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2023: Tinubu May Dump APC For Another Party Over ‘Fear Of Defeat’

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Reports emerged on Saturday claiming the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is “working on an alternative party” to vie for the 2023 presidency.

Tinubu, who is presently the leading aspirants, is aware of plots by some party stalwart and governors to deny him the party’s ticket.

According to the report, Buhari, who had refused to name his preferred candidate over fear he or she would be killed, is said to be favouring a younger aspirant.

Tinubu, who is refusing to be caught off guard, is not putting all eggs in one basket to avoid being caught unawares by an “unfavourable outcome” of the APC primary.

It was gathered that the former Lagos State governor is planning to use the Ekiti State Governorship election to test the waters.

The APC leader is reportedly aligning with Segun Oni a one-time Ekiti Governor and SDP flagbearer, because he is aware he does not have the backing of Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is also interested in the presidency.

“The President wants a younger person and that’s not Tinubu.

“Fayemi wants to be President if the office is zoned to the South”, a source told Daily Post.

“If he fails, he may get the SGF (Secretary to the Government of the Federation) position as long as the next President or Vice are not from South-West.

“Tinubu is monitoring all that’s happening and he seems to have pitched his tent with the SDP.

“The truth is that civil servants like Oni are ready to vote for him.

“With his cold war with Fayemi and Oni’s popularity, Tinubu has developed a soft spot for the SDP.

“And this isn’t just about Ekiti election, he may contest on the platform if APC denies him a ticket.”

It was gathered that Oni’s running mate, Otunba Ladi Owolabi was picked after consultations with Tinubu’s camp.

“Oni, 67, is from Ifaki while Owolabi, 68, is an Ado Ekiti indigene.

Sources also accused the Fayemi administration of allegedly stopping Tinubu from using the Adetiloye Hall during his visit to Ekiti monarchs a fortnight ago.

“The authorities stopped the use of the venue because Fayemi isn’t working for his political leader’s ambition.

“In fact, by the time Tinubu landed, Fayemi left the state via helicopter.

“They said he had to be in Abuja. He could have briefly showed up at the parley with the Obas but didn’t want to be seen with Tinubu in such a gathering”, another source told Daily Post.

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What Soludo should avoid as Anambra Governor

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

By Tonnie Iredia

Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the new governor of Anambra state is a well-known reformer in Nigeria’s public sector. He had served creditably as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2004-9) and only those who refused to renew his appointment after the Obasanjo years know what criteria they used to stop Nigeria from continuing to benefit from the services of pragmatic Soludo.

Each time I met him in those days when we were in government, I always subconsciously imagined that he deservedly possessed what Warren Bennis identified as features of strategic leadership, namely: Vision, Passion and Integrity. Bennis was the man who invented leadership as a business idea and whose legacy has since been honored with a prize for the best articles on leadership every year in the Harvard Business Review. If nothing else, Soludo showed ample visionary leadership in his reformist agenda at the CBN. Will he be able to extend same to Anambra state?

Listening to his inauguration speech last Thursday, it was obvious that Governor Soludo had mastered the strategy for arriving at the location he envisages Anambra ought to be some 4 years ahead. A few minutes after the inauguration, he began an active governance project starting appropriately from Okpoko – a local community empirically determined as the weakest link in the state which had been abandoned over the years.

Part of those who waited to receive the new governor there were: several heaps of refuse along with street traders and sweepers who could not immediately fathom what sanctions their lethargy would attract. The starting point no doubt resonated a number of institutional statements; first, that everywhere will be touched and second that it was time for everyone to work in view of the transparent leadership by example posture of the first 48 hours of Soludo’s tenure.

The governor’s occupational antecedents of executing every project with a commercial mindset would certainly impact greatly on the state. One obvious advantage of the mindset is that just as an increase in revenue generation would be easily quantifiable, many intangible goals would similarly be transparently recorded as profits in the sense of democracy dividends. Under the circumstance, there are a legion of things governor Soludo needs to watch or avoid.

The first is that although the ‘spoils system’ which patronizes party members who played active roles in elections is followed across the globe, Governor Soludo must not allow his party to pressure him to appoint unqualified persons into critical positions in which they can hardly add value to society. The same is true of the awards of contracts for several works which must be channeled to only persons and firms that have cognate experience in each venture. This would encourage first class jobs.

One way of doing this is to sensitize party leaders on the qualifications and competences for each position/project so as to drastically reduce the nomination of misfits for any assignment. An area where party members often agitate to make contributions centres around arrangements for internally generated revenue. Here, the ingenuity of officials at all levels should never be underrated. For example, the existence of receipts for payments does not in our system guarantee the destination of the payments. They may still end up (in the case of markets and parks), in private pockets of individuals and union officials. In today’s world of technology, Soludo is certainly fully aware of the many platforms devoid of bureaucracy that can secure revenue because funding is key to successful project execution

Anambra is one of the states greatly affected by insecurity hence Soludo’s determination to work towards ending senseless killings of his people particularly able-bodied youths. But while his plan to aggregate the efforts of all stakeholders in the attainment of peace is salutary, he should avoid making the mistake of some of his colleagues who converted state security to individual affair.

Government must at all times be seen to be playing the pivotal role because that is its primary purpose. Arguments such as everyone should defend himself does not only validate state abdication from its primary responsibility, it also gives an impression that the state has tacitly emboldened criminal elements to freely operate. In addition, political leaders must stop showing more interest in political meetings and social events while overlooking security breaches that result in fatalities. The life of every citizen should matter.

Most importantly, Soludo should avoid distractions. For example, he should be cautious about the numerous meetings of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum which as a body has long lost its usefulness. Since when Jonathan’s government recognized the governor with 16 followers as the leader of the forum instead of the one with 19 followers, the forum has been distracted from its original goal of serving as a tool for peer review. It has indeed broken into partisan segments. However, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to which Soludo belongs, does not have other governors and as such will not be tempted to create an APGA Governors’ Forum for partisan politics. Besides, the governor has no business serving as the leader of the party which would pull him unnecessarily into the unending Nigerian electioneering during governance. As soon as a candidate is elected governor, he translates into a statesman and the father of the entire state and not a leader of his party which in any case is merely a design for channelling government funds into party coffers.

It is logical to assume that having served as CBN governor, the quest by Soludo to become a state governor was altruistically to make his state – Anambra, greater than it has been. He is therefore in a different position from many politicians who struggle to become senators after having served as governors or ministers. Thus, Soludo has no business distracting himself. As Anambra governor, it would be a tragedy if Soludo later defects to another party so as to win a second term election or to get any corrupt practices covered for him as we see of many defectors who proffer absurd reasons for such conduct. A governor who performs brilliantly in his first term, hardly needs a second term to put his name in gold; his salary is free for him, so is his feeding and accommodation. He therefore has no need to run from pillar to post for reelection because with a sincere performance, a second term is virtually guaranteed.

The nation certainly looks forward to standards to be set in Anambra during Soludo’s tenure. Unlike many political leaders, he needs to abide by the letter and spirit of the constitution. He should avoid the practice of frustrating the existence of a local government system of government. Accordingly, it is wrong to do as many others have done to constitute party loyalists into the state’s “independent” electoral commission to conduct fake elections just as it is immoral to use whatever strategy to divert local government funds. Anambra state legislature as a distinct arm of government should be allowed to function freely. Consequently, there would be no need to bribe the legislators to pass any bills. If these are followed and Anambra becomes a reference point in our clime, credit would go to governor Soludo.

It is also important to draw attention to the need for the governor to be on top of state issues. Many officials would bring up very articulate narratives which if not properly interrogated could turn out to be incorrect. For instance, on a lighter note, last Thursday, two over-grown girls virtually marred Soludo’s inauguration through fisticuffs. The narrative to the whole world was that one of them, the immediate governor’s wife slapped the wife of the former warlord. When a video coverage later showed that it was the reverse, the narrative changed to ‘the slap was due to provocation.’ The lesson here is that our narratives are usually never detailed and are always affected by prejudice. A last minute disruption to great efforts introduced by someone close can take the shine off great achievements. So Chukwuma Soludo must beware.

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Adeboye to Women in Ministry: Spend Quality Time in Prayers to Avoid Gossips

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has advised Women In Ministry to spend quality time praying in the spirit to avoid gossiping.

Adeboye while speaking at the 2022 Women in Ministry Conference on theme: The Ever Increasing Christian Woman noted that praying in the Holy Ghost and Great Faith will help avoid act of gossip.

“The only way to get your faith is to get the word and practice the word, by (praying in the holy spirit), if you spend quality time praying in the holy spirit you will not have time for gossip”.

Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Ndubuisi

Read Also: IWD: Church, Society Cannot Fully Function Without Women’s Participation – Pastor (Mrs) Ndubuisi

Adeboye, read the scripture from Ephesians 2 vs 8, explained that if we are talking about an ever increasing woman, we are talking about a woman increasing in faith.

“You are called a Christian Woman because you are increased by faith, faith is in category which include zero faith, little faith, smallest faith (faith as small as a mustard seed), and Great faith.

Meanwhile, the Mother-In-Isreal, RCCG, Pastor (Mrs). Folu Adeboye
congratulates the women at the conference for another opportunity to gather and promised her continued support for the General Overseer.

Also, Wife of the Zonal Pastor, Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Ndubuisi, RCCG, House of David Parish encouraged women at the occasion to be dutiful, virtuous and prayerful to have their desired homes.

Pastor (Mrs) Halima Oyelade

Similarly, Pastor (Mrs Halima Oyelade) while speaking on self management urge women to be acquainted with the ability to know what happens to them and people around them.

According to Oyelade, self management helps to live with people, money, gift, talents, vision and task ahead.

The event which held at RCCG House of David Parish had in attendance the Zonal Pastor, and Wives of Area Pastors.

Highlights of the event include Talks, Questions and Answers, Song Ministration and Thanksgiving Offering.

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Plateau Speaker Decamps from PDP to APC

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Plateau State House of Assembly’s former speaker, Honourable Abok Nuhu Ayuba has decamped from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

A statement signed by his Media Assistant, Itse Samuel Kaze, disclosed that Abok on Friday, officially tendered his letter of membership withdrawal to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), while presenting a letter of intent, seeking to return to his earlier party, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the party’s Local Government Secretariat in Angware, Jos East.

He added that his action became necessary in other to save the Local Government and the State from failed leadership that will lead to a state of total collapse if allowed.

Appreciating the party for considering and accepting his intention in a warm welcome, Abok said, “Chairman and your EXCO, elders and party faithful, ladies and gentlemen,

“I stand before you, deeply touched and inspired by your generous words of acceptance and encouragement. With boundless gratitude for the confidence you placed in me — I here, wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders, faithful, and the people all together for your strong support.”

“Thank you, Chairman, for graciously preparing and guiding the meeting today. I greatly look forward to supporting you and working with you, as you have wisely steered the party in Jos East towards a progressive state and on a part of a  very successful mission.”

“Distinguish comrades, weldone! For you did astutely guide this great party into the 21st. century standard as expected.”

You have defined an ambitious agenda that has formed the PDP truly indispensable to winning elections, and to attaining the set level of peace, prosperity and human dignity within our Local Government, State, and the nation, of which the common Plateau man daily yearns for. My debt to your courage and mission is immeasurable. I hereby resolve to work along in line with your pure refined vision.”

“In earnest, I hope that the youth of Jos East, Plateau, and Nigeria will realize that the PDP is working hard to build a better future for us. As a loyal returnee — I pledge to wholly embrace the party’s ideals, hopes, and appeals. I am an optimist — and I am full of hope about the future of our great party. Let’s work together for a PDP that can deliver more, and better, and win all elections.”

Reacting on its part, Honorable Izang Ishaya Adamu, Chairman,  PDP Jos East said, “Rt Honourable Abok is the best person we have expected. His unwavering dedication to justice, principle, and leadership experience are crucial to the party’s organizational unity and progress towards winning elections not only in Jos East but in Plateau and Nigeria. We are delighted he is back to our team.” 

“The PDP family welcomes Abok as a leader in Jos East. He comes with extensive experience and strategic leadership skills. We are delighted he is bringing his expertise and energy to the table for our party’s important mission ahead, he will be a critical part of the party’s leadership team and will bring tremendous experience to our efforts in raising our voices in support of freedom and democracy in Nigeria.”

“Abok has proven his worth in the State House of Assembly as a unified, progressive, all-inclusive and visionary leader who holds his people’s aspirations and conditions dearly. A defender of democratic principle and Plateau heritage, even as it cost him his exalted office. We are happy to receive him today.” He ended.

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Seek God for your salaries to be paid this month, IGP tells police officers

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Mr. Baba suggested that prayers by police officers may fast track the implementation of the new salary structure by March ending.

The Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba, has urged police officers to pray for their salaries to be paid at the end of the month.

While delivering a lecture at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Mr. Baba suggested that prayers by police officers may fast track the implementation of the new salary structure by March ending. 

“He also informed members that the new salary may be paid at the end of this month, (March 22) everyone should exercise patience and pray,” partly reads the document titled “Outcome of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) lecture”.

This is coming amid reports of a planned protest and strike by junior officers of the force, scheduled for March 26.

Although the acting force public relations officer Muyiwa Adejobi, had debunked the report describing it as “fake news”, there are strong indications that the junior officers would embark on strike on the said date. 

The officers listed unpaid emoluments, outdated weapons, poor working conditions among other reasons for the planned protest.

In a desperately veiled attempt to placate the disgruntled officers and quell strike agitations, IGP offered to waive tax for all serving officers effective April 2022.

“The Inspector General of Police in his magnanimity has also ensured that all serving personnel be exempted from the payment of tax, with effect from April 2022,” reads the outcome of Mr Baba’s lecture. 

Similarly, the IGP assured officers he was “working tirelessly” to ensure that ,”both serving and retired members of the Force are removed from the contributory pension scheme.”

Despite these promises, the new salary structure remains a huge probability with the IGP asking officers to pray for its implementation.

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House Of Ohanaeze President General Bombed

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Gunmen, today, bombed the house of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo George Obiozor, in Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

It was learnt that the gunmen used Improvised Explosives Devices (IED), and petrol bombs.

An eyewitness said that the unknown gunmen drove into the compound about 6:15 am, shot indiscriminately for over 15 minutes before they set the house ablaze.

It was also learnt that Obiozor’s brother’s houses were also burnt with several valuables destroyed.

According to a villager, “They used Ohanaez and petrol gallons to put fire in the building. We entered the building some parts of the building were still burning, the properties were burnt to ashes.

“The roof of the buildings were blown off and scattered around the compound. Those living in the compound are now in fear that the unknown gunmen will likely come to cause more damage.”

“The most painful aspect of it was that the houses to Obiozor’s brother were set ablaze by these hoodlums. It was not as much compared to that of Obiozor house.”

Spokesman of the Police in Imo State, Micheal Abattam, confirmed the incident saying that “There was an attack on Obiozor’s house early this morning.” 

He however said that no life was lost in the incident.

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Ogoni: FG, UNEP, HYPREP Re-strategises on Cleanup Exercise

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government and other stakeholders in the clean up exercise of the Ogoni land has met to re-strategize on implementing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) report to provide remedy to the oil polluted area.

Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor while speaking at a retreat for the Governing Council, Board of Trustees and CRAC members in Abuja noted that a lot is needed to bring back the project on track in line with international best practices.

Ikeazor explained that though functions assigned to members are different but should be executed in synergy with each other in order to attain the desired goals and deliver on their mandate.

“No arm should work in isolation or usurp the power of the other or attempt to be a sole organ unto himself”

“We must at all time, network, collaborate and interrelate as provided in the gazette”.

Project Coordinator, HYPREP, Dr. Ferdinand Giadom maintained that HYPREP is ready to implement the UNEP report to the latter with an intention to improve the lives of the people of ogoni land.

“We are here to achieve a purpose driven vision that is laced with the right philosophy to work, work ethics and culture and desire to succeed”.

“We will bring together our collective pool of knowledge to deliver a clean resilient and liveable environment for the Ogoni people, an environment capable of delivering ecosystem services in full which will enhance the livelihood and wellbeing of the Ogoni people”.

He opined that to make this happen, they must be focused on the goal, supporting each other with synergies that will fast track the well thought programmes.

“The vision cannot be clearer, we have to put in place tangible structures that will bring about peace, stability and welfare of the people of ogoni land”.

He promised to develop key drivers and deliver on mandates by focusing on programmes such as economic development programme, ogoni sustainable water scheme, ogoni electricity power support program, centre for excellence and meter restoration, public health survey and host of others.

United Nations Environment Programme Technical Advisor, Mike Cowing identified shady deals as factor that hindered the success of the Hyprep programme.

“The most important thing is to learn the lesson on the first crashed Hyprep programme and burnt, there was a lack of transparency and accountability, and sadly it failed”.

Cowing however pledged readiness to support and actualize the mandate of Hyprep.

“We have to continue to improve on Hyprep, we see today as something of a watershed, we aim to have a common vision for the goal of Hyprep and achieve its mandate. We must all share same vision and be on the same page”.

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Hyprep, Dr. Michael Nwielaghi noted that much needed to be provided deliverables such as water, livelihood and remediation for the Ogoni people.

Nwielaghi appeal for more funding from the IOCs to achieve their mandate.

SPDC Managing Director, Osagie Okunbor explained that the venture is important and call for acceleration on the project.

“This is an important venture for us in the Joint Venture (JV), I think it is important that we as a company provide a key enable environment via the provisions of the funding as lay out in the gazette, we are committed to do that, we have advocate accelerated work on the project and funds judiciously used”.

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2023: APM will Produce the Next President – BoT Chairman

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Alhaji Muhammed Bagana has said that APM will produce the next President by 2023.

Bagana while speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at a stakeholders meeting stated that APM is strategizing and re-strategizing just like every other political parties and as such Nigerians should expect revamping, reproduction and reposition with capable hands in the administration of the country.

Bagana explained that the party belongs to all but noted that there are procedures to follow.

“We are not after the party but what Nigerians can benefit and be better”.

He thereby advised members and intending members to see the party as one and work accordingly together to achieve the vision of the party.

National Treasurer of the Party, Mrs
Rose Gyar on her part stated that APM is set to hold conventions and congresses as there will be fusion and collapsing of structures to accomodate everyone.

Gyar maintained that the party is based on structures and organizational procedures with a democratic process to follow.

Hon. Henry from Akwa Ibom state
explained that the meeting is apt and timely as it aims at discussing issues on charting the course of the party and joining forces with the party to move the country forward.

Also, Hajiya Zuwaira Ibrahim alluded that APM is a capacity oriented party and pledged her support for the success of the party.

“APM is a capacity oriented party, we are here to join and mitigate structural issues of the party, our defunct structure will collapse into APM. We will work with APM to better the efficiency of the party”.

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Police Salary Increase: How IGP Alkali Struck A Gold, Why He Should Be Commended

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters


•Why Police Should Jettison The Call For Strike
…His Other Major Milestones In The Nigerian Police


Prior to the time Baba Alkali Usman was made the Inspector General of Police, President Muhammadu Buhari has given the directive for the upward review of police salary; however, when IGP Baba came on board, among the major things in his agenda is the Police Salary upward review. The IGP has left no one in doubt that it was a major priority for him as the nation’s number one police officer.

On so many occasions, IGP Baba has urged Police officers to keep hope alive over salary increment, what this implies is that the issue of salary increase is on the front burner in the IGP’s agenda. He took that demand and pressure to the National Assembly and has pursued it with success.

When he went to Benin, the Edo state Capital last year, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Baba Alkali Usman told officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to keep their hope alive over the proposed review of salaries, saying though delayed but it would be materialized.

He assured: “I want you to take your job very seriously because we are going to work hard to improve on our welfare.

“We are living witness that the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces has graciously asked the salary of the police be reviewed even though it is taking time, it will certainly come.”

The Inspector-General advised policemen not to be discouraged as the pay rise will surely happen.

The issue of salary increase for the men and officers of the force, as he continue to admonish the personnel while working round the clock and behind the scene to see that it was done.

Again while talking while reeling out the his achievements to journalists at the Presidential Villa last, the IGP reiterated the effort of the President, Muhammadu Buhari in seeing that Police Salary is increase as the IGP reechoed again to them that the Salaries and Wages Commission is working out a new salary structure for the NPF as directed by the President, His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR.

Yet in another remarks, while addressing the Delta State Police Command, on a visit, there said; the IGP assured officers and men of the command that the police under his leadership is doing all within its powers to boost the morale of the men in terms of better welfare and also assured all that a better insurance scheme is on top gear, adding that the welfare of officers is a priority to his administration.

Indeed all through the while, the issue of Police Salary increase has been a top burner before IGP Alkali, his effort in lobbying the National Assembly and the Presidency which culminated in its subsequent approval by the Federal Executive Council, shows that he is not resting, as he is working hard to make sure that the Police rank and file receives their new salary increase as soon as possible.

Even as it is, one may say that he is not the one causing the delay of the payment of the new salary increase , but the truth is that he at the moment working round the clock and working behind the scene to make sure that those concerned have finish all their official formalities and releases the money for the payment of the new salaries to Police Officers. The IGP it should be noted has no power over official processes that is needed and being done at the moment to ensure the increase takes effect.

However, after much lobbying by IGP Akali, his effort paid off, as in December 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved the Police Salary increase by 20 percent and which will take effect from January this year 2022. It is the delay in effecting the payment that others wants to take advantage to sabotage the peace and security of the nation. If IGP Alkali had been reluctant and failed to pursue it the manner he vigorously did, the good story of the approval of the salary increase and even expectations of commencement of payment of the new package wouldn’t have arisen.

Just like Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, said in his article which he titled: ‘Buhari’s Christmas Bonus for Police,’ it was indeed a Christmas Bonus for the Police, which the IGP Alkali was behind it.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, made this known to State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, major highlight of the increase is the provision of a 20 per cent peculiar allowance for the police.

He said: “I am particularly very happy today to inform Nigerians that the Federal Executive Council has approved the review and upgrading of the take home pay of police personnel in this country.

“You recall that in Oct. 2020 this country was rocked with End SARS protests and the president addressed the nation appealing for calm, after which he promised that the salary of the police will be reviewed in recognition of the services they have been rendering to the country – maintaining peace and tranquility.

“So, FEC has today approved a proposal for the review of their salaries, which will take effect from January 2022.

“We have tried to create a situation where their take home pay will be enhanced through the improvement of issues such as duty tour allowance, which has been reviewed to six per cent of their new take home pay,” he stated.

The minister also revealed that the Council approved N1.1billion for the payment of outstanding uninsured benefits of the police.

“Council has also approved the payment of N1,120, 172,150.00 as outstanding benefits of personnel for uninsured period of 2013-2020.

“It has also approved N127,972,269.20 for payment as outstanding death benefits of 5,472 personnel for the uninsured period of 2013-August 2021, not covered under the group life assurance.

“Council has also approved N1.2 billion as outstanding burial expenses of personnel for a period of January 2012-2021,’’ he said.

According to the minister, the Council also approved the annual insurance premiums of N750 million as well as the payment of N4, 812,500,000 for repairs and replacement of damaged Police infrastructure in future budgets, starting from 2022.

He said the Council also approved a tax waver in the sum of N18.6 billion for junior officers of the Police in order to increase their take home pay with effect from Oct. 2021.

“Similarly government has approved an increase of the current rent subsidy, which is currently between 15-20 percent, amounting to N61 billion.

“With the increase, it is now 40 percent of the Consolidate Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), in the sum of N78.3 billion.

“It has also approved payment of an additional six per cent shift duty allowance for officers on Grade Level 01-14 and supervisors allowances for officers on Grade Level 15 and above, totalling about N10.038 billion with effect from 2022.

“Most importantly, government has also approved payment of 20 per cent of CONPOSS as a peculiar allowance to boost morale and take home pay of the Nigeria Police personnel,” he said.

The minister stated that the Auditor General of the Federation had been directed to cross check the template and claims approved by Council, after which a clean salary structure would be computed and introduced by the Salaries and Wages Commission, which would be adopted as soon as possible.

He said with the new development, government would expect the police to redouble their efforts to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed, who fielded questions on the salary increase, revealed that the increment was not captured in the 2022 budget. Perhaps that explains the little delay behind the commencement of full implementation.

She, however, stated that after computations and approval, a supplementary budget would be sent to the National Assembly to that effect, to pave way for the payment of arrears and full implementation of the new salary.

With the approval for the salary increase, indeed the IGP struck gold, made available by his strong efforts.

PROBLEMS OF OFFICERS AND MEN PREDATES THE APPOINTMENT OF IGP ALKALI


Majority of things stated in the report published by some national dallies and online medium which include morale of police officers said to be at a low ebb, with many grumbling about poor salaries, a lack of genuine welfare benefits and outdated weapons, are things that are already being taken care of by the IGP, or/and currently being given necessary attention by IGP Alkali. Nigerians are very much aware about the kind of leadership offered in the past that has failed to address critical issues related to police welfare and provision of arms and facilities. Unknown to many, under IGP Alkali and for the first time in many years the Police is now being supplied with armoury and other latest policing devices. This milestone will soon be demonstrated to Nigerians to appreciate the President for supporting the IGP to perform.

Take on the issue of welfare benefits for instance, the Inspector General of Police has since assumption of office made the welfare of the Police his paramount and key issue.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, recently ordered the immediate distribution of Police Uniforms, Kits and accoutrements which the Force recently procured, to various Zones, Commands and Formations in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for onward issuance to personnel of the Force. Before now, Police officers are very much aware that they used to buy their uniforms themselves even as there is supposed to be provisions for them.

According to the Acting Force Spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a press release, the resuscitation of the quarterly issuance of uniforms and other accoutrements to members of the Inspectorate, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Constable Cadres in the Police Force is in furtherance of the ongoing efforts by the IGP to engender reforms and evolve a new people-friendly Police Force.

The issuance of the new uniforms and accoutrements, which is a continuous exercise, is free of charge to all Inspectors and members of the Rank-and-File of the Force as provisions have been made for the continuous procurement in the Police budget.

A nationwide distribution on police uniforms, shoes, belts, berets, and other accessories was ordered by the inspector General of Police. In a move last seen during the 1990s, Zones, Commands and Formations in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have since the 4th of March 2022 have issued out hundreds of thousands of camouflage, blue and black uniforms to police officers across the country.

In the same vein, the IGP has approved the creation of First Aid Unit to be domiciled under the Nigeria Police Medical Service (NPMS), Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the inclusion of advanced First Aid Training to substitute the basic training available in the Nigeria Police Force Training Curriculum.

The Police, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), held a train-the-trainers workshop that started from the 23rd through Friday 25th February, 2022, for personnel of the newly created unit, who would be deployed to all Commands and Formations across the nation, and in turn train cadets and recruits at the various Police training institutions.

The IGP equally noted that the establishment of the First Aid Unit would enhance the capacity of the Police Emergency Response System, reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Force leadership to bequeathing to the nation a professional, dependable and responsive policing system.

Furthermore, an Echo Cardio Machine was installed and inaugurated at the Muhammadu Buhari Medical Centre in Garki Abuja while an integrated First Aid Unit was added to the Force Medical Services for training and easy deployment on the field at the Nigeria Police Medical Service (NPMS), Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the inclusion of advanced First Aid Training to substitute the basic training available in the Nigeria Police Force Training Curriculum.

On this, he emphasized the premium value he places on the welfare and general wellbeing of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that it is boondoggle, emphasizing the hazardous conditions Police officers are exposed to on a daily basis.

To alleviate the effect of such hazards on officers and men, the IGP observed that it is imperative to establish a First Aid Unit that will be the first responder to personnel in need of emergency and less complicated medical care.

The IGP equally noted that the establishment of the First Aid Unit would enhance the capacity of the Police Emergency Response System.

According to the IGP, during a recent visit to the Federal Capital Territory Command, Abuja, the IGP restated his commitment towards an improved welfare for officers and men across board. The IGP noted that the issuance of uniforms and accoutrements, which will cut across the Inspectorate and Rank-and-File cadre, will be a continuous quarterly exercise free of charge, as provisions have been made for the continuous procurement in the Police budget.

This, he said is in furtherance of his ongoing efforts to engender reforms and evolve a new people-friendly Police Force.

IGP Alkali declared that the commitment of the Force to constantly providing NPF personnel with better welfare will go a long way to boosting their morale.

While he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Force leadership towards bequeathing to the nation a professional, dependable and responsive policing system, the IGP enjoined the citizens to never give up on the Force. He urged every individual to make it a point of duty to help the Police by providing accurate and timely information about crime and criminalities to their local Police, so as to help the Force secure the public space in a more proactive manner.

Aside the issue of Welfare, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has revised the Housing SCHEME of the Nigeria Police Force.

A significant amendment to the Housing Policy is the slashing of Equity payments or deposits by Police Officers before acquiring houses financed by the Nigeria Police Cooperative and Multipurpose Society.

Hitherto, officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to the rank of Inspector General of Police were required to pay 20 percent of the property value while officers below the rank of ASP were required to pay 10 percent.

The revised equity now requires officers from the rank of ASP to IGP to pay 10 percent as equity while junior Officers pay 5 percent. Other revisions include a downward review of the life of the payment schedule from five (5) to seven (7) years on all properties. A Police Wireless Signal to that effect was issued and circulated in 2021 announcing the change.

It is on note, the IGP’s Policy on Housing has revived the housing scheme as more Police officers are now rushing to the Cooperative to enjoy the opportunities that is abound there now.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Cooperative, AIG Adamu Usman told this paper “that the IGP believes that housing is more important to the lives of Police Officers than any other thing.”

“He wants it to be affordable and acquirable through a seamless process.”

The report shows that several housing estates relevant to the achievement of this policy are being completed on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, while new ones are being developed. Houses range from one-bedroom, to duplex; there are detached and semi-detached and are available in all the geo-political zones of the country.

As it is the welfare of Police Officers is a cardinal policy of the Inspector-General of Police. IGP Usman Alkali Baba which reechoed and reassured Officers during his recent familiarization tour to Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, that his administration will put the welfare of Police Officers first while working hard to ensure that working tools and equipment are available to provide professional and quality policing services to Nigerians while protecting officers and their families.

In an extensive interaction with police officers in Cross River State, the IGP commended them for their dedication and professionalism and assured them of improved welfare and working conditions.

He reiterated the importance of training and retraining as a key strategy of his administration to ensure policing in contemporary Nigeria is propped up to manage effectively the ever dilating and dynamic nature of crimes and criminality in the country.

For instance, Vehicles, equipment and accommodation were provided in January 2022 by the Police Trust Fund, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers states’ governments.

The IGP’s Legacy on Police Housing reforms, has continued to soar high as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of NPF Cooperative Society, AIG Usman Adamu has driven IGP Usman Alkali Baba’s legacy to an enviable height which has been seen in the way the NPF Cooperative Society is providing improved facilities, equipped, cutting-edge and modern Police Post (with patrol van) in one of its estates at Karasana, off Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja. It is pertinent to note that provision of standard, habitable and affordable houses for Officers of the Force is one of the key mandates of the IGP.

In line with the IGP’s mandate, the NPF Cooperative Society under the leadership of AIG Adamu has undertaken viable projects to ensuring adequate housing in the NPF.

The new phase of the organization is headed by the Chairman – Board of NPF Cooperative Society, DIG Folawiyo (rtd), mni and the Executive Secretary, AIG Usman Adamu.

The leadership of the Board has further promised that in addition to the existing facilities in all its estates, it will extend the cutting-edge security system and improved facilities to other police estates to boost the standard therein.

Now the average Police officer, can breathe a sign of relieve as Police officers are advised to key into the scheme and secure their dream houses.

The housing section is an off-shoot of Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited which provide housing scheme to her Cooperators. This section derived her establishment as contained in part 11; section 6 of the Society’s Bye-law 2014 as amended. It provides that the Society shall “undertake Housing Projects either by developing new estates and constructing new houses or buy over existing estate or houses for allocation to its members.”

Part of the IGP Alkali’s act of reform within the Nigerian Police includes the passage of the Police Act, 2020, his sure protocol is to identify, elevate and position professionally competent officers to strategic positions, general and specialized trainings for officers, which many of those trainings has been ongoing while some have been concluded.

Again, the Inspector-General of Police recently in line with international best practices while addresses the growing concern for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity, approved a new and improved dress code for Women Officers which permits them to wear stud earrings, and headscarf under their berets or peak caps as the case may be while in uniform. The dress code was unveiled at the IGP’s meeting with Strategic Police Managers on March 3, 2022.

The IGP noted that the Nigeria Police workforce has officers from every local government in the country with a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and an increased inclusion of female folks. This therefore brings the need to guarantee inclusion, gender mainstreaming, ethnic and religious diversity in the work place for optimum output and professionalism. This has informed the improvement for effective global workforce diversity management. Other countries that have adopted same dress code include Canada, the United States of America, Sweden, Turkey, Australia and the United Kingdom amongst others.

The dress code is optional and Senior Women Police Officers have been tasked by the IGP to ensure compliance with the approved standard for women police officers who have opted to adopt the dress code.

With all the enumerated key issues handled by IGP Alkali including the case of Salary increase for the officers and men, it is noteworthy to state that the IGP is working hard to achieve a 21st century policing for the Nigerian Police officers where issues such as their Salaries, Housing, Welfare, safety and others are top of his agenda for an effective 2ist Century Police officer.

By: Adebayo Mashood

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Erratic Power Supply will Persist if issues of National Grid are not Addressed – GENCOs

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Generation Companies of Nigeria (GENCOs) has said that the current epileptic power supply witnessed across the country will continue if issues affecting the national grid are not addressed.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Association of Power Generation Companies Dr. Joy Ogaji noted that over seven GENCOs has consistently demonstrated commitment to the power sector, but issues around the national grid and outstanding debts still lingers.

“The current state of the National Grid must be addressed. Otherwise, we’ll continue to always deny Nigerians their legitimate expectation to reliable supply of electricity. Over seven gencos have consistently demonstrated their commitment to Nigeria, Nigerians and the power sector”.

According to Ogaji, report has that the current low power supply was attributed to the GENCOs, but affirm that it was not true.

“The attention of the power generation companies in Nigeria in bracket gencos have been drawn to a publication by the transmission Company of Nigeria TCN issued on the eighth day of March 2022 in some national dailies and social media, social media platforms ascribing low power generation to gencos inability or refusal to generate in the publication TCN sought to absolve itself of any responsibility from the ongoing shortage of power supply in the country”.

She noted that If we get the Nigerian electricity supply industry right we will get the Nigerian economy right but the issue at hand is not about blame game but resolve to find a solution as soon as possible.

“We rejects any attempt to continue to extend the blame game by suggesting that gencos are responsible for the current state of things in the past sector. Nothing can be further from the truth than that”.

She however call for an urgent meeting with the government and relevant stakeholders to address the issue at hand as a matter of urgency.

“We want to have a seat down as a matter of urgency with the government if we want sustainability of power in the market, we are calling on various agencies to call the GENCOs to a room, we are tired of crying on the pages of news papers before we can be heard”.

“We are calling on the government to seat down with us and look at each of these lined item and let NBET also bring there own document, let us do a reconciliation”.

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