News
JUSUN Gives Conditions For Ending Strike In States
The national leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has explained why its members in the federal courts have resumed work while their state counterparts remain on strike.
The union explained in its letter of “Resolution and directives in respect of the strike by the union”, yesterday that the Federal Government had undertaken to meet its demand unlike the 36 state governments.
The letter containing resolutions reached after series of meetings of the union with governmentý was obtained by our correspondent yesterday.
The ýletter signed by the National Assistant Secretary of the union, P. Nnamani, was addressed to the vice presidents, chairmen and assistant secretaries of chapters and branches of the union.
JUSUN members had on January 5 embarked on a nationwide strike but on Sunday, the union’s NEC asked the federal court workers to resume duties on Monday.
The union stated in its letter yesterday that the strike would only be suspended in the states where their governments had given commitment to comply with the judgment which the union is agitating for its implementation.
It added that a joint team comprising representatives of government is to monitor Federal Government’s compliance with its undertaking.
It read in part, “That the strike by the union at the federal chapters – the federal courts, the National Judicial Institute, the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission is hereby suspended with effect from January 26, 2015.
“That the strike in the state branches (state judiciaries – shall continue until the individual states give a reasonable commitment to implement the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria supported by the judgment of the Federal High Court.
“The expected contents of the commitment shall comprise:
(a) That ýmonies due to the judiciary should be paid over to the heads of courts on monthly or quarterly basis on the preference of the Federal Government of Nigeria or individual states.
“(b) The process of requiring the judiciary to process approvals through the executive should cease forthwith.
“(c) Compliance with the terms of the judgment which reinforced the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from January 2015.
“(d) That no JUSUN member shall be penalised and/or denied any salaries ýfor embarking on strike to implement the judgment.
“You are further informed that the stakeholders chaired by the Secretary to the Federal Government have put in place a joint team of JUSUN, NJC, representatives of the office of the SGF, the state attorneys-general.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), chief registrars, Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to monitor compliance with the constitutional provision.
“At the federal level, the monitors shall be chaired by the NBA and the secretary shall be from NJC, while at state level, the chairman shall be the chairman of the NBA branch of the state and the secretary shall be the chief registrar of the High Court.”
The union had asked its members at both the state and federal levels to proceed on a nationwide strike on January 5, 2015, to press for the implementation of a January 13, 2014 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja which affirmed the judicial autonomy of the nation’s judiciary.
The judgment delivered by Justice Adeniyi Ademola abolished the piecemeal funding of the judiciary and ordered the Accountant-General of the Federation to be deducting funds standing to the credit of the judiciary from the Federation Account and be disbursing same to the various heads of court.
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
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
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
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.
News
Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
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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