News
Poor Funding Threatens INEC Operations …As N2bn Staff Pension Trapped In NICON – Jega
The 2012 budgetary allocation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is inadequate for preparations toward the 2015 elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, said on Wednesday.
Jega made this known to the Senate Committee on INEC in Abuja during an official visit to INEC’s headquarters.
“Where we are having the most challenging issue is the slashing of the budget proposal by 40 per cent, as barely 60 per cent of the budget is appropriated.
“This has put INEC in a very serious constraint and pressure in terms of being able to do some essential and urgent jobs between now and 2015.”
Jega said INEC had only 600 permanent structures in 774 local government areas of the country, adding that these permanent structures were being renovated without being furnished for effective use.
According to him, INEC will be handicapped in the execution of its programme if the situation fails to improve as the provisions in the 2012 budget allows for the renovation of only 67 structures.
He stressed the need for 774 local government areas to have functional offices for conducting proper election, collation of results and adequate security.
Jega recalled that in 2011, the National Assembly gave approval for building 75 offices but noted that only the erection of 10 offices would be covered by the 2012 budgetary allocation.
He expressed regret that the budgetary allocation merely provided for the erection of three houses for Resident Electoral Commissioners houses in 2012.
He said in spite of challenges facing the commission INEC remarkable progress had been recorded under his stewardship.
Responding, the Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, expressed concern over the complaint regarding underfunding of the commission.
He said the matter would be given attention if a supplementary budget was forwarded to the lawmakers.
Uba said there was urgent need to work toward ensuring supplementary budget for INEC as Nigerians could not afford any excuses.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, said in Abuja on Wednesday that the commission’s N2 billion pension fund was trapped in NICON Insurance.
Briefing the Senate Committee on INEC during an oversight visit to INEC headquarters, Jega said it had been difficult to retrieve the fund from the corporation.
Jega said that most of the challenges had to do with the old pension scheme, adding that issues relating to it were now in court.
He said the present INEC had not defaulted in paying pensioners their dues, adding that their complaints were redressed without delay.
Jega assured the committee that INEC would continue to intensify dialogue and consultations in ensuring that adequate welfare of its staff and retirees was addressed.
The chairman said he inherited some court judgments involving some of INEC staff, adding that an in-house process for decisive actions had begun.
He referred to the Ekiti election for which some officers were indicted.
“Those whose names were mentioned we have dealt with and those indirectly indicted we have constituted internal enquiry for fair hearing.
“Some have been asked to retire while some were dismissed, this is not for us to advertise because the challenge is for us to cleanse the system.
Jega said INEC had fewer court cases in the 2011 elections than 2007 and added that 99 per cent of the judgments were in INEC’s favour.
According to him, the commission has mapped out strategies towards satisfying the desire and aspiration of Nigerians by 2015.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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