News
Accuses FG Of Ignoring Ideals Of Independence

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has outlined what he described as the negative achievements of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for more than three years.
Wike said for the past three years, the ruling government had done nothing to advance the ideals of independence.
Wike, while addressing Rivers people during the 58th Independence Day anniversary, at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, said the Buhari-led government had only succeeded in deliberately damaging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the security agencies.
He continued, “After over three years in power, the Federal Government has done nothing to advance the promise of independence, except failures, excuses, intimidation, insecurity, stealing of elections and weakening of democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the security agencies.
“These are difficult times and our nation is on the edge. Democracy is at the crossroads and good governance in abeyance.
He regretted that the poor governance style of the APC-led Federal Government has led to the destruction of the nation’s economy and the impoverishment of Nigerians.
“The economy has remained comatose, and is reportedly receding again with associated economic consequences and hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
“Never in our history have Nigerians been subjected to untold sufferings as a result of the direct, erratic and ill-conceived economic policies and decisions of the Federal Government.
“Under their watch, our beloved country is now certified as the world’s headquarters of abject poverty, with over 87 million people living below $2 per day,” he said.
Wike urged Nigerians to use the forthcoming 2019 General Election to vote in a leadership that would drive the Federal Government in the right direction.
“We need leaders who will not interfere with our collective rights to live as free citizens and pursue our goals and dreams in peace, security and happiness.
“As 2019 beckons, with promise, I hope Nigerians will all rise up to the challenge of leadership and vote for the candidate that would restore our faith in the promise of independence.”
Wike said his administration has translated the new Rivers development blueprint into reality through meaningful projects and programmes.
“Today, we are delivering on all our core priorities. Our economy is stronger, creating jobs and attracting new investments; our schools are getting better for our children; our healthcare system is delivering better services and our communities are safer.
“Indeed, every day brings home the progress we have collectively made, the transformational projects we have delivered, the changes in our rural areas and above all, the fact that our state is steadily moving towards the promise of a new Rivers State with boundless opportunities for all,” he added.
The 58th Independence Anniversary celebration was marked by parade by the police, para-military organisations and schools.
Victorious organisations were rewarded with prizes presented by dignitaries.
Highpoint of the celebration was the release of the peace pigeons by the Rivers State governor and the inspection of parade.
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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