Today's Headlines: PEPT: They Want Military Takeover, Interim Govt–Fani-Kayode; Lagos Retirees Get N2B
PEPT: ‘They Want Military Takeover, Interim Govt’ – Fani-Kayode
Former Ation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has expressed his perspective on the allegations that the legal team representing President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, influenced the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which was delivered last Wednesday. There were also claims that the President’s legal team received a copy of the judgment before its formal delivery.
Fani-Kayode, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), characterized these claims as “simply absurd.” He considers them to be a severe and malicious attack on the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.
He pointed out that the coordinator of Tinubu’s legal team, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, has already clarified why certain inscriptions and references to the President’s lawyers appeared at the top of a copy of the judgment.
Fani-Kayode emphasized that those scrutinizing the judgment and raising questions about it might be attempting to incite anger, disorder, violent protests, anarchy, and chaos in the country. He suggested that some might aim to replicate events similar to the Arab Spring or the EndSARS movement, potentially to annul the election and justify a military takeover and the formation of an Interim National Government.
Fani-Kayode stated that despite these alleged plans and agendas, they are destined to fail.
Lagos Retirees Get N2Bn
In a momentous occasion held at Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos State Government disbursed N2.017 billion in retirement benefits to 644 retirees during the 101st batch Retirement Bond Certificate presentation.
Mr. Babalola Obilana, the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), highlighted that this payment covered the past service benefits of retirees predating the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007. The event aimed to honor and appreciate the exceptional retirees who had dedicated their time, energy, and skills to Lagos State’s service.
Mr. Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training, and Pensions, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing the well-being of the retired public service workforce. Musa advised the retirees to manage their funds prudently, carefully assess investment opportunities, and reach out to LASPEC or the ministry for pension-related information or clarifications when needed.
I Won’t Jail my Critics – Gov Otti
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that the era of victimizing Abians for expressing their opinions about the state’s affairs is over. He recalled that in the past, Abians who spoke out about the state’s deplorable conditions were unjustly thrown into dungeons for weeks or months.
Speaking during a church service at Rhema University Auditorium in Aba, as part of the 74th birthday celebration of Bro Emma Okorie, President, Living Word/Chancellor, Rhema University, Governor Otti assured that such unjust practices would not be tolerated under his leadership. He emphasized that every Abian should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their criticisms.
Governor Otti also reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring Abia to its former glory. He mentioned that a reputable company had developed a comprehensive design for Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, and soon, the entire state would see significant improvements.
During the celebration, Governor Otti congratulated Bro Emma Okorie on his 74th birthday and commended his contributions to Abia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through job creation and other initiatives.
‘Strong Leadership’ – Joe Biden Hails President Tinubu
President Joe Biden of the United States has praised President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria for his “strong leadership.” Biden specifically highlighted Tinubu’s handling of the crisis triggered by the coup in Niger Republic.
Additionally, Biden acknowledged the efforts of the current administration in “reforming Nigeria’s economy.” He thanked Tinubu for his leadership as the chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in defending democracy and upholding the rule of law in Niger and the broader region.
Biden also recognized Nigeria’s significant global role as Africa’s largest democracy and economy, especially in light of the military takeover, and mentioned Nigeria’s invitation to the G20 Summit as a testament to this role.
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