong and decisive stand. If the United States truly wants to help Nigeria defeat terrorism and make the country great again, it should be prepared to act firmly against the terrorists responsible for the violence,” he said.

He added that such actions should not depend solely on cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

“The United States should be ready to take bold steps in confronting terrorist networks threatening Nigeria, even if it means acting independently like it did on Christmas eve against those responsible for the violence,” he said.

Frank who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, also called on the United States Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria and support measures that would address insecurity and strengthen democratic processes.

He further urged the United States to support credible democratic processes in Nigeria, noting that free and fair elections would help strengthen governance and stability.

According to him, decisive international engagement could help address the security challenges facing the country and support efforts to restore stability.

“If the United States truly wants to assist Nigeria, it should help ensure peace, security and credible democratic processes. That is how Nigeria can move forward and become stable and prosperous again,” he said.

He added that strong international support could help Nigeria overcome insecurity and rebuild confidence in governance.

“With the right actions and international support, Nigeria can defeat terrorism, restore stability and move toward a future where the country can truly become great again,” he said.

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US Property Scandal: Timi Frank Urges Tinubu To Suspend, Probe Wike Now

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US Property Scandal: Timi Frank Urges Tinubu To Suspend, Probe Wike Now

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently suspend Nyesom Wike as minister of FCT and cause investigation to be carried out
on his US property scandal.

Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, called on the President to break his silence on the scandal and demonstrate the same commitment to accountability like the way he acted swiftly and unequivocally in suspending former cabinet minister Betta Edu over corruption charges far less serious than those now confronting Minister Wike.

According to media reports, Wike allegedly acquired property in Florida, and to hide the assets, he allegedly registered them under his wife’s name, Justice Eberechi Wike, and children, Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan.

According to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle, President Tinubu’s silence in the face of overwhelming evidence of the houses in public domain is troubling.

“With detailed reports from credible sources such as People’s Gazette and Sahara Reporters, and with glaring evidence ignored by anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC, it sends a dangerous message that some officials are untouchable,” he lamented.

He urged the President to be aware that impunity and arrogance of government officials like Wike weakens citizens trust in governance and contribute to revolts like the Nepal uprising.

He commended Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Reporters and the Publishers of People’s Gazette for their courage in exposing corruption in the country, irrespective of serving government officials involved.

He warned Tinubu not to make any official in his cabinet feel as if they are untouchable or they are God.

He stated that the Presidency represents the integrity of Nigeria and must uphold the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of political alliances.

Frank added: “The reasons behind this continued inaction in the case are of Wike appear tied to the political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential elections.

“However, allowing political ambition to shield corruption will irreparably harm Nigeria’s reputation internationally.

“The world is watching, and this selective justice undermines investor confidence and portrays Nigeria as a nation unable or unwilling to fight corruption—even within its highest offices.

“Furthermore, even when crises erupted in Rivers State, President Tinubu suspended only Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly members while leaving the Minister of FCT, Wike, untouched.

“This inconsistency fuels suspicions of favoritism and political shielding. Nigerians and the international community deserve to know why the President appears reluctant to confront alleged corruption linked to a close political ally.

“Selective enforcement of the law erodes national pride and makes Nigeria a laughing stock among peer nations, many of whom prosecute corruption allegations without hesitation.

“We urge President Tinubu to immediately suspend and commission an independent investigation into Minister Wike, just as was done with Betta Edu.

“The President should protect the dignity of Nigeria and the trust of its citizens by rejecting selective justice and political expediency. The integrity of Nigeria’s governance and its image on the global stage depend on it.”

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Be selfless, Rotary Club President advises Interactors

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From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama,  Rtn.  Rosemond Favour Uche has advised Interactors to be selfless.

She also asked the Interactors to put service to the society above any gain.

She implored them to work peace wherever they may be because development thrives in a violence-free environment.

Rosemond gave the charge at a quiz and debate competition between the Interact clubs of J.S.S Dutse Alhaji 1 and Parliament School, Apo in Abuja.

“You are the future of Rotary International, I want to advise you to be selfless in whatever you do.

“You should know that until  everyone is accommodated that there can be a just society. We don’t need divisions along ethnic or religious lines”, she said.

PHOTO CAPTION: The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama, Rtn. Rosemond Favour Uche presenting a gift to Miss Civir-Ter Bemgba after a quiz competition organised for members of the Interact Clubs of J.S.S Dutse Alhaji 1 and Parliament School Apo on “Peace building and conflict prevention ” in Abuja while Rtn. Cynthia Igbokwe watches.

Rosemond pleaded with the young students to put service above any other pursuit.

She said: “You must put service above self. You should learn to serve the society to leave legacies instead of seeking personal gains.

“This is the main focus of Rotary International. We want a society where there will be a sense of belonging for all; we want a world where we will only serve and not expecting anything in return.”

The District Governor-elect, Dame Princess Joy Nky Okoro urged the Interactors to learn to be “good citizens. “

 

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