Government pays N3.4 billion pension benefits to Retirees
The Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Board has begun disbursement N3.4 billion pension entitlements to 1,331 beneficiaries.
The acting Executive Secretary of the board, Nasiru Haruna, said this in a statement by the spokesman of the board, Ismail Ibrahim, on Thursday in Dutse.
Haruna said payments were being made to pensioners who retired from the service and those who died between January and July, 2024.
He said that more than N2.5 billion was disbursed to 1,001 beneficiaries, who retired either by reaching the mandatory retirement age of 35 years or 60 years of age.
The executive secretary said that more than N730 million was being paid to heirs of 241 beneficiaries, who died in active service.
According to him, N109.5 million is being paid to 84 beneficiaries, who retired from service and started receiving monthly pension but died before reaching their minimum period of five years after retirement.
“The last batch was beneficiary who did not contribute up to a period of five years and the law stated that for every staff to qualify to be paid from the scheme, he or she must contribute for a minimum period of five years.
“Under this category, we have paid one person the sum of N2,705,459 including 15 per cent interest.
“Today, we are going to pay the sum of N3,422,239,826 to 1,331 workers who retired or died from various state MDAs, LGCs and LGEAs,” he said.
He said the payment included retirement benefit, death benefit, death pension balance and refund of eight per cent contribution.
Haruna advised retirees to desist from engaging third party in processing their benefits, adding that the board did not authorised anybody to facilitate and or receive any amount from retirees.
“Our services are free. Never bribe any of our staff for your terminal benefits as we work under guidelines establishing our board in line with pension regulations.
“If any person asks for money within and outside the pension house to process your payment, it is a fraud and should be reported to the board for necessary penalty,” he said.
Haruna further commended Gov. Umar Namadi for releasing N3.42 billion to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits of the 1,331 retirees.
He recalled that in January this year, the state government released N2 billion as bailout to the board to enable it to settle outstanding gratuities.
“Since the coming of the present administration, it has prioritised the welfare of pensioners and workers and that is why it inaugurated a committee of experts to review/appraise the state and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme.
“With the recent approval, the state government has now released over N5.4 billion to the board as bailout and it has cleared all the outstanding payment of gratuities”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MNB/OPC/RSA
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.