JUST IN: Contributory Pension Scheme lacks implementation credibility
JUST IN: Contributory Pension Scheme lacks implementation credibility
Some pensioners in Makurdi have described the Contributory Pension Scheme as lacking in implementation credibility.
The pensioners, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Makurdi, said though the policy was designed to be the best pension scheme, it had failed.
A former federal civil servant, Mr Tsea Humbe, told NAN that the scheme was designed to reduce the frustration hitherto experienced by retirees after exiting service.
Humbe noted that before the introduction of the scheme, most retirees had difficulties accessing their pension many years after retirement.
He said it was based on that challenge that the Federal Government introduced the scheme to ameliorate the sufferings of the retirees.
“However, this challenge is still staring in the face of the retirees. Most retirees still find it difficult to access their pensions after exiting service.
“I am a victim. I retired in 2020, and I am yet to start receiving my pension. Though the process is on, I have not started enjoying my pension,” Humbe said.
Another retiree, Mr Francis Myaga, called on the Federal Government to intensify supervision of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), to ensure they were treating pension issues with dispatch.
Myaga expressed optimism that the measure would help retirees start drawing pensions at least two months after retirement.
The retiree therefore, advised the government to reduce most of the bureaucratic bottlenecks to pave the way for pensioners to have easy access to their pensions. (NAN)
The approval is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Awwal Manu-Dogondaji, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
According to the statement, civil servants in the state will now work from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.
It added that normal working hours would resume after Ramadan.
Manu-Dogondaji urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayers for lasting peace and stability in Kebbi and Nigeria.
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has also approved reduction of working hours for state civil servants to honour the 2025 Ramadan fast.
The approval is in a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Muhammad Dagaceri, on Tuesday in Dutse.
He stated that “civil servants in the state will report to the office at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, throughout the Ramadan period.
“On Fridays, the civil servants will report at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.’’
The head of service explained that the gesture is to provide opportunities for civil servants to fully engage in spiritual activities associated with the holy month.
“It is hoped that civil servants in the state will use the Ramadan period to pray for God’s guidance and blessings for our state and the country in general,” Dagaceri added.
Muslims worldwide have started observing the 29 or 30 days of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Lunar calendar.
While observing the dawn-to-dusk fast, Muslims are to refrain from eating, drinking and intimate activities throughout the period.
Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,400 years ago.(NAN)
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7 armed robbery suspects arrested by Police operatives,firearms, ammunitions recovered
7 armed robbery suspects arrested by Police operatives,firearms, ammunitions recovered
The Police Command in Enugu State, says it has arrested seven suspects for alleged armed robbery and conspiracy.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that the suspects were apprehended by detectives attached to the command’s Criminal Investigation Department.
He explained that the arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence and response to a report received at the Unity Police Division.
He added that exhibits which include firearms, ammunition, machetes and other alleged stolen items were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, on Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 respectively, the Unity Police Division received a report that suspected armed robbers invaded and robbed some residents of Ibagwa-Nike community in Enugu of their valuables.
“Upon the transfer of the case, detective from the state’s CID attached to the Anti-Robbery (D9) Section immediately launched an intelligence-guided investigation, leading to the apprehension of the seven suspects.
”One pump-action gun, two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges and two machetes, were recovered from the suspects.
”Also recovered were SIM cards, Identity cards, clothes, supplement drugs and other robbed items, which the owners have identified.”
The spokesman said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court once investigations were concluded.
Ndukwe quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, as reiterating the command’s determination to significantly reduce crime in the state.
Uzuegbu said this however required the continuous contribution and unwavering support of residents.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and steadfast in supporting the police. (NAN)
News
Demonstrators hit the Streets as Husband allegedly murders pregnant Wife
Demonstrators hit the Streets as Husband allegedly murders pregnant Wife
A group of women, united under the banner of Concerned Market Women, took to the streets of Benin City on Monday to stage a peaceful protest, voicing their outrage over the brutal killing of 38-year-old housewife, Success Izekor.
The rally, held in the heart of the city, condemned the tragic death of Izekor, who was allegedly murdered by her husband, Kelvin Izekor, in an act of domestic violence.
Success Izekor, who was four months pregnant, met her untimely death on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at their home on No. 50, Upper Mission Road, Benin City.
Reports suggest she was fatally stabbed by her husband in what has been described as a senseless and violent act.
The women, armed with placards bearing powerful messages, gathered in solidarity to raise awareness about the rising tide of domestic violence and to demand justice for Success.
Their slogans echoed across the streets, decrying the growing menace of abuse faced by women within their homes.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Odion Asemota, a representative of the group, made a passionate appeal to the government and the judicial system to ensure that justice is served for the late Success Izekor.
According to Asemota although Success’s husband is currently being probed, his mother is reportedly boasting that she will be freed on the grounds of mental illness.
“We cannot allow the life of a woman to be discounted simply because of a potential legal loophole,” Asemota stated.
“We are demanding justice, and we will continue to stand for it until Success Izekor’s death is rightfully addressed.”
“This was a man who married Success in June last year, and just eight months later, he stabbed her to death while she was four months pregnant.
“After killing her on Saturday night, he went to her store on Sunday and took the money she used for her Point of Sale (POS) business.
“He even attempted to secretly dispose of her body on Sunday, but neighbours caught him,” she alleged.
The Edo State Police Command had before now confirmed the murder of Success Izekor, with a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu.
Yamu disclosed that authorities were alerted to the tragic incident involving Kelvin Izekor, who had reportedly killed his wife, Success Izekor.
He further revealed that the suspect was on the verge of being attacked by an angry mob before police intervention.