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RSG Saves N1.4bn From Payroll Audit
The Rivers State Government (RSG) says it has, as at May, 2013 saved over N1.4billion from the ongoing salary verification exercise in the Rivers State Public Service.
Head of Service, Barr Samuel LongJohn disclosed this last Thursday when the state Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt.
Barr LongJohn who was making some clarifications as requested by members of NMA, said the aim of the exercise was not to reduce anybody’s salary but to correct irregularities discovered in the system, pointing out that a situation where a staff who is supposed to earn N160,000 earns N500,000 is unhealthy for the economy of the state as the heavy monthly salary bill would affect development projects and recruitment of staff in the service.
The Head of Service, who described the situation as haemorrhage, cited other instances where in a ministry of 330 staff, 154 of them earn salaries of over N500,000 each whereas only 10 of such staff should earn about N350,000, stressing that if the situation continues unabated, it would come to a time when the state government would be unable to pay salaries as and when due.
He said the bulk of those affected are workers in the Health sector and others who claim to be Health workers, noting that a major hurdle to the success of the exercise is the inability of the respective departments to provide correct information to the verification committee and solicited the support and cooperation of permanent secretaries and heads of extra-ministerial departments in providing comprehensive data of their staff as well as enlighten them on the essence of the exercise.
Barr LongJohn further pointed out that other areas that have affected the salaries of workers is the recommencement of deductions such as the Contributory Pension Scheme, the National Housing Fund and the implementation of the new tax regime where the entire take-home pay is taxed, including all allowances, as well as loan deals entered into by some staff relating to purchase of plots of land.
He said the new tax regime was a law that has been in existence over the years but was not implemented in the state before now.
The Head of Service, who reiterated the premium placed on the welfare of workers since his assumption of office, said he would do everything possible to protect their interests, citing the suspension of the Tenure Policy for Permanent Secretaries and Directors as one of such moves that has impacted positively on service delivery.
Earlier, chairman of the state chapter of NMA, Dr. Ibitrokoemi Korubo had expressed gratitude to the Head of Service for his support in ensuring improved welfare of medical doctors in the state, and commended the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his giant development strides especially in the health and education sectors.
He, however, requested clarifications on perceived discrepancies in their salaries as well as the heavy taxation made on their allowances.
The chairman also requested, among others, that the circular on the implementation of GL17 for Medical Doctors be gazetted, fixing of retirement age of doctors at 65, the completion of doctors residential quarters at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and the inclusion of ambulance drivers in the Ministry of Heath in the health workers salary structure.
Highlight of the visit was the handing over of salary charts to the NMA chairman to enable his members make comparison with their salary payslips and enlighten them on the essence of the exercise.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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