News
Jega: The Challenge Ahead
The Senate, penultimate Thursday, after two days of water-tight screening ratified the nomination of chairman-designate, Professor Attahiru Jega as the new helsman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Similarly, the upper chamber also confirmed the appointment of six national commissioners of the commission.
The six commissioners okayed by the Senate along with Prof Jega include: Nunu Yakubu, Col M. K. Hammanga (rtd), Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Dr Ismail Igbani (re-appointed), Mrs Telma Iremiren and Prof. Olayinola Olurode.
President Jonathan who had earlier dropped Gen. Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman and Amb. Mohammed Anka from the nominees list for the fact that they were found to be partisan promised to replace them in due course.
Reports indicate that Prof. Jega and his commissioners are already warming up to resume duties at INEC headquarters in Abuja, a development which shows their readiness to answer the national call and face the assignment with seriousness and commitment.
Senate President, David Mark shortly after the screening exercise told the INEC boss and the commissioners that Nigerians, and indeed, the world expect so much from them, especially at this critical moment of our political history.
Jega, in his response, however pledged to conduct the most credible, free, fair and widely acceptable elections in post-independent Nigeria at the end of his stewardship. He affirmed that he will never compromise his integrity which he worked hard to build over a long period.
For many Nigerians, Jega’s promise is like any other from public officeholders in our clime. His predecessors made similar promises but all ended u p compromising themselves.
Jega, while serving as the national president of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) maintained good track record and antecedent which made most Nigerians to easily accept his nomination for the INEC job.
The task before Jega is obviously enormous but definitely not insurmountable if the federal government and other stakeholders give him the necessary support and enabling environment.
Jega’s INEC must therefore endeavour to address fundamental problems plaguing our polity, some of which include credible voters register, voting pattern, sanitizing the INEC (from local to federal levels) re-orientation for all electoral officers, among others, which in the long run will lead to a successful 2011 polls, a major task of the Jega’s dispensation.
It is believed that the sacking of Iwu is just part of federal government’s desire to ensure that next year’s general elections will witness a radical departure from our ugly past.
Already, pressures are mounting on the presidency to take a step further by retiring all serving electoral commissioners, especially those involved in the electoral bazaar in 1999, 2003 and 2007 general elections.
As much as one will not want to doubt the president’s determination to, for once, prove our critics wrong that Nigeria can hold elections that would be acclaimed worldwide as “fair and credible”, we expect that Jonathan,s choice of Jega is right and just.
Besides, the political will on the part of the presidency, and the National Assembly must as a matter of necessity facilitate the process of reforming our electoral system and law in tandem with realities on ground.
The voters register must be reviewed as the existing one no longer conforms with current realities. Rules, regulations and guidelines on elections must be rigidly adhered to and not bent to suit sectional or partisan interests.
Besides, electoral officers should be given a re-orientation. Electoral offices need a complete departure from the impression which makes most of them erroneously believe that power of incumbency and the ruling party interest must be protected always.
We must realize at all times that Nigeria is far greater than those temporarily in power and therefore must exhibit neutrality and fairness to all during and after elections.
Similarly, voters have a major role to play in our crave to achieve credible polls. They need not mortgage their conscience but insist on credible candidates with good antecedents.
As the 2011 general elections draw closer, the presidency and other stakeholders must ensure that this time around, Nigeria gets it right. One way we can achieve this is to ensure that Jega and his team discharge their duties with utmost sense of responsibility, commitment and diligence.
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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